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22fun casino Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC street NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO has been shot and killed in what police say is a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference. The shooting rattled the city and set off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. Police say 50-year-old Brian Thompson was shot around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk Wednesday became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had worked at the company for 20 years and had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans and brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors WASHINGTON (AP) — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender healthcare for minors. Hegseth fights to save Pentagon nomination as sources say Trump considers DeSantis WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s Pentagon pick, is fighting to hold on to his Cabinet nomination amid growing questions about his personal conduct as the president-elect’s team considers alternatives, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Hegseth says, “We’re not backing down one bit." The Trump transition team is concerned about Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation and is actively looking at potential replacements, according to a person familiar with the matter. Hegseth is under pressure as senators weigh a series of allegations that have surfaced against him. Beyond DeSantis, there have been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was named by Trump as his national security adviser, to the Defense Department Peter Navarro served prison time related to Jan. 6. Now Trump is bringing him back as an adviser WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro back to the White House for his second administration. Trump announced Wednesday on Truth Social that Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. He was a trade adviser in Trump's first term. Navarro served four months in prison after being held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump also chose former Rep. Billy Long of Missouri as IRS commissioner, former Sen. Kelly Loeffler as administrator of the Small Business Administration, Daniel Driscoll as Army secretary, Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator and Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital says KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian health official said Wednesday that at least 21 people were killed in Israeli strikes on a camp housing displaced people in Gaza. The Israeli military said it struck senior Hamas militants. The strikes hit in the Muwasi area, a sprawling coastal camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people. It came after Israeli forces struck targets in other areas of Gaza. According to Palestinian medics, strikes in central Gaza killed eight people, including four children. The war in Gaza is nearly 14 months old and showing no end in sight, despite international efforts to revive negotiations toward a ceasefire. South Korean President Yoon's martial law declaration raises questions over his political future SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals on Wednesday took steps to impeach him. Yoon's move baffled many experts. One analyst called his action “political suicide.” Yoon’s political fate may depend on whether a large number of people in coming days take to the streets to push for his ouster. Yoon hasn't commented on the impeachment bid. But the political instability he unleashed could make it more difficult for his government to nurse a decaying economy. French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962 PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together to vote on a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet to resign. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes. A minimum of 288 were needed. President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027. However, he will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time after July’s legislative elections led to a deeply divided parliament. Macron will address the French on Thursday evening, his office said, without providing details. Barnier is expected to formally resign by then. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. Harris found success with women who have cats, but Trump got the dog owner vote: AP VoteCast WASHINGTON (AP) — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. Donald Trump won more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, and he had with a big assist from dog owners. That's according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support Trump over Kamala Harris. Cat owners were evenly split between the two candidates. Harris did end up decisively winning support from women who own a cat but no dog. Past comments by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” briefly became a campaign issue.None

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella changed his cleats just 12 minutes into the game after his slips contributed to both of Tottenham's early goals in the teams' London derby in the Premier League on Sunday. The Spain international ceded possession by slipping on the turf at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the fifth and 11th minutes — and from the ensuing attacks, Spurs scored through Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski. Immediately after Kulusevski's shot hit the net to make it 2-0, Cucurella sprinted to the sideline while shrugging his shoulders and pointed to his cleats. He took them off and threw them away in disgust before putting on new ones. It seemed to work. Within six minutes, he provided the pass that led to Jadon Sancho scoring for Chelsea to make it 2-1. Chelsea went on to win 4-3 — and Cucurella posted a photo on social media after the match, showing the first cleats he wore nestled in a bin. “It almost slipped away,” Cucurella wrote on Instagram Stories, “but proud of the amazing team effort to turn things around.” AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Pakistan’s semiconductor policyBy David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on Wednesday that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol "badly misjudged" his decision to declare martial law this week, and it had been seen as "deeply problematic" and "illegitimate." Asked at an event organized by the Aspen Strategy Forum whether it was an intelligence failure that Washington was caught unaware by a key ally, Campbell said almost all U.S. interlocutors in South Korea, including in the president's office, were "deeply surprised" by Yoon's move. Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night to thwart "anti-state forces" among his domestic political opponents, but rescinded the decision hours later after lawmakers defied him. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday that the U.S., which has around 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea, was not aware of Yoon's intention to declare martial law. President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, later told a Washington think tank that the U.S. learned about it "on television, the same way the rest of the world did" and "it raised deep concern for us." Campbell said the events in South Korea had been "deeply unpredictable and unlikely." "I think President Yoon badly misjudged. And I think the memory of previous experiences of martial law have a deep and negative resonance in South Korea." Campbell said the fact that both political sides in South Korea could agree the step was "deeply problematic" despite deep political polarization and division in the country was a reassuring tribute to the strength of democracy in the country. "This is a powerful symbol of the fact that people were prepared to come out and make clear that this was a deeply illegitimate process and that would be met by the will of the people," he said. Campbell said South Korea would be "in a challenging place" in the next few months and the U.S. goal would be to make clear its alliance with Seoul is "absolutely rock solid." He said almost all U.S. interlocutors inside South Korea -- "the foreign minister, the finance minister, many of the key players that we work with in the president's office ... were themselves deeply surprised" by Yoon's move. South Korea's parliament introduced a motion on Thursday to impeach Yoon over his botched attempt to impose martial law, but his party vowed to oppose the move, throwing the process into doubt. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina; Editing by Chris Reese and David Gregorio)

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Learning From Warren Buffett About Investing In Utilities: The BHE Case StudyGenetic testing, which has expanded in recent years with advances in technology and the development of consumer products, is on a path to widespread acceptance in the U.S., researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found. The popularity of ancestry research and rising numbers of clinical referrals are helping drive that trend, according to the study published in Frontiers in Genetics . "Genetic testing is an increasingly valuable tool for identifying a wide range of medical risks, including cancer, heart disease , neurogenetic conditions, prenatal diagnoses, and more," said study leader Sukh Makhnoon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health and the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern. "While the portfolio of accurate, affordable tests has expanded in recent years, growth in awareness among both individuals and the medical community has been incremental. Our study demonstrates that genetic testing may finally be reaching mainstream acceptance." Using data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey, UTSW researchers found that 81% of Americans are aware of genetic testing and 40% have undergone at least one test, up from 75% awareness and 19% usage in 2020. Among 6,252 respondents, awareness was highest for ancestry testing (72%), followed by testing for specific diseases (55%), prenatal genetic carrier testing (37%), and personal trait testing (25%). Of the 4,403 respondents who answered the question on whether they had used a test, ancestry tests (23%) were most common, ahead of specific disease risk (16%), prenatal carrier (8%), and personal trait (6%). Researchers also found that racial and ethnic disparities in the use of genetic tests are narrowing, further suggesting improved acceptance. For example, Black (37%) and Asian (29%) respondents were almost as likely as white participants (39%) to have undergone at least one genetic test. The involvement of genetic counselors, however, remains limited. Only 10% of all clinical genetic tests were ordered by genetic counselors, who are trained to provide relevant information and support to patients. Two-thirds of disease tests, which require the involvement of a health care professional, were ordered by physicians other than genetic counselors. "While those providers obviously recognize the benefits of testing, they may not have the training to successfully help patients understand and adapt to the medical or psychosocial consequences of genetic information," Dr. Makhnoon said. "Our findings suggest that the medical community should emphasize the importance of continued genetic education for health care providers to strengthen their skills in supporting patients before and after testing—and better manage ongoing care once results are known." The study builds on the growing body of research related to public health genetics and its benefits in identifying disease risk. "This is a fairly new field of research, but one that is growing rapidly in importance due to technological advancements and the possibility of unlocking new pathways to patient care," Dr. Makhnoon said. "We are committed to continuing our efforts to enhancing the understanding of genetics through future research." More information: Sukh Makhnoon et al, Awareness, use, motivations and methods of accessing genetic testing in 2022 in the United States, Frontiers in Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1462831

