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jili 611 login Annie Kilner has been seen with a ring on her wedding finger despite filing for divorce from footballer Kyle Walker . The 31-year-old WAG, who shares four sons - Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, six and six-month-old Rezon - with Kyle, 34, was spotted at a showbiz event at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester with a ring back on her finger. Though she appeared to try to hide it as she pulled the sleeve of her sheer burgundy dress, which showed her underwear, over her left hand. It comes just weeks after Annie filed for divorce from the Manchester City defender in October after it emerged he had father two children with social media influencer Lauryn Goodman . Though Annie knew Lauryn's son Kairo, four, was conceived while she and Kyle were on a break, it came as a surprise to discover he had also fathered Lauryn's 14-month-old daughter Kinara. Lauryn texted Annie on Boxing Day last year to reveal the brutal news that Kyle had also fathered her second child. The pair are said to have “two or three messages”, with Lauryn reportedly twisting the knife further by sending Annie a picture of Kyle playing with his son Kairo and baby daughter in a park, confirming that the kids had the same father. According to The Sun , the message read: “I don’t have two baby daddies - I have one.” Another said: "Hey it's Lauryn. I just wanted to quickly tell you that Kyle is the father of our daughter." A source told the outlet in January that the message “confirmed” what Annie already knew, and Kyle’s behaviour, including buying Lauryn a £2 million house, had “raised suspicions”. Annie allegedly didn’t know about the house Kyle purchased for his former lover for a month, and was “livid” when she discovered his betrayal. Annie announced she was taking some “time away” from Kyle following the baby news, but just a few weeks later it was revealed she was also pregnant with their fourth child. Though Annie and Kyle appeared to be working things out following the birth of their fourth son, she has since instructed lawyers to begin legal proceedings against her husband as she allegedly planned to go for half of his £27 million fortune. Annie has reportedly said she "just can't forgive him" for what he's done to her. Due to Lauryn's actions - including a very public court hearing where she was accused of using him like an 'open-ended cheque book' - Kyle is said to have no relationship with the two children he shares with her. He has previously admitted his regret at hurting childhood sweetheart Annie, who he married in 2021, due to his extramarital affairs and said: "What I've done is horrible and I take full responsibility. I made idiot choices and idiot decisions." Last month it was revealed that Annie and Kyle could move abroad to get away from all the Lauryn drama. And there's been speculation be could be a "leading target" for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli. A source told OK! magazine the move could signal fresh starts and a potential reversal not only for their family, but also for Annie and Kyle's marriage. The source claimed: "Kyle is set to be signed by a Saudi team at the end of next season and if he goes, Annie and the boys will join him. They both feel it could be the fresh start they need to give their marriage another go as they can ignore Lauryn even more." The future of Kyle and Annie's marriage might be hanging by a thread, but one thing that remains certain is Annie's unwavering commitment to her children. The source continued: "Despite filing for divorce, Annie and Kyle are still living together and she's not sure she is going to go through with it. They are still working on their future but Annie needs to make sure her and the boys are financially secure with any eventuality and they are determined to remain on good terms for the sake of their children." Earlier this year, the Mirror revealed that Annie and Kyle were set on working on their relationship following the scandal involving Lauryn. Do you have a story to share? Email me at katie.wilson01@reachplc.com Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads( ) announced late Friday that the Nasdaq stock exchange granted its request for an extension for submitting key filings. Super Micro stock jumped after the close, continuing a huge rebound since mid-November. The AI server maker and ( ) partner now has until Feb. 25 to file 10-K annual report for the fiscal year ended June 30 as well as the 10-Q report for the quarter ended Sept. 30. Super Micro had been risk of a delisting. Super Micro Stock, Accounting Saga Super Micro stock leapt nearly 10% in late trading. Shares spiked 31% on Nov. 19 after Super Micro requested an extension and announced it had hired a new auditor, BDO USA. Shares had already jumped 16% on Nov. 18 in anticipation of that filing. On Monday, Dec. 2, SMCI stock vaulted nearly 29% after the company said that an independent special committee found no wrongdoing at the company. All told, Super Micro stock shot up 155% from the Nov. 15 intraday low of 17.25 to Friday's close. But that follows an 86% plunge from the record 122.90 set on March 8. Shares sold off, especially since mid-July amid a short-seller report alleging shady accounting, a SEC probe of Supermicro's books and finally auditor Ernst & Young quitting. SMCI stock closed at 49.12 on Oct. 29, just before Ernst & Young quit, questioning the books and management's integrity.

NoneBright man suffers major head and spinal injuries in scooter crashFox News contributor Brett Velicovich discusses House Subcommittee on Aerial Systems' role in investigating multiple sightings in the Garden State on 'America Reports.' A top FBI leader revealed the agency knows concerningly little about the mysterious drones that have been seen hovering over New Jersey. Asked if Americans are "at risk," FBI Assistant Director of the Critical Incident Response Group Robert Wheeler told Congress: "There is nothing that is known that would lead me to say that, but we just don't know. And that's the concerning part." Dozens of drones have been spotted flying near sensitive sites like a military research facility in recent weeks. The FBI has been investigating the incidents and has called on the public for additional information. According to Gov. Phil Murphy , there were 49 reports of drones on Sunday alone, mostly in Hunterdon County. New Jersey drone sighting map (Fox & Friends/Screengrab) The FBI assistant director’s comments came during a joint hearing of two Homeland Security subcommittees on unmanned aerial systems. NEW JERSEY DRONE SIGHTINGS: MILITARY ANALYSTS BREAK DOWN NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS, DOUBT HOBBYISTS AT PLAY "We do not attribute that to an individual or a group yet. we're investigating, but I don't have an answer of who's responsible for that of, one or more people that are responsible for those, drone flights," said Wheeler. "That’s crazy, that’s madness that we don’t know what these drones are," said Rep. Anthony Gonzales, R-Texas. "There are a lot of Americans that are very frustrated right now that are essentially questioning where my taxpayer dollars going," he added,asking Wheeler how much of the FBI budget goes toward counter-drone efforts. About $500,000, Wheeler replied, goes to counter-drone technology and its deployment within the FBI. "No wonder we don't know what the hell's going on!" the congressman replied. The drone was seen over North Jersey on Tuesday. (Nicholas Lordi) MYSTERIOUS DRONE SIGHTINGS CONTINUE TO BE REPORTED IN NEW JERSEY WITHOUT ANSWERS A top border official also revealed in the hearing that during a recent six-week period, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) sensors recorded 6,900 drone flights within close proximity to U.S. borders, potentially threatening the lives of CBP officers and some of which had been carrying drugs. CBP could not engage with some 95 percent of those drones because they did not breach U.S. airspace but hovered just near the border. Keith Jones, CBP head of Air and Marine Operations, revealed that no money had been allocated to CBP for counter-drone procedures. Some drones as large as SUVS have been spotted hovering in the Garden State skies, as well as smaller, more rapidly maneuverable drones, resembling what’s referred to as "drone motherships" that have been deployed in Ukraine, Russia and China, Fox News contributor Brett Velicovich said. The motherships launch smaller drones, which do not have the necessary range-antennas to carry them over long distances. That suggests, according to Velicovich, that a foreign adversary could be at play in New Jersey. New Jersey authorities could not jam the drones due to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) regulations. Experts had first warned the U.S. lacks a clear counter-drone procedure after 17 unmanned vehicles traipsed into restricted airspace over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia last December. The mystery drones swarmed for more than two weeks. Lack of a standard protocol for such incursions left Langley officials unsure of what to do – other than allow the 20-foot-long drones to hover near their classified facilities. Brad Wiegmann, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security, implored Congress to grant law enforcement agencies greater legal authority to shoot down drones that could be considered threats. "We need legal authority is that without it, use of the most effective types of drone detection and counter drone technologies could violate criminal laws, including those that prohibit destroying or disabling aircraft in flight and intercepting signals and communication," he said. The DOJ's current counter-drone authorities will lapse in just 10 days, and Wiegmann urged Congress to not only renew them but expand them. "The two most important issues for us are, number one, broadening the types of sites that law enforcement can protect from nefarious and suspicious drone users. So, for example, to cover as was mentioned in the opening statements, airports, critical infrastructure like power plants and chemical facilities," he went on. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Number two is my colleague from the FBI just mentioned. It's about empowering state and local law enforcement and operators of critical infrastructure to engage in counter-drone efforts nationwide. This is not a job the federal government can do alone."

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby: Spurs-Knicks Christmas game is also an animated one at Disney WorldHigh Point defeats Pfeiffer 81-50Ghana defender, Ebenezer Annan, continued his impressive form in the Serbian Super League on Monday, assisting a late equaliser to help OFK Beograd secure a 2-2 draw against TSC. Annan, a Black Stars international, earned a starting spot in the matchday squad and played the entire 90 minutes, showcasing his defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively. His crucial assist in the dying moments of the game ensured his team avoided defeat. TSC started strongly, taking the lead in the 7th minute through Ivan Milosavljevic, who was set up by Milan Radin. Despite falling behind early, OFK Beograd fought back and levelled the score in the 34th minute through Nikola Knezevic. The second half saw TSC regain their lead with a 55th-minute strike from Milos Pantovic. However, OFK Beograd remained resilient. In the 87th minute, Ebenezer Annan provided a precise assist for Aleksa Cvetkovic, who calmly converted to restore parity. Annan’s performance underscores his value to OFK Beograd, where he has now tallied four assists in 19 appearances this season. His ability to impact both ends of the pitch continues to earn him plaudits as one of the team’s standout players. .Secret Pentagon study hints at reincarnation being real after finding consciousness 'never dies' READ MORE: First remote mind control technology is developed in South Korea By MATTHEW PHELAN SENIOR SCIENCE REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 22:18, 6 December 2024 | Updated: 22:29, 6 December 2024 e-mail 9 shares 1 View comments A study conducted by US Army Intelligence has suggested that reincarnation is real because consciousness 'never dies.' Entitled 'Analysis and Assessment of The Gateway Process,' the 29-page report was drafted by US Army Lieutenant Colonel Wayne M McDonnell in 1983 and declassified by the CIA in 2003. The research has resurfaced on social media, with Chicago-based comedian Sara Holcomb summarizing the findings, saying: 'We're pretty sure reincarnation is real.' 'Consciousness is energy and it exists outside of our understanding of reality,' Holocomb said, paraphrasing page 19 of McDonnell's Army intel report. 'And energy... never dies.' The mind-bending official Pentagon study was commissioned to better understand what its Army intel colleagues were doing sending personnel to a small institute in Charlottesville , Virginia that was working on the 'Gateway Experience.' The then-secretive 'Gateway' project, based to McDonnell's analysis, was 'a training system designed to bring enhanced strength, focus and coherence... to alter consciousness.' From there, Gateway's ambitious goal was to shift the practitioner's consciousness 'outside the physical sphere so as to ultimately escape even the restrictions of time and space.' At least according to McDonnell, the Monroe Institute's discoveries that wound up bolstering the case for reincarnation were profound. 'When consciousness returns to the Absolute [Monroe jargon for a realm outside spacetime] it brings with it all the memories it has accumulated through experience in reality,' as he distilled the Institute's finding that memories pass on from life to life via reincarnation. An eye-popping study conducted by US Army Intelligence and made public by the CIA has shocked social media with its finding that consciousness transcends space and time. Entitled 'Analysis and Assessment of The Gateway Process,' the 29-page report was drafted in 1983 The recently resurfaced US Army Intelligence report presents an abstract explanation of how consciousness is created through the brain's processing of energy in the physical world - transforming it into what Lieutenant Colonel Wayne McDonnell compares to a hologram (above) @mad_hatter_news oh OKAY (is "the source" God?) #skits #skitsforyou #skitscomedy #psychology #science #paranormal #paranormalinvestigation #reincarnation #reincarnated ♬ original sound - The Mad Hatter Or, as Holocomb put it more succinctly in one of many videos by TikTok users fascinated with the metaphysical US Army study: 'You're pretty sure reincarnation is a legit thing? Yup.' The comedian, who posts as @mad_hatter_news on TikTok, also referenced a vast body of research by the nearby University of Virginia Medical School's Division of Perceptual Studies which has compiled a database of over 2,500 cases of professed reincarnation. Many of the cases involved children under the age of five who claimed to remember 'memories of a previous life they claim to have lived.' 'Why the kids?' Holocomb continued in her post. 'It seems they're the ones that most easily remember their past lives.' But the Gateway study explored more than simply heady spiritual questions of reincarnation, the nature of consciousness and the afterlife. Ltc McDonnell's report as a member of US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) was concerned with psychic spycraft along the astral plane. Psychic spycraft involves the use of alleged paranormal abilities for espionage. In 1983, INSCOM was headed by Major General Albert Stubblebine III, one of the US military's greatest proponents of psychic warfare. Joe McMoneagle — who served as Remote Viewer No1. in one of Major General Stubblebine's psychic spy programs — has said his own role was to use remote viewing to spy on Russian military bases and gather intelligence. He spent more than 20 years as a so-called 'remote viewer' working at Fort Meade in Maryland, which is also home to the National Security Agency (NSA). 'My success rate was around 28 percent,' McMoneagle said. 'That may not sound very good, but we were brought in to deal with the hopeless cases.' 'Our information was then cross-checked with any other available intelligence to build up an overall picture. We proved to be quite useful "spies."' Joe McMoneagle (pictured) was a Vietnam vet and American 'psychic spy.' His role was to use 'remote viewing' to spy on Russian bases and gather intelligence. He now serves on the Board of Advisors for the Monroe Institute - whose 'Gateway' process was studied in the 1983 report In 1983, INSCOM was headed by Major General Albert Stubblebine III (portrait above), one of the US military's greatest proponents of psychic warfare Read More CIA secretly created 'remote control' DOGS in the 1960s by surgically implanting electrodes in their brains, declassified documents reveal Today in retirement, McMoneagle serves as on the Board of Advisors and as a trainer for the Monroe Institute , the same institute whose 'Gateway' process was studied by US Army INSCOM in their 1983 report. Ultimately Ltc McDonnell's 'Gateway Experience' report , was an effort to verify the institute's suitability as a defense contractor used in this Army INSCOM program to operationalize 'out of body' experiences for espionage. In his summary, McDonnell concluded: 'There is a sound and rational basis in terms of physical science parameters for considering Gateway to be plausible in terms of its essential objectives.' 'Intuitional insights of not only personal but of a practical and professional nature would seem to be within the bounds of reasonable expectations,' he continued, in essence validating INSCOM's 'psychic spying' strategy. But there was a catch, he noted: These experiences were hard to control or direct consistently, which Ltc McDonnell suggested would require long and careful training. '[A] phased approach for entering the Gateway Experience in an accelerated mode would seem to be required [...] from the standpoint of establishing an organization-wide exploitation of Gateway's potential,' he wrote. In other words, while the Army intel official found that Gateway was real and possible, more research was needed to get to a place where US intelligence could actually make use it. Ltc McDonnell then laid out recommendations for how Army INSCOM could go about designing further Gateway studies, though its unclear if more studies were ever launched. Mysteriously, one page of Ltc McDonnell's report is missing, number 25, in the middle of a section where he was outlining potential practical defense uses of Gateway. The omission caught the attention of some readers who launched a Change.org petition calling for the CIA to release it. The CIA, however, says that it never had the page to begin with — fueling theories that it has been left it out on purpose due to the powerful techniques that page 25 described. TikTok Pentagon Virginia Share or comment on this article: Secret Pentagon study hints at reincarnation being real after finding consciousness 'never dies' e-mail 9 shares Add comment

Walt Disney Co. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the dayCorporate America's fears billow after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killingArogo Capital Acquisition Corp. Announces Binding Letter of Intent with Bangkok Tellink Co., Ltd, a Provider of Innovative Telecommunications and IoT Solutions, in Connection with a Proposed Business Combination Transaction

FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACM Research, Inc. (“ACM”) (NASDAQ: ACMR), a leading supplier of wafer processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced packaging applications, today issued comments regarding recent updates to U.S. export regulations. On December 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) imposed additional controls on exports to, and transfers within, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) relating to advanced integrated circuit (“IC”) products, certain IC manufacturing equipment and technology, and supercomputers associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing. As part of the new regulations, among other updates, ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. (“ACM Shanghai”) and its operating subsidiaries in China and Korea, were added to the Entity List published by BIS. Neither ACM, nor its direct subsidiaries outside of mainland China, were added to the Entity List. ACM is a Delaware corporation founded in California in 1998 to supply capital equipment developed for the global semiconductor industry. Since 2005, ACM has conducted its business operations principally through its subsidiary, ACM Shanghai, a limited liability corporation organized in the PRC. Based on public reports, 140 entities with semiconductor operations related to mainland China were added to the Entity List, 120 of which were semiconductor capital equipment suppliers. We note that neither ACM Shanghai nor its subsidiary was notified of any specific wrongdoing that resulted in its addition to the Entity List. We are assessing the potential impacts to our business and operational plans that may result from the new regulations. We believe the impact to our supply chain and the ability of ACM Shanghai to produce tools in the PRC will be minimized and manageable as a result of having alternative sources and suppliers. We do not anticipate an impact to the ability to sell, deliver and service products to customers outside of the PRC, however the potential impact on sales to our PRC customers will depend, in part, on the effect of the new regulations on their own spending plans. Consistent with prior years, we expect to issue a press release in January with preliminary results for 2024 and our initial revenue outlook for 2025. We will continue to focus on technology innovation for the global market and operate in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We are confident we can maintain our role as a key supplier of differentiated capital equipment to global customers and protect the interests of partners, employees, and investors as we navigate the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “designed,” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on ACM management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A description of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in filings ACM makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov . Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by ACM. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ACM undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events. About ACM Research, Inc. ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment spanning cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing, vertical furnace processes, track, PECVD, and wafer- and panel-level packaging tools, enabling advanced and semi-critical semiconductor device manufacturing. ACM is committed to delivering customized, high-performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield. For more information, visit www.acmr.com . © ACM Research, Inc. The ACM Research logo is a trademark of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, the trademark appears in this press release without TM symbols, but that practice does not mean ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to such trademarks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For investor and media inquiries, please contact:EL EJIDO has become the national leader in Poinsettia production, growing 72 per cent of the province’s total. El Ejido: Spain’s Poinsettia capital With more than 2 million of these festive flowers produced each year, the town has truly earned its place as Spain’s Christmas Poinsettia capital. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Vital A-334 Road reopens with temporary detour after DANA flood damage Vera celebrates 'Best Blue Destination 2024' award with year-round activities for all Hundreds rally in Almería to end gender-based violence Semilleros Laimund: Innovation in Poinsettia production During a recent visit to Semilleros Laimund, a nursery with over 30 years of experience, El Ejido’s mayor, Francisco Góngora, celebrated the company’s remarkable growth and innovative spirit. Semilleros Laimund first began growing Poinsettias in 1989, starting with just 2,000 plants. Today, it produces around 350,000 of these iconic Christmas flowers annually at its El Ejido and Níjar facilities. Supporting local: The economic impact of Poinsettia farming Mayor Góngora encouraged local residents to bring the holiday spirit into their homes by purchasing Poinsettias grown right in their own town. With 17 producers in El Ejido, the town leads the way in ornamental flowers, and supporting local production helps strengthen the community’s economy. Poinsettias with purpose: Empowering communities through AgroIntegra The mayor also visited ‘AgroIntegra,’ a workshop run by the Down El Ejido association, where participants gain skills in this industry. This plan helps boost their independence and social skills, making a real difference in the lives of those involved, especially as the Christmas season draws near. The History Behind Decorating with Poinsettias at Christmas Poinsettias have become a popular symbol of Christmas, thanks to their red and green leaves, which evoke the colors of the holiday season. The connection between Poinsettias and Christmas dates back to 16th-century Mexico, where the plant was known as ‘Nochebuena’ or ‘Holy Night,’ referring to Christmas Eve. According to legend, a poor girl who had no gift to give to the Christ child on Christmas Eve gathered weeds from the side of the road. When she placed them at the altar, the weeds miraculously transformed into beautiful red flowers. The plant was later named after Joel Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico in the early 1800s, who brought the plant to the United States and began cultivating it. Today, the Poinsettia remains a beloved decoration during the holiday season, symbolising the spirit of giving and the beauty of Christmas. Read more Almeria news, articles and events hereThere is no question that Nebraska is a Republican state. Our Legislature is controlled by Republicans. Our state governor has been a Republican since 1999. The people of this state have clearly chosen to elect Republicans up and down the ballot. Presumably, voters elected these folks because they viewed Republican candidates as more likely to govern in ways that will better their communities and lives. So my question is: given that Republicans have had complete political control, why have we been forced to resort to the ballot initiative process over the last decade to actually implement the vision voters have on the most important economic issues facing everyday Nebraskans? In 2018 voters, decisively approved a minimum wage increase, and in 2022, voters passed Medicaid expansion — protecting rural hospitals and paving the way for new ones like that in Central City — because their Republican elected state representatives wouldn’t do it. And this November voters overwhelmingly passed initiatives demanding medical marijuana and paid family leave, while repealing a school voucher plan that would have decimated rural schools to benefit primarily wealthy families in Omaha, because their Republican elected representatives had other ideas. It should not be too much to ask that the people we vote into office implement common-sense policies that would impact normal people and are supported by a significant majority of Nebraskans. Going forward, I hope people ask their elected representatives (and themselves) a couple of very simple questions that go to the heart of public service: Why aren’t our Republican elected officials passing the laws we Nebraskans clearly want? And if they are not going to pass the laws we want, why should we keep voting for them? Mark Porto Grand Island We live in a fast-paced, high-tech, push-button world with instant information at the touch of a finger. Some good, some not so good. The technical achievements are miraculous. Having said that, I sometimes wonder if that is drawing us away from our creator Almighty God. Maybe it’s time to access where we are and how we got here. None of the technical achievements would have been possible if God hadn’t put the elements, resources and talented men and women here to build technology. So, before we pat ourselves on the back too much, we should praise the Lord our God who created the universe and all that’s in it — including mankind — and controls and keeps it together. He gave us the Bible, his word, to guide and direct us through life and teach us the way of salvation. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2nd Timothy 3:16 Sin is what separates us from God, but in his endless love and mercy for us, he sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, to be crucified on a cross, who died and was buried and rose again for the forgiveness of the sins of the world. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 All we have or ever will have comes from God whether you believe it or not. We need to turn to God, not away from him. What an awesome God he is in spite of our disobediences and rebellion. God help and have mercy on us. Don Scholz Grand Island As Thanksgiving comes to a close and Advent begins, I can’t help but reflect on how humbled I am to be a part of the Hall County community. This year Project Hunger organized, assembled and distributed over 1,300 Thanksgiving meal boxes to families the weekend before the holiday. This huge endeavor is made possible by volunteers of all ages and the following generous sponsors: The Bud & Gloria Wolbach Foundation, Woodhouse Toyota Honda, Tom Dinsdale Chevrolet Cadillac GMC, Fonner Park, Hiland Dairy Foods, Tilley Sprinklers & Landscaping, Third City Christian Church, Lone Tree Towing & Recovery, Copycat Printing & Signs, NRG Media, Brandon Built Furniture and CHI Health St. Francis. I know that people give without wanting anything in return and without needing recognition. I just want to thank them and let them know thousands in our community have been blessed because of them. I truly believe that both stomachs and souls were fed this Thanksgiving. Amy McDonald Rockville Get local news delivered to your inbox!BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo police want to use a new technology tool that uses artificial intelligence to scour social media and the dark net for crimes in progress — and even those being planned. Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia wants to use Dataminr which he said can give real-time information to police. The cost would be covered by a technology grant from the state so it wouldn't cost the city any extra money, according to Gramaglia. He also pointed out that the information it searches is all open source so police would not be accessing private accounts — only information posted publicly. Gramaglia said he got a firsthand look at how it works back in November 2022. He was giving a presentation to the New York City Police Department about the mass shooting at Tops earlier that year when police there informed him that there was another active shooter situation unfolding in Buffalo. It was the thwarted shooting at the Alba da Vida methadone clinic on the West Side of Buffalo. "NYPD was advising us in real time that a guy had walked into the methadone clinic on Virginia Street and began shooting," Gramaglia told me. "That information was being put out on social media instantly as it was happening." Gramaglia said he believes it's important for law enforcement to embrace new technology. "We have to leverage technology. We've got great cops, we have phenomenal detectives, they're out there doing great work. You have to be ahead of the curve. You have to have technology. We need help to get that information to us so that we can action that information better. You're absolutely foolish if you don't leverage technology to make your community safer," Gramaglia said. While the cost would be covered by the state, the Buffalo Common Council still has to approve the purchase. The matter is going to go before the Common Council next week. We'll let you know what happens.

Pulse Biosciences, Inc. Announces Planned Redemption of Warrants

Future of plane travel 'will include AI flight attendants and gyms in the sky'Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar), in collaboration with Accenture, has released a landmark report titled “Data & AI: Redefining the Growth Frontier in Qatar.” This comprehensive analysis delves into the transformative potential of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping Qatar’s economy, emphasizing the country’s emerging role as a regional leader in digital innovation. Launched alongside the inaugural World Summit AI Qatar 2024, the report highlights the immense opportunities within industries undergoing AI-driven evolution. It explores the global surge in AI investments, from advancements in automation to the integration of data analytics for predictive decision-making, and outlines how Qatar is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this technological revolution. The report identifies healthcare, finance, energy, and manufacturing as key sectors undergoing rapid AI transformation. It underscores AI’s potential to contribute $19.9 trillion to the global economy and drive 3.5 percent of global GDP by 2030. With 98 percent of business leaders prioritizing AI investments, the study emphasizes how Qatar’s forward-looking policies and investments in AI infrastructure position the nation as a leader in the field. Qatar’s robust investment in technology infrastructure, combined with strategic government initiatives and public-private collaborations, is accelerating the growth of its data and AI ecosystem. The report highlights several of Qatar’s competitive advantages, including its skilled workforce, access to capital, and appetite for adopting disruptive technologies. Commenting on the nation’s progress, Invest Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al Thani said, “We are at a crucial juncture where data and AI are not just transforming industries but redefining economic frontiers. With Qatar’s focus on fostering a knowledge-based economy, this report serves as a strategic guide for unlocking the vast potential of data and AI, both within Qatar and globally.” Country Managing Director for Accenture in Qatar Mejdi ElKhater said, “With Qatar’s firm commitment to its National Digital Agenda 2030, we are witnessing a transformative phase where AI is being strategically embedded across all sectors. By prioritizing substantial technological investments and nurturing a highly skilled workforce, Qatar is ensuring AI’s responsible and sustainable integration into its economy. This report provides a detailed and insightful perspective on AI’s immense potential and future prospects within the nation.” Earlier this year, Qatar unveiled its Digital Agenda 2030, a bold vision charting the nation’s digital transformation journey. The agenda aims to position Qatar among the top 10 nations on the Digital Competitiveness Index by 2030, creating 26,000 new jobs and allocating $2.5 billion in incentives to promote technological advancements. This framework reflects the country’s ambition to become a global leader in the digital economy by fostering innovation and AI integration across industries. The launch of “Data & AI: Redefining the Growth Frontier in Qatar” aligns with Qatar’s broader efforts to solidify its role in the global digital economy. The report emphasizes the nation’s readiness to harness AI’s transformative power while addressing its potential societal and economic implications. By focusing on responsible AI deployment and fostering innovation, Qatar is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. The report underscores Qatar’s commitment to not only leveraging AI to enhance existing industries but also creating new opportunities that align with its National Vision 2030. Copy 11/12/2024 10Donald Trump's recent foreign policy declarations, including a proposal to reclaim the Panama Canal and purchase Greenland, signal a shift towards bold international strategies. As Trump prepares to assume office, his advisers are equipping him to address crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. His 'America First' stance, exemplified by stark warnings to U.S. allies, eschews traditional diplomacy. Trump's threats to countries like Panama, Denmark, and Canada highlight his strategy of prioritizing American interests, sparking debate over its potential to strain alliances. Despite backlash from allies and critiques of his outspoken style, Trump persists in leveraging U.S. influence to balance global power dynamics, notably counteracting Chinese growth in Latin America. Nonetheless, his aggressive posture raises concerns over diplomatic fractures with key geopolitical partners. (With inputs from agencies.)Marietta Child Custody and Parenting Time Attorney Tori White Discusses When a Child Can Refuse to See a Parent 12-10-2024 11:14 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Determining when a child can refuse to see a parent is a nuanced aspect of Georgia's family law. Tori White ( https://www.toriwhitelegal.com/at-what-age-can-a-child-refuse-to-see-a-parent/ ), a Marietta child custody and parenting time attorney, provides insight into how Georgia courts address this challenging issue while balancing a child's preferences and best interests. Her analysis helps families understand the factors influencing such decisions and how courts weigh them during custody arrangements. In Georgia, the age and maturity of the child play a crucial role in determining the weight of their preferences regarding parenting time. According to Marietta child custody and parenting time attorney Tori White, Georgia law grants children aged 14 and older significant influence in choosing their primary custodial parent. Their choice is generally respected unless it is deemed contrary to their best interests. This recognition of a teenager's autonomy is balanced by judicial oversight to ensure the decision aligns with their welfare. For children aged 11 to 13, the court considers their preferences, but these opinions do not carry the same presumptive weight as those of older children. Marietta child custody and parenting time attorney Tori White explains that younger children's preferences are reviewed cautiously to account for their limited maturity and understanding of the implications. Courts carefully evaluate these choices alongside other factors, such as each parent's stability and relationship with the child, ensuring decisions serve the child's long-term needs. Tori White highlights that the court's primary responsibility is safeguarding the child's well-being. Judges assess various elements, including the child's emotional maturity, household stability, and parental relationships. If a child's refusal to visit a parent stems from manipulation, temporary household changes, or unresolved conflicts, the court may intervene to maintain a balanced and secure environment. Parental relationships play a significant role in shaping a child's preferences. Courts consider the quality of each parent's involvement and any history of neglect or abuse. For instance, a strong and nurturing relationship with one parent can foster a deeper bond, while documented incidents of neglect or family violence may understandably influence a child's reluctance to spend time with the other parent. Tori White emphasizes that the legal framework aims to protect the child's best interests while addressing practical concerns related to parenting time. She notes that parents facing situations where a child refuses to visit one parent should take steps to address the issue constructively. Documenting communication efforts and engaging in open discussions with the child are critical for resolving such challenges. Involving a family counselor or therapist can provide additional support, helping to uncover the root causes of the child's reluctance and facilitating better communication. Legal representation can be essential when parenting time conflicts arise. Tori White advises that parents consult with a Marietta child custody and parenting time attorney to address refusal issues effectively. An attorney can guide parents through court procedures, help modify custody arrangements if necessary, and ensure all actions align with Georgia law. Georgia law provides a structured approach to assessing children's preferences in custody cases. Statutory guidelines, such as those in O.C.G.A. 19-9-3, give children's choices increasing weight as they age while ensuring judicial discretion to safeguard their welfare. For children aged 14 and above, their choice holds presumptive influence. However, courts retain the authority to override preferences if they pose risks to the child's safety or emotional health. For younger children, their opinions are considered but do not determine custody outcomes. Tori White explains that this framework prevents decisions based solely on fleeting emotions or misunderstandings, protecting against outcomes that could disrupt the child's stability. By balancing these factors, the court ensures custody and parenting time arrangements promote the child's holistic well-being. Addressing situations where a child refuses parenting time requires collaboration and a focus on the child's best interests. Professional legal support from Tori White Legal Group can assist families in navigating these challenges and pursuing resolutions that prioritize long-term stability and healthy family relationships. About Tori White Legal Group: Tori White Legal Group is a trusted resource for families in Marietta dealing with child custody and parenting time matters. Led by Tori White, the firm is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that support the well-being of children and families during challenging legal proceedings. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_Tv0zyh9o GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=1652258947136673673 Email and website Email: info@toriwhitelegal.com Website: https://www.toriwhitelegal.com/ Media Contact Company Name: Tori White Legal Group Contact Person: Tori White Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=marietta-child-custody-and-parenting-time-attorney-tori-white-discusses-when-a-child-can-refuse-to-see-a-parent ] Phone: (770) 744-1529 Address:274 Washington Ave NE City: Marietta State: Georgia 30060 Country: United States Website: https://www.toriwhitelegal.com/ This release was published on openPR.

