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Prime Minister’s address on Veer Bal Diwas has brought renewed focus to the critical role of youth in shaping India’s future. By emphasizing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning and drawing lessons from history, the Prime Minister has underscored the importance of equipping youngsters with the tools, skills, and values necessary to lead the nation into a new era of progress and innovation. The sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, who at a tender age defied oppression and chose the path of unwavering faith and courage, resonates deeply in today’s context. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that the nation’s progress often rests on the shoulders of its young people. The Prime Minister stressed the need for a futuristic approach to education and skills development. With the rapid advancements in AI and ML transforming industries, India must ensure its youth are adequately prepared to adapt and excel. These technologies are no longer confined to niche areas but are becoming integral to fields as diverse as railways, semiconductors, travel, and astronomy. By fostering expertise in such cutting-edge domains, the country can secure a competitive edge in the global economy. In this context, the Government’s new education policy is a step in this direction, aiming to equip students with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. However, implementing these changes on a large scale will require significant investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where access to quality education remains challenging. Including vocational training and digital literacy at all levels of education can help bridge the gap between traditional learning and the demands of a modern workforce. The burgeoning startup ecosystem in India reflects the country’s potential as a global innovation hub. Young entrepreneurs are at the forefront of solving some of India’s most pressing challenges, from sustainable energy to healthcare and fintech. The Government’s support through initiatives like Startup India and promoting research and development in science and technology is commendable. However, further efforts are needed to simplify regulatory processes, improve access to funding, and create a more conducive environment for risk-taking. The launch of the ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan,’ aimed at improving nutritional outcomes through community participation, is another initiative worth mention. By addressing foundational issues like nutrition, the initiative ensures that children have the physical and cognitive capacity to thrive in their educational and professional pursuits. The Constitution’s principle of equality highlights its alignment with the teachings of India’s spiritual and historical leaders. The Sahibzadas’ sacrifice exemplifies the idea that every act in service of the nation is an act of valour. The Prime Minister’s interactions with the winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar further underscore the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent. These young achievers, who have excelled in fields like art, innovation, and social service, serve as role models for their peers and exemplify what India’s youth can accomplish with the right support and opportunities. PM’s call to involve one lakh politically unaffiliated youth in governance over the next 25 years is a bold and visionary move. Political participation by young people can bring fresh perspectives and energy to policymaking, ensuring that governance reflects the aspirations of a new generation. This initiative, coupled with platforms like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, provides a roadmap for harnessing the potential of India’s demographic dividend. The Government’s focus on empowering the youth is a step in the right direction. However, the success of these efforts will depend on their implementation and the active participation of stakeholders at all levels. As the nation honours the sacrifices of its past, it must also invest in the promise of its future. By equipping young Indians with the skills, values, and opportunities they need to succeed, India can ensure that its journey towards a brighter tomorrow is driven by the energy and vision of its youngest citizens.
ATLANTA — Politics dominated 2024 in Georgia, a presidential election year that saw former President Donald Trump turn the tables on Democrats in the Peach State. But Republican Trump's victory four years after President Joe Biden became the first Democrat to capture Georgia's 16 electoral votes since 1992 was far from the only political news to reverberate under the Gold Dome. Two high-profile crimes that occurred this year in Georgia - the murder of nursing student Laken Riley at the University of Georgia and a mass shooting that killed four at a Barrow County high school - drove state lawmakers' agendas. Here's a look at the top Georgia stories of 2024: Feb. 23: Nursing student Laken Riley is murdered while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in Athens. Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, is convicted in the killing. In the wake of the murder, majority Republicans in the General Assembly pass legislation cracking down on illegal immigration, largely along party lines. March 20: The Legislature's Republican majorities pass a private-school vouchers bill after years of failed efforts. The measure provides up to $6,500 in annual funding to students who reside in a public school attendance zone that is in the lowest-performing 25% of all public schools in the state and wish to transfer to a private school. April 29: After years of delays and cost overruns, the nuclear expansion at Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle goes into full commercial operation with the completion of the second of two new nuclear reactors. June 27: President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump take part in a nationally televised debate in Atlanta. Biden's halting performance leads Democrats to replace him on the ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris. July 12: Former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is sentenced to three and a half years in prison for conspiracy to commit health-care fraud in connection with unnecessary lab testing. In a guilty plea, Oxendine admits that his insurance consulting business ordered the tests from a lab company in Texas in return for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks. Sept. 4: A teenage gunman is arrested and charged with shooting two teachers and two students to death at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. Colt Gray's father Colin is charged with giving his son access to the murder weapon, prompting Georgia lawmakers to call for legislation incentivizing gun owners to safely store their firearms. Sept. 27: Hurricane Helene tears a path through South Georgia north through the Augusta area, killing 34 Georgians and causing heavy rainfall and widespread flooding as well as extensive power outages. Oct. 19: A gangway on Sapelo Island collapses under the weight of passengers waiting to take a state-operated ferry to the mainland following the annual Sapelo Cultural Day celebration, killing seven people. Nov. 5: Republican Donald Trump carries Georgia by more than 115,000 votes over Democrat Kamala Harris on his way to winning the 2024 presidential election. Nov. 24: Georgia Commissioner of Labor Bruce Thompson dies at age 59, eight months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.None
Phillies gamble on 1-year contract for 2-time All-Star closer Jordan RomanoReaders Write: Vaccine efficacy, state spending, charter schools, greater Minnesota, sustainabilityPep Guardiola has apologised for a self-harm remark made during his post-match press conference following Manchester City ’s 3-3 Champions League draw with Feyenoord. After City squandered a 3-0 lead, Guardiola was asked about a scratch on his nose. In a moment he later described as an ill-judged joke, he replied, “I want to harm myself.” The comment, intended humorously, raised concerns given its sensitive nature. City, enduring a five-game losing streak before the match, saw their lead evaporate following a defensive error by Josko Gvardiol that allowed Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa to spark the comeback. Guardiola, visibly frustrated, was seen with his head in his hands during the match. In response to the backlash, Guardiola took to social media on Wednesday to clarify his comment: “I was caught off guard with a question about a scratch on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had caused it. My answer was in no way intended to make light of the serious issue of self-harm,” he wrote. He expressed his awareness of the mental health challenges many face and used the moment to promote support resources. “I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I want to highlight that help is available by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing [email protected] ,” Guardiola added. Guardiola’s apology comes amid rising pressure on City, whose recent poor form has placed their Champions League ambitions in jeopardy. The team is now focused on turning their fortunes around in upcoming fixtures.
US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the Federal Trade Commission chair is expected to push back against regulating AI, undermining efforts so far. While efforts to regulate the creation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the United States have been slow to make gains, the administration of President Joe Biden has attempted to outline how AI should be used by the federal government and how AI companies should ensure the safety and security of their tools. The incoming Trump administration, however, has a very different view on how to approach AI, and it could end up reversing some of the progress that has been made over the past several years. President Biden signed an executive order in October 2023 that was meant to promote the “safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence” within the federal government. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to repeal that executive order, saying it would hinder innovation. Biden was also able to get seven leading AI companies to agree to guidelines for how AI should be safely developed going forward. Aside from that, there are no federal regulations that specifically address AI. Experts say the Trump administration will likely have a more hands-off approach to the industry. “I think the biggest thing we’re going to see is the massive repealing of the sort of initial steps the Biden administration has taken toward meaningful AI regulation,” says Cody Venzke, a senior policy counsel in the ACLU’s National Political Advocacy Department. “I think there’s a real threat that we’re going to see AI growth without significant guardrails, and it’s going to be a little bit of a free-for-all.” Growth without guardrails is what the industry has seen so far, and that’s led to a sort of Wild West in AI. This can cause problems, including the spread of deepfake porn and political deepfakes, without lawmakers restricting how the technology can be used. One of the top concerns of the Biden administration, and those in the tech policy space, has been how generative AI can be used to wage disinformation campaigns, including deepfakes, which are fraudulent videos of people that show them saying or doing things they never did. This kind of content can be used to attempt to sway election results. Venzke says he doesn’t expect the Trump administration to be focused on preventing the spread of disinformation. AI regulations may not necessarily be a major focus for the Trump administration, Venzke says, but it is on their radar. Just this week, Trump chose Andrew Ferguson to lead the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – and he will likely push back against regulating the industry. Ferguson, a commissioner on the FTC, has said that he will aim to “end the FTC’s attempt to become an AI regulator”, Punchbowl News reported, and said the FTC, an independent agency accountable to the US Congress, should be wholly accountable to the Oval Office. He has also suggested that the FTC should investigate companies that refuse to advertise next to hateful and extremist content on social media platforms. Venzke says Republicans think that Democrats want to regulate AI to make it “woke,” which means that it would acknowledge things like the existence of transgender people or man-made climate change. AI’s ability to ‘inform decisions’ Artificial intelligence doesn’t just answer questions and generate images and videos, though. Kit Walsh, director of AI and access-to-knowledge legal projects at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, tells Al Jazeera that AI is being used in many ways that threaten people’s individual liberties, including in court cases, and regulating it to prevent harm is necessary. While people think computers making decisions can eliminate bias, it can actually cause bias to become more entrenched if the AI is created using historical data that is itself biased. For instance, an AI system that was created to determine who receives parole might utilise data from cases where Black Americans received harsher treatment than white Americans. “The most important issues in AI right now are its use to inform decisions about people’s rights,” Walsh says. “That ranges from everything from predictive policing to deciding who gets governmental housing to health benefits. It’s also the private use of algorithmic decision-making for hiring and firing or housing and so on.” Walsh says she thinks there’s a lot of “tech optimism and solutionism” among some of the people who Trump is interested in recruiting to his administration, and they may end up trying to use AI to promote “efficiency in government”. This is the stated goal of people like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy , who will be leading what appears to be an advisory committee called the Department of Government Efficiency. “It is true that you can save money and fire some employees if you are alright with less accurate decisions [that come with AI tools]. And that might be the path that someone might take in the interest of reducing government spending. But I would recommend against that, because it’s going to harm the people who rely on government agencies for essential services,” Walsh says. The Trump administration will likely be spending a lot more time focused on deregulation than creating new regulations if Trump’s first term as US president in 2017-2021 offers any hint of what to expect. That includes regulations related to the creation and use of AI tools. “I would like to see sensible regulation that paves the way for socially responsible development, deployment, and use of AI,” says Shyam Sundar, director of the Penn State Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence. “At the same time, the regulation should not be so heavy-handed that it curtails innovation.” Sundar says the “new revolution” sparked by generative AI has created “a bit of Wild Wild West mentality among technologists”. Future regulations, he says, should focus on creating guardrails where necessary and promoting innovation in areas where AI can be useful.Amorim calls Man United bust-up 'perfect' so squad can 'feel something' after Plzen win | Sporting News
‘Bring back Dave,’ fumes Luke Littler as he demands Man Utd re-sign De Gea after Andre Onana’s horror blunder
( MENAFN - Gulf Times) Amateur star Adam Bresnu of Morocco showed the strength of the regional game in round one of International Series Qatar, as a contingent of promising talent from the region took the next steps on their careers alongside some of the biggest names in world golf at Doha Golf Club. Bresnu, the recent Pan Arab Golf champion, carded three birdies and one bogey for an impressive two-under 70, and sits just seven shots off first-round leader Ian Snyman of South Africa. Bresnu continued the fine form he showed at Al Zora in the UAE, and is in with a great chance of making the cut at the weekend. He said:“It is an honour for me to present my country and to present Arabs. My goal is just to show that as Arabs, we are here, we can compete against the best in the world, and we can do it. “It is incredible. You see those names and you are like, wow, I am playing with them. It truly is an honour to be here, but as I say, my goal is to beat them.” Qatari amateur Saleh al-Kaabi carded a four-over 76 while Daniil Sokolov, aged 13, scored a two-over 74, in a star-studded field that includes three major winners, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup players, and the cream of the Asian Tour. Al-Kaabi said:“It is a great experience for us to play against these big names. Every time I play one of these type of tournaments, you can see the levels getting better at each event.” Sokolov added:“The course is playing tough but it was amazing seeing my name up there with some of the best players in the world, major champions, LIV Golf League players. I know I have prepared well for it. I know I have done all the preparation, so all I can do now is just play my game and see how it goes up against the best.” Bresnu's Moroccan compatriot Othman Raouzi, the only professional of the quartet, finished one two over, and he said:“It is such a great opportunity to play in The International Series, it is a great experience for us to play these big names and I would like to thank everyone who helped us here this week.” All four are still in with a good chance of making the midway cut at the end of round two in the ninth of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour that offer a pathway to the LIV Golf League for golfers from all over the world, and provide promising local professionals and amateurs with a chance to test themselves and learn against some of the biggest names in the game. Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said:“The International Series offers opportunity on a number of levels. Across 10 tournaments we provide talented amateurs and professionals with the chance to play alongside the best in the world and that incredible exposure can only help to nurture natural talent in the destinations we play. “Playing alongside major champions, Ryder Cup players, Presidents Cup players, and winners on different tours across the world elevates the game, and ensures that players from the Mena can learn, thrive and grow.” MENAFN27112024000067011011ID1108934395 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A photojournalist who captured one of the most enduring images of World War II — the U.S. Marines raising the flag on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima — had a block in downtown San Francisco named for him Thursday. Joe Rosenthal, who died in 2006 at age 94, was working for The Associated Press in 1945 when he took the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo. After the war, he went to work as a staff photographer for the San Francisco Chronicle, and for 35 years until his retirement in 1981, he captured moments of city life both extraordinary and routine. Rosenthal photographed famous people for the paper, including a young Willie Mays getting his hat fitted as a San Francisco Giant in 1957, and regular people, including children making a joyous dash for freedom on the last day of school in 1965. The 600 block of Sutter Street, near downtown’s Union Square, became Joe Rosenthal Way after a short ceremony Thursday morning. The Marines Memorial Club, which sits on the block, welcomed the street’s new name. Aaron Peskin, who heads the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, welcomed the city's political elite, military officials and members of Rosenthal's family to toast the late photographer, who was born in Washington, D.C., to Russian Jewish immigrant parents. The famous photo became the centerpiece of a war bonds poster that helped raise $26 billion in 1945. Tom Graves, chapter historian for the USMC Combat Correspondents Association, which pushed for the street naming, said the image helped win the war. “But I’ve grown over the years to appreciate also his role as a San Francisco newspaper photographer who, as Supervisor Peskin says, went to work every day photographing the city where we all live, we all love,” he said. Graves and others said they look forward to tourists and locals happening upon the street sign, seeing Rosenthal's name for perhaps the first time, and then going online to learn about the photographer with the terrible eyesight but an eye for composition. Rosenthal never considered himself a wartime hero, just a working photographer lucky enough to document the courage of soldiers. When complimented on his Pulitzer Prize-winning photo, Rosenthal said: “Sure, I took the photo. But the Marines took Iwo Jima.”TikTok is inching closer to a potential ban in the US. So what's next?
