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2025-01-05   

Number of women who are state lawmakers inches up to a record highEvery decade seems to create a new wave of growth stocks that benefit from the latest trends in the economy. The last 20 years have created tremendous wealth for investors who jumped early on the growth of e-commerce ( Amazon ), streaming video ( Netflix ), and electric cars ( Tesla ). Artificial intelligence (AI) has the makings of the next wealth-building opportunity in the stock market. The AI market is expected to grow from $184 billion in 2024 to $826 billion by 2030, according to Statista. Here are two stocks that many investors may wish they had bought in another 20 years. 1. SoundHound AI AI-powered voice assistants are starting to see widespread adoption for things like customer service and smart ordering, but it could create many new use cases in electric cars and other markets over the next decade. SoundHound AI ( SOUN 12.60% ) is emerging as the leader in this market. It's a relatively small company that is experiencing rapid growth. SoundHound has a trailing revenue of $67 million, which provides the foundation for explosive returns in the coming years as more businesses adopt its technology. Its third-quarter revenue grew 89% year over year, partly boosted by the recent acquisition of Amelia, but it was already reporting high growth before that, with revenue up 54% year over year in Q2. SoundHound is in the process of expanding its customer base beyond automotive and restaurants, which have been its focus, to other markets like retail, healthcare, and banking. This will significantly expand its addressable market and help the company scale to improve margins. Last year, SoundHound's top five customers comprised over 90% of the business but now represent less than a third. Another encouraging sign about SoundHound's growth prospects is the list of partnerships with other leading tech companies. Nvidia , Samsung, Oracle , and ServiceNow are among the companies working with the AI voice leader. The main negative against SoundHound AI is a lack of profitability, but this is not unusual for a small tech company. Management expects the business to achieve positive adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ( EBITDA ) by the end of 2025, which is a catalyst for the share price. Investors have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor before Wall Street catches on to this emerging growth story and bids the share price higher. 2. Advanced Micro Devices Advanced Micro Devices ( AMD -1.96% ) shares tripled over the last five years as it gained market share against Intel . AMD is a leading supplier of central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), System-on-a-Chip (SoC), and other products for a variety of markets. However, the growing demand for its data center GPUs continues to show why the shares can deliver outstanding returns. Data center revenue jumped 122% year over year in Q3 to $3.5 billion, which helped drive AMD's total revenue up 18%. Management credited higher data center revenue to strong demand for its Instinct family of GPUs. As more advanced AI models launch and more use cases emerge for this technology, it could drive significantly more demand for AMD's chips. Last year, management estimated the data center AI chip market to grow from $45 billion in 2023 to more than $400 billion in 2027. But after its data center business exceeded revenue estimates in 2024, management recently updated its long-term forecast and now anticipates the market for AI accelerators to reach $500 billion by 2028. The writing is on the wall for investors. The adoption of AI is causing new leaders to emerge in the semiconductor industry. AMD generated more data center revenue last quarter than Intel. Intel dominated the CPU market for decades, but the AI boom now favors companies with expertise in developing GPUs, which are essential for training AI models . Nvidia is the other GPU supplier that could be a good choice for investors, but AMD still has a lot of opportunity to gain share on Intel in CPUs, which may not be fully reflected in the stock's valuation. With AMD stock currently down 33% from its recent high, it's a great time to start an investment before more growth sends the stock higher.711bet 。

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Michael Christmas scored 15 points as Longwood beat UAB 89-81 on Friday for its sixth straight victory. Christmas shot 4 of 6 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line for the Lancers (6-0). Kyrell Luc scored 14 points and added five rebounds. Colby Garland had 12 points and shot 5 of 10 from the field and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. The Blazers (3-3) were led in scoring by Yaxel Lendeborg, who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Ja’Borri McGhee added 16 points and four assists for UAB. Christian Coleman also had 14 points. Longwood was tied with UAB at the half, 43-43, with Luc (eight points) its high scorer before the break. Longwood took the lead for good with 1:55 remaining on a jump shot from Luc to make it 80-78. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .No. 4 Penn State tries to keep playoff picture out of focus in prep for tough trip to MinnesotaRadiation Monitoring Unit Launched

Behind Donald Trump's Win, The Misplaced Optimism Of The White Liberal

ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Gateway College clinches boys and girls basketball championshipsHouston Democrat wants to remove restrictive timeline for child sexual abuse survivors

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

Brandon Ingram Injury Status – Pelicans vs. Warriors Injury Report November 22We’re embarking on silent economic revolution in Ogun, says AbiodunCooper Rush passed for two touchdowns, Dallas returned two kicks for scores and the visiting Cowboys held off the Washington Commanders in a wild fourth quarter for a 34-26 win. Dallas led 10-9 after three quarters. With Washington trailing 27-26, Jayden Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left, but Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game. Juanyeh Thomas of the Cowboys then returned the onside kick 43 yards for a touchdown. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards for Dallas (4-7), which snapped a five-game losing streak. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards and CeeDee Lamb had 10 catches for 67 yards. Jayden Daniels was 25-of-38 passing for 274 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for reeling Washington (7-5), which has lost three straight. He ran for 74 yards and one score. McLaurin had five catches for 102 yards. Trailing 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels drove Washington 69 yards in nine plays and hit Zach Ertz for a 4-yard touchdown. Daniels ran for two points and Washington trailed 20-17 with 3:02 remaining. KaVontae Turpin muffed the ensuing kickoff, picked it up at the one, and raced 99 yards for a touchdown to make it 27-17. Austin Seibert's 51-yard field goal pulled the Commanders within 27-20 with 1:40 left, With the score tied 3-3, Washington took the second half kick and went 60 yards in 10 plays. On third-and-three from the Dallas 17, Daniels faked a handoff, ran left and scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 4. Seibert missed the point after and Washington led 9-3. Dallas answered with an 80-yard drive. A 23-yard pass interference penalty gave the Cowboys a first-and-goal at the 4. Two plays later Rush found Jalen Tolbert in the end zone and the extra point made it 10-9. Brandon Aubrey's 48-yard field goal made it 13-9 with 8:11 remaining in the game. On the next play, Daniels hit John Bates for 14 yards, but Donovan Wilson forced a fumble and Dallas recovered at the Washington 44. Five plays later, Rush found Luke Schoonmaker down the middle for a 22-yard touchdown and Dallas led 20-9 with 5:16 left. The first quarter was all about field goals. Aubrey's field goal attempt was blocked on the opening drive and Michael Davis returned it to the Dallas 40. Washington later settled for Seibert's 41-yard field goal. On the next Dallas drive, Aubrey hit the right upright from 42 yards out, and then Seibert missed from 51 yards. With 14 seconds left in the half, Rush found Jalen Brooks for a 41-yard gain to the Washington 28. On the next play Aubrey connected from 46 yards to tie it. --Field Level Media

A mother who needed 65 units of blood products while giving birth and was told it was “a medical miracle that I’m still here” has met the NHS staff who urgently sent blood to the hospital. Adele Darlington suffered a massive bleed while giving birth to her daughter Jasmine just before Christmas last year. Mrs Darlington, 41, of Stockton Heath in Warrington , needed blood, plasma, cryoprecipitate and platelets during emergency surgery including a hysterectomy to save her life at the end of November 2023. “My husband was told to call in family to prepare to say goodbye, but thanks to everyone’s work I got to spend Christmas with my family and new daughter,” the mother-of-five said during an NHS appeal for Christmas and New Year blood donors. Mrs Darlington, who had placenta previa, a condition where the placenta partly or completely blocks the cervix, started bleeding during a planned C-section and lost 15 litres of blood in total. An average woman’s body contains just under five litres. After a four-hour operation during the C-section, she underwent another nine hours of surgery for a hysterectomy, tube and ovary removal and partial cervix and bladder removal. During surgery, Mrs Darlington received 28 units of red blood cells, 20 units of fresh frozen plasma, nine units of cryoprecipitate, and eight units of platelets – the biggest transfusion at the hospital since 2000. NHS Blood and Transplant’s Liverpool team had to send nine emergency orders overnight to Warrington Hospital for Mrs Darlington and other patients, as a huge team of nurses and doctors, including four surgeons operating at once, worked to save her life. To thank staff and support the Christmas appeal for blood donors, Mrs Darlington visited the regional centre which sent most of the blood for her care. Staff laid out the exact number of units of blood products she received to illustrate how much help she needed. Mrs Darlington said: “It’s been a really humbling experience to meet some of the people who sent blood when I had my transfusion, it’s been a really special day. “It was unbelievable to see the same quantity of blood that I received laid out, knowing that it took so many people to save me. I’m forever indebted to the more than 65 people who gave me the gift of life. “I never thought in a million years that this would happen to me, but trauma and the need for a lot of blood can happen to anyone at any time, including at Christmas, so I would urge anyone who is able to donate to please do so.” Mrs Darlington said she vaguely remember Jasmine being born during the C-section before she passed out. “By this point I’d already lost six litres of blood and it was thought that I’d stabilised, but in the recovery room it become evident that I was still internally bleeding so I was urgently rushed back into theatre,” she said. “They told me I needed a hysterectomy to save my life. “I had this sense of doom that I would not make it. “My blood pressure and heart rate were at dangerous levels. “I remember crying and saying: ‘I think I’m dying’, and telling the theatre staff that I was scared to go to sleep because I didn’t think I would wake up.” Mrs Darlington’s condition was so severe she developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a blood-clotting problem in trauma patients so severe it is sometimes informally referred to as ‘death is coming’. “I was told it’s a medical miracle that I’m still here,” Mrs Darlington said. She added: “I’m still on a road to recovery I am just forever grateful that I am here. I am very aware that I shouldn’t be. “All of these amazing people worked together to save me. “Blood donors might think it’s not a big thing to donate – they donate and they have a hot drink and a biscuit – but I can’t thank them enough. “I will be eternally grateful to these selfless donors who took time to voluntarily donate and ultimately save my life.” Her husband Ian, who owns a media business, has signed up as a blood donor, along with many friends and family members. Julie Riley from NHSBT Liverpool Hospital Services, said: “I was on shift issuing the blood, and meeting Adele was absolutely beautiful. “We don’t normally get to meet anyone – we work in labs for eight hours a day. I am glad she got home for her little kiddies.” Michael Kay, NHSBT blood delivery driver, said: “It was the end of my shift but I stayed on to do a blue-light delivery and it’s just amazing to find out it went to Adele”. Chris Philips, NHSBT head of hospital customer service, said: “It was incredibly moving to see Adele visit our teams because that night is very clear in their memories – they won’t forget it any time soon. “This is an amazing example of NHS teams working together but without donors none of this would have happened.” England remains in amber alert for low blood stocks. To register or book an appointment to give blood, visit blood.co.uk /, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.‘Good start’: Jan Suraaj got 10% vote share, says Prashant Kishor

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2025-01-05   

betvisa As 2024 draws to a close, the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, with several standout projects reshaping how we perceive decentralised technologies. If you’re exploring the best cryptos to join in December 2024 , Qubetics, Bitcoin, and Chainlink should be on your list. These projects represent the pinnacle of innovation, each offering unique solutions to pressing challenges in the cryptocurrency space. 1- Qubetics: Revolutionizing Blockchain Interoperability Most networks are isolated in the current blockchain ecosystem, creating barriers to seamless data exchange and cross-chain transactions. This lack of interoperability limits the potential of decentralised applications (dApps) and hampers the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. Enter Qubetics , a trailblazing project designed to break down these barriers. Qubetics is poised to become a Web3-aggregated chain that unifies multiple networks into a cohesive framework. By enabling seamless asset transfers, data sharing, and cross-chain functionality, Qubetics enhances interoperability and collaboration across ecosystems. This innovation unlocks the full potential of decentralised technologies, catering to developers, enterprises, and everyday users. Currently in its Presale Phase 13, Qubetics is generating significant buzz in the crypto community. Weekly presale phases bring a 10% price hike, culminating in a 20% rise during the final stage. Currently, $TICS tokens are priced at $0.034, with over $7.4 million raised, 11,100+ holders, and 365 million tokens sold. For those seeking early entry into a promising project, Qubetics presents an unparalleled opportunity to capitalise on a cutting-edge solution driving blockchain interoperability. Moreover, Qubetics positions itself as a user-friendly platform. Its presale success is a testament to the growing trust and interest from investors and the community. As the price of $TICS tokens climbs with each presale phase, FOMO (fear of missing out) drives more participants to secure their stakes early. For those keen to be part of the next big blockchain revolution, Qubetics is a clear choice. 2- Bitcoin: The Gold Standard of Cryptocurrency When discussing the best cryptos to join in December 2024, it’s impossible to overlook Bitcoin. As the world’s first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin remains the most recognised and widely adopted digital asset. Its decentralised nature and finite supply of 21 million coins make it a trusted store of value, often called “digital gold.” In 2024, Bitcoin has experienced a resurgence, fueled by growing institutional interest, advancements in layer-2 solutions like the Lightning Network, and increased adoption in emerging markets. Its role as a hedge against inflation and an alternative to traditional finance systems continues to attract retail and institutional investors. 3- Chainlink: Bridging Real-World Data with Blockchain As blockchain technology matures, the demand for real-world data integration into smart contracts grows. This is where Chainlink excels. By serving as a decentralised oracle network, Chainlink connects blockchains to off-chain data, enabling smart contracts to execute based on real-world events. From weather data for insurance claims to price feeds for decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms, Chainlink is an essential infrastructure for dApps across various industries. Its unique approach to solving the oracle problem has cemented its position as a leading player in the crypto space. For investors eyeing the best cryptos to join in December 2024, Chainlink offers both stability and long-term growth potential. Its utility ensures consistent demand, making it a valuable addition to any portfolio. Why December 2024 is a Pivotal Moment for Crypto Investment The crypto market is more vibrant than ever as December 2024 ushers in new opportunities. With projects like Qubetics redefining interoperability, Bitcoin solidifying its status as digital gold, and Chainlink enhancing dApp functionality, the stage is set for transformative growth. The combination of technological innovation, market adoption, and growing investor interest makes December 2024 a prime time to enter the crypto space. Whether you’re drawn to Qubetics’ interoperability breakthroughs, Bitcoin’s enduring appeal, or Chainlink’s indispensable utility, these projects are your gateway to the future of blockchain technology. Invest wisely, seize the moment, and join the wave of innovation shaping the decentralised world. With Qubetics leading the charge, you’re not just investing in crypto—you’re investing in the future of the digital economy. Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.Last year, the internet mulled over the enigma that was Skibidi Toilet and found more complexity to this narrative of sentient toilets than what meets the eye. This year, the levels of absurdity were hardly different, though the memes have been equally entertaining. The internet has come a long way, especially now that it's being helmed by a generation of youngsters who have grown up hacking into their parents' phones instead of licking dirt off their fingers. But this unblinking exposure to screens did make them intelligent in their own ways. Now, memes are no longer a simple template of hasty comedy. No, no, pookies. The internet of 2024 gave us a scroll of new slang, in-depth lore, and a gaping case of brainrot. Year of the wordsmiths If you were diagnosed as chronically online this year, then congratulations! You've been promoted and you're now one of the elite employees. Of what, exactly? You may never find out. But that's okay, because you're low-key just a chill guy—or an anthropomorphic dog with your hands stuffed in your pants' pockets as the soft lull of Gia Margaret's Hinoki Wood plays in the background. If none of that makes sense to you, then you're probably of the opposite demographic and might need a little context. Except, any explanation might render you even more perplexed. But that's the fun of written memes; they are a mouthful and often accompanied by visual elements, but their appeal lies in the text. And this year, they've been a common culprit of the collective internet brainrot—which, by the way, has been deemed Word of the Year by the Oxford University Press (OUP), if you want to get a sense of the impact of memes that were born this year. From one-liners to long-form passages, these memes encourage personal touches so you too can make them hyper-specific for that extra relatability. You can credit that to X's essay-writing tweaks or the fact that everyone with a general understanding of the world wants to pen think-pieces on TikTok. But sometimes these memes are just phrases that function as social cues for like-minded individuals to find each other. A greeting, if you will. "Send it to me, Rachel" does not mean anything in isolation, but this year found teenagers echoing it like a chant all the same. A user on YouTube admitted that the source clip has "literally been my vocal stim for weeks." Lore of the new lingo Aside from their unique intelligence, the generation currently prevailing over the big web is also known for its creativity. Entire musical numbers have been created based on "brainrot" terminology, which is essentially just modern slang. Although carried over from 2023, this level of creativity dominated the digital horizon for its magical ability to incorporate an extensive vocabulary of memes into high-quality music. Internet lists and video tutorials for Gen Alpha slang are graciously at the disposal of rookies from the former generation. Words like 'mewing', 'rizz', and 'sigma' might seem like they mean nothing at first glance, but translation manuals are also available online for the nonplussed oldies. But hey, don't judge the new internet culture. That's not very demure of you. Pictorial takeover No matter how much our critical faculties continue to evolve, it seems likely that we'll always view memes as visuals that potently substitute slapstick comedy. This sentiment persisted in 2024, which saw the rise of AI-generated content, and a hoard of inexplicable memes as a result of that. This collection of memes is referred to as 'slop', a word which made it to OUP's Word of the Year shortlist before 'brainrot' took the crown. Take, for example, the AI-made graphic slides of a ludicrous story centering a cat as Bongo Cat's cover of Billie Eilish's What Was I Made For? plays in the background. The song, composed only of sorrowful instrumentals and committed meow-meows, even caught the singer's attention and made a concert debut. As you can expect, the crowd was more than eager to sing along. But AI didn't dominate the illustrative category of memes this year. For a sarcastic show of depression, Clean Bandit's Symphony was revived and an artwork of dolphins and rainbows was slapped over it to reel it in. In a similar yet grimmer fashion, Thomas Lea's painting The Two-Thousand Yard Stare depicting a dissociated soldier became symbolic of youthful angst, with the subject sometimes being replaced by a cat to really highlight what's popular with the current generation. Aside from the idiosyncrasies of cats, one thing the internet tirelessly and unanimously enjoys is absurdity. Observe memes ever since the birth of the digital sphere and you'd hardly find a consistent pattern, which is honestly the best part about this ever-changing humour. Each year, it becomes stranger and proudly so. Oh, how far we've come from stock photos and block text. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourSyria’s embassy in Lebanon suspended consular services Saturday, a day after two relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad were arrested at the Beirut airport with allegedly forged passports. Also on Saturday, Lebanese authorities handed over dozens of Syrians — including former officers in the Syrian army under Assad — to the new Syrian authorities after they were caught illegally entering Lebanon, a war monitor and Lebanese officials said. The embassy announced on its Facebook page that consular work was suspended “until further notice” at the order of the Syrian foreign ministry. The announcement did not give a reason for the suspension. Two Lebanese security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the suspension was ordered because the passports belonging to Assad’s relatives — the wife and daughter of one of his cousins — were believed to have been forged at the embassy. Assad’s uncle, Rifaat Assad — who has been indicted in Switzerland on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity — had flown out the day before on his real passport and was not stopped, the officials said. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday that 70 Syrians, including former army officers, were handed over by a Lebanese security delegation to the security forces of the new Syrian government, led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. Three Lebanese judicial officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report. Regional countries have been quick to establish ties with Syria’s new rulers. Delegations of Libyan and Bahraini officials arrived in Damascus on Saturday on official visits. HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has largely succeeded in calming fears within and outside of Syria that his group would unleash collective punishment against communities that supported Assad’s rule or attempt to impose strict Islamic law on the country’s religious minorities. However, in recent days, sporadic clashes have broken out between the HTS-led security forces and pro-Assad armed groups. The country’s new security forces have launched a series of raids targeting officials affiliated with Assad and have set up checkpoints in areas with significant populations of the Alawite religious minority to which the former president belongs to search for weapons. There have also been ongoing tensions and clashes in northeastern Syria between Kurdish-led forces and armed groups backed by Turkey. Many Kurds have viewed the new order in Damascus, which appears to have strengthened Turkey’s hand in Syria, with anxiety. Ankara sees the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces — a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State group — as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which it classifies as a terrorist organization. The U.S. State Department said Saturday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to “discuss the latest developments in Syria.” “Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government,” the statement said, adding that they “also discussed the shared goal of preventing terrorism from endangering the security” of Turkey and Syria. On Saturday, hundreds of protesters convened by Kurdish women’s groups participated in a demonstration in the northeastern city of Hasaka to demand women’s rights in the new Syria. Perishan Ramadan, a participant from Hasaka, said the new government “is worse than Bashar” and that its leaders are Islamist extremists who “don’t accept any role for women.” While the country’s new leaders have not attempted to impose Islamic dress or other conventions, it remains to be seen what role women will have in the new order and whether they will hold political or government positions. “Women must be present in the new constitution for Syria,” said Rihan Loqo, spokeswoman for the Kongra Star women’s organization. “... Women’s rights should not be ignored.” ___ Associated Press writers Hogir Abdo in Hasaka, Syria, and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report