The Jammu & Kashmir Police on Monday (December 23, 2024) filed chargesheet against a Srinagar resident for allegedly passing critical data about Pandit migrant employees to the handlers based in Pakistan for issuing online threats. The chargesheet was filed before the 3rd Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu. According to the J&K Police’s special cell, State Investigation Agency (SIA), it apprehended Farhaan Muzaffar Mattoo, a resident of Srinagar, for his alleged role in gathering and sharing sensitive information about targeted employees. “The probe revealed that Mattoo acted as a conduit, using encrypted communication platforms to pass critical data about migrant employees to handlers based in Pakistan, who then issued threats through the “Kashmir Fight” platform,” the police said. The SIA launched an investigation in February this year after a series of threatening posts were published on social media by the terror outfits’ social media handle. The chargesheet also named Sheikh Sajjad Ahmad alias Sajjad Gul, a Srinagar resident, “now operating from Pakistan”, as the mastermind of this plot. “Sajjad is accused of coordinating the campaign to intimidate migrant employees and disrupt communal harmony in the UT,” the police said. The police termed the filing of the chargesheet as “a significant stride in the fight against cyber-terrorism”. It said the notorious “Kashmir Fight”, a social media handle, was operated by The Resistance Front (TRF), which was used to issue “chilling online threats to migrant Kashmiri Pandit employees, aiming to spread fear and unrest”. “The exposing of terror plans to disrupt peace underscores the determination of Jammu and Kashmir Police to protect its citizenry and provide a peaceful environment to them,” the police said. Published - December 24, 2024 03:01 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Jammu and Kashmir / crime, law and justice

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Spending not in the cards as credit purchases plummet after martial law declaration Published: 24 Dec. 2024, 06:00 CHO YONG-JUN [email protected] Myeong-dong in Jung District, central Seoul on Dec. 23 [NEWS1] All Korean cities and provinces posted a double-digit drop in credit card spending on Dec. 6 — three days after the Dec. 3 martial law declaration — showing signs of further contraction in domestic demand after already deteriorating over the recent months. On average, credit card spending plummeted by 26.3 percent nationwide on Dec. 6 compared to the previous week, according to Statistics Korea on Sunday, compiled through Shinhan Card’s data. Credit card spending in Seoul was also heavily affected, dropping 29.3 percent compared to the previous week. Gwangju, North Jeolla and South Jeolla were the three regions that had the most dramatic decrease in credit card spending at over 30 percent, with Gwangju suffering a 35.9 percent drop. Even Daegu — where the smallest drop occurred — saw its spending decrease by 19.6 percent. While average spending fluctuates weekly and monthly due to many factors including individual spending patterns, payday, holidays, discount promotions, payment due dates and even weather, such a drastic decrease across all 19 regions and cities in December — when festive end-of-year spending is very much expected — marked a first since Statistics Korea began publishing credit card transaction data in 2020. By category, spending in the entertainment, sport and culture sectors fell by 6.7 percent compared to the previous week, while the food and beverage category dropped by 6.5 percent. Credit card transactions in stores nationwide, too, experienced a 27.4 percent tumble during the same period — proof that small businesses were hit hard by the chaos started by the emergency martial law declaration. The tourism industry will likely take a hit from the political instability caused by President Yoon Suk Yeol: The United States, Britain and Canada issued travel advisories and urged caution for travelers and residents in Korea following the martial law declaration. While the advisories, along with the short-lived martial law, were soon lifted, the tourist sentiment may take longer to recover. The government said it plans to light up the economy next year by allocating three-quarters of the yearly budget for the first half of 2025; it will also encourage end-of-year government events to help increase spending. The budget for government-issued loans for small enterprises has also been increased by 60 billion won ($41.3 million) to 3.77 trillion won. The possibility of a supplementary budget allocation is also increasing, with Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minster Choi Sang-mok pledging to “continue the review on appropriate countermeasures” as he looks into “external uncertainties and the livelihoods of the public” during his recent visit to the National Assembly. A supplementary budget allocation at the start of the year is not only difficult for the government to justify but is also subject to pressure from the rise in inflation. “A more aggressive fiscal policy would be effective for a boost in domestic demand in the current situation,” said Kim Jung-sik, an honorary professor at Yonsei University’s Department of Economics. “Monetary policies like lowering the base rate may take a while to be effective.” “Both parties in the National Assembly should prospectively discuss a supplementary budget allocation in the first half of next year, and the government, too, should look at the big picture instead of just focusing on tightening the budget,” the professor said. “Without active efforts to boost the economy, the local economy might suffer until May or June of next year.” BY IM SOUNG-BIN [ [email protected] ] var admarutag = admarutag || {} admarutag.cmd = admarutag.cmd || [] admarutag.cmd.push(function () { admarutag.pageview('3bf9fc17-6e70-4776-9d65-ca3bb0c17cb7'); });

RICHARDSON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 11, 2024 / Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPXS), a leading manufacturer of precision optical sighting systems for domestic and worldwide military and commercial applications, announced today it has been awarded a three-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Optically Improved Periscopes from DLA Land and Marine with a maximum value of $6.5 million and two additional option years. Danny Schoening, CEO, Optex Systems stated "Optex continues to support our domestic armored vehicle manufactures through the ongoing supply of laser protected periscopes. These units provide our customers with real-time situational awareness while protecting them from harmful laser strikes. This three year contract speaks to the decades-long relationship with the U.S. Government and our commitment to quality and reliability." With this order, the current Optex backlog is in excess of $42 million. ABOUT OPTEX SYSTEMS Optex, which was founded in 1987, is a Richardson, Texas based ISO 9001:2015 certified concern, which manufactures optical sighting systems and assemblies, primarily for Department of Defense (DOD) applications. Its products are installed on various types of U.S. military land vehicles, such as the Abrams and Bradley fighting vehicles, Light Armored and Armored Security Vehicles, and have been selected for installation on the Stryker family of vehicles. Optex also manufactures and delivers numerous periscope configurations, rifle and surveillance sights, and night vision optical assemblies. Optex delivers its products both directly to the military services and to prime contractors. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.optexsys.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the products and services described herein. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "could," "should," "would," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," "likely," "forecast," "probable," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies concerning future events, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding growth strategy; product and development programs; financial performance and financial condition (including revenue, net income, profit margins and working capital); orders and backlog; the estimated value of IDIQ contracts; expected timing of contract deliveries to customers and corresponding revenue recognition; increases in the cost of materials and labor; costs remaining to fulfill contracts; contract loss reserves; labor shortages; follow-on orders; supply chain challenges; the continuation of historical trends; the sufficiency of our cash balances for future liquidity and capital resource needs; the expected impact of changes in accounting policies on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; anticipated problems and our plans for future operations; and the economy in general or the future of the defense industry. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, continued funding of defense programs and military spending, the timing of such funding, general economic and business conditions, including unforeseen weakness in the Company's markets, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, changes in the U.S. Government's interpretation of federal procurement rules and regulations, changes in spending due to policy changes in any new federal presidential administration, market acceptance of the Company's products, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, inability to fully realize the expected benefits from acquisitions and restructurings or delays in realizing such benefits, challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated synergies, changes to export regulations, increases in tax rates, changes to generally accepted accounting principles, difficulties in retaining key employees and customers, unanticipated costs under fixed-price service and system integration engagements, changes in the market for microcap stocks regardless of growth and value and various other factors beyond our control. You must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from the Company's forward-looking statements. These factors include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. You should carefully evaluate such statements in light of factors described in the Company's filings with the SEC, especially on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. In various filings the Company has identified important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete list of all potential risks or uncertainties. Contact: IR@optexsys.com (972) 764-5718 SOURCE: Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. View the original on accesswire.com

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The states that saw the most active attacks against election certification two years ago certified the results of this year’s races without controversy this week, prompting the Arizona secretary of state to proclaim that “election denialism” is a thing of the past. Others said they weren’t so sure. Certification proceeded normally this year in part because Donald Trump won the presidential race, quieting his supporters after he had spent the campaign making unsubstantiated claims that he could lose only through widespread cheating . The statewide certification votes Tuesday in Nevada and New Mexico follow a vote Monday to certify the results in Arizona. In all three states, the certification process was tumultuous during the 2022 midterms when Democrats won most statewide offices. Those controversies followed attempts by Trump and his allies to halt or challenge certification in Michigan, Georgia and other battleground states in 2020, disrupting what until then had been a routine administrative process. This year, some who have been the most vocal in questioning the integrity of elections have instead been celebrating Trump’s victory. “The results are being accepted in the manner that they are, in part, because those who have been eroding trust or casting doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections have a result they feel good about,” said David Levine, a former local election official in Idaho who now advises on election administration issues. “Hopefully we can get back to a place where Americans can feel confident in the results even if it’s one they disagree with.” On Tuesday, Nevada and New Mexico certified their statewide results with little discussion. During Monday’s certification in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes reflected on the lack of controversy this year. “I think the age of election denialism, for all intents and purposes, is dead,” he said. Sitting next to Fontes, state Attorney General Kris Mayes, a fellow Democrat, said she was more skeptical. Her Republican opponent in 2022 spent two years challenging his loss . “Do I think election denialism is dead? No, I don’t,” she said. “We’ll see over the next couple of election cycles what happens, but I don’t think we’re there yet.” Public confidence in elections has dropped since Trump challenged his loss in 2020 and made false claims of widespread fraud, particularly among Republicans . Some Republicans began targeting the certification process, when local and state boards certify the results after local election officials provide them with the final tally of votes. A firestorm erupted in Georgia over the summer when the state election board, with a new pro-Trump majority, attempted to politicize the certification process with changes later blocked by the courts. While certification battles did not surface after the Nov. 5 election , a vocal segment within the Republican Party remains deeply skeptical of election processes, particularly of the availability of mail ballots and the use of ballot scanners to tally votes. During a forum Monday on the social platform X led by the group Cause of America, the group's director expressed doubt about voting equipment. Shawn Smith, who also is a retired Air Force colonel, argued the certification process suppresses legitimate concerns and goes against “the sovereignty of the people.” Although not as widespread as four years ago, this sentiment did surface sporadically at the local level this month. In Washoe County, Nevada, which includes Reno and voted narrowly for Vice President Kamala Harris, the vote to certify the results was 3-1 with one abstention. Commissioner Jeanne Herman has consistently voted against certification and did not make a public comment about her vote this year. Commissioner Mike Clark, a staunch Trump supporter who had also previously voted against certification, said he would abstain and left before the vote. “I am not an election denier and clearly the person I wanted to win, won this state,” Clark said before leaving the meeting. “However, that does not mean that all the protocols were followed and that we can truly certify the election.” Such skepticism, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, leaves the door open to certification disputes during future elections. The questioning of election results isn't limited to Republicans. Even though Harris quickly conceded after losing all seven presidential battleground states , online posts among her supporters continue to raise concerns about her loss. One Reddit community that has amassed 23,000 members features a steady drumbeat of Democrats scrutinizing a result they can’t believe is real. Some posting in the group have issued calls to contact Harris and her running mate to ask them to demand a recount or otherwise object to the outcome. Among the battlegrounds, Michigan was among those where Trump and his allies pressed to halt certification of the 2020 election for Democrat Joe Biden amid false claims of fraud and manipulation. Two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers who initially opposed certification eventually relented. The state board of canvassers eventually voted to certify, even after one Republican member abstained. This year, the state board voted unanimously on Nov. 22 in favor of certifying and praised the state’s election workers. In Georgia, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified his state’s results on Nov. 22. Four years ago, the Republican state official was facing immense pressure from Trump and his allies to investigate their unsubstantiated claims of fraud. Also certifying results Tuesday, and doing so unanimously, was the state Board of Elections in North Carolina. It was the only presidential battleground state won by Trump in 2020 — and the only one where he and his allies didn't make claims of fraud. ___ Cassidy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ken Ritter in Las Vegas, Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report. Christina A. Cassidy, The Associated PressThe RSM Classic Par ScoresDENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Friday marks 35 years since the Montreal massacre, where 14 women were shot and killed at École Polytechnique. Those lives and the lives of so many other murdered women were remembered at vigils and ceremonies across the National Capital Region. Roses were laid and candles were lit at the Women's Monument in Petawawa, Ont., as the names of the 62 women killed by femicide in Ontario this year were read aloud. "It's very important that we mark this day, and we don't let those lives go unremembered. And we also take this opportunity to remember and think of and mourn for those who we've lost in Renfrew County as well," said Erika Mullins, a coordinator with Ending Violence Alliance (EVA) Renfrew County. Among those in attendance Friday was Deborah Kasdorff, who spent a career working with victims of violence. She says she hasn't missed a Dec. 6 vigil since the tragedy. "I just appreciate an opportunity to be with kindred spirits and to think back on the women who died, some of whom were clients of mine, whom I knew personally," she says of the names of Renfrew County women read aloud. "I can picture some of the women I knew. I see their faces. I think it's very powerful to hear the information that's read about each one of them." At the Women's Monument in Petawawa, the names of 27 women from Renfrew County who have been killed in gender-based violence are etched. "Those are the ones, obviously, that hit hard," says Petawawa Coun. Lisa Coutu. "I think those are people that we're missing. We're actively missing them, and that's something that brings everything home." Notably, the triple murder of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam in 2015 was the catalyst for a coroner's inquest which sought to end intimate partner violence. The inquest produced 86 recommendations, led by a call for the province to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic. Since June 2022, dozens of municipalities across Ontario have made the declaration, including the County of Renfrew and City of Ottawa. But many are frustrated by the inaction of the provincial government to make the declaration. "I'm not sure what they're waiting for. I'm not sure how many women and gender diverse people have to die in order for them to take it seriously," said Mullins. "I think the issue has maybe gotten too confused for them," says Coutu. "It's not a question of these definitions; what is an epidemic? We're talking about something that's making people die and we can identify it." Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Our Guide To The Most Giftable Toys In 2024 17 Sweet Treats And Snacks That Make Great Stocking Stuffers The Best Gift Ideas From Canadian Brands For Everyone On Your List Home Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Hydroponic Gardens In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts 20 Of The Best Gifts Worth Splurging On In 2024 Mary Berg's Favourite Kitchen Products To Gift This Holiday Season The Best Gifts to Give Your Dad in 2024 Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday Ottawa Top Stories OC Transpo to open Trillium Line in three stages starting Jan. 6 Another blast of snow coming to Ottawa this weekend Vigils held in eastern Ontario to mark 35 years since Montreal massacre Ottawa police seeking suspect in Mooney's Bay area shooting 'The Gingerbread Man' in Manotick reopens 2 years after devastating fire CHEO, Shriners Hospitals launch first-of-its-kind fellowship Ski season begins at Camp Fortune Christmas Cheer Breakfast raises $150K for Ottawa families CTVNews.ca Top Stories A police photographer recounts the harrowing day of the Polytechnique massacre Montreal crime scene photographer Harold Rosenberg witnessed a lot of horror over his thirty years on the job, though nothing of the magnitude of what he captured with his lens at the Polytechnique on December 6, 1989. He described the day of the Montreal massacre to CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin. NDP's Singh forces debate on $250 cheques for more Canadians; Conservatives cut it short With the fate of the federal government's promised $250 cheques for 18.7 million workers hanging in the balance, the NDP forced a debate Friday on a motion pushing for the prime minister to expand eligibility. The conversation was cut short, though, by Conservative MPs' interventions. DEVELOPING | 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. Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike. Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Sask. father who kept daughter from mom to prevent COVID-19 vaccine free from additional prison time Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan father who withheld his then seven-year-old daughter from her mom for nearly 100 days to prevent the girl from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was handed a 12-month prison sentence and 200 days probation on Friday, but credited with time served. Health Canada says daily cannabis use hasn't changed much since legalization Health Canada says daily cannabis use has remained stable since it was legalized in 2018. Quebec premier wants to ban praying in public Premier François Legault took advantage of the last day of the parliamentary session on Friday to announce to 'Islamists' that he will 'fight' for Quebec values and possibly use the notwithstanding clause to ban prayer in public places such as parks. Ticketmaster hidden fees settlement credits expected in 2025 following class-action lawsuit by Regina lawyer A longstanding lawsuit against Ticketmaster is nearing its end, with a judge expected to approve the more than $6 million dollar settlement before the end of the year. Atlantic Maritime weekend weather: Cold start and snowy finish Colder temperatures lie ahead for the weekend in the Maritimes with another swipe of snow and rain expected Sunday. N.S. RCMP search for Prospect Bay man wanted on provincewide warrant The RCMP is searching for a Nova Scotia man wanted on a provincewide warrant. Sister of man found dead in Kentville, N.S., speaks out The sister of a 52-year-old man found dead in a tent in Kentville, N.S., on Wednesday is speaking out on her loss. Toronto Woman facing 96 animal welfare charges in connection with unlicensed kennel in Hamilton A woman is facing 96 animal welfare charges in connection with an unlicensed kennel in Hamilton, where two pet owners claimed their dogs died while in her care. Hamilton police shut down ‘open air drug market’ they say was 'run like a business' Hamilton Police say that they have shut down an "open air drug market" in the vicinity of a downtown laneway that appeared to be "run like a business." 1 dead, 2 in hospital after collision in Etobicoke A 51-year-old man is dead after a two-vehicle collision in Etobicoke Friday morning. Montreal 'Duty to learn': Vigils mark 35th anniversary of Polytechnique anti-feminist killings Braving a biting winter wind, dignitaries gathered in front of Polytechnique Montréal's main campus on Friday to pay tribute to the 14 women killed at the Montreal institution in an anti-feminist attack 35 years ago. Quebec premier wants to ban praying in public Premier François Legault took advantage of the last day of the parliamentary session on Friday to announce to 'Islamists' that he will 'fight' for Quebec values and possibly use the notwithstanding clause to ban prayer in public places such as parks. Third public art theft in a month: Westmount bronze statue stolen A bronze statue was recently stolen from Prince Albert Square in Westmount, marking the third public art piece to go missing in just over a month. Northern Ontario Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike. Four transport truck drivers charged in northern Ont. collisions on Hwy. 11 Bad weather and bad driving contributed to multiple collisions on Highway 11 on Wednesday, leading to charges for several commercial motor vehicle drivers. Windsor Suspects sought after two hardware store break-ins Essex County OPP are investigating two overnight break-ins at hardware stores. Homeless encampment returns to the chagrin of residents Ashley Harrington's problem was solved for a short time, but then a homeless encampment returned behind her property. Annual Holiday Toy and Collectors show raising funds for Adopt-A-Vet: 'We've got to give back' The holiday season is a time for joy, but for many Canadian veterans who are alone, it can be increasingly sad. London SIU: driver that fled OPP traffic stop in Arva fatally injured The SIU says OPP tried to stop a vehicle for a traffic infraction in Arva on Saturday night. Investigators say the vehicle sped away, then crashed into another vehicle. Although the snow is tapering off, some roads are still closed or not cleaned yet The snow that has been battering southwestern Ontario is expected to begin to let up – however, we’re not out of the woods just yet. Pedestrian struck by impaired driver in London's west end A motor vehicle collision in the west end of London has led to impaired driving charges for a 59-year-old man. Kitchener Threat that caused school lockdowns in Guelph came from the United States Guelph Police Service is releasing more information about a call that caused two schools to go into lockdown and a third to implement hold-and-secure measures earlier this week. University of Waterloo harnessing the power of alpaca poop The University of Waterloo is trying to create an unusual type of compost. Home extensively damaged, school evacuated, after Kitchener fire No injuries have been reported after a fire in Kitchener Friday morning. Barrie Driver charged after passing snow plow in front of oncoming OPP vehicle A driver was pulled over and charged after passing a snow plow in front of an oncoming OPP vehicle. Multi-vehicle crash on Highway 400 snarled traffic A three-vehicle crash on Highway 400 snarled Friday afternoon traffic. Messy road conditions result in several collisions Emergency crews were kept busy in the early morning hours on Friday as the wintry weather created slippery conditions on the roads, and according to weather experts, we’re not in the clear just yet. Winnipeg Manitoba premier hints at change of location for supervised drug consumption site The Manitoba government signalled Friday it is open to changing the location of a proposed supervised drug consumption site that had been revealed two days earlier and met with criticism. 'A well-loved piece': Historic carousel display from Hudson’s Bay Company store lands at Winnipeg shop When a carousel setup from the Hudson’s Bay Company became available during an auction, a Winnipeg business owner had to have it. Manitoba RCMP looking to identify vehicle possibly connected to double homicide The Manitoba RCMP is looking for help to identify a vehicle potentially connected to a double homicide in Portage la Prairie on Sunday. Calgary Calgary's Fueling Brains Academy targeted by 'possible data breach' Calgary police say a strange email addressed to parents of students at Fueling Brains Academy did not come from the business. Alberta working to get money's worth on Turkish medication deal after 2 years Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the government is working to get taxpayer value for the money it paid for medication that has yet to be approved and delivered. Unemployment in Alberta remains steady, population growth continues to drive up Calgary’s unemployment New data shows Calgary’s unemployment rate ranks amongst the highest in the country as its growth in population continues to outpace the availability of job opportunities. Edmonton Security guard killed at Edmonton apartment building Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a security guard in central Edmonton on Friday morning. Alberta working to get money's worth on Turkish medication deal after 2 years Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the government is working to get taxpayer value for the money it paid for medication that has yet to be approved and delivered. Jasper hockey goalie pays tribute to fire-ravaged town Among the things Jasper resident Reid Jackson lost when his family's home was destroyed by the summer fire was his hockey goalie equipment. Regina Bernadette McIntyre named Saskatchewan's 24th Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan’s 24th Lieutenant Governor will be Bernadette McIntyre after being appointed to the position by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. Roses handed out in commemoration of polytechnic massacre Members of the YWCA handed out roses at the University of Regina to bring awareness to violence against women. Sask. father who kept daughter from mom to prevent COVID-19 vaccine free from additional prison time Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan father who withheld his then seven-year-old daughter from her mom for nearly 100 days to prevent the girl from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was handed a 12-month prison sentence and 200 days probation on Friday, but credited with time served. Saskatoon Bernadette McIntyre named Saskatchewan's 24th Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan’s 24th Lieutenant Governor will be Bernadette McIntyre after being appointed to the position by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. Saskatoon-based dog rescue operator ordered to pay $27K for defamatory Facebook posts A Saskatoon-based dog rescue operator has been ordered to pay over $27,000 in damages to five women after a judge ruled she defamed them in several Facebook posts. Are other cities better at clearing snow than Saskatoon? One of the noticeable changes during Saskatoon’s 2025 budget deliberations at city hall this past week was an increase to the snow and ice budget. Vancouver Soggy night for Swifties? Umbrellas not allowed at Taylor Swift concert venue in Vancouver There's heavy rain in the forecast for the first night of Taylor Swift's sold-out Eras Tour in downtown Vancouver – and umbrellas are prohibited at the concert venue. B.C. minister wants new safety plan for Victoria schools, threatens board removal British Columbia Education Minister Lisa Beare has appointed a special adviser to help the Victoria school board "revise and improve" its safety plan after it barred police from schools except in emergencies. B.C. ombudsman to investigate delay in sending social assistance cheques amid post strike Thousands of social assistance cheques have not been distributed in British Columbia because of the Canada Post strike, prompting an investigation by provincial ombudsperson Jay Chalke. Vancouver Island B.C. minister wants new safety plan for Victoria schools, threatens board removal British Columbia Education Minister Lisa Beare has appointed a special adviser to help the Victoria school board "revise and improve" its safety plan after it barred police from schools except in emergencies. Victoria man sentenced for sexually assaulting teen after supplying her drugs A Victoria man has been sentenced to five years in prison for twice sexually assaulting a teenage girl – one of four minors he was convicted of targeting over an eight-month period in 2018. Mounties say stolen Dodge pickups recovered near Victoria Mounties on Vancouver Island say two Dodge pickup trucks that were reported stolen last month have been recovered. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay ConnectedBC Conservative MLAs target caucus colleague over response to police board member’s ouster

1. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener perfect for anyone who wants to trick everyone around into thinking they got a full nine hours of sleep when in reality they got maybe six. 😖 This stuff is basically the makeup of the future because it's designed with color-adapting formula to help your bags ~disappear~, giving you instant coverage with a lightweight feel. The color adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades). 2. A strap-in airplane headrest/eyemask designed to help solve the *ultimate* plane nap problem — the dreaded head bob! These will basically lock your noggin in place so it doesn't flop forward and jolt you out of your sleep. Tell me how we are just now inventing this?! Checkout a TikTok of the airplane head rest in action. Promising review : "This is exactly what I needed for when I travel. I hate that I constantly fall forward or to the side when I fall asleep. This makes it so much easier, and I can still wear my earbuds and be in another world and sleep comfortably. Great idea!" — Miss Erini Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors). 3. A genius guacamole saver that can hold up to four cups worth and *actually* keep it fresh after a day. Be honest, there's nothing worse than craving some delicious guac only to open your fridge and see a brown pile of mush. This will suck out all the air and keep it nice and green for days so you don't have to decide between wasting the goodness or eating wayyyy more than you planned just cause you don't wanna throw it out. Promising reviews: " I cannot believe this works so well! I'm a huge guac on toast person, but how unappealing is brown guacamole? Received this on Saturday, made a batch on Sunday, and it was still beautifully green and tasty six days later! My standard batch perfectly fits six medium avocados, plus the fixings. Happy girl here!" — Amazon Customer "Works exactly as advertised! My guacamole has been in the fridge for eight days and it is still fresh and green. It looks and tastes like it did last week! You just have to make sure you really get all of the air out. It's a good size and can carry a large capacity of guacamole. I like that it can be used for a small or large amount and still keep it fresh." — Janice Phung Get it from Amazon for $10.56 (available in two colors). 4. The Crop Top Band so you can ditch the unnecessary sports bra on top of your dress when you just wanna tuck your sweater for that ~trendy~ look. Check the Crop Top band out in this helpful TikTok . The Crop Top Band is a woman-owned small biz! Promising review: "The Crop Top Band is a helpful accessory to many outfits! It stays in place better than I imagined it would and it kept my shirt tucked all day!" — Alexi B Get it from The Crop Top Band for $19.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL). 5. A ceiling fan carbon filter designed to turn your fan into an air purifier instead of a home for loads of dust buildup. These work by filtering the air with every spin to help remove pollen, pet dander, smoke, gasses, chemicals, and other allergens that are living in your house. Note: it is recommended that you replace these every three months or so to make sure they are still filtering the air to the best of their ability. Promising review: "I wasn't sure what to expect when purchasing these, but now they are a staple in every room of our house. Within three days the air smelled more crisp and was easier to breathe in our home. So simple and effective!" — Haylee Marez Get a three-pack from Amazon for $17.99 . 6. A set of delightful self-heating masks that'll soothe your feet with Epsom salts, shea butter, lavender, and peppermint to give your dogs the break they deserve. Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action. To use, simply open the bootie, slip your foot inside, remove the backing from the tab to secure it around your ankle, and wear 'em for 30 minutes. When times up, massage the treatment into your feet and wipe the excess away with a towel. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has these and says, "I'm a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days!" Get three pairs from Amazon for $12.44 . 7. An Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil designed to help eliminate makeup residue, blackheads, and excess sebum without clogging your pores. Reviewers are raving about this stuff and some even say you can see the gunk coming out of your pores!! It's recommended to use this as a step in a double cleansing routine, which is a method of cleansing your face twice — first with an oil-based cleanser, and then again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the gross stuff out of your pores. See why this reviewer loves this cleansing oil for glass skin on TikTok ! Promising review: "This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser and I’m so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for 2–3 minutes, I could visibly see my white- and blackheads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing because I have acne-prone skin, however, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby's bottom and my scarring doesn’t look as deep! The cleanser has a light clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera" — Myshel Cagle Get it from Amazon for $17.69 . 8. A WD-40 pen that's wayyy more convenient than the typical spray so you can get those squeak-free doors in an easy-to-use, precise application pen. Not only does this quiet down those annoying hinges, but it also protects against corrosion, loosens rusted parts, and drives out moisture, just like the OG version. Promising review: "I love WD-40 products and use them for everything. I spray on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking, spray around windows and thresholds to deter bugs, clean Sharpies off wood and walls, and, of course, stop squeaky doors. These small direct-point application pens are great. Keep one in the glove box, my kitchen 'junk' drawer, and the house toolbox." — BBP623 Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99 . 9. Elizabeth Mott's Thank Me Later Eye Primer which will help make sure that smoky eye (that you spent way longer on than you'd like to admit) actually lasts through the night instead of melting off your face as soon as you walk out the door. Promising review: "So let me start by saying I have used nearly every eyeshadow primer available. From high-end to low — MAC , Lorac , Urban Decay ...they don't hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. I use this primer and my shadow lasts a full eight hours or more. I could get maybe five or six out of the other brands, if I'm lucky. I got this as a sample in my Ipsy bag, and I had to buy the full-size product straight away! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thank you Elizabeth Mott for finally making a primer that lasts! I love this stuff!" — Melissa Mae Get it from Amazon for $13.99 . 10. A tea tree and peppermint remedy soap made with aloe vera and vitamins C and E to help combat a plethora of skin irritations (we're talking dry skin, acne, athlete's foot, jock itch, and more!) plus it's just overall nourishing for everyday use. Dare I say we have found the holy grail of soaps?! Learn more about the many uses of tea tree oil at Cleveland Clinic and learn about how it can help with athlete's foot at Mayo Clinic . Promising review: "I purchased Remedy Soap for my 'tween' daughter who was struggling with horrible armpit and foot odor. I tried everything to help her control this — men's deodorant, alcohol, lemon under her armpits, tea bags in her shoes, washing her clothes in vinegar etc. I was literally at my wits end by the time I came across this product on Amazon. After reading hundreds of positive reviews, I bought the soap with the hope that it would help significantly reduce her foot and armpit odor. To my amazement, it eliminated her odor completely!! She went through a whole day at school, including PE, and came home smelling as fresh as she did when she left that morning. That has NEVER happened this entire school year!! Needless to say, my husband and I are beyond pleased with our daughter's results. We now have the comfort of knowing that she won't have to continue suffering from the embarrassment of unnecessary body odor. I can't thank Honestie Naturals enough for this product. It has truly put a smile back on my family's faces." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three scents). 11. A set of safe-locking magnetic duvet pins so your duvet doesn't get all lumpy shoved up into one corner, leaving your partner to freeze with just the cover. Just attach your duvet to the cover and this'll lock in place, and when you need to get it undone you just use the magnetic key to open it right up. Checkout a TikTok of the duvet clips in action. Pinion Pins is a small business trying to solve one of the more annoying bedtime struggles. Promising review: "I was super worried about if I would have enough of the Pinions, and I totally do! My duvet is kinda thick and the Pinions pierced through with no problems! Plus with a little extra room if I had some extra layers. I REALLY like how you have to have the magnet tool to pull them apart . Other duvet tools I’ve seen just plain suck. The clips are never reliable and the ties just don’t stay. This handy dandy tool ENSURES nothing will move. I placed one on each corner of the duvet and then I put one on the middle edge between each corner. Absolutely no moving! Don’t walk, RUN TO BUY THIS. I also like how unnoticeable they are." — Abigayle Mishler Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $17.95 (also available in a 16-pack). 12. A popular foot exfoliant peel that is both horrifying (!) and satisfying. After wearing the booties for an hour, you will watch layers of skin peel away (over the course of 6–11 days) from your feet to reveal a smoothness you haven't experienced since you learned to walk. Check out a TikTok of the foot peel in action. Promising review: "I placed this order after seeing it everywhere on TikTok... and boy am I glad I tried it! I was initially skeptical of trying anything on my feet.. and let’s be honest the peeling feet pictures are not for the weak :) .. but oddly extremely satisfying. I soaked my feet in the bag for an hour as instructed (super easy to use) ... two weeks later, BOOM baby soft feet. It came with two soaking uses so I used the second on my sister. 10/10 would recommend!!" — Alma Elias Get two pairs from Amazon for $8.20+ (available in four scents and multipacks). 13. A firming eye cream with powerful, deep hydration to help reduce puffiness and dark circles. This cruelty-free and vegan cream is infused with vitamin C, vitamin E, rose hip seed oil, and hibiscus flower extract to help brighten and firm your skin. Promising review: "Incredible product! Still cannot believe what a difference it has made in the lines and wrinkles around my eyes. I use it twice a day, and actually use it for my entire face and my neck. My skin feels so soft, and lines are disappearing ." — Melissa Get it from Amazon for $17.39+ (available in two sizes and one- or two-packs). 14. A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount you can clip to the back of the seat in front of you, your suitcase handle, or pretty much anywhere else. You will be able to keep up with the Kardashians (or the reality show of your choice!) even if you're crammed in a seat that doesn't have a built-in TV. Perilogics is a small business creating hyper-functional tool holsters and bags for carrying your stuff on the go. Promising review : "I bought this nifty gadget about six months for a multi-leg, ultra long haul trip and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table . It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers. However, I find myself using it a lot outside of travel too! Work-wise, I've clamped it onto my office desk shelving to hold my phone at eye level beside my computer . At home, I simply clamped it to a deck of cards and it turns into a versatile stand that I can place on any flat surface. Heck, I've been using it to hold my phone comfortably at eye level while watching videos in bed. It's extremely well-built and I find myself fidgeting with it all the time. Thus far it still feels solid and I don't anticipate breaking it any time soon. Even if it does break, I'll be happy to buy another one or two of it!" — Earendil Get it from Amazon for $9.78+ (available in seven colors and packs of two). 15. A juicer designed to get 👏🏼 EVERY 👏🏼 LAST 👏🏼 DROP 👏🏼 from your lemons, limes, oranges, or whatever else you need to squeeze. It'll catch all the seeds so you don't have to go fishing at the end, and it collapses down flat so it won't take up a huge chunk of your drawer. Check it out on TikTok here . Promising review: "I don’t know why someone didn’t come up with this sooner. But to the person who did, you’re kind of my hero. This thing is amazing, just cut the fruit in half, drop it in with the cut side facing towards you, and squeeze the handle. Gets so much more juice out than the old-style juicers. Super easy cleanup too. I have some severe health issues including bad arthritis in my hands, and this doesn’t hurt at all to use. 10/10 highly recommend!" — Kristen L. Get it from Amazon for $14.51+ (available in three colors). 16. A painting station , which has thought of everything and has you covered for all your painting needs. It comes with a collapsible water cup that magnetizes to the board, built-in paint wells, brush holders on the side of the cup, and brush rests. Since it's made of silicone, it's super easy to clean and you won't have to worry about getting dried paint off your dining table. Promising review: "This product is awesome. No slipping around. The magnet is durable and strong. The paint cubes are a good size. The space on the mat for canvases or sand or anything is perfect. I was looking at these types of mats and could only find smaller ones. But my daughter loves to paint so this size is perfect. I highly recommend." — TJ Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in seven colors). 17. A plant-based cooking oil solidifier so you can stop pouring oil into a makeshift tinfoil bowl in your sink's drain — where it lives for hours while it solidifies (anyone else? Can't just be me...). Just sprinkle the powder in while it's hot, let it cool, and easily dispose of it in the trash! FryAway is a Latine woman-owned small biz founded by Laura Lady who specializes in planet-friendly ways to dispose of oil. See it in action on TikTok ! Promising review: "Quite impressive. After making some fries, we added a packet to the hot oil and stirred a few times. Maybe 10 minutes later, we checked the pan, and the oil had solidified. Using a wood spoon, we easily removed the solid and put it in the trash. I will always make sure to keep a pack of FryAway in our pantry. Highly recommended." — Ryan O. Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two styes). 18. A refillable catnip cat mat to allow your kitty to experience all the fun and excitement of catnip without having to worry about finding it in your carpet for the next week. 3kittiesand2humans is an Ohio-based Etsy shop established in 2020 specializing in pet toys, accessories, and more. Promising review: "My cats love playing with the catnip mat! I am very pleased with the quality. The fabric is soft and the Velcro closure is strong. I am confident that the toy will hold up for plenty of rough play. I would definitely buy this again!" — Tam Get it from 3kittiesand2humans on Etsy for $7.20 (originally $8, available in a variety of design options). 19. An eyeshadow color removal sponge so each color doesn't require its own brush because you're afraid to accidentally contaminate your gorgeous nude color with the hot pink you used yesterday. Just rub the brush on the sponge for a few seconds and watch the pigment disappear. And you can use both sides before taking it out to wash it for endless reusing. Check out what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord thinks of this awesome little tool: "I picked up this color removal sponge from Amazon after hearing about this hack on TikTok and can testify that it actually works SO well. I'm *so* bad about cleaning my brushes (I know...shameful) and this makes it super easy to clean a brush in a matter of seconds. So even if I'm trying to do a *slightly* more elaborate eyeshadow look for the day, this makes the process of switching colors as quick and painless as possible. Also, it's *super* lightweight, and I've already tossed it in my bag and brought it on vacation with me. This is one of those products I won't be traveling without in the future if I plan on doing eyeshadow at any point — and it means you only need to pack one or two eyeshadow brushes !" Promising review : "This product makes it even easier for me to be lazy when it comes to cleaning my brushes. It also allows me to use the same brush for a makeup look since I can swish away a previous shadow and move on to the next. Great buy. Super easy to wash. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, but when I do finally travel again, I'm sure this will be excellent to travel with and make it so that I only need to bring one or two brushes." — Azaleah Bumpus-Barnett Get a two-pack from Amazon for $5.99 (also available in a four-pack). 20. A fabulous lip-plumping gloss set to create absolutely luscious lips for anyone who likes the look of lip fillers but not the price or commitment. You're probably gonna have to apologize to your friend who just got filler done before you discovered this product. You'll get one lip plumper and one minty sleeping mask for your lips. Promising review: "I discovered this product from TikTok and I had to give it a try. I tried the day lip plumper and within a few seconds, there was a subtle tingling/burning that lasted for a few minutes but as it occurred, the plumping started to happen! It made a noticeable difference and made my lips look like I had filler ! I'm obsessed!! — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.98 . 21. Some seamless, machine-washable cotton-bamboo-blend bra liners that will revolutionize your bra-wearing experience, especially on hot days. Not only does this absorb your dreaded underboob sweat, but it also helps make a barrier between your skin and the underwire of your bra that digs in *so* uncomfortably. Promising review: "This is one of those things that I wish I'd found years earlier. I've suffered from mortifying stress-induced under-boob sweat for most of my adult life. Also, I'm a lifelong Seattle girl who gets upset when it's warmer than 65 degrees outside. So when I stumbled upon this product, I was curious enough to buy a small pack. And yes, I've come back for MORE! For real, I won't put on a bra without one of these liners now. It absorbs all the moisture from heat and stress. And because it's a really soft bamboo/cotton mix, my skin is finally not feeling tortured under there! To the makers of this ingenious life-changing product: thank you thank you thank you! Sincerely, all the grateful ta-tas you've helped to care for." — Niko Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes M–XXL, three colors and variety packs). 22. A keloid minimizer because sometimes no matter how well you take care of your new piercing, you just get hit with the keloid curse. This is designed to help reduce the size of the uncomfortable bump so you don't have to end up taking out your adorable new earring. Note: This product is not an overnight miracle. Apply this 2–3 times a day, be patient, and you'll start to see the results. Talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your keloid on your own, and learn more about keloids from Cleveland Clinic . Promising review: "This product is amazing! Truly a miracle product. I had an AWFUL keloid forming near my nose piercing about six weeks after getting it done and it was getting bigger and more irritated by the day, nothing was helping. I bought this and started using it and in less than two weeks my huge keloid was completely gone! I was definitely skeptical and a little nervous when it didn’t seem to be getting noticeably smaller after a week but then the second week, it started totally disappearing so give it some time to work if your bump is on the larger side. If you remain patient and apply it twice a day, it should do the trick!" — Jordan Caprigno Get it from Amazon for $12.85+ (also available in multipacks). 23. A root touchup powder that has TikTokers *shook* with how well it covers up their grown-out roots or greys between hair appointments or how it gives the illusion of fullness on any thinning areas. Seriously you need to watch the video , it seems like some sort of magic trick. It comes with a little sponge attached for easy application. Promising reviews: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also if you have thin hair it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes . A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." — Amazon Customer "LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." — Catie B. Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in two sizes and 14 colors). 24. A fabric shaver , because the little pilled up balls of fabric all over your clothes are not it . With a quick swipe you will watch all those balls disappear, leaving the item looking fresh and new. *If using on clothing, make sure to hold the fabric tight so the shaver doesn't catch and make a hole.* If you get the battery-operated version, you'll also need AA batteries . Promising review: "A literal MUST-BUY!! Bought this for my couch after seeing so many people reviewing it on social media and it worked like a charm! Those little lint balls were so frustrating after I would wash my cushion covers but this little tool fixed that problem in minutes. About to go use this on everything I own!!" — Ashley Get it from Amazon for $12.87+ (available as rechargeable or battery-operated and in six colors). 25. A silicone tumbler-shaped ice tray that makes three different sizes of cylinder ice so you can stack 'em up inside your water bottle to create the coldest, crispest water you've ever tasted. Check out a TikTok of the tumbler ice tray in action. Promising review: "So far, so good! Works great for 40-ounce Hydro Flask ." — Vic Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors and two sizes). 26. A stainless-steel tongue scraper designed to scrape away your bad breath, but reviewers have also found that it helped them experience flavors more intensely ! Squeaky clean mouth AND more flavorful food? Sign me up! Promising review: "I hate brushing my tongue, I also hate having bad breath, decided to try a tongue scraper. I was skeptical about the claim that it doesn’t trigger the gag reflex but I gave it a try and it’s amazing. It doesn’t make me gag like brushing, it cleans my tongue way more effectively than brushing and the gunk doesn’t come back as fast. My breath smells better, things taste better and my mouth feels cleaner. I love this thing!" — Jo. K. Get two from Amazon for $5.49+ (available in five varieties). 27. A bag of polyester stuffing so you can give the back sofa cushions the extra TLC they deserve. Not only are they not attractive when they're all smushed down, but man are they uncomfortable. And with any leftover stuffing, you can rejuvenate stuffed animals, throw pillows, bedding, and more. After all, there's no such thing as too much fluff! Promising review: "Ok, so I had been looking into buying a new couch but I only wanted a nice leather one and they are SOOO EXPENSIVE. I decided to try and fix ours and I am SOO HAPPY with the results !! I bought two $52 boxes of poly fill (used 1 1/4 total, so I still have a lot left). I cut open each of the three sections of the inner cushions of each back cushion, re-stuffed them, and sewed them back up. It took me about a day and half. I want to get some furniture foam to plump up the seat cushions (but that is another project and significantly more money), but the end result is a HUGE improvement! The couch looks (and feels) a million times better! Wish I done this years ago! The first 'before' pic has a back cushion already stuffed because I didn’t think to take a pic until after I already stuffed a cushion. If you are thinking this won’t work (like I was), you are wrong. DO IT!!!!" — Geoff Get a 20-oz. bag from Amazon for $17.31 (available in nine sizes). 28. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence , which is a lightweight face serum to help repair, hydrate, and rejuvenate skin. It's designed for all skin types and reviewers love how gentle yet effective it is. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has this and says, "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help completely kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne, it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores. Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, and I'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores. After using it a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer to put this on when your face is slightly moist from washing , rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it — I've found that it's what got me the best results!" Promising review : "I caved to the TikTok hype and now I am obsessed, lol! I have extremely sensitive skin but this was the first product that I didn’t have to go through a 'getting used to' phase." — Shelby Get it from Amazon for $19.50 . 29. Some bedsheet tags so you never again make the bed only to realize you put the short side on the long side and you have to start all over again. They are also super helpful for organizing your linen closet so you don't have to pull every single sheet out just to find the size you are looking for. Bed Corner Labels is a woman-owned small business based in Hermosa Beach, California. These labels can be left on sheets while they're in the washer and dryer. They can be detached and reattached a limited number of times. Promising review: "They're easy to attach to sheets and look better than the safety pin I was using to designate the long side of my king-size sheets." — ESimms5555 Get four labels from Bed Corner Labels on Etsy for $13.75+ (available in larger sets and 11 styles). 30. A TubShroom to protect your drain from the *disturbing* amount of hair that comes out of your head every time you shower. Maybe it is just me, but I would rather prevent the hair from going down the drain than have to dig soggy, dirty hair out. Ugh, that sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. 😖 Promising review: "I was mentioning at work one day that I had moved into a new place and had already had to use Drano in my shower. I said I was going to buy the best product I could find to catch hair before it went down the drain to clog it. One of my coworkers asked me if I meant a TubShroom and I replied that I had never heard of one. I looked it up on Amazon, purchased it, and have never looked back. I recommend them to everyone! I have not had to use Drano in my house since I purchased it! Super easy to clean! Once or twice a week when the water in my tub starts to stand during my shower, I’ll pull it out, clean it with a paper towel, and it’s good as new!" — Erin Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in five colors and a two-pack). 31. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen perfect if you're finally realizing all the advice about wearing sunscreen every day isn't actually a myth and you should be protecting your face. This is a great choice to add to your morning routine since it works as a makeup primer, isn't greasy, and won't leave any gnarly residue behind like the sunscreens you've been avoiding for years. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown is a big fan of this stuff: "I've been using this sunscreen at least once daily since my mom gifted it to me two Christmases ago, and have every intention to keep using it for years. A dime-size amount covers my entire face, because it's translucent it leaves absolutely no white cast, and 10 minutes after putting it on, my face just feels like I applied a little bit of a nice moisturizer or makeup primer , not anything that's grease-central, like sunscreen usually is. After several years of stubbornly trying (and failing) to find a decent, oily-skin-friendly, non-greasy drugstore option, I've caved to this pricier kind because literally none of the six or seven other options I tried even compared to this. Every time I've worn makeup since I got it, I've been impressed by the way my matte foundation glides over it, looks with it, and lasts with it. You can see the texture and color in the photo above; it really does go on completely clear. And it's water- and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes!" Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in two sizes) or from Sephora for $22+ (available in two sizes). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.Kebbi Govt To Boost Partnerships With UK Coy On Digital Finance, Financial InclusionHow a Temecula man dealt with freedom after he was wrongfully locked in prison for 20 years

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m jili7 How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 12/13/2024CLEVLEAND — Shane Bieber's comeback with Cleveland has double meaning. The former Cy Young winner re-signed with the Guardians on Wednesday, a reunion that seemed unlikely when he became a free agent. However, the 29-year-old Bieber decided to stay with the AL Central champions after making just two starts in 2024 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Bieber agreed last week to a one-year, $14 million contract. The deal includes a $16 million player option for 2026. It seemed like a long shot that Bieber, who is 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA in 132 starts, would return to Cleveland. He had turned down long-term offers in the past from the club, and it was expected he would sign with another contender, likely one on the West Coast. But the California native has a special connection with the Guardians, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. People are also reading... Bieber, who won the AL Cy Young in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, threw only 12 innings last season before lingering issues with his elbow forced him to have surgery. He is expected to join Cleveland's rotation at some point in 2025. A two-time All-Star, Bieber was named MVP of the midsummer event in 2019 when it was held in Cleveland. He has the highest strikeout ratio per nine innings (10.2) and third-highest winning percentage (.660) in the franchise's 124-year history. Bieber is one of just three Cleveland pitchers to start five season openers, joining Stan Coveleski (1917-21) and Corey Kluber (2015-19). While Bieber had some elbow issues in the past, he didn't show any issues before being shut down. He struck out 11 in six scoreless innings against Oakland on March 28, and followed that up with six more shutout innings at Seattle on April 2. Pitchers dominate Rule 5 draft DALLAS — Pitchers again dominated the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft at the winter meetings, comprising 11 of the 15 unprotected players who were picked Wednesday. The 121-loss Chicago White Sox had the first pick and selected 24-year-old right-hander Shane Smith from the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Smith was an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest when he was signed by Milwaukee in July 2021. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder has gone 13-7 with a 2.69 ERA and 203 strikeouts over 157 innings in 19 starts and 54 relief appearances over three minor league seasons. There were 14 teams who made picks in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft of players left off 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Only Atlanta made two selections, after making none since 2017. Atlanta chose right-hander Anderson Pilar from the Miami Marlins with the 11th pick, and then took infielder Christian Cairo from the Cleveland Guardians with the 15th and final pick in the MLB portion. The 26-year-old Pilar was original signed by Colorado as a minor league free agent in 2015 and has pitched in 213 minor league games that included 17 starts. He is 28-20 with a 2.86 ERA. Teams pay $100,000 to take a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the big league roster all of next season or clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000. Six of the 10 players selected during the Rule 5 draft last December — five of them right-handed pitchers — remained last season with organization that selected them. Two of the four position players taken Wednesday by other teams came from the Detroit Tigers organization: catcher Liam Hicks and third baseman Gage Workman. Miami drafted second after Colorado passed making a selection, and took Hicks. Workman was taken by the Chicago Cubs with the 10th pick. Baltimore lost two right-handed pitchers on back-to-back picks, Juan Nunez to San Diego with the 12th pick before Connor Thomas went to Milwaukee. Hamilton wins Frick Award DALLAS — Tom Hamilton, who has called Cleveland games on the radio for 35 seasons, won the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting on Wednesday. Hamilton, 70, joined the team's broadcast in 1990, when he was with Herb Score in the booth and part of the coverage of their World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997. Hamilton became the voice of the franchise when Score retired after that second World Series. Hamilton will be honored during the Hall of Fame’s induction weekend from July 25-28 in Cooperstown, New York. He was selected the hall's Frick Award 16-member committee as the 49th winner. There were 10 finalists on this year's ballot, whose main contributions came as local and national voices and whose careers began after, or extended into, the Wild Card era. The other nine were Skip Caray, Rene Cardenas, Gary Cohen, Jacques Doucet, Ernie Johnson Sr., Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper, Dave Sims and John Sterling. Marlins send Burger to Rangers DALLAS — The Texas Rangers acquired slugging corner infielder Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in a trade for three minor league players. Burger hit .250 with 29 home runs and 76 RBIs in 137 games for the Marlins last season, with 150 strikeouts in 535 at-bats with 31 walks. He started 59 games at third base and made 50 starts at first. Five days of service time short of being eligible for salary arbitration this offseason, he will be eligible next winter and can become a free agent after the 2028 World Series. Miami got infielders Max Acosta and Echedry Vargas and left-handed pitcher Brayan Mendoza. The acquisition of Burger comes about a month after the Rangers hired former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker as a senior adviser for baseball operations. Luis Urueta, Miami's bench coach the past two seasons, also was added recently to manager Bruce Bochy's on-field coaching staff for 2025. BRIEFLY WHITE SOX: Mike Tauchman is switching sides in Chicago. The White Sox announced a $1.95 million, one-year contract for the outfielder. Tauchman, 34, grew up in Palatine, Illinois, about 35 miles northwest of Chicago, and played college ball for Bradley in Peoria, Illinois. He spent the previous two seasons with the Cubs. TRADE: All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet was acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox for four prospects. Catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez and outfielder Braden Montgomery are headed to Chicago. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

American McNealy takes first PGA title with closing birdieShopping malls were once the center of the universe for suburban teens, until the internet made it easier to shop and socialize from right at home. But Gen Z is rejecting the online obsessions of Gen X and millennials by returning to the once-forsaken halls of shopping malls. It’s part of... ... a general trend of shopping in person, rather than online, which has also contributed to the revival of . The mall revival is a different beast, though. Gen Z shoppers want items quicker, to spend time with their friends, and to share their shopping adventures on social media. Nearly 63% of Gen Zers plan to shop at physical stores this holiday season, , while only ~50% plan to use retailers’ apps and websites. Take mall staple Abercrombie & Fitch: 60% of sales for its millennial-skewing mainline brand come digitally, but only 30% of sales for its Gen Z-friendly Hollister label are online. Malls are courting these shoppers with more experiential offerings (mini golf, Instagram photo ops, etc.), plus hotter retailers that attract more attention than dying anchor stores. Too online as it is Gen Z was raised on the internet, even before covid killed a lot of in-person bonding experiences. Roberta Katz, a Stanford University researcher who studies Gen Z, they want to embrace the real world’s advantages. They have also become jaded by the digital retailers that supposedly “killed” malls the last time around. Thirty-nine percent of Gen Z shoppers are “tired of hearing about Amazon,” data from research firm Mintel 60% of Gen Z shoppers believe Amazon is “too powerful.” Nearly 50% of Gen Z shoppers try to actively avoid Amazon, compared to 20% of boomers and 40% of millennials. After growing up with the toothless smile on Amazon boxes and the cold sterility of Zoom classrooms, Gen Z seems happy to touch the proverbial grass.