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LAHORE: Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has criticized the government’s policies, calling them detrimental to the people. Addressing a press conference at Mansoorah on Saturday, following a consultative meeting with Punjab’s leadership; he said the rule of fraudulent elements that came to power through fake Form 47 cannot resolve the nation’s problems. JI Chief said that the Prime Minister’s claims about reducing inflation are a pack of lies, he asserted, pointing to a staggering 319% increase in gas prices as evidence. “The government itself spreads fake news,” he said, adding that it imposed internet restrictions and suppressed dissent. “Dictatorship and censorship will not be accepted,” he asserted. In response to a question regarding the issue of madrasah registration, Rehman said Jamaat-e-Islami supports the process of registration but stressed the need to involve all stakeholders (boards of religious seminaries) to resolve the matter. He criticized the political practices of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), citing the 26th Amendment as a lesson for the nation. He highlighted that Jamaat-e-Islami’s “Haq Do Awam Ko” (give the people their rights) movement is ongoing, with plans for marches in Lahore and other major cities of Punjab to address farmers’ grievances. The JI chief strongly condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to Gulf countries, calling them equivalent to genocide. He also denounced Israel’s atrocities in Gaza, carried out with U.S. support, and demanded an immediate ceasefire. He announced a Million March in Islamabad on December 29 in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Rehman demanded the formation of an independent and empowered commission to investigate the killing of PTI protestors in Islamabad. He condemned the arrests of Pashtuns in the federal capital, calling it an attempt to foster division and prejudice. He said the government is lying about casualties during the protests, saying that Jamaat-e-Islami itself is aware of six to seven deaths. He announced the establishment of a legal assistance cell in Islamabad to aid those facing police harassment or other grievances. In response to another question regarding the deteriorating economic situation, Rehman criticized the government for failing to control soaring prices of electricity, petrol, gas, and essential commodities. He stated that 100 million people now live below the poverty line, with the poor and middle class struggling to survive. He condemned the government’s actions, such as slowing internet speeds, which he said are destroying the livelihoods of millions. “Such tactics are unacceptable,” he declared. He called on the government to end privileges for the ruling elite and urged them to pay taxes instead of burdening the poor and salaried class. He criticized the lack of fair prices for farmers’ produce, particularly sugarcane, and questioned why the government cannot provide agricultural subsidies while failing to tax feudal landlords. When asked, Rehman said that Jamaat-e-Islami will stage protests for farmers’ rights in Vehari, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang, and later in Lahore. He called for the benefits of Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements to be used for reducing electricity prices. “The movement for public issues will continue,” he said, adding that grassroots public committees will be formed in urban and rural areas. He reiterated Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to fighting for democracy, the rule of law, and the rights of the people, while vowing to end the dominance of the ruling elite. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Trump will ‘most likely' pardon Capitol rioters on day one and says Jan. 6 committee members should be jailedBy Molly Farrar Rapper Lil Xan, headlining a Harvard v. Yale pre-game party at a downtown Boston nightclub last month, allegedly kicked a student in the head before fleeing the venue, police said. Lil Xan, whose real name is Nicholas Diego Leanos, performed at the Royale Nightclub Nov. 22, the night before the popular football game. Boston police responded to the club around 1:38 a.m. the next morning. Boston police spoke to the alleged victim, who said he was kicked in the face and hit with a microphone by the performer, according to a police report. The Harvard Crimson identified the man as a Harvard sophomore. Boston police said the investigation is active with no arrests, and the report lists the charge as aggravated assault with a weapon. The man’s father told police the assault happened “for no reason,” and that he called first responders because his son was unconscious for a few minutes. The alleged victim denied medical treatment, the report said. In an apparent video of the incident , Leanos appears to reached down from the stage and punch a man in the face. He then throws his microphone at him and kicks him in the face. Leanos, 28, then walks off stage. Royale staff said he then assaulted another person and a security officer before fleeing the venue, Boston police reported. Leanos addressed the incident on his Instagram story, alleging the victim was attempting to touch his genitals. TMZ reported that another angle of the altercation shows the man giving Leanos the middle finger. “Am I proud of how I acted or handled the situation hell no, I feel terrible about it, I’m a human just like you, and I will be doing some heavy reflecting after this,” the post read . The Royale did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday evening. Molly Farrar Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.