Bamboo Technology's HereHear Virtual AI Therapist Joins Berkeley Skydeck IPP ProgramSK Telecom tops customer satisfaction index for 27th consecutive year
Brett Yormark has an issue with College Football Playoff selection committee. And while it might be just nit-picking at this point, his case points up how an expanded playoff hasn't necessarily lessened the outcry. The Big 12 commissioner spoke to CBS Sports this week about his concern that his highest-ranked team, BYU (No. 14 in the CFP Rankings), is one spot behind a team it beat earlier in the season, No. 13 SMU . That goes back to the old transitive property of poll voting that basically posits "If Team A beat Team B, it must be ranked ahead of Team B." Not this week. Despite an 18-15 BYU win at SMU on Sept. 6, the Mustangs are one spot ahead of the Cougars. Complicating things is Boise State being No. 12. If the CFP started tomorrow, the Broncos would have a first-round bye ahead of the Big 12 champion. "A little puzzled," Yormark said Thursday. "If the metrics are all about strength of schedule and body of work and head-to-head, I don't see some of the consistencies that should be. "BYU being below a team they beat earlier in the year, on the road, with identical records is a little surprising to me," he said. Three other Big 12 teams are ranked in that top 25 this week: No. 16 Colorado , No. 21 Arizona State and No. 22 Iowa State . The Sun Devils debuted this week after upsetting Kansas State ; the Wildcats dropped out. "Having Colorado No. 16 when they've won seven of eight. In this new world of the transfer portal, those preseason polls don't mean much because of the turnover and roster management," Yormark continued. "You don't know what you really have until you get a few weeks into the season ... It's certainly playing out at Colorado. It's certainly playing out with Arizona State and their momentum." Both teams are 8-2, among 18 teams in the Power Four with at least that many wins. BYU has played two teams that were in the rankings at one time (SMU and Kansas State). It will play a third Saturday at Arizona State. SMU will end the regular season having played only two ranked teams (BYU and Louisville ). Boise's best "win" might be a loss, a narrow 34-27 decision at the hands of No. 1 Oregon on Sept 7. The Broncos outgained the Ducks that day. According to several metrics, BYU seems to have the most difficult schedule of the three. But when it lost, that meant every team in the Big 12 had lost at least one game. Only the Big Ten has any undefeated conference teams left (Oregon and Indiana ). While all of this may seem like typical campaigning, it's rare for a Power Four commissioner to enter the discussion. But the stakes have risen. The makeup of the 12-team playoff has created a new kind of flashpoint. The top four ranked conference champions on Dec. 8 will receive first-round byes. The next highest-ranked conference champion will be guaranteed a spot in the field as well. Right now, those five conference champions would be Oregon, Texas , Miami , Boise State and BYU. Because it is currently behind Boise, BYU would be playing a first-round game. The SEC and Big Ten are expected to load the field with up to four teams each. The ACC and Big 12 are each hoping for a second team in the field. If No. 6 Notre Dame , 9-1, qualifies, it would take a spot as well. "If we keep winning, we'll certainly be in the conversation for [a second spot]," Yormark said. "Don't look at the logo on the helmet, look at the résumé," he added. "I'll continue to use that line. Maybe I'll even trademark it." Earlier this year, the SEC and Big Ten lobbied for automatic qualifier spots beginning in 2026. That idea died but is expected to be brought up again after the season when the commissioners take up the subject. "I said so publicly, you don't want an artificial championship," Yormark said, providing a preview of those discussions. "I think you have to earn your way in. No free passes." What rankled the commissioner is BYU dropping six spots from No. 8 to No. 14 after a four-point loss at home to Kansas . That was the largest drop of any team in this week's rankings. Kansas State dropped out after being ranked 16th. CBS Sports was able to obtain exclusively a portion of the strength of schedule information used by the committee. The Big 12 is tied with the SEC for most wins against teams with records above .500 with 36 each. Here are those standings for the remainder of FBS ... 3. ACC (35) 4. Big Ten (32) 5 . Sun Belt (24) 6. MAC (18) 7. American (11) 8. Conference USA (10) 9. Mountain West (8) 10. Independents (7) 11. Pac-12 ( Oregon State , Washington State , 4) That information comes from SportsSource analytics, an industry-leading firm out of Atlanta and favored by the CFP. SportsSource recently expanded to player evaluation and recruiting information. Its database is so vast that athletic directors use the company's research to evaluate coaching candidates. Its information is not available to the public. Its "football data services" range from $12,500 to $50,000 for a subscription. "They all have limitations," SportsSource co-founder Drew Borland said of strength of schedule components. "I've probably researched 30 of them in-depth. As much as they are models and mathematical, there is a fair amount of subjectivity you have to put in building the model." The Big 12 has pointed out that the Mountain West is eighth among the nine FBS conferences in schedule strength calculated by the NCAA. The MWC's opponents have a combined .489 winning percentage. The Big 12 is second behind the SEC with a .582 winning percentage. The Big 12 continues to make its case. Committee members Gary Pinkel, the former Missouri coach, and journalist Kelly Whiteside have been assigned to evaluate Big 12 games and report back to the committee as a whole. Each FBS conference is assigned committee members who track its play during the season. It was a day of commissioners weighing in. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey posted on Twitter a graphic that showed six of his teams leading the country, all in the top 33 schedule strength. The next highest-ranked team? BYU.
A credit card user has revealed how she recouped hundreds of dollars from her credit card company. Posting on social media, nat.eberhart described how she called Capitol One to ask them to lower her interest rate. “This is your reminder that sometimes all you have to do is ask for things and you will get them,” she said in her TikTok video. Though her request for the credit card company to lower the rate was refused, the short phone call resulted in them refunding the last three months interest she had paid. “The call was literally four minutes long and I just got back hundreds of dollars,” she disclosed to her followers. The news was greeted enthusiastically by the channel’s users and there were 1, 286 comments on the post. Read more on credit cards “As someone who works in a call center, I will do sooo much more to the nice cutomers than the ones who scream at me,” wrote one respondent. Another confessed: I saw a TikTok about this 2 weeks ago. I immediately contacted my bank and have 0% interest on my credit card for 12 months.” Yet another commented: "I got a 5% decrease. Thanks friend." Responses to the video revealed that it’s not only Capital One that’s responding positively to its account holders. Most read in Money “Discover gave me 0% APR for a year, chatted with them right after I saw this. Thanks for posting!” said one TikTok user. Meanwhile another posted: “I just called discover and they lowered mine 6% - she said it was a standard interest lowering – took about 3 minutes – just be as polite as possible.” However it didn’t work for everybody. “I called all 3 of my CC companies and tried this and they all said NO,” posted one disappointed commenter. NEW YEAR, NEW START Christmas is an expensive time of year and with 2025 just around the corner now is the perfect time to take stock of your credit card finances. Americans were expected to spend up to $2,100 this festive season, according to CBS News , with many overspending and over-extending their budgets . With widespread deals and sales to tempt them, around 27% of US shoppers used debt for holiday purchases in 2023, according to data collected by Morning Consult Pro. FICO, the most widely known credit scoring system, and its rival VantageScore both use a range of 300-850 points. Below we list what's considered a good and bad credit score, according to both systems. FICO Poor: 300-579 Fair: 580-669 Good: 670-739 Very good: 740-799 Exceptional: 800 or above VantageScore Very poor: 300-499 Poor: 500-600 Fair: 601-660 Good: 661-780 Excellent: 781-850 What’s more, 30% of these were still paying off last year’s purchases this year. Author and financial expert Rachel Cruze advises consumers never to use the festive season as an excuse for going into debt. Writing for Fox News , Cruze said: “The problem starts with believing it’s not a big deal to go into debt or swipe a credit card for your holiday gifts. “The easiest way to break this habit we have as a society is to cut up your cards and decide you’ll only use the money that’s in your bank account.” She advises preparing now for next Christmas. “Once January 2025 hits, start saving a little bit every single month for your Christmas expenses,” she says. “Also, remember that lots of Black Friday sales start in mid-November. Planning ahead for Christmas 2025 will help you hop on those deals early.” Read More on The US Sun One couple ended up $20,000 in debt across multiple credit cards after spending on their home. And supermarket giant Walmart came under fire recently from one unhappy customer after holding money from her card.
'Legislative coup': Protestors gather at NC State Capitol to oppose controversial bill
With each team coming off a come-from-behind win, West Virginia and North Carolina Central square off Tuesday night in Morgantown, W.Va. West Virginia (6-2) has won two straight games and is in the midst of a 16-day, four-game homestand that kicked off with a 73-60 win over Georgetown in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Friday night. North Carolina Central (4-7) comes off a 78-77 road win over Gardner-Webb on Saturday night. Javon Small led the Mountaineers with a game-high 26 points against Georgetown as they overcame a second-half deficit with a decisive run. "The way we played in the second half (against Georgetown), I'll take that team everywhere," West Virginia coach Darian DeVries said. "You have to be able to do that every single night, every single possession you don't always get to go on a 16-0 run to pull you out of it. That's where we are still growing as a team." Eduardo Andre was questionable for the Georgetown game after he missed the Mountaineers' 83-76 overtime win against Arizona on Nov. 29. But the fifth-year senior center returned with four points, three rebounds and four blocks. "It was good to have him back in the lineup for a reason," DeVries said. "That presence, especially defensively and the ability to block shots, that's a huge deal for us." Against Gardner-Webb, Po'Boigh King led NCCU with 28 points, well above his 17.4 points per game average, as the Eagles rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to win on a late 3-pointer from Isaac Parson. On offense, the Eagles take care of the ball. They are seventh in the nation in turnover margin at plus-7.5 per game. They seek extra possessions on defense and are second nationally with 18.9 turnovers forced per game "We're good enough, we just need to fine tune some things," NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said. "We've got to cross some T's, dot some I's and close. We can't be a really good basketball team until we get the mindset that when winning time presents itself in the last five minutes, (the other team) has to earn it." --Field Level MediaTransgender restroom flap reeks of mean-girl stunt
BERKELEY, Calif. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Technology , a mental health technology innovation company, is announcing its participation in Batch 19 of the prestigious UC Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for startup acceleration. The company's HereHear AI therapist solution will be the key focus of the program, driven by the vision of revolutionizing mental health with AI-powered virtual solutions. To learn more about HereHear, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngU32WgiWf4 "HereHear is here in the US, and I am truly grateful to the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for recognizing its potential," noted Lynia Huang , Bamboo Technology's CEO. "As important as mental health has become in recent years, there is a shortage of mental health providers and access to support is low — and HereHear is paving the way for AI to bridge that gap as a first line of defense." A growing case for incorporating AI into mental healthcare With data showing that the US is in a mental health crisis, the CDC recently noted a dire need for public health initiatives that create environments centered around mental health. Specific to the workplace, the Society for Human Resource Management's Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 44% of US employees feel burned out at work. The combination of a shortage of mental health providers in the US with the flourishing capabilities of AI builds a strong case for the technology to be deployed in the form of human-guided mental health solutions. HereHear's YangYang: A personalized 3D virtual therapist As organizations seek out ways to empower team members to take better care of their mental health, AI is increasingly emerging as a solution for on-demand, personalized support. Offering a more engaging interaction than chatbots, HereHear's 3D virtual therapist YangYang was launched in January 2024 and offers: YangYang has already been implemented in several therapy clinics and has helped 70% of users improve stress and depression levels by 25% within 3 months. Taking the form of a sheep further distinguishes her — this functions both to provide a 'cute' aspect lending to the warm, healing emotional support she provides, while also helping users who are struggling emotionally to keep in perspective that their interactions are ultimately not with a human. Bringing success in Taiwan to the US market Bamboo Technology's acceptance into the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program is a major accomplishment as the platform seeks to enter the US market. Batch 19 has only 117 startups out of around 2300 applications, and the program will support HereHear to develop, pilot and launch, as well as to pitch for funding. The company aims to target the app in the human resources space—as a tool for companies to offer staff for on-demand, privacy-first mental health support. Back in Taiwan , the app already has hospitals, mental health clinics, universities, publicly listed companies, and government agencies that use it, similarly spurred by a shortage of mental health workers. About Bamboo Technology Established in November 2018 , the Taipei -based Bamboo Technology is a mental health technology innovation company that focuses on improving public mental health with voice emotion analysis technology. It embraces a belief that a universal, objective, and scientific mental health system can effectively solve the problem of deteriorating mental health in today's society — a core tenet upheld by its many psychologists; social workers; and information management, AI and big data experts. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bamboo-technologys-herehear-virtual-ai-therapist-joins-berkeley-skydeck-ipp-program-302325187.html SOURCE BAMBOO TECHNOLOGY LTD.The 2024/25 NCAA Bowl season marks the start of the 12-team Playoff era, expanded from four. As the four highest-ranked conference champions, the No.1 Oregon Ducks, No.2 Georgia Bulldogs, No.3 Boise State Broncos and No.4 Arizona State Sun Devils have a first-round bye, while the must-watch New Year's Six will begin at the quarter-final stage. Below we have all the information on how to watch NCAA Bowl games 2024/25 from anywhere, with details on worldwide TV channels, broadcasters and live streams on TV screens, laptops, tablets and mobiles. The 2024/25 NCAA Bowl games are split across multiple channels in the US, but you don't need to subscribe to all of them in order to watch the vast majority of the action. OTT service would be our top recommendation. The Sling Orange + Blue plan gets you ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3 in all major markets, plus FOX in select markets. Between them, these channels are showing 35 of the 37 Bowl games. The usual cost is $70 a month, but if you're new to the service you can . The only relevant channels missing from Sling's lineup are CBS and CW Network, which are showing a single Bowl game each. A costlier alternative is , which includes CBS, ESPN, ABC, Fox, ESPN2 and more than 150 other top channels in its base-level Essential plan, but not CW Network. New users and a discount on their first month. has the rights to college football in the UK, and select NCAA Bowl games will be shown on either Sky Sports NFL or Sky Sports Mix. You'll find the schedule . Packages start from £22 per month, and subscribers can use Sky Go to tune in on a laptop or mobile device. The Now streaming service is a more flexible option, with a Sports pass starting at £14.99. College football fans in Australia can live stream NCAA Bowl games on ESPN or Kayo Sports. ESPN channels are available via , whereas the terrific sports streaming service is the ideal option for those who don't want the commitment of a lengthy (and pricey) contract. Kayo lets you stream on two devices with its $25 per month One plan, and on three devices with its $35 Basic plan. Whichever you choose, new users get a . You'll find the schedule . TSN is the place to watch college football in Canada, and the network is providing comprehensive coverage of the 2024/25 NCAA Bowl games. If you don't have cable, you can subscribe to TSN+ on a streaming-only basis from CA$8 a month or $80 each year. The two players that look likeliest to make their mark in the postseason are both running backs: the Broncos' Ashton Jeanty and the Sun Devils' Cam Skattebo. Jeanty is on course to smash Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record, while Skattebo has been the focal point of an Arizona State team that won the Big 12 despite being projected to finish dead last. Colorado Buffaloes may have missed out on an at-large bid, but you'll be able to see their Heisman Trophy-winning two-way phenomenon Travis Hunter in action in the Alamo Bowl. Hunter also became the first ever player to win both the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Fred Biletnikoff Award, awarded to college football's standout defensive player and wide receiver, respectively.