Wake Forest still experimenting ahead of Detroit Mercy gameWhich ski helmets are best? Skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy nature in the winter and is one of the few activities that’s as fun to do alone as it is with others. However, whether you’re an advanced skier who likes to keep the good snow to themselves or prefer skiing with a posse of friends, protecting your head is an essential part of a good day on the slopes. With so many options on the market, finding the best ski helmet can be a challenge. If you’re interested in a simple solution that you can count on to protect you at all times, regardless of the conditions, check out the Sweet Protection Grimnir 2vi MIPS Helmet . What to know before you buy a ski helmet Size If your ski helmet is too large or too small, it won’t perform correctly and may not provide any protection at all. To find the right size, measure the crown of your head and cross reference with the helmet’s size chart. Moreover, the helmet should be about an inch above your eyebrows. Make sure to consider your helmet’s adjustability before purchasing. Goggle compatibility Unfortunately, not all goggles fit with all helmets. Although you likely won’t have an issue with this, ensure that the helmet you want to purchase will work with your preferred goggles without leaving your forehead exposed. What to look for in a quality ski helmet Accessory compatibility In addition to being a good fit for your goggles, the best ski helmets are capable of handling a variety of upgrades if they aren’t standard. For example, be on the lookout for helmets that have slots for audio in the earmuffs and that allow you to strap a handy goggle cleaning cloth to the side. Safety technology In addition to durable materials and standard EPS shock absorption, the best ski helmets will include additional or new technology to enhance protection. When shopping for a new ski helmet, consider models with MIPS (multidirectional impact protection system) technology, carbon fiber construction or an integrated Recco reflector to get the highest level of safety. Convenience technology Top-quality helmets offer the best ease-of-use technology in addition to superior protection. Features such as magnetic goggle clasps that can be used with gloves, removable linings and dynamic ventilation that allows for directed airflow make your helmet more comfortable, especially during extended wearing periods. How much you can expect to spend on a ski helmet Entry-level helmets that provide basic protection usually cost around $60, while higher-end models with innovative technology start around $180 and cost upwards of $250. Ski helmet FAQ Do I need the newest, most robust technology? A. Although this may seem counterintuitive at first, it is not always worth purchasing the most expensive, highest-tech helmet. If you don’t ski often, and find yourself sticking to the easier slopes and staying at low speeds, a traditional helmet will provide all the protection you need. On the other hand, if you ski in the woods or in the backcountry, investing in high-tech helmets is a must, since the danger level is much higher than on the slopes. What are the best ski helmets to buy? Top ski helmet Sweet Protection Grimnir 2vi MIPS Helmet What you need to know: The Grimnir 2vi helmet from Sweet Protection is made from the finest materials on the market and includes all of the latest safety and convenience technology. What you’ll love: If you like to tackle challenging terrain and push the boundaries of your skills, look no further than the Grimnir to provide the utmost protection. Constructed out of lightweight and highly impact-resistant carbon fiber and reinforced with the latest MIPS technology, you can count on this helmet to keep you safe. Plus, it’s also quite comfortable to wear thanks to its numerous vents, Occigrip dial adjustment system and audio compatibility. What you should consider: State-of-the-art technology makes this one of the more expensive offerings. Top ski helmet for the money OutdoorMaster Kelvin Helmet What you need to know: If you’re on a budget, or don’t push the limits while skiing, the Kelvin helmet from OutdoorMaster is perfect for you. What you’ll love: Don’t let the price tag fool you — this helmet offers far more than the bare minimum in terms of features and technology. Constructed from a reinforced ABS shell and a super-absorbent EPS core, you can count on this helmet to project your most valuable asset. Plus, the Kelvin also offers lots of adjustability and unmatched ventilation for the price. What you should consider: While this helmet offers ample protection for the ordinary skier, if you’re a hard charger and prefer off-piste shredding, this helmet likely won’t be enough. Worth checking out POC Meninx RS MIPS Helmet What you need to know: Featuring a sleek design, durable construction and an abundance of serious safety features, the Meninx RS MIPS helmet from POC is high performance and reliable. What you’ll love: Designed from the ground up with safety and convenience in mind, this helmet is ideal for anyone who regularly hits the slopes and will appreciate the thought given to small details. For example, the strap buckle on the back that holds your goggles securely in place is magnetic, which makes it easy to use while wearing gloves or mittens. Furthermore, in addition to the dual-layer ABS shell and MIPS protection system, the Meninx RS comes with an integrated Recco reflector, which is an essential component of safe backcountry skiing. To top it all off, the helmet has an easy-to-use adjustment dial and plenty of ventilation. What you should consider: POC helmets don’t come in individual sizing, and are only available in grouped sizes such as medium/large, which can make finding the perfect fit harder. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.Supreme Court will take up a challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions standards WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it will take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California’s nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. The justices agreed Friday to hear an appeal filed by fuel producers who object to a waiver granted to California in 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency during Joe Biden’s presidency. The waiver allows California to set more stringent emissions limits than the national standard. The case won’t be argued until the spring, when the Trump administration is certain to take a more industry-friendly approach to the issue. Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases DETROIT (AP) — Elon Musk says the Securities and Exchange Commission wants him to pay a penalty or face charges involving what he disclosed — or failed to disclose — about his purchases of Twitter stock before he bought the social media platform in 2022. In a letter, Musk’s lawyer Alex Spiro tells the outgoing SEC chairman, Gary Gensler, that the commission’s demand for a monetary payment is a “misguided scheme” that won’t intimidate Musk. The letter also alleges that the commission reopened an investigation this week into Neuralink, Musk’s computer-to-human brain interface company. The SEC has not released the letter. Nor would it comment on it or confirm whether it has issued such a demand to Musk. Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn't install more automated systems WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is offering his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. He posted on social media Thursday that he met with union leaders and that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. He wrote that the “amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. The Maritime Alliance says the technology will improve worker safety and strengthen our supply chains, among other things. IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes. The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and best avoid an artificial intelligence ‘dictatorship’ is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing conversion into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. OpenAI is filing its response Friday. OpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year and sketched out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing's monetary policy. Analysts said the broad-brush plans from the annual Central Economic Work Conference were more of a recap of current policy than ambitious new initiatives at a time when the outlook is clouded by the President-elect Donald Trump's threats to sharply raise tariffs once he takes office. The ruling Communist Party did commit to raising China's deficit and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth. Here's a look at China's main priorities and their potential implications. Stock market today: Wall Street ends mixed after a bumpy week Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. Next Week: Retail sales, Fed policy update, existing home sales The Commerce Department releases its monthly snapshot of U.S. retail sales Tuesday. Federal Reserve officials wrap up a two-day meeting and issue an interest rate policy update Wednesday. The National Association of Realtors issues its latest update on U.S. home sales Thursday.Talon Mues: It’s time to think about pesticide training

NoneAAA: Record Number of Travelers Expected to Close Out 2024

Nearly 70 petrochemical companies across the nation, including 30 in Texas, are sending millions of pounds of pollutants into waterways each year due to weak or nonexistent regulations, according to a report published by the watchdog group Environmental Integrity Project. The report analyzed wastewater discharges from petrochemical companies that produce plastics across the U.S., finding that a majority of the facilities had violated Clean Water Act permits and few were punished. In addition, only a few states are regulating some of the hazardous chemicals or substances of concern, and there are currently no limits set from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for these contaminants in effluent water guidelines for the plastics industry. In the past 30 years, plastic production at petrochemical facilities has skyrocketed. The EPA estimates that plastic production in 1990 was at 17,130 tons, and by 2018 it had doubled, reaching 35,680 tons. Producing these plastics results in industrial wastewater discharges, some of which contain pollutants unregulated by federal wastewater guidelines. If the pollutant does have limits, they have been set by individual states. The report found the following pollutants: A majority of the facilities have poor compliance records. Out of the 70 facilities, 83% had violated the Clean Water Act at least once in the last three years (58 facilities violated permits, yet only 8 were penalized). Nearly 40% of the facilities were operating on water pollution control permits that are outdated, “but have been administratively continued by state agencies,” according to the report. The Clean Water Act, issued by the EPA in 1972, has historically been enforced through effluent water guidelines. The petrochemical facilities in the report are regulated under a category of guidelines for organic chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers. “The (plastics) industry has experienced significant, rapid growth in recent decades and is continuing to grow,” lead author of the report and research director at the Environmental Integrity Project, Kira Dunham, told EHN . “But...wastewater discharges are being regulated by standards from over 30 years ago.”This category of guidelines Dunham mentions has not been updated by the EPA since 1993, despite requirements for the agency to “periodically” update guidelines in accordance with technological updates for pollution control. With 17 of the 30 facilities in Texas, the Houston area — known as the petrochemical capital of the U.S. — is the number one exporter of petrochemicals in the nation. Nearly one-third of these Texas facilities discharge wastewater into the Houston Ship Channel. Earlier this year, EHN investigated community member concerns about wastewater contamination potentially entering dredge material removed from the channel. Independent analysis from Healthy Port Communities, a collaborative of Houston-based environmental groups, noted high levels of dioxins in the soil surrounding dredge material. “Some of the places touched on in the (Environmental Integrity Project’s) report might have one major facility that has this... pattern of discharging pollutants into waterways,” Kristen Schlemmer, senior legal director of Houston- based water justice group Bayou City Waterkeeper, told EHN. “I don’t want to discount that ... but it at least makes it clear who you can focus on to address the problem. Whereas in Houston, we have so many different facilities that are polluting into our waterways, that it often just makes it seem like that’s normal, and that’s just the way things are going to be.” Schlemmer added that these concerns for pollution related to wastewater discharges are heightened by disasters, like this year’s derecho storm and Hurricane Beryl, in which water grows contaminated across large portions of the region. Beyond climate disasters, the Houston region is prone to chemical disasters and the state averages about one chemical release a week based on 2023 data . “I’m hoping through this work to show that this is not normal, and (to) raise the bar in terms of what our expectations are for the facilities that live in our backyards,” Schlemmer said. “If they’re not going to comply with the law ...I want them to ... know that they’re going to be facing legal action, either from us or for government regulators.” Earlier this year, the Environmental Integrity Project sued the EPA along with Bayou City Water Keeper, the Center for Biological Diversity and nearly 300 water justice groups in the Waterkeeper Alliance . In the original intent to sue, the group states that the EPA “has failed to perform its mandatory duty under (the Clean Water Act) ... to biennially submit state water quality reports and an analysis thereof ... to Congress.” Just last week, the EPA released its biannual preliminary plan for effluent limitations guidelines and the announcement states that the EPA plans to conduct new studies that will clarify the impact of discharges from certain industries on waterways. The plan is open for public comment here.