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"They act so self-righteous": Charlamagne rips Dems for claiming "high ground" after Biden pardonWASHINGTON — Federal officials said Tuesday that drones spotted along the East Coast over the past month do not pose a threat to national security or public safety. Four federal agencies — the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Defense — issued a statement Tuesday after weeks of reports about drone activity. In some cases, airports have been closed as a result of the drones. The Pentagon statement said that the majority of the more than 1 million drones registered with the FAA are used legally for commercial, recreational or governmental purposes. The agencies noted that the recent sightings likely involve a combination of these legal activities and misidentifications of manned aircraft, helicopters, or even celestial objects such as stars. The statement said the agencies have "not identified anything anomalous." Despite this, the agencies acknowledged the public's concern and urged Congress to expand counter-drone authorities to address potential future threats better. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., posted on X this week that he would move for the Senate to pass legislation "giving local officials the tools and authorities necessary to act quickly and in lockstep with government agencies." The FBI received more than 5,000 reports of drone sightings in recent weeks, with fewer than 100 warranting further investigation. Advanced detection technologies and personnel were deployed to assist local and state authorities with monitoring and assessing the sightings. At a news conference on Monday, President-elect Donald Trump said the U.S. government and military know what is happening and where the drones are coming from. "Something strange is going on," he said. "For some reason, they don't want to tell the people, and they should." The joint statement comes amid heightened public interest and speculation surrounding the origins and intentions of the mystery drones. Law enforcement officials in Virginia recently reported "suspicious" drone sightings appearing over counties located within an hour outside of the Washington, D.C. metro area containing sensitive military bases and national security facilities. The increase in unexplained drone activity in the skies over New Jersey and Pennsylvania caused alarm among state officials who were already critical of federal authorities' response to the drones and demanded action. The agencies said there had been a "limited number of sightings" of drones over military facilities in New Jersey and elsewhere, including restricted airspace. They continued that sightings over Department of Defense installations aren't new and reiterated that the department takes unauthorized access to its airspace seriously and is closely working with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities. "Local commanders are actively engaged to ensure there are appropriate detection and mitigation measures in place," according to the Pentagon.

Some Norfolk Planning Commission members and the Park Place Civic League president are opposed to a planned 154-unit affordable housing development in the city's Midtown. While more affordable housing is sorely needed in Norfolk, critics of the plan say it would unfairly burden a neighborhood with a disproportionate share of low-income housing. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Amber Alert canceled for 3 children last seen at Augusta County bus stop Amber Alert canceled for 3 children last seen at Augusta County bus stop Naval Academy can continue using race in admissions, federal judge rules Naval Academy can continue using race in admissions, federal judge rules Digging resumes in the search for a woman in a Pennsylvania sinkhole Digging resumes in the search for a woman in a Pennsylvania sinkhole Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the U.S. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the U.S. An appeals court ruled there were issues with a man’s sentencing. Then the Norfolk judge increased it. An appeals court ruled there were issues with a man’s sentencing. Then the Norfolk judge increased it. Trending Nationally Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass MAGA influencer Nick Fuentes charged with battery of woman he maced: report ‘America’s Got Talent’ comedian Kabir ‘Kabeezy’ Singh dead at 39 Police may search a vehicle based on the smell of raw cannabis, Illinois Supreme Court rules ‘Oppenheimer’ actor Emma Dumont comes out as transmasculine, changes nameAFASA: A milestone in cybersecurity for Philippine bankingNone

You knew it was coming, didn’t you? Baseball’s reigning Evil Empire took the initiative this week, signing another high-profile starting pitcher and giving its fans something additional to be grateful for during Thanksgiving week (besides, of course, those shots of the Commissioner’s Trophy being shown off here, there and everywhere throughout Southern California). And after the bombshell announcement Tuesday night, that the Dodgers had signed Blake Snell , the howls could be heard throughout the land. The Dodgers are making a mockery of the sport. The rest of baseball can’t compete. They’re signing everybody! And how are the Cincinnatis and Pittsburghs and Colorados of the sport able to compete with an organization that not only brings in boatloads of money – and has created a second source of runaway revenue through its ties to Japan – but isn’t interested in hoarding it? Shouldn’t the next step be a salary cap to restrain this franchise’s runaway spending? Oh, stop it. Competitive balance is not an issue in baseball, period. Four