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ќݵYǃQP0AEԘZ,(t¨Us8oxvG6 The assisted dying bill would breach Britain’s human rights laws and the rule of law because it would empower the state to end people’s lives, a former attorney-general has warned. Dominic Grieve, who was the government’s top legal adviser between 2010 and 2014, writes in The Times his prediction that the bill will be blocked on several grounds by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He is one of five former government law officers who have written to all MPs urging them to vote against the assisted dying bill on Friday. In their letter, seen by The Times, they have warned that the bill will have “serious implications” for the judiciary in the UK and seeks to “overturn decades of legal convention”. They alsoSmartphones already make day-to-day life more convenient. Soon, they may be widely used to prove identities. Nine in 10 Americans own smartphones to stay connected, find information, track exercise, play games, capture life's moments, and more, Pew reported in June. Increasingly, smartphones also store highly personal information, like credit card numbers, personal health data, bank accounts, and investment portfolios. Most people still carry around a physical driver's license or state ID to verify their identity. That may soon change. Mobile driver's licenses are official state-issued identity credentials stored on smartphones and are becoming increasingly common. They contain the same information as a physical driver's license and can be updated in real time. Uniqode examined news coverage, industry reports, and other sources to explore the rise in digital IDs and their benefits and drawbacks. Although other countries have adopted mobile identities for years now, most states don't offer mDLs—yet. According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, just 13 states around the country have fully implemented mDL systems, with another 15 in the process of bringing mDLs to their residents. Digital IDs vary across states; some mDLs are just digital versions of a physical driver's license. Others use a security standard set by international bodies, the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission, to ensure security, privacy, and accuracy. mDLs that apply the widely accepted ISO/IEC standard can also be used across state lines. Colorado and California have led the charge for digitizing IDs. In 2023, California launched a mDL pilot program for up to 1.5 million residents, with over 500,000 of them taking advantage of the program in its first year. Residents can use the California DMV Wallet app, as well as Google and Apple wallets for secure mDL storage. However, it's not yet accepted statewide—drivers must still carry a physical ID, but some retailers and airport TSA checkpoints accept it as valid identification. Coloradans can also put an mDL into Google Wallet for use at some TSA checkpoints, but it hasn't yet replaced a physical driver's license. However, drivers can use mDLs on the road by pulling up a QR code, which, when scanned by Colorado State Patrol, accesses their license and car registration information in their myColorado app account. This could potentially eliminate the need for physical IDs during traffic stops. Despite the convenience of a contactless system, usage rates are low. In 2023, only 191 traffic stops used the QR code scan , even though 1.34 million people have registered for the myColorado app. While mDL adoption and use might be slow, TSA acceptance of mDLs may help spur adoption. Airports in 21 states allow mDLs as valid identification for TSA checkpoints—with the caveat that passengers still need to also have a physical ID for verification. As more states offer an mDL option, users must weigh the benefits and risks. Proponents of digital IDs tout their convenience and security. When digital IDs are fully implemented, easily lost or stolen physical cards could be a thing of the past, and real-time updates might make address changes and renewals easier. Users can also choose to share specific parts of their ID—for example, showing only one's age when purchasing alcohol to keep the rest of their personal information private. In addition to more seamless usage, mDLs also have an added layer of security. They're stored within a digital wallet that benefits from an extra layer of biometric security, offering more protection if a phone is lost or stolen. A digital ID can also be used in multi-factor identification. That said, some organizations warn against the broad use of digital IDs. Digital civil liberties group Electronic Frontier Foundation expressed concerns that digital IDs require people pulled over for traffic stops to freely hand their phones to police officers as identification, allowing law enforcement access to more information on their phone, which typically is not permitted without a search warrant. Even with the security protections of a digital wallet, it could be easy for someone to share information that may ultimately be used against them. The National Immigration Law Center echoes these concerns . Police and national government agencies—and the corporations they contract—can leverage mDLs for surveillance purposes, according to a 2023 report from the Surveillance Resistance Lab and the NILC. Apps that share location data in the background could make targeting and finding mDL holders easier. Likewise, using a digital ID for verification leaves behind a digital trail that could be used to track people. Should mDLs become mandatory identification, residents would potentially give up the ability to remain anonymous. Even though tracking peoples' cell phone, credit card, and social media usage is easier than ever, proponents of digital IDs say that mDLs won't contribute to an individual's ever-growing digital footprint. However, only time will tell; agencies that use advanced design and meet technical standards can ensure digital ID systems can function properly without creating a surveillance state. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on Uniqode and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
efore he started filming “NCIS: Origins,” actor Austin Stowell did a deep dive into the original series. He watched countless episodes and paid attention to the way original star Mark Harmon phrased things. “Mark created a very specific cadence with Gibbs,” Stowell says of the lead character. “When they look at this younger version, they (should see) glimmers of him. I know that I will never be Mark Harmon, but I’m giving it my best shot.” Words Stowell says in the new series sound like they came from Harmon’s mouth. Even better, producers say, Stowell wears contact lenses to approximate Harmon’s eye color. The goal is to re-create the world that began decades ago with “NCIS.” A star of the original series since 2003, Harmon stepped away after the 19th season but agreed to be an executive producer on “Origins,” helping Stowell and others capture those early years. “It wasn’t so much a decision to leave as it was maybe just the right timing to push away a little bit,” Harmon says. Stowell, who starred in “Bridge of Spies,” the TV version of “Catch-22” and “The Hating Game,” was eager for the challenge. “Every single script is like getting a self-help book,” Stowell says. “It’s like going to therapy and learning about myself.” Harmon, who handles the show’s narration, created a template for the character, Stowell says. “There’s a whole world that’s hidden. A lot of us don’t talk about the trauma of our past, particularly with our co-workers, but it’s what makes us ,” he says. “So, in terms of the character work, you’re going to see Gibbs go through the trauma of having to lose a wife and a child the way he does and then to come back and become the man that you know that he is 20 years down the line. That journey is one I think people are going to be really interested in seeing.” To help envision that world, the “Origins” set is filled with old computers, ashtrays, telephones and video games. Its rec room has soda flavors from the past; its evidence room has office supplies that have long since been abandoned. It is, in many ways, like stepping back in time. “This is a whole different feel,” Harmon says. “The offices are Quonset huts and barracks. It was always interesting to me. When I first heard about ‘NCIS,’ I tried to look it up online. You couldn’t find anything. And now if you go online, you might get 200 pages and 199 of them are going to be on the show. In some ways, this TV show has joined hands with the real agency. It’s our job to bring an audience to that.” Sean Harmon, Mark’s son and an executive producer of “Origins,” played Leroy Jethro Gibbs in a flashback episode of “NCIS.” “It will always be something I hold close to my heart,” Sean Harmon says. “But it was, in truth, something I never really figured I wanted to make a career out of.” When Sean Harmon was exploring the role, he was reminded of something his father said: “He’s a guy who’s got something broken inside, a guy who, at one point in his life, is very much at risk of going down a much darker path.” “That got me thinking,” Sean Harmon says. “The man you all know from the mothership series is essentially a guy who’s had 30 years to come to terms with some serious trauma. But that guy in the middle is a very interesting character.” He pitched the concept of “Origins” to his father, “and now here we are.” Like Dad, he was impressed with Stowell when he auditioned. “I made some creative choices for a long time that maybe would have steered me away from this project,” Stowell says. “And when this came along, I was easily convinced that it was the right choice. Since that day, I’ve done nothing but prove myself over and over and over again.” Stowell’s attention to detail was concerted. “I wanted to make sure that the fans who love this guy, who have studied him for 19 seasons, see glimmers of him because I know I will be judged,” he says. “I will never be Mark Harmon, but I can absolutely tell everyone that I’m giving it my best shot.