Ruben Amorim said he has inherited a "difficult position" at and described his new side as "a massive club but not a massive team." Having racked up 20 top-flight titles, United are English football's most successful club, domestically. But their impressive history has not been mirrored by results on the pitch over the last decade. Amorim has arrived at Old Trafford with United, who haven't won the title since 2013, in the bottom half of the table and they head into Saturday's game six points behind opponents -- who were playing in the Championship as recently as 2022. "We're a massive club but we're not a massive team and we know it so it is no problem to say it," Amorim told a news conference on Friday. "Our players have to understand that it's a very difficult position. "We're not one of the best teams in the league and we have to say and think that clearly but our past, our club is maybe the best one in the league. "So here we have a problem and we have to focus on the little things and little details." Amorim has had little time on the training pitch since taking over from Erik ten Hag because of a packed fixture list. The 39-year-old has been careful to play down expectations while the squad gets to grips with a new tactical set-up. However, he insists one non-negotiable is the amount of effort put in by his players and warned them they had to "run like mad dogs" if they want to be successful. "I think the way we sprint back, the way we sprint forward, the way we fight, we have to be very clear with the team, this is the first point we have to address then the tactical and technical aspects come later," Amorim said. "What I see is that they're making an effort and there's a lot of room to improve. Changing that thing you can sometimes say is simple because it's just running but it's something in the head of the players. "If you want to win we have to do it. Even with the best starting XI on the planet without running they will not win anything, that is very clear. If we want to win the we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to."
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It is double trouble for Ferrari as Charles Leclerc has been handed a 10-place grid penalty for using a new energy store on his SF-24 car for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Adding to Ferrari's woes, Leclerc suffered from food poisoning on Thursday evening, which continued to affect him on Friday. His condition raises concerns about his form for the remainder of the race weekend. This setback jeopardizes Ferrari's hopes of clinching the Constructors' Championship , as the 21-point gap to leaders McLaren now seems even harder to bridge. The Ferrari driver fell ill on Thursday night and woke up on Friday feeling unwell, admitting he initially lacked the desire to race. However, his motivation to get behind the wheel of his SF-24 came from sharing the FP1 session with his brother, Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari's development driver. The pair made history as the first brothers to drive for the same team in a Formula 1 session. Adding to the occasion, Leclerc delivered a strong performance by finishing FP1 at the top of the time sheets. Unfortunately, his troubles continued when the SF-24 experienced technical issues at the start of FP1, delaying his session by nearly 30 minutes. To resolve the problem, Ferrari installed a third energy store in his car. As this exceeded the season's allocation of two energy stores, the 27-year-old faced a 10-place grid penalty. This means that even if Leclerc manages to claim pole position in qualifying, he will start the race from P11 on the grid. The Monegasque driver shared details about his health scare, expressing relief and improvement after the emotional experience of driving alongside his brother. He remained optimistic for a stronger performance on Saturday. He said : "It makes our weekend more difficult, it all started unfortunately last night where I got food poisoning and couldn't sleep much of the night, I'm so tired and just want to sleep. "So it wasn't easy this morning, I felt like I didn't want to drive, but obviously the huge motivation of the day was doing FP1 with my younger brother [Arthur] - this was a dream come true for both of us and the family that travelled all the way from Monaco. "It was very emotional, I had to put the helmet on early because I was emotional, and that is where everything started to go wrong. "I feel a little bit better tonight, I'll have a good night's sleep and come back tomorrow with a battery full re-charged, and I'm not trying to play a game with the words! "Hopefully, we'll have a great [Saturday] and an amazing recovery on Sunday."
The gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled New York City by bus, police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. Here's the latest: Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Gunman’s steps after killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO give police new clues The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer made sure to wear a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras that have aided authorities piecing together his movements and his identity. A law enforcement official said Friday that new surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before he ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . The gunman’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday’s killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack . ▶ Read more about the search for the gunman For many companies, investor meetings are seen as a risk In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was walking to when he was fatally shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized. “It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services, which is based in the greater Seattle area. Some firms respond by beefing up security. For example, tech companies routinely require everyone attending a major event, such as Apple’s annual unveiling of the next iPhone or a shareholder meeting, to go through airport-style security checkpoints before entering. Others forgo in-person meetings with shareholders. ▶ Read more about how companies protect their leaders Police have obtained other surveillance images of the person wanted for questioning Those images include New York’s subway system, a law enforcement official said. In establishments where the person was captured on camera, he always appeared to pay with cash, the official said. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. — Mike Balsamo Another health insurer taking precautions after the shooting Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm that serves 1.5 million customers in 12 states, said it’s temporarily closing all six locations. The firm has offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota, and employs about 3,000 people. Employees will work from home, Medica spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Friday. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees,” a statement from Medica said. “Although we have received no specific threats related to our campuses, our office buildings will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Bury also said biographical information on the company’s executives was taken down from its website as a precaution. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. says its Investor Day will now be virtual The insurer cited the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in its announcement about the Dec. 12 event. “All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a news release. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.” Centene Corp. has grown in recent years to become the largest insurer in Medicaid, the state- and federally funded program that covers care for people with low incomes. Insurers manage Medicaid coverage for states, and Centene has more than 13 million people enrolled in that coverage. UnitedHealth Group says it’s focused on supporting Brian Thompson’s family The insurance company also said it’s focused on ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. “While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place,” the company said. NY Mayor Eric Adams provided no new information on investigation’s progress during interviews But he said Friday that he’s confident police will arrest the shooter. “We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice,” Adams said on TV station WPIX. Hours after the shooting, UnitedHealthcare removed photographs of its executives from its website Later, it removed their names and biographies entirely. Investigators believe the suspect may have traveled to NY last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, a law enforcement official said. Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. Experts say today’s political, economic and technological climate is only going to make the job of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them even more difficult, experts say. Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for what’s being said about the company, its employees and its leadership to uncover risks. ▶ Read more about the steps companies take to protect their leadership Police test DNA and fingerprints on discarded bottle as they hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killer Police said Thursday they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper from a trash can near the scene of the ambush and think the suspect bought them from a Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The items were being tested by the city’s medical examiner. The Associated Press
Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to ChabadHE the Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed al-Thani has visited Hamad Port’s Strategic Food Security Facilities Terminal. During the visit, according to a press statement from the Ministry of Transport, the minister was briefed on the final operations in providing this pioneering project with the latest global technology to increase the capacity of storage, packaging, transportation and handling operations. During the visit, the minister listened to an explanation from Hamad Port project officials about the extent to which these facilities and warehouses contribute to supporting the national economy’s growth and enhancing the country’s strategic stock of food commodities. Related Story HMC teams up with IHI to enhance healthcare quality, safety Mental health services now available at PHCC clinics
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Israel kills Hezbollah leader who planned elaborate attack on U.S. soldiers in IraqKORE Announces NYSE Acceptance of Plan to Regain Listing ComplianceMinisters will call on banks and investors to increase support for Britain’s defence sector, amid warnings that corporate virtue signalling is holding back the industry in the face of international threats. Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, will tell a meeting of defence and financial executives that banks must not give into “small but vocal campaign groups” who call for boycotts of the defence firms. He will demand that financial institutions look at their environmental and social policies, rather than holding back support for a sector which is critical to the UK’s security and prosperity. There is evidence that small companies are struggling with basic services such as banking and insurance because they work in defence. A recent industry survey found that over 20 per cent
CLEVELAND (AP) — Shortly after doing a face-down snow angel, firing a few celebratory snowballs and singing “Jingle Bells” on his way to the media room, Jameis Winston ended his postgame news conference with a simple question. “Am I a Brown yet?” he asked. He is now. And who knows? Maybe for a lot longer than expected. Winston entered Cleveland football folklore on Thursday night by leading the Browns to Pittsburgh Steelers, who had their five-game winning streak stopped. Winston's performance at Huntington Bank Field, which transformed into the world's largest snow globe, not only made him an instantaneous hero in the eyes of Browns fans but added another wrinkle to the team's ever-changing, never-ending quarterback conundrum. In his fourth start since Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles tendon injury, Winston made enough big plays to help the Browns (3-8) get a victory that should quiet conjecture about coach Kevin Stefanski's job. Some wins mean more than others. In Cleveland, beating the Steelers is as big as it gets. But beyond any instant gratification, Winston has given the Browns more to consider as they move forward. Watson's future with Cleveland is highly uncertain since it will still be months before the team has a grip on whether he's even an option in 2025, his fourth year since signing a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract that has proven calamitous. It's also possible the Browns will cut ties with Watson. They signed Winston to a one-year contract to be Watson's backup. But the unexpected events of 2024 have changed plans and led to the possibility that the 30-year-old Winston could become Cleveland's full-time QB or a bridge to their next young one. So much is unclear. What's not is that Winston, who leaped into the end zone on fourth-and-2 for a TD to put the Browns ahead 18-6 in the fourth quarter, is a difference maker. With his larger-than-life personality and the joy he shows whether practicing or throwing three touchdown passes, he has lifted the Browns. A man of faith, he's made his teammates believe. Winston has done what Watson couldn't: made the Browns better. “A very, very authentic person,” Stefanski said Friday on a Zoom call. “He’s the same guy every single day. He's the same guy at 5 a.m. as he at 5 p.m. He brings great energy to everything he does, and I think his teammates appreciate that about him.” Winston, who is 2-2 as a starter with wins over the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, has a knack for inspiring through fiery, preacher-like pregame speeches. But what has impressed the Browns is his ability to stay calm in the storm. “He doesn’t get rattled,” said . “He’s just tuned in and focused as anyone I’ve seen at that position. Turn the page. There was a turnover, came back to the sideline, ‘Love you. I’m sorry. We’re going to get it back.’ He was already on to the next one, ‘How can we complete the mission?’ “I have a lot of respect for him. First was from afar and now seeing it on the field in front of me, it’s a blessing to have someone who plays a game with such a passion and want-to. You can’t ask for a better teammate when they take those things to heart and they want to play for you like we’re actually brothers and that’s what we have to attain. That brotherhood.” What's working Winston has done something else Watson couldn't: move the offense. The Browns scored more than 20 points for just the second time this season, and like Joe Flacco a year ago, Winston has shown that Stefanski's system works with a quarterback patient enough to let plays develop and unafraid to take shots downfield. What needs help The conditions certainly were a factor, but the Browns were a miserable 1 of 10 on third down, a season-long trend. However, Cleveland converted all four fourth-down tries, including a fourth-and-3 pass from Winston to Jerry Jeudy with 2:36 left that helped set up Nick Chubb's go-ahead TD run. Stock up RT Jack Conklin. Garrett outplayed Steelers star T.J. Watt in their rivalry within the rivalry partly because Conklin did a nice job containing Pittsburgh's edge rusher, who was held without a sack and had one tackle for loss. Conklin has made a remarkable comeback since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery last year. Stock down Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam. Their desire to build a dome is well intended, but an indoor game could never come close to matching the surreal setting of Thursday night, when snow swirled throughout the stadium and covered nearly all the yard lines and hash marks. “It was beautiful,” Winston said. Injuries WR Cedric Tillman is in the concussion protocol. He had two catches before taking a big hit on the final play of the third quarter. Key numbers 9 — Consecutive home wins for the Browns in Thursday night games. Three of those have come against Pittsburgh. What's next An extended break before visiting the Denver Broncos on Dec. 2. ___ AP NFL: Tom Withers, The Associated Press