WASHINGTON — The FBI should have done more to gather intelligence before the Capitol riot, according to a watchdog report Thursday that also said no undercover FBI employees were on the scene on Jan. 6, 2021, and that none of the bureau's informants was authorized to participate. The report from the Justice Department inspector general's office knocks down a fringe conspiracy theory advanced by some Republicans in Congress that the FBI played a role in instigating the events that day, when rioters determined to overturn Republican Donald Trump's 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden stormed the building in a violent clash with police. The review, released nearly four years after a dark chapter in history that shook the bedrock of American democracy, was narrow in scope, but aimed to shed light on gnawing questions that have dominated public discourse, including whether major intelligence failures preceded the riot and whether the FBI in some way provoked the violence. Rioters loyal to Donald Trump gather Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. The report offers a mixed assessment of the FBI's performance in the run-up to the riot, crediting the bureau for preparing for the possibility of violence and for trying to identify known "domestic terrorism subjects" who planned to come to Washington that day. But it said the FBI, in an action the now-deputy director described as a "basic step that was missed," failed to canvass informants across all 56 of its field offices for any relevant intelligence. That was a step, the report concluded, "that could have helped the FBI and its law enforcement partners with their preparations in advance of January 6." The report found 26 FBI informants were in Washington for election-related protests on Jan. 6, including three who were tasked with traveling to the city to report on others who were potentially planning to attend the day's events. While four informants entered the Capitol, none were authorized to do so by the bureau or to break the law, the report said. Rioters storm the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Many of the 26 informants provided the FBI with information before the riot, but it "was no more specific than, and was consistent with, other sources of information" that the FBI acquired. The FBI said in a letter responding to the report that it accepts the inspection general's recommendation "regarding potential process improvements for future events." The lengthy review was launched days after the riot as the FBI faced questions over whether it had missed warning signs or adequately disseminated intelligence it received, including a Jan. 5, 2021, bulletin prepared by the FBI's Norfolk, Virginia, field office that warned of the potential for "war" at the Capitol. The inspector general found the information in that bulletin was broadly shared. FBI Director Chris Wray, who announced this week his plans to resign at the end of Biden's term in January, defended his agency's handing of the intelligence report. He told lawmakers in 2021 that the report was disseminated though the joint terrorism task force, discussed at a command post in Washington and posted on an internet portal available to other law enforcement agencies. "We did communicate that information in a timely fashion to the Capitol Police and (Metropolitan Police Department) in not one, not two, but three different ways," Wray said at the time. FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks March 11 during a hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. Separately, the report said the FBI's New Orleans field office was told by a source between November 2020 and early January 2021 that protesters were planning to station a "quick reaction force" in northern Virginia "to be armed and prepared to respond to violence that day in DC, if necessary." That information was shared with the FBI's Washington Field Office, members of intelligence agencies and some federal law enforcement agencies the day before the riot, the inspector general found. But there was no indication the FBI told northern Virginia police about the information, the report said. An FBI official told the inspector general there was "nothing actionable or immediately concerning about it." A cache of weapons at a Virginia hotel as part of a "quick reaction force" was a central piece of the Justice Department's seditious conspiracy case against Oath Keeper leader Stewart Rhodes and other members of the far-right extremist group. Trump supporters, including Douglas Jensen, center, confront U.S. Capitol Police on Jan. 6, 2021, in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington. The conspiracy theory that federal law enforcement officers entrapped members of the mob has been spread in conservative circles, including by some Republican lawmakers. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., recently suggested on a podcast that agents pretending to be Trump supporters were responsible for instigating the violence. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who withdrew as Trump's pick as attorney general amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations, sent a letter to Wray in 2021 asking how many undercover agents or informants were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and if they were "merely passive informants or active instigators." Wray said the "notion that somehow the violence at the Capitol on January 6 was part of some operation orchestrated by FBI sources and agents is ludicrous." Rioters scale a wall at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump attend a rally on the Ellipse near the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Trump supporters participate in a rally in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Trump supporters participate in a rally Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Then-President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to speak at a rally in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) People listen as then-President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters of then-President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A supporter of then-President Donald Trump is injured during clashes with police at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A rioter pours water on herself at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) A Trump supporter holds a Bible as he gathers with others outside the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) A demonstrator supporting then-President Donald Trump, is sprayed by police, Jan. 6, 2021, during a day of rioting at the Capitol.(AP Photo/John Minchillo) Rioters try to enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) U.S. Capitol Police try to hold back rioters outside the east doors to the House side of the U.S. Capitol, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Rioters gather outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Jacob Anthony Chansley, center, with other insurrectionists who supported then-President Donald Trump, are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber in the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Chansley, was among the first group of insurrectionists who entered the hallway outside the Senate chamber. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) U.S. Capitol Police hold rioters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Lawmakers evacuate the floor as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Police with guns drawn watch as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Congressmen shelter in the House gallery as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Members of Congress wear emergency gas masks as they are evacuated from the House gallery as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) The House gallery is empty after it was evacuated as rioters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2021, after rioters stormed the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Members of the DC National Guard surround the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., read the final certification of Electoral College votes cast in November's presidential election during a joint session of Congress after working through the night, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Pool) A flag hangs between broken windows after then-President Donald Trump supporters tried to break through police barriers outside the U.S. Capitol, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) A flag that reads "Treason" is visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2021, after rioters stormed the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) An ATF police officer cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2021, after rioters stormed the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Fencing is placed around the exterior of the Capitol grounds, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 in Washington. The House and Senate certified the Democrat's electoral college win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours Wednesday running rampant through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $600 Per Month?Michigan upsets No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 for Wolverines' 4th straight win over bitter rival

Balatro is an almost perfect mobile portSANTA CLARA, Calif. — At this point the past two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers were fighting for playoff positioning rather than their playoff lives. After snapping a three-game losing streak with a lopsided win last week against Chicago, the Niners head into a Thursday night division showdown against the Los Angeles Rams hoping to play with the same kind of desperation in a game they almost certainly need to win to get to the postseason. "I think just across the board as a team, everybody had just a bit more of sense of urgency and I think we executed and played together as a team, and we didn't let off," quarterback Brock Purdy said. "Really liked that. But, that was last week so now it's on to this week and how can we do that again?" After getting outscored by 53 points in losses at Green Bay and Buffalo, the 49ers (6-7) played their most complete game of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. While some credited a feeling of desperation or speeches from players such as Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir for the turnaround, linebacker Fred Warner said it was more about execution than anything else. "We didn't go out there in Green Bay, we didn't go out there in Buffalo saying, 'Let's just hope that we win.' Trust me, I felt desperate as hell going into both those games," he said. "It just didn't work out. ... It didn't happen because last week we decided we wanted to. This was weeks in the making." Whatever the reason, the results were obvious to anyone watching, including the Rams (7-6), who had their own signature performance to boost their playoff chances. Los Angeles held off Buffalo 44-42 to remain one game behind Seattle in the NFC West race and a game ahead of the 49ers and Arizona in the tightly packed division. Coach Sean McVay knows his team will need a similar performance to beat San Francisco and earn a season sweep. "I saw they certainly had a very dominant performance," he said. "If there's anything that you do know, it's a week-to-week league. Humility is only a week away. They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel and really good schemes. No matter what's really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they're going to be ready to go." Puka Nacua is in dominant form with 33 catches for 458 yards and three TDs in the Rams' past four games, highlighted by a 162-yard performance last week against Buffalo in which he also scored his first rushing TD. Nacua was injured for these clubs' first meeting this season — but last year, he broke the NFL's single-game rookie receptions record with 15 in his first game against San Francisco, and he set the NFL rookie season records for catches and yards receiving during his visit to Santa Clara last January. "He's a tough football player," 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said. "Some guys are just competitive. He's got size, he doesn't go down easy. Some things you can't measure and he's just got it." The least productive four-game stretch of Deebo Samuel's career sent the frustrated wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers to social media. In a now-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Samuel said the reason he gained only 97 yards from scrimmage the past four games was not that he was struggling but that he wasn't getting the ball. His teammates and coaches believe he will get back to his All-Pro form soon. "I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could," Purdy said. "I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things." The Rams defense got shredded twice in the past three weeks by Saquon Barkley's Eagles and Josh Allen's Bills, dropping the unit to 27th in total defense. LA's vaunted young pass rush led by rookie Jared Verse has no sacks in its past two games and just three in the past four games. Considering Purdy drove the Niners to 425 yards in the teams' first meeting this season without Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle or Samuel, the Rams' offense might need yet another prolific game to overcome its defense's weaknesses. With Nick Bosa sidelined the past three games, the 49ers have had to generate pass rushes from different sources. They had a season-high seven sacks last week with Yetur Gross-Matos getting three and Leonard Floyd two. The 32-year-old Floyd has 5 1/2 sacks in his past four games. "Leonard's just an Energizer bunny," Shanahan said. "It's crazy with him being one of the older guys and stuff and how many different teams he's been to, but I've played against him enough and felt that." Bosa has a chance to return this week and is listed as questionable. AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report Get local news delivered to your inbox!49ers look to maintain 'urgency' against rival Rams

Global stocks mostly cheer Nvidia results as bitcoin gainsWASHINGTON — A tax break for millionaires, and almost everyone else. An end to the covid-19-era government subsidies that some Americans have used to purchase health insurance. Limits to food stamps, including for women and children, and other safety net programs. Rollbacks to Biden-era green energy programs. Mass deportations. Government job cuts to “drain the swamp.” Having won the election and sweeping to power, Republicans are planning an ambitious 100-day agenda with President-elect Donald Trump in the White House and GOP lawmakers in a congressional majority to accomplish their policy goals. Atop the list is the plan to renew some $4 trillion in expiring GOP tax cuts, a signature domestic achievement of Trump’s first term and an issue that may define his return to the White House. “What we’re focused on right now is being ready, Day 1,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., after meeting recently with GOP colleagues to map out the road ahead. The policies emerging will revive long-running debates about America’s priorities, its gaping income inequities and the proper size and scope of its government, especially in the face of mounting federal deficits now approaching $2 trillion a year. The discussions will test whether Trump and his Republican allies can achieve the kinds of real-world outcomes wanted, needed or supported when voters gave the party control of Congress and the White House. “The past is really prologue here,” said Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, recalling the 2017 tax debate. Trump’s first term became defined by those tax cuts, which were approved by Republicans in Congress and signed into law only after their initial campaign promise to “repeal and replace” Democratic President Barack Obama’s health care law sputtered, failing with the famous thumbs-down vote by then-Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. The GOP majority in Congress quickly pivoted to tax cuts, assembling and approving the multitrillion-dollar package by year’s end. In the time since Trump signed those cuts into law, the big benefits have accrued to higher-income households. The top 1 percent — those making nearly $1 million and above — received about a $60,000 income tax cut, while those with lower incomes got as little as a few hundred dollars, according to the Tax Policy Center and other groups. Some people ended up paying about the same. “The big economic story in the U.S. is soaring income inequality,” said Owens. “And that is actually, interestingly, a tax story.” In preparation for Trump’s return, Republicans in Congress have been meeting privately for months and with the president-elect to go over proposals to extend and enhance those tax breaks, some of which would otherwise expire in 2025. That means keeping in place various tax brackets and a standardized deduction for individual earners, along with the existing rates for so-called pass-through entities such as law firms, doctors’ offices or businesses that take their earnings as individual income. Typically, the price tag for the tax cuts would be prohibitive. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that keeping the expiring provisions in place would add some $4 trillion to deficits over a decade. Adding to that, Trump wants to include his own priorities in the tax package, including lowering the corporate rate, now at 21% from the 2017 law, to 15%, and doing away with individual taxes on tips and overtime pay. But Avik Roy, president of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, said blaming the tax cuts for the nation’s income inequality is “just nonsense” because tax filers up and down the income ladder benefited. He instead points to other factors, including the Federal Reserve’s historically low interest rates that enable borrowing, including for the wealthy, on the cheap. “Americans don’t care if Elon Musk is rich,” Roy said. “What they care about is, what are you doing to make their lives better?” Typically, lawmakers want the cost of a policy change to be offset by budget revenue or reductions elsewhere. But in this case, there’s almost no agreed-upon revenue raisers or spending cuts in the annual $6 trillion budget that could cover such a whopping price tag. Instead, some Republicans have argued that the tax breaks will pay for themselves, with the trickle-down revenue from potential economic growth. Trump’s tariffs floated this past week could provide another source of offsetting revenue. Some Republicans argue there’s precedent for simply extending the tax cuts without offsetting the costs because they are not new changes but existing federal policy. “If you’re just extending current law, we’re not raising taxes or lowering taxes,” said Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the incoming chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, on Fox News. He said the criticism that tax cuts would add to the deficit is “ridiculous.” There is a difference between taxes and spending, he said, “and we just have to get that message out to America.” At the same time, the new Congress will also be considering spending reductions, particularly to food stamps and health care programs, goals long sought by conservatives as part of the annual appropriations process. One cut is almost certain to fall on the COVID-19-era subsidy that helps defray the cost of health insurance for people who buy their own policies via the Affordable Care Act exchange. The extra health care subsidies were extended through 2025 in Democratic President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which also includes various green energy tax breaks that Republicans want to roll back. The House Democratic leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, scoffed at the Republican claim that they’ve won “some big, massive mandate” — when in fact, the House Democrats and Republicans essentially fought to a draw in the November election, with the GOP eking out a narrow majority. “This notion about some mandate to make massive, far-right extreme policy changes, it doesn’t exist — it doesn’t exist,” Jeffries said. Republicans are planning to use a budgetary process, called reconciliation, that allows majority passage in Congress, essentially along party lines, without the threat of a filibuster in the Senate that can stall out a bill’s advance unless 60 of the 100 senators agree. It’s the same process Democrats have used when they had the power in Washington to approve the Inflation Reduction Act and Obama’s health care law over GOP objections. Republicans have been here before with Trump and control of Congress, which is no guarantee they will be able to accomplish their goals, particularly in the face of resistance from Democrats. Still, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who has been working closely with Trump on the agenda, has promised a “breakneck” pace in the first 100 days “because we have a lot to fix.”

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — At this point the past two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers were fighting for playoff positioning rather than their playoff lives. After snapping a three-game losing streak with a lopsided win last week against Chicago, the Niners head into a Thursday night division showdown against the Los Angeles Rams hoping to play with the same kind of desperation in a game they almost certainly need to win to get to the postseason. "I think just across the board as a team, everybody had just a bit more of sense of urgency and I think we executed and played together as a team, and we didn't let off," quarterback Brock Purdy said. "Really liked that. But, that was last week so now it's on to this week and how can we do that again?" After getting outscored by 53 points in losses at Green Bay and Buffalo, the 49ers (6-7) played their most complete game of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive. While some credited a feeling of desperation or speeches from players such as Purdy and Deommodore Lenoir for the turnaround, linebacker Fred Warner said it was more about execution than anything else. "We didn't go out there in Green Bay, we didn't go out there in Buffalo saying, 'Let's just hope that we win.' Trust me, I felt desperate as hell going into both those games," he said. "It just didn't work out. ... It didn't happen because last week we decided we wanted to. This was weeks in the making." Whatever the reason, the results were obvious to anyone watching, including the Rams (7-6), who had their own signature performance to boost their playoff chances. Los Angeles held off Buffalo 44-42 to remain one game behind Seattle in the NFC West race and a game ahead of the 49ers and Arizona in the tightly packed division. Coach Sean McVay knows his team will need a similar performance to beat San Francisco and earn a season sweep. "I saw they certainly had a very dominant performance," he said. "If there's anything that you do know, it's a week-to-week league. Humility is only a week away. They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel and really good schemes. No matter what's really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they're going to be ready to go." Puka Nacua is in dominant form with 33 catches for 458 yards and three TDs in the Rams' past four games, highlighted by a 162-yard performance last week against Buffalo in which he also scored his first rushing TD. Nacua was injured for these clubs' first meeting this season — but last year, he broke the NFL's single-game rookie receptions record with 15 in his first game against San Francisco, and he set the NFL rookie season records for catches and yards receiving during his visit to Santa Clara last January. "He's a tough football player," 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said. "Some guys are just competitive. He's got size, he doesn't go down easy. Some things you can't measure and he's just got it." The least productive four-game stretch of Deebo Samuel's career sent the frustrated wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers to social media. In a now-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Samuel said the reason he gained only 97 yards from scrimmage the past four games was not that he was struggling but that he wasn't getting the ball. His teammates and coaches believe he will get back to his All-Pro form soon. "I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could," Purdy said. "I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things." The Rams defense got shredded twice in the past three weeks by Saquon Barkley's Eagles and Josh Allen's Bills, dropping the unit to 27th in total defense. LA's vaunted young pass rush led by rookie Jared Verse has no sacks in its past two games and just three in the past four games. Considering Purdy drove the Niners to 425 yards in the teams' first meeting this season without Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle or Samuel, the Rams' offense might need yet another prolific game to overcome its defense's weaknesses. With Nick Bosa sidelined the past three games, the 49ers have had to generate pass rushes from different sources. They had a season-high seven sacks last week with Yetur Gross-Matos getting three and Leonard Floyd two. The 32-year-old Floyd has 5 1/2 sacks in his past four games. "Leonard's just an Energizer bunny," Shanahan said. "It's crazy with him being one of the older guys and stuff and how many different teams he's been to, but I've played against him enough and felt that." Bosa has a chance to return this week and is listed as questionable. AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report Get local news delivered to your inbox!

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a $182 million, five-year contract. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a $182 million, five-year contract. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a $182 million, five-year contract. The reigning World Series champions announced the deal with the two-time Cy Young Award winner on Saturday. Snell, who turns 32 on Wednesday, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts for San Francisco this year, throwing a no-hitter at Cincinnati on Aug. 2 for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. The left-hander struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings. He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin. Snell gets a $52 million signing bonus, payable on Jan. 20, and annual salaries of $26 million, of which $13 million each year will be deferred. Because Snell is a Washington state resident, the signing bonus will not be subject to California income tax. Snell joins Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles’ rotation. Ohtani didn’t pitch this year while recovering from right elbow surgery but the two-way star is expected back on the mound in 2025. Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and 2023 with San Diego. He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants. Because he turned down a qualifying offer from San Diego last November, the Giants were not eligible to give Snell another one and won’t receive draft-pick compensation. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB Advertisement Advertisement

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risal ali A new University of Arizona study finds an emerging trend of millennials reevaluating their retirement plans due to uncertainties related to climate change. Fifty participants, ages 26 to 41, were interviewed over Zoom. The study was led by Marissa Hettinger, a graduate student in the Norton School of Ecology of UA’s College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, who is studying human development and family science. “Millennials are the first generation to reach retirement-savings-age amid the climate crisis,” Hettinger said in a UA news release. “As a millennial myself, I was interested in understanding how we think about preparing for the future and how climate change impacts our choices. ... When our parents and the generations before them set up their 401k and Roth IRAs, they weren't necessarily thinking about the impacts of climate change when they reach retirement age.” The participants were asked numerous questions about their perceptions, behaviors and emotions about financial planning in the context of climate change and potential "climate stress." All the interviews were then sifted to identify prevalent themes and shared points of view. Emotions from fear to hope were expressed. At one end, participants predicted worsening climate conditions would lead to “hesitation or apathy” about financial investments. At the other, they said they were hoping for sustainability, government action and community initiatives in the future. Parenthood was an important distinction — participants with children projected more anxieties about future climate change and wanted to be more deliberate in investing in their children’s futures. Their approaches to retirement planning and financial security for their families include investing in sustainable funds or companies with strong environmental, social and governance practices, as well as supporting community-oriented strategies or local government initiatives that bolster climate resilience. Participants wish for a greater level of transparency and guidance from employers, financial advisors and policymakers about accessible options for environmentally conscious financial planning. The findings have been published in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues . Researchers Hettinger, associate professor of retailing and consumer science Sabrina Helm and graduate student Kealie Walker, acknowledged the small size of the research pool; that the participants were mostly millennials with a certain level of financial education and engagement; and that the pool didn't include diversity of perspectives, according to the UA news release. “We expected there to be a group of people who see climate change as a reason to save more, while others want to use their resources now and enjoy life,” Helm said. “But I was happy to see proactive coping strategies in their savings behavior. We are generally more concerned about millennials, because they tend to have lower retirement savings than other generations before them. Financial literacy, particularly among younger people, is comparatively low.” The researchers intend for their future studies to also focus on Gen Z and Gen X, and to take into consideration different cultural and socio-economic factors. Reporter Prerana Sannappanavar covers higher education for the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson.com . Contact her at psannappa1@tucson.com or DM her on Twitter . Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Higher Education ReporterScotRail performance declines amid cancellations and strikes

Arne Slot enjoyed his first Christmas No.1 - and it is hard to see him not finishing the season at the top of the charts. It ended up being one of the craziest, madcap and most unforgettable Premier League games you are ever likely to see but it also showed why Liverpool will surely be crowned champions. They humiliated and embarrassed Spurs with their ruthless, sensational and relentless attacking play amid another feast of goals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “Are you not entertained, mate?” Ange Postecoglou asked in midweek after their goal feast against Manchester United . Well, no-one could deny that Tottenham do provide great entertainment but that is partly down to their kamikaze defending which allows opponents to run riot. Liverpool are so clearly the best and most consistent team in the Premier League and, even though they conceded three, they could have scored ten. Mo Salah scored twice, provided two assists and there were also brilliant displays by Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai who were also on the scoresheet. Slot has done an incredible job in his first season in English football, making Liverpool so good to watch and they have strengthened their position at the top going into Christmas . As for Tottenham, they are in serious danger of becoming a laughing stock. This was Sunday League stuff, a throwback to kids football when it was end-to-end and no-one cared about defending or tactical discipline. They are great fun to watch but you also cannot take them seriously. They are marooned in 11th place having lost more games than they have won - and it is no wonder. Postecoglou seems to have given up on defending entirely. Yes, they have a huge injury list and they have not been helped by having to turn to stand-in keeper Fraser Forster who looks a bag of nerves and his distribution is shockingly bad. Tottenham fans deserve huge credit for sticking with the team, for not making the stadium toxic even when Liverpool were threatening to run away with the game but they will never win anything playing like this. You cannot give up on defending because you have injuries. Not when you had Forster playing his first pass out from the back straight to Salah inside three minutes only for the Liverpool star to crash his shot into the side netting. Salah had five big chances - including crashing a shot against the bar - before Liverpool opened the scoring after 18 minutes. Trent Alexander-Arnold ’s sensational cross was headed in by Diaz. Liverpool were 2-0 up after 36 minutes when Andy Robertson’s cross was flicked on by Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister sneaked in to head in. Tottenham gave themselves hope after 41 minutes when Dejan Kulusevski tackled Mac Allister and James Maddison had time to pick his spot and make it 2-1. But it was 3-1 even before half time. Alexander-Arnold’s ball forward released a Liverpool counter-attack before Salah and Szoboszlai combined and the latter slotted home. It was a free-for-all in the second half. Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Szoboszlai were involved before Salah got another amid a goalline scramble. Szoboszlai played in Salah to make it 5-1. This was in danger of becoming truly embarrassing. Tottenham then regained some pride as Dom Solanke played in Kulusevski to volley home and make the scoreline more respectable. Tottenham then made it 3-5. Substitute Brennan Johnson’s flick set up Solanke to score from close range. They couldn’t, could they? No, of course. Salah’s pass set up Diaz and his cross-shot flew into the net for his second goal, Liverpool’s sixth and that killed off the game once and for all. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. 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. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

AJK President acknowledges government's efforts to promote quality education

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5 jilipark login When Katja Vogt considers a Jaguar, she pictures a British-made car purring confidently along the Italian coastline — a vision of familiarity that conveys "that dreaming, longing feeling we all love." She's not sure what to think about Jaguar now after the 89-year-old company announced a radical rebranding that featured loud colors and androgynous people — but no cars. Jaguar, the company says, will now be JaGUar. It will produce only electric vehicles beginning in 2026. Bad attention is good attention, Jaguar execs would appear to believe. The car brand has prompted mockery online for posting a glitzy ad without a single car in it. Say goodbye to British racing green, Cotswold Blue and black. Its colors are henceforth electric pink, red and yellow, according to a video that sparked backlash online. Its mission statement: "Create exuberance. Live vivid. Delete ordinary. Break moulds." "Intrigued?" @Jaguar posted on social media. "Weird and unsettled" is more like it, Vogt wrote on Instagram. "Especially now, with the world feeling so dystopian," the Cyprus-based brand designer wrote, "a heritage brand like Jaguar should be conveying feelings of safety, stability, and maybe a hint of rebellion — the kind that shakes things up in a good way, not in a way that unsettles." Jaguar was one of several iconic companies that announced significant rebrandings in recent weeks, upending a series of commercial — and cultural — landmarks by which many modern human beings sort one another, carve out identities and recognize the world around them. Campbell's, the 155-year-old American icon that artist Andy Warhol immortalized in pop culture decades ago, is ready for a new, soupless name. Comcast's corporate reorganization means there will soon be two television networks with "NBC" in their name — CNBC and MSNBC — that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News, a U.S. legacy news outlet. CNBC One could even argue the United States itself is rebranding with the election of former President Donald Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate. Unlike Trump's first election in 2016, he won the popular vote in what many called a national referendum on American identity. Are we, then, the sum total of our consumer decisions — what we buy, where we travel and whom we elect? Certainly, it's a question for those privileged enough to be able to afford such choices. Volumes of research in the art and science of branding — from "brandr," an old Norse word for burning symbols into the hides of livestock — say those factors do contribute to the modern sense of identity. So rebranding, especially of heritage names, can be a deeply felt affront to consumers. "It can feel like the brand is turning its back on everything that it stood for — and therefore it feels like it's turning its back on us, the people who subscribe to that idea or ideology," said Ali Marmaduke, strategy director with the Amsterdam-based Brand Potential. He said cultural tension — polarization — is surging over politics, wars in Russia and the Mideast, the environment, public health and more, creating what Marmaduke said is known as a "polycrisis": the idea that there are several massive crises converging that feel scary and complex. Campbell's soups "People are understandably freaked out by that," he said. "So we are looking for something that will help us navigate this changing, threatening world that we face." Trump's "Make America Great Again" qualifies. So did President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" slogan. Campbell's soup itself — "Mmm Mmm Good" — isn't going anywhere, CEO Mark Clouse said. The company's new name, Campbell's Co., will reflect "the full breadth of our portfolio," which includes brands like Prego pasta sauce and Goldfish crackers. None of the recent activity around heritage brands sparked a backlash as ferocious as Jaguar's. The company stood as a pillar of tradition-loving British identity since World War II. The famous "leaper" cat Jaguar logo is pictured in 2019 at the Auto show in Paris, France. Jaguar said its approach to the rebrand was rooted in the philosophy of its founder, Sir William Lyons, to "copy nothing." What it's calling "the new Jaguar" will overhaul everything from the font of its name to the positioning of it's famous "leaper" cat. "Exuberant modernism" will "define all aspects of the new Jaguar world," according to the news release. The approach is thought to be aimed at selling fewer cars at a six-figure price point to a more diverse customer base. The reaction ranged from bewilderment to hostility. Memes sprouted up likening the video to the Teletubbies, a Benetton ad and — perhaps predictably — a bow to "woke" culture as the blowback intersected with politics. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

ANDERSON, S.C. — Lamont Burks Jr. likely didn’t know that police were tracking his movement through South Carolina earlier this week, but a piece of technology used by law enforcement is what brought him into custody. Wanted for first-degree murder in Sioux Falls, Burks Jr. was apprehended by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in northwestern South Carolina on Tuesday, Nov. 19. ADVERTISEMENT “I can confirm his license plate did pass by a stationary license plate reader in Anderson County,” ACSO Public Information Officer Carrie Miller told Sioux Falls Live. “This notified deputies in the area to look for his car as it was associated with a murder in South Dakota.” Burks Jr. was wanted in connection to a deadly shooting in Sioux Falls’ Dunham Park in late August. When a fight broke out between a large group of people. The fight led to gunshots from at least two different firearms, killing one person and injuring three more. After an 11-week investigation, a grand jury in Minnehaha County indicted 32-year-old Walter Stewart and Burks Jr., 28. Stewart was located by police in Sioux Falls and arrested, but Burks Jr.’s whereabouts were unknown. That was until he passed by an automatic license plate reader in South Carolina, which notified law enforcement there. According to Flock, a company that manufactures ALPRs, the cameras scan license plates that pass by them, adding them into a database accessible to law enforcement agencies. South Carolina news outlets report that the cameras in the Palmetto State capture roughly 400 million license plate numbers from more than 4 million vehicles that travel the state each year. While police spokesman Sam Clemens confirmed that Sioux Falls does not have ALPRs installed in the city, the City of Madison implemented the use of ALPRs in 2022. ADVERTISEMENT According to Flock’s transparency portal, Madison’s 27 ALPRs scanned nearly 45,000 license plates in the past 30 days, registering 478 hits on National Crime Information Center and Amber Alert databases. The policy with the Madison Police Department, however, requires human verification of any hit from either database before action is taken. The cameras are also not equipped with facial recognition or traffic enforcement tools. Nine months after they were installed in Madison, Chief of Police Justin Meyer told Keloland News in 2023 that the ALPRs had already helped apprehend suspects in a variety of cases, ranging from local thefts to stolen vehicles. “They are proven assets at this point in time, and I don’t know that we could go back to running without them,” Meyer said. In an email to Sioux Falls Live, Flock said it could not provide a list of jurisdictions in South Dakota that have ALPRs installed, saying the company doesn’t have “a reliable list.” While the concept of ALPRs seems simple, the practice has been widely scrutinized throughout the nation. Various lawsuits challenge the legality and the scope, questioning law enforcement’s probable cause when capturing the data, as well as how much data is being collected. In South Carolina, where Burks Jr. was apprehended, Democratic state Rep. Todd Rutherford has worked for years on a bill that would better regulate who can access ALPR data and why, arguing that the lack of regulation allows law enforcement to track citizens who aren’t committing crimes. ADVERTISEMENT “They collect information about your license tag, which seems innocuous until you realize it’s kind of like the data in your cellphone, that you didn’t realize was so important,” Rutherford said in a March hearing of the South Carolina Legislature. “If Princess Kate was living in South Carolina, specifically in Florence, it would not be hard for people to have figured out that she was suffering from a disease because we could track her car to an oncologist using license plate readers.” Law enforcement agencies across the country, however, say the ALPRs create a more proactive approach to solving crime and have helped put criminals in jail. Since ALPRs led to the arrest of Burks Jr., he’s been l odged at the Anderson County Jail awaiting extradition to South Dakota. Officials in Anderson County say it’s up to the Sioux Falls Police Department to arrange a time to move Burks Jr., but that it could take longer if Burks Jr. decides to fight the extradition. Court dates in Minnehaha County have not yet been established for Burks Jr. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces a minimum sentence of life in prison and a maximum sentence of death. Stewart, who is also charged with first-degree murder, is expected to appear in court on Nov. 25.