different teams have won the last four World Series, and nine different fan bases have celebrated championships in the last 12 years. There hasn’t been a repeat champion in ... checks notes ... a quarter of a century. (That would be the New York Yankees, the first Evil Empire, in 1999-2000.) Meanwhile, Kansas City, Detroit and Baltimore have all risen from rebuilding to contention in the last couple of seasons. Milwaukee and Cleveland, both smaller markets, were legitimate threats as this past postseason began. And the Padres, long squeezed between Mexico to their south, the Imperial Valley to their east, the Pacific to their west and L.A. to their north, just might have been the second-best team in baseball in 2024 and, may we remind you, had the Dodgers by the neck going into Game 4 of their National League Division Series . Nor are they going away, even with some payroll retrenching in the wake of controlling owner Peter Seidler’s death. (But, nope, still no parade.) Most of the caterwauling, of course, comes from those whose favorite teams were either outbid or declined to spend. Trust me, no ownership in Major League Baseball can claim poverty, even with the cable TV issues that have scrambled some teams’ finances. Yes, big-market teams start with a financial advantage. Yes, Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy and the cord-cutting revolution have factored in. And yes, the Dodgers and Yankees have insulated themselves to a degree by owning their own cable networks. So, maybe, give them some credit for intelligence and foresight? Front Office Sports reported that deferrals on Snell’s reported five-year, $182 million deal, said to be $60 million, would push the Dodgers closer to the $1 billion mark in deferred money owed to five players. Shohei Ohtani’s whopping $680 million deferred on a $700 million contract signed last winter enabled the Dodgers to add additional pieces. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts also have chunks of deferred money in their contracts – as does, interestingly, Teoscar Hernández on his one-year 2024 deal with the Dodgers. That would make that contract even more of a bargain than we thought. And this is an undisputable fact: Salary caps and other payroll-limiting mechanisms put no limits on front office creativity and ingenuity. It’s been pretty well established that in Guggenheim Baseball’s 13-year ownership of the Dodgers, especially after Mark Walter’s organization corrected the problems of the Frank McCourt era and particularly after Friedman arrived from Tampa Bay in 2015, the Dodgers have a smart, savvy organization whose advantages go way beyond their cash on hand. (And yes, as I noted on social media Tuesday night, we do tease them about sometimes trying too hard to be the smartest guys in the room. But most of the time they are, anyway.) Assuming everyone stays healthy – and as we saw throughout baseball in 2024, that’s a tall ask – what will the Dodgers’ rotation look like in 2025? They’ll have left-hander Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who was one of the victims of a soft free agent market last spring and didn’t sign with the San Francisco Giants until March 19. He got off to a dreadful start as a result but was lights out from the start of July. In 14 starts he was 5-0 (and his team 12-2 in those starts), with a 1.23 ERA, an opponents’ batting average of .123, an 0.78 WHIP, five double-digit strikeout games and a 3.8-1 strikeout to walk ratio, and a complete-game no-hitter, an achievement for someone denigrated as a five-and-dive pitcher. Maybe those final three months spurred him to sign early this time. It’s almost certain the Dodgers will use a six-man rotation from the start of the season, and right now they have seven possibilities and who knows what they do from here. They’ll have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher. Tyler Glasnow, Snell’s former teammate in Tampa Bay, will be back, as will Tony Gonsolin in his return from Tommy John surgery. Dustin May, essentially inactive since May of 2023, will return, and Clayton Kershaw is expected to re-sign and has indicated he plans to retire a Dodger. Is there room for free agent Jack Flaherty, last season’s major trade deadline acquisition? Or fellow free agent Walker Buehler, who closed out Game 5 of the World Series against the Yankees, following a sometimes spotty comeback from injury? And the wild card might be Roki Sasaki, who will be posted by his Japanese team this winter. The Dodgers had long been considered the favorites to land him, and even Snell’s signing might not change that. Then again, the way the 2024 Dodgers went through pitchers because of injuries – 40 for the season, including 12 starting pitchers – shouldn’t they be tempted to grab every reasonably healthy arm they can and sort it out as they go along? But this is, and should be, the bottom line: Every fan in every sport wants the people running their favorite team to care as much about winning as they do. In a lot of cities, with a lot of teams, that’s really hard to envision. In Dodger Stadium, it’s not hard at all. And if they’re going to be the new Evil Empire, why not just lean into it and have Dieter Ruehle play “The Imperial March” (i.e., Darth Vader’s Theme) before every game? jalexander@scng.comA rescue golden retriever with an unusual birthmark has taken the internet by storm, but his owner has told Newsweek that it actually has a very sentimental meaning that helped them form an instant connection. Dog owner Shannon Eschman, 37, often posts on social media (@peeta_the_golden) about her rescue dog, Peeta, and the unusual black birthmark that covers part of his chest. The adorable pup looks like a purebred