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim wants a new left-back, and while Alphonso Davies may prove a difficult recruit, the Red Devils could turn their attention to Theo Hernández of AC Milan . Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from around the globe. Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's grades | Women's grades TOP STORIES - Salah on Liverpool contract future: 'More out than in' - Raya warns Arsenal of 'in-form' Gyökeres' quality - De Bruyne casts doubt on City future amid slump TRENDING RUMORS - AC Milan left-back Theo Hernández is high up on Manchester United's transfer shortlist, according to Sky Sport Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg . The Red Devils are said to be monitoring the 27-year-old France international, who is viewed as a strong alternative to Bayern Munich 's Alphonso Davies in their search to reinforce the left side of their defence. Recent reports have indicated that the Rossoneri have been in talks with Hernández's representatives regarding a new long-term contract extension that would secure his future at the San Siro until the summer of 2029, although he will enter the final 18 months of his current deal in January if an agreement has not been signed by then. Editor's Picks Man City humbled, Barcelona's wake-up call, Amorim's Man United debut: Marcotti recaps the weekend 1d Gabriele Marcotti Man United's draw at Ipswich reveals enormity of Amorim's task 1d Mark Ogden Rúben Amorim at Man United: Predicting his team, formation, transfers 5d Gabriele Marcotti, Mark Ogden - Barcelona have made Newcastle Untied striker Alexander Isak their priority transfer for next summer, reports The Sun . The Camp Nou hierarchy are reported to have recently switched their focus to the 25-year-old after learning that his Sweden compatriot Viktor Gyökeres is unlikely to join the LaLiga club amid hopes of moving to the Premier League . Isak, who arrived on Tyneside from Real Sociedad for a £63m transfer fee in the summer of 2022, has continued impressive form at St. James' Park this season, having contributed to six goals in ten league matches, while also being one of the standouts on international duty with four goals in as many Nations League clashes. He has also recently been linked with Arsenal . - Juventus are keeping close tabs on the situation of Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee , according to Corriere dello Sport . It is reported that the Bianconeri are evaluating an approach for the 23-year-old, who previously impressed during his time working under manager Thiago Motta at Bologna . The Netherlands international is expected to be available in January after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, in which he has scored just once in 12 Premier League appearances. The Serie A side are also said to be considering Udinese 's Lorenzo Lucca as a potential alternative. - A move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani is under consideration by Arsenal , reports Ekrem Konur . The Gunners are said to be exploring a potential loan move in the January transfer window to reinforce their attacking options, although they could face competition for the 25-year-old from Newcastle United . Kolo Muani has struggled to earn regular minutes for PSG this season, having made just two Ligue 1 starts, and he has also recently been linked with Manchester United . - Real Madrid have added Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to their shortlist, writes Rudy Galetti . Los Blancos are said to be considering a move for the 22-year-old England international in January, with manager Carlo Ancelotti keen to reinforce his defence. Manchester United have also been linked with him, but it is said that the Toffees are only willing to consider parting ways with the player for a transfer fee in the region of €70m. EXPERT TAKE ESPN's Mark Ogden assesses whether Theo Hernández could find a home at Manchester United. Manchester United have virtually no room for manoeuvre in the January transfer window due to financial constraints, so they are unlikely to be anywhere close to being able to find a move for Alphonso Davies or Theo Hernández. Luke Shaw's return from injury means Amorim now has a senior left-back to turn to and fit-again Tyrell Malacia and teenager Harry Amass are both options too. United will need to offload a big earner or raise funds with outgoings in January to have any hope of doing significant business, so don't expect Davies or Hernández to arrive at Old Trafford any time soon. OTHER RUMORS - Talks are ongoing between Arsenal and the representatives of forward Ethan Nwaneri over a new contract. ( Fabrizio Romano ) - Teams would be required to "significantly top" the £44m that Wolverhampton Wanderers paid if they are to sign attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha in the next transfer window. ( GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs ) - Lille forward Jonathan David is planning to run the remaining seven months of his contract down and become a free agent this summer despite the Ligue 1 club being open to offloading him in January. ( Football Insider ) - Chelsea are closing in on a move to sign Watford wunderkind Mathis Eboue , son of former Arsenal and Ivory Coast international defender Emmanuel. ( Daily Mail ) - Aston Villa are considering a move for Werder Bremen midfielder Romano Schmid , who could be signed for a transfer fee of around €10m. ( Sky Sport Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg )
The father of a Hawaii woman who went missing in Los Angeles earlier in November has been found dead of an apparent suicide at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after traveling there to search for her. Ryan Kobayashi, 58, was seen alive as recently as Friday after helping local authorities search for his daughter, 31-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, for 13 days, the Daily Mail reported. The grief-stricken dad’s body was found Sunday at around 4:00 a.m. local time at the bottom of an LAX parking structure that he jumped from, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed to a local NBC affiliate. “The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today,” the family said in a statement obtained by the outlet. “After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life. This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably.” “What the family needs most in this difficult time is for all communities to rally around them with support, compassion, and prayers. Please be considerate with your comments and posts. The trauma they are enduring is profound, and they now face the additional burden of grieving the loss of their family’s pillar and navigating next steps.” The Kobayashi family filed a missing person report for Hannah, an aspiring photographer, on November 10 after she missed her connecting flight to meet relatives in New York City from her native Maui on November 8 and began sending cryptic text messages. “Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday,” one of Hannah’s messages, obtained by the Daily Mail , read. One of Hannah’s concerned friends reported that they received a text saying that she was “tricked.” “I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds. For someone I thought I loved,” the alarming message stated. She also sent texts to loved ones claiming to have had a “spiritual awakening.” Hannah was reportedly on the same flight as her ex-boyfriend, with whom she had planned the trip prior to their break-up. Prior to his death, Ryan said the former couple did not speak or sit next to each other during the flight, and that the ex-boyfriend made the connecting flight and reached New York without Hannah. However, he said that his