Brendan Rodgers praises Celtic and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ mentalityInvesting.com -- Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:CRDO) on Monday reported a 64% surge in second-quarter revenue, driven by robust demand for its connectivity solutions fueled by increasing AI deployments. The company also narrowed its quarterly loss Credo's shares soared 31% in after-market trading. The cable maker posted revenue of $72 million for the quarter ended Nov. 2, a substantial year-over-year increase. Its GAAP net loss was trimmed to $0.03 per share, compared to a loss of $0.04 per share in the same period a year earlier. Credo is projecting third-quarter revenue between $115 million and $125 million, with GAAP gross margin expected to range from 60.6% to 62.6%. The company anticipates operating expenses of $58.6 million to $60.6 million on a GAAP basis. Shares of the company were up 31% in the aftermarket trading. Related Articles Credo shares surge after 64% jump in revenue, narrowed quarterly loss U.S. stocks mixed at close of trade; Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.29% Mexico stocks higher at close of trade; S&P/BMV IPC up 1.24%For decades, neoliberalism has systematically attacked the welfare state, undermined public institutions and weakened the foundations of collective well-being. Shrouded in the alluring language of liberty, it transforms market principles into a dominant creed, insisting that every facet of life conform to the imperatives of profit and economic efficiency. But in reality, neoliberalism consolidates wealth in the hands of a financial elite, celebrates ruthless individualism, promotes staggering levels of inequality , perpetuates systemic injustices like racism and militarism, and commodifies everything, leaving nothing sacred or untouchable. Neoliberalism operates as a relentless engine of capitalist accumulation, driven by an insatiable pursuit of unchecked growth and the ruthless concentration of wealth and power within the hands of a ruling elite. At its core, it’s a pedagogy of repression: crushing justice, solidarity and care while deriding critical education and destroying the very tools that empower citizens to resist domination and reclaim the promise of democracy. As neoliberalism collapses into authoritarianism, its machinery of repression intensifies. Dissent is silenced, social life militarized and hate normalized. This fuels a fascistic politics which is systematically dismantling democratic accountability, with higher education among its primary targets. For years, the far right has sought to undermine education, recognizing it as a powerful site of resistance. This has only accelerated, as MAGA movement adherents seek to eliminate the public education threat to their authoritarian goals. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance openly declared “ the professors are the enemy.” President-elect Donald Trump has stated that “pink-haired communists [are] teaching our kids.” In response to the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd’s killing, MAGA politicians like Sen. Tom Cotton openly called for deploying military force against demonstrators. The authoritarian spirit driving this party is crystallized in the words of right-wing activist Jack Posobiec , who, at the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference, said: “We are here to overthrow democracy completely. We didn’t get all the way there on January 6, but we will. After we burn that swamp to the ground, we will establish the new American republic on its ashes.” This is more than anti-democratic, authoritarian rhetoric. It also shapes poisonous policies in which education is transformed into an animating space of repression and violence, and becomes weaponized as a tool of censorship, conformity and discrimination. As authoritarianism surges globally, democracy is being dismantled . What does this rise in illiberal regimes mean for higher education? What is the role of universities in defending democratic ideals when the very notion of democracy is under siege? In Trump’s United States, silence is complicity, and inaction a moral failing. Higher education must reassert itself as a crucial democratic public sphere that fosters critical thought, resists tyranny and nurtures the kind of informed citizens necessary to a just society. Trump’s return to the presidency marks the endpoint of a deeply corrupt system, one that thrives on anti-intellectualism, scorn for science and contempt for reason. In this political climate, corruption, racism and hatred have transformed into a spectacle of fear, division and relentless disinformation, supplanting any notion of shared responsibility or collective purpose. In such a degraded environment, democracy becomes a hollowed-out version of itself, stripped of its legitimacy, ideals and promises. When democracy loses its moral and aspirational appeal, it opens the door for autocrats like Trump to dismantle the very institutions vital to preserving democratic life. The failure of civic culture, education and literacy is starkly evident in the Trump administration’s success at emptying language of meaning — a flight from historical memory, ethics, justice and social responsibility. Communication has devolved into exaggerated political rhetoric and shallow public relations, replacing reason and evidence with spectacle and demagoguery. Thinking is scorned as dangerous, and news often serves as an amplifier for power rather than a check on it. Corporate media outlets, driven by profits and ratings, align themselves with Trump’s dis-imagination machine, perpetuating a culture of celebrity worship and reality-TV sensationalism. In this climate, the institutions essential to a vibrant civil society are eroding, leaving us to ask: What kind of democracy can survive when the foundations of the social fabric are collapsing? Among these institutions, the mainstream media — a cornerstone of the fourth estate — have been particularly compromised. As Heather McGhee notes , the right-wing media has, over three decades, orchestrated “a radical takeover of our information ecosystem.” As public-sector support fades, many institutions of higher education have been forced to mirror the private sector, turning knowledge into a commodity and eliminating departments and courses that don’t align with the market’s bottom line. Faculty are increasingly treated like low-wage workers, with labor relations designed to minimize costs and maximize servility. In this climate, power is concentrated in the hands of a managerial class that views education through a market-driven lens, reducing both governance and teaching to mere instruments of economic need. Democratic and creative visions, along with ethical imagination, give way to calls for efficiency, financial gain and conformity. This neoliberal model not only undermines faculty autonomy but also views students as mere consumers, while saddling them with exorbitant tuition fees and a precarious future shaped by economic instability and ecological crisis. In abandoning its democratic mission, higher education fixates on narrow notions of job-readiness and cost-efficiency, forsaking its broader social and moral responsibilities. Stripped of any values beyond self-interest, institutions retreat from fostering critical citizenship and collective well-being. Pedagogy, in turn, is drained of its critical content and transformative potential. This shift embodies what Cris Shore and Susan Wright term an “ audit culture ” — a corporate-driven ethos that depoliticizes knowledge, faculty and students by prioritizing performance metrics, measurable outputs and rigid individual accountability over genuine intellectual and social engagement. In this process, higher education relinquishes its role as a democratic public sphere, shifting its mission from cultivating engaged citizens to molding passive consumers. This transformation fosters a generation of self-serving individuals, disconnected from the values of solidarity and justice, and indifferent to the creeping rise of authoritarianism. The suppression of student dissent on campuses this year, particularly among those advocating for Palestinian rights and freedom, highlights this alarming trend. Universities increasingly prioritize conformity and corporate interests, punishing critical thinking and democratic engagement in the process. These developments lay the groundwork for a future shaped not by collective action and social equity, but by privatization, apathy and the encroachment of fascist politics. Education, once the bedrock of civic engagement, has become a casualty in the age of Trump, where civic illiteracy is celebrated as both virtue and spectacle. In a culture dominated by information overload, celebrity worship and a cutthroat survival ethic, anti-intellectualism thrives as a political weapon, eroding language, meaning and critical thought. Ignorance is no longer passive — it is weaponized, fostering a false solidarity among those who reject democracy and scorn reason. This is not innocent ignorance but a calculated refusal to think critically, a deliberate rejection of language’s role in the pursuit of justice. For the ruling elite and the modern Republican Party, critical thinking is vilified as a threat to power, while willful ignorance is elevated to a badge of honor. If we are to defeat the emerging authoritarianism in the U.S., critical education must become a key organizing principle of politics. In part, this can be done by exposing and unraveling lies, systems of oppression, and corrupt relations of power while making clear that an alternative future is possible. The language of critical pedagogy can powerfully condemn untruths and injustices. A central goal of critical pedagogy is to cultivate historical awareness, equipping students to use history as a vital lens for understanding the present. Through the critical act of remembrance, the history of fascism can be illuminated not as a relic of the past but as a persistent threat, its dormant traces capable of reawakening even in the most robust democracies. In this sense, history must retain its subversive function — drawing on archives, historical sources, and suppressed narratives to challenge conventional wisdom and dominant ideologies. The subversive power of history lies in its ability to challenge dominant narratives and expose uncomfortable truths — precisely why it has become a prime target for right-wing forces determined to rewrite or erase it. From banning books and whitewashing historic injustices like slavery to punishing educators who address pressing social issues, the assault on history is a calculated effort to suppress critical thinking and maintain control. Such assaults on historical memory represent a broader attempt to silence history’s emancipatory potential, rendering critical pedagogy an even more urgent and essential practice in resisting authoritarian forces. These assaults represent both a cleansing of history and what historian Timothy Snyder calls “ anticipatory obedience,” which he labels as behavior individuals adopt in the service of emerging authoritarian regimes. The fight against a growing fascist politics around the world is more than a struggle over power, it is also a struggle to reclaim historical memory. Any fight for a radical democratic socialist future is doomed if we fail to draw transformative lessons from the darkest chapters of our history, using them to forge meaningful resolutions and pathways toward a post-capitalist society. This is especially true at a time when the idea of who should be a citizen has become less inclusive, fueled by toxic religious and white supremacist ideology. One of the challenges facing today’s educators, students and others is the need to address the question of what education should accomplish in a historical moment when it is slipping into authoritarianism. In a world in which there is an increasing abandonment of egalitarian and democratic impulses, what will it take to educate young people and the broader polity to hold power accountable? In part, this suggests developing educational policies and practices that not only inspire and motivate people but are also capable of challenging the growing number of anti-democratic tendencies under the global tyranny of capitalism. Such a vision of education can move the field beyond its obsession with accountability schemes, market values, and unreflective immersion in the crude empiricism of a data-obsessed, market-driven society. It can also confront the growing assault on education, where right-wing forces seek to turn universities into tools of ideological tyranny — arenas of pedagogical violence and white Christian indoctrination. Any meaningful vision of critical pedagogy must have the power to provoke a radical shift in consciousness — a shift that helps us see the world through a lens that confronts the savage realities of genocidal violence, mass poverty, the destruction of the planet and the threat of nuclear war, among other issues. A true shift in consciousness is not possible without pedagogical interventions that speak directly to people in ways that resonate with their lives, struggles and experiences. Education must help individuals recognize themselves in the issues at hand, understanding how their personal suffering is not an isolated event, but part of a systemic crisis. In addition, activism, debate and engagement should be central to a student’s education. In other words, there can be no authentic politics without a pedagogy of identification — an education that connects people to the broader forces shaping their lives, an education that helps them imagine and fight for a world where they are active agents of change. The poet Jorie Graham emphasizes the importance of engaging people through experiences that resonate deeply with their everyday lives. She states that “it takes a visceral connection to experience itself to permit us to even undergo an experience.” Without this approach, pedagogy risks reinforcing a broader culture engrossed in screens and oversimplifications. In such a context, teaching can quickly transform into inaccessible jargon that alienates rather than educates. In the current historical moment, education cannot surrender to the call of academics who now claim in the age of Trump that there is no room for politics in the classroom, or the increasing claim by administrators that universities have a responsibility to remain neutral. This position is not only deeply flawed but also complicit in its silence over the current far right politicization of education. The call for neutrality in many North American universities is a retreat from social and moral responsibility, masking the reality that these institutions are deeply embedded in power relations. As Heidi Matthews, Fatima Ahdash and Priya Gupta aptly argue, neutrality “serves to flatten politics and silence scholarly debate,” obscuring the inherently political nature of university life. From decisions about enrollment and research funding to event policies and poster placements, every administrative choice reflects a political stance. Far from apolitical, neutrality is a tool that silences dissent and shields power from accountability. It is worth repeating that the most powerful forms of education today extend far beyond public and higher education. With the rise of new technologies, power structures and social media, culture itself has become a tool of propaganda. Right-wing media, conservative foundations, and a culture dominated by violence and reality TV created the fertile ground for the rise of Trump and his continued legitimacy. Propaganda machines like Fox News have fostered an anti-intellectual climate, normalizing Trump’s bigotry, lies, racism and history of abuse. This is not just a political failure — it is an educational crisis. In the age of new media, platforms like Elon Musk’s X and tech giants like Facebook, Netflix and Google have become powerful teaching machines, actively serving the far right and promoting the values of gangster capitalism . These companies are reshaping education, turning it into a training ground for workers who align with their entrepreneurial vision or, even more dangerously, perpetuating a theocratic, ultra-nationalist agenda that views people of color and marginalized groups as threats. This vision of education must be rejected in the strongest terms, for it erodes both democracy and the very purpose of education itself. Education, in its truest sense, must be about more than training students to be workers or indoctrinating them into a white Christian nationalist view of who does and doesn’t count as American. Education should foster intellectual rigor and critical thinking, empowering students to interrogate their experiences and aspirations while equipping them with the agency to act with informed judgment. It must be a bold and supportive space where student voices are valued and engaged with pressing social and political issues, cultivating a commitment to justice, equality and freedom. In too many classrooms in the U.S., there are efforts to make students voiceless, which amounts to making them powerless. This must be challenged and avoided at all times. Critical pedagogy must expose the false equivalence of capitalism and democracy, emphasizing that resisting fascism requires challenging capitalism. To be transformative, it should embrace anti-capitalist principles, champion radical democracy and envision political alternatives beyond conventional ideologies. In the face of growing attacks on higher education, educators must reclaim their role in shaping futures, advancing a vision of education as integral to the struggle for democracy. This vision rejects the neoliberal framing of education as a private investment and instead embraces a critical pedagogy as a practice of freedom that disrupts complacency, fosters critical engagement, and empowers students to confront the forces shaping their lives. In an age of resurgent fascism, education must do more than defend reason and critical judgment — it must also mobilize widespread, organized collective resistance. A number of youth movements, from Black Lives Matter and the Sunrise Movement to Fridays for Future and March for Our Lives, are mobilizing in this direction. The challenge here is to bring these movements together into one multiracial, working-class organization. The struggle for a radical democracy must be anchored in the complexities of our time — not as a fleeting sentiment but as an active, transformative project. Democracy is not simply voting, nor is it the sum of capitalist values and market relations. It is an ideal and promise — a vision of a future that does not imitate the present; it is the lifeblood of resistance, struggle, and the ongoing merging of justice, ethics and freedom. In a society where democracy is under siege, educators must recognize that alternative futures are not only possible but that acting on this belief is essential to achieving social change. The global rise of fascism casts a long shadow, marked by state violence, silenced dissent and the assault on critical thought. Yet history is not a closed book — it is a call to action, a space for possibility. Now, more than ever, we must dare to think boldly, act courageously, and forge the democratic futures that justice demands and humanity deserves.

NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid a mixed Monday of trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% from its all-time high set on Friday to post a record for the 54th time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 128 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared 28.7% to lead the market. Following allegations of misconduct and the resignation of its public auditor , the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board. It also said that it doesn’t expect to restate its past financials and that it will find a new chief financial officer, appoint a general counsel and make other moves to strengthen its governance. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 3.2% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 0.5% after the chip company said CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired and stepped down from the board. Intel is looking for Gelsinger’s replacement, and its chair said it’s “committed to restoring investor confidence.” Intel recently lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to Nvidia, which has skyrocketed in Wall Street’s frenzy around AI. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the announcement of its CEO’s departure . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world’s fourth-largest automaker’s stock fell 6.3% in Milan. The majority of stocks in the S&P 500 likewise fell, including California utility PG&E. It dropped 5% after saying it would sell $2.4 billion of stock and preferred shares to raise cash. Retailers were mixed amid what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record and coming off Black Friday . Target, which recently gave a forecast for the holiday season that left investors discouraged , fell 1.2%. Walmart , which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.2%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.4%. All told, the S&P 500 added 14.77 points to 6,047.15. The Dow fell 128.65 to 44,782.00, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 185.78 to 19,403.95. The stock market largely took Donald Trump’s latest threat on tariffs in stride. The president-elect on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a group of developing economies if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. Trump said he wants the group, headlined by Brazil, Russia, India and China, to promise it won’t create a new currency or otherwise try to undercut the U.S. dollar. The dollar has long been the currency of choice for global trade. Speculation has also been around a long time that other currencies could knock it off its mantle, but no contender has come close. The U.S. dollar’s value rose Monday against several other currencies, but one of its strongest moves likely had less to do with the tariff threats. The euro fell amid a political battle in Paris over the French government’s budget . The euro sank 0.7% against the U.S. dollar and broke below $1.05. In the bond market, Treasury yields gave up early gains to hold relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed above 4.23% during the morning before falling back to 4.19%. That was just above its level of 4.18% late Friday. A report in the morning showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted again last month, but not by as much as economists expected. This upcoming week will bring several big updates on the job market, including the October job openings report, weekly unemployment benefits data and the all-important November jobs report. They could steer the next moves for Federal Reserve, which recently began pulling interest rates lower to give support to the economy. Economists expect Friday’s headliner report to show U.S. employers accelerated their hiring in November, coming off October’s lackluster growth that was hampered by damaging hurricanes and strikes. “We now find ourselves in the middle of this Goldilocks zone, where economic health supports earnings growth while remaining weak enough to justify potential Fed rate cuts,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. In financial markets abroad, Chinese stocks led gains worldwide as monthly surveys showed improving conditions for manufacturing, partly driven by a surge in orders ahead of Trump’s inauguration next month. Both official and private sector surveys of factory managers showed strong new orders and export orders, possibly partly linked to efforts by importers in the U.S. to beat potential tariff hikes by Trump once he takes office. Indexes rose 0.7% in Hong Kong and 1.1% in Shanghai. ___ AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.Weekend recap: Shiffrin crashes, Kingsbury soarsNone

The normally reliable centre-back passed the ball into his own net in the 26th minute after failing to spot goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s positioning. But a brilliant turn and finish on the hour mark from Daizen Maeda changed the game and ultimately earned the Scottish champions a 1-1 home draw. On the opener, Rodgers said: “Mistakes happen and it was just unfortunate. He’s played that pass a million times and it’s gone back and then we’ve been able to play forward. It was just one of those unfortunate moments in the game that happens. “But he’s a really, really tough character. He’s a great guy, he picked himself up. He was really strong and aggressive again in the game and got on with it and had a real bravery in the second half, because he was the one carrying the ball forward for us to start the attack.” Despite the gift, Brugge were worthy of their lead and Rodgers admitted his side were too passive in their pressing in the opening half. Some tactical tweaks – and the introduction of Paulo Bernardo – helped Celtic dominate after Maeda’s equaliser, although Brugge had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside. “I can only credit the players for the second half, because we had to fight,” Rodgers said. “And we’re still one of those teams that’s really pushing to try and make a mark at this level. So to make the comeback, score the goal, play with that courage, I was so pleased. “You want to win but I’ve been here enough times to have lost a game like that, but we didn’t. We showed a real strong mentality and we kept pushing right to the very end and the players did well. “I thought they showed great courage in the second half because we weren’t at our level in the first half. Sometimes a game like that can get away from you, but it didn’t. “We stayed with it, showed that determination, showed that mentality, never to quit, to keep going. And then we were much, much better, much freer in the second half. “So we’re on eight points, nine to play for. We’re still very much on course to get to where we want to get to and still three games to go.” Rodgers added: “It’s 20 games now and we’ve won 16 and drawn three and lost one, so it shows you the mentality is there, and especially at this level, you need to have that.”

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jili 678 In conclusion, the Opta-predicted Champions League standings paint a fascinating picture of the upcoming group stage, with unexpected outcomes and potential surprises awaiting fans around the world. As the footballing world eagerly anticipates the start of the Champions League, one thing is certain: the drama, excitement, and passion of European football's premier competition will once again captivate audiences and showcase the best that the sport has to offer.Microsoft Refutes All Accusations Taking Users' Data From MS 365 Applications Train AI ModelsKinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI) Shares Bought by PNC Financial Services Group Inc.

The town of Manbij, located in northern Syria near the Turkish border, has been a hotly contested territory for years. It has changed hands multiple times between various factions, including the Islamic State (IS) militants, Syrian government forces, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and now the Syrian opposition groups. Each group has sought to assert its control over the town, which holds significant strategic and symbolic value.As one of Hong Kong's most beloved celebrity couples, Chen Kaixin and Kevin Cheng's separation has undoubtedly come as a shock to many fans. However, their mature handling of the situation and commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship post-divorce is commendable and sets a positive example for others going through similar circumstances.

WASHINGTON — The House passed a $895 billion measure Wednesday that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen Jan. 26, 2020, from the air in Washington. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Camper total loss after fire north of Beatrice Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win BPS receives a "good" classification Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Missouri man sentenced for attempted sexual assault At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Community Players open holiday play Amie Just: This recruiting class marks the beginning of a new era — one without walk-ons Lonnie Meyer Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators wanted to increase defense spending about $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions in the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., speaks with reporters Nov. 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many nondefense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, proved effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responds to reporters Dec. 6 during his weekly news conference at the Capitol in Washington. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors Rising threats from debt collectors against members of the U.S. armed forces are undermining national security, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal watchdog that protects consumer rights. To manage the impact of financial stress on individual performance, the Defense Department dedicates precious resources to improving financial literacy, so service members know the dangers of notorious no-credit-check loans. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Andrew Cohen, the director of financial readiness in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. But debt collectors are gaining ground. Last quarter, debt collection complaints by U.S. military service members increased 24% , and attempts to collect on “debts not owed” surged 40%. Complaints by service members against debt collectors for deceptive practices ballooned from 1,360 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1,833 in the first quarter of 2024. “There’s a connection between the financial readiness and the readiness of a service member to perform their duty,” said Jim Rice, Assistant Director, Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Laws exist to protect the mission readiness of U.S. troops from being compromised by threats and intimidation, but debt collectors appear to be violating them at an alarming pace. “If they’re threatening to call your commander or get your security clearance revoked, that’s illegal,” says Deborah Olvera, financial readiness manager at Wounded Warriors Project, and a military spouse who’s been harassed herself by a collection agency that tried to extort money from her for a debt she didn’t owe. But after she requested the name of the original creditor, she never heard from them again. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities.” —Andrew Cohen, Director of Financial Readiness at the Pentagon Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it’s illegal for debt collectors to threaten to contact your boss or have you arrested because it violates your financial privacy. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, even for borrowers with bad credit scores. But according to the data, debt collectors are increasingly ignoring those rules. “Debt collection continues to be one of the top consumer complaint categories,” said a spokesperson at the Federal Trade Commission. The commission released a report earlier this year revealing that consumers were scammed $10 billion in 2023, a new benchmark for fraud losses. In his book Debt: The First 5,000 Years, David Graeber argues that debt often creates a relationship that can feel more oppressive than systems of hierarchy, like slavery or caste systems because it starts by presuming equality between the debtor and the creditor. When the debtor falls into arrears, that equality is then destroyed. This sense of betrayal and the subsequent imbalance of power leads to widespread resentment toward lenders. Most Menacing Loan Messengers Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock The debt collector reportedly harassing military service members most was Resurgent Capital Services, a subsidiary of collection giant Sherman Financial Group. The company tacks on accrued interest and junk fees and tries to collect on debts purchased for pennies on the dollar from cable companies, hospitals, and credit card companies, among others. Sherman Financial Group is run by billionaire Benjamin Navarro, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Sherman Financial also owns subprime lender Credit One Bank and LVNV Funding, which outsource collections to Resurgent Capital. According to CFPB data, the second worst offender is CL Holdings, the parent company of debt-buyer Jefferson Capital Systems. The company has also been named in numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau for alleged violations of the FDCPA, such as failing to properly validate debts or update credit reports with accurate information. Under the leadership of CEO David Burton, Jefferson Capital Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CompuCredit Corporation, which markets subprime credit cards under the names Aspire, Majestic, and others. The third most referenced debt collector is publicly traded Portfolio Recovery Associates [NASDAQ: PRAA], which was forced to pay $27 million in penalties for making false representations about debts, initiating lawsuits without proper documentation, and other violations. Portfolio Recovery Associates is run by CEO Vikram Atal. Fourth place for alleged worst offender goes to Encore Capital Group [NASDAQ ECPG], which was required to pay $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Encore collects under its subsidiary Midland Credit Management Group. These debt collectors all operate under a veritable shell game of company and brand names, almost none of which are disclosed on their websites, sending consumers on a wild goose chase to try and figure out how they’re related to each other. But despite their attempts to hide their tracks behind a smoke screen of subsidiaries, a leopard can’t change its spots, and the CFPB complaint database makes it harder for them to try. Loan Harassment Hotspots Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock Although widely considered a consumer-friendly state, complaints spiked most in California, which saw a 188% increase in complaints filed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. California is home to 157,367 military personnel, making it the most populous state for active-duty service members. The second-largest increase in debt collection complaints was in Texas, which saw a 66% jump from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense reports 111,005 service members stationed in the Lone Star State, which is the third-most populous state for active-duty military. The rising trends do not correlate to the number of military personnel by state. Complaints against debt collectors in Virginia, the second most populous state with 126,145 active duty personnel, decreased by 29% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. And complaints filed quarter-over-quarter in North Carolina, the fifth most populous state with 91,077 military personnel, decreased by 3% in the same period. The third largest percentage increase in debt collection complaints was from service members stationed in Maryland, where alleged harassment reports jumped 112% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Maryland ranks number 12 with just 28,059 active duty service members. Fourth place goes to Ohio – the 28th most populous active-duty state – where complaints doubled, followed by Arizona – the 15th most populous military state – where complaints were up 70% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. Billionaire Bets on Bad Credit Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock In 2007, Congress passed the Military Lending Act to cap the cost of credit to a 36% annual percentage rate, inclusive of junk fees and late charges, for active duty military service members. That rate is still considerably higher than average credit card rates, which range from 8% for borrowers with excellent credit scores to as high as 36% for borrowers with bad credit. But lenders still get hauled into court for violating the MLA. Don Hankey, the billionaire subprime auto lender who funded Donald Trump’s $175 million appeal bond , is among those violators. His company, Westlake Financial, which markets high-interest car loans for bad credit, has been sued twice by the Department of Justice for harassing military service members. In 2017, the DoJ alleged Hankey’s Westlake Financial illegally repossessed at least 70 vehicles owned by military service members. Westlake Financial paid $700,000 to settle the charges. In 2022, Westlake Financial paid $250,000 for allegedly cheating U.S. troops out of interest rates they were legally entitled to. Westlake Financial continues to receive complaints from military service members alleging abusive debt collection practices on its no-credit-check loans. A steady year-over-year increase in the number of complaints filed against Westlake Financial continued from 2020 to 2023. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data shows a 13% increase in the number of complaints against the company from 2020 to 2021, a 28% increase from 2021 to 2022, and a torrential 119% surge from 2022 to 2023. The numbers suggest systemic complaint-handling processes and inadequate customer service resources. Lenders Try to Shutter CFPB Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk / Shutterstock On May 16, 2024, a deceptively named predatory lending industry front group dubbed the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) lost a legal attempt to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In an effort to deprive Americans of essential consumer protections, the lobby group argued that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure was unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court denied its claim. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure is indeed constitutional. That means the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot be defunded, but it does not mean the agency cannot be defanged. The New York Times suggested that Hankey’s incentive to finance Trump’s $175 million bond could have been a reciprocity pledge to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, he could replace Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra, an American consumer advocate, with a predatory lending advocate. In 2020, the Trump Administration secured a Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for the president to fire the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling struck down previous restrictions on when a president can fire the bureau’s director. Like other federal agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also been confronted for overstepping its bounds, pushing too far, and acting unfairly against entities it regulates. Holidays, Interest Rates Not to Blame Photo Credit: Lux Blue / Shutterstock Seasonality and rising interest rates do not explain the increase in debt collection complaints from service members. The surge in complaints is not tied to predictable seasonal fluctuations or changes in interest rates. The increase in debt collection complaints by service members may point to underlying systemic issues, such as aggressive and predatory debt collection practices that exploit the unique financial vulnerabilities of service members, who face frequent relocations and deployments. Debt Complaints by Service Members From Q1 2021 to Q4 2022 Up 4% From Q4 2022 to Q1 2023 Up 6% From Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 Up 24% The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates From 3.08% in Q4 2021 to 3.82% in Q1 2022 From 6.66% in Q4 2022 to 6.37% in Q1 2023 From 7.30% in Q1 2023 to 6.75% in Q4 2024 Pandemic stimulus checks were also not a factor. COVID-19 relief benefit checks went through three major rounds during the pandemic. The final round of Economic Impact Payments went out in March 2021 . To better understand the rising trend of debt collection complaints, we calculated the increase in the total number of complaints and the percentage increase quarter-over-quarter. For example, New Jersey has the second largest percentage increase in complaints quarter-over-quarter, but the total number of complaints increased by just 16. Methodology The data for this study was sourced from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint database. The dataset specifically targeted complaints filed by U.S. military service members, identified using the tag “Servicemember” within Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Readers can find the detailed research methodology underlying this news story in the accompanying section here . For complete results, see U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors on BadCredit.org . Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Homelessness reached record levels in 2023, as rents and home prices continued to rise in most of the U.S. One group was particularly impacted: people who have served in the U.S. military. "This time last year, we knew the nation was facing a deadly public health crisis," Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement about the 2023 numbers. He said the latest homelessness estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development "confirms the depth of the crisis." At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—when the organization began collecting data—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero. Although they make up just 6.6% of the total homeless population, veterans are more likely to be at risk of homelessness than Americans overall. Of every 10,000 Americans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Of veterans living in the United States, that number jumps to 22, HUD data shows. Complicated by bureaucracy, family dynamics, and prejudice, the path from serving in the military to homelessness is a long one. According to a 2022 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers, homelessness typically occurs within four years of leaving the military, as veterans must contend with the harsh reality of finding a job in a world where employers struggle to see how skills on the battlefield transfer to a corporate environment. These days, veterans also deal with historically high rent and home prices, which causes many to rely on family generosity while figuring out a game plan. Stacker examined academic studies, analyzed government data, and spoke with members of the Biden administration, experts, and former members of the armed forces to see the struggles members of the military face when leaving the armed forces. Veterans struggle to find a path forward The Department of Veterans Affairs offers transition assistance to the roughly 250,000 service members who leave each year. However, those programs can be burdensome and complex to navigate, especially for those who don't have a plan for post-military life. Only a small portion of veterans have jobs lined up when they leave, according to 2019 Pew Research. Many also choose to live with relatives until they get on their feet, which can be longer than anticipated. Some former service members are unsure what kind of career they'd like to pursue and may have to get further education or training, Carl Castro, director of the Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told Stacker. "It takes years for that kind of transition," Castro said. Many have trouble finding a job after leaving the service, even if they are qualified. Some employers carry misconceptions about those who have served. A 2020 analysis from the journal Human Resource Management Review found that some veterans face hiring discrimination due to negative stereotypes that lead hiring managers to write them off as a poor culture fit. Underemployment, or working low-wage jobs below their skill level, is also an issue. While the unemployment rate for veterans was 3% in March 2024, a study released by Penn State at the end of 2023 found three years after leaving the service, 61% of veterans said they were underemployed because of perceived skill mismatches . This phenomenon can have long-term economic effects, and eventually, that frustration can boil over, strain relationships, and potentially lead to housing instability. Working, especially a low-wage job, is not protection against homelessness. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found half of people living in homeless shelters and 2 in 5 unsheltered people were employed, full or part-time. Some veterans struggle to find homes in their budget High rents make it difficult to save up, even when applying for a VA loan—a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that typically has more favorable terms. While the VA does not require a downpayment, some lenders, who ultimately provide the loan, do. They're not entirely risk-free either, and veterans can still lose their homes if they are unable to keep up with their mortgages. In November 2023, the VA put a six-month pause on foreclosures when an NPR investigation found thousands of veterans were in danger of losing their homes after a COVID forbearance program ended. Biden officials pointed to high rents and the end of COVID-era housing restrictions like eviction moratoriums to explain the spike in Americans experiencing homelessness. In the last year, homelessness rose 12%—to more than 650,000 people—the highest level since data began being collected in 2007. Overall, more than half of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 live in states with high living costs. Most were in California, followed by New York and Florida. Western states, including Montana and Utah, experienced massive population growth during the pandemic, becoming hubs for remote workers who drove home prices and rents even further. Vets with mental health issues most at risk for homelessness For veterans, housing costs certainly play a role, but those who leave the military also face systemic barriers. "It's worrying there are people that continue to fall through the cracks," said Jeanette Yih Harvie, a research associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Just under a quarter of adults experiencing homelessness have a severe mental illness , according to 2022 HUD survey data. They are also likely to have chronic illnesses but are unable to maintain preventative care, which only exacerbates these problems. Veterans facing homelessness are more likely to have experienced trauma , either before or after joining the military, according to Yale researchers who analyzed the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Childhood trauma was among the most significant commonalities among vets who become homeless. Substance use disorder is also widespread and can indicate an undiagnosed mental illness . Racial and ethnic disparities are at play, too. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that Hispanic and Black veterans were more likely to screen positive for PTSD, and Hispanic veterans were more likely to report having suicidal ideation. Overall, access to mental health care has improved in the last decade or so. In December 2023, the VA announced it would open nine additional counseling centers. However, the stigma of getting help remains, especially after years of being conditioned to be self-reliant and pull oneself up by their bootstraps. That help, in the form of public policy, is slowly working to catch up to the need. In 2023, the Biden administration invested millions into research programs and studies on suicide prevention by the VA office in addition to a proposed $16 billion to improve quality and lower-cost mental health care services for veterans. And, in February of this year, HUD and the VA announced they would give up to $14 million in vouchers to public housing agencies for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program would also offer case management and other services. Still, with a culture that pushes people to keep going, it can be challenging for servicemembers to take advantage of these opportunities, Harvie said. "When you've been doing that for the last 15 or 20 years, it's difficult to stop and say, 'I'm the person that needs help.'" Story editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Marchenko's late goal lifts Blue Jackets past Canadiens 5-4Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in Customers Bancorp, Inc. ( NYSE:CUBI – Free Report ) by 5.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 21,640 shares of the bank’s stock after acquiring an additional 1,072 shares during the quarter. Empowered Funds LLC’s holdings in Customers Bancorp were worth $1,005,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Ridgewood Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Customers Bancorp in the second quarter valued at approximately $48,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of Customers Bancorp by 21.7% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,580 shares of the bank’s stock worth $73,000 after acquiring an additional 282 shares during the last quarter. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Customers Bancorp in the second quarter worth approximately $74,000. CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of Customers Bancorp by 14.2% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,198 shares of the bank’s stock worth $102,000 after acquiring an additional 274 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Customers Bancorp in the second quarter worth approximately $151,000. 89.29% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Customers Bancorp Price Performance Customers Bancorp stock opened at $56.09 on Friday. The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $48.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.93. Customers Bancorp, Inc. has a 1 year low of $42.31 and a 1 year high of $68.49. The company has a market capitalization of $1.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.11 and a beta of 1.61. Insider Activity at Customers Bancorp In other Customers Bancorp news, Director Robert Neil Mackay sold 4,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.78, for a total value of $215,120.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 4,567 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $245,613.26. This trade represents a 46.69 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, CEO Jay S. Sidhu sold 860 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.73, for a total transaction of $47,067.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,189,738 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $65,114,360.74. This represents a 0.07 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last quarter, insiders sold 96,440 shares of company stock worth $5,425,815. Insiders own 6.92% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CUBI has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. B. Riley lifted their price target on Customers Bancorp from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Customers Bancorp from $61.00 to $55.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Hovde Group lowered Customers Bancorp from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and set a $49.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Friday, August 9th. DA Davidson boosted their price objective on Customers Bancorp from $71.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Finally, Stephens boosted their price objective on Customers Bancorp from $53.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Monday, November 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $61.11. View Our Latest Stock Report on CUBI About Customers Bancorp ( Free Report ) Customers Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Customers Bank that provides financial products and services to individual consumers, and small and middle market businesses. The company provides deposit banking products, which includes commercial and consumer checking, non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing demand, MMDA, savings, and time deposit accounts. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CUBI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Customers Bancorp, Inc. ( NYSE:CUBI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Customers Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Customers Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