PH futsal squad in formidable qualifying bracketHERKIMER — Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES recently announced the Honor Rolls and High Honor Rolls for its Technical Education programs for the first marking period of the 2024-25 school year. The Honor Rolls and High Honor Rolls were for the 14 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and the Valley Pathways in Technology Early College High School (VP-TECH). CTE HIGH HONOR ROLL SENIORS Automotive Technology: Danny Bleaking, Michael Ferguson, Bayden Hall, Virginia Spellman, Owen Vedder. Conservation: Tristan Klotz. Criminal Justice: Jarrett Coffey, Yuanita Leavitt, Kaydence Lyman, Jonathan Sobers, Ashton Talbot. Culinary and Hospitality: Marshall Chandler, Rory Clanton, Nathan Cornacchia, JayMike Crichton, Nathaniel Dawley, Caleb Edson, Makenzie Farrington, Jorgia Jones, Paige Maida, Brandon Maine, Chyanne Miller, Matthew Pickens, Anthony Smith. Health Science Careers: Alivia Graves, Alexis Ruggerio, Gabrielle Slater, Stephanie Tucker. Heavy Equipment Repair Operations: Caydon Dager, Brayden Darrow. Network Administration: Fred Gaston, Michael Gauthier, DeAngelo Munoz, Tyler Ossont. Power Sports and Agricultural Mechanics: Andrew Carney, Matthew Cotton, Steven Lewosko Jr., Dylan Mika, Maxwell Pullis, Owen Smith, Colton Walker. Visual Communications and Media Arts: Joshua Di Pierro, Jillian Hutchinson, Kelsey Makuch, Lilia McLean, Darrius Monroe, George Rodger, Azeliah Saunders. Welding and Metal Fabrication: Mark McGowan Jr., Kaden Vincent. CTE HIGH HONOR ROLL JUNIORS Automotive Technology: Frank Castardi, Jeremiah Decker, James Mody, Damian Seifried. Criminal Justice: Aimee Baker, Madison Barretta, Joseph Crossway, Aubri Doggett, Lauren Dye, Carlee Nichols, Rocco Santomassino, Gabriel Slawson. Culinary and Hospitality: Sierra Atwater, Navy Escamilla, Ruslan Kurganov, Alina Lisovets, Faith McGurk, Monserrate Miranda, Oliveah Muthig, Wyatt Nebush, Caidan Perkov, Dezirae Schlaepfer, Alana Schlappi, Amber VanAlstine. Health Science Careers: Kadence Lamica, Caleigh Lape, Molly Vickers, Iris Wick. Heavy Equipment Repair Operations: Riley Smith. Network Administration: Evan Barry, Preston Harvey, Trey Stack, Caiden Trask. Visual Communications and Media Arts: Keirsten Avery, Lillian Brownrigg, Royston Clarke, Jayden Davis, Shynitta Ferguson, Madison Goodhines, Laila Groomes, Allyson Lamica, Kathryne Reynolds, Cheyenne Tannery, Aspen Ward. CTE HONOR ROLL SENIORS Advanced Manufacturing: Nathan LaVeck, Santino Luce. Automotive Technology: Austin Bartin, Emily Getchell. Building Construction: Dominic Rivera. Child Family Services: Tiffany Kretchman. Conservation: Emily Hartman, Isabele Horan, Allyson Morales, Brady Saunders. Cosmetology: Victoria Galletta, Andrea Lamphere, Adult Katelyn Seeley. Criminal Justice: Kighlah Klawonn. Culinary and Hospitality: Carter Doolen, Cadence Moxham, Xavier Palmieri, Liam Vivlamore. Health Science Careers: Josephine Aney, Ella Barnes, Kaylee Callahan, Amela Dervisevic, Anastasia Halliburton, Sophia Hazeltine, Claire Keady-Dooley, Kavonna White, Mason Yost. Heavy Equipment Repair Operations: Michael Anderson, William Bolster, Wyatt Carnright, Makala Makuch, Ethan Plonka, William Pomichter, Aidan Prokopienko, Blake Sprague. Network Administration: Mason Sausa. Visual Communications and Media Arts: Troy Haver, Shelby Reynolds. Welding and Metal Fabrication: Kaleb Davis, Morgon Ferguson, Chase Harrer, Noah Izzo, Otto Ough, Dakota Sanders, Jacob Searles, Stanley Swanson. CTE HONOR ROLL JUNIORS Advanced Manufacturing: DaVeon George, Jordan Pett, Austin Root-Lanier, Richard Savarese, Riyan Wentworth. Automotive Technology: Kenneth Craig. Building Construction: Lucas Evatt, Alexis Haynes-Davis, Joseph Koch, Casey Metott. Child Family Services: Aleah Chabrier, Lily Hummel. Cosmetology: Mylee Ackler, Kilie Clark, Sarah Huyck, Cloe Ingraham, McKenna Seymour. Criminal Justice: Lee Comstock, Brianna Conti, Dreden Ellerby, Madison Jeffers. Culinary and Hospitality: Zyan Cabrera, Gabriella Grems, Marquis Grimes, Daniel Kane, Brandon Lampack, Madison Lovett, Madison Sullivan. Health Science Careers: Niyah Cadell-Smith, Madeline Green, Cheyenne Mayo, A’Niya Morrison, Hannah Rando, Isabella Stone, Sophia Sausa, Mikaela Turner, Havonna White. Heavy Equipment Repair Operations: Lorenzo Brown, Cayden Cool, Logan DeCarlis, Nathan Fullem, Elana Glova, James Graziano, Evan Gross, Kyle Henzel, Trig Ludwig, Andrew Rusev, Mark Serman, Emma Tripple, Victor Walter. Power Sports & Agricultural Mechanics: Robert Bienkowski, Ty Gookins, Richard Hartman II, Conner Herringshaw, Elijah Jones, Cooper Karram, Colin Morganstern, Shawn St. Onge, Brianna Seamon, John Terns, Daytona Wilcox. Visual Communications and Media Arts: Sarah Rearick. Welding and Metal Fabrication: Trevor Babcock, Isabella Barrows-Drennen, Nolan Berberick, Arianna Bevers, Raymond Colvin, Carter Davenport, Samuel Dunham, Logan Eck, Kayden Ford, Isaac Grower, Colin Haver, Samuel Johnson, Vance Levellie, Moises Magana, Morgan Marriott, Ayden Mooney, Nicholas Sanzo, Alexander Shand, Daniel Stuffolano. VP-TECH HIGH HONOR ROLL RaVonn Burks, Kaden Kleist, Ross Richard III, Noah Seymour and Caileigh Youker. VP-TECH HONOR ROLL Morgan Berberick, Christiana Leal-Fowler and Cooper Jordan.
CLEVELAND — The NFL closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The league has been reviewing the case for months, trying to determine whether Watson should be punished. “The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to the Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault in Texas by a woman in September. She was seeking more than $1 million in damages before the sides reached a confidential settlement. Watson strongly denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin. The 29-year-old Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in October. He’s been rehabbing the injury in hopes of returning next season. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired. Watson has only played in 19 games over three seasons because of the suspension and injuries. The Browns were comfortable with his character despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Texans. While he’s in the clear with the league, Watson’s future with Cleveland isn’t so certain. His massive contract — and its salary-cap ramifications — has put the Browns in a bind in terms of trying to improve their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago and could move on from Watson, but the cost would be exorbitant if the team just releases him. The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson’s backup. Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter since taking over, and he’s put some life into Cleveland’s offense, which didn’t score 20 points or gain 300 yards with Watson before his injury. Watson’s 2023 season was ended by a broken bone in his shoulder, requiring surgery. Winston has indicated he would come back, and he could be a viable option as a starter even if the Browns draft a young QB.There's only ONE likeness Trump wants to build monuments to & that is of himself He doesn't care... David MoyeBlame it on the food and drink?KORE Announces NYSE Acceptance of Plan to Regain Listing Compliance
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WASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning re-election despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. People are also reading... FILE - Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023, at an office of the Department of Justice in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) J. Scott Applewhite “I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” The judge in the election case granted prosecutors' dismissal request. A decision in the documents case was still pending on Monday afternoon. The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters' own verdict. In court filings, Smith's team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump's incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters' violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) Brandon Bell But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In dismissing the case, Chutkan acknowledged prosecutors' request to do so “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump when his term is over. She wrote that is “consistent with the Government’s understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office.” But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One them, a New York case involving hush money payments, resulted in a conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump's lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict." Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already was on hold after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Michael Sisak and Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this story. ___ Special Counsel Jack Smith plans to step down before Trump’s inauguration, according to The New York Times. Straight Arrow News 12 political cartoons size up Donald Trump's Cabinet picks Here are the people Trump has picked for key positions so far President-elect Donald Trump Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Wilfredo Lee, Associated Press Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. George Walker IV, Associated Press Pam Bondi, Attorney General Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Derik Hamilton Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. Matt Rourke, Associated Press Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. AP Photo/Alex Brandon Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Matt Kelley, Associated Press Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Andrew Harnik, Associated Press Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Andrew Harnik, Associated Press Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. Andy Cross, The Denver Post via AP Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Evan Vucci Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. John Bazemore, Associated Press Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press Tulsi Gabbard, National Intelligence Director Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Evan Vucci, Associated Press John Ratcliffe, Central Intelligence Agency Director Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Matt Rourke, Associated Press Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Jonathan Newton - pool, ASSOCIATED PRESS Elise Stefanik, Ambassador to the United Nations Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press Matt Whitaker, Ambassador to NATO President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Andrew Harnik, Associated Press Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Oded Balilty, Associated Press Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Ted Shaffrey, Associated Press Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Tom Homan, ‘Border Czar’ Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. John Bazemore, Associated Press Dr. Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Matt Rourke, Associated Press Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to advise White House on government efficiency Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Evan Vucci, Associated Press photos Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Evan Vucci, Associated Press Additional selections to the incoming White House Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys
Published 3:59 pm Monday, November 25, 2024 By Sabrina Simms Robertson NATCHEZ — Fourth-grade students at McLaurin Elementary and fifth-grade students at Morgantown Elementary are the first to participate in a new pilot program that reinforces anti-bullying messages with animal helpers. This pilot program called “No More Bullying!” is conducted by a collaboration between the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Hoofbeats and Pawprints Rescue, a nonprofit agency that receives pets from shelters and individual rescuers and cares for the animals at its shelter in Adams County until placement opportunities are found, either by local adoption or by relocation to no-kill adoption centers in other areas of the nation. Each year HPR helps with the placement of more than 1,800 homeless pets. “We know that we can transport unwanted pets until we run out of gas, but it’s not going to do any good until we educate people,” said Jay Fitch, Ph.D., who is one of the directors of HPR and a Special Deputy Sheriff of ACSO. “What the data teaches us is that children who abuse animals tend to have issues later in life. What we want to try to do is educate folks early on.” Fitch is an instructor in this program assisted by retired teacher Dana Dent and Morgantown Elementary alumni Kati Poole, who now works at HPR. No More Bullying! is a social-emotional learning program designed to reduce bullying, prevent violence, and teach compassion for animals and people. The program is being taught in 22 schools in the Kansas City area, but this its first time being offered in any school in Mississippi, Fitch said in a presentation to the Natchez Adams School District Board of Trustees. Presented in 5 one-hour sessions, participants complete core value lessons along with engaging worksheets and activities. A special dog from HPR helps reinforce the lessons. The program focuses on five core values and encourages students to live by these values every day, including responsibility, compassion, being humane, self-control and integrity. Why does an animal shelter care about bullying? According to HPR President Kathy Fitch, “Hurt people hurt animals and people. One of HPRs strategic cornerstones is educating future generations about how to care for animals.” Sheriff Travis Patten, an enthusiastic supporter of the program, said “The core values taught in the No More Bullying! program can help shape students’ perspective both in school and throughout life.” He added, “National studies indicate that 63% percent of aggressive criminals are known to have abused animals during their childhood.” The star of the class is Ms. MableLee, a trained dog at HPR. The program teaches students that dogs are good for protection and for companionship. Students who are afraid of dogs may have the misconception that all dogs of a certain breed, like a Pitbull mix, are dangerous. However, they see for themselves how calm and gentle the dogs can be and start to think differently about the animals. Each child involved in the lesson with MableLee has a permission slip signed by a parent, allowing their child to be in the room with her for the lesson. According to Morgantown Principal Dr. Toni Martin, “Social-emotional learning is the process through which children can learn improved attitudes about self, others and schools. Our hope is that the innovative approach HPR is using to teach these important values and skills will benefit students throughout the school system.”Commanders place kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Kate Cassidy, the partner of late Liam Payne , has shared a heartfelt post about experiencing grief at Christmas. It comes two months on from the news that Liam had died, aged 31. Kate, whom Liam had been dating since 2022, shared the post on her Instagram Story on Tuesday night, reports the Mirror . The post included a few lines about the holiday season , reminding her followers that it can involve "sadness and grief". The post read: "As the holidays are here, I realise it is a time for happiness and joy, but it is also a time of sadness and grief for so many. Be gentle with those around you this time of year, as the holidays can feel different for everyone." It continued: "Sending all my love to those carrying grief this holiday. I hope the seasons bring you comfort and peace." The post that was shared by Kate concluded: "Wishing everyone a love-filled and healthy holiday season this year." Kate appeared to unveil a tattoo tribute to Liam just days ago, which featured a pair of angel wings. She has made references to angels since his death, and has mentioned the number 444, which is described as the "angel number". Kate paid tribute to Liam just days after his death in October. She wrote at the time: "Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private. Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam." She later told fans that Liam had planned to propose to her within the next year. As previously reported, she wrote in a post on social media: "Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into. [...] You had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I've lost the best part of myself. I can't imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life." Kate added: "A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together. I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said 'Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444.' Liam , I know we'll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You'll always be with me. I've gained a guardian angel." Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile , select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .Don’t fiddle with rights of Dalits, Gujjars, Paharis: Tarun Chugh to CM