Liverpool have moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day. Arne Slot 's side watched on as their closest challengers Chelsea suffered a late collapse to lose against Fulham earlier in the day, and the league leaders took full advantage to further strengthen their position at the top. Another shock looked like it could be on the cards at the end of a day full of unexpected results, with Jordan Ayew giving the visitors, who dropped into the relegation zone just before kickoff, an early 1-0 lead. However, Cody Gakpo sent the Reds into the break level with a fine equaliser just before half time, and Curtis Jones then marked his 100th Premier League appearance by putting the hosts ahead early in the first half. Mohamed Salah then continued his incredible form this season to wrap up the result for Liverpool with his 100th home goal in the division, becoming only the eighth player - and the fourth-fastest - to reach that landmark in Premier League history. After a Boxing Day full of shocks, Leicester gave themselves a reason to believe that there would be another when they took the lead within six minutes at Anfield. However, Leicester's last shot of the game arrived four minutes after that early goal, and aside from Ayew's well-taken strike, it was all Liverpool. Even after falling behind, it felt inevitable that the hosts would get themselves back into it, and the two quickfire goals either side of half time gave the scoreline a much more accurate reflection. Ask Liverpool fans what would make for a perfect Boxing Day and they would probably have said a win plus dropped points for Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Everton. All of those happened, and with the lead at the top of the table now at seven points, 2025 is shaping up to be a very happy one for the Reds. Leicester have a shock early lead at Anfield! Stephy Mavididi plays a low pass into the box from the left which Jordan Ayew collects, but he still has a lot to do with his back to goal. However, the striker pivots quickly and fires a low strike into the bottom corner, stunning Anfield into silence and giving the visitors the advantage within 10 minutes. What a goal to get Liverpool back level! With what is fast becoming a trademark finish, Gakpo picks the ball up on the left flank and cuts inside before curling a beauty of a finish into the far corner. It had been coming, but Liverpool really needed that! Liverpool start the second half just as they finished the first! Some lovely football in and around the right-hand side of the area eventually leads to Alexis Mac Allister playing a low pass into the box, where Jones is on hand to convert with a first-time finish, capping off a delightful team goal. VAR checks a pass to Mohamed Salah earlier in the move, but he is onside and the goal stands - a perfect way for Jones to mark his 100th Premier League appearance. Some way to cap off the win for Liverpool as Mo Salah weighs in with his customary Boxing Day goal - although it's been customary pretty much every day this season. The Egyptian King cuts inside from the right and dips this way and that before steering a pinpoint finish into the far corner. The angle was against him, and he had a number of blue shirts to thread it through, but he picked out the corner perfectly. Liverpool had a few players who could have been worthy recipients of this award, but Cody Gakpo provided arguably the most important contributions of the night for the hosts. The Dutchman's goal was brilliantly taken, and he was only denied a second by a very tight VAR offside call that took more than three minutes to confirm. Add to that an assist and an all-around performance full of intent and quality, and Gakpo once again proved that he is more than worthy of starting regular Premier League games for Liverpool. Possession: Liverpool 68%-32% Leicester Shots: Liverpool 13-3 Leicester Shots on target: Liverpool 7-1 Leicester Corners: Liverpool 14-1 Leicester Fouls: Liverpool 17-5 Leicester Liverpool close out what has been a rollercoaster 2024 away to West Ham United on Friday, when they will be looking to maintain at least a six-point lead heading into the New Year. Leicester, meanwhile, welcome a woefully out-of-form Manchester City to the King Power Stadium on the same day, when they will be hoping to pile more misery on Pep Guardiola 's champions in order to climb out of the relegation zone.A COUPLE has told how they moved onto an island in the middle of London to save £20,000 a year on rent. Sacha Pritchard, 24, and Matt King, 28, left their one-bed Chiswick flat to move onto an island with no bridge - meaning they have to get a boat to and from their home. Advertisement 16 Sacha Pritchard and Matt King live on an Island in the middle of the River Thames and have to get a boat to the mainland Credit: Paul Edwards 16 The pair told the Sun how every piece of furniture, including the Christmas tree, had to be brought over by boat Credit: Paul Edwards 16 Both hope to organise the outside area in time for summer with Matt prioritising plans for a BBQ and hammock Credit: Paul Edwards 16 The ait is only accessible by boat with a list of hazards including strong currents and a nearby weir Credit: Paul Edwards Although it’s not all been smooth sailing with the pair experiencing their first “ dip in the wash ” on moving in day. Only a month ago the couple found themselves balancing their belongings on the boat, wearing life jackets donated by existing island residents, heading to their soon-to-be home until they nearly tipped in. Luckily they both managed to regain their balance, hold onto all of their possessions and continue making their way across the current. Sacha described how they quickly realised they "have a moat around the house" which adds a sense of security despite its drawbacks. Advertisement Read more Property News HOUSE THAT? Our new-build is SO badly botched it's worth just £1 - guests refuse to visit TIGHTMOVE Former caretaker’s cupboard converted into flat hits the market for huge price Matt told how they made ten trips on their tiny boat with Sacha adding that “everything” visible in the room “was brought over by boat - even the rather large Christmas tree”. She added: “I actually don’t know what my life has become , we are looking forward to the summer and the better weather.” Now, the pair have a one-bedroom "shack" to call theirs, with a fully-fitted kitchen, living-dining area and a tidy-looking and quaint bathroom. The l-shaped living area space is the main area the couple spend their time in, featuring the kitchen, dining space and sofas. Advertisement Most read in Money 'SAD NEWS' 'Genuinely gutted' cry locals as popular Scots eatery announces sudden closure SHOP SHOCK Iconic British high street chain forced to close ANOTHER store after 34 years Exclusive PAY BOOST 20 highest paying jobs in 2025 & you don't need a degree - you could earn £77k GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ They have even slotted a wooden desk in the far corner, which would seem more fitted to an old man's study alongside a padded green chair if it were not for the light flooding through floor-to-ceiling windows. The couple revealed everyone they knew warned them they were making a "massive mistake", but it didn't deter their plans. It did take three months to agree to the “massive commitment” and “sacrifice” of island living but Sacha and Matt soon got used to the idea. Sacha told the Sun: “We were exhausted from tiny box living in central London and the stupid amount of rent . Advertisement “We felt constricted and needed a change, sick of the intense London routine. “We had an opportunity here unlike anything and we just thought we have to jump with two feet.” Britain’s best-selling car brand unveils EV camper van perfect for living off-grid with lounge seats & rooftop tent She also admitted it takes a “ certain type of person ” to live there and how her “city girl” roots did not exactly forecast “seaworthy” success. Yet, when the Sun headed down to meet the pair they confidently battled the strong current to moor up, while throwing around boating jargon as if they'd lived there all their lives. Advertisement Their confidence seems to have derived from their “adventurous” spirit alongside a few setbacks that made them feel like they were taking part in a “ comedy sketch ”. They told how they battled palm-sized spiders which took over the house right before their renovation. And how they were forced to handle the boat in extreme weather as storms hit the capital. They even gave a terrifyingly detailed recount of a recent treacherous trip across the water where Sacha travelled alone and needed to use “full revs” in the “middle of the stream”. Advertisement When questioned whether she felt scared, she responded that she did wonder whether she “might have to turn around for a split second” but knew the neighbours were only a “ stone’s throw away ”. Most of the residents have known about a vacancy on the island via word of mouth, ensuring the welcoming community spirit has been extended as far as the eye can see with all residents jumping to action in response to a message on their Whatsapp group or sound of distress. The pair have joined the tight-knit group which includes a man in his seventies, a young baby, a family who have lived on the ait for multi-generations and even a handful of cats and dogs. Grinning from ear-to-ear, the freelance marketing executive and financial adviser said they feel “unbelievably blessed”. Advertisement Luckily the pair, who rent the property off a family member, have not been stuck on the island but have warned their bosses just in case they need to work remotely for a day or two. Their morning commute retains some similarities to normal life, with the pair admitting they sometimes need to “de-ice” the boat before setting off for work. When the weather takes a turn for the worst, the ropes can freeze solid, the steering wheel needs to be defrosted, the engine must be warmed to prevent stalling and the key for the ignition can get stuck. Matt and Sacha still “brave the elements”, heading to the gym in the early morning multiple times a week. Advertisement He explained how they have had to “adapt” with the “additional effort” as there is no comfort or convenience living on the island. Sacha was quick to chime in, saying that she used to “avoid getting her hands dirty” or “endure any form of bad weather”. She added: “I now wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s been an amazing experience, most people should try it. “It’s like no feeling, coming back after work, back to your private island in London. Advertisement “You can’t be on your phone as you travel home across the water , you absorb what you are seeing around you, the beautiful nature, it’s just a lovely way to finish the day. “I originally thought the boat would be the worst part of the journey but that's certainly the best part of the commute.” 16 Sacha and Matt have had to reduce their belongings due to the tiny space but they would not change it for anything else Credit: Paul Edwards 16 The island even has its own postbox, with residents expected to help bring post back and forth across the water Credit: Paul Edwards Advertisement 16 The couple recently hosted their neighbours for the first time where they discovered the strong sense of community spirit Credit: Paul Edwards 16 The residents are joined by four-pawed friends including multiple cats and a couple of dogs Credit: Paul Edwards 16 Sacha and Matt were thrilled to discover the boat was included in the price of the house Credit: Paul Edwards Despite their friends thinking the young couple now live too far to visit, especially during the harsh winter months, the pair would “not change it for the world”. Advertisement Matt explained how the experience has already brought the pair “closer together”, believing that they are “lucky” to share the day-to-day with one another. To top it all off, Matt admitted how they can now afford to have their heating on all of the time. A stark contrast to the £80 a month they used to pay to live more centrally, which saw the pair don beanie hats and jumpers, only turning the heating on for the shortest amount of time. The frivolities of island life include Gary the Goose who visits regularly, having a buoyancy aid attached to their keys, the weekly film club run by a BAFTA winning editor and emergency alarms fitted in each property to alert all residents if there’s an incident. Advertisement They’ve even been warned to never wave at someone first when riding in their boat as it is not “good etiquette”. Sacha added: “We first thought, let’s give it a couple of years and see, because we will either love it or hate it. “Literally on the first day we loved it. “Viewing what we’ve built with the incredible neighbours around us, I don’t think we will want to leave. Advertisement “The ideal situation would be to have a bridge but since moving in we realised it’s ideal, the remoteness makes it feel very safe, people have to come over with intent. “We have a moat around the house!” It’s not just Sacha and Matt who have been taken aback by the newness of remote living, with Sacha’s TikTok account gaining nearly 10,000 views in seven days. Still adjusting to their new found social media presence, Matt said: “I just can’t believe one of our best videos was me taking the bins out. It’s hilarious.” Advertisement They are not the only influencers on the island with their nearby neighbour, Aimee Sims, 36, posting videos on YouTube. 16 Aimee Simms has lived on the island for nearly a decade and revealed everything there is to know about the unique lifestyle Credit: Paul Edwards Having lived on the ait for nearly 10 years, Aimee is a seasoned pro when it comes to the realities of remote living - in fact she has recently bought a bus to convert for weekends away. Her home, which she shares with a dog called Lemon and a couple of cats, even offers a hot tub in the garden. Advertisement While not at work helping to restore historical buildings, Aimee spends most of her time on the island or in the nearby park. Despite the 36-year-old appearing at ease in her island home, she had never stepped foot on a boat before moving into her rental property. Aimee told the Sun: "Before this I was living in a house share in Kingston. "Everywhere is just so expensive, so grotty. Advertisement "When I first got offered the chance to move here, I was excited, although the lesson on how to use the boat was kind of done in 10 minutes and it was like okay, you're good, carry on." She spoke of how community is the "biggest thing round here", with her neighbours offering tips and advice. From mooring into the current to ensuring she has a jerry can of petrol on the boat, Aimee seems to have everything covered. Having lived on the Thames for nearly a decade, she has not come out entirely unscathed, Advertisement She said: "Two months ago, I was dropping someone off and the steering cable on the boat just broke. "No one can live here and not get into some trouble. "There's ladders nearby so we can save ourselves if we end up in the water, it's especially dangerous as there is a weir not too far away down stream where people have died before. "The emergency services have worked with us so they know the island, we even have an evacuation plan and makeshift emergency alarms where a resident can press a button and everyone gets alerted." Advertisement Despite describing the living style as "not for the faint-hearted", Aimee suggested how seeing "sunsets and sunrises" on "the daily", makes the experience feel unique and hard to replicate. She added: "It's just such a fun way to show people that there's a different way of living in London. "I have absolutely no regrets, I am open to that slightly different lifestyle, that bit of adventure." 16 Aimee Simms is a neighbour of the couple who started her own YouTube channel to show others what her life is like Credit: Paul Edwards Advertisement 16 Gary the Goose did not make an appearance with the Sun in attendance but there was an abundance of other wildlife on offer Credit: Paul Edwards Still new to the island plot and social media, Sacha and Matt have been shocked by their local stardom. One video which has garnered over 350,000 views so far, led to a fan recognising the couple on the day the Sun headed to visit. Sacha said: “I think that’s mental, it’s the first time it’s happened. Advertisement “We are just trying to keep it real, show people all the things we didn’t know about.” While Matt expanded: “Everyone we know keeps asking us how we do certain things, making videos just seemed a great way, an easy way to not have to keep repeating ourselves. “Although I have already had people from work spot the videos, I didn’t expect that so soon.” Their newfound stardom is still in its early stages, however the pair told the Sun how they have already had a thought about specific brand deals. Advertisement Sacha’s dream is to partner with Amazon to have post delivered by drone while Matt hopes for a Ninja BBQ as open-flames are banned on the ait due to fire risk. Read more on the Scottish Sun 'DISGUSTING' Festive fly-tippers slammed for dumping mountains of rubbish at Scots Asda GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ Their account name londonislandliving pretty much sums up the couple’s experience as they “relearn everything”. Island “experts” with years of experience have offered their advice which the pair have taken in their stride and now look to share with the TikTok community. 16 The pair were not well-versed in boats before stepping foot on the island but have taken to the activity like a duck to water Credit: Paul Edwards Advertisement 16 Inside their home, the pair have all the necessary mod-cons you could expect in a classic new build Credit: Paul Edwards 16 Sacha spoke of how the house feels like a home, especially after putting up festive decorations Credit: Paul Edwards 16 The pair have recently set up a TikTok account and with their current track record of success look to take social media by storm Credit: Paul Edwards

Drug sales growth slows amid high inflationWildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham has resigned as president of the RSPCA after an investigation made allegations of animal cruelty at some of the charity’s approved abattoirs. Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has also resigned as vice-president of the animal welfare organisation, with both of them expressing their “sadness” over leaving the roles. It comes after an Animal Rising investigation made claims of cruelty at “RSPCA Assured” slaughterhouses in England and Scotland, with the campaign group sharing footage of alleged mistreatment. RSPCA Assured is a scheme whereby approved farms must comply with the organisation’s “stringent higher welfare standards”, according to its website. Mr Packham shared the news of his resignation on social media, saying: “It is with enormous sadness that I have resigned from my role as president of the RSPCA. “I would like to register my respect and admiration for all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect animals from cruelty.” Ms Lucas said she and Mr Packham failed to get the charity’s leadership to act. She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “With huge sadness I’m resigning as VP of the RSPCA, a role I’ve held with pride for over 15 years. “But their Assured Schemes risk misleading the public & legitimising cruelty. “I tried with @ChrisGPackham to persuade the leadership to act but sadly failed.” In June, the RSPCA commissioned an independent review of 200 farms on its assurance scheme which concluded the scheme was “operating effectively” to assure animal welfare on member farms. Following Animal Rising’s release of footage last week, the charity said it was “appalled” by what was shown, adding that it launched an immediate investigation and suspended three slaughterhouses from the scheme. In the wake of Mr Packham and Ms Lucas’ resignations, an RSPCA spokesperson said it is “simply not true” that the organisation has failed to take urgent action. They said: “We agree with Chris and Caroline on so many issues and have achieved so much together for animals, but we differ on how best to address the incredibly complex and difficult issue of farmed animal welfare. “We have discussed our work to drive up farmed animal welfare standards openly at length with them on many occasions and it is simply not true that we have not taken urgent action. “We took allegations of poor welfare incredibly seriously, launching an independent review of 200 farms which concluded that it was ‘operating effectively’ to improve animal welfare. “We are taking strong steps to improve oversight of welfare, implementing the recommendations in full including significantly increasing unannounced visits, and exploring technology such as body-worn cameras and CCTV, supported by £2 million of investment.” The charity insisted that while 94% of people continue to choose to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy, it is the “right thing to do” to work with farmers to improve the lives of animals. “RSPCA Assured visit all farms on the scheme every year, but last year just 3% of farms were assessed for animal welfare by state bodies,” the spokesperson continued. “No-one else is doing this work. We are the only organisation setting and regularly monitoring animal welfare standards on farms. “We have pioneered change through RSPCA Assured, which has led to improvements throughout the industry including CCTV in slaughterhouses, banning barren battery cages for hens and sow stalls for pigs, giving salmon more space to swim and developing slower growing chicken breeds who have better quality of life.”

DALLAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia and ROME, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AleAnna, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “AleAnna” or the “Company”), an emerging leader in Italy’s energy landscape, announced the completion of the previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) between Swiftmerge Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: IVCP) (“Swiftmerge”), a special purpose acquisition company, and AleAnna Energy, LLC (“AleAnna Energy”). Concurrent with the completion of the Business Combination, Swiftmerge has changed its name to AleAnna, Inc. Commencing at the open of trading on December 16, 2024, the Class A shares of common stock and warrants of AleAnna are expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbols “ANNA” and “ANNAW”, respectively. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Swiftmerge and was approved at an extraordinary general meeting (the “Shareholders Meeting”) of Swiftmerge’s shareholders on December 12, 2024. Former equity holders of AleAnna Energy rolled 100% of their equity interests into the combined company. Prior to the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 6, 2024, AleAnna Energy's equity holders contributed over $60 million in cash, bringing the company's total cumulative investment to nearly $175 million. This infusion of capital enabled the completion of the Longanesi Field tie-in and the acquisition of initial renewable natural gas (“RNG”) assets, both finalized in Q3 2024. Additionally, the investment covered expenses related to the business combination and provided funding for general corporate liquidity. As of the transaction close, AleAnna had approximately $28 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet and no debt. This disciplined approach to financial management has empowered AleAnna to allocate significant capital to innovative exploration and development projects while preserving financial flexibility. Long History In Developing Resources in Italy AleAnna has a distinguished history in Italy, having been a leader in energy exploration and development for over a decade. Since its founding in 2007, the company has been dedicated to unlocking the significant potential of Italy’s natural gas reserves through the application of cutting-edge seismic imaging and environmentally responsible practices. AleAnna holds one of the largest portfolios of exploration permits and production concessions in Italy, spanning over 2.3 million acres. By combining advanced technology with a deep respect for Italy’s cultural and environmental heritage, AleAnna is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s energy independence and economic growth, earning its reputation as a trusted partner in Italy’s energy future. Positioning itself as a leader in both onshore conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) production, AleAnna is at the forefront of building a secure and reliable domestic energy supply for Italy and the broader European market. The company stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025. Alongside this, additional gas discoveries at Gradizza and Trava, 13 development prospects in various permitting stages, and leases covering approximately 2.3 million net acres underscore AleAnna’s commitment to future exploration and development. AleAnna is also helping drive the European Union's clean energy transition through its innovative approach to RNG. Leveraging the strategic overlap between its conventional and renewable assets in the Po Valley, AleAnna is transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy. With three RNG facilities operational and over 100 additional opportunities identified, AleAnna is poised for significant expansion in this sector. Guided by a commitment to corporate responsibility and a vision for a sustainable future, AleAnna integrates conventional and renewable energy solutions to reduce Europe’s carbon footprint and advance its clean energy objectives. By delivering innovative energy solutions, AleAnna continues to shape Italy’s energy landscape and support the EU’s transition toward a greener future. Experienced Management And Board Of Directors The combined company will be led by William Dirks as Executive Director and Marco Brun as Chief Executive Officer, supported by a seasoned and highly skilled executive team. AleAnna’s leadership team brings extensive expertise gained from top-tier energy companies, including Shell, Eni, and Exxon. This seasoned group combines in-depth knowledge of energy technology, operations, and business development with well-established regulatory and industry networks in Italy. Their collective experience equips AleAnna to effectively navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving energy landscape. The Board of Directors, which will include Graham van’t Hoff, William Dirks, Marco Brun, Duncan Palmer, and Curtis Hébert, collectively brings a wealth of experience spanning global energy markets, technical and operational expertise, European energy development, financial management, governance, and regulatory policy. This diverse set of skills and perspectives ensures comprehensive strategic oversight and positions AleAnna for sustained growth and success. With over 15 years of investment and operational experience in Italy, AleAnna has a competitive advantage in securing critical permits and approvals, positioning it ahead of its peers. The company’s approach integrates cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices with strategic capital allocation to maximize the value of its conventional and renewable natural gas (RNG) assets. AleAnna is dedicated to sustainable, low-cost growth while maintaining strict capital discipline. By prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and long-term shareholder value, AleAnna is well-positioned to lead the next phase of Italy’s energy transformation. Management Commentary Bill Dirks, Executive Director of AleAnna, commented, “Our investment in state-of-the-art subsurface technology has been a game-changer for AleAnna. By leveraging advanced seismic imaging and cutting-edge data analysis, we have achieved unparalleled accuracy in identifying and developing Italy’s natural gas resources. This technology not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures that our exploration and development activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.” Marco Brun, AleAnna’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “We stand at a pivotal moment in AleAnna's journey. As we gear up for production at Longanesi and scale our renewable natural gas (RNG) operations, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving a sustainable energy future. This strategy not only delivers value to AleAnna shareholders but also plays a key role in reshaping the energy landscape for generations to come.” About AleAnna, Inc. AleAnna is an innovative energy company dedicated to unlocking Italy's extensive natural gas reserves and advancing renewable energy solutions to address the country's energy needs and support Europe's sustainability and energy security goals. With a vast portfolio encompassing over 2.3 million acres of potential resources and state-of-the-art technologies, AleAnna is poised to lead Italy's energy transition. Guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence, AleAnna is shaping a sustainable and secure energy future. The company operates regional headquarters in Dallas, TX, and Rome, Italy, serving as strategic hubs for its global and local initiatives. Forward-Looking Statements The information included herein contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, AleAnna’s future financial performance following the Business Combination, as well as AleAnna’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any statements made in connection herewith, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on AleAnna management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events. They are based on current information about the outcome and timing of future events. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, AleAnna disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. AleAnna cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of AleAnna. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination and any transactions contemplated thereby, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of AleAnna to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its management and key employees; AleAnna’s need for additional capital to execute its business plan and support its anticipated growth; costs related to the Business Combination; the risks associated with the growth of AleAnna’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; AleAnna’s ability to identify, develop and operate new projects; the reduction or elimination of government economic incentives to the natural gas market; delays in acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects; decline in public acceptance and support of renewable energy development and projects; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory and governmental permits and approvals; uncertainty regarding the EU’s clean energy transition, including existing regulations and changes to regulations and policies that affect AleAnna’s operations; the ability to maintain the listing of AleAnna’s securities on a national securities exchange; and the effects of competition on AleAnna’s future business. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any statements made in connection in addition to these occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that AleAnna does not know or that AleAnna currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact AleAnna’s expectations and projections can be found in filings it makes with the SEC, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Swiftmerge and AleAnna Energy with the SEC on November 21, 2024, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by AleAnna. SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Investor Relations Contact For AleAnna, Inc.: Bill Dirks wkdirks@aleannagroup.com

Boston Herald: Drone phenom sheds light on feds’ transparency flaws'Thorough Gentleman & Visionary Leader': Tributes Pour In From Indian Cricket Fraternity For Ex-PM Manmohan SinghCollege Football Playoff & Bowl Game TV Schedule 2024

Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in ‘Baby Driver,’ dies after falling from moving vehicleSyria’s embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian army officers

BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s embassy in Lebanon suspended consular services Saturday, a day after two relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad were arrested at the Beirut airport with allegedly forged passports. Also on Saturday, Lebanese authorities handed over dozens of Syrians — including former officers in the Syrian army under Assad — to the new Syrian authorities after they were caught illegally entering Lebanon, a war monitor and Lebanese officials said. The embassy announced on its Facebook page that consular work was suspended “until further notice” at the order of the Syrian foreign ministry. The announcement did not give a reason for the suspension. Two Lebanese security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the suspension was ordered because the passports belonging to Assad’s relatives — the wife and daughter of one of his cousins — were believed to have been forged at the embassy. Assad’s uncle, Rifaat Assad — who has been indicted in Switzerland on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity — had flown out the day before on his real passport and was not stopped, the officials said. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday that 70 Syrians, including former army officers, were handed over by a Lebanese security delegation to the security forces of the new Syrian government, led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. Three Lebanese judicial officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report. Regional countries have been quick to establish ties with Syria’s new rulers. Delegations of Libyan and Bahraini officials arrived in Damascus on Saturday on official visits. HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has largely succeeded in calming fears within and outside of Syria that his group would unleash collective punishment against communities that supported Assad’s rule or attempt to impose strict Islamic law on the country’s religious minorities. However, in recent days, sporadic clashes have broken out between the HTS-led security forces and pro-Assad armed groups. The country’s new security forces have launched a series of raids targeting officials affiliated with Assad and have set up checkpoints in areas with significant populations of the Alawite religious minority to which the former president belongs to search for weapons. There have also been ongoing tensions and clashes in northeastern Syria between Kurdish-led forces and armed groups backed by Turkey. Many Kurds have viewed the new order in Damascus, which appears to have strengthened Turkey’s hand in Syria, with anxiety. Ankara sees the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces — a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State group — as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which it classifies as a terrorist organization. The U.S. State Department said Saturday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to “discuss the latest developments in Syria.” “Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government,” the statement said, adding that they “also discussed the shared goal of preventing terrorism from endangering the security” of Turkey and Syria. On Saturday, hundreds of protesters convened by Kurdish women’s groups participated in a demonstration in the northeastern city of Hasaka to demand women’s rights in the new Syria. Perishan Ramadan, a participant from Hasaka, said the new government “is worse than Bashar” and that its leaders are Islamist extremists who “don’t accept any role for women.” While the country’s new leaders have not attempted to impose Islamic dress or other conventions, it remains to be seen what role women will have in the new order and whether they will hold political or government positions. "Women must be present in the new constitution for Syria,” said Rihan Loqo, spokeswoman for the Kongra Star women’s organization. "... Women’s rights should not be ignored.” Associated Press writers Hogir Abdo in Hasaka, Syria, and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.NoneBoston Herald: Drone phenom sheds light on feds’ transparency flaws

The Pittsburgh Steelers are near the bottom of the pack when it comes to NFL revenues, both in 2024 and in the projected near future, according to a study by Sportbet.one Sportbet pegs the Steelers as having $595 million in revenue in 2024, which ranks them 18th among the 32 NFL team in present day. The study believes the Steelers will show below-average growth between now and 2030, increasing their revenues at 27.1% to $756 million by the end of the decade. That projection has them ranked 20th. Sportbet used a linear progression from the change in revenue between 2012 and 2024 to calculate the projected future earnings. But more advanced metrics might not necessarily help the Steelers. The population growth rate of the Pittsburgh metro area has recently been positive after a long period of being in the red, but is still smaller than the national average. As a team with a long tradition of success and already-high standards, the Steelers don’t have much of an opportunity to be lifted through strong current play in the way that a team like the Detroit Lions or Los Angeles Chargers. The relative lack of revenue can’t do much to hurt the Steelers when it comes to putting a roster on the field. Every NFL club shares revenues nationally, and every team must spend 90% of the salary cap on a multi-year basis, so roster-based spending is closely regulated. Where might a team like the Dallas Cowboys — who have projected current revenues of $1.2 billion and are projected to improve that to $1.6 billion in the near future — outclass teams like the Steelers? The Cowboys have spent lavishly on their facilities, both at AT&T Stadium and at The Star in Frisco, the club’s headquarters and practice facility. They can also spend more freely on coaches, scouts and technology to help give the team an edge. Of course, it doesn’t always play out that way. Of the NFL’s top five teams in revenue, only one — the Los Angeles Rams — are currently in playoff position. The Steelers could see a revenue boost in 2026, when they will host the NFL Draft for the first time. This article first appeared on Steelers Now and was syndicated with permission.Protect yourself on the slopes with these top ski helmetsThe Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s Climate Action Cell unveiled a series of innovative initiatives on Saturday at a public meeting in the city. The CAC showcased its plans to advance Bengaluru’s climate agenda through collaboration, technology, and public participation. Key initiatives included the launch of “Nisarga,” a chatbot developed with CGI and the Bengaluru Political Action Committee (B.PAC) to provide easy access to the Bengaluru Climate Action Plan. Officials also introduced the Rooftop Solar Explorer Tool, created by CSTEP, which enables residents to assess solar energy potential on rooftops and align with renewable energy goals. “The updated BBMP Lake and Park Management Systems now offer a virtual platform to monitor the maintenance of Bengaluru’s 200 lakes and over 1,200 parks. A “Mapathon Guidebook” is also launched to engage citizens in identifying spaces for urban greening projects,” Preeti Gehlot, Special Commissioner (Forest, Environment and Climate Change), BBMP said. Further, the CAC announced the “BluGreenUru Awards” to honour exemplary sustainability efforts. A new social media platform, “@bbmplakesparks,” was also introduced to promote community engagement. Published - December 21, 2024 11:06 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

Jammu, Dec 21 (PTI) The Indian Army has increased its operational footprint in the Jammu region, including the strategic occupation of the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal range, a senior officer said on Saturday. The army is playing a pivotal role in military-civilian coordination in creating a stable environment in the region, the officer said, adding that the force will continue its efforts to promote peace, security, and development in the area. Also Read | 'Girlfriend Swapping' Racket Busted in Bengaluru: 2 Arrested For Blackmailing Victims With Intimate Photos and Videos After Woman Alleges Coercion. "In recent times, the Indian Army has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities. We have strengthened our patrols and posts, even in the highest mountains and ridges. This progress has been made possible thanks to your unwavering support," said General Officer Commanding (GoC), White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva. Lt Gen Sachdeva visited Rajouri to strengthen civilian-military ties by taking parting part in a 'Kaumi Ekta' meet which aims to recognise the role of local communities and veterans in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Also Read | Maharashtra Portfolio Allocation: Devendra Fadnavis Keeps Home, Eknath Shinde Gets Urban Development, Ajit Pawar Finance and Planning; Check List. He said that new posts have been set up in the upper reaches and movement of security forces at night have been increased in a bid to improve security and peace in the region. "Helicopters, UAVs and several types of sensors are being used as part of technology to ensure peace," he said. During the visit, Lt Gen Sachdeva praised the synergy between the civilian population and security forces, particularly in the sensitive border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The officer highlighted the army's increased operational footprint in the region, including the strategic occupation of the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal Range, as well as its close collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and the civil administration. Acknowledging the contributions of veterans and local leaders, he credited their efforts for the improved security scenario in the region. Lt Gen Sachdeva commended the Ace of Spades Division for its critical role in fostering trust through welfare programmes and engaging local communities. The Corps Commander also participated in the Mendhar Cricket Premier League (MCPL) felicitation ceremony where he emphasised the importance of such events in channelling energy positively and promoting community harmony. The officer underscored the army's proactive outreach to locals, fostering greater trust and cooperation between the military and civilian communities. He also met army veterans, thanking them for their enduring contributions to regional stability and social harmony, noting their crucial role in bridging the gap between the military and civilian communities. "By increasing its operational footprint, enhancing synergy with local law enforcement agencies and administration, and engaging with local communities, the army continues to work collectively to ensure a secure and harmonious environment," Lt Gen Sachdeva said. "I extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you. Your presence here reflects our collective respect for the sacrifices, courage, and unity of our brave soldiers. This occasion is a tribute to the high ideals that our soldiers have upheld by sacrificing their lives for the nation," he said. Stating that the history of Rajouri is filled with tales of valour and sacrifice, the Corps Commander said, "This land stands as a testament to how the army and the people have together faced every challenge and demonstrated unparalleled unity and courage. "I pay homage to those unsung heroes and ordinary citizens who, since 1947, have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Indian Army in maintaining peace and security in this region." Today, the bond between the Indian Army and the people of Rajouri has reached new heights, he said. "Our initiatives under 'Sadbhavana' (goodwill), including medical camps, road construction projects, and recruitment rallies for the youth, are living examples of how the army and the people are together scripting a new chapter in history. Our cooperation is not limited to security, but has become a symbol of social development and empowerment of youth," he said. The GoC also expressed pride in army veterans who continue to play a crucial role in the nation's development. "The Indian Army is not just committed to service, but is equally dedicated to the welfare of its veterans," he added. Addressing the challenges that persist, particularly the remnants of terrorism in the region fuelled by external forces, he said, "Yet, I am confident that with the collective efforts of the Indian Army, the people of Rajouri and Poonch, the police, and the civil administration, we will always ensure peace and security. This reflects the unity and mutual support among us." "I assure you on behalf of the Indian Army and all security forces that we stand firmly with the people of Rajouri. We will continue our efforts to promote peace, security, and development in this region," he said. Seeking support of all the stakeholders, he said, "Your contributions, whether as active servicemen or veterans, remain invaluable to nation-building and the progress of India." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

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betx24 The issue of cooperation with the SDF Alliance gained renewed attention after reports emerged that the U.S. was considering the possibility of formally partnering with the group in a more official capacity. This move has raised concerns among U.S. allies in the region, particularly Turkey, which has been a vocal critic of the SDF due to its links with the PKK.However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.