There is no shortage of speculation about what U.S. imperialism will look like under the new Trump administration. The former president is still remembered for his chaotic decision making and lack of interest in the traditional alliances of U.S. imperialism, like NATO. But Trump’s foreign policy is far more complex than mere “America First” isolationism. In fact, Trump brings with him various ideas that are still being debated within the Right. As Alec Russell explains in the Financial Times : While in thrall to Trump, the [Republican] party has three national security groupings competing for his ear, according to the European Council on Foreign Relations: “restrainers”, essentially America Firsters; “prioritisers” who want to focus on China; and “primacists”, old-school believers in projecting American power across the world who have a strong caucus in the Senate. The first two are united in wanting to all but leave Ukraine to Europe. These competing views explain how Trump positions himself as an “anti-war” candidate, lambasting the architects of the War on Terror, while promising that under his administration the world will no longer view the United States as “weak.” The different ideas developing on the Right contain some points of convergence, but there are just as many, if not more, disagreements among the leading figures and intellectuals of the MAGA movement. This article will attempt to make sense of the Trumpist foreign by looking at the competing ideas on the Right. Trump embodies an attempt to bring together different ideas, testing them out in a volatile international landscape. “Peace Through Strength” In his 2016 campaign, Trump saw a growing rejection of forever wars among the U.S. working class, just as he saw U.S. power being stretched thin through its myriad international commitments. Trump spoke to the communities that were decimated by globalization moving manufacturing jobs overseas, and popularized elements of isolationism and economic populism. As Sou Mi wrote for Left Voice in October: During his first term in office, with the promise to “Make America Great Again,” Trump embarked on a protectionist campaign that marked a departure from the decades where diplomacy, organized in the fight for “democracy,” helped organize a capitalist world order behind the United States. Declaring that it was time for the world to pay its “fair share,” Trump withdrew the U.S. from key international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement and important UN bodies like the Human Rights Council, and even threatened to withdraw from NATO, all of which have been strategic treaties and institutions of maneuver for U.S. imperialism. Against the United States’ adversaries like China, Trump unleashed a trade war. On the campaign trail now, from championing the U.S. withdrawal from the war in Ukraine, to the competition with China, Trump proposes much the same. But Trump was unable to resolve every limit of U.S. imperialism by simply looking inward. In cases where U.S. power was more seriously challenged by regional powers or adversaries, Trump engaged in economic and even military aggression. Strong-arming allies and adversaries alike will be a hallmark of Trump’s foreign policy during his second term. This strategy is elaborated on in a Foreign Affairs essay by Robert C. O’Brien, Trump’s former national security advisor, titled “The Return of Peace Through Strength: “America first is not America alone” is a mantra often repeated by Trump administration officials, and for good reason: Trump recognizes that a successful foreign policy requires joining forces with friendly governments and people elsewhere. The fact that Trump took a new look at which countries and groups were most pertinent does not make him purely transactional or an isolationist hostile to alliances, as his critics claim. NATO and U.S. cooperation with Japan, Israel, and the Arab Gulf states were all militarily strengthened when Trump was president. Trump’s foreign policy and trade policy can be accurately understood as a reaction to the shortcomings of neoliberal internationalism, or globalism, as practiced from the early 1990s until 2017. Like many American voters, Trump grasped that “free trade” has been nothing of the sort in practice and in many instances involved foreign governments using high tariffs, barriers to trade, and the theft of intellectual property to harm U.S. economic and security interests. O’Brien goes further, with concrete proposals for reorganizing U.S. resources and getting allies and adversaries alike to fall in line. The list of proposals O’Brien makes over the course of the article is too long to cite in full, but the idea is to reshuffle U.S. military resources to focus more directly on the Asia-Pacific region, to ramp up economic warfare against adversaries including Iran and China, and to threaten to withhold military support for allies such as Taiwan and NATO countries unless they spend more on their militaries. (There are further ideas for demands to place on U.S. allies, such as NATO rotating forces to Poland and Taiwan increasing conscription.) O’Brien also proposes an agenda for replenishing military assets including aircraft carriers, submarines, bombers, and missiles, which he argues will require massive investments in critical technology and an overhaul of the acquisition process. More than military leverage, however, Trump will likely use U.S. economic power to push for concessions. We see this in his embrace of tariffs, promising to put 60 percent tariffs on imports from China to pressure companies toward decoupling, and 20 percent tariffs on imports from all other countries so companies relocate to the United States. Additionally, tariffs will play a significant role in the negotiations over the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2026. The more traditional neoconservative wing of the MAGA movement has serious concerns about Trump’s love of tariffs, even while they embrace his “peace through strength” approach to geopolitics. It is not just foreign policy that O’Brien is concerned with. What the United States can do abroad is dependent on rebuilding U.S. manufacturing capacity: To maintain its competitive edge in the face of this onslaught, the United States must remain the best place in the world to invest, innovate, and do business. But the increasing authority of the U.S. regulatory state, including overaggressive antitrust enforcement, threatens to destroy the American system of free enterprise. Even as Chinese companies receive unfair support from Beijing to put American companies out of business, the governments of the United States and its European allies are making it harder for those same American companies to compete. This is a recipe for national decline; Western governments should abandon these unnecessary regulations. O’Brien won’t put it this bluntly, but to be clear, his is a policy of reindustrializing the United States by gutting worker protections, waging war on unions, and allowing big businesses to hyper-exploit American workers the way that they have reaped enormous profits from the hyper-exploitation of Chinese workers. While the Republican Party has some consensus on the idea that the United States can and should strongarm its way back to dominance, important divisions remain. Most notable is the small but significant sector of “restrainers,” perhaps best represented by the figure of JD Vance. This sector has their own plan for re-establishing U.S. power. “America Can’t Do Everything” Choose any foreign policy think tank or bourgeois publication, and you’ll probably find an essay arguing that the United States is not prepared to fight a three-front war. This is a crisis for U.S. imperialism which the capitalists are quite aware of, since the United States is coming up against real limits in its goal to be economically and militarily dominant everywhere all at once. As Juan Chingo writes : The deep foundations of US imperialist fatigue come from the very exercise of its imperialist supremacy, pushed to its limits during the neoliberal offensive and the “harmonious” advance of globalization. Post-Cold War unipolarity was supposed to bring the world into closer alignment with the United States through the market, democracy, and military might. Instead, the last 30 years have seen military defeats, severe economic inequalities at home, and heavy international burdens. In particular, the neocon-driven “attempt to redefine imperialist hegemony” in the early 2000s turned into its opposite with the defeats in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet US interventionism has only grown (if we take into consideration invasions and other military involvements, only Andorra, Bhutan, and Liechtenstein have not seen US armed forces on their territory). This, together with the relative deindustrialization generated by “globalization” at home, led to the emergence of a new isolationist sentiment: the feeling that the United States is doing too much abroad rather than tackling economic and social challenges at home. First Trump and then Biden put forward the idea that the priority is to rebuild America. In other words, the attempt to “Americanize the world” has ended in great disillusionment, weakening the United States internally. [...] US citizens are increasingly unwilling to bear the indefinite costs of defending their country’s global hegemony; a growing number of people contest the use of force abroad, refuse to serve in the military, demand limits on spending for allied support, and so on. This refusal to make sacrifices for US imperialism is linked to increasing social suffering: daily shootings, declining life expectancy, widespread depression among young people, plummeting quality of education, and the opioid epidemic (which is among the leading causes of death among adults under 50). The formerly strong labor aristocracy (misnamed the “middle class”) has seen the erosion of its living conditions, as showed by the UAW strike in 2023. If “peace through strength” posits that the main issue stopping the United States from reasserting itself is a lack of will to take risky unilateral action, the “restrainers” in the MAGA movement see the limits Chingo lays out above as the greatest obstacle to rebuilding U.S. power. Prior to being nominated as Trump’s Vice President, Ohio Senator JD Vance spoke at a forum organized by the realist think tank The Quincy Institute and the right-wing publication The American Conservative . His insights are important, not just because he is soon to be Vice President, but because he is a leading intellectual of the New Right. He says bluntly: “America can’t do everything.” This informs how he believes the United States should engage with its allies, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East. While Vance lays out his views on Ukraine and Iran in depth, he takes great pains to emphasize that the most important confrontation is the one with China: The most important part of American foreign policy is actually the strength of our economy and the strength of our domestic population. And if there is something that should worry all of us... it’s that China... is now arguably the most powerful industrial economy in the world. If we’re gonna lose a war, it will be because we have allowed our primary rival to become arguably our most powerful industrial competitor. Vance represents the still marginal “restrainer” sector of the Right. This does not mean he is anti-war. What it means is that “restrainers” believe that the first task in a strategy to restore U.S. strength is to focus on industrial capacity and avoid foreign commitments that distract from investing in domestic needs. The decline in U.S. manufacturing motivates the sector of the MAGA movement that has most vocally questioned the continuation of the war in Ukraine. In another speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, Vance argued: Number one, the problem in Ukraine from the perspective of the United States of America, and I represent, I believe, the majority of American public opinion, even though I don’t represent the majority of opinion of senators who come to Munich, is that there’s no clear endpoint, and fundamentally the limiting factors for American support of Ukraine, it’s not money, it’s munitions. America, and this is true, by the way, of Europe too, we don’t make enough munitions to support a war in Eastern Europe, a war in the Middle East, and potentially a contingency in East Asia. So the United States is fundamentally limited. Now, let me just throw very specific details. The PAC-3, which is a Patriot interceptor, Ukraine uses in a month what the United States makes in a year. The Patriot missile system is on a five year back order, 155 millimeter artillery shells on more than a five year back order, We’re talking in the United States about ramping up our production of artillery to 100,000 a month by the end of 2025. The Russians make close to 500,000 a month right now at this very minute. So the problem here vis-à-vis Ukraine is America doesn’t make enough weapons, Europe doesn’t make enough weapons, and that reality is far more important than American political will or how much money we print and then send to Europe. Vance’s concerns over the continuation of the war in Ukraine are not necessarily incompatible with an interventionist, “peace through strength” approach. Trump may attempt to bring a pause to the war in Ukraine by economically and militarily threatening Zelenskyy and Putin into reaching a deal that freezes the conflict, allowing the United States to replenish its arsenal. More likely, Trump may find Putin unwilling to agree to a deal that favors U.S. interests, leaving Trump with no choice but to strongarm European powers into ramping up their own military commitments (which many of them are already doing). Whether or not the continuation of the war in Ukraine has buy-in from the restrainer sector will depend on how effectively Trump is able to compensate for the depletion of the U.S. arsenal as well as the lack of U.S. productive capacity. But one should not discount the possibility of this sector playing an important role in U.S. foreign policy. It was, after all, this sector, organized in the House Freedom Caucus, that imposed a government shutdown and ousted Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, largely over the question of Ukraine. With Vance now representing the “restrainers” as Vice President, they may play a role in how the Ukraine war develops. “Pro-Labor Conservatism” If the “restrainers” see the lack of productive capacity as the foundation of what the United States can and cannot do internationally, it follows that they would have ideas for reindustrialization. But here too, we see differences within the Right. In an interview with the New York Times’s Ezra Klein, Vivek Ramaswamy elaborates on some of the differences in the New Right, counterposing his thinking to that of Vance: Broadly what’s thought of in popular circles as the “America First” movement today, but what I call “the protectionist wing of the America First movement,” is an economic objective, an economic project... The protectionist strand of this says, “Okay well if big government’s gonna be here to stay, we don’t just want to curb it, we actually want to use it to advance substantive goals of our own.” Vs. the strand that I’m more identified with... says that actually the whole project, we’ve gotta actually keep our eye on the ball, is dismantling the existence of that nanny state in all of its form. Ramaswamy agrees with O’Brien’s proposal to reindustrialize the United States by attacking unions and gutting regulations. He will have plenty of opportunity to do this as co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency. But what exactly are the “goals” of what he calls the “protectionist wing” of the America First movement? Vance is at the forefront of a movement within the Right which seeks to embrace workers. While this movement is hardly hegemonic in the Republican Party, the invitation to Teamsters president Sean O’Brien to speak at the Republican National Convention shows that it must be taken seriously. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley praised the speech as a sign of “the promise of pro-labor conservatism”: As O’Brien’s appearance Monday night suggested, this is a watershed moment. Thanks to Donald Trump, there is much that Republicans and labor can already agree on. China is ripping us off, and strong tariffs must be maintained and expanded. We ought to support our auto workers with an America First energy policy, rather than kneecapping that storied industry with idiotic electric-vehicle mandates. We should renegotiate trade deals, protect Social Security and Medicare, and initiate antitrust suits against the most egregious corporate abuses. O’Brien gives us the roadmap to go even further in 2025. And we should. I have stood on the picket line with the UAW and the Teamsters—all Republicans should do it. I voted to stop Amazon’s labor exploitation, give more sick days to rail workers, and worked across the aisle to limit bank-executive pay. Republicans can begin there. But if given power, we should embrace even more. Let’s cap credit-card interest rates, take the fight to Big Pharma, end exploitative forced labor, and rid politics of corporate money once and for all. Like Hawley, Vance visited the UAW picket line. Additionally, he has supported Lina Khan, the combative Chair of the Federal Trade Commission who has aggressively gone after monopolies. The sector of the Right that advocates for “pro-labor conservatism” is not pro-worker. Like the rest of the MAGA movement, they are viciously anti-immigrant. As I have written extensively , the attacks on undocumented workers are one of the main ways that capitalists are able to weaken all workers in the United States by dividing our ranks. The war on migrants creates conditions of precarity that push down the conditions of U.S.-born workers too. Additionally, Hawley, Vance, and their “pro-labor” ilk have no interest in supporting public sector unions. They will gladly go along with Ramaswamy’s and Musk’s coming war on government workers. But a larger war on the workers might face challenges from this sector of the Right that focuses on establishing an alliance with some unions to rebuild U.S. production and bring sectors of the working class closer to the Republican Party. If issues such as tariffs, Ukraine, and labor produce debate and even conflict within the Right, there are still important points of agreement holding this coalition together. Three stand out. 1) China is the main adversary the United States needs to confront. 2) An extreme anti-immigration approach is key to reindustrialization. 3) The United States can get out of the Middle East by empowering Israel to more aggressively confront Iran. While examples of the first point have already been quoted at length, the latter two should be understood more. It is easy to write off the war on immigration as red meat to rally the Right’s base. But, as I wrote with Sou Mi , the militarization of the border has strategic value. Latin America, and Mexico in particular, has an important role to play in the reindustrialization of the United States. The region is rich in essential minerals that are vital to new technologies. The “security threats” of mass migration and drug trafficking allow for the continued militarization of Latin America, which the United States uses to impose trade arrangements in favor of its own capitalists. Additionally, the “peace through strength” policy of reindustrialization can more effectively decouple from China by nearshoring cheap production to Mexico, which is now the United States’ biggest trading partner. Domestically U.S. capitalists can recreate China’s precarious labor conditions by increasing exploitation of migrant workers under threat of deportation or through “slave-like” guest worker programs such as H-2A, which have long been utilized by the farming industry. In the Middle East, the fantasy is that a military defeat of the Iran-aligned Axis of Resistance will be easy. This, along with a return to “maximum pressure” sanctions to crush Iran’s economy, are presented as a strategy to effectively take the country out of regional and international politics. In some ways, this view has been proven correct, as Israel has assassinated top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, in some cases on Iranian soil, with limited retaliation from the Iranian regime. As both Vance and O’Brien have argued, once Iran is dealt with, the United States can simply allow Israel and the Gulf states to take the lead on restabilizing the region in a way that benefits U.S. interests. As I’ve argued, we actually see the opposite: Biden’s unconditional support for Israel’s genocide in Palestine and attempt to create a “Greater Israel” has further trapped the United States in the Middle East. Thus, even the points of agreement within the Right are limited by the realities of a complex geopolitical landscape. Trump’s plans for mass deportations will likely face serious opposition from the capitalists who rely on undocumented labor. As the debate over tariffs shows, even as the capitalists agree that the United States needs to prioritize confronting China, there is no agreement on what exactly that looks like and what risks it will require. As Andrew Michta puts it in an analysis of Trump’s foreign policy by the Atlantic Council: Grand strategy rarely comes up on the campaign trail, but whatever hints Trump offered for how he would approach it pale in comparison with this reality: The post-Cold War “holiday from history” is over, and the world has entered a period of protracted systemic instability, with increasingly fragile regional power balances and the risk of great-power conflict growing exponentially. These dynamics will compel the next administration to recognize, when crafting the United States’ national security strategy, that geopolitics has returned with a vengeance. They will require articulating the country’s irreducible national interests, while identifying the key theaters the United States needs to shape and the resources it must bring to bear to achieve its strategic objectives. Urgent priorities will include reassessing unstable regional balances and genuinely reconsidering the organization of US relationships with adversaries, allies, and partners. US strategy will also need to address continuing economic turbulence, especially as it impacts the reliability of supply chains. It is impossible to understand how Trump will approach these challenges without first understanding the foreign policy debates on the Right. Trump has been able to bring together different factions with competing ideas for U.S. imperialism. His next term will be a test of their different ideas, beginning first with a focus on the “peace through strength” strategy. Yet for all the faith that the Right has in strongarm tactics, the risk of serious escalation is greater than it was when Trump left office, and miscalculations could lead to the United States becoming further embroiled in bigger confrontations with Iran, Russia, and China. The economic turmoil that Trump’s approach risks might also create greater division within the Right and among the capitalists. Most importantly, class struggle has also begun to re-emerge in the United States alongside a new anti-imperialist student movement . This could lead to greater opposition to Trump’s far-right agenda. While Trump’s presidential campaign was able to consolidate a base among sectors of the U.S. working class, actually maintaining that base of support is much trickier, especially once these workers find themselves on the receiving end of the austerity measures that people like O’Brien, Ramaswamy, and Elon Musk are eager to impose. The Biden administration’s failure to resolve the multiple crises of U.S. imperialism through his multilateral approach enabled the Far Right to sell its foreign policy to wider sectors of the masses and the capitalists. Class struggle will test the success of the Far Right’s imperialist vision. Anyone genuinely interested in ending capitalist wars need to fight for a socialist vision. Donald Trump Far-Right Imperialism J.D. Vance Republican Party

Recession fears have eased, boosting investor confidence in the stock market. Albert Edwards warns a market pullback could come without a recession, however. Rising Treasury yields and drying liquidity could hurt stocks with valuations high. Recession fears have largely dissipated since this summer, bolstering investor confidence in a roaring stock market. But Albert Edwards wants investors to remember that equities at historically expensive levels don't need an economic downturn to suffer a pullback. The bearish Societe Generale strategist known for calling the dot-com bubble said in a November 21 client note that the relentless market rally could be due for a reversal — no recession necessary. His argument starts with the fact that valuations are high. There are many ways to measure how pricey a market is, and Edwards shared a few novel examples. For one, US stocks are now three-quarters of the MSCI world index. Then there's the S&P 500's 12-month forward PE relative to its 12-month trailing PE — basically an indicator of how much forward optimism may be getting ahead of itself. It's shown below on the left. The chart on the right side above shows the widely followed Shiller CAPE ratio. By itself, it shows the market is as costly as it was around the top of prior bubbles. But it's also very expensive relative to European stocks, which have historically traded at similar valuation levels to US stocks. The second part of Edwards' argument is that liquidity is drying up in the sense that the Fed is shrinking its balance sheet, which can be bad news when valuations are high. Here's the CrossBorder Capital's Global Liquidity Index, shown in black, which has dipped on a six-week basis. It implies bitcoin, a speculative asset, should be due for a drop in price versus six weeks ago. Rising 10-year Treasury yields could also cause liquidity to dry up, as investors who hold the asset will have taken a loss by selling it. Higher yields also attract capital away from stocks, as Treasurys are risk-free. Edwards said rising yields will eventually put a damper on the stock market, especially with valuations continuing to climb. "To be fair, full blown equity bear markets (-20% or worse) really only ever occur in recessions when both profits and valuations plunge. Alternatively, sharply rising bond yields can cause problems to equities in a high PE environment – such as now," Edwards said. "This is a case of an elastic band stretching to breaking point – the 1987 equity crash would be a good example." He listed a couple more examples: "Just look at the equity euphoria back in 2018, which initially shrugged off rising bond yields – until they didn't. The same happened in 2022. At some point rising bond yields will just as surely begin to hurt equities." Edwards has a fairly poor track record recently, having had a downbeat view on stocks and the economy while the market has soared and the economy has held up. He himself admits this in the November 21 note. So perhaps take his views with a grain of salt. Still, he did foresee the 2000-2002 bear market, and provides, at the very least, logical arguments that are food for thought, as rallies and expansions don't last forever. As Bloomberg Opinion Columnist and former strategist Marcus Ashworth put it last year: "The SocGen strategist's doomster scribblings are a must-read for fund managers — even if he's often wrong."

Fans of romance and drama have been eagerly counting down the days to the premiere of the highly anticipated new series 'Feast Chronicles' - and today, their patience will finally be rewarded as this captivating show makes its debut.As the dust settles on this controversial case, valuable lessons can be gleaned from the ordeal. It serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information and exercising caution when confronted with sensational stories. In an era dominated by social media and the rapid spread of information, it is crucial to differentiate between fact and fiction, and to approach news with a critical eye.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Increases Stock Holdings in COPT Defense Properties (NYSE:CDP)House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsThat is until the busy operations were brought to a sudden halt by the sight of an unknown liquid splashing out of the top of a large silver tanker truck that had been ordered out of the line at the scales for a closer inspection. As the smell of the unknown substance became apparent in the air and leakage threatened to contaminate the drainage system in the large parking area, the team of motor carrier inspectors called on hazardous materials officials for help. It was discovered the cap was missing from the top of the large tanker truck, which resulted in the vehicle being placed "out of service" and thus unable to drive away until the problem was corrected on site, Mysiewicz said. The discovery is just the type of problem the team is out to catch and keep off the state's roadways and away from other drivers. It was the second truck to be curbed that morning by the small team, which faces the seemingly insurmountable task of assuring the huge number of commercial vehicles passing along the busy stretch of the interstate before them are in compliance with weight limits and various other safety regulations. The team relies heavily on computer technology and license plate cameras to carry out this task, but regularly jumps in for hands-on inspections and the occasional vehicle chase for those making the mistake of trying to dodge the scales. "We get a lot of trucks through Porter and Lake counties," Mysiewicz said. The westbound station processed about 42,000 commercial vehicles last month alone and the eastbound site likely had about the same number, he said. The busiest flow of truck traffic in the Region is found further west along I-94 near the Illinois state line, he said. The eastbound weigh station and the one opposite it monitoring the westbound flow of traffic along I-94 are among ten statewide, said Mysiewicz, who serves as district coordinator and oversees a staff of eight inspectors. The only other station in the Region is located along southbound Interstate 65 at Ind. 2. Mysiewicz and team operate out of a small, glass front building separated from the heavy flow of fast-moving interstate traffic by just a few feet and two side lanes where trucks are diverted sometime randomly and other times intentionally to be weighed and potentially waived aside for a closer look. The team is assisted in this huge task by technology, including two computer programs paid for by the drivers and/or their companies that help determine which vehicles are to be weighed and/ or inspected, he said. Any drivers not using the technology are automatically ordered to pull off the highway to be weighed. According to Mysiewicz, the weighing process actually begins before the trucks reach the weigh station with censors under the highway leading up to the scales. One truck pulling up outside the building without a trailer last week weighed in at just under 18,000 pounds, followed by another that Mysiewicz guessed must have been empty at 52,000 pounds. Trucks are allowed to weigh up to 80,000 pounds without a special permit, he said. The aim of the weigh stations and inspections are safety and reduced damage to the state highways, Mysiewicz said. The crews look for problems such as blown tires, loads that are not properly secured, faulty brakes and fuel leaks. Inspections of passing trucks are done randomly or in response to obvious problems, he said. The more intensive inspections are carried out in a large garage behind the scale building and involving team members dropping into a pit to take a look at the underside of the trucks. Mysiewicz estimated that about every fifth inspection results in a truck being placed "out of service" and kept on site until repairs are made. He is well aware that some drivers dodge the scales by rerouting through the area along nearly U.S. 20 or U.S. 12, or even dropping as far south as U.S. 30. But he and others on the team are prepared to take their jobs on the road if necessary using portable scales. Most of the trucks passing through the weigh station during the morning last week were quickly cleared and sent back on their way. Not so, however, for the driver of the leaking tanker truck. With the hazardous materials team not yet on site, he took it upon himself to slowly make his way to the top of the large tank in the rain, place a simple plastic bag over the exposed opening and then climb back into the cab to wait out the unexpected delay in his work day.Cerity Partners LLC Increases Holdings in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC)

Furthermore, the collaboration between Netease and Marvel has proven to be a winning formula, as both companies have seamlessly combined their expertise and resources to deliver a game that exceeds expectations. With Netease's expertise in mobile game development and Marvel's vast universe of characters and lore, Marvel Battlefront has emerged as a true testament to the power of collaboration and synergy in the gaming industry.