golden retriever, apart from the patch, which truly makes him stand out. Whenever she's out walking Peeta, Eschman gets stopped by people who are fascinated by the birthmark, as they've never seen anything like it. But for Eschman, of Massillon, Ohio, it's no ordinary birthmark, and she told Newsweek that as soon as she saw him, she "knew he was made just for [her]." Prior to adopting Peeta, Eschman had Brinkley the golden retriever, and Millie Mae, a rescue who was a mix of chow chow, husky and German shepherd. She sadly had to say goodbye to Brinkley in February 2021 at the age of 14, and her grief was unfathomable. She still had Millie Mae, but she couldn't imagine getting another dog at the time. That was, until she saw Peeta, who seemed to carry a part of Brinkley and Millie Mae within him. Eschman said: "I was still grieving the loss of Brinkley, and I felt this hole in my heart that I didn't think I would ever get back. When Peeta was posted on Facebook through a rescue, I cried because I knew his purpose. "I felt an instant connection because of his birthmark. It was so special to me. I always look for signs that the pets we lose are still with us, and I couldn't have asked for a bigger sign. It was no coincidence, so I filled out the application for Peeta within seconds," she continued. Peeta was rescued in June 2021, and Eschman was told by the rescue that he was being rehomed because he'd recently lost his brother and seemed lost without him. As she herself was also grieving, Eschman knew this made the bond with Peeta even stronger and that they could help each other. After finding his forever home , Peeta got to spend his first three years alongside Millie Mae, until she sadly passed away in August 2024. She was 15 years old, and Eschman said she "stayed as long as she could." Just like Brinkley, she brought so much happiness into her life. "Brinkley and Millie were my first two soul dogs. I knew that, when I was ready, I would get another golden retriever, but now I had the best of both worlds. I have my Brinkley and my Millie," Eschman told Newsweek . "I have endless pictures of Brinkley's and Millie's gold and black fur touching, and now I have it all in Peeta. I felt like I got a piece of my heart back. It's inevitable that they can't be with us forever, but they did their best to make sure I always have a piece of them." Peeta has helped Eschman heal so much, and she is so grateful for the unconditional love he provides. Although Peeta likely has no idea of the impact he's had, he can't help but love all the attention he gets for his birthmark . "He knows he's special and he flaunts it," Eschman joked. Since posting about his sentimental birthmark on Instagram , the post went viral with more than 1.6 million views and 460,000 likes at the time of writing. Alongside the heartbreaking pictures, the caption says that it "means more than a birthmark," as Peeta has brought back a part of her late dogs. The online reaction has been unlike anything she was expecting, and Eschman hopes that it will encourage others to look for invaluable signs that their beloved pets are still with them in some way. She said: "I know all our pets are put in our lives for a reason, and no matter how long they are here, it's never long enough. Our time with them goes way too fast, but never give up hope that they are always with you. If we gave at least one person hope that their baby is still with them, we've done our job." The viral TikTok post has amassed over 3,100 comments already, and many social media users thanked Eschman for giving them hope, and some even shared stories of the signs they looked for. One comment reads: "This is extremely rare and 100% heaven sent." Another person wrote: "literally just got chills through my whole body." While one TikToker added: "As someone who lost her two soul dogs, this made my jaw drop. This baby was meant for you." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

OTTAWA - First Nations chiefs agreed today to launch new negotiations with Canada over child welfare after voting down a $47.8 billion deal in October. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * OTTAWA - First Nations chiefs agreed today to launch new negotiations with Canada over child welfare after voting down a $47.8 billion deal in October. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? OTTAWA – First Nations chiefs agreed today to launch new negotiations with Canada over child welfare after voting down a $47.8 billion deal in October. Chiefs at the Assembly of First Nations voted to start talks anew as well as to include Northwest Territories in any new agreements at a special assembly in Ottawa. The $47.8 billion was struck after decades of advocacy and litigation from First Nations and experts, seeking to redress decades of discrimination against First Nations children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. That was because the child welfare systems on reserves were not funded to provide services that could keep families together. But chiefs said the negotiations on long-term reforms weren’t as transparent as they could have been, and worried the deal didn’t go far enough to protect children. 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. The new mandate calls for regional agreements funded in a manner that safeguards First Nations children, youth and families from discrimination “now and forever,” and for Canada to consult with First Nations directly instead of through the Assembly of First Nations. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Advertisement