Health2sync Partners With Western Sydney Diabetes To Improve Glycemic Control Through Digital Solutions Media Outreach Newswire APACTitle: An Elderly Man Squeezes Through the Dog Hole to Enter the Subway StationFor Barcelona, the compensation from FIFA comes as a welcome relief as the club continues to navigate a challenging season filled with injuries and inconsistent performances. The financial injection will provide Barcelona with some much-needed financial stability as they look to regroup and rebuild following Araujo's injury.

The revelation of Zhang's role in the missing woman's life serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the power of kindness and empathy. In a world often marked by suspicion and mistrust, Zhang's story is a beacon of hope and compassion. Her willingness to open her home and heart to a stranger in need is a powerful example of the goodness that exists in the world.

Rupert Murdoch's audacious bid to cement his eldest son's control over one of the world's most influential media empires has failed, a US report said Monday. The first family of news -- commanding a stable that includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and a host of British and Australian media -- had been the inspiration for the hit TV series "Succession." Like the fictional version, this real-life fight pitted the children of a powerful patriarch against each other for who should be the face and the voice of the empire after the old man dies. Murdoch, now 93, had long intended that his children inherit the empire, and jointly decide its direction. The eldest daughter, Prudence, has had little involvement in the family business, but at various times the other three -- Lachlan, James and Elisabeth -- have all been considered as successors. But in recent years Murdoch senior had reportedly grown concerned that Fox News -- the crown jewels of the collection -- might drift away from its lucrative right-wing moorings after his death, to reflect the more centrist views of James and Elisabeth. He had therefore sought to designate Lachlan -- who currently heads Fox News and News Corp -- as the controlling player in the wider business. That had required rewriting the terms of an irrevocable trust that passed power to the four siblings jointly, stripping three of them of voting power, while allowing them to continue to benefit financially. Rupert Murdoch had argued that giving control to Lachlan -- who is understood to share his father's worldview -- was in the financial interests of the whole brood. The family intrigue played out behind closed doors in a Nevada courtroom, where Murdoch senior and his four children were understood to have given several days' evidence in September. In a decision filed at the weekend, probate commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr. said the father and son had acted in "bad faith" in trying to rewrite the rules, The New York Times reported, citing a copy of the sealed court document. The plan to alter the trust's structure was a "carefully crafted charade" to "permanently cement Lachlan Murdoch's executive roles." "The effort was an attempt to stack the deck in Lachlan Murdoch's favor after Rupert Murdoch's passing so that his succession would be immutable," the Times cited the ruling as saying. "The play might have worked; but an evidentiary hearing, like a showdown in a game of poker, is where gamesmanship collides with the facts and at its conclusion, all the bluffs are called and the cards lie face up. "The court, after considering the facts of this case in the light of the law, sees the cards for what they are and concludes this raw deal will not, over the signature of this probate commissioner, prevail." Murdoch's lawyer, Adam Streisand, did not immediately reply to an AFP request for comment. The ruling is not final, and must now be ratified or rejected by a district judge. That ruling could be challenged, perhaps provoking another round of legal arguments. The complicated structure of the irrevocable trust reflects the colourful familial relationships that shaped Rupert Murdoch's life as he built the multibillion-dollar empire. The trust was reported to have been the result of a deal agreed with his second wife -- mother of Lachlan, Elisabeth and James -- who wanted to ensure her offspring would not be disenfranchised by children Murdoch had with his third wife, Wendi Deng. The Murdoch empire has transformed tabloid newspapers, cable TV and satellite broadcasting over the last few decades while facing accusations of stoking populism across the English-speaking world. Brexit in Britain and the rise of Donald Trump in the United States are credited at least partly to Murdoch and his outlets. hg/nroC3.ai lifts FY revenue guidance after fiscal Q2 results top estimatesBiden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges

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Doha, Qatar: Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim met today with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain HE Diego Martinez Belio, who is visiting the country to participate in the 22nd edition of the Doha Forum. The meeting reviewed the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. In this regard, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim praised the principled positions adopted by Spain towards Arab issues, lauding its continued support for the rights of the Palestinian people through humanitarian aid as well as political positions in international forums and its recognition of the State of Palestine. During the meeting, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council highlighted the important parliamentary role in supporting just causes and promoting peace and understanding among peoples, stressing the Shura Council's commitment to continue working with its counterparts in various countries to support the principles of justice and humanity. For his part, HE Diego Martinez noted the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Spain, which are based on mutual respect and joint cooperation in various fields. The Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs praised Qatar's pioneering role in resolving conflicts through mediation, stressing his country's and the international community's appreciation for these efforts that contribute to promoting dialogue and peace.

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The hot stove has been burning for roughly a month now, and the first free agent is off the board. The Los Angeles Angels, as they've done frequently this offseason, struck a deal with starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi for three years and $63 million. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the surprising signing and why this could be a positive move for the Angels, who may benefit from the third Wild Card spot. While Los Angeles might not be done making moves, this deal should be an encouraging sign for fans that the team intends to compete in 2025. Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, the guys provide an update on the Juan Soto sweepstakes, including which teams they think are out of the running and whether this process could end up being meaningless if Steve Cohen is willing to offer a blank check. The guys also open up the BBQ Mailbag to answer listener questions, discuss the trade between the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals and remember 1970 National League batting champ Rico Carty. (1:47) - Angels sign Yusei Kikuchi (10:37) - Scott Boras scoreboard—Juan Soto update (25:18) - BBQ Mailbag (40:51) - Reds-Royals trade (46:48) - Non-tender roster updates (49:34) - Remembering Rico CartyI'm A Celeb star GK Barry's girlfriend Ella Rutherford looks in great spirits as she laughs with Coleen Rooney's dad at Surfers Paradise hotel after TikToker shared hopes of a bridge reunion kiss

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Lopetegui came into the game under pressure following some poor displays from the Hammers in recent weeks but they earned a hard-fought victory to end the Magpies’ three-game winning spell. Despite a promising opening from the hosts, Tomas Soucek headed West Ham in front before Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s first goal for the club after the break wrapped up victory. Lopetegui was pleased with his side’s display following a “tough match”. He said: “I am happy for the three points and am very happy against a good team like Newcastle, who have good players and a fantastic coach. “I think today was a tough match and we were able to compete as a team. “I think we deserved to win. Today they had many moments in the first half, but I think the second half we deserved to win and we are happy because you have to do these kind of matches against this type of team if you want to overcome them.” Newcastle started brightly and had plenty of chances in the first half especially, but the visitors responded after the break by retaining possession well. The win eases the pressure on Lopetegui, whose West Ham side face Arsenal on Saturday, and he believes the victory is an important feeling for his players. He said: “I think the only thing that is under our control is to play football, to improve, to defend well, to convince the players we are able to do better. “Today we did, but I think the only thing we can do is to do the things that are under our control, not today but every day. “So we had to keep with this mentality, but above all let me say we are happy for the players because they need this kind of feeling as a team to believe that we are able to do well as a team, to put the best for each player of the team.” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted defeat was a missed opportunity for his side. The Magpies missed a series of chances in the first half, including efforts from Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff, before Alexander Isak blasted a chance off target. Anthony Gordon also rolled an effort just wide of the post after the break and Isak headed wide of goal. Three points could have seen Newcastle move into the top six and Howe admitted his side need to learn from the match. “Yes, massive because the league is so tight that a couple of wins and the whole picture looks very different,” Howe said. “We’ll kick ourselves tonight because we knew the opportunity we had, a home game, Monday night, a great moment for us potentially in our season, so we have to learn from that and come back stronger.”

By Jennifer Allen Between cooking, cleaning and hosting, the familiar hustle of the holiday season can sometimes feel more hectic than heartwarming. But what if there were a way to embrace the season while leaving the chaos behind? Holiday cruises make all of this possible, offering the perfect getaway that can be tailored to any vibe – blending festive traditions with the excitement of travel. Imagine sipping hot chocolate in the background of the Northern Lights, exploring sun-drenched islands or maybe enjoying a festive dinner on the sea. Whether looking for family-friendly fun, romance for two or peaceful solo travel, holiday cruises deliver a unique celebration unlike any other. Do you want to skip the stress of the season but don’t want to miss out on the holiday cheer? Rest assured, among the most well-known cruise lines, most of them host elaborate holiday festivities that transform their ships into winter wonderlands complete with decorations, entertainment and activities fit for Santa Claus himself. Instead of buying gifts, stressing over what to cook or bake and cleaning over the holidays, Michelle Price of Honest and Truly prefers a holiday cruise for her family. “The ship takes care of everything, from making the beds in the morning to prepping our meals throughout the day. And they have various fun activities to keep us busy,” she says. From towering Christmas trees in the atrium to twinkling lights on every railing, cruises at this time of year are very creative with their festive splendor. Cruises will also complement their aesthetics to match entertainment, including tree-lighting ceremonies, live caroling and holiday movie nights under the stars. Depending on the cruise, you can expect a robust calendar of events with activities like ugly sweater parties, holiday trivia, Santa appearances and even onboard Christmas markets. The holiday wouldn’t feel complete without the food to match, and cruise lines deliver. You can enjoy lavish holiday dinners complete with everything, from the traditional turkey to international Christmas dishes. Some cruises even offer themed buffets with everything, from a turkey carving station to hot and creamy chowders , holiday cocktails, gingerbread-making workshops and seasonal dessert tastings to add fun to the feasts. Cruises cater to various travelers and take the guesswork out of planning a holiday. Unlike a traditional vacation where you are responsible for your own itinerary, cruises do the hard work for you by planning destinations, offering a wide variety of on-board activities and providing varied experiences that appeal to all. A 2024 survey by Expedia Cruises concluded that 82% of travelers who have cruised before say they would do it again. Traveling with the whole family can often feel like an exercise in logistics that leaves you more stressed than you were before your holiday. Holiday cruises simplify this, offering multigenerational activities, family-friendly dining options and flexible accommodations. The Disney Cruise Line, which includes the Very Merrytime Cruises for the holiday season, is popular for offering exciting kid-centric activities like themed crafts, holiday scavenger hunts and character meet-and-greets. These endless options paired with the kids’ or teens’ clubs keep younger travelers entertained while giving their parents peace of mind. When traveling with older family members, consider reaching out to the cruise ahead of time to find out what accessible options they offer. Cruise lines can sometimes accommodate requests that might be better suited for older folks like avoiding stairs or long walks to reach their room. Couples can rediscover their magic on holiday cruises that offer intimate moments and tailored experiences. The Romantic Cruises by Princess Cruises stand out because of their private balcony dining and couples’ activities like wine tastings or cooking classes to make hors d’oeuvres . However, many holiday cruises offer specialty experiences like date-night-worthy restaurants, sunset strolls on the deck and shared excursions that are sure to create lasting memories. For couples looking to rest and relax, holiday cruises can provide serene spaces, spa suites and infinity verandas that are perfect for unwinding together. Cruises provide the perfect atmosphere for singles to mingle and enjoy the holiday season with company. Social events like trivia nights, dance parties and holiday mixers encourage connection and camaraderie. Certain cruises, like the Norwegian Cruise Line and the Virgin Voyages’ Holiday Cruises, cater specifically to solo travelers. These cruises include adult-only entertainment, curated activities and a vibrant nightlife. Rest assured, these cruises provide plenty of holiday entertainment and seasonal activities that ensure you enjoy yourself while staying close to your holiday traditions. With over 323 cruise ships currently in operation serving 36 million passengers this year alone, according to photoAiD , how do you choose if you’re a first-time cruiser ? Start by confirming that the cruise is appropriate for the needs of your traveling group. Often, experiences that are tailored for a specific group, whether kids or couples, will be described in the cruise line’s name – take for instance, the Disney Cruise Line. You can also check out the on-board activities available to make sure that there are plenty of options for your company. Next, consider your budget. Holiday cruises make luxury accessible without breaking the bank, with options as low as $300 for shorter voyages. Cruises will often provide all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment and travel into a single cost-effective experience. The Carnival Cruise line remains a favorite for budget-conscious travelers because of its fun festivities and great dining options. However, even high-end experiences, like the MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, which includes amenities like private pools, lounges and butler services come at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury resorts. Lastly, ask yourself what holiday vibe you’re going for. Are you dreaming of a sunny tropical Christmas or perhaps frosty landscapes? Either way, with thousands of options in December alone, as cataloged by CruiseBooking.com , there’s a cruise waiting for you. The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean Cruises stop at destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay, while Hurtigruten’s Arctic Expeditions sail through breathtaking fjords and snowy landscapes. Holiday cruises offer a unique way to celebrate the season that’s a guaranteed hit without breaking the bank. Consider leaving behind the stress of hosting and planning; step aboard a ship where every detail has been curated to bring enjoyment and relaxation. With the holidays calling, will you answer with a ticket to set sail? Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling, and you can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love .The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and a Hamas military leader, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The announcement came as health officials in the Gaza Strip said the death toll from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000. The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The ICC panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both Netanyahu and his ex-defense minister bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. Israel’s war has caused heavy destruction across Gaza, decimated parts of the territory and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive. Israel launched its war in Gaza after 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. Here’s the Latest: WASHINGTON — The White House fundamentally rejects the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday. She said the Biden administration was “deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision.” The Biden administration has increased its warnings and appeals to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to spare civilians in airstrikes and other attacks, and to allow more aid to reach Gaza. However, a 30-day Biden administration deadline came and went earlier this month for Israel to meet specific U.S. targets to improve its treatment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza trapped in the war. U.S. demands included that Israel lift a near-total ban on delivery of aid to hard-hit north Gaza for starving civilians there. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — The three children were playing outside a cluster of tents housing displaced people in the Gaza Strip when an Israeli airstrike killed them, along with six other people. It’s become a grim, near-daily ritual more than 13 months into the Israel-Hamas war, which local health authorities said Thursday has killed over 44,000 Palestinians. Israel carries out frequent strikes against what it says are militants hiding in civilian areas, and women and children are nearly always among the dead. Wednesday’s strike killed Hamza al-Qadi, 7, his brother Abdulaziz, 5, and their sister Laila, 4, in a tent camp in the southern city of Khan Younis. Areej al-Qadi, their mother, says they were playing outside when they were killed. “All that’s left of them are their notebooks, their books and a blood-stained jacket,” she said as she broke into tears. “They were children who did nothing.” The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment on the strike. Gaza’s Health Ministry said Thursday that 44,056 Palestinians have been killed and 104,268 wounded since the start of the war, which was ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack into Israel. Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people that day, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 people. The Health Ministry does not say how many of those killed in Gaza were fighters but says women and children make up more than half the fatalities. Israel, which rarely comments on individual strikes, says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Hours after the ministry announced the latest toll, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and a Hamas military leader. Mahmoud bin Hassan, the children’s father, said he buried them on Thursday. He asked when the international community would take action to stop the war. “When the entire Palestinian population has been killed?” he said. NEW YORK — Human Rights Watch applauded the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants issued Thursday against both Israeli and Hamas officials. The warrants “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement. The New York-based rights group earlier this month released a report saying Israel has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, including massive forced displacements that amount to ethnic cleansing. JERUSALEM — Israeli prosecutors have charged a former aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with leaking classified documents to international media, apparently to protect the Israeli leader from criticism as a hostage deal was collapsing. Eli Feldstein, a former media adviser to Netanyahu, was charged Thursday with leaking classified information with the intent of harming state security and obstruction of justice. The leaked documents are said to have formed the basis of a widely discredited article in the London-based Jewish Chronicle — which was later withdrawn — suggesting Hamas planned to spirit hostages out of Gaza through Egypt, and an article in Germany’s Bild newspaper that said Hamas was drawing out the hostage talks as a form of psychological warfare on Israel. Critics say the leaks were aimed at giving Netanyahu political cover as the case-fire talks ground to a halt. Some have accused Netanyahu of resisting a deal in to preserve his governing coalition, which includes hard-line members who have threatened to bring down the government if he makes concessions to Hamas. The leaks came at a time of public uproar over the deaths of six hostages who were killed by their Hamas captors as Israeli soldiers were closing in. The indictment said the leaks were meant “to create media influence on the public discourse in Israel in regards to the handling of the hostage situation, after the news of the murder of six hostages.” The indictment identified two other Netanyahu aides as being connected to the scheme, but only Feldstein and an unidentified reservist in Israeli military intelligence were charged. Netanyahu, who denies the accusations, has not been identified as a suspect in the burgeoning investigation. Israeli media say if convicted, Feldstein could potentially face life in prison. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military has launched an investigation into the death of a 70-year-old Israeli man who entered Lebanon with Israeli forces and was killed in a Hezbollah ambush. Investigators are trying to determine, among other things, who allowed Zeev Erlich into the combat zone with the forces and why he was permitted to enter. According to Israeli media reports, Erlich was not on active duty when he was shot, but was wearing a military uniform and had a weapon. The army said he was a reservist with the rank of major and identified him as a “fallen soldier” when it announced his death. Erlich was a well-known West Bank settler and researcher of Jewish history. Media reports said Erlich was permitted to enter Lebanon to explore a local archaeological site. The army said a 20-year-old soldier was killed in the same incident, while an officer was badly wounded. The army announced Thursday that the chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, has appointed a team of experts “to examine and strengthen operational discipline and military culture” following the incident. It said its commander for northern Israel, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, would launch a separate “command inquiry,” while Israeli military police conduct a separate probe. Such investigations can lead to criminal charges. BEIRUT — At least 29 people were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes on different towns and villages across Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state-run media. In eastern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes killed 26 people in six different towns in Baalbek province, the health ministry and the National News Agency said. In Tyre province, southern Lebanon, three people were killed in an Israeli strike, the health ministry said. The health ministry Wednesday said that over 3,550 people have been killed in the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel, the majority following Israel’s escalation in late September. The European Union's foreign policy chief has underlined that the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas officials are a legal and not political matter, and that they are binding on all 27 EU member countries and other signatories to the ICC to implement. “The tragedy in Gaza has to stop," Josep Borrell told reporters during a visit to Jordan. “It is not a political decision. It is the decision of an international court of justice, and the decision of the court has to be respected, and implemented.” “This decision is a binding decision on all state parties of the court, which include all members of the European Union," he added. ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling partyhas welcomed the decision by the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamn Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, calling it a judgement made for the sake of “humanity.” Omer Celik, spokesman for the Erdogan’s party, said on the social media platform X that Netanyahu and Gallant would “eventually be held accountable for genocide.” Celik also criticised Israeli officials who described the ICC decision as antisemitic. Turkey is among the most vocal critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and has submitted a formal request to join a genocide case that South Africa has filed against Israel at the U.N.’s International Court of Justice. Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, whose country hosts the International Criminal Court, has confirmed The Netherlands would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he arrived on Dutch soil. “The line from the government is clear. We are obliged to cooperate with the ICC ... we abide 100% by the Rome Statute,” he said in response to a question in parliament Thursday. Other European officials were more cautious. In France, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said he supported the International Criminal Court's prosecutor but declined to comment when asked more specifically if France would arrest Netanyahu if he were to step on French soil. “Today, combating impunity is our priority. We ratified the ICC Statute in 2000 and have consistently supported the court’s actions. Our response will align with these principles,” Christophe Lemoine told reporters at a press conference. Lemoine added that the warrants were “a complex legal issue ... It’s a situation that requires a lot of legal precautions.” In Italy, the foreign and justice ministries didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment about whether Italy, an ICC member which hosted the Rome conference that gave birth to the court, would honor the arrest warrant. Premier Giorgia Meloni hosted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in March 2023 and has strongly supported Israel since Oct. 7, while providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. JERUSALEM — Israel’s mostly ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, has called the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a dark day for justice. A dark day for humanity.” In a post on X, he said the international court “has chosen the side of terror and evil over democracy and freedom, and turned the very system of justice into a human shield for Hamas’ crimes against humanity." Israel Katz, Israel’s new defense minister, said the decision was “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.” He said it “serves Iran, the head of the snake, and its proxies.” Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, also condemned the decision, saying it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.” Hamas has welcomed the decision by the International Criminal Court to issue warrants against Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, calling it an “important and historic precedent” after what it said was decades of injustice at the hands of a “fascist occupation.” The statement did not refer to the warrants issued for the militant group’s own leaders. Hamas called on all nations to “cooperate with the court in bringing the Zionist war criminals, Netanyahu and Gallant, to justice, and to work immediately to stop the crimes of genocide against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip.” DEIR AL-BALAH, The Gaza Strip — Bakeries have reopened in the central Gaza Strip after being closed for several days because of flour shortages. The shortages appear to have been linked to the looting of nearly 100 truckloads of aid by armed men in southern Gaza last weekend. Associated Press footage showed a crowd of hundreds pushing and shouting outside a bakery in the central city of Deir al-Balah on Thursday. The day before the reopening, the price of a bag of 15 loaves of pita bread had climbed above $13. “In my house, there is not a morsel of bread, and the children are hungry,” said Sultan Abu Sultan, who was displaced from northern Gaza during the war. The amount of aid entering Gaza plunged in October as Israel launched a major offensive in the isolated north, where experts say famine may be underway . Hunger is widespread across the territory, even in central Gaza where aid groups have more access. Humanitarian organizations say Israeli restrictions, ongoing fighting and the breakdown of law and order make it difficult to deliver assistance. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ October 2023 attack, has displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people. Hundreds of thousands are crammed into tent camps with little in the way of public services and are reliant on international food aid. NICOSIA — The president of Cyprus says the European Union must play a bigger role in the Middle East as it can no longer stand by as an observer. President Nikos Christodoulides said the 27-member bloc needs to establish closer ties with countries that bolster regional stability like Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf states. “The conflict in the Middle East is taking place on the EU’s doorstep, in an area of vital interest to the bloc’s interests, where any escalation or regional spillover will have significant consequences on its security and stability,” Christodoulides told an Economist conference in the Cypriot capital. Christodoulides said EU member Cyprus for years has tried to get this message across to Brussels. The island nation earlier this year was the staging ground for a maritime corridor delivering some 20,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The EU is wracked by members’ divisions over how peace should come about in the Middle East THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian territory. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects and is likely to further isolate them and complicate efforts to negotiate a cease-fire to end the 13-month conflict. But its practical implications could be limited since Israel and its major ally, the United States, are not members of the court and several of the Hamas officials have been subsequently killed in the conflict. Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have previously condemned ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for the warrants as disgraceful and antisemitic. U.S. President Joe Biden also blasted the prosecutor and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. Hamas also slammed the request. The death toll in the Gaza Strip from the 13-month-old war between Israel and Hamas has surpassed 44,000, local health officials said Thursday. 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 Health Ministry said 44,056 people have been killed and 104,268 wounded since the start of the war. It has said the real toll is higher because thousands of bodies are buried under rubble or in areas that medics cannot access. 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. Around 90% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people have been displaced, often multiple times, and hundreds of thousands are living in squalid tent camps with little food, water or basic services. Israel says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames their deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in residential areas, where they have built tunnels, rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. JERUSALEM — A rocket fired from Lebanon killed a man and wounded two others in northern Israel on Thursday, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service. The service said paramedics found the body of the man in his 30s near a playground in the town of Nahariya, near the border with Lebanon, after a rocket attack on Thursday. Israel meanwhile struck targets in southern Lebanon and several buildings south of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, after warning people to evacuate.Stock market today: S&P 500, Nasdaq close at record highs after November jobs data