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I remember where I was when I first heard the term. It was early 1998 and I was in a McDonald's drive-thru. My friend was explaining to me why he and his family had decided to move to rural Arkansas next year. "Y2K," I said. "What's that?" ADVERTISEMENT Y2K. The "millenium bug" arriving in the year 2000. The new millennium. Some of you might well remember this time. For those under about age 30, let me catch you up. Many of the computers used in government and business in the late 20th century, including ones that powered the early internet, supposedly had something of a ticking time bomb inside of them. "It's very hard to tell how bad the situation will be. I'm sure things will break. It's very hard to dispel a nightmare scenario," Nathan Myhrvold, Microsoft's chief technology officer, was cited as saying in a January 1999 Forum column. "The dark-side scenario of airplanes falling out of the sky and bank computers crashing is possible. But it's fundamentally very, very hard to know whether the impact will be big or little." The problem was the two-digit-year date field (think "93" as in "1/1/93"). Theoretically, the arrival of the new millennium — the year 2000 — would reset all these computer clocks to "00" as in "1/1/00," wrecking anything that counted on dates to function properly. Theoretically, anyway. The list of public fears was a long one, illustrating how central computer technology had become in our lives, and mirroring larger uncertainty about the new millennium. And while company officials and local, state and federal officials sought to reassure the public, ongoing reporting indicated nobody was quite sure nothing would fail. So the fears remained up until the last minute. ADVERTISEMENT "Up against the deadline for fixing an unprecedented technological blunder, the world exhibited some jitters Thursday over the prospect of failures in the computers on which we depend," wrote the Associated Press, as printed by The Forum on New Year's Eve, 1999. "There was testing galore and a few confessions of Y2K-unreadiness." Some religious figures took the moment to insist the coming apocalypse was God's judgment on a wayward culture. "(God) may be preparing to confound our language, to jam our communications, scatter our efforts and judge us for our sin and rebellion against his lordship," evangelical Christian leader Jerry Falwell said in August 1998. "We are hearing from many sources that Jan. 1, 2000, will be a fateful day in the history of the world." As if to embody the looming fears, WWE wrestler Chris Jericho gave himself the moniker Y2J (for Jericho), playing off the Y2K term. His entrance to arenas was marked by a countdown video that, when it got to zero, included shutting off the venue lights, leaving people in noisy darkness before Jericho was revealed. As the year 2000 approached, the fears began to grow into something of a hysteria for some people, sparking drastic decisions, like my friend's family's decision to move to the woods. Others took money out of the bank. Some stocked up on supplies and guns and ammunition to survive the coming failure of civilization. The growing fears were in odd juxtaposition to the more joyful expressions by some about the year 2000. Big millennium parties were planned. Monopoly put out a millennium edition with fancy holographic cards. The boy band Backstreet Boys released their "Millennium" album, still iconic among my generation (OK, fine — I'm listening to it right now). Many people dismissed the fears and planned to go about their lives, expecting the furor was overblown. ADVERTISEMENT I moved from North Dakota to South Dakota in 1999, and as the new millennium approached, I was about 55% convinced Y2K was going to cause big problems. I remember counting down the last days of the 1900s and thinking everything was possibly about to change. It didn't, of course. While there were some hiccups among some computer systems, much of the billions of dollars in preparation worked. A concerted global effort to stave off disaster was effective. The apocalypse never arrived, civilization continued. In fact, my daughter was born later that year — one of many "millennium" babies who are now 24 years old. So what happened to my friend who moved to Arkansas? I don't know. I'd like to think he and his family went on to live their best life in a cabin in the Ozarks, ready for the end of the world that never arrived. Have a moment or person in history that you think is especially interesting? Contact me at jfugleberg@forumcomm.com and tell me why you think it would be a great subject for this column.Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal with Rs 15300 crore net worth is at second place on...Free tax filing with IRS Direct File: What you need to know

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The quickest, most accessible means of nature photography is "digiscoping". The name is a portmanteau of "digital camera" and "spotting scope," and the gist of the technique is simple: you hold your camera up to the eyepiece of your spotting scope and take a picture. This technique is also called afocal photography. It’s really simple and, when practiced with care, can produce great results without the need for expensive cameras or telephoto lenses. The advantages of digiscoping Digiscoping has several practical advantages. First and foremost, it’s quick. Should a birdwatcher spot a rare bird through their spotting scope, and want to document it, they need a means of imaging it quickly before it flies off. Other times, you might spot a bird but it will be too far away for you to get a good picture with just your camera. The magnification provided by the spotting scope brings distant birds into range. It’s also a terrific way to conduct nature photography on a budget, making the hobby much more accessible to many more people. This accessibility is enhanced by its simplicity. At its most basic, digiscoping is so terrifically simple that anybody can do it — just hold your camera phone up to the eyepiece of your spotting scope and snap away. What equipment will you need? Despite the name, digiscoping doesn’t necessarily require a spotting scope. You can also do it with binoculars (placing your camera over one of the barrels) or a monocular, but both of these options have lower magnification (usually around 10x) than spotting scopes, and it’s the magnification that will really allow your photography of birds (or any other distant wildlife) to pop. The best spotting scopes can have magnifications greater than 60x, such as the Celestron Ultima 100, which has zoom magnification of 22x to 66x, or the Bushnell 20-60x65 Prime, which has 20x to 60x magnification. Both of these examples are reasonably affordable, too. As a rule, look for spotting scopes with larger apertures. A spotting scope of 85mm diameter will let more light in than one with a 60mm aperture, for example. This is important when zooming in, as a smaller spotting scope will have lower light levels, meaning your photograph will appear darker. For steady viewing, a tripod is essential, with a panhandle head for ease of motion of the scope. Spotting scopes usually come with "feet" that can easily be fixed to a quick-release head. Then there’s a camera. Smartphone camera technology has developed to the point that what was once a gulf, in quality terms, between DSLRs and smartphones is now much narrower. DSLRs have more options, but that also makes them more complicated and more expensive. Most of us already have smartphones, with apps that make editing and sharing your images a breeze. Do you need a camera adapter for digiscoping? Yes and no. The point of afocal photography is that you can just hold your camera up to the eyepiece, but while this may produce satisfactory results, it is a bit crude and doesn’t produce the best results. For example, you can hold your finger between the phone and the eyepiece so that you keep the image in focus (too close to the eyepiece, or too far away, and you lose focus), but this can allow stray light in, resulting in vignetting around the edges or shadowed bands across the image. Also, an unsteady hand can result in blurring, which is amplified at high magnifications. However, the addition of an adapter to hold your camera in place can completely transform the quality of your digiscope photography.The adapter fixes your camera to your eyepiece at the correct distance, and also blocks out any stray light that might otherwise try to sneak in. You can get adapters for DSLRs and smartphones, but this is where digiscoping possibly favors smartphones over DSLRs. For one thing, you’ll need a very specific adapter to match your brand of camera and spotting scope. Attaching a big and bulky DSLR in this way can also unbalance your set-up, which will really affect the stability and quality of your image. Counterweights added to your set-up can address this, but who wants to be carrying around all that weight when out on a photography trip? On the other hand, smartphones are lightweight, and their adapters tend to be universal and inexpensive. Just make sure that the smartphone adapter fits the diameter of the spotting scope’s eyepiece. The adapter will steady your camera, but pressing the button on the camera to take the picture can still introduce unintended vibrations. If you are using a DSLR then a cable-release system will allow you to control your camera remotely without having to touch it. If you are using your smartphone, then there are Bluetooth remote control devices available for iOS and Android, such as the CamKix wireless Bluetooth camera shutter remote control for smartphones. These Bluetooth devices are inexpensive but extremely helpful. If you are looking to take professional-quality photographs, then digiscoping is not as good as using high-end telephoto lenses and DSLRs. However, most of us are not professional nature photographers, and in that case, digiscoping is the perfect solution — easy to do, easy to share, and easy to afford.Cricket God Sachin Tendulkar's daughter Sara Tendulkar is very popular on social media. Sara Tendulkar is very active on social media. Sara is making her future in the world of modelling. Sara's modelling career has been in the news a lot. Published: November 30, 2024 10:55 PM IST By Edited by Cricket God Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter Sara Tendulkar is very popular on social media. Sara Tendulkar is very active on social media. Sara is making her future in the world of modelling. Sara’s modelling career has been in the news a lot. She has done ads for some famous brands and has also appeared in some fashion campaigns. Apart from this, she has also walked the ramp at Paris Fashion Week. Sara has also spread her charm at New York and Milan Fashion Week. Meanwhile, Sara has shared a story on her social media account Instagram after a long time. Sara was very active for some time but recently she did not share anything on Instagram. This time she shared a special Insta story before the end of November. Sara Tendulkar shared a story on her social media account Instagram on Saturday morning, in which six pictures were seen before the end of November. These pictures also include books, doggie and her childhood picture, in which her mother is also there. Sara Tendulkar is well-educated and stylish. She has a lot of interest in fashion and modelling, due to which she has earned a lot of names. Sara completed her early education at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. After this, she got a graduation degree in medicine from University College of London (UCL). Actually, Sara chose the profession of her mother Anjali Tendulkar. Sachin Tendulkar’s wife Anjali is also a paediatrician doctor. After graduation, Sara also did her master’s from the University College of London. She has obtained a master’s degree in Medicine and Public Health Nutrition. But at present, instead of making a career in the medical field, she is making her future in modelling. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . Topics

Kecam Technologies Ltd, an innovator in technology solutions, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Foxit, a globally recognised provider of advanced document and digital signing solutions. This collaboration aims to introduce Foxit eSign to a broader market across Africa, enabling businesses and organizations to adopt secure, seamless, and efficient digital document signing processes. Kecam Technologies Ltd has built a reputation as a trusted provider of IT solutions, offering services in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. With a strong commitment to prioritising customer needs, the company empowers organizations to achieve their operational goals through cutting-edge technology solutions tailored to meet modern business demands. Foxit eSign is an advanced platform designed to revolutionize the document signing process by eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional paperwork. The platform helps businesses reduce operational costs, comply with international security standards, and enhance overall efficiency. Its intuitive user interface and ability to integrate with various systems make it an ideal solution for organizations of all sizes and industries. This partnership represents a significant milestone for Kecam Technologies in its mission to deliver transformative solutions to clients across diverse industries and regions. By adding Foxit eSign to its portfolio, the company is equipping businesses with the tools they need to transition seamlessly into the digital age while maintaining a strong focus on security and usability. The solution incorporates legally binding digital signatures compliant with international standards like eIDAS and ESIGN, encrypted document handling for enhanced data security, seamless integration with popular tools such as Microsoft 365 and Salesforce, and an intuitive design that ensures a smooth user experience. Bonny Mekwunye, vice chairman of Kecam Technologies Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Foxit in introducing their industry-leading eSign technology to our customers and through authorised valued added resellers across Nigeria and many African countries. This partnership underscores our commitment to driving innovation and providing solutions that enable businesses to operate more effectively and securely in an increasingly digital world while strengthening relationships with our channel partners.” Miguel Crux of Foxit highlighted the synergy between the two companies, saying, “Kecam Technologies’ deep understanding of client needs, channel management expertise, and dedication to delivering state-of-the-art technology make them the perfect partner for expanding Foxit eSign’s reach across Africa. Together, we aim to redefine how businesses handle document management and digital signatures.” Foxit, a global leader in secure document solutions, is renowned for its innovative tools for PDF editing, document security, and digital signatures. Trusted by millions worldwide, Foxit’s solutions enhance productivity and safeguard sensitive information, making them a preferred choice for businesses seeking reliability and excellence in document management.None

JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ( BATS:BBHY – Free Report ) by 21.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 14,651,543 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 2,589,512 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned about 0.60% of JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF worth $693,897,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. LGT Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 62.3% in the 3rd quarter. LGT Financial Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the company’s stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 384 shares during the last quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 37.8% in the third quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 1,065 shares of the company’s stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares in the last quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. grew its position in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 26.7% in the second quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 3,514 shares of the company’s stock valued at $161,000 after purchasing an additional 740 shares during the last quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC grew its position in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 3,847.3% in the third quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 3,592 shares of the company’s stock valued at $170,000 after purchasing an additional 3,501 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lake Street Private Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $211,000. JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of BATS:BBHY opened at $46.36 on Friday. The company’s 50 day moving average is $46.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $46.52. About JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF The JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BBHY) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE BofA US High Yield index. The fund seeks to track a market-cap weighted index to provide exposure to high-yield, USD-denominated corporate debt securities. The fund invests in securities with maturities of at least 18 months. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBHY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ( BATS:BBHY – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .All I Want For Christmas... Is Another False FlagJPMorgan Chase & Co. Sells 122,681 Shares of The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW)Infinix partners UNESCO to empower UI students with AI, robotics training

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words represent a worrying harbinger of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. Israeli strike in Gaza allegedly kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza has killed five people, according to a senior Palestinian health official. An aid worker says three of the people killed were employees of the charity World Central Kitchen. The charity's aid delivery efforts in Gaza were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Israel's military says it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify” how that had come about. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season has the potential to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend. Forecasters says winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. Forecasters predict 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency in affected areas.ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Here are my five thoughts on the Buffalo Bills ’ game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night at Highmark Stadium: 1. With Miami’s Thanksgiving night loss, the table has been set for the Bills to clinch a fifth consecutive AFC East title in prime time on WGRZ-TV. Expect them to deliver ... in a big way. Let’s start with the fact the Bills are the better team. By a lot. The 49ers look nothing like the club that was expected to contend for another Super Bowl before the season. They’re ravaged by injuries, especially on defense, and generally performing as a mediocre (if not worse) team. On the other hand, the Bills have the look of team ready to go on a deep postseason run. They’ve won six games in a row since suffering back-to-back losses. They’re getting healthier and showing increasing cohesion with a roster that has undergone multiple changes. It makes sense for the Bills to wrap up the division and a playoff spot as early as possible because it potentially allows for them to ease back on the throttle through the rest of the season. It could allow for them to rest some starters periodically as their seeding status becomes better defined. They continue to trail the Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC. 2. Matt Milano’s return — he was activated from injured reserve Saturday after a week of fully participating in practice — figures to bring even more improvement to a defense that has played well without him. The Bills have been holding up well at linebacker, thanks to solid performances by Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams. Adding Milano, who has tremendous ball instincts, to the mix gives the Bills a higher degree of opportunism. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich should also be able to incorporate more wrinkles to his game plan because of Milano’s off-the-charts intelligence and knowledge of the scheme. “The way Matt plays the game, the way he has played the game is special,” nickel back Taron Johnson said. “So having a guy like that on the field is going to make our defense tremendously better. So, whether he’s here this week or whenever that time comes, I’m just excited to have him back. “Just his physicality and how fast he can see plays and just trigger, you know what I'm saying? I think he does such a good job with that. Also, blitzing and just making plays like he's made a ton of plays in his career with the with the Bills. And just having a guy like that out there is helps us a ton.” Having Milano back doesn’t mean Bernard or Williams will be relegated to lesser roles. If anything, Milano’s presence should help bring out the best in the rest of the linebackers as well as the defensive line. 3. Josh Allen should have no problem finding success against a Niners defense that hasn’t been getting good pressure on the quarterback. The 49ers’ greatest defensive shortcoming is the absence of star end Nick Bosa, who has been dealing with hip and oblique injuries. San Francisco has additional injuries in the front seven and secondary. Giving Allen time and comfort in the pocket is a recipe for disaster for a defense. Look for him to pick apart the secondary as he continues to involve his full array of available pass-catchers. Despite the loss of tight end Dalton Kincaid, who is sidelined with a knee injury, and the possible absence of wide receiver Keon Coleman, who is questionable with a wrist injury, Allen should have more than enough chances to make plays through the air. Amari Cooper is healthy from the wrist injury with which he was dealing. Look for him to make a significant impact with high-impact catches against deep coverage. Kahlil Shakir has emerged as one of the very best slot receivers in the game. His playmaking skills are an integral part of the Bills’ passing game, and the defensive attention he commands is helping to create room for other receivers. Dawson Knox should be able to continue to pick up the slack at tight end. Running backs James Cook and Ray Davis also figure to chip in as pass-catchers. 4. Brock Purdy missed last weekend’s loss against Green Bay with a shoulder injury and his status remains up in the air for Sunday night. That means the 49ers could again have Brandon Allen as their starting quarterback. Advantage Bills. The Bills still would probably have an edge even if Purdy plays. For one thing, there’s a decent chance he won’t be healthy enough to perform his best. For another, the Niners might be without offensive tackle Trent Williams, who continues to be bothered by an ankle injury. The Bills’ pass rush continues to be a force and look for it to generate considerable heat on whoever plays QB. 5. There’s a bye week factor to consider. It’s good news for the Bills, not so much for the 49ers. The Bills have won each of their last nine games, from 2015 to 2023, coming off a bye. Seven of those victories have been with Sean McDermott as coach. The success rate speaks highly of not only how well McDermott and his staff maximize the use of the extra time to clean up whatever short comings were identified in games played before the bye. Additionally, it shows how refreshed the players have been post-bye. “I mean, depending on your schedule, obviously we have some time off to just recharge our batteries, and obviously that plays a huge role this late in the season,” Shakir said. “So, yeah, I think it’s just more of guys detaching for a little bit and hanging with family, friends. Guys who’ve got kids, just getting some true family time, and then, you know, stepping away for a little bit and then coming back just with a fresh mind and just ready to go.” On the other hand, the 49ers have gone 4-4 in games against teams coming off a bye since 2022. No other team has played more than five such games since ’22, though the Rams will play their sixth Sunday.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Myles Garrett didn't know he had joined a prestigious list of defensive stars last week until one of his biggest fans pointed it out to him. “My dad was hyped about it,” he said. For good reason. With three sacks last week in Cleveland's 24-19 win in prime time over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Garrett became the seventh player to reach double-digit sacks in seven straight seasons since the stat became official in 1982. The others: Lawrence Taylor (1984-90), Reggie White (1985-93), Bruce Smith (1992-98), John Randle (1992-99), DeMarcus Ware (2006-12) and Jared Allen (2007-13). All of them is in the Hall of Fame except for Allen. “Hall of Famer,” Garrett said in praising the retired Minnesota Vikings edge rusher, who is again on the doorstep of induction as a semifinalist for the fifth straight year. Garrett is on track to get his own bronze bust one day in Canton, but until then, he's humbled to be in such elite company. “Guys I looked up to when I started my journey into this game,” said Garrett, who tries to bolster his resume on Monday night when the Browns (3-8) visit the Denver Broncos (7-5). “It’s absolutely amazing to be amongst those guys, not just looking up at them but looking side to side and standing amongst them. "So I want to continue to find myself on those lists and hopefully stand alone at the end of the day.” He's on his way. The NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year is having another monster season but probably not getting the recognition he deserves as the Browns, upended by continuous quarterback issues, have fallen way short of expectations. Garrett used the national TV platform against the Steelers to remind any detractors of his greatness. He sacked Russell Wilson three times, forced a fumble and outplayed Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt, the player to whom he is most often compared. The Garrett vs. Watt debate went to another level in February. On the day Garrett received his DPOY award, second-place finisher Watt seemed to take a shot at the Browns star by posting “Nothing I'm not used to” on social media. Those comments stuck with Garrett, who following the win over Pittsburgh — and Watt being held without a sack — didn't hold back in declaring himself the league's best pass rusher. “I wanted to make it known that I’m the guy, I’m the No. 1 edge defender,” Garrett said. It was an unusual boast from Garrett, who was asked why he felt he needed to express himself. “Because part of my journey of being the best player that I can be is I think I can be the best player that there is currently,” he said. ”So I have to live up to those expectations I have for myself. That’s just on the road to be the player that I want to be.” Garrett's unrelenting drive is what sets him apart. Although he'll enter Monday's game with 98 1/2 sacks and can become just the fifth player to reach 100 in his first eight seasons, joining White, Ware, Allen and Watt, it's not enough. “I still took too long,” said Garrett, who can become the first to do it before turning 29. “It’d have been tough to catch Mr. White, but hopefully this next however many number will come quicker than the first 100. So we’ll go out there and we’ll do what I do and try to take it up a notch.” Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz marvels at Garrett's output despite double- and triple-team blocking. “He just continues to do stuff,” Schwartz said. “His production is so high, even though he’s a marked man, even though every game plan starts with, ‘Don’t let 95 wreck the game,’ and he still finds a way to wreck games.” Schwartz doesn't need to see any lists to know Garrett belongs among the best to ever rush a quarterback. “Yes, he does,” Schwartz said. "I think he’s just starting to hit his prime. I think he still has a lot left in front of him. The sky is the limit as far as he goes. And when it’s all said and done, maybe you’re comparing other people to him. That should probably be a goal for him.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflCanadian foreign, finance ministers meet Trump's team on tariffs

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's choice to head the U.S. health department, will be in Romania next week to meet Calin Georgescu, the surprise far-right winner in the first round of a presidential election, a Romanian television station said. Georgescu finished first in last Sunday's vote, and secured a place in a run-off scheduled for Dec. 8, in a win that could upend politics in Romania and undermine its pro-Western stance. However, the election result has been challenged at Romania's top court, which ordered a recount of all the votes cast last Sunday. The court will decide on Monday whether to annul the first round. Romania also holds a parliamentary election on Sunday. Kennedy will be in Bucharest next week to launch his book on the coronavirus pandemic, with a preface written by Georgescu, private television station Realitatea said in a statement. Kennedy is an environmentalist who has spread misinformation about vaccines. "Realitatea is a media partner of the year-end meeting between the future Health Secretary in Donald Trump's government and the surprise winner of the presidential vote," Realitatea said in a statement. It added the televised discussion will take place on Dec. 5. A spokesperson for Kennedy, and representatives of Republican Trump's transition team, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Georgescu told Realitatea earlier this week that Kennedy might come to Bucharest. On Saturday, his communications team neither denied nor confirmed the meeting. (Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Additional reporting by Tim Reid in West Palm Beach, Florida.; Editing by Frances Kerry)Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words represent a worrying harbinger of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. Israeli strike in Gaza allegedly kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza has killed five people, according to a senior Palestinian health official. An aid worker says three of the people killed were employees of the charity World Central Kitchen. The charity's aid delivery efforts in Gaza were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Israel's military says it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify” how that had come about. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season has the potential to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend. Forecasters says winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. Forecasters predict 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency in affected areas.

Putin apologizes for 'tragic incident' but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a “tragic incident” following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people. He stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. The Kremlin said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike as the plane attempted to land on Wednesday. Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev “for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace.” The Kremlin also says Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. Israel detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals during a raid DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals. The announcement on Saturday came after health officials said Israeli troops stormed the hospital and forced many staff and patients outside and told them to strip in winter weather. Israel’s military alleges the hospital director is a suspected Hamas operative and says it detained over 240 others. It acknowledges it ordered people outside and that special forces entered the hospital. It says it “eliminated” militants who fired at its forces. Kamal Adwan officials have denied that Hamas operates in the hospital. Abortions are up in the US. It's a complicated picture as women turn to pills, travel Even with abortion bans in place in most Republican-controlled states, the number of people obtaining them has grown slightly. That's part of a complicated picture of the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade two and a half years ago. Abortion pills are more common now. So is traveling to other states for care, often on journeys hundreds of miles long. Public support for the right to abortion has also increased since before the ruling. That's been reflected in most ballot measures to add the right to abortion to state constitutions being adopted. Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The Amazon rainforest staggered through another difficult year in 2024. A second year of record drought contributed to wildfires that worsened deforestation across the massive forest, which spans Brazil, Peru, Colombia and other Latin American nations and is a critical counterweight to climate change. There were some bright spots. Both Brazil and Colombia reported lower levels of deforestation compared to prior years. Experts say Amazon countries need to do more to strengthen cross-border collaboration and that the global community who reap the benefits of commodities from the rainforest also need to pitch in. Bloodied Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to Russia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Five months after their shock offensive into Russia, Ukrainian troops are bloodied by daily combat losses and demoralized by the rising risk of defeat in Kursk. Some want to stay in the region at all costs. Others question the value of having gone in at all. Battles are so intense that commanders are unable to evacuate their dead. Lags in communication and poorly timed operations have cost lives and commanders say they have little way to counterattack. The overstretched Ukrainians have lost more than 40% of the territory they won in the lightning incursion that seized much of Kursk in August. Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says its forces hit several points inside Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes. Pakistan last Tuesday launched an operation to destroy a training facility and kill insurgents in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province. The strikes killed dozens of people. The ministry said Saturday that its forces hit points “serving as centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan.” Pakistan accuses the Taliban of not doing enough to combat cross-border militant activity, a charge the Taliban government denies. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, has been cremated after a state funeral. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Later, his body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years until 2014. Sweden embarks on a sober search for more cemetery space in case of war GOTHENBURG, Sweden (AP) — Burial associations in Sweden are looking to acquire enough land for something they hope they’ll never have to do. And that's to bury thousands of people in the event of war. The search follows new crisis preparedness guidelines from the country's civil defense agency and the military. The issue is seen in a new light after Russia's invasion of Ukraine led formerly neutral Sweden to join NATO. Sweden and Finland sent out updated civil preparedness guides in November with instructions on how to survive in war. The guides are similar to those in Denmark and Norway, though they don't mention Russia by name. Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73 LONDON (AP) — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy. “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting. Decades later, the pair brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over nude scenes in the film they said they were coerced to perform. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023. Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. The estimated jackpot was the fifth-highest ever for Mega Millions.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:06 p.m. EST

Jaipur: More than 80% of the work for setting up the Pachpadra refinery has been completed, said T Ravikanth, principal secretary (mines and petroleum), after visiting the refinery on Thursday. HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd (HRRL) CEO Kamalakar Vikhar provided detailed information about the progress of construction work and mechanical work of various units of the refinery. Ravikanth directed officials of HRRL to speed up work on the sulphur recovery unit. The state govt expects the refinery-cum-petrochemical complex to bring substantial investment in petrochemical products like polypropylene, butadiene, LLDPE, HDPE, benzene, and toluene, in addition to petrochemical products like petrol and diesel. ‘Cairn needs to raise oil output': Vedanta Cairn needs to raise crude oil production using latest technology, said T Ravikant, principal secretary, mines and petroleum during a visit to Mangala Processing Terminal in Barmer. He visited various units of Mangala Processing Terminal along with additional director (petroleum) Ajay Sharma and officials of Vedanta Cairn.tnnLONDON — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” which also starred Vanessa Redgrave. “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time. Decades later Hussey and Whiting brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film. They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late. Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever,” he wrote. Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school. She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth,” as well as the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” and horror movies “Black Christmas” and “Psycho IV: The Beginning.” She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.

Gulf Times Reporter Receives 'Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award 2024'

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2 hari 2 tagalog Wall Street stocks were little changed on Thursday while Asian equities rose in thin Boxing Day trade, extending their "Santa Claus Rally" with several bourses still shut for the holiday. Japan's Nikkei index closed up 1.1 percent, boosted by comments from the Bank of Japan governor and share price gains for top-selling automaker Toyota. China's plans for massive bond issuances in 2025 also bolstered investor sentiment. "Even though many in the region are still shaking off a bit of a holiday hangover, with several markets closed for Boxing Day, Asian stocks opened higher, riding a favorable wave from China's financial bond juggernaut," said Stephen Innes from SPI Asset Management. In New York, major indices veered in and out of positive territory in a sleepy post-Christmas session. The broad-based S&P 500 finished down less than 0.1 percent. Large technology companies that have led the market in much of 2024 mostly took a breather. These included Netflix, Tesla and Amazon, all of which declined. "What's interesting today is that we're seeing small stocks bounce back a little bit," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers, noting that the Russell 2000 index put on 0.9 percent. Holiday consumer data showed a 3.8-percent increase in US retail spending from November 1 to December 24, according to a Mastercard SpendingPulse review of a key period for retailers. London Stockton, an analyst at Ned Davis Research, noted that the "Santa Claus rally could still be alive, with strong seasonality into the end of the year." Stock markets have traditionally fared well in the last five trading days of the year and the first two in the new year, a trend known as the "Santa Claus rally." Among a number of possible reasons advanced by experts include the festive holiday mood and purchasing ahead of the end of the tax year. Innes said remarks from Bank of Japan governor Kazuo Ueda in which he refrained from signaling a potential interest rate hike next month also "influenced bullish regional sentiments." Japanese market heavyweight Toyota ended nearly six percent higher after reports in the Nikkei business daily said it aimed to double its return on equity -- a key measure of a company's financial performance. New York - Dow: UP 0.1 percent at 43,325.80 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN less than 0.1 percent at 6,037.59 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,020.36 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.1 percent at 39,568.06 points (close) Hang Seng: UP 1.1 percent at 20,098.29 points (Tuesday close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,398.08 points (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0424 from $1.0414 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2526 from $1.2538 Dollar/yen: UP at 158.00 yen from 157.06 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.19 pence from 83.05 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 percent at $69.62 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $73.26 per barrel bur-jmb/ahaNew generation ‘must seize opportunities to acquire knowledge, adhere to constants’None

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has included Martinsville in a list of nine new organizations for the Advancing Virginia Main Street Designation. This decoration with the "Stay Uptown" flag in on a light pole in uptown Martinsville along Church Street. Bill Wyatt In a news release Monday, the Governor's Office announced the newly designated communities will receive intensive services to help strengthen their downtowns, including market analysis, marketplace development, capacity building, design assistance, organization development, economic strategies, and façade renderings for redevelopment projects. Koger Holly Kozelsky "This designation is a significant milestone for Martinsville. It means we are now state-recognized and officially included on the DHCD [Department of Housing and Community Development] Map of Main Streets to Visit and See in Virginia, placing Martinsville on a prestigious list of must-visit destinations," said Spencer Koger, Uptown Partnership executive director. "As an Advancing Main Street community, we are now part of a network of other designated areas across the state, providing opportunities for collaboration and shared growth." People are also reading... Since, 1985, the DHCD has been providing assistance to localities engaged in downtown commercial district revitalization through the Virginia Main Street program, which is build around a community's unique heritage, culture, and historic building attributes. "The Virginia Main Street program has been instrumental in nurturing small businesses, growing local economies, and preserving historic downtowns for nearly 40 years," Youngkin said in the release. "I applaud these newly designated Virginia Main Street communities for their commitment to revitalization, and I look forward to you community's continued success." Koger said the recognition opens the door to new grant opportunities and significantly strengthens grant applications from both Uptown Partnership and other organizations in Martinsville, especially when grants favor Main Street accredited cities. "Additionally, we will receive official DHCD signage that proudly states our Advancing Main Street status, further showcasing our commitment to revitalization," Koger said. "Importantly, as part of this program, we are now eligible for the highest amount of award dollars on grants we apply for, if accepted. This designation is a tremendous asset that will enhance our community's ability to grow, attract investment, and showcase Martinsville as a vibrant and forward-thinking city." In addition to Martinsville, other communities included in the designation were the cities Buena Vista, Covington, Galax, Hampton, Newport News, and Petersburg and the towns of Clarksville and Colonial Beach. "This achievement was the result of over two years of tireless effort by Uptown Partnership," said Koger. "We worked diligently to meet the rigorous requirements for the application process, which included attending numerous workshops, conferences, and meetings with DHCD representatives." Martinsville's city council also supported the effort with the passing of official resolutions and fulfilling various required forms and submissions. "Our efforts were also bolstered by strong support from business and property owners, who recognized the value of this designation for the community," Koger said. "Uptown Partnership's collaborative approach and dedication were instrumental in ensuring Martinsville reached this important milestone." "Downtowns are the heart and soul of many communities across the Commonwealth, and these newly designated communities are no exception," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick in the release. "The Virginia Main Street program offers crucial investments to support their economic development while preserving the unique cultures and histories that make Virginia's downtown areas such tourism destinations. Main Street investments are a key driver to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family." Since 1985, Virginia Main Street communities have generated more than $2.6 billion in public and private investment. New businesses locating, expanding, or relocating to Virginia Main Street communities have created more than 27,000 jobs, the release said. "We are extremely proud of our Virginia Main Street communities and are excited to be continuing a strong tradition of supporting local economies across the Commonwealth," said Bryan Horn, VDHC director. Koger said the designation has the potential to shape Martinsville's future in profound ways. "It will highlight our area as a vibrant destination for visitors and businesses, increasing our visibility and appeal. This recognition will support ongoing efforts to advance city initiatives, attract new businesses, and provide a welcoming environment for families looking to join our community," said Koger. "By showcasing Martinsville as an Advancing Main Street community, we position ourselves as a leader in downtown revitalization, paving the way for continued growth, economic development, and a stronger, more connected community." Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!