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Tuesday after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could roil the global economy were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to top the all-time high it set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, or 0.3%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% as Microsoft and Big Tech led the way. Stock markets abroad mostly fell after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office. But the movements were mostly modest. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada’s main index edged down by less than 0.1%. Trump has often praised the use of tariffs , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. The consequences otherwise for markets and the global economy could be painful. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. And unlike tariffs in Trump’s first term, his latest proposal would affect products across the board. General Motors sank 9%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.3%. The value of the Mexican peso fell 1.8% against the U.S. dollar. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support for the job market . While lower interest rates can boost the economy, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed’s last meeting earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to minutes of the meeting released Tuesday afternoon. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another mixed set of profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates imposed by the Fed to get inflation under control. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Kohl’s tumbled 17% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. Best Buy fell 4.9% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. Still, more stocks rose in the S&P 500 than fell. J.M. Smucker had one of the biggest gains and climbed 5.7% after topping analysts’ expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 3.2% for Amazon and 2.2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 34.26 points to 6,021.63. The Dow gained 123.74 to 44,860.31, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 119.46 to 19,174.30. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.29% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after topping $99,000 for the first time late last week. It’s since dipped back toward $91,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the bonanza that initially took over the crypto market following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.NEW YORK , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global recreational boats market size is estimated to grow by USD 6.28 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.97% during the forecast period. Increasing customer engagement in recreational boating activities is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing population of high-net-worth individuals. However, high total cost of ownership for recreational boats poses a challenge.Key market players include A. H. Wadia Boat Builders, Azimut Benetti SpA, Baja Marine , Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH, Brunswick Corp., Christensen Shipyards LLC, Damen Shipyards Group, Feadship Holland BV, Grady White Boats Inc., Great American Marine, Groupe Beneteau, Halevai Power, Jettec Jet Boats Ltd., Malibu Boats Inc., Marine Products Corp., MasterCraft Boat Holdings Inc., Nobiskrug Yachts GmbH, Shandong Heavy Industry Group Co. Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Recreational Boats Market is experiencing in demand due to pent-up demand and increasing confidence levels among consumers. Travel restrictions are easing, leading to an uptick in boat sales. Boat options cater to various preferences and budgets, including pontoons, cruises, water sports boats, and personal watercraft. Used boat sales are also on the rise due to cost savings. Boat manufacturers and dealerships are focusing on larger cruises, local tourism, recreational fishing, and sustainable development. Emission norms are a key consideration, with boat engine manufacturers addressing Nitrogen Oxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Untapped markets and online boat sales are also driving growth. Cost savings and e-commerce giants are impacting production schedules and trade barriers, including import duties and luxury goods. The yacht segment and leisure boating continue to be popular, with luxury features, outboards, speed, and cost-effectiveness driving demand. Safety considerations and emission regulations are important, as are water bodies, tourist hotspots, and overall tourism. Sustainable development, economy, and production schedules are industry dynamics shaping the recreational industry. Leisure activities, tourism activities, personal ships, watercraft sales, rental services, river cruises, and small and large cruises are all part of the market landscape. Battery prices and environmental impact are also key considerations. Organizations are focusing on navigable waters, water sports demand, international tourists, and tourism operators. Sailboats, motorboats, yachts, fishing boats, and cruising boats come in various sizes and engine types, including electric drives and diesel engines. Sports fishing and transportation are also popular uses for recreational boats. The recreational boats market caters primarily to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), who represent a small fraction of the global population but hold significant wealth. According to the World Bank, HNWIs make up less than 1% of the world's population, yet they control over 40% of its total wealth. This demographic has a growing affinity for leisure activities, including recreational boating. Initially concentrated in the Western world, HNWIs are now found in various regions globally. The expanding population of HNWIs drives demand for luxury boats, thereby fueling market growth. Leisure boating has emerged as a popular recreational activity among this demographic, contributing to the market's expansion. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The Recreational Boats Market is experiencing in demand due to pent-up demand and increasing confidence levels among consumers. However, travel restrictions and various boat options with different preferences, budgets, and emission norms pose challenges. Boat manufacturers and dealerships are offering a range of boats, from pontoons and cruises to water sports boats and personal watercraft. Used boat sales are also gaining popularity due to cost savings. The yacht segment and luxury features in larger cruises continue to attract luxury goods buyers. Leisure boating and cruising are on the rise, with cost-effectiveness, maintenance costs, versatility, and functionality being key considerations. Safety considerations and emission regulations are crucial factors, with boat engine manufacturers focusing on reducing Nitrogen Oxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Untapped markets and online boat sales are emerging trends, with e-commerce giants entering the scene. Trade barriers, import duties, and local tourism are influencing the industry dynamics. Recreational fishing, river cruises, and small and large cruises cater to local tourists and international tourists, respectively. Navigable waters, tourist hotspots, and overall tourism are driving the recreational industry, with sustainable development and economy playing a significant role in production schedules. Water sports and boating activities are popular leisure activities, with battery prices and organizational efforts impacting the market. Environmental impact and water sports demand are crucial considerations, with tourism operators and local authorities collaborating to ensure safety and regulations. Sailboats, motorboats, yachts, fishing boats, and cruising boats cater to various boat size, engine type, and electric drive preferences. The recreational boat market has seen a significant increase in average retail prices since 2006, with an approximate annual growth rate of 5%. This trend has led to higher costs for boat buyers, affecting both the initial investment and ongoing expenses. Some of the additional costs include slip rental, insurance, maintenance, cleaning, and a state boating license. Considering these expenses, the total cost of owning a recreational boat is substantial. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This recreational boats market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Sailboats 1.2 Personal watercrafts (PWC) 1.3 Inflatables 2.1 Outboards 2.2 Inboard 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Sailboats- The recreational boats market is experiencing growth due to the rise in recreational tourism and increasing sailing activities. Europe , specifically, is a significant region for yachts, with popular destinations like Greece , Spain , France , and Italy attracting thousands of tourists, particularly high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), for business events and meetings. The global tourism industry's growth, with Southeast Asia leading the way, is fueling the demand for sailboats. Countries such as China and India contribute significantly to this trend, spending more on foreign tourism than domestic. Sailing races, including the America's Cup and Asian Sailing Championships, further boost market growth. Parasailing, a popular water sport, adds to the market's expansion in various coastal areas. China , particularly Hangzhou , is emerging as a leader in water sports, increasing tourism and recreational activities. These factors collectively drive the growth of the sailboats segment in the global recreational boats market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Recreational Boats Market is experiencing in demand due to pent-up travel desires and increasing confidence levels as restrictions ease. Boat options cater to various preferences, budgets, and water bodies, including pontoons, sailboats, and motorboats. Tourist hotspots and overall tourism industry dynamics continue to influence market growth. Sustainable development and environmental impact are key considerations, with organizations advocating for eco-friendly practices and technologies. Economy plays a significant role in production schedules and consumer purchasing power. Battery prices and water sports demand are also factors shaping the market. International tourists and tourism operators are major consumers, with navigable waters offering diverse opportunities for leisure activities. Industry dynamics remain influenced by trends, regulations, and technological advancements. Market Research Overview The Recreational Boats Market is experiencing in demand due to pent-up demand and rising confidence levels as travel restrictions ease. Boat options cater to various preferences and budgets, including pontoons, cruises, water sports boats, and personal watercraft. Used boat sales are also on the rise due to cost savings. Larger cruises and luxury yacht segment are gaining popularity in overall tourism, particularly in tourist hotspots. However, emission norms are a significant consideration, with boat engine manufacturers focusing on reducing Nitrogen Oxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Untapped markets, online boat sales, and e-commerce giants are disrupting traditional boat manufacturers and dealerships. Industry dynamics are influenced by production schedules, sustainability, and economic factors. Leisure activities, including boating and fishing, are essential components of the recreational industry. Navigable waters, such as rivers and lakes, offer diverse opportunities for recreational boating, water sports, and tourism activities. Safety considerations, emission regulations, and maintenance costs are essential factors for consumers. Water bodies and local authorities collaborate with tourism businesses to promote sustainable development and economic growth. Overall, the recreational boating market is a significant contributor to the economy and offers versatility, functionality, and cost-effectiveness for various leisure activities. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Sailboats Personal Watercrafts (PWC) Inflatables Product Type Outboards Inboard Geography North America Europe APAC South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
Rescuers reassess safety in search for woman they think fell into a Pennsylvania sinkholeMeta to build $10 billion AI data center in Louisiana as Elon Musk expands his Tennessee AI facility
Iowa Quarterback Cade McNamara Shuts Down 'Rumors'Danville is next up for the undefeated Tigers
El Salvador Congress votes to end ban on metal miningEl Salvador's Congress on Monday approved a bill promoted by President Nayib Bukele to roll back a ban on the mining of gold and other metals, dismaying environmentalists. The small Central American nation became the world's first country to outlaw metal mining in 2017, warning of the harmful effects of the chemicals used, like cyanide and mercury. The move by Bukele's predecessor, former left-wing rebel Salvador Sanchez Ceren, reflected a growing rejection of mining by rural communities in the region. But last month, Bukele, who is popular at home for his crackdown on street gangs, signaled that he wanted to change course. The bill to bring back metal mining was approved by 57 deputies out of a total of 60, said Ernesto Castro, head of the legislature -- which is dominated by the ruling party -- as environmental campaigners protested nearby. Critics fear that mining will pollute the Lempa River, which runs through a potential mining zone proposed by Bukele and supplies water to 70 percent of the inhabitants of the capital and surrounding areas. "This wretched mining will punish the people, it will contaminate our waters and rivers and that's an attack on life," activist Vidalina Morales told reporters. Bukele said last month that El Salvador, a country of 6.6 million people, had "potentially" the largest gold deposits per square kilometer in the world. "God placed a gigantic treasure underneath our feet," he wrote on social media, arguing that the mining ban was "absurd." "If we make responsible use of our natural resources, we can change the economy of El Salvador overnight," he said. The new law stipulates that the state will be the only entity authorized to search for, extract and process mined metals. However, the government may do so through companies in which it is a shareholder. The bill prohibits the use of mercury in mining operations, which may not be carried out in protected natural areas or places with important water sources. A survey by Central American University published on Monday revealed that 59 percent of respondents do not consider El Salvador "an appropriate country for metal mining." Since El Salvador dollarized its remittances-reliant economy in 2001, it has registered average annual growth of 2.1 percent. Twenty-seven percent of Salvadorans live in poverty, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and 70 percent of the workforce operates in the informal sector. Elsewhere in the region, Costa Rica and Honduras have banned open-pit mining, and Panama declared a moratorium on new mining concessions last year after mass protests over plans for a huge copper mine. ob/fj/dr/jgc
Houston Astros welcome 1B Christian Walker to team; say negotiations with Bregman stalledCerro Gordo County Sheriff Kevin Pals, who is retiring Dec. 31 after more than 45 years in law enforcement, first became involved in that career field as a teen. When he was a senior at Clear Lake High School, the town’s police department started a reserve program. Pals said that sparked his interest, and he joined the Clear Lake Police Department as a dispatcher in August 1978, just a few months after high school graduation. “I was hooked,” he said. “I’ve always just loved law enforcement. I’ve never regretted going into law enforcement. I have always liked my job everywhere I’ve worked. I haven’t always had all good days, but I’m not sure anyone does.” Pals worked for the Clear Lake Police Department until January 1980, when the Winona County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota hired him. He initially served as a dispatcher and then worked in the jail. After Pals and his wife, Julie, had their first child, they decided they wanted to move back to North Iowa. The Mason City Police Department hired him in the summer of 1982, where he remained until he was elected as Cerro Gordo County Sheriff in November 2000. Since then, Pals has been re-elected five times. He ran unopposed in each election except for the one in 2000. It has been an honor to the chosen by the public so many times to serve them, according to Pals. “I have never taken that for granted,” he said. Pals, 64, decided not to run for a sixth term. He wants to retire now rather than waiting another four years. He said his interactions with people and helping the public are what he will miss the most. “Initially when you are younger you get into it (law enforcement) for the action part of the job, but when you are in the job you realize that action is very, very, small part of it,” Pals said. “Most of it is just dealing with people. Once you learn to communicate with people, you can do great things.” The technology used in law enforcement has changed dramatically, according to Pals. When he was a dispatcher in the late 1970s and early 1980s and needed to do a license plate check, he would run a strip of computer tape, feed it back in and transfer it to Des Moines. He said this took a lot of time and sometimes the tape would break, causing even more delays. “Now we have computers in our patrol cars and have apps on our work cellphones that make our jobs better, safer and better for the community,” Pals said. One of the highlights of Pals’ career was the construction of the Cerro Gordo County Law Enforcement Center, which was made possible by the passage of a bond issue in 2005. The center houses a much-needed larger jail than the one that was located in the courthouse. The facility also includes office space for the sheriff’s department and a joint dispatch center with Mason City. “That was a lot of work, but it was worth every minute that we put into it,” Pals said. One of his favorite jobs in law enforcement was being a K-9 handler when he was with the Mason City Police Department. The dog, Rommel, was only a year and a half old when Pals got him and began training with him. Pals’ oldest son was about the same age at the time. Rommel was more than just a work partner, according to Pals. “He became a family dog to us.” Pals also enjoyed being the DARE officer from 1991 to 1996. He said it was a great opportunity to interact with youths and the school system. Pals said local officers “have helped lot of good people in some pretty bad times in their life.” However, “you always think of the cases that were never solved.” When he was still with the Mason City Police Department, Pals was involved with the investigation into the Gerald Best homicide case. Best, 50, was found stabbed to death on Dec. 30, 1999, in his apartment. The case remains unresolved to this day, which haunts Pals. Now that the state of Iowa has launched a cold case unit, he hopes Best’s killer can be identified. “It would give some closure to the family,” Pals said. Cerro Gordo County Chief Deputy Dave Hepperly was elected in November to succeed Pals as sheriff. Pals hired Hepperly, who was formerly with the Mason City Police Department, 23 years ago. Between the two agencies, Pals and Hepperly have worked together for 40 years. This has made the transition in leadership of the sheriff’s office easier, according to Pals. Hepperly said Pals is “just a good guy. He cares about people. He’s cared about his employees. It’s not always easy being the sheriff and being the last word on things, but he’s always tried to do it fairly.” Pals has always been active in the community, according to Hepperly. “He quickly endeared himself to a lot of people, not only in Mason City but all of North Iowa,” he said. Pals is not the only longtime member of the sheriff’s office retiring this month. Office manager Joleen Vanous, who was worked in the administrative department for 32 years, is also leaving Dec. 31. Deputy Cam Manson, who has been with Cerro Gordo County for 15 years and spent 10 years with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office before that, signed off from his final shift at 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Pals said one of the things he is looking forward to the most about retirement is not having to set his alarm clock anymore except for Saturday evenings so he can get to church on Sunday morning. He plans to volunteer in the community, and there’s always plenty to do at the acreage north of Clear Lake where he lives. Kevin and Julie Pals have two sons. Todd Pals lives in Mason City and Adam Pals lives in Arizona. The couple have five grandchildren, including three in Arizona, and they are looking forward to being able to see them more often. Arizona is a great place to visit, according to Pals. However, he and his wife, who is originally from Forest City, have no plans to move there. “I love North Iowa,” he said. “We aren’t going anywhere.” Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and RussiaJERUSALEM — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. Israel's army later told The Associated Press it wasn't aware that the WHO chief or delegation were at the location in Yemen. People are also reading... Smoke rises Thursday from the area around the International Airport after an airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said in a statement it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, claiming they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military added it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The strikes, carried out more than 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad's regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths and showed broken windows, collapsed ceilings and a bloodstained floor and vehicle. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also targeted the Houthis in recent days. The U.N. says the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones were shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that it condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them weapons. Relatives and friends mourn over the bodies of five Palestinian journalists Thursday who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City at the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Journalists killed in Gaza Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists worked for local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel's military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accuses six of its Gaza reporters of being militants. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Mourners cry Thursday while they take the last look at the body of a relative, one of eight Palestinians killed, during their funeral in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. Israeli soldier killed Separately, Israel's military said a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities are women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. The offensive caused widespread destruction and hunger and drove around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