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts may sit out a potential NFC East clincher against Dallas because of the lingering effects of a concussion . The Eagles could also just rest Hurts to play it safe -- even if he’s medically cleared ahead of Sunday’s game -- and protect their franchise QB from additional injury over the final two games. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni kept quiet this week on which QB will start Sunday, in large part, of course, because of the head injury suffered by Hurts in last week’s loss to Washington that forced him into the concussion protocol . The issue was complicated by backup Kenny Pickett’s rib injury suffered in relief of Hurts in his first real game competition in nearly a year. Tanner McKee, the third-string QB, could move into a backup role — or maybe even get the start against the Cowboys. Philadelphia's starting quarterback situation has surged past Saquon Barkley's chase at Eric Dickerson's season rushing record as the most intriguing talking point in the final two games. The Eagles (12-3) appear certain to win the division title — they're two games ahead of Washington (10-5) — and a No. 2 seed in the conference no matter the quarterback headed into the playoffs. Even with an unsettled QB spot, the Eagles are are still 71⁄2-point home favorites to beat division rival Dallas, per BetMGM Sportsbook. Sirianni appreciated that quarterback depth has been a strength for the Eagles. “We feel good about that room,” he said. So why risk Hurts against the Cowboys? There's little reason to make Hurts play only a week after absorbing a pair of blows to the head and the extra week off — maybe two if the finale against the Giants is truly meaningless — could add to his recovery time ahead of a home playoff game. The Eagles were burned in a similar situation last season when Hurts and star wide receiver A.J. Brown were both injured in the final game against the Giants with little at stake. With both players hampered by unnecessary injuries, the Eagles were dumped the next week by Tampa Bay in the NFC wild-card playoff game. The Eagles have options if Hurts is inactive. Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards in relief, throwing a touchdown pass to Brown and an interception. Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pitt in 2022, went 14-10 as a starter for the Steelers before he was traded to the Eagles in the offseason. McKee was the Eagles’ 2023 sixth-round pick out of Stanford. The 6-foot-6, 231-pound quarterback has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game. He's mostly used in practice on the scout team or in developmental periods — at best, he'll stay late after practice to get some reps in with the top receivers. “Every week, every opportunity, it's knowing it could be my shot, my chance,” McKee said. He could finally get that shot against Dallas. With the Cowboys out of playoff contention, the questions persist for coach Mike McCarthy about bypassing Cooper Rush for a look at Trey Lance before both QBs hit free agency. McCarthy’s answer hasn’t wavered: Rush gives Dallas the best chance to win. Rush is 4-3 since Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring tear after going 5-1 over two previous stints as an injury replacement. That’s 9-4 total. Half the losses came in both of Rush’s starts against Eagles – the last of five games filling in during the 2022 season and the first game this season. “The mindset is to win,” McCarthy said. “We’re going to Philadelphia to win the game.” Barkley leads the NFL with 1,838 yards rushing for the season through 15 games. He still needs two big outings in the final games of the season against Dallas and the New York Giants to top Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. Barkley is 268 yards away from passing Dickerson for the season mark and 162 shy from becoming the ninth player in NFL history with 2,000 yards rushing in a season. He ran for only 66 yards in the first game this season against Dallas. Dallas ranks 28th in the NFL in rushing defense, surrendering 135.9 yards per contest. Philadelphia, behind Barkley’s stellar play, tops the league at 187.9 yards per game on the ground. The Eagles have already have set a team record for yards rushing in a season with 2,818, and they are within four rushing touchdowns of tying the club’s single-season mark of 32, set in 2022. Barkley needs four more rushing touchdowns to tie LeSean McCoy’s Eagles record, set in 2011 and just 33 yards from scrimmage to break McCoy’s mark of 2,146 set in 2013. Star Dallas edge rusher Micah Parsons needs half a sack to reach double digits in each of his first four seasons despite missing four games with a high ankle sprain, the first injury absence of his career. The 2021 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year would be the fifth player to reach 10 sacks in each of his first four seasons. The other four — Claude Humphrey, Reggie White, Derrick Thomas and Dwight Freeney - are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. AP Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon contributed from Arlington, Texas. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflThey were all exceptional – Mikel Arteta loved seeing Arsenal run riot in LisbonCHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Rafael Pinzon had 22 points in Bryant's 97-85 win over Tennessee State on Tuesday night. Pinzon shot 6 of 15 from the field, including 4 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Bulldogs (4-3). Connor Withers scored 17 points while going 6 of 14 from the floor, including 4 for 9 from 3-point range, and 1 for 4 from the line. Keyshawn Mitchell finished 7 of 10 from the field to finish with 16 points, while adding 13 rebounds. Brandon Weston led the way for the Tigers (3-5) with 24 points and six steals. Antoine Lorick III added 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Tennessee State. Carlous Williams had 16 points and two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Rafael Pinzon had 22 points in Bryant's 97-85 win over Tennessee State on Tuesday night. Pinzon shot 6 of 15 from the field, including 4 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Bulldogs (4-3). Connor Withers scored 17 points while going 6 of 14 from the floor, including 4 for 9 from 3-point range, and 1 for 4 from the line. Keyshawn Mitchell finished 7 of 10 from the field to finish with 16 points, while adding 13 rebounds. Brandon Weston led the way for the Tigers (3-5) with 24 points and six steals. Antoine Lorick III added 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Tennessee State. Carlous Williams had 16 points and two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .In the midst of the darkness and despair, there is still hope for Haiti. The resilience and strength of the Haitian people, their rich cultural heritage, and their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity all point towards a brighter tomorrow. It is up to all of us to stand in solidarity with Haiti and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future for all.White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign

In times of uncertainty and concern, it is crucial for the community to come together in support of those affected and to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. The authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperative throughout the investigative process to ensure a swift and thorough resolution to the matter.US says it pushed retraction of famine warning for north Gaza; aid groups are concerned

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the battle against Android trojans like DroidBot underscores the importance of collective vigilance and proactive security measures. By leveraging technology, awareness, and collaboration, we can bolster our defenses and protect the integrity of online banking services for users worldwide. Together, we can navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape and ensure a safer, more secure digital future for all.

Welling scores 21 as Utah Valley takes down West Georgia 77-74In a recent CBA basketball game, star player Sun Minghui was involved in a disturbing incident that has caused significant concern for his health. The talented athlete sustained a serious brain injury after being struck in the temple by an opponent's elbow, leaving fans and sports enthusiasts shocked and saddened by the unfortunate turn of events.49ers vs. Lions injury report: These 6 players missed Friday's practice