daughter’s ex was cooperating with the investigation. “A lot of worrying, a lot of confusion. Everything is just a blur it seems because I haven’t slept well since I’ve heard the news, and I really don’t know ... it’s just really concerning,” the father told the Daily Mail . “We’re just trying to get us as much information as we can.” “We will do everything we can until we have found her. We just need to get the word out there about her,” Ryan said. “She’s a wonderful person who brings joy to so many people.” A timeline of Hannah’s last known moments before disappearing into the streets of Los Angeles compiled by the outlet revealed a mysterious series of leaving and returning to the airport after spending a “considerable” amount of time at The Grove shopping mall. She was seen heading back to LAX, where she presumably spent the night. On November 11, three days after missing her connecting flight, Kobayashi was reportedly spotted boarding an LAX Metro C line at Aviation/Century Station at 9:02 p.m. local time before transferring to another train at the Rosa Parks station. Hannah then deboarded the train and was last seen exiting the Metro Pico Station about 16 miles from LAX with an unidentified person, whom the outlet referred to as a “mystery man,” at around 10:00 p.m. Her final social media post, shared to Instagram on November 11, showed a pair of feet wearing Nike shoes with an eyeball emoji in the caption: A post shared by Hannah Kobayashi (@midorieve) Internet sleuths have shared their theories in the comments, speculating about a “psychotic break,” a “cult,” and “drugs.” According to Hannah’s mother and sister, Brandi Yee and Sydni Kobayashi, the concerning texts they received from Hannah’s phone “did not sound like her.” They added that her phone’s last location before being turned off was at LAX. “Yeah, we share location,” Yee said, to which Sydni added, “And we know her phone’s off because it goes straight to voicemail. ... None of the texts are getting delivered. We can’t locate her phone.” Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told the Daily Mail that the family wants the LAPD to “take it a bit more seriously.” “We think they realize we’re not going away and we’re going to be really loud. We’re going to do something until they do something,” she said. In an interview with NewsNation, Pidgeon said her niece had “no reason” to be in downtown Los Angeles with an unknown person that late at night, “unless she was misled, unless she was forced to or, unfortunately, now we’re thinking, unless she was drugged”: Several aspects of this story remain unclear, including why Hannah did not board her connecting flight, why she left and returned to the airport, the identity of the man she was spotted leaving the train station with, and if the messages sent from her phone were really from her. It is also unclear if her father, Ryan, communicated to anyone prior to his suicide or if he discovered something else that prompted it.Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. Trump said in a social media post that Gaetz “did not want to be a distraction for the Administration.” Gaetz said “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work" of the transition team. He added, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” Top war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in Israel-Hamas fighting THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court has issued arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The warrants issued Thursday accuse them of crimes against humanity in connection with their war that began more than a year ago. The warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant focus on allegations Israel has used food as a weapon in its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, a charge Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people. Local health authorities say more than half of those killed were women and children. Several of Trump's Cabinet picks — and Trump himself — have been accused of sexual misconduct WASHINGTON (AP) — Former congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general in the face of sexual misconduct allegations. He's not the only member of Trump’s chosen staff and Cabinet accused of some form of misconduct. Others include: Elon Musk, his choice to help lead a new outside panel seeking to boost government efficiency, Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s choice for defense secretary Pete Hegseth and Linda McMahon, his choice to lead the Department of Education. They all deny the claims. Death toll in Gaza from Israel-Hamas war passes 44,000, Palestinian officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year. Elon Musk's budget crusade could cause a constitutional clash in Trump's second term WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has put Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in charge of finding ways to cut government spending and regulations. It's possible that their efforts will lead to a constitutional clash. This week, Musk and Ramaswamy said they would encourage the Republican president-elect to refuse to spend money allocated by Congress, which would conflict with a 1974 law that's intended to prevent presidents from blocking funds. If Trump takes such a step, it would quickly become one of the most closely watched legal battles of his second administration. Musk and Ramaswamy also aim to dramatically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Putin touts Russia's new missile and delivers a menacing warning to NATO The new ballistic missile fired by Russia struck a military-industrial facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, but its real mission was delivering a deadly new message to NATO. Hours after Thursday’s strike touched off a debate over whether the Ukrainian plant was hit by an intercontinental ballistic missile, President Vladimir Putin cleared up the mystery in a rare and surprise appearance on Russian television. He described it as a new, intermediate-range ballistic missile that raced to its target at 10 times the speed of sound and couldn't be stopped by modern anti-missile systems. One Western expert said it was the first time that such a missile was used in the war — and perhaps in any conflict. Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police. The state’s highest court ruled Thursday on Smollett’s argument that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the local state’s attorney initially dropped charges. The 5-0 decision did not address Smollett's claims of innocence. The Black, gay actor claimed two men assaulted him, spouted slurs and tossed a noose around his neck. Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago. Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men to carry out the attack. SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who led US crackdown on cryptocurrencies, to step down Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler will step down from his post on January 20. Since taking the lead at the SEC, the commission has been aggressive in its oversight of cryptocurrencies and other regulatory issues. President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign that he would remove Gensler, who has led the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry and repeatedly called for more oversight. But Gensler on Thursday announced that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated. Bitcoin has jumped 40% since Trump’s victory. US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water NEW YORK (AP) — Fights are cropping up nationwide over fluoride in drinking water. Communities in Florida, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and elsewhere have debated the idea in recent months. And several have decided to stop adding it to drinking water. In August, a federal agency for the first time reported that there is a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. And in September, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate it in drinking water. The decision to add fluoride to drinking water rests with state and local officials, but advisers to Donald Trump have suggested he would push to remove it. Was it all a joke? How stand-up comedy helped reelect Trump Did stand-up comedians help reelect Donald Trump? Not a joke, as outgoing President Joe Biden might say. Trump has been the butt of countless late-night monologues and “Saturday Night Live” sketches for the better part of a decade, but the once and future president's path to reelection relied a lot on stand-up comedy. Trump sat for long, friendly interviews on comedians' podcasts in an effort to reach young men. But he also employed his own stand-up-like campaigning style replete with meandering stories and digressions, a rhetorical tactic that connected with audiences and also made it hard to tell what exactly was policy and what was a joke.
Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts’ estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company’s Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks rose on Wall Street in afternoon trading Friday, keeping the market on track for its fifth straight gain. The S&P 500 was up 0.2% and was solidly on track for a weekly gain that will erase most of last week's loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 333 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite was essentially flat with a gain of less than 0.1% as of 3:07 p.m. Eastern. Markets have been volatile over the last few weeks, losing ground in the runup to elections in November, then surging following Donald Trump's victory, before falling again. The S&P 500 has been steadily rising throughout this week to within close range of its record. “Overall, market behavior has normalized following an intense few weeks,” said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, in a statement. Several retailers jumped after giving Wall Street encouraging financial updates. Gap soared 10.8% after handily beating analysts' third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while raising its own revenue forecast for the year. Discount retailer Ross Stores rose 1.5% after raising its earnings forecast for the year. EchoStar fell 2.4% after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. Smaller company stocks had some of the biggest gains. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.8%. A majority of stocks in the S&P 500 were gaining ground, but those gains were kept in check by slumps for several big technology companies. Nvidia fell 3.3%. Its pricey valuation makes it among the heaviest influences on whether the broader market gains or loses ground. The company has grown into a nearly $3.6 trillion behemoth because of demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Intuit, which makes TurboTax and other accounting software, fell 5.6%. It gave investors a quarterly earnings forecast that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Facebook owner Meta Platforms fell 0.8% following a decision by the Supreme Court to allow a multibillion-dollar class action investors’ lawsuit to proceed against the company. It stems from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Crude oil prices rose. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.41% from 4.42% late Thursday. In the crypto market, Bitcoin hovered around $99,000, according to CoinDesk. It has more than doubled this year and first surpassed the $99,000 level on Thursday. Retailers remained a big focus for investors this week amid close scrutiny on consumer spending habits headed into the holiday shopping season. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, reported a quarter of strong sales and gave investors an encouraging financial forecast. Target, though, reported weaker earnings than analysts' expected and its forecast disappointed Wall Street. Consumer spending has fueled economic growth, despite a persistent squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. Inflation has been easing and the Federal Reserve has started trimming its benchmark interest rates. That is likely to help relieve pressure on consumers, but any major shift in spending could prompt the Fed to reassess its path ahead on interest rates. Also, any big reversals on the rate of inflation could curtail spending. Consumer sentiment remains strong, according to the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. It revised its latest figure for November to 71.8 from an initial reading of 73 earlier this month, though economists expected a slight increase. It's still up from 70.5 in October. The survey also showed that consumers' inflation expectations for the year ahead fell slightly to 2.6%, which is the lowest reading since December of 2020. Wall Street will get another update on how consumers feel when the business group The Conference Board releases its monthly consumer confidence survey on Tuesday. A key inflation update will come on Wednesday when the U.S. releases its October personal consumption expenditures index. The PCE is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation and this will be the last PCE reading prior to the central bank's meeting in December.The forgotten man of Italian tennis, Fabio Fognini, is back in the limelight, and it’s for all the right reasons. The 37-year-old defeated Lukas Neumayer, who is 15 years younger than him, to lift his first (and last) title of the year, at the ATP Challenger Montemar 2024. Out of all the words Fognini could have chosen to use after lifting the trophy, the first ones to come out of his mouth were, “I’m tired.” The interviewer smiled and continued, “You’re 37, I’m 45 and sometimes I get tired,” before the Italian interrupted, pointing at his opponent and saying, “He’s 22,” leaving both of them laughing. Jokes aside, it is understandable why he chose those words. It was a long season for Fognini, who continued to juggle between the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour. Still, it’s remarkable to see him challenging players mostly younger than him. The Italian seemed to be in good touch in the opening phase of the game before an unexpected interruption caused him to lose his “concentration.” It eventually cost his second set as well. It comes as little surprise that Fognini’s win at the ATP Challenger Montemar has come on the clay. Dubbed as a ‘clay court specialist,’ the Italian’s latest triumph only proves that he still has what it takes to succeed on his favorite surface. Fognini’s 8 out of 9 ATP Tour singles titles have come on clay Known for his fiery temperament and frequently losing his cool on the court, Fognini can beat anyone on a given day, but he performs at his best on the red clay. His first title, some 11 years ago, came on the same surface – the 2013 Stuttgart Open. Over the next five years, he won six more titles on his favorite surface. Fognini finally broke the jinx in 2018 when he won the Los Cabos Open in Mexico, which was on a hard court surface. It remains unclear how much of a boost this latest triumph in Montemar can offer him. One thing is certain, it allows Fognini, who won his last ATP Tour title at the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters, to stay in the top 100 rankings (World No.90). This will be crucial for him at the start of the next season.
Vikings withstand Bears' furious rally, win on field goal in OTNew Brunswick's Tories bypassed due diligence for Christian rehab centre: advocate FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's child, youth and seniors advocate says there was a lack of accountability and due diligence in government funding of a private, faith-based drug rehab centre. Hina Alam, The Canadian Press Dec 5, 2024 1:42 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Child, Youth and Seniors' Advocate Kelly Lamrock speaks at an availability in Fredericton, N.B., on March 13. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Hina Alam FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's child, youth and seniors advocate says there was a lack of accountability and due diligence in government funding of a private, faith-based drug rehab centre. In a report published Thursday, Kelly Lamrock expresses concern about "politicized" decision-making by the provincial Regional Development Corporation. His report is titled, "Express Lane: How a Faith-Based Addictions Program Jumped the Queue During a Shortage of Services." Under the previous Progressive Conservative government, led by Blaine Higgs, the corporation gave $1.5 million in September to a Christian group, Village of Hope, to expand its services in Upper Tracy, about 45 kilometres south of Fredericton. The Regional Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation that plans and implements economic development initiatives. In his report, Lamrock said he was concerned that approval processes varied across different government departments. He said the development corporation did not review Village of Hope's own due diligence report or get advice from experts. If it had been a government-operated centre, there would have been much more scrutiny, he said. "The attention to detail here would be laughable if it were carried out by a social department," he wrote in the report. Lamrock also noted the treatment offered at Village of Hope doesn't suit everyone. "The level of intrusion into personal choices, the regulation of outside contact, the extensive immersion into a particular theological and liturgical view, the unpaid work requirement — these are all deviations from other programs and can be devastating to vulnerable people if there is not an element of choice," he wrote. Funding of faith-based groups is not wrong, and there was no wrongdoing by the Village of Hope, Lamrock stressed. "Just as programs tailored to First Nations communities can be best for members of that community, programs where the faith aspect is more explicit can be beneficial to those who draw strength from their faith," he said. "Equally so, no one type of program should jump the queue simply because it aligns with the personal preferences of decision-makers." In a statement, the Village of Hope agreed that a variety of support options should be made available to people dealing with addiction. "We understand that the focus of the advocate’s review was on the government funding process and not on any shortcomings of the Village of Hope. The Village of Hope shares the advocate’s desire to see individuals and families supported during this critical crisis," it said. Lamrock made three recommendations: clarifying the corporation’s role regarding the funding of social programs and services; addressing wait times for addiction services; and having a process to regulate and accredit any private facility to which government provides referrals or facilitates access. The Progressive Conservatives, who were defeated in the Oct. 21 provincial election, did not respond to a request for comment. Green Leader David Coon said Lamrock's report points to the need for an investigation of the Regional Development Corporation by the auditor general. "The process stinks," he said. Gilles LePage, Liberal minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, said he will be reviewing Lamrock's report. "I recognize the recommendation to clarify the mandate of Regional Development Corporation regarding the funding of organizations whose dominant purpose is the provision of social services," he said in a statement. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Hina Alam, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Religion News Gunman may have targeted California religious school in shooting that wounded 2 kindergartners Dec 5, 2024 2:59 PM Quebec premier to attend Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening Saturday in Paris Dec 5, 2024 2:36 PM Exiled Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof's definition of home is shifting Dec 5, 2024 1:44 PM
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ќݵYǃQP0AEԘZ,(t¨Us8oxvG6 The assisted dying bill would breach Britain’s human rights laws and the rule of law because it would empower the state to end people’s lives, a former attorney-general has warned. Dominic Grieve, who was the government’s top legal adviser between 2010 and 2014, writes in The Times his prediction that the bill will be blocked on several grounds by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). He is one of five former government law officers who have written to all MPs urging them to vote against the assisted dying bill on Friday. In their letter, seen by The Times, they have warned that the bill will have “serious implications” for the judiciary in the UK and seeks to “overturn decades of legal convention”. They alsoSmartphones already make day-to-day life more convenient. Soon, they may be widely used to prove identities. Nine in 10 Americans own smartphones to stay connected, find information, track exercise, play games, capture life's moments, and more, Pew reported in June. Increasingly, smartphones also store highly personal information, like credit card numbers, personal health data, bank accounts, and investment portfolios. Most people still carry around a physical driver's license or state ID to verify their identity. That may soon change. Mobile driver's licenses are official state-issued identity credentials stored on smartphones and are becoming increasingly common. They contain the same information as a physical driver's license and can be updated in real time. Uniqode examined news coverage, industry reports, and other sources to explore the rise in digital IDs and their benefits and drawbacks. Although other countries have adopted mobile identities for years now, most states don't offer mDLs—yet. According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, just 13 states around the country have fully implemented mDL systems, with another 15 in the process of bringing mDLs to their residents. Digital IDs vary across states; some mDLs are just digital versions of a physical driver's license. Others use a security standard set by international bodies, the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission, to ensure security, privacy, and accuracy. mDLs that apply the widely accepted ISO/IEC standard can also be used across state lines. Colorado and California have led the charge for digitizing IDs. In 2023, California launched a mDL pilot program for up to 1.5 million residents, with over 500,000 of them taking advantage of the program in its first year. Residents can use the California DMV Wallet app, as well as Google and Apple wallets for secure mDL storage. However, it's not yet accepted statewide—drivers must still carry a physical ID, but some retailers and airport TSA checkpoints accept it as valid identification. Coloradans can also put an mDL into Google Wallet for use at some TSA checkpoints, but it hasn't yet replaced a physical driver's license. However, drivers can use mDLs on the road by pulling up a QR code, which, when scanned by Colorado State Patrol, accesses their license and car registration information in their myColorado app account. This could potentially eliminate the need for physical IDs during traffic stops. Despite the convenience of a contactless system, usage rates are low. In 2023, only 191 traffic stops used the QR code scan , even though 1.34 million people have registered for the myColorado app. While mDL adoption and use might be slow, TSA acceptance of mDLs may help spur adoption. Airports in 21 states allow mDLs as valid identification for TSA checkpoints—with the caveat that passengers still need to also have a physical ID for verification. As more states offer an mDL option, users must weigh the benefits and risks. Proponents of digital IDs tout their convenience and security. When digital IDs are fully implemented, easily lost or stolen physical cards could be a thing of the past, and real-time updates might make address changes and renewals easier. Users can also choose to share specific parts of their ID—for example, showing only one's age when purchasing alcohol to keep the rest of their personal information private. In addition to more seamless usage, mDLs also have an added layer of security. They're stored within a digital wallet that benefits from an extra layer of biometric security, offering more protection if a phone is lost or stolen. A digital ID can also be used in multi-factor identification. That said, some organizations warn against the broad use of digital IDs. Digital civil liberties group Electronic Frontier Foundation expressed concerns that digital IDs require people pulled over for traffic stops to freely hand their phones to police officers as identification, allowing law enforcement access to more information on their phone, which typically is not permitted without a search warrant. Even with the security protections of a digital wallet, it could be easy for someone to share information that may ultimately be used against them. The National Immigration Law Center echoes these concerns . Police and national government agencies—and the corporations they contract—can leverage mDLs for surveillance purposes, according to a 2023 report from the Surveillance Resistance Lab and the NILC. Apps that share location data in the background could make targeting and finding mDL holders easier. Likewise, using a digital ID for verification leaves behind a digital trail that could be used to track people. Should mDLs become mandatory identification, residents would potentially give up the ability to remain anonymous. Even though tracking peoples' cell phone, credit card, and social media usage is easier than ever, proponents of digital IDs say that mDLs won't contribute to an individual's ever-growing digital footprint. However, only time will tell; agencies that use advanced design and meet technical standards can ensure digital ID systems can function properly without creating a surveillance state. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. This story originally appeared on Uniqode and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
efore he started filming “NCIS: Origins,” actor Austin Stowell did a deep dive into the original series. He watched countless episodes and paid attention to the way original star Mark Harmon phrased things. “Mark created a very specific cadence with Gibbs,” Stowell says of the lead character. “When they look at this younger version, they (should see) glimmers of him. I know that I will never be Mark Harmon, but I’m giving it my best shot.” Words Stowell says in the new series sound like they came from Harmon’s mouth. Even better, producers say, Stowell wears contact lenses to approximate Harmon’s eye color. The goal is to re-create the world that began decades ago with “NCIS.” A star of the original series since 2003, Harmon stepped away after the 19th season but agreed to be an executive producer on “Origins,” helping Stowell and others capture those early years. “It wasn’t so much a decision to leave as it was maybe just the right timing to push away a little bit,” Harmon says. Stowell, who starred in “Bridge of Spies,” the TV version of “Catch-22” and “The Hating Game,” was eager for the challenge. “Every single script is like getting a self-help book,” Stowell says. “It’s like going to therapy and learning about myself.” Harmon, who handles the show’s narration, created a template for the character, Stowell says. “There’s a whole world that’s hidden. A lot of us don’t talk about the trauma of our past, particularly with our co-workers, but it’s what makes us ,” he says. “So, in terms of the character work, you’re going to see Gibbs go through the trauma of having to lose a wife and a child the way he does and then to come back and become the man that you know that he is 20 years down the line. That journey is one I think people are going to be really interested in seeing.” To help envision that world, the “Origins” set