US stocks take a breather, Asian bourses rise in post-Christmas tradeADAM Hinshelwood felt for York City supporters who had made the trip across to Oldham after the sides’ National League fixture was postponed due to fog. Referee James Bancroft made the call to postpone the televised fixture due to poor visibility at Boundary Park an hour before the scheduled 5:30pm kick-off. Oldham had delayed the opening of turnstiles until 4:30pm, when supporters were met with the news that the match had been called off. City have lost their place at the top of the division as a result, with Barnet now leading the way after salvaging a late draw at home to Sutton. Despite his disappointment, Hinshelwood conceded that postponing the match was the only decision the referee could have made. “Obviously we appreciate him trying to give it as long as possible, but we’re stood here and we can’t see all four corner flags,” he told BBC Radio York. “I just think for the supporters as well, travelling all this way and they’re high up in that stand, they wouldn’t have been able to see one of the goals. “It’s not ideal, and I really feel for them because you see a lot of them out the front there that made the journey over in tough conditions and give up their Boxing Day to come and support us and unfortunately, we’ve not been able to give them a game.” Last month, the fixture was moved to a 5:30pm kick-off to accommodate DAZN enhanced production, and the City boss believes it would likely have gone ahead if it had kicked off alongside the other National League fixtures at 3pm. Asked if he thought the game would have been played in its entirety with an earlier kick-off, he explained: “I think we would have done. “I couldn’t see that if it started it would have got called off, but it’s just how it is, isn’t it? You can’t grumble too much about it. “I think they’ve tried the best they can, you can’t do much about fog. It’s quite an easy decision if it’s a frozen pitch, but fog is a difficult one. It definitely feels like it’s getting worse.” The home players instead used the time for a training session on the pitch, with Latics boss Micky Mellon admitting it would have been tough to play a match in the conditions, which showed little signs of improvement into the evening. Speaking to the Oldham Times, he said: "I'm disappointed but it would have been tough. "The players were ready to go, and although I don't believe the game was playable it was trainable. It was in quite difficult conditions, but we managed to get a good training session in. "It's frustrating but what can you do? You've just got to get on with it and get organised for New Year's Day." City are next in action at home to Gateshead on New Year’s Day, with Oldham travelling to Hartlepool the same afternoon.Colts need help for playoff shot, while Giants seek end to record skid

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The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) has filed a lawsuit against the New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) over a $20 million fee for adult-use cannabis licenses. The NYMCIA is asking for the fees to be declared unconstitutional and refund any fees already paid, reported Green Market Report. The lawsuit centers on the argument that the fee is punitive and disproportionately affects the original cannabis operators (Registered Organizations or ROs) who helped launch the state's medical marijuana program in 2014. Under NY’s legalization plan, Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), a one-time fee was meant to fund social equity programs, but the NYMCIA argues the OCM and CCB set the fee at $20 million without consideration. The association claims the fee is designed to financially burden the ROs and exclude them from the adult-use market. According to them, the financial impact of the fee has been severe and has prohibited many operators from switching to the adult-use market. Read Also: Advocacy Groups Demand Gov. Hochul Appoint New Leadership For NY’s Cannabis Office Only four out of the ten original ROs have been able to make the first $5 million installment payment to transition to adult-use licenses. The rest are left with wholesale-only licenses, limiting their market opportunities. This has also led to closures and reduced hours at medical dispensaries, negatively affecting patients. The lawsuit points to statements from former OCM leaders, such as Chief of Staff Axel Bernabe, who allegedly acknowledged that the intention was to keep ROs out of the adult-use market. The NYMCIA is demanding that the court invalidate the fee and refund any payments made. If successful, the case could have broad implications for the future of cannabis regulation in New York and other states navigating similar issues. Read Next: New Yorkers In A Bind As Top-Shelf Cannabis Supply Falls Short, Could Home Cultivation Help COVER: Photo by Lukas Kloeppel via Pexels © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Currency note bundle at MP’s seat rocks RS

NFL will consider replay assist for facemask penalties and other plays

The Australian government’s support for a UN resolution calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Gaza is to blame for a widely condemned arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, the Jewish state’s prime minister says. It is impossible to separate the reprehensible arson attack from the federal government’s “extreme anti-Israeli position,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on social media early on Saturday. “Including the scandalous decision to support the UN resolution calling on Israel ‘to bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as rapidly as possible’, and preventing a former Israeli minister from entering the country,” he wrote on X. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today “The burning of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne is an abhorrent act of antisemitism,” he said. The Adass Israel synagogue at Rippon Lea in Melbourne’s southeast had two of its three buildings gutted after suspected masked intruders allegedly broke into the building and set it alight in the early hours of Friday. Two congregants preparing for morning prayers, were inside. They were evacuated, with one sustaining minor injuries. Police have not ruled out terrorism as a motive, believing the attack was targeted. The suspects had poured accelerant on the floor inside the synagogue and set it on fire before fleeing when they were disturbed by a congregant, police said. Israel President Isaac Herzog said he firmly condemned the horrific arson amid an intolerable wave of attacks on Jewish communities when he spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday night. “I noted to the prime minister that this rise and the increasingly serious antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community required firm and strong action, and that this was a message that must be heard clearly from Australia’s leaders,” he said. “I thanked him for his ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism, and expressed my trust that the local law enforcement would do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice.” Political and religious leaders have widely condemned the attack on the synagogue, built by Holocaust survivors. Albanese said he had no tolerance for antisemitism. “This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation,” he said in a statement. Australian Federal Police will provide all requested resources to Victorian authorities, he said. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said police patrols would be increased, and pledged $100,000 to rebuilding the synagogue.The real John Dutton?The United Nations Special Envoy on Water has said constructive action to ensure sustainable soil and water management should be a high political priority for all member states. Retno Marsudi, a former Indonesian foreign minister and the UN's newly appointed special envoy on water, was in Bangkok on Monday as a key speaker at the International Soil and Water Forum. The event was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, with the aim of raising discussions between agencies on how to manage these two natural resources to ensure food security and sustainability. According to Ms Retno, 70% of freshwater worldwide is used in agriculture. Thus, she said, it is feared that people around the globe could be facing water scarcity by 2050 when the world's population has increased and requires more water withdrawals in agricultural production. She said such a development would hit developing countries the hardest as 80% of their population's livelihood depends on water because agriculture is their main employment sector. She noted that water stress would leave 170 million people in low-income countries undernourished. "Soon after, it will hit the developed countries," she added. Ms Retno said urgent action is needed, but the effort must be considered an investment in the future, not a burden. She said that knowledge to boost agricultural efficiency, including technology and AI, must be available to all. "We need concrete deliverables and to take action now," she said. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Thailand's agriculture and cooperatives minister, said that soil and water are the foundation of the agricultural system and biodiversity. However, natural threats and human activities have contributed to a decrease in soil fertility, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and increasing vulnerabilities to natural disasters. "We must recognise that no single country or organisation can address these issues alone as these problems require global and multidisciplinary approaches," she added.Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha As Qatar continues its drive for a sustainable and diversified economy, the logistics and transportation sector must actively contribute to this transformation, Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, GWC Group Managing Director, has said. He was addressing the third Qatar Supply Chain Management Conference (SCMC), which was supported by Gulf Warehousing Company as a platinum sponsor. Under the patronage of Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, the event took place on Monday, highlighting best practices for enhancing supply chain sustainability. it also highlighted the role of digital transformation in facilitating supply chains and ensuring the flow of goods amid global challenges as well as strategies to enhance recovery and sustain supply chains. Sheikh Abdulla said: “Our sponsorship of this conference aligns with the company’s strategic objectives to support initiatives that drive supply chain development, especially amid the challenges facing the logistics sector. “The need to effectively manage and optimize the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers has never been more critical.” In Qatar, he added, logistics services play a vital role, extending beyond the transportation of goods from one point to another to include bolstering trade flows, supporting sustainable development goals, and driving economic diversification. “This highlights the key role our work in the logistics sector plays in building a competitive, resilient, and diversified economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. “This vision serves as a guiding compass, steering us toward sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. “Today, our sector is at a crucial crossroads, amidst rapid transformations driven by digitalization, the growing demand for sustainability, and the urgent need to minimize environmental impact. These evolving trends present both challenges and opportunities, and how we navigate them will ultimately define the future of logistics in Qatar.” Sheikh Abdulla emphasized the importance of focusing on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, saying: “In line with our national objectives and the global agenda, we must diligently work towards achieving sustainability across all aspects of operations. To aid sustainable transformation, he said prioritizing green technology, renewable energy solutions, and carbon emission reduction strategies is necessary. The accelerating pace of digitalization in this sector has already led to a substantial shift in business practices, enhancing operational efficiency, service quality, and overall performance. “By leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and IoT solutions, we can achieve greater efficiency and respond to challenges with agility and flexibility,” Sheikh Abdulla said. “Moreover, agility is becoming increasingly critical, with the key lesson from recent years being the importance of resilience in the face of both positive and negative challenges. For instance, the global COVID-19 pandemic triggered sudden disruptions in supply chains, severely impacting the logistics sector.” Conversely, hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 catalyzed a significant positive transformation in Qatar’s logistics landscape through innovative solutions, He said. “The logistics sector requires strong and agile supply chains capable of withstanding future disruptions. This ability to adapt is particularly vital for Qatar as we expand our partnerships and explore new markets. “GWC’s role goes far beyond just transporting goods; we are dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that drives economic growth, pioneering sustainable practices, and making significant contributions to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. “This is not only a great honor but also a profound responsibility. It is up to all of us in this sector to embrace emerging trends, innovate, and act with purpose.” Copy 10/12/2024 10

48 TikTok-Approved Products That Also Make Excellent Gift IdeasTEXAS, USA — The Texas Supreme Court on Friday overturned a lower court ruling that would have made state Attorney General Ken Paxton testify in a whistleblower lawsuit at the heart of impeachment charges brought against him in 2023 . The court on Friday said Paxton’s office does not dispute any issue in the lawsuit by four former Paxton employees and agreed to any judgment in the case. “In a major win for the State of Texas, the state Supreme Court has sided with Attorney General Paxton against former OAG employees whose effort to prolong costly, politically-motivated litigation against the agency has wasted public resources for years," a statement from Paxton's office said. An attorney for one of the plaintiffs declined immediate comment, and a second attorney did not immediately return a phone call for comment. The former employees allege they were improperly fired or forced out for bringing to the FBI allegations that Paxton was misusing his office to protect a friend and campaign donor, who in turn, they said, was helping the attorney general to conceal an extramarital affair. The Supreme Court ruling noted that the Texas governor and Legislature have expressed a desire to hear testimony from the witnesses prior to agreeing to appropriate funds to settle the lawsuit. The court said forcing Paxton, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster, Chief of Staff Lesley French Henneke and senior advisor Michelle Smith to testify earlier could improperly be used for legislative purposes in deciding any appropriation. Under the preliminary deal , Paxton agreed to apologize to the former employees for calling them “rogue” employees, settle the case for $3.3 million and ask the state to pay for it, prompting the state House to reject the request and begin its own investigation, leading to the vote to impeach him. Paxton was ultimately acquitted after a Senate trial. The Supreme Court termed its ruling conditional upon the lower trial court complying with the decision, while saying it is “confident the trial court will comply” with the order.

NoneFree Turkey and Ham! Is it but a Scam?OTTAWA, Ontario, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CENGN to develop eight Living Labs across Canada and support over 100 Canadian startups and scaleups looking to prepare their innovative network technology products for market entry, commercial growth, and industry adoption. This initiative will be supported by a $45 million investment from the Federal Government's Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). CENGN Living Labs drive nationwide digital transformation for key Canadian economic sectors. Through Living Labs, CENGN will provide the services, expertise, and infrastructure required to test, validate, and certify network technology solutions. This initiative will advance the competitiveness of Canadian industry while also supporting the development of new IP and the growth of our most innovative tech startups and scaleups. CENGN Collaborates with Partners to Develop Living Lab Testing Environments As Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks, CENGN drives the innovation and adoption of advanced networking technologies in Canada through connected infrastructure, technical expertise and services, talent development, and the nurturing of a thriving innovation ecosystem. The organization has expanded its services to include eight collaborative Living Labs across the country. These CENGN Living Labs will be supported by a robust network of partners, including 5G and network technology leaders, Ericsson, Nokia, and Rogers. Living Labs will be located in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, focusing on the validation of solutions across several industries, including Smart Mobility, Smart Buildings, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Smart Agriculture, and Network Technologies. Federal Government's ISED Invest $45 Million Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED)'s $45 million investment in CENGN aims to expedite the digital transformation of Canadian industry while directly supporting Canadian innovators through Innovation and Adoption Projects. Each Innovation Project includes up to $250K in co-investment funding to the startup or scaleup, a number which increases up to $500K for Adoption Projects. "Wireless network technologies such as 5G are vital to enabling a fast, responsive and versatile modern economy. That is why we are investing in Canada's advanced networks and telecommunications ecosystem to create a 5G testbed and living labs to ensure that our businesses have the tools they need to compete and thrive in an increasingly globalized economy.” The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. This funding is expected to provide a major return on investment, including Jean-Charles Fahmy, President and Chief Executive Officer of CENGN, explained the concept behind the CENGN Living Labs: "Our CENGN Living Labs leverage the latest cutting-edge technology in cloud, 5G, and edge computing to provide sector-related testing environments that empower Canadian startups and scaleups for their next step in commercial growth. Through Innovation and Adoption Projects, we pair our technology expertise with our Living Lab infrastructure to provide end-to-end validation of digital solutions that utilize technology like AI/ML, IoT, VR/AR, and automation. Our services will be available to help Canadian innovators test, validate, and certify their solutions and generate Canadian IP, driving the digital transformation that is essential for enhancing our country's industry competitiveness and productivity.” Startups and scaleups can access these services through an Innovation Project, where they utilize CENGN Living Lab environments and expertise to test, validate, and certify their solutions for market entry or expansion. Upon project completion, companies are armed with CENGN's trusted report of the solution's value and performance. Alternatively, a startup can participate in an Adoption Project, where they work directly with a potential customer to test and validate their solution against the customer's needs and requirements, potentially concluding the project with a contract to implement the solution into the customer's operations. Uniting a Pan-Canadian Innovation Ecosystem Through CENGN, the Living Labs are connected to a greater pan-Canadian ecosystem of tech-leading organizations, innovation hubs, and sector-focused organizations. This ecosystem will enable the accessibility and promotion of CENGN Living Lab services to startups and scaleups across the country, ensuring all innovative Canadian companies can apply for a project. CENGN will also leverage its ecosystem of partners to share project learnings across Canada, providing project results and knowledge gained through innovation highlights and blueprints to enable further digital transformation across industry. "Since its founding in 2014, CENGN has been a welcome addition to the Kanata tech community. Telecommunications technologies such as 5G provide the infrastructure that allows our economy to thrive, and the sector is a true catalyst for our economy. Every new job in the telecommunications industry creates 1.3 new jobs within the broader Canadian economy, and this investment is expected to create and maintain an estimated 400 new highly skilled jobs across Canada.” Honourable Jenna Sudds, Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. CENGN Internship Opportunities CENGN will partner with Mitacs to provide internships to over 90 Canadian Post-Secondary Institution students. These interns will be paired with participating tech startups and scaleups, as well as CENGN's robust ecosystem of partners. Learning will be hands-on with a focus on critical digital technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Media Contact: Rick Penwarden Senior Communications Manager CENGN -Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks 613-963-1203 [email protected] Photos from today's announcement will be available here . Main 5G and Advanced Network Technology Partner Quotes "Ericsson continues to support the Canadian innovation ecosystem by driving digital transformation in key sectors and enabling the market entry of advanced 5G network solutions. By joining forces on CENGN Living Labs as a main technology partner, we will provide innovative tech startups and scaleups across the country access to the technology infrastructure and expertise needed to thrive.” Jeanette Irekvist, President Ericsson Canada. "Nokia is proud to be one of the main 5G technology partners for CENGN Living Labs. Continuing our long-standing relationship with CENGN, we are committed to encouraging technology innovation and digital transformation across Canada by providing advanced networking resources and our leadership to pave the way for Industry 4.0.” Jeff Maddox, President Nokia Canada. "As Canada's largest and most reliable 5G network provider, Rogers is proud to partner with the federal government on CENGN's Living Labs to support the development of new 5G technology in Canada for smart farming, smart cities, and robotics.” Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers. CENGN - Canada's Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks CENGN has 10 years of experience delivering significant impact and growth for Canada's innovation ecosystem: enabling the commercial development of 100s of Canadian startups and scaleups through tech validation projects, training 1000s of individuals in industry-coveted advanced networking and cloud skills, and maintaining a >10:1 ROI for our past federally and provincially funded programs. Our unique expertise and positioning as a neutral third party in an ecosystem of technology, innovation, government, and academic partners, paired with a long track record of overperforming on program mandates, have made CENGN a trusted leader in delivering Government initiatives that support network technology innovation. For more information on the CENGN Living Labs or for general inquiries on CENGN, please contact [email protected] .

Mary and Kerry spend their free time who are caught up on the wrong side of the law live better lives. or signup to continue reading The pair (who wished only to use their first names) volunteer for South Australia's and say they find their roles meaningful. "Without being sanctimonious, knowing that our service may help get through their a little more easily [and] that someone still sees their humanity [makes me feel fulfilled]," Mary said. Kerry said volunteering gives him purpose, a chance to meet lots of interesting people, get training on a mix of topics to help him work with people better, and share some social activities. Both dispelled similar myths about working in such settings. "It is not dangerous. You are safer in there than in the wider world," Mary said. "I have never been threatened or felt at risk while doing my volunteer role," Kerry said. Mary helps catalogue, cover, repair, and reshelve thousands of books in the library at Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide. "I've always loved books and reading... The fact that somebody in there wanted access to them ... triggered... my impulse to go and do that," she said. Interaction with prisoners is short and respectful. She fields questions about different subjects or titles that might be available, such as sports biographies or any of "the classics", plus shares a little banter. Mary, who has previous experience in disability support and volunteering at a school library, finds they're taken aback when they find out she's a volunteer. "Sometimes you get the sense that they think... 'They're doing this for me for free. That's kind of [them]'," she said." Kerry has a varied role where he supports people who have received a court-ordered sanction of some kind, like a prison sentence, or a bail or community-based order. You'll find him helping with accessing a bank, getting a phone, helping them maintain accommodation, go to medical appointments, help them learn how to use public transport, and be a listening ear. "When they realise that I am a volunteer, the majority become quite chatty and are happy to talk about most subjects," he said. "It is not common for them to talk about their lives and experience inside prison or why they ended up inside, so I don't ask. It can be quite overwhelming for some, so I try not to elevate any anxiety and just guide them through each interaction they have." He said he can become quite friendly with some of the longer-term people he helps. "They treat me with respect and are happy to have someone to help them and have a chat and a coffee [with]," he said. "This is rewarding for me when I think they are trying to move on with their lives." Kerry was able to use the skills he'd learned from working in civil construction for several decades plus with the education department. The SA Department for Correctional Services is looking for volunteers to help support people who are going back into the community, as well as those in prison. Roles include transporting people between locations for appointments or after release from prison, education such as numeracy and literacy, creative writing and art classes, library services, driver education, and helping people reintegrate into the community with tasks like shopping and learning how to use public transport. For more information visit or visit corrections.sa.gov.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. 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Advertisement AdvertisementDublin, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Fleet Management in the Americas - 14th Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Commercial vehicle fleets play an essential role for the economy in both North and Latin America. In North America, there are approximately 30 million vehicles in commercial use. The number of commercial vehicles in operation in Latin America is estimated to 41 million. The advanced North American market has among other things been driven by regulatory developments such as the ELD mandate in the US and more recently also in Canada. The Latin American market has often required an educational process to extend the perception of fleet telematics beyond security-related aspects. Latin American fleets have however also started to embrace optimisation functionality to an increasing extent. The fleet management market is forecast to show healthy growth in 2025-2028. In North America, the number of systems in active use is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 percent from 17.4 million units in 2023 to 30.5 million units by 2028. The penetration rate in the total population of non-privately owned vehicles in commercial use is estimated to increase from 53.3 percent in 2023 to 80.6 percent in 2028. In Latin America, the number of systems in use is projected to increase from 6.5 million units in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 14.9 percent to reach 13.0 million units in 2028. The penetration rate in the region is estimated to increase from 19.1 percent in 2023 to 36.7 percent in 2028. A handful of solution providers have emerged as frontrunners on the fleet management market in the Americas and the top-5 players are now all estimated to have reached the million mark in terms of installed base. Geotab, Verizon Connect and Samsara are the leading fleet telematics providers in the region. Canada-based Geotab is clearly in the lead, having more than 3 million active fleet management subscribers in North America alone as well as hundreds of thousands of units in Latin America. US-based Verizon Connect and the relative newcomer Samsara are the runner ups in the Americas, followed by CalAmp and Solera Fleet Solutions. Additional solution providers with installed bases of more than half a million units in the Americas include Lytx, Motive, Trimble and Gurtam. Trimble Transportation has similarly to Solera Fleet Solutions been active in the industry for decades. Trimble's global transportation telematics business units are now notably acquired by Platform Science in a transaction expected to close in the first half of 2025. The remaining top-15 players include Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, MICHELIN Connected Fleet, Fleet Complete (Powerfleet), Zonar Systems (Continental), GPS Insight and Powerfleet. Bridgestone, Michelin and Continental are examples of major tire manufacturers that have established strong positions in the fleet management space through acquisitions. Powerfleet has further expanded its presence considerably in the last year through the acquisitions of both MiX Telematics - now MiX by Powerfleet - and most recently Fleet Complete. All of the top-30 players have estimated installed bases of well over 100,000 active units in the Americas. The list also includes WideTech, Navixy (SquareGPS), Encontrack, Ituran, Teletrac Navman, Positron (Stoneridge), Linxup, GPS Trackit, RedGPS, Autotrac, 3Dtracking, Omnilink, Digital Communications Technologies (DCT), OnixSat and Scania. Solution vendors with installed bases just outside of the top list moreover include Rastrac, KORE Position Logic, IntelliShift, J. J. Keller, Sitrack, Satrack, MiX by Powerfleet, Positioning Universal, Cobli, Location World, Forward Thinking Systems and Platform Science. Most vehicle manufacturers now offer factory-installed fleet telematics solutions either independently or through partnerships. Examples of OEMs which have introduced systems in the Americas include Volvo Group, PACCAR, Daimler Truck, International, Scania, Volkswagen, Iveco, Hino, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Stellantis. The OEM telematics initiatives in the region have intensified over the years especially in North America, but the activities are also increasing in Latin America. In the last few years, several of the commercial vehicle OEMs have extended their partnership strategies and started working with additional aftermarket telematics partners, enabling fleet customers to choose the systems which best match their specific needs. Some OEMs such as Ford and GM have also in recent years introduced new proprietary fleet telematics solutions offered as an alternative alongside a growing selection of partner-powered offerings. Notable fleet telematics providers active in the OEM space in various ways include Platform Science, Geotab, Verizon Connect, Samsara, Trimble, Zonar Systems, Fleet Complete, MICHELIN Connected Fleet (Sascar) and Omnilink. The OEM channel is anticipated to increase in importance in both North America and Latin America in the coming years. Highlights from the report Insights from 30 new executive interviews with market-leading companies. New data on vehicle populations and commercial fleets in the Americas. Comprehensive overview of the fleet management value chain and key applications. In-depth analysis of market trends and key developments. Updated profiles of 90 aftermarket fleet management solution providers. Summary of OEM propositions from commercial vehicle brands. Revised market forecasts lasting until 2028 This report answers the following questions: What is the geographical structure of commercial vehicle fleets in the Americas? Which are the leading providers of aftermarket fleet management solutions in the Americas? What offerings are available from commercial vehicle OEMs? How is the shift towards standard hardware influencing the FM market in the Americas? What differences are there between the North and Latin American markets? How are the regulatory developments in the Americas affecting the FM industry? Will the FM industry consolidate further in 2025 and beyond? How will the commercial vehicle telematics industry evolve in the future? Key Topics Covered: 1 Commercial Vehicle Fleets in the Americas 1.1 The North American commercial vehicle market Vehicles in operation New registrations and manufacturer market shares Ownership structure and major fleets Trailers 1.2 The Latin American commercial vehicle market Vehicles in operation Manufacturer market shares 2 Fleet Management Solutions 2.1 Fleet management infrastructure 2.2 Vehicle management 2.3 Driver management 2.4 Operations management 2.5 Regulatory compliance and reporting 2.6 Business models 3 Market Forecasts and Trends 3.1 Market analysis 3.2 Market drivers and barriers 3.3 Value chain analysis 3.4 Future industry trends Fleet telematics remains a high-pace IoT market favoured by multiple trends Vehicle OEMs and aftermarket providers partner for factory-installed telematics Increasing openness in the fleet telematics space favours joint solutions Industry consolidation fosters emergence of leading global telematics giants. Specialised providers may thrive as applications are unbundled Integrated weigh station bypass services save time and fuel Fuel card integration extends the capabilities of fleet telematics Leading tire manufacturers heavily involved in the fleet telematics space Hardwired, mobile and hybrid telematics systems to co-exist The US and Canada have surpassed 1,000 and 100 certified ELDs respectively Upselling of value-added services to drive uptake beyond the ELD basics Video solutions continue to permeate the fleet market Fleet insurance telematics is an opportunity to reduce fleet risks and costs FM providers support management of EVs and fleet electrification processes The Internet of Transportation Things expands the addressable market 4 OEM Products and Strategies Daimler Truck Group Ford General Motors Hino Trucks International Iveco Mercedes-Benz Group PACCAR Scania Volkswagen Truck & Bus Volvo Group 5 International Aftermarket Solution Providers Fleet Complete (Powerfleet) Geotab Gurtam KORE Position Logic MICHELIN Connected Fleet MiX by Powerfleet Powerfleet Solera Fleet Solutions Teletrac Navman Trimble Verizon Connect Webfleet (Bridgestone) 6 Regional Aftermarket Solution Providers North America Azuga (Bridgestone) CalAmp Canadian Tracking Solutions Certified Tracking Solutions (GPS Insight) Clarience Technologies Digital Communications Technologies EROAD FieldLogix Fleet Freedom Fleeteye FleetHunt Forward Thinking Systems GPS Insight GPS Trackit GreenRoad IntelliShift ISAAC Instruments J. J. Keller Linxup Lytx Mojio Motive ORBCOMM Pedigree Technologies Platform Science Positioning Universal PosiTrace Quartix Questar Auto Radius RAM Tracking Rand McNally Rastrac Samsara SkyBitz (AMETEK) Vecima Networks Zonar Systems (Continental) Latin America 3Dtracking Autotrac CarrierWeb Cobli Encontrack FleTrack Ful-Mar 6.2.8 Global Track Golfleet GPS Chile GPS7000 Grupo UDA Grupo Ultra Hawk GPS Ituran Linqo Locatelia Location World Mapon Maxtrack Navixy (SquareGPS) Numaris Omnilink (Show Tecnologia) OnixSat Optimus Fleet Positron (Stoneridge) Rastreo Satelital Ravex Redd RedGPS Satrack SHERLOG SIGhRA Sitrack Soltrack Strix Tracklog Ubicamovil Webmaps WideTech Wisetrack For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dkh5k4 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. 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Israel's attorney general has ordered police to investigate allegations Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife harassed political opponents and witnesses in her husband's corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a terse message late on Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on a recent report by the Uvda investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Sara Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organise protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Sara Netanyahu by name and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier on Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as "lies". "My opponents on the left and in the media found a new-old target. They mercilessly attack my wife, Sara," he said. He called the program "false propaganda, nasty propaganda that brings up lies from the darkness". It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favours with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a "witch hunt" by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media. The report obtained correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister who died of cancer last year. The messages indicated that Sara Netanyahu encouraged police to crack down violently on anti-government protesters and ordered Bleiweiss to organise protests against her husband's critics. She also told Bleiweiss to get activists in Netanyahu's Likud party to publish attacks on Klein. Klein is an aide to billionaire Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and has testified in the corruption case about her role in delivering tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and gifts to Netanyahu for her boss. According to the report, Sara Netanyahu mistreated Bleiweiss, prompting her to share the messages with a reporter shortly before her death. Sara Netanyahu has been accused of abusive behaviour toward her personal staff before. This, together with accusations of excessive spending and using public money for her own extravagant personal tastes, has earned her an image as being out of touch with everyday Israelis. In 2019, she was fined for misusing state funds.Middle East latest: Lebanon closes all its land border crossings with Syria except one