Friday, December 27, 2024 Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube Personal Finance Education Entertainment Jobs Alert Sports Hindi Technology Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy Authors and Team DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Cookie Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Contact US About Us More Search Home Personal Finance PF New Rules: 5 new rules of EPFO ​​will be implemented in... Personal Finance PF New Rules: 5 new rules of EPFO ​​will be implemented in the new year, know what will be the effect on the employees By Shyamu Maurya December 27, 2024 0 20 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram PF New Rules: 5 new rules of EPFO ​​will be implemented in the new year, know what will be the effect on the employees EPFO is making important changes for pensioners. Under the new rules, pensioners will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank in the country without any additional verification. PF New Rules: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced some major changes in guidelines and policies for its crores of subscribers. Most of these changes are likely to come into effect from the new year. The retirement fund body is preparing to launch many new facilities for its subscribers. The purpose of these new rules is to provide more convenience to PF account holders and help them manage their retirement fund in a better way. These changes will benefit both private sector employees and government employees. Let’s know about these new rules. 5 new rules for PF account Facility to withdraw PF money from ATM EPFO has decided to issue an ATM card to provide more convenience to the members, which will provide 24/7 fund withdrawal facility to the subscribers. This ATM withdrawal facility is expected to start in the financial year 2025-26. With the implementation of the new guidelines, subscribers will be able to easily withdraw funds anytime in 24 hours. This will also save a lot of time for the subscribers. Currently, they have to wait for about 7 to 10 days to receive PF money in their bank account. Employee contribution limit may change Another major change coming next year is the change in EPF contribution limit for employees. Currently, employees contribute 12% of their basic salary to the EPF account every month. However, the government is considering allowing employees to contribute based on their actual salary instead of the Rs 15,000 fixed by the EPFO. Once this policy is implemented, employees will be able to accumulate a larger fund till their retirement and receive more pension every month. EPFO IT system upgrade EPFO is upgrading its IT infrastructure, which will allow PF claimants and beneficiaries to easily withdraw their deposits. It is expected that this upgrade will be completed by June 2025. Once the IT infrastructure is upgraded, members’ claims will be settled faster than before. Besides, this will increase transparency and reduce cases of fraud. Facility to invest in equity EPFO is considering allowing its members to invest in equity. This will give PF account holders the option to manage their funds more effectively. If the retirement fund body allows direct equity investment, members can expect high returns. Easy pension withdrawal EPFO is making important changes for pensioners. Under the new rule, pensioners will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank in the country without any additional verification. This move will be very convenient for the members and will also save a lot of their time as they will be able to withdraw their pension from any bank. Tags PF New Rules Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Previous article Banking System: Now bank will fine you Rs 100 per day if the transaction fails; Know RBI rules Next article Tax Free Salary: There will be no tax on salary up to ₹ 10,50,000? preparations are being made to give relief to middle class taxpayers Shyamu Maurya Shyamu has done Degree in Fine Arts and has knowledge about bollywood industry. He started writing in 2018. Since then he has been associated with Informalnewz. In case of any complain or feedback, please contact me @informalnewz@gmail.com RELATED ARTICLES India School Holiday: Schools will remain closed for 15 days in Haryana, notice of winter vacation issued December 27, 2024 Personal Finance H-1B visa limit may end for India, know what will be the benefit December 27, 2024 India Cancelled Train: Big news for railway passengers! Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 - Advertisment - Most Popular School Holiday: Schools will remain closed for 15 days in Haryana, notice of winter vacation issued December 27, 2024 H-1B visa limit may end for India, know what will be the benefit December 27, 2024 Cancelled Train: Big news for railway passengers! Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 HSRP Number Plate Application: HSRP number plate applicable for old vehicles in this state, know price and application process December 27, 2024 Load more Recent Comments Gul Mohiudin on Kavita sister-in-law wore a sari without a blouse, seeing the pictures you will also be... Venkatesh on Urfi Javed crossed all limits, wore a front open hoodie top without inner, see photos and videos Gul Mohiudin on Malaika Arora came out in a backless strappy dress late at night, someone had to handle the gown and someone held her hand Gul Mohiudin on Priyanka Chopra reached award function without bra, shame had to be saved repeatedly in open jacket Venkatesh on Disha Patani shared a bo*ld picture while taking a bath, seeing Tiger Shroff’s heart beat will increase EDITOR PICKS School Holiday: Schools will remain closed for 15 days in Haryana, notice of winter vacation issued December 27, 2024 H-1B visa limit may end for India, know what will be the benefit December 27, 2024 Cancelled Train: Big news for railway passengers! Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 POPULAR POSTS School Holiday: Schools will remain closed for 15 days in Haryana, notice of winter vacation issued December 27, 2024 H-1B visa limit may end for India, know what will be the benefit December 27, 2024 Cancelled Train: Big news for railway passengers! Many trains on this route have been cancelled, see the list before travelling December 27, 2024 POPULAR CATEGORY Personal Finance 18120 Entertainment 17065 India 4559 News 3785 Technology 2264 Jobs Alert 793 Travel 652 Education 451 ABOUT US INFORMALNEWZ brings the Latest News & Top Breaking headlines on Politics and Current Affairs. Up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by informal Newz. Find latest news coverage of breaking news events, trending topics, and compelling articles. 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As the film delves into the complex relationships and rivalries that defined the artistic scene of the time, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by Botticelli as he navigated the volatile world of Renaissance Florence. From his early days as a young apprentice to his rise to fame as one of the most celebrated artists of his time, Botticelli's journey is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and passion.I tested the new Kindle Paperwhite, and it has the one upgrade I've been waiting for

The incident involving Sun Minghui serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks and dangers that athletes face in the competitive world of sports. While injuries are an unfortunate reality in any physical activity, it is essential for players, coaches, and league officials to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. Proper training, supervision, and enforcement of rules and regulations are imperative in creating a secure and conducive environment for athletes to perform at their best.Unlocking the Masterpiece: Tarlos's Law Announces Reprint Release Next YearThe arrival of the early signing period Wednesday offered a stark reminder for college football fans. If recruiting rankings offer any accurate gauge in the era of the transfer portal, those teams competing for College Football Playoff berths now should keep contending for years to come. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State are all on track to earn playoff invitations, and those five schools also are atop the team recruiting standings. It represents one more example of how the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten have separated themselves from all the other leagues. Steve Wiltfong, vice president of recruiting and the transfer portal for On3, said it’s apparent why those programs continue recruiting so well. “First and foremost, those are the programs with the most resources,” Wiltfong said. “They’re the programs that are having the most success on the field and in the NFL draft.” The order of those top classes remains in flux. The identity of the No. 1 class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports may not be determined until Friday because of the uncertainty surrounding a couple of top-10 prospects. Manchester (Georgia) defensive tackle Justus Terry, the nation’s No. 10 overall recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, isn’t expected to announce his college choice until Friday. Terry is considering Georgia, Texas and Auburn. David Sanders of Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 5 overall recruit in his class. Sanders is committed to Tennessee, but he wasn’t expected to sign on Wednesday as Ohio State continues to pursue him. Terry was the rare prospect delaying his decision. Most top recruits already committed to a school well before the signing period, continuing a trend that took effect from the time a December signing date was added in 2017 to the traditional February signing period. This year, that early signing period was moved up a few weeks so that it would take place before the transfer window opens Monday. This signing period also comes in the era of collectives and name, image and likeness opportunities allowing prospects to profit off their brand. LSU coach Brian Kelly called it “unlike any recruiting period that I’ve ever been involved in” and opened his news conference Wednesday by saying it “feels more like Tax Day than it does signing day.” “It’s not just about finding the right fit academically,” said Kelly, whose class ranked ninth as of Wednesday afternoon. “It’s not just about finding the right fit where you can develop holistically and graduate and play for a championship. It’s about what’s the most money I can get. That’s unfortunate, but it’s the world we live in. You have to be able to adapt, and you have to be able to realign and be prepared.” While most prospects committed to schools months ago, some of them changed their minds down the stretch. Oregon arguably had the best day of anyone in flipping prospects. The Ducks landed the 247Sports Composite’s No. 11 overall prospect when cornerback Na’eem Offord made a switch from Ohio State. Oregon also added one of the nation’s top 10 quarterback recruits in Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who initially committed to California. Oregon’s class now includes three of the nation’s top six cornerback prospects in Offord, Brandon Finney and Dorian Brew. Perhaps the most notable development in the weeks leading up to the signing period was quarterback Bryce Underwood’s decision last month to stay in his home state and play for Michigan after initially planning to play at LSU. “It’s huge,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “He’s an excellent player, obviously.” Underwood’s switch brought late momentum for the defending national champions . Michigan will end up with a top-10 class this year after finishing outside the top 15 each of the last two recruiting cycles. Michigan’s recruiting emergence wasn’t the only surprise. Auburn was sixth in the 247Sports Composite team rankings as of Wednesday afternoon after posting a fourth consecutive losing season. “I’ve been very clear since my arrival that I thought it would take three top-10 classes to overhaul our roster, to get it to where it’s apples to apples with the elite in the country,” Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said. “And man, today’s one of those days where the first emotion you probably feel is relief and excitement is the next one.” Florida was the fastest-rising team in the recruiting rankings after coach Billy Napier earned a vote of confidence and freshman quarterback DJ Lagway helped the Gators win three straight games to close the regular season. “I’m calling it the DJ Lagway effect,” said Andrew Ivins, director of scouting for 247Sports. “They went from outside the top 50 to knocking on the door for a top-10 recruiting class. We haven’t really seen that type of push ever.” While Georgia awaits Terry’s decision, the Bulldogs signed two other home-state prospects who were rated among the nation’s top nine recruits in the 247Sports Composite. Defensive lineman Elijah Griffin of Savannah Christian Prep is ranked third overall. Edge rusher Isaiah Gibson of Warner Robins is ninth. Alabama’s class is headlined by quarterback Keelon Russell, the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. Ohio State has two top-10 overall recruits in cornerback Devin Sanchez (6th) and quarterback Tavien St. Clair (7th). “There’s a swagger about him, there’s a confidence about him,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. “He’s been a major part of bringing and keeping this class together, which is what you want out of any leader, but especially out of your quarterback.” Texas added three top-25 prospects by getting safety Jonah Williams (8th), wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (22nd) and defensive lineman Lance Jackson (25th) to stay in their home state.None

However, just a few years later, Lily's body began rejecting the transplanted kidney, leaving her once again in need of a life-saving transplant. This time, it was David who selflessly offered to donate his kidney to his daughter. Despite the risks and challenges involved, he did not hesitate to undergo the surgery, knowing that it was the only way to give Lily a chance at a healthy life.The capital city experienced a year of stark contrasts in 2024, oscillating between a severe water crisis and recurring floods. The challenges tested the city’s infrastructure and governance, prompting innovative measures and long-term planning, albeit with mixed results. A severe water crisis loomed over Bengaluru during the summer, primarily affecting areas reliant on borewells and water tankers. The core zones served by the Cauvery river were relatively insulated, even as the city grappled with a protracted dispute over water-sharing with Tamil Nadu. In response, Bengaluru’s water board mandated the use of treated wastewater for major construction and industrial projects, with supply rising sharply from 60,000 litres to 6 million litres daily. However, after rains arrived, the demand halved to 3.5 million litres per day. Later in the year, the Cauvery V Stage project was inaugurated, introducing 775 million litres of water daily to the city’s outer zones. This development is expected to reduce dependency on borewells and tankers in the coming years, but steep connection fees have hindered uptake, leaving authorities hopeful for higher demand in the future. After months of drought, Bengaluru was battered by heavy rains beginning in May, triggering widespread flooding. The deluge resulted in uprooted trees, submerged underpasses, and waterlogged streets. May 6 saw the first major downpour, bringing down 126 trees in a single day. Despite improved coordination between civic bodies and traffic police to close underpasses during floods, issues persisted. October was especially challenging, with several neighbourhoods inundated. Residents of Kendriya Vihar in Yelahanka had to be evacuated due to basement flooding, while over 100 homes in areas like Ramakrishna Nagar and Horamavu were swamped. Repeated downpours in subsequent months exposed gaps in the city’s flood preparedness, though officials reported a reduction in the overall impact. According to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike records, around 2,000 homes were affected by flooding in 2024. The rains also took a toll on Bengaluru’s roads, with over 10,000 potholes identified by the BBMP during the year. While most were filled, recurring problems revealed shortcomings in repair quality. In December, the BBMP tested a new Ecofix mix technology, using industrial waste to fill waterlogged potholes. While the innovation shows promise, it underscores the need for durable road repair strategies to prevent repeated failures. Heavy rainfall inundated Bengaluru, particularly its IT hubs like Manyata Tech Park and Whitefield, causing widespread disruption and sparking a political tussle between the ruling Congress and opposition parties. The rains paralysed traffic and flooded residential and commercial areas, drawing criticism from opposition leaders over the city’s inadequate infrastructure and poor water management. Opposition leaders, including those from the BJP, accused the government of neglecting effective measures to tackle flooding and water-related issues in the state capital during the drought. In response to these allegations of government letting water tank mafia thrive in the city, the Bengaluru city administration-initiated action against unauthorised water tanker operations during the water crisis. The challenges of 2024 have spotlighted Bengaluru’s pressing need for sustainable solutions in water management, flood mitigation, and road maintenance. As the city braces for another year, the focus shifts from short-term fixes to long-term resilience.

Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join GuardiansAP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:24 p.m. ESTBy AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said 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 new details 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. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.

This is the first in a two-part series about the tariffs likely to be levied on China during Donald Trump’s second term as US president. This part examines the state of trade and taxation from the Americans’ point of view, while part two explores China’s side of the story. When Robert Lighthizer speaks of his early life – spent in a once-thriving industrial town deep in the American rust belt – the long-time Donald Trump ally makes it clear his commitment to reviving domestic manufacturing is as personal as it is political. Having shaped trade policy during Trump’s first term as president, the former United States Trade Representative (USTR) views reindustrialization – and wiping out what he sees as China’s edge in trade – as a patriotic mission and economic necessity. “We need substantial tariffs on China because they are an adversary, they’re taking advantage of us. Now we have to get that back to balance,” the 77-year-old lawyer said last month in a lengthy talk with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), a conservative educational non-profit. Now, as Trump prepares a return to the White House, a new era of economic policy driven by tariffs appears all but certain. Trump’s choice for commerce secretary, the investment banker Howard Lutnick, issued a full-throated defence of import duties in an October interview on finance broadcaster CNBC. “Tariffs are an amazing tool,” he said. “If we want to make it in America, tariff it.”

The chief, whose name has not been disclosed to the public, has been at the center of controversy following reports of excessive use of force and human rights violations during the state of emergency. The government's decision to prevent the chief from leaving the country is a clear indication of the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.Traffic police taking steps to curb rising mishaps

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. After the leaders’ hastily arranged dinner Friday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation." Trump said in a Truth Social post later Saturday that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” For issues in need of such cooperation, Trump cited fentanyl and the “Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration," fair trade deals "that do not jeopardize American Workers” and the U.S. trade deficit with its ally to the north. Trump asserted that the prime minister had made “a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation” of American families from fentanyl from China reaching the United States through its neighbors. The U.S., he said, “will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic.” The Republican president-elect has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders when he takes office in January. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024 — and Canadian officials say they are ready to make new investments in border security. Trudeau called Trump after the Republican's social media posts about the tariffs last Monday and they agreed to meet, according to a official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss detail of the private talks. The official said other countries are calling Canadian officials to hear how about how the meeting was arranged and to ask for advice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, after speaking with Trump on the telephone, said Thursday she was confident a tariff war with Washington would be averted. At the dinner that was said to last three hours, Trump said he and Trudeau also discussed energy, trade and the Arctic. A second official cited defense, Ukraine, NATO, China, the Mideast, pipelines and the Group of Seven meeting in Canada next year as other issues that arose. Trudeau's office said in a statement that the leaders “shared a productive wide-ranging discussion” centering on “collaboration and strengthening our relationship,” adding, "As Canada’s closest friend and ally, the United States is our key partner, and we are committed to working together in the interests of Canadians and Americans.” Trump, during his first term as president, once called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest,” but it was the prime minister who was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. "Tariffs are a crucial issue for Canada and a bold move was in order. Perhaps it was a risk, but a risk worth taking,” Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Trudeau had said before leaving from Friday that Trump was elected because he promised to bring down the cost of groceries but now was talking about adding 25% to the cost of all kinds of products, including potatoes from Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. “It is important to understand that Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about it,” Trudeau said. “Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” he added. The threatened tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his first term. Trudeau noted they were able to successfully renegotiate the deal, which he calls a “win win” for both countries. When Trump imposed higher tariffs as president, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto.

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galaxy bet NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024-- Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE: BXMT) declared a dividend of $0.47 per share of class A common stock with respect to the fourth quarter of 2024. This dividend is payable on January 15, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024. About Blackstone Mortgage Trust Blackstone Mortgage Trust (NYSE: BXMT) is a real estate finance company that originates senior loans collateralized by commercial real estate in North America, Europe, and Australia. Our investment objective is to preserve and protect shareholder capital while producing attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily through dividends generated from current income from our loan portfolio. Our portfolio is composed primarily of loans secured by high-quality, institutional assets in major markets, sponsored by experienced, well-capitalized real estate investment owners and operators. These senior loans are capitalized by accessing a variety of financing options, depending on our view of the most prudent strategy available for each of our investments. We are externally managed by BXMT Advisors L.L.C., a subsidiary of Blackstone. About Blackstone Blackstone is the world’s largest alternative asset manager. We seek to deliver compelling returns for institutional and individual investors by strengthening the companies in which we invest. Our more than $1.1 trillion in assets under management include global investment strategies focused on real estate, private equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, credit, real assets, secondaries and hedge funds. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com . Follow @blackstone on LinkedIn , X (Twitter) , and Instagram . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect BXMT’s current views with respect to, among other things, its operations and financial performance, its business plans and the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, including interest rate changes. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “objective,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. BXMT believes these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in the filings. BXMT assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events or circumstances. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213685391/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations Blackstone +1 (888) 756-8443 BlackstoneShareholderRelations@Blackstone.comPublic Affairs Blackstone +1 (212) 583-5263 PressInquiries@Blackstone.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FINANCE BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY SOURCE: Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/13/2024 04:15 PM/DISC: 12/13/2024 04:15 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241213685391/en

(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .

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Hybrid classes coming to Surrey high schools to combat overcrowdingQatar Social Work Foundation (QSWF), which is affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, and its centres -- Shafallah Center, Aman Center, and Al Noor Center -- participated in the fourth edition of the Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination, held in Barcelona, Spain, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and Unesco. This annual forum serves as an important platform that brings together representatives from governments, municipalities, civil society organizations, and academic circles to discuss prominent issues and exchange the best solutions to strengthen the global movement against racism and discrimination. The fourth edition of the forum focused on key issues, including combating racism, empowering women, and empowering people with disabilities, while enhancing the exchange of experiences between civil society organizations, which contributes to the development of effective policies to combat discrimination at both the local and global levels. The participation of the Qatar Social Work Foundation is part of its commitment to combating discrimination and promoting equality in society, making it a fundamental pillar in supporting the social sector in Qatar. The foundation also seeks to strengthen institutional partnerships with relevant international organizations as part of achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build an interconnected society that ensures the well-being of all its members and enhances social solidarity values, with a focus on sustainable human and social development in all areas. Related Story Darb Al Saai a place to enjoy Qatari traditionsA McDonald's Corp MCD restaurant in Pennsylvania became the location of a police arrest for the suspect now charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The arrest, which came from customers and employees recognizing suspect Luigi Mangione from surveillance photos released by New York City police, has some people upset that police were called. What Happened: Mangione has been charged with the death of Thompson, the CEO Of UnitedHealthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group UNH . His arrest came after a McDonald's employee called police as patrons recognized the suspect, which led to his arrest. With a potential motive for the murder of Thompson being related to the high cost of insurance premiums and high rate of insurance claim denials, the insurance sector is seeing an increased spotlight that has also made some sympathetic to whoever completed the murder. Some who were upset with the handling of Mangione being arrested at the McDonald's used the power of the internet and social media reviews to take down the Pennsylvania restaurant location. A large amount of one-star reviews began popping up on Google for the Pennsylvania McDonald's, as reported by the New York Post. Google, which is a unit of Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL removed one-star reviews. "These reviews violate our policies and are being removed," a Google spokesperson told The New York Post. While many of the one-star reviews, which are part of a process known as "review bombing" had been removed, the news outlet found several still remained. "More like Narc-donalds...I hope obesity and heart disease are in-network in PA," one review said. Review company Yelp Inc YELP also saw a rush of new reviews on the Pennsylvania McDonald's and put a warning on the location's page that said "Unusual Activity Alert." Here are some of the reviews left on Yelp for the McDonald's location: "Avoid this McDonald's location, they're out of your network. The food will send you to an early grave and no health insurance will cover that — they're in the business of denials." "Major rat problem in this most anti-American establishment. Never going to eat here again." "The staff was rude and they called the police on my friend Luigi. There were rats everywhere." "One of the employees told me because I'm poor I don't deserve healthcare." "Horrible service and the patrons today were McSnitches. Home they McStitches and their insurance doesn't pay for it." Read Also: McDonald’s Where Trump Worked Review-Bombed On Yelp: ‘Fries Too Salty As If Someone Who Lost A Major Election Had Been Crying Over Them’ Why It's Important: The Pennsylvania McDonald's had private security at the location Tuesday as it saw an increased influx of customers and media. Regulars at the location thought Mangione looked familiar and their conversation heard by an employee prompted the employee to call police. "A guy came in the door, and I didn't really look at him, I thought everyone was kidding around. The one guy said, ‘That looks like the shooter from New York,'" a witness named Larry told CBS News. The employee recognized Mangione while taking his order, according to the report. McDonald's workers have said they are worried about their safety after Mangione's arrest. The Altoona Police Department, which arrested Mangione, has also received death threats, according to the report. The sympathy that has shifted towards Mangione since his arrest comes with his social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook, which are owned by Meta Platforms Inc META being shut down . YouTube also deleted several channels linked to Mangione. An account linked to Mangione on X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk , was shut down before being reinstated as Musk said he was "looking into it." Mangione's account on X went from having under 1,000 followers to more than 300,000 at the time of writing. The last post made by Mangione was a retweet in June 2024 with his last original post made on May 14, 2024. The May 14, 2024 post, now having millions of impressions, was centered on cellular agriculture and mentioned the company Agronomics Ltd. AGNMF , a penny stock that has seen a sizable boost to its share price this week. The X account for Mangione was unverified on Monday, but is now verified Tuesday with users questioning who paid for or approved of the blue check and asking if the suspect will receive revenue similar to other accounts on the platform. A meme coin called Luigi was also launched and saw sizable action on Monday and Tuesday. Users have also flocked to the GoodReads account reportedly belonging to Mangione. The profile features a reading history of books on back pain and a four-star review of the manifesto of Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber. GoodReads, which is owned by Amazon.com Inc AMZN could end up a potential winner in the increased traffic related to Mangione on the site. Read Next: UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect: Chronic Pain, Unabomber Fascination, Isolation Details Emerge Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Sean Dyche claims Arsenal have joined Everton in becoming clinical from set pieces. Arsenal and Everton are joint top of the Premier League stats with eight goals from set pieces this season. The Gunners are being applauded because they have scored 22 times in the Premier League from corners since the start of last season, but Dyche has always prided himself on his sides being dangerous from dead-ball situations. All four of their goals in their last game against Wolves came from set pieces and the Blues boss said: “We’ve found that ourselves. Virtually all teams mention set pieces when they play us as being a threat. “Sometimes it’s just the fact you’re good at them. You can mention psychology, but let’s have it right, if you’re good at them, that brings its own psychology. They’re pretty handy.” Dyche says he won’t be duped into believing Arsenal are only a threat from corners. He knows it would be foolhardy to think that is their only strength and feels they have the quality to hurt opponents from any part of the pitch. “I just think because of their strong stats on set pieces, that makes a story,” he said. “I certainly haven’t forgotten about what else they can do. They’ve got some very good players without doubt and they can still open you up, they can find ways of winning. I certainly don’t think they’re a set-play team. I think they’re just a team that can add that in and they’ve done that.” Dyche isn’t losing any sleep over Arsenal’s corner threat and has left his assistant Steve Stone to work on that with the Blues’ analytics team. “I’ve been in the Premier League for 10 years,” he said. “That means I’ve got 10 years of stats to work with. “You look through the stats and it’s important to do it right for all of them. We do it right for all of them so why do it just for Arsenal? Also don’t over-complicate it. The players have a lot going on. If you give them too much information, some players are not naturally good at storing so many things.” Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more. Armando Broja is pushing for his first start after making his debut off the bench against Wolves and Dyche hopes the on-loan Chelsea striker can generate some competition among his front men. Everton have scored just 14 goals in their 14 league games and Dyche said: “Facts are facts, we’ve not been as clinical as we’d like to be. “The in-house competition is important, with strikers it’s important. It brings that edge because they’re thinking. ‘If I can’t do it, other people might do it’. That’s part and parcel of performing in football at the top level.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

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2025-01-06   

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders is no fan of Republicans. But the outspoken 83-year-old liberal also has when it comes to his own former party, the Democrats. (From every indication, Sanders still harbors resentment over the way he was passed over for the Democrat presidential nomination in 2016, in favor of failed presidential candidate .) As much as Sanders is still no fan of conservatism, his disdain for the current state of the Democratic Party appears to be reaching a tipping point. So festering is Sanders’ frustration of the current political climate, he chose — perhaps — the strangest bedfellow imaginable: eccentric billionaire, tech mogul, and co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, . Seriously. You can check out Sanders’ viral endorsement of Musk below: Elon Musk is right. The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. It’s lost track of billions. Last year, only 13 senators voted against the Military Industrial Complex and a defense budget full of waste and fraud. That must change. — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) “Elon Musk is right,” Sanders posted to X on Sunday. “The Pentagon, with a budget of $886 billion, just failed its 7th audit in a row. It’s lost track of billions. “Last year, only 13 senators voted against the Military Industrial Complex and a defense budget full of .” Sanders bluntly concluded: “That must change.” Indeed, one of the core functions of the newly minted DOGE that Musk and ex-GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy oversee is to cut government waste. While the two have rattled off all manner of potential budgetary government cuts, the Pentagon’s out-of-control budgetary issues have been a chief target of their rhetoric. And Sanders clearly agrees — much to the surprise of social media. Has hell frozen over? — End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) The massive conservative content creator “End Wokeness” replied to Sanders with a question. “Has hell frozen over?” the user asked. Glad you realized Elon Musk is not the problem. The problem is the federal government which has wasted and lost trillions of dollars of taxpayer money. — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) “Glad you realized Elon Musk is not the problem,” conservative reporter Collin Rugg chimed in. “The problem is the federal government which has wasted and lost trillions of dollars of taxpayer money.” Matt Gaetz seemingly Sanders: “Welcome home, Bernie.” “Are we uniting? Or are you about to get cancelled by the left,” another conservative X user . “Did Bernie vote for Trump?” one X user . “Well, I didn’t see this coming,” another X user . One X user who did not express surprise? The user who owns the whole platform, Musk himself. 🇺🇸🇺🇸 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) simply replied to Sanders with a pair of United States flag emojis. Not everyone was thrilled with Sanders’ statements. While his own supporters were obviously mortified with “ k is right,” not every conservative on X was buying the message either. “Instead of posting [on social media], VOTE to approve Republican nominees,” one unimpressed X user . “Which you won’t do. You’re a feckless old man who posts something now-and-then, but when it’s time to use political power, you do what the military industrial complex orders you to.” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. .Millions of Americans with obesity would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The costly proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services immediately sets the stage for a showdown between the powerful pharmaceutical industry and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken opponent of the weight-loss drugs who, as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the agency, could block the measure. While the rule would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some have labeled them miracle drugs, it would cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. “It’s a good day for anyone who suffers from obesity,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told The Associated Press in an interview. “It’s a game changer for Americans who can’t afford these drugs otherwise.” The rule would not be finalized until January, days after Trump takes office. A bipartisan coalition of congressional members has lobbied for the drugs to be covered by Medicare, saying it could save the government from spending billions of dollars on treating chronic ailments that stem from obesity. While it’s unclear where Trump himself stands on coverage of the weight-loss drugs, his allies and Cabinet picks who have vowed to cut government spending could balk at the upfront price tag. Under the proposal, only those who are considered obese — someone who has a body mass index of 30 or higher — would qualify for coverage. Some people may already get coverage of the drugs through Medicare or Medicaid, if they have diabetes or are at risk for stroke or heart disease. Becerra estimated that an additional 3.5 million people on Medicare and 4 million on Medicaid could qualify for coverage of the drugs. But research suggests far more people might qualify, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimating roughly 28 million people on Medicaid are considered obese. Medicare has been barred from offering the drugs under a decades-old law that prohibits the government-backed insurance program from covering weight-loss products. The rule proposed by the Biden administration, however, would recognize obesity as a disease that can be treated with the help of the drugs. The anti-obesity drug market has expanded significantly in recent years, with the Food and Drug Administration approving a new class of weekly injectables like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound to treat obesity. People can lose as much as 15% to 25% of their body weight on the drugs, which imitate the hormones that regulate appetites by communicating fullness between the gut and brain when people eat. The cost of the drugs has largely limited them to the wealthy, including celebrities who boast of their benefits. A monthly supply of Wegovy rings up at $1,300 and Zepbound will put you out $1,000. Shortages of the drugs have also limited the supplies. Kennedy, who as Trump’s nominee for HHS secretary is subject to Senate confirmation, has railed against the drugs’ popularity. In speeches and on social media, he’s said the U.S. should not cover the drugs through Medicaid or Medicare. Instead, he supports a broad expansion of coverage for healthier foods and gym memberships. “For half the price of Ozempic, we could purchase regeneratively raised, organic food for every American, three meals a day and a gym membership, for every obese American,” Kennedy said to a group of federal lawmakers during a roundtable earlier this year. Ozempic is a diabetes drug that can stimulate weight loss.747 bet 。

HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro has signed into law Act 146 of 2024 , a bipartisan measure that amends the state’s Protection from Abuse Act to safeguard pets threatened in domestic violence situations. Championed by State Representative Christina Sappey , D-Chester, and State Representative Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, the legislation provides judges with explicit authority to order defendants in protection from abuse (PFA) cases to refrain from harming, abusing, or possessing the petitioner’s companion animals. The newly enacted law addresses a critical gap in Pennsylvania’s domestic violence response, where previously, protective measures for victims did not extend to their pets. “We have known for some time the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse,” said Rep. Sappey. “Abusers will use harming pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation.” House Bill 1210, now Act 146, reflects years of work to bolster support for survivors of domestic violence. By including pets under the umbrella of protections available through the state’s PFA orders, the law acknowledges how abusers often exploit the emotional bond between victims and their animals. Data provided by the Humane Society of the United States underscores this alarming connection. According to a national survey, 71% of domestic violence survivors reported that their abuser also targeted their pets. Researchers have established a direct link between coercive control and animal abuse, noting that pets are frequently used as leverage to manipulate, intimidate, or force victims into submission. Threats to harm or kill beloved animals can be pivotal in preventing survivors from leaving abusive relationships. This legislation places Pennsylvania alongside 37 other states — as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico — in recognizing the need for legal protections for pets in such cases. The success of Act 146 highlights the importance of bipartisan collaboration. Introduced by Sappey and Mihalek, the bill received overwhelming support from advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies, securing endorsements from more than 70 domestic violence, animal welfare, and public safety organizations across Pennsylvania. While the legislative process spanned nearly four years, its passage reflects broad recognition of the stakes involved. “This is an issue that transcends political lines because we all understand the importance of protecting the vulnerable — whether human or pet,” Rep. Sappey emphasized. “I am so grateful to my House and Senate colleagues for understanding the consequences of this issue and acting to get this legislation through.” Act 146 represents a broader commitment to combating the intertwined issues of domestic violence and animal cruelty. By providing this additional legal tool, advocates and law enforcement will be better equipped to protect both survivors and their companion animals, addressing a key dynamic of abuse while giving victims greater confidence to seek help. For advocates and service providers, Act 146 heralds a new era in addressing the complex needs of domestic violence survivors. Animal cruelty has long been identified as an indicator of broader abusive behaviors, with perpetrators often escalating their violence from pets to human victims. This law helps dismantle that cycle and further nurtures a survivor-centric approach to intervention. The law’s passage is also a testament to the collaboration between legislators, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens. It aligns Pennsylvania with best practices derived from other states, underscoring a growing national consensus on the importance of extending protections to animals in abusive households. By signing Act 146 into law, Pennsylvania not only sharpens its legal framework for addressing domestic violence but also reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of the state’s most vulnerable residents — both human and animal alike. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .Big Ten could place four teams in playoff, thanks to IU's rise

NoneWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies. The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans when Trump takes office Jan. 20. Rollins would succeed , President Joe Biden’s agriculture secretary who oversees the sprawling agency that controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. Rollins previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The pick completes Trump’s selection of the heads of executive branch departments, just two and a half weeks after the former president won the White House once again. Several other picks that are traditionally Cabinet-level remain, including U.S. Trade Representative and head of the small business administration. Brooke Rollins, assistant to the president and director of the Domestic Policy Council at the time, speaks during a May 18, 2020, meeting with restaurant industry executives about the coronavirus response in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Rollins, speaking on the Christian talk show “Family Talk" earlier this year, said Trump was an “amazing boss” and confessed that she thought in 2015, during his first presidential campaign, that he would not last as a candidate in a crowded Republican primary field. “I was the person that said, ‘Oh, Donald Trump is not going to go more than two or three weeks in the Republican primary. This is to up his TV show ratings. And then we’ll get back to normal,’” she said. “Fast forward a couple of years, and I am running his domestic policy agenda.” Trump didn’t offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he carries out his pledge to impose widespread tariffs. During the first Trump administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war. Brooke Rollins speaks at an Oct. 27 campaign rally for then-Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York. President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the agency sets standards for school meals. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has from school lunches and to stop allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries from using food stamps to buy soda, candy or other so-called junk foods. But it would be the USDA, not HHS, that would be responsible for enacting those changes. In addition, HHS and USDA will work together to finalize the 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They are due late next year, with guidance for healthy diets and standards for federal nutrition programs. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. to serve as his pick to lead the . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Stock market today: Tech stocks and AI pull Wall Street to more records

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