is filled with old computers, ashtrays, telephones and video games. Its rec room has soda flavors from the past; its evidence room has office supplies that have long since been abandoned. It is, in many ways, like stepping back in time. “This is a whole different feel,” Harmon says. “The offices are Quonset huts and barracks. It was always interesting to me. When I first heard about ‘NCIS,’ I tried to look it up online. You couldn’t find anything. And now if you go online, you might get 200 pages and 199 of them are going to be on the show. In some ways, this TV show has joined hands with the real agency. It’s our job to bring an audience to that.” Sean Harmon, Mark’s son and an executive producer of “Origins,” played Leroy Jethro Gibbs in a flashback episode of “NCIS.” “It will always be something I hold close to my heart,” Sean Harmon says. “But it was, in truth, something I never really figured I wanted to make a career out of.” When Sean Harmon was exploring the role, he was reminded of something his father said: “He’s a guy who’s got something broken inside, a guy who, at one point in his life, is very much at risk of going down a much darker path.” “That got me thinking,” Sean Harmon says. “The man you all know from the mothership series is essentially a guy who’s had 30 years to come to terms with some serious trauma. But that guy in the middle is a very interesting character.” He pitched the concept of “Origins” to his father, “and now here we are.” Like Dad, he was impressed with Stowell when he auditioned. “I made some creative choices for a long time that maybe would have steered me away from this project,” Stowell says. “And when this came along, I was easily convinced that it was the right choice. Since that day, I’ve done nothing but prove myself over and over and over again.” Stowell’s attention to detail was concerted. “I wanted to make sure that the fans who love this guy, who have studied him for 19 seasons, see glimmers of him because I know I will be judged,” he says. “I will never be Mark Harmon, but I can absolutely tell everyone that I’m giving it my best shot.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim wants a new left-back, and while Alphonso Davies may prove a difficult recruit, the Red Devils could turn their attention to Theo Hernández of AC Milan . Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from around the globe. Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's grades | Women's grades TOP STORIES - Salah on Liverpool contract future: 'More out than in' - Raya warns Arsenal of 'in-form' Gyökeres' quality - De Bruyne casts doubt on City future amid slump TRENDING RUMORS - AC Milan left-back Theo Hernández is high up on Manchester United's transfer shortlist, according to Sky Sport Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg . The Red Devils are said to be monitoring the 27-year-old France international, who is viewed as a strong alternative to Bayern Munich 's Alphonso Davies in their search to reinforce the left side of their defence. Recent reports have indicated that the Rossoneri have been in talks with Hernández's representatives regarding a new long-term contract extension that would secure his future at the San Siro until the summer of 2029, although he will enter the final 18 months of his current deal in January if an agreement has not been signed by then. Editor's Picks Man City humbled, Barcelona's wake-up call, Amorim's Man United debut: Marcotti recaps the weekend 1d Gabriele Marcotti Man United's draw at Ipswich reveals enormity of Amorim's task 1d Mark Ogden Rúben Amorim at Man United: Predicting his team, formation, transfers 5d Gabriele Marcotti, Mark Ogden - Barcelona have made Newcastle Untied striker Alexander Isak their priority transfer for next summer, reports The Sun . The Camp Nou hierarchy are reported to have recently switched their focus to the 25-year-old after learning that his Sweden compatriot Viktor Gyökeres is unlikely to join the LaLiga club amid hopes of moving to the Premier League . Isak, who arrived on Tyneside from Real Sociedad for a £63m transfer fee in the summer of 2022, has continued impressive form at St. James' Park this season, having contributed to six goals in ten league matches, while also being one of the standouts on international duty with four goals in as many Nations League clashes. He has also recently been linked with Arsenal . - Juventus are keeping close tabs on the situation of Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee , according to Corriere dello Sport . It is reported that the Bianconeri are evaluating an approach for the 23-year-old, who previously impressed during his time working under manager Thiago Motta at Bologna . The Netherlands international is expected to be available in January after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford, in which he has scored just once in 12 Premier League appearances. The Serie A side are also said to be considering Udinese 's Lorenzo Lucca as a potential alternative. - A move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani is under consideration by Arsenal , reports Ekrem Konur . The Gunners are said to be exploring a potential loan move in the January transfer window to reinforce their attacking options, although they could face competition for the 25-year-old from Newcastle United . Kolo Muani has struggled to earn regular minutes for PSG this season, having made just two Ligue 1 starts, and he has also recently been linked with Manchester United . - Real Madrid have added Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to their shortlist, writes Rudy Galetti . Los Blancos are said to be considering a move for the 22-year-old England international in January, with manager Carlo Ancelotti keen to reinforce his defence. Manchester United have also been linked with him, but it is said that the Toffees are only willing to consider parting ways with the player for a transfer fee in the region of €70m. EXPERT TAKE ESPN's Mark Ogden assesses whether Theo Hernández could find a home at Manchester United. Manchester United have virtually no room for manoeuvre in the January transfer window due to financial constraints, so they are unlikely to be anywhere close to being able to find a move for Alphonso Davies or Theo Hernández. Luke Shaw's return from injury means Amorim now has a senior left-back to turn to and fit-again Tyrell Malacia and teenager Harry Amass are both options too. United will need to offload a big earner or raise funds with outgoings in January to have any hope of doing significant business, so don't expect Davies or Hernández to arrive at Old Trafford any time soon. OTHER RUMORS - Talks are ongoing between Arsenal and the representatives of forward Ethan Nwaneri over a new contract. ( Fabrizio Romano ) - Teams would be required to "significantly top" the £44m that Wolverhampton Wanderers paid if they are to sign attacking midfielder Matheus Cunha in the next transfer window. ( GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs ) - Lille forward Jonathan David is planning to run the remaining seven months of his contract down and become a free agent this summer despite the Ligue 1 club being open to offloading him in January. ( Football Insider ) - Chelsea are closing in on a move to sign Watford wunderkind Mathis Eboue , son of former Arsenal and Ivory Coast international defender Emmanuel. ( Daily Mail ) - Aston Villa are considering a move for Werder Bremen midfielder Romano Schmid , who could be signed for a transfer fee of around €10m. ( Sky Sport Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg )
The father of a Hawaii woman who went missing in Los Angeles earlier in November has been found dead of an apparent suicide at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after traveling there to search for her. Ryan Kobayashi, 58, was seen alive as recently as Friday after helping local authorities search for his daughter, 31-year-old Hannah Kobayashi, for 13 days, the Daily Mail reported. The grief-stricken dad’s body was found Sunday at around 4:00 a.m. local time at the bottom of an LAX parking structure that he jumped from, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed to a local NBC affiliate. “The Kobayashi family endured a devastating tragedy today,” the family said in a statement obtained by the outlet. “After tirelessly searching throughout Los Angeles for 13 days, Hannah’s father, Ryan Kobayashi, tragically took his own life. This loss has compounded the family’s suffering immeasurably.” “What the family needs most in this difficult time is for all communities to rally around them with support, compassion, and prayers. Please be considerate with your comments and posts. The trauma they are enduring is profound, and they now face the additional burden of grieving the loss of their family’s pillar and navigating next steps.” The Kobayashi family filed a missing person report for Hannah, an aspiring photographer, on November 10 after she missed her connecting flight to meet relatives in New York City from her native Maui on November 8 and began sending cryptic text messages. “Deep Hackers wiped my identity, stole all of my funds, & have had me on a mind f**k since Friday,” one of Hannah’s messages, obtained by the Daily Mail , read. One of Hannah’s concerned friends reported that they received a text saying that she was “tricked.” “I got tricked pretty much into giving away all my funds. For someone I thought I loved,” the alarming message stated. She also sent texts to loved ones claiming