This year, a captivating series of robot-themed Christmas videos has taken the internet by storm. These robots don’t just assist; they immerse themselves in the celebration, from sneakily decorating in the dead of night to sharing the holiday joy, almost as if they’ve caught the Christmas spirit. Historically, our imaginations have stretched toward the future, from the visionary tales of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells to the dynamic energy of early 20th-century Futurism. Humans have always spun narratives around now-realized inventions like submarines and airplanes. Today, we’re on the brink of a new age where robots might soon share in our deepest cultural moments, starting with Christmas. These seven videos demonstrate that robots might just be catching on to what Christmas is all about. Teamwork tops the tree In a charming holiday video by Boston Dynamics, Spot the Robot Dog encounters a festive challenge. He has to place a ribbon on top of a tall Christmas tree. Initially puzzled, Spot quickly strategizes and enlists two other Spot robots for the mission. With teamwork and creativity, the two assistants bend down, creating a robot pyramid, allowing the lead Spot to successfully climb their backs to adorn the tree with the ribbon. The mission ends with a lighthearted twist as the robots comically tumble, evoking laughter. All of this happened under the precise guidance of professional teleoperators. Husky and friends deliver winter cheer This heartwarming video from Clearpath Robotics introduces us to a snowy Christmas adventure. Dressed as elves, the small and round TurtleBot 4s take on the role of loading a sleigh. The sleigh, driven by the robust Husky A300 , ventures across an icy terrain to deliver gifts. With a cute little festive hat, the Husky delivers the packages to its friend, the Ridgeback robot. Ridgeback, a highly flexible robotic arm, joyfully receives the gifts. Introverted spot finds joy in festive company FZI Living Lab brings a touching holiday tale featuring a shy Spot robot at a bustling Christmas party. Surrounded by several robotic attendees, including Nao humanoids , Anybotics Anymal D, Husky, UR-10, Lauron 6, and the Franka Emika Panda arm, this gathering is no ordinary affair. While food and drinks are served for humans, oil and power banks are what the robot guests come for. In this noisy party, the introverted Spot is overwhelmed and seeks a lonely little corner. The turning point comes when the Nao humanoid chef notices Spot’s discomfort and invites it to the celebration. This simple act of kindness transforms the atmosphere as Spot and all the robots come together in a heartfelt celebration of festive joy. Bots magically awaken on a silent Christmas night On a silent Christmas Eve at the Poznan University of Technology, the robots awaken for a secret holiday mission. An Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) maneuvers through corridors to get a Christmas tree for its articulated robot colleague. Together, they go on a festive decorating spree. The AMR rotates with the tree on top while the robotic arm holds the Christmas lights, wrapping the tree with sparkling lights. The articulated arm hangs stars and even whimsical touches to the tree. At the end of this video, a Tiago Pro humanoid robot gracefully slides small gift boxes under the tree. This video beautifully shows the robots working harmoniously to spread Christmas cheer in the quiet night hours. A robotic duo’s festive mission In a special Christmas showcase by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), we meet Charlie, a four-legged robot dressed as Santa, and Coyote III, a micro-rover acting as a reindeer. Together, they set about to collect gifts for the Christmas tree from the DFKI staff and their fellow robotic companions. As they travel through the lab, they interact with other innovative robots , each displaying unique capabilities and contributions to the festive spirit. Santa Atlas backflipping into Christmas In this 30-second video, Boston Dynamics treats us to a stunning display of robotic agility with Atlas, dressed as Santa Claus, performing a backflip. Too bad for those who thought replacing hydraulics with electric actuators meant it couldn’t do acrobatics anymore. It is safe to say that Atlas is the most high-tech Santa on the block for now. Comments observed that it was reminiscent of Futurama’s notorious evil robot Santa. A robot’s gentle touch to Christmas decor Artiminds Robotics presents a tranquil Christmas scene in their annual holiday video. With precision and grace, an articulated arm robot delicately decorates a Christmas tree beside a warm fireplace. Each movement is careful and laser-precise, from lifting delicate bulbs to wrapping a strand of LED lights around the tree without a tangle. Accompanied by soothing piano music, this video creates a serene holiday atmosphere and demonstrates automated precision in a festive setting. How stories help us navigate the future of tech Just as our ancestors used stories and art to foreshadow technologies that have become integral to our existence, we continue to envision the future through our current innovations. From the vast possibilities of VR/AR for immersive experiences, as seen in films like “Ready Player One,” to the questions of AI and human interaction portrayed in “Her” and “Ex Machina,” our cultural narratives are rich with speculation. Even as movies like “ The Martian ” and “ Interstellar ” probe the limits of human endeavor in space, others like “Don’t Look Up” and “The Day After Tomorrow” warn of the environmental costs of unchecked progress. Through these stories, we explore, anticipate, and even caution against certain futures. Like the playful yet eerily capable robots in our Christmas videos, these stories help us imagine and prepare for a future where technology expands the horizons of what it means to be human.Oregon State on the verge of bowling, best win of the season? 8 takeaways from the Beavers win over Washington State
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Galle district MP Gayantha Karunathilaka has been named the Chief Opposition Whip, following a meeting of the SJB Parliamentary group held yesterday evening. Karunathilaka, a veteran Parliamentarian has previously served as Chief Opposition Whip in January 2020 as well while representing the United National Party (UNP). From 2015 to 2019, he held the position of Chief Government Whip in the UNP-led Good Governance administration. During the same period, Karunathilaka served as Mass Media Minister and acted as the Cabinet Media Spokesperson. During his political career lasting 24 years he has also held other notable roles, including Lands and Parliamentary Affairs Cabinet Minister.
Romanian politicians have voted in favour of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.Firefighters are continuing to battle a fast-moving brush fire that erupted in Malibu, California, earlier this week, prompting thousands of residents to flee their homes, including local celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke, Gary Busey, and Cher. On Tuesday, the award-winning “Mary Poppins” star released a statement online, confirming that he and his wife, Arlene, had safely evacuated their home, taking all but one of their animals with them. Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, said the couple’s beloved cat, Bobo, managed to escape while they were leaving. Cher’s publicist, Liz Rosenberg, told the Associated Press that the singer fled her Malibu home and had checked into a hotel. The Epoch Times reached out to Rosenberg for further comment. However, another famous Malibu resident, Mark Hamill, told his social media followers that he was sheltering in place. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning earlier in the day for “dangerous fire weather conditions” across portions of Southern California, citing strong Santa Ana winds and very low humidity. Mandatory evacuations were subsequently issued for Serra Retreat, a gated community in Malibu, and later extended to the surrounding area, affecting about 12,600 residents. During a news conference held Tuesday evening, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the entire area remains under threat. “As long as the current red flag conditions persist, strong winds and low humidities will continue to challenge firefighters on the line and in the air as they struggle to contain the stubborn fire,” Marrone noted. As of Wednesday afternoon, the brush fire had burned more than 4,000 acres and was 7 percent contained. The official cause of the Franklin fire, which comes six years after the historic Woolsey Fire devastated the same region, is still under investigation. Public schools in the area will remain closed throughout the week. Pepperdine University, a private Christian university located in Malibu, also announced class cancellations and the postponement of semester finals due to the fire. The following day, Pepperdine said power had been restored to its Malibu campus. “We will do everything in our power to continue to support them in the days ahead,” Gash said. “As we emerge from this challenge, we will remain rooted in faith, leaning on one another, and serving our Malibu community together with God’s help.”
(WASHINGTON) — The House Ethics Committee on Monday accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress, as lawmakers released the conclusions of a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz, now 42, took part in from 2017 to 2020 while representing Florida's western panhandle. Congressional investigators concluded that Gaetz violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office, though not federal sex trafficking laws. They also found that Gaetz “knowingly and willfully sought to impede and obstruct” the committee's work. “The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report states. Ahead of the report’s release Gaetz denied any wrongdoing and criticized the committee's process. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” he posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Gaetz, a Republican first elected in 2017, spent the majority of his time in Washington that ultimately derailed his nomination by President-elect Donald Trump as attorney general. His political future is uncertain, although Gaetz has indicated he would be interested in running for the open Senate seat in Florida. Lawmakers paint a damning portrait of Gaetz's conduct, using dozens of pages of exhibits, including text messages and financial records, travel receipts, checks and online payments, to document a party- and drug-fueled lifestyle. The committee said it compiled the evidence after issuing 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony and contacting more than two dozen witnesses. In addition to soliciting prostitution, the Ethics Committee report states that Gaetz “accepted gifts, including transportation and lodging in connection with a 2018 trip to the Bahamas, in excess of permissible amounts.” That same year, investigators say Gaetz arranged for his chief of staff to obtain a passport for a woman he was sexually involved with, falsely telling the State Department that she was his constituent. In some of the text exchanges, Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. At one point he asks one woman if she has a “cute black dress” to wear. There are also discussions of shipping goods. One of the exhibits is a text exchange that appears to be between two of the women concerned about their cash flow and payments. In another, a person asks Gaetz for help to pay an educational expense. Regarding the 17-year-old girl, the report states there’s no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn’t tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he didn’t know how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. But Florida law, which states it is a felony for a person 24 or older to have sex with a minor, does not allow a claim of ignorance or misrepresentation of a minor's age as a defense. Joel Leppard, who represents two women who told the committee that Gaetz paid them for sex, said the findings “vindicate” the accounts of his clients and “demonstrate their credibility.” “We appreciate the Committee’s commitment to transparency in releasing this comprehensive report so the truth can be known,” Leppard said in a statement. At least one Republican joined all five Democrats on the Ethics Committee earlier this month in voting to release the report about their former colleague despite initial opposition from GOP lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, to publishing findings about a former member of Congress. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. On behalf of the Republicans who voted against releasing the report, Rep. Michael Guest of Mississippi, Ethics chairman, wrote that while the members do not challenge the report's findings, “we take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards,” to drop any investigation when a person is not longer a member of the chamber. “We believe that operating outside the jurisdictional bounds set forth by House Rules and Committee standards, especially when making public disclosures, is a dangerous departure with potentially catastrophic consequences,” Guest wrote. Mounting a last-ditch effort to halt the publication of the report, Gaetz Monday asking a court to intervene, citing what he called “untruthful and defamatory information” that would “significantly damage” his “standing and reputation in the community.” Gaetz’s complaint argues he’s no longer under the committee’s jurisdiction since he resigned from Congress. “The Committee’s position that it may nonetheless publish potentially defamatory findings about a private citizen over whom it claims no jurisdiction represents an unprecedented expansion of Congressional power that threatens fundamental constitutional rights and established procedural protections,” Gaetz’s lawyers wrote in their request for a temporary restraining order. The often secretive, bipartisan panel has investigated claims against Gaetz since 2021. But its work became more urgent last month when Trump picked him shortly after Election Day as his first choice to be the nation's top law enforcement officer. Gaetz resigned from Congress that same day, putting him outside the purview of the Ethics Committee's jurisdiction. But Democrats had pressed to make the report public even after Gaetz was no longer a member and had to lead the Justice Department. A vote on the House floor this month to force the report’s release failed; all but one Republican voted against it. The committee detailed its start-and-stop investigation over the past several years, which was halted for a time as the Justice Department conducted its own probe of Gaetz. Federal prosecutors never brought a case against him. Lawmakers said they asked the Justice Department for information about its probe, but the agency refused to hand over information, saying it doesn’t disclose information about investigations that don’t result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department for records, but after a back-and-forth between Justice Department officials and the committee, the department only handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the report. “To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses,” the committee said. In releasing the report, the panel added that Gaetz was also “uncooperative" throughout the probe. He provided “minimal documentation” in response to the committee’s requests, it said. “He also did not agree to a voluntary interview.” ___ Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.
