10 Of The Worst Cybersecurity Mistakes You're Probably Making Right NowA look at how some of Trump's picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy's overhaul The people that president-elect Donald Trump has selected to lead federal health agencies in his second administration include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All of them could play pivotal roles in fulfilling a new political agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans’ health — from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. If Congress approves, prominent environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will helm the team. Here’s a look at the nominees’ potential role in carrying out what Kennedy says is the task to “reorganize” agencies. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Rhode Island beats Bryant 35-21 to claim its first Coastal Athletic Association titlejilipark top 。

Rhode Island beats Bryant 35-21 to claim its first Coastal Athletic Association title

Three Sinha Group of Companies became the Large-Scale Winner in the Manufacturing Sector at the Entrepreneur Awards 2024 for the Western Province. The event, organised by the National Enterprise Development Authority and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, was recently held in Colombo. Managing Director Manjula Ariyakumara accepted the award on behalf of the company. Having begun as a small-scale business, Three Sinha has now grown into a leading name in Sri Lanka’s construction industry. The company has earned both local and international recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation. Over the past, the Company has received several local and international quality certifications. Their latest achievements include Gold and Silver Awards at the CNCI Achievers’ Awards. Three Sinha offers a wide range of products and services, including roller doors, shutters, and fire-resistant doors. They also specialise in aluminum fabrications, sensor doors, and automatic barriers. In addition to these, Three Sinha has embraced green energy solutions, providing three types of solar PV electricity systems: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. A key subsidiary of the company, IKLO Industries, focuses on pre-fabricated and pre-engineered steel buildings, utilising advanced technology. IKLO has also diversified into the agricultural sector by introducing tractor trailers designed to meet farming needs. Moreover, the company manufactures diesel tanks that comply with Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation standards, making it a trusted supplier for both organisations. The Entrepreneur Awards aim to honour outstanding contributions in the manufacturing and service sectors. Recognised as a significant event for industrialists, the awards provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes—from micro to extra-large—to compete at both Provincial and National levels. Image Caption : Managing Director Manjula Ariyakumara receiving the award

CARROLLTON, Ga. (AP) — Carter Welling's 21 points helped Utah Valley defeat West Georgia 77-74 on Tuesday night. Welling had 11 rebounds for the Wolverines (4-1). Trevan Leonhardt added 11 points while going 4 of 5 from the field while they also had three steals. Dominick Nelson shot 3 of 11 from the field and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points, while adding six rebounds. Shelton Williams-Dryden finished with 18 points for the Wolves (0-7). Kyric Davis added 16 points and four blocks for West Georgia. Malcolm Noel had 14 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .BJP won a historic victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections along with its Mahayuti allies. BJP wins 132, Shiv Sena 57, NCP 41, Congress 16, Shiv Sena (UBT) 20, and NCP (SP) 10 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. BJP, Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP are celebrating the victory, but there is still one more election left -- the election of the Chief Minister. The biggest question is who will be the Chief Minister in the Mahayuti government? BJP emerged as the largest party, hence, Devendra Fadnavis is naturally destined to become the CM. But he will face tough competition from Eknath Shinde, who will not want to leave the post of Chief Minister. Now the brainstorming has also started in the Mahayuti regarding the post of CM. The race for the post of CM that started between Fadnavis and Shinde has intensified. Fadnavis has now become the center point of not only BJP but also Maharashtra politics. But will Fadnavis become the Chief Minister as well? Now if Fadnavis becomes CM, what will happen to Eknath Shinde? Earlier, making Shinde CM was BJP's compulsion, which is not there now. BJP can give two options to Shinde. First option - Fadnavis should be made CM and Shinde should be offered the post of Deputy CM. But will Shinde agree to become Deputy CM after CM? In such a situation, the second option is that the BJP can offer Shinde a ministerial post in the central government. And can make Shinde's close ministers in Maharashtra. BJP government can be formed in Maharashtra, Shinde also understands this. READ | Assembly Elections 2024: 10 surprising results from Maharashtra, Jharkhand polls Now, talking about Ajit Pawar. During the elections, posters with Ajit Pawar's name were put up for CM and Ajit Pawar has also expressed his desire to become CM, but the results that have come out make it less likely that Ajit Pawar will get the offer of CM post. Apart from political pundits and analysts, the general public has also accepted that Devendra Fadnavis is the hero of this victory and the crown of victory suits only the hero's head. Fadnavis is the biggest face of Maharashtra politics today. He became the Chief Minister for the first time in 2014. At that time, he led the party to victory while being the President of Maharashtra BJP. After this, Devendra Fadnavis led BJP to victory again in 2019 while being the Chief Minister.