In an era where technology is not just altering the features of the car but redefining mobility itself, CES 2025 has become a showcase for the future of transportation. The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with the global market projected to reach USD 2,746.49 billion by 2032. Central to this transformation is the surging interest in electric vehicles (EVs) driven by environmental concerns and advancements in battery technology, which are reshaping consumer preferences and fueling demand. Furthermore, the rise of autonomous and connected vehicles is creating a smarter, more integrated travel experience, with the connected car market expected to expand significantly in the coming years. This evolution underscores the increasing consumer expectation for vehicles that serve not just as modes of transport but as essential components of a connected lifestyle. As we look to CES 2025, several AutoTech innovators are set to unveil cutting-edge technologies that promise to enhance mobility and redefine the driving experience. Cipia: Visionary Safety and Beyond Cipia is a global leader in intelligent in-cabin sensing solutions, known for its commitment to enhancing vehicle safety and passenger experiences. The software company specializes in advanced computer vision and AI and utilizes an infrared sensor to monitor various aspects of the in-car environment. Cipia's flagship products are licensed by carmakers worldwide and include the Driver Sense system, which assesses driver alertness to mitigate the risks of accidents due to inattention or drowsiness. Additionally, the company's Cabin Sense system extends the solution beyond the driver, providing sensing to the full cabin environment, ensuring a safer environment for everyone in the vehicle. The company also offers Cipia-FS10, an aftermarket solution for the commercial fleet industry, which integrates video telematics with driver monitoring, offering a robust safety framework tailored for telematics service providers and their fleets. At CES 2025, Cipia will demonstrate for the first time integration of Infrared and Radar sensor fusion, showcasing how this integration can enhance in-cabin monitoring capabilities, contributing to safer, smarter driving experiences. This presentation highlights Cipia's dedication to innovating mobility solutions and its role in creating life-saving technology for cars and fleets. Blink Charging: Powering the EV Revolution Blink Charging is a global leader in electric vehicle charging equipment and services, facilitating the transition to electric mobility. Recently, Blink announced three significant contracts in the UK, including a partnership with Power Design to install 429 EV chargers, expanding accessibility for residents in Power Design projects. They are also collaborating with Norfolk County Council to install 22 new charging stations, increasing the total to 46 stations in the Norwich area. Additionally, Blink has secured a three-year contract with the Princess Royal University Hospital to provide 41 EV chargers and contactless payment terminals. This initiative is part of King's Green Plan, aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainable travel options for patients and staff. Blink's commitment to expanding charging infrastructure is essential as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, making clean transportation accessible to all. Danlaw: Innovating Connected Mobility Danlaw Inc. is a prominent player in the connected mobility landscape, providing advanced solutions for automotive electronics and electric vehicle chargers. Their technologies focus on real-time data integration, enhancing vehicle performance and driver safety. Danlaw's expertise in connected vehicle ecosystems not only improves the driving experience but also supports manufacturers in developing smarter, more efficient vehicles that meet modern consumer expectations. Notably, Danlaw's CleverCharge, a groundbreaking Level 2 home-charging solution for EV owners, has been named a CES 2025 Innovation Awards Honoree in the Smart Home category. The CleverCharge system brings Danlaw's OEM-level product quality to its first consumer product, pairing fast-charging capabilities with innovative AI features and useful mobile notifications. dSPACE: Accelerating Software Development dSPACE is a leading provider of simulation and validation solutions, specializing in the development of software for electric, autonomous, and software-defined vehicles. At CES 2025, dSPACE will demonstrate its innovative approach to efficiently testing vehicle software through end-to-end Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) methodologies. This comprehensive validation framework integrates various testing techniques, enabling the early assessment of safety-critical driving functions and significantly speeding up software development processes. The company's latest innovations will feature advanced testing solutions for battery management systems and cutting-edge software for power electronics. Additionally, dSPACE's partnership with Mobileye will showcase closed-loop camera control for advanced driver assistance systems, highlighting the critical role of continuous integration and rigorous testing in automotive development. With a strong emphasis on e-mobility and cybersecurity validation, dSPACE is establishing itself as a frontrunner in the field of next-generation automotive technology validation. These AutoTech leaders at CES 2024, alongside many others, exemplify the pivotal shifts towards safety, advanced connectivity, and sustainability in the automotive sector. Their upcoming innovations signal a transformative era for automotive technology, not just following trends but actively forging a path to a safer, cleaner, and more integrated driving future.What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?