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NoneAtlanta Estate Planning Attorney Trace Brooks Explains the Benefits and Drawbacks of Special Needs Trusts in GeorgiaAutos of Dallas now offers valuable, time-saving research on the pre-owned Mercedes-Benz GLC series – a market-leading, luxurious, small SUV. DALLAS , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Autos of Dallas , a trusted name in pre-owned luxury vehicles, is excited to unveil its latest research on the used Mercedes-Benz GLC for sale near Dallas . This sophisticated SUV series blends performance, style, and technology, making it a favorite among luxury enthusiasts. "We're excited to share our research on used Mercedes-Benz GLC SUVs near Dallas . We found great deals on this popular luxury SUV, letting buyers get a premium vehicle at a lower price. This research helps our customers buy with confidence." —Autos of Dallas -Explore the Elegance of the Mercedes GLC Series The Mercedes GLC lineup offers unparalleled versatility, appealing to families, professionals, and adventurers alike. Its refined exterior features bold grille designs, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted silhouette that exudes modern luxury. Inside, the Mercedes GLC 300 raises the bar for comfort with premium materials, advanced infotainment, and an intuitive touchpad controller. The series also includes the sporty Mercedes GLC Coupe , which pairs aerodynamic design with coupe-like aesthetics for an extra touch of sophistication. Additionally, Autos of Dallas highlights the popular Mercedes GLC 300 Coupe for sale in their inventory. It offers drivers a thrilling mix of turbocharged power and dynamic handling, perfect for Dallas roads and highways. -Affordability Meets Luxury with a Used Mercedes-Benz GLC Buying pre-owned offers a smart, cost-effective way to experience the luxury of a Mercedes SUV. Autos of Dallas ensures their inventory of Mercedes GLC for sale meets high standards for quality and reliability. Starting at a fraction of the price of new models, these pre-owned vehicles provide exceptional value. Each model also undergoes rigorous inspections to ensure it delivers top performance. The dealership's extensive selection means you're sure to find the ideal Mercedes GLC near Dallas for your needs. -Shop Luxury with Confidence at Autos of Dallas Whether you're looking for a Mercedes GLC Coupe or the family-friendly GLC 300, Autos of Dallas has options to suit your lifestyle. Visit their current inventory or learn more about the GLC's standout features in a detailed blog entry. To discover why the used Mercedes-Benz GLC for sale near Dallas is a standout choice, visit Autos of Dallas today. Their knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the luxury SUV that fits your needs and budget. - About Autos of Dallas Autos of Dallas is a renowned pre-owned luxury dealership in Dallas, Texas , committed to delivering top-quality vehicles and exceptional customer service. With a passion for excellence and an extensive selection of luxury brands, we strive to provide an unparalleled automotive experience. Trust Autos of Dallas to fulfill your automotive desires. Luxury vehicle owners looking for high-quality pre-owned vehicles are welcome to visit Autos of Dallas . The dealership has a large selection of many kinds of luxury makes and models. Interested parties can contact the dealership by dialing 972-484-9200 for further information. SOURCE Autos of Dallas
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2 Iowa State University professors named National Academy of Inventors fellowsPregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes may produce breast milk with unique properties that could positively influence infant growth and development, according to a new study. The research, published in JAMA Network Open on Thursday, suggests that breast milk from mothers with gestational diabetes contains distinct metabolites found in higher concentrations that correlate with infant growth patterns, including potential effects on body composition and length. The mothers, aged between 21 and 45 years at the time of delivery, had a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 45. All participants had healthy pregnancies, delivered full-term infants, intended to breastfeed for three or more months, and had adequate social support. Among the participants, 53 mothers with an average age of 34 years were diagnosed with GD, while the non-GD group averaged 30.7 years. Milk samples were collected from the mothers one month after giving birth, and researchers measured various infant growth metrics, including the baby’s weight relative to length and overall body composition. The study found that mothers with GD experienced notable changes in nine out of 458 metabolites tested in their milk. Specifically, three metabolites—2-hydroxybutyric acid, stearoylcarnitine, and phenylacetic acid—were linked to growth in babies. 2-Hydroxybutyric acid, which is significantly more prevalent in the breast milk of women with GD, was linked with no change in body fat in babies within the first three months. Stearoylcarnitine, which is reduced in the breast milk of mothers with GD, was linked to rapid weight gain in babies. Furthermore, phenylacetic acid, which was also reduced in the breast milk of mothers with GD, was linked to a child’s change in length as they age. “A baby can die in utero due to uncontrolled gestational diabetes,” Davidov noted. Another risk is that the baby can become very large, a condition called fetal macrosomia, potentially leading to birth injuries during delivery, he added. Also, uncontrolled diabetes, especially earlier in pregnancy, can cause congenital anomalies, chiefly heart disease linked to heart defects, Davidov said. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is another risk to babies born to mothers with GD. It is unknown how an infant’s body processes these metabolites and whether metabolite levels are causally linked to the observed patterns of growth and body composition, the researchers wrote. They added that as this study only “identified candidate metabolites potentially involved in the relationship between GD and infant growth, further work is needed to better understand their role in infant health.”Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
ORLANDO, Fla. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 AIUM Annual Convention , hosted by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), will explore the cutting edge of medical technology through keynote presentations on space exploration, medical innovation, and neurotherapeutics. Taking place from March 29 to April 1 in Orlando, Florida , the 2025 Ultrasound Event will showcase groundbreaking developments in ultrasound technology and its expanding role in space medicine and advancements in brain health, like treating addiction, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. "With leaders like Dr. Chiao, Dr. Dulchavsky, and Dr. Rezai guiding our keynote sessions, we are not just imagining the future of ultrasound; we are helping create it," said Richard A. Hoppmann , MD, FACP, FAIUM, President of the AIUM. "The work of our speakers reflects the commitment to progress that defines our field, and opens new avenues for improving patient care." Dr. Leroy Chiao , PhD , a former National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut and International Space Station commander, will kick off the event with his keynote presentation, "Is It SADS, or Am I in Space? Medical Considerations for Spaceflight" . Drawing on his personal experiences in space, Dr. Chiao will explore the physiological effects of space environments and the development of countermeasures and diagnostics for space missions. He will also highlight how advancements in space medicine contribute to healthcare solutions on Earth. Dr. Chiao was one of the first astronauts to use ultrasound in space. "From understanding space-related medical conditions to adapting ultrasound technologies for use in space, we continue to learn and innovate in ways that enhance healthcare for all," said Dr. Chiao. Scott Dulchavsky , MD, PhD , a NASA principal investigator and Surgeon in Chief at Henry Ford Health, will follow with his keynote, "Extraterrestrial Medical Care." Dr. Dulchavsky will explore how ultrasound has become an essential tool in diagnosing a wide range of conditions during manned space missions and how these lessons translate into groundbreaking advancements in healthcare on Earth. "Ultrasound has proven to be an invaluable tool in space medicine," said Dr. Dulchavsky. "What we have learned in space is already transforming medical care back on Earth." Ali R. Rezai , MD , Executive Chair and Director of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, will present "Focused Ultrasound: Breaking Barriers in Neurotherapeutics." Dr. Rezai will discuss the groundbreaking potential of focused ultrasound in treating neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and addiction, offering new hope through non-invasive treatments. "Focused ultrasound has the power to revolutionize how we treat neurological disorders," Dr. Rezai stated. "I look forward to sharing the advancements we are making in brain health and demonstrating how ultrasound technology is leading the way to more effective, less invasive treatments." The 2025 Ultrasound Event invites attendees to Orlando for in-depth discussions on the latest breakthroughs in medical technologies, setting the stage for the evolution of medical ultrasound. Convention topics will cover obstetric ultrasound, gynecologic ultrasound, musculoskeletal ultrasound, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), artificial intelligence (AI) in ultrasound, and many more. For registration and more information about The Ultrasound Event 2025, please visit the event's website . If you're interested in partnering with or sponsoring the event, follow this link . About the AIUM The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is a multidisciplinary medical association of more than 7,000 physicians, sonographers, radiologists, scientists, students, and other healthcare professionals. With over 70 years of experience, the AIUM is dedicated to empowering and cultivating a global multidisciplinary community engaged in the use of medical ultrasound through raising awareness, education, sharing information, and research. Learn more about the AIUM's membership , AIUM's Journal of Medical Ultrasound , AIUM Accreditation , and educational offerings . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exploring-space-and-neurotherapeutics-at-the-2025-ultrasound-event-a-journey-into-the-future-of-medical-ultrasound-302332900.html SOURCE American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)Holiday shopping for Gen Zs and Alphas can be quite the adventure! Teens and tweens are perpetually ahead of the curve with their ever-evolving tastes and interests, which makes finding the perfect present a tricky task for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, and more. To hit the mark, though, you’ll do well to consider anything that’s Taylor Swift-coded , tech gadgets that keep them connected, trendy fashion or beauty items that let them express their unique style and personality, or complex craft kits and subscription boxes that can help fuel their imagination and awaken their creative spirits. As a mom of three very young Gen Alphas, I’m always trying to figure out exactly which games, toys, and trinkets will win them over, but the tween and teen set (Gen Z’s youngest are 12 years old right now) is even more impossible to please. Best Gifts for Tweens and Teens So, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting to bring you a list of 20 gifts guaranteed to have all the 10-somethings in your life flooding you with MAJOR aura points (i.e. your coolness is essentially off the charts). Bic BODYMARK Temporary Tattoo Markers Amazon/Bic Price: $20, instead of $35 Okay, so we’re not saying that your teens should be inking up with reckless abandon, but if they want to flex some rebellion in their not-quite-an-adult-yet years, then these skin-safe markers might do the trick (I mean, remember how obsessed we all were with Milky Pen scribbles all over our arms and hands back in the early aughts?). With a variety of vibrant colors and tip types, teens 13 years old+ can draw freestyle or use the enclosed BODYMARK stencils to create eye-catching designs that showcase their unique sense of self, what they love, and what they stand for. BONNYCO Pink Cinema Light Box Amazon/BONNYCO Price: $28, instead of $40 Any gift that gives your tweenager a voice will have them heart-eyesing for days — quite literally, too, when emojis are involved. Prep it with a very special message and then put it under the tree, and come Christmas, they’ll be lit up with excitement. FlashCatch Light Up Football Amazon/FlashCatch Price: $28, instead of $35 Even though it gets dark at like 5 p.m. these days, your little baller can still keep their game in play with this glow-in-the-dark, professional-level football. They’ll need to pump it up before it’s ready to go (pump isn’t included), but the box come with a spare set of batteries and over 30 hours of run-time, so no one needs to retire too early. Stanley x Barbie Icon 30-Ounce Quencher Stanley/Mattel/Barbie Price: $50 If you’re shopping for a mini Barbie with a certifiable water bottle obsession, then you have to add to their growing collection with this best-selling hot pink Stanley Quencher. With a high-gloss “Barbie” signature in brush script and the doll’s unmistakable high-pony silhouette near the handle, this easy-to-hold sipper will be in hand everywhere they’re going. HASAKEE Q9 Drone in Blue and Green HASAKEE Price: $40, instead of $50 This drone isn’t just about flying; it’s about creating a neon light show in the sky with its vibrant green and blue LEDs. It’s super easy to use, even for beginners, and it’s built to withstand all those inevitable crashes (bound to happen if you have a boy in between the ages of 8 and 12). Trust me, this drone will keep your young adventurer entertained for hours with its cool tricks and double flight time. CrunchLabs Subscription Box CrunchLabs Price: starting from $25 per box (if paying annually for 12 months) You really can’t get a more “fire” gift than a subscription box straight from the mind of a real-life former NASA engineer. With a CrunchLabs Build Box subscription , your budding builder will get a cool new STEM project (like a disc launcher, coin spinner, or trip wire) that they can create, play with and learn from — via Mark Rober’s fun video guide. Plus, every box comes with a chance to win a Platinum Ticket to go to CrunchLabs and meet Rober himself. #Totalfankid approved. TOSY Flying Disc TOSY Price: $28, instead of $36 Some kids just cannot stay inside, and this TOSY light-up frisbee (basically) was made exclusively for them. The disc glows with bright, built-in LED lights, and it packs up to 90 minutes of air time. Your ultimate “W” in the gift-giving department might even convince your kiddo to commission a Christmas or New Year’s Eve throw challenge for the whole family... That’s the goal, right?! Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Fujifilm Price: $79 What Polaroid had on lock in the 90s and 2000s is now being finessed for a new generation in Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera . This shutterbug-satisfying snapster — available in five pretty pastel colorways — prints out high-quality, 2-inch x 3-inch INSTAX mini instant photos in approximately five seconds. But, let’s be honest, it’s the built-in “selfie” mirror on the lens that’s just the total cherry on top. Bose New SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen Portable Bluetooth Speaker Bose Price: $119, instead of $149 Looking for a no-brainer gift idea for any music-loving 10 to 19-year-old? We got you! With up to 20 hours of battery life, they can jam out all day long without missing a beat. Its portable, waterproof, and dust-proof design means they can take their tunes anywhere — whether they’re having a sleepover party with friends or chilling at the beach or the park with their crew (when it’s finally nice outside again). And before you ask, YES, they can even charge their phone from the speaker, so they’ll never have to worry about their favorite Spotlfy playlist cutting out. UGG Ultra Mini Platform UGG/Kids Foot Locker Price: $130 UGG boots are as much on the radar of our mini-mes as they are for us, so if you really want to earn yourself a “best gift giver of ALL time” superlative this season, going with a trendy pair of sheepskin slip-ons will help you do it. Featuring a unique asymmetrical design and super-cushy midsole, the fur-lined platforms — available in best-selling UGG colorways — are all they need to slay the day. Sorry, we just had... Even more gifts that hit different with this discerning crowd The Best Gift Guides of 2024 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .
City receives $446,000 Shannon Grant for safetyTech founders and Silicon Valley VCs who supported — and threw their money behind — Donald Trump are being handsomely rewarded by the President-elect. Shortly after winning the 2024 election, Trump appointed one of his biggest supporters, Elon Musk , to head up a new agency called the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Now, Trump is rewarding another wealthy tech founder for their loyalty: investor and podcaster David Sacks. "I am pleased to announce that David O. Sacks will be the 'White House A.I. & Crypto Czar,'" Trump announced in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. "In this important role, David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness." According to Trump, Sacks' role will be to "safeguard Free Speech online" and "work on a legal framework" for the cryptocurrency industry. Trump also shared that Sacks would lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. Sacks will be involved in crucial policy aspects of both a burgeoning technology in AI and a crypto industry ripe with fraud but expecting favorable treatment after throwing its support behind Trump. "Congrats to czar @DavidSacks!" OpenAI's Sam Altman posted on X shortly after the announcement from Trump. Who is David Sacks? Regular users of Musk's X , formerly Twitter, may have seen Sacks pop-up on the platform from time to time. Sacks' opinions obsessing over Russia's war with Ukraine have previously gone viral. He has often been critiqued for his seemingly pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine positions as well as fearmongering over a potential World War III. However, Sacks and Musk actually have history with each other — and a similar background. Like Musk, Sacks emigrated to the U.S. from South Africa. And in 1999, Sacks worked with Peter Thiel at PayPal, joining Musk as a member in the "PayPal Mafia," a group of early PayPal employees and founders who went on to find greater success founding their own tech startups. In 2008, Sacks co-founded Yammer, a social media platform for enterprises. Microsoft acquired Yammer in 2012 for $1.2 billion. Microsoft would go on to integrate Yammer within its Microsoft 365 products. Since then, Sacks has invested in a number of tech startups and companies. He founded a VC firm called Craft Ventures in 2017. In 2020, Sacks started the All-In podcast alongside Jason Calacanis, Chamath Palihapitiya, and David Friedberg. The podcast, where the four entrepreneurs discuss business and current events, has gained popularity in tech circles. Over time, the show has shown increasing support for right-wing politics, including hosting Trump for an interview in June and featuring Sacks broadcasting live from the Republican National Convention during the summer. Sacks, specifically, has been increasingly making a name for himself in right-wing circles, opposing prominent progressive politicians and public servants over recent years. And while Sacks previously said that Trump's role in the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol disqualified the former president from serving again, the VC quickly changed his tune and hosted a high-ticket fundraiser for Trump's campaign earlier this year. For Sacks, it appears like the pro-Trump move has paid off — barring any future falling outs with the 47th President.