to have had a “spiritual awakening.” Hannah was reportedly on the same flight as her ex-boyfriend, with whom she had planned the trip prior to their break-up. Prior to his death, Ryan said the former couple did not speak or sit next to each other during the flight, and that the ex-boyfriend made the connecting flight and reached New York without Hannah. However, he said that his daughter’s ex was cooperating with the investigation. “A lot of worrying, a lot of confusion. Everything is just a blur it seems because I haven’t slept well since I’ve heard the news, and I really don’t know ... it’s just really concerning,” the father told the Daily Mail . “We’re just trying to get us as much information as we can.” “We will do everything we can until we have found her. We just need to get the word out there about her,” Ryan said. “She’s a wonderful person who brings joy to so many people.” A timeline of Hannah’s last known moments before disappearing into the streets of Los Angeles compiled by the outlet revealed a mysterious series of leaving and returning to the airport after spending a “considerable” amount of time at The Grove shopping mall. She was seen heading back to LAX, where she presumably spent the night. On November 11, three days after missing her connecting flight, Kobayashi was reportedly spotted boarding an LAX Metro C line at Aviation/Century Station at 9:02 p.m. local time before transferring to another train at the Rosa Parks station. Hannah then deboarded the train and was last seen exiting the Metro Pico Station about 16 miles from LAX with an unidentified person, whom the outlet referred to as a “mystery man,” at around 10:00 p.m. Her final social media post, shared to Instagram on November 11, showed a pair of feet wearing Nike shoes with an eyeball emoji in the caption: A post shared by Hannah Kobayashi (@midorieve) Internet sleuths have shared their theories in the comments, speculating about a “psychotic break,” a “cult,” and “drugs.” According to Hannah’s mother and sister, Brandi Yee and Sydni Kobayashi, the concerning texts they received from Hannah’s phone “did not sound like her.” They added that her phone’s last location before being turned off was at LAX. “Yeah, we share location,” Yee said, to which Sydni added, “And we know her phone’s off because it goes straight to voicemail. ... None of the texts are getting delivered. We can’t locate her phone.” Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told the Daily Mail that the family wants the LAPD to “take it a bit more seriously.” “We think they realize we’re not going away and we’re going to be really loud. We’re going to do something until they do something,” she said. In an interview with NewsNation, Pidgeon said her niece had “no reason” to be in downtown Los Angeles with an unknown person that late at night, “unless she was misled, unless she was forced to or, unfortunately, now we’re thinking, unless she was drugged”: Several aspects of this story remain unclear, including why Hannah did not board her connecting flight, why she left and returned to the airport, the identity of the man she was spotted leaving the train station with, and if the messages sent from her phone were really from her. It is also unclear if her father, Ryan, communicated to anyone prior to his suicide or if he discovered something else that prompted it.Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. Trump said in a social media post that Gaetz “did not want to be a distraction for the Administration.” Gaetz said “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work" of the transition team. He added, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.” Top war-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others in Israel-Hamas fighting THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court has issued arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Hamas, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The warrants issued Thursday accuse them of crimes against humanity in connection with their war that began more than a year ago. The warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant focus on allegations Israel has used food as a weapon in its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, a charge Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people. Local health authorities say more than half of those killed were women and children. Several of Trump's Cabinet picks — and Trump himself — have been accused of sexual misconduct WASHINGTON (AP) — Former congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general in the face of sexual misconduct allegations. He's not the only member of Trump’s chosen staff and Cabinet accused of some form of misconduct. Others include: Elon Musk, his choice to help lead a new outside panel seeking to boost government efficiency, Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s choice for defense secretary Pete Hegseth and Linda McMahon, his choice to lead the Department of Education. They all deny the claims. Death toll in Gaza from Israel-Hamas war passes 44,000, Palestinian officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say the death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. The Gaza Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year. Elon Musk's budget crusade could cause a constitutional clash in Trump's second term WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has put Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in charge of finding ways to cut government spending and regulations. It's possible that their efforts will lead to a constitutional clash. This week, Musk and Ramaswamy said they would encourage the Republican president-elect to refuse to spend money allocated by Congress, which would conflict with a 1974 law that's intended to prevent presidents from blocking funds. If Trump takes such a step, it would quickly become one of the most closely watched legal battles of his second administration. Musk and Ramaswamy also aim to dramatically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Putin touts Russia's new missile and delivers a menacing warning to NATO The new ballistic missile fired by Russia struck a military-industrial facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, but its real mission was delivering a deadly new message to NATO. Hours after Thursday’s strike touched off a debate over whether the Ukrainian plant was hit by an intercontinental ballistic missile, President Vladimir Putin cleared up the mystery in a rare and surprise appearance on Russian television. He described it as a new, intermediate-range ballistic missile that raced to its target at 10 times the speed of sound and couldn't be stopped by modern anti-missile systems. One Western expert said it was the first time that such a missile was used in the war — and perhaps in any conflict. Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police. The state’s highest court ruled Thursday on Smollett’s argument that a special prosecutor should not have been allowed to intervene after the local state’s attorney initially dropped charges. The 5-0 decision did not address Smollett's claims of innocence. The Black, gay actor claimed two men assaulted him, spouted slurs and tossed a noose around his neck. Smollett was on the television drama “Empire,” which filmed in Chicago. Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men to carry out the attack. SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who led US crackdown on cryptocurrencies, to step down Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler will step down from his post on January 20. Since taking the lead at the SEC, the commission has been aggressive in its oversight of cryptocurrencies and other regulatory issues. President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign that he would remove Gensler, who has led the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry and repeatedly called for more oversight. But Gensler on Thursday announced that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated. Bitcoin has jumped 40% since Trump’s victory. US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water NEW YORK (AP) — Fights are cropping up nationwide over fluoride in drinking water. Communities in Florida, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and elsewhere have debated the idea in recent months. And several have decided to stop adding it to drinking water. In August, a federal agency for the first time reported that there is a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. And in September, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate it in drinking water. The decision to add fluoride to drinking water rests with state and local officials, but advisers to Donald Trump have suggested he would push to remove it. Was it all a joke? How stand-up comedy helped reelect Trump Did stand-up comedians help reelect Donald Trump? Not a joke, as outgoing President Joe Biden might say. Trump has been the butt of countless late-night monologues and “Saturday Night Live” sketches for the better part of a decade, but the once and future president's path to reelection relied a lot on stand-up comedy. Trump sat for long, friendly interviews on comedians' podcasts in an effort to reach young men. But he also employed his own stand-up-like campaigning style replete with meandering stories and digressions, a rhetorical tactic that connected with audiences and also made it hard to tell what exactly was policy and what was a joke.
Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts’ estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company’s Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks rose on Wall Street in afternoon trading Friday, keeping the market on track for its fifth straight gain. The S&P 500 was up 0.2% and was solidly on track for a weekly gain that will erase most of last week's loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 333 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite was essentially flat with a gain of less than 0.1% as of 3:07 p.m. Eastern. Markets have been volatile over the last few weeks, losing ground in the runup to elections in November, then surging following Donald Trump's victory, before falling again. The S&P 500 has been steadily rising throughout this week to within close range of its record. “Overall, market behavior has normalized following an intense few weeks,” said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, in a statement. Several retailers jumped after giving Wall Street encouraging financial updates. Gap soared 10.8% after handily beating analysts' third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while raising its own revenue forecast for the year. Discount retailer Ross Stores rose 1.5% after raising its earnings forecast for the year. EchoStar fell 2.4% after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. Smaller company stocks had some of the biggest gains. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.8%. A majority of stocks in the S&P 500 were gaining ground, but those gains were kept in check by slumps for several big technology companies. Nvidia fell 3.3%. Its pricey valuation makes it among the heaviest influences on whether the broader market gains or loses ground. The company has grown into a nearly $3.6 trillion behemoth because of demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Intuit, which makes TurboTax and other accounting software, fell 5.6%. It gave investors a quarterly earnings forecast that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Facebook owner Meta Platforms fell 0.8% following a decision by the Supreme Court to allow a multibillion-dollar class action investors’ lawsuit to proceed against the company. It stems from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Crude oil prices rose. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.41% from 4.42% late Thursday. In the crypto market, Bitcoin hovered around $99,000, according to CoinDesk. It has more than doubled this year and first surpassed the $99,000 level on Thursday. Retailers remained a big focus for investors this week amid close scrutiny on consumer spending habits headed into the holiday shopping season. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, reported a quarter of strong sales and gave investors an encouraging financial forecast. Target, though, reported weaker earnings than analysts' expected and its forecast disappointed Wall Street. Consumer spending has fueled economic growth, despite a persistent squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. Inflation has been easing and the Federal Reserve has started trimming its benchmark interest rates. That is likely to help relieve pressure on consumers, but any major shift in spending could prompt the Fed to reassess its path ahead on interest rates. Also, any big reversals on the rate of inflation could curtail spending. Consumer sentiment remains strong, according to the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. It revised its latest figure for November to 71.8 from an initial reading of 73 earlier this month, though economists expected a slight increase. It's still up from 70.5 in October. The survey also showed that consumers' inflation expectations for the year ahead fell slightly to 2.6%, which is the lowest reading since December of 2020. Wall Street will get another update on how consumers feel when the business group The Conference Board releases its monthly consumer confidence survey on Tuesday. A key inflation update will come on Wednesday when the U.S. releases its October personal consumption expenditures index. The PCE is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation and this will be the last PCE reading prior to the central bank's meeting in December.The forgotten man of Italian tennis, Fabio Fognini, is back in the limelight, and it’s for all the right reasons. The 37-year-old defeated Lukas Neumayer, who is 15 years younger than him, to lift his first (and last) title of the year, at the ATP Challenger Montemar 2024. Out of all the words Fognini could have chosen to use after lifting the trophy, the first ones to come out of his mouth were, “I’m tired.” The interviewer smiled and continued, “You’re 37, I’m 45 and sometimes I get tired,” before the Italian interrupted, pointing at his opponent and saying, “He’s 22,” leaving both of them laughing. Jokes aside, it is understandable why he chose those words. It was a long season for Fognini, who continued to juggle between the ATP Tour and Challenger Tour. Still, it’s remarkable to see him challenging players mostly younger than him. The Italian seemed to be in good touch in the opening phase of the game before an unexpected interruption caused him to lose his “concentration.” It eventually cost his second set as well. It comes as little surprise that Fognini’s win at the ATP Challenger Montemar has come on the clay. Dubbed as a ‘clay court specialist,’ the Italian’s latest triumph only proves that he still has what it takes to succeed on his favorite surface. Fognini’s 8 out of 9 ATP Tour singles titles have come on clay Known for his fiery temperament and frequently losing his cool on the court, Fognini can beat anyone on a given day, but he performs at his best on the red clay. His first title, some 11 years ago, came on the same surface – the 2013 Stuttgart Open. Over the next five years, he won six more titles on his favorite surface. Fognini finally broke the jinx in 2018 when he won the Los Cabos Open in Mexico, which was on a hard court surface. It remains unclear how much of a boost this latest triumph in Montemar can offer him. One thing is certain, it allows Fognini, who won his last ATP Tour title at the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters, to stay in the top 100 rankings (World No.90). This will be crucial for him at the start of the next season.
Vikings withstand Bears' furious rally, win on field goal in OTNew Brunswick's Tories bypassed due diligence for Christian rehab centre: advocate FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's child, youth and seniors advocate says there was a lack of accountability and due diligence in government funding of a private, faith-based drug rehab centre. Hina Alam, The Canadian Press Dec 5, 2024 1:42 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Child, Youth and Seniors' Advocate Kelly Lamrock speaks at an availability in Fredericton, N.B., on March 13. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Hina Alam FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's child, youth and seniors advocate says there was a lack of accountability and due diligence in government funding of a private, faith-based drug rehab centre. In a report published Thursday, Kelly Lamrock expresses concern about "politicized" decision-making by the provincial Regional Development Corporation. His report is titled, "Express Lane: How a Faith-Based Addictions Program Jumped the Queue During a Shortage of Services." Under the previous Progressive Conservative government, led by Blaine Higgs, the corporation gave $1.5 million in September to a Christian group, Village of Hope, to expand its services in Upper Tracy, about 45 kilometres south of Fredericton. The Regional Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation that plans and implements economic development initiatives. In his report, Lamrock said he was concerned that approval processes varied across different government departments. He said the development corporation did not review Village of Hope's own due diligence report or get advice from experts. If it had been a government-operated centre, there would have been much more scrutiny, he said. "The attention to detail here would be laughable if it were carried out by a social department," he wrote in the report. Lamrock also noted the treatment offered at Village of Hope doesn't suit everyone. "The level of intrusion into personal choices, the regulation of outside contact, the extensive immersion into a particular theological and liturgical view, the unpaid work requirement — these are all deviations from other programs and can be devastating to vulnerable people if there is not an element of choice," he wrote. Funding of faith-based groups is not wrong, and there was no wrongdoing by the Village of Hope, Lamrock stressed. "Just as programs tailored to First Nations communities can be best for members of that community, programs where the faith aspect is more explicit can be beneficial to those who draw strength from their faith," he said. "Equally so, no one type of program should jump the queue simply because it aligns with the personal preferences of decision-makers." In a statement, the Village of Hope agreed that a variety of support options should be made available to people dealing with addiction. "We understand that the focus of the advocate’s review was on the government funding process and not on any shortcomings of the Village of Hope. The Village of Hope shares the advocate’s desire to see individuals and families supported during this critical crisis," it said. Lamrock made three recommendations: clarifying the corporation’s role regarding the funding of social programs and services; addressing wait times for addiction services; and having a process to regulate and accredit any private facility to which government provides referrals or facilitates access. The Progressive Conservatives, who were defeated in the Oct. 21 provincial election, did not respond to a request for comment. Green Leader David Coon said Lamrock's report points to the need for an investigation of the Regional Development Corporation by the auditor general. "The process stinks," he said. Gilles LePage, Liberal minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, said he will be reviewing Lamrock's report. "I recognize the recommendation to clarify the mandate of Regional Development Corporation regarding the funding of organizations whose dominant purpose is the provision of social services," he said in a statement. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Hina Alam, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Religion News Gunman may have targeted California religious school in shooting that wounded 2 kindergartners Dec 5, 2024 2:59 PM Quebec premier to attend Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening Saturday in Paris Dec 5, 2024 2:36 PM Exiled Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof's definition of home is shifting Dec 5, 2024 1:44 PM
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