Jose Raul Mulino rejects prospect of talks with Donald Trump, who threatened US could retake control of Panama Canal. The Panamanian president has rejected threats by US President-elect Donald Trump that the United States could reassert control over the Panama Canal, saying “there’s nothing to talk about.” President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday also rejected the possibility of reducing canal tolls for US vessels and denied that China had any influence over the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. “If there is an intention to talk, then there’s nothing to talk about,” Mulino said during a weekly news conference. “The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat and tears.” The president’s comments come days after Trump, who takes office next month, threatened to take back control of the Panama Canal over what he said were “ridiculous” fees being charged by the Panamanian authorities. The US exerted administrative control of the canal for decades before handing it to Panama in 1999. In a series of social media posts over the past week, Trump accused the Central American country, with whom Washington has had diplomatic relations since 1903, of “ripping off” the US on the Panama Canal. “Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Saturday. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the US. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop.” Trump also claimed that Chinese soldiers were “lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal”. That claim was rejected on Thursday by the Panamanian president, who said China has no role in the administration of the canal. “There are no Chinese soldiers in the canal for the love of God, the world is free to visit the canal,” Mulino told reporters. China does not control or administer the canal, but a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has long managed two ports located on the canal’s Caribbean and Pacific entrances. Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday named Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera as his envoy to Panama. Describing Cabrera as “a fierce fighter for America First principles”, Trump said in a social media post that he “will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!” Earlier this week, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Panama City in anger over Trump’s Panama Canal comments. The protesters chanted “Trump, animal, leave the canal alone!” and burned a picture of the incoming US president.Worksport ($WKSP) To Showcase Upcoming Innovations Live on FOX & Friends National TV
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US President-elect Donald Trump on Monday praised Japan's SoftBank for its decision to invest $100 billion in the United States and create 100,000 new jobs, a big win for his incoming administration. "This historic investment is a monumental demonstration of confidence in America's future," Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, flanked by SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son. "It will help ensure that artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and other industries of tomorrow are built, created and grown right here in the USA," added Trump, who takes office from US President Joe Biden next month. Speaking alongside Trump, Son confirmed the investment company's financial commitment, adding that Trump's victory had "tremendously increased" his confidence in the US economy. "I am truly excited to make this happen," added Son, 67. Son's announcement is around double the amount he committed SoftBank to in December 2016, shortly before Trump began his first term as president. The Japanese investment holding company ultimately parted with around $100 billion through its Vision Fund, with much of the money supplied by sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "President Trump is a double-down president," Son said on Monday, adding: "I'm going to have to double down." Son made his name with successful early investments in Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba and internet pioneer Yahoo, but has also bet on catastrophic failures such as WeWork. He has repeatedly said that "artificial superintelligence" will arrive in a decade, bringing new inventions, new medicine, new knowledge and new ways to invest. The SoftBank Group posted a bumper second-quarter net profit last month, returning to the black after net losses in the first quarter and the previous financial year. The company indicated back in March that it had $26 billion ready to be deployed for new investments. Stephen Moore, an economic advisor to Donald Trump, said the announcement marked a "great day." "The importation of capital into the US is a huge leading indicator for jobs and prosperity to come," Moore, an economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, told AFP in a message. On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to boost the US economy by cutting red tape and fast-tracking investments, including into the oil and gas sector. US financial markets surged following his victory on November 5, with the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite index and the broad-based S&P 500 both hitting fresh records. Despite the enthusiasm in the markets, some analysts have voiced concern that Trump's proposals to implement new tariffs on US imports and deport millions of undocumented workers could end up hurting growth, and causing a spike in inflation. "The increased likelihood of substantial new tariffs on US imports would have the most consequential effect on economic growth," economists at Wells Fargo wrote in a recent note to clients, adding they had "bumped up" their inflation outlook and slightly cut their GDP forecast following Trump's win. Other analysts say the impact of Trump's tariff plans will largely depend on how they are actually implemented. "The impact on inflation need not be particularly significant for monetary policy," economists at Goldman Sachs wrote in a recent investor note. But, they added "this could change if the White House imposes a 10 percent universal tariff," referring to one of Trump's proposals on the campaign trail. Speaking in Mar-a-Lago on Monday, Trump insisted that, "properly used," tariffs would be positive for the US economy. "Our country right now loses to everybody," he said. "Almost nobody do we have a surplus with." "Tariffs will make our country rich," he added. da-tu/nroS&P/TSX composite up almost 150 at closing, U.S. markets also higher
NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, venture capital firm CoreNest Capital has announced a strategic investment in Texture Capital Holdings to fuel the development of a new platform for trading tokenized real-world assets. Pending regulatory approval, the platform, SoloTex, will be designed to provide institutions and individual investors with seamless access to tokenized securities — a process that will aim to enhance market efficiency, transparency, and global accessibility. SoloTex will layer technology and expertise in asset tokenization from CoreNest Capital's partner companies Sologenic and Coreum underneath Texture Capital's position as a FINRA Member and SEC-registered broker-dealer for digital asset securities. With Texture's Alternative Trading System (ATS) infrastructure and Transfer Agent capabilities, it aims to provide a complete, end-to-end solution for tokenizing and trading securities, backed by the company's expertise in navigating the evolving U.S. regulatory landscape. " Sologenic 's track record in product development and tokenization as well as CoreNest's commitment to this space will help drive our mission to bridge the gap between traditional and nontraditional digital assets and transform capital markets through tokenization," said Richard Johnson, CEO of Texture Capital. "Together we are excited to tokenize real-world assets leveraging blockchain and deliver the benefits of DeFi to traditional markets." Through CoreNest Capital's investment and technological contributions, Texture Capital is well-positioned to continue transforming capital markets through tokenization. Sologenic's comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain-based applications are designed for the highest standards of user experience and security in handling these assets. "Innovation is the constant in an ever-fluctuating market," said Bob Ras , GP & Co-Founder of CoreNest Capital. "This partnership with Texture Capital is not constrained to launching a platform; it's about laying the groundwork for a new era of asset management applications and investment strategies driven by innovation, transparency and security." SoloTex has created a waitlist for early access ahead of regulatory submission and official platform launch. Visit http://solotex.com to join the waitlist. About CoreNest Capital CoreNest Capital is a venture capital firm that focuses on tech investments in areas like AI, robotics, fintech, and medtech. CoreNest Capital is a catalyst for nurturing and funding startups in cutting-edge sectors. About Texture Capital Holdings Texture Capital Holdings is the parent of Texture Capital Inc, a FINRA member and broker-dealer specializing in digital securities, and Texture Transfer Services LLC, an SEC-registered Transfer Agent. We empower clients to compliantly issue tokens representing equity, debt, revenue share, royalties, or other investment contracts. Leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts, we aim to transform the traditional capital markets' structure, offering tools for issuance, tokenization, and secondary market trading via our Alternative Trading System. About Sologenic Founded in 2020, Sologenic is a leader in tokenization, offering on-demand solutions for institutional and retail markets. Its advanced trading infrastructure supports blockchain-native assets, stablecoins, and soon, tokenized securities, bridging traditional finance with blockchain innovation. Contact: Pedro Crespo CoreNest Capital op@corenest.com A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e190056d-36d0-43bb-b0b1-fd866a715251 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.T he Premier League has clinched a $560million (around £439million) TV agreement for three countries in the Far East that runs until the next decade — once again underlining the huge interest in England’s top division overseas. The six-year deal for Thailand, Cambodia and Laos is worth £70million a year to the Premier League, more than twice the value of the previous deal, and runs until 2031. The total sum includes about £20million for FA Cup rights, 5 per cent of the total deal. That follows an agreement with the FA Cup for the Premier League to sell overseas rights for the FA Cup jointly, though the percentage which goes to the FA varies. The details are contained in a Stock Exchange of Thailand filing by Jasmine International, which outbid the existing rights holder TrueVisions, which said it had submitted a “competitive bid” but one that was blown out of the water.Matt Gaetz says he won’t return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general
Moni scores 25 in North Dakota State's 91-62 win against Wisconsin-StoutHow to buy Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots ticketsThe National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) "builds on measures taken by USDA and federal and state partners since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza [HPAI] H5N1 in dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024," the agency said in a statement . Any entity that handles pre-pasteurized raw milk -- milk processors and transporters, for example -- must hand over samples for testing to USDA staff upon request. According to the USDA, this could be an efficient way to identify herds infected with H5N1. As of Thursday, 718 cattle herds nationwide are known to be infected with the avian flu virus. The new testing initiative "will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide," U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the USDA statement. The move comes only a few days after a California dairy farm said it was expanding its recall of raw milk and cream after state health officials discovered bird flu virus in more milk samples. In a notice posted Tuesday, Fresno-based Raw Farm LLC said it has now recalled all whole milk and cream products with "use by" dates of Nov. 27 to Dec. 13. Meanwhile, California health officials took additional steps to keep consumers safe, including quarantining the farm. "While this voluntary recall only applies to raw whole milk and cream, due to multiple bird flu detections in the company's operation, the California Department of Public Health [CDPH] urges consumers to avoid consuming any Raw Farm products for human consumption including raw milk, cream, cheese,and kefir, as well as raw milk pet food topper and pet food kefir marketed to pet owners," the CDPH said in a health alert posted Tuesday. "In addition to the statewide voluntary recall, CDFA [California Department of Agriculture] has placed the farm under quarantine, suspending any new distribution of its raw milk, cream, kefir, butter and cheese products produced on or after November 27," the agency added. No human bird flu cases linked to the consumption of raw milk products have been confirmed at this point, the CDPH noted. Unlike raw milk, pasteurized milk is heat-treated to kill off any viruses and remains safe to drink. The latest actions follow recalls of two lots of Raw Farm products after bird flu was first reported in raw milk samples on Nov. 24. Bird flu first surfaced in U.S. dairy cows in March. Since then, the virus has been spreading across the country, particularly in California, where nearly 500 of the more than 700 infected herds nationwide have been detected, the Associated Press reported. So far this year, the virus has infected 58 people in the United States, including 31 in California, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Mild illnesses have been seen in dairy and poultry workers who had close contact with infected animals. No cases of bird flu spreading between people have been detected so far, the agency added. In a statement posted to its website, Raw Farm officials said they were working to restore raw milk supply quickly. “There are no illnesses associated with H5N1 in our products. But rather this is a political issue,” the post stated. “There are no food safety issues with our products or consumer safety. We are working towards resolving this political issue while being cooperative with our government regulatory agencies.” Any move to restrict public access to raw milk could be challenged by the incoming Trump administration, however. Robert Kennedy Jr., who has long criticized crackdowns on raw milk, has been nominated to run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has vowed to push for greater distribution of raw milk products. More information The CDC has more on bird flu . SOURCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture, news release, Dec. 6, 2024; California Department of Public Health, news release, Dec. 4, 2024; Associated Press A California dairy farm has issued a full recall of its raw milk and cream after bird flu was discovered in more milk samples.Joanna Gaines Is Just Like Us as She Hides Groceries in Dishwasher
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Electronic Attack Squadron 133 of the US Navy, assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW 9), has returned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island after a five-month deployment to the Middle East and Eastern Pacific with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG). The 153 Sailors, 18 aircrews, and seven EA-18G Growlers of the “Wizards” of VAQ 133 departed Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, on July 13, 2024. The Wizard’s deployment marked a historic milestone, as the squadron became the first in the Navy to deploy with the ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer (NGJ). Throughout their rigorous training and deployment, the Wizards demonstrated the future of Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) by developing new tactics, achieving the first NGJ arrested landing and tactically employing the system. Next-gen jammer NGJ is the next step in AEA. It needed to meet advanced and emerging electronic warfare (EW) threats and provide continuous expansion of the AEA mission area. NGJ is an evolutionary acquisition program providing capability in three increments: Mid-Band (MB), Low Band (LB), and High Band frequencies. NGJ provides enhanced AEA capabilities to disrupt, deny, and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems using the latest digital software and Active Electronically Scanned Array technologies. It brings increased power and jamming capability at longer ranges. Additionally, the system allows rapid hardware and software updates to counter improving and evolving threat capabilities. NGJ will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently used on the EA-18G Growler aircraft. NGJ will be a game-changer for the warfighter and EW community. US Navy EA-18G Growlers As an external carriage AEA capability for the EA-18G Growler, NGJ-MB focuses on the middle-frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The system comprises two pods per chipset and small hardware and software modifications to the EA-18G Growler aircraft to enable carriage, communication, and employment. NGJ-MB achieved Milestone C in 2021, allowing the program to enter the Production and Deployment acquisition phase. The Low Rate Initial Production III contract was awarded in March 2023, and the first production pods were delivered to the fleet in July 2023. NGJ-MB is a joint cooperative program between the US Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence. In the future, NGJ-LB will utilize the latest digital and software-based technologies to address advanced and emerging threats in the lower frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. NGJ-LB is currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development acquisition phase and is a joint cooperative program between the US Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence. Historic deployment This first deployment “showcased the cutting-edge capabilities of the NGJ and reinforced the critical role of the Growler community in modern warfare,” said Cmdr. Erik Dente, commanding officer, VAQ-133. “More importantly, it demonstrated the skill, dedication, and perseverance of every VAQ-133 Sailor and the families, friends, and loved ones who supported them at home. I could not be more proud of the Sailors, aircrew, and support teams who made this deployment an overwhelming success.” “This deployment will go down in history,” said Command Master Chief Frederick Tuiel, command master chief, VAQ-133, summing up the deployment. “While it wasn’t filled with port visits, it was defined by impactful combat operations—experiences our Sailors will share for years to come. Bringing everyone home safely makes the accomplishment even sweeter.”Americans have doubts about Trump nominees, poll showsTOKYO — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have announced plans to work toward a merger that would form the world's third-largest automaker by sales, as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. This combination of photos shows the logo of Nissan, left, and Honda, right, seen at the Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh, Feb. 15, 2024. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors Corp. also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Automakers in Japan have lagged behind their big rivals in electric vehicles and are trying to cut costs and make up for lost time as newcomers like China's BYD and EV market leader Tesla devour market share. Honda's president, Toshihiro Mibe, said Honda and Nissan will attempt to unify their operations under a joint holding company. Honda will lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. They aim to have a formal merger agreement by June and to complete the deal and list the holding company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by August 2026, he said. No dollar value was given and the formal talks are just starting, Mibe said. There are "points that need to be studied and discussed," he said. "Frankly speaking, the possibility of this not being implemented is not zero." A merger could result in a behemoth worth more than $50 billion based on the market capitalization of all three automakers. Together, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi would gain scale to compete with Toyota Motor Corp. and with Germany's Volkswagen AG. Toyota has technology partnerships with Japan's Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month, with unconfirmed reports saying Taiwan iPhone maker Foxconn was seeking to tie up with Nissan by buying shares from the Japan's company's other alliance partner, Renault SA of France. Nissan's CEO Makoto Uchida said Foxconn had not directly approach his company. He also acknowledged that Nissan's situation was "severe." Even after a merger Toyota, which rolled out 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, would remain the leading Japanese automaker. If they join, the three smaller companies would make about 8 million vehicles. In 2023, Honda made 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. "We have come to the realization that in order for both parties to be leaders in this mobility transformation, it is necessary to make a more bold change than a collaboration in specific areas," Mibe said. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi earlier agreed to share components for electric vehicles like batteries and to jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to electrification. Nissan has struggled following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Speaking Monday to reporters in Tokyo via a video link, Ghosn derided the planned merger as a "desperate move." From Nissan, Honda could get truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn't have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions, told The Associated Press. Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybrid powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. But the company said in November that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about 6% of its global work force, and reducing its global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). It recently reshuffled its management and Uchida, its chief executive, took a 50% pay cut while acknowledging responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, rising costs and other global changes. "We anticipate that if this integration comes to fruition, we will be able to deliver even greater value to a wider customer base," Uchida said. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative," citing worsening profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. But it noted that it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($9.4 billion). Nissan's share price also had fallen to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. On Monday, its Tokyo-traded shares gained 1.6%. They jumped more than 20% after news of the possible merger broke last week. Honda's shares surged 3.8%. Honda's net profit slipped nearly 20% in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as its sales suffered in China. The merger reflects an industry-wide trend toward consolidation. At a routine briefing Monday, Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said he would not comment on details of the automakers' plans, but said Japanese companies need to stay competitive in the fast changing market. "As the business environment surrounding the automobile industry largely changes, with competitiveness in storage batteries and software is increasingly important, we expect measures needed to survive international competition will be taken," Hayashi said. Get local news delivered to your inbox!