Hemant Soren’s JMM-led alliance retains Jharkhand in stunning win, BJP’s hopes dashed

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS): Samajwadi Party (SP) legislator Rais Shaikh has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the state government to hold the long-overdue elections to local bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), before March 7, 2025. The letter, also addressed to Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, highlights the prolonged delay in restoring democratic governance to local bodies across Maharashtra. In his letter, Shaikh stressed that the BMC, the largest local government body in Asia, has been functioning without elected representatives since March 7, 2022, when its previous term ended. The current administrator is set to complete three years in office by March 7, 2025. "It is not a matter of pride for Indian democracy that the financial capital of the country has been run for so long without people's representatives," he stated. Shaikh also pointed out that elections to 29 municipal corporations, 228 municipal councils, 29 Nagar Panchayats, 26 Zilla Parishads, and 289 Panchayat Samitis in the state remain pending. He demanded that these elections, including those for the BMC, be conducted without further delay to uphold democratic principles. Following the state Assembly elections, political parties are preparing for local body elections, including those for the BMC, which is the wealthiest civic body in the country. On February 2, it presented a Rs 59,954.75 crore budget for the year 2024-25. However, sources indicate that these elections are unlikely to take place before April due to ongoing Supreme Court cases concerning the number of wards, the number of councillors per ward, and the process for the wards' formation. Elections for all 29 municipal corporations in the state, as well as approximately 280 nagar parishads and nagar panchayats, are still pending. These local bodies are currently being managed by administrators. In some cases, elections for municipal corporations have been delayed for 2 to 3 years. Notably, the BMC has been under the administration of an appointed official for two and a half years, following the expiration of its term in March 2022.Brandi Glanville reveals she hasn't had sex in a year as she battles facial disfigurement Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By SONIA HORON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and HEIDI PARKER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 05:10, 30 December 2024 | Updated: 05:15, 30 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments Brandi Glanville revealed that she has not had sex in a year, amid her battle with facial disfigurement . The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 52, got candid about her intimate struggles on her podcast, Brandi Glanville Unfiltered , on Sunday. She explained that she has not been out in public much since developing the issue late last year, and hasn't slept or kissed anyone since 2023. 'I have places to go, people to make out with. I have not had sex since last October. I haven't kissed [or] made out with anyone. I haven't socialized, really.' The star — who believes her issues are being caused by a parasitic infection — also added that her face is 'f****d' but that she had '50 good years.' Brandi — who previously claimed she dated a number of A-list stars — also shared that she had a consultation with Dr. Terry Dubrow, but has decided to get a second opinion. Brandi Glanville, 52, revealed that she has not had sex in a year, amid her battle with facial disfigurement; she is pictured April 25, 2024 in West Hollywood She explained that she has not been out in public much since developing the issue late last year, and hasn't slept or kissed anyone since 2023 on her Brandi Glanville Unfiltered podcast Brandi explained that Dubrow told her it might take five years for her to be 'totally fine.' 'Five years is way too long for me to wait.' Read More Brandi Glanville joins ex Eddie Cibrian and his wife LeAnn Rimes The star shared that she wants to 'run tests, get another MRI, another cat scan' adding that she wants to 'get to the bottom of this.' Brandi added that she doesn't 'feel better' and stills sees 'this thing in my face jumping around.' She also shared that she has 'four different doctors' who have given her 'four different opinions of what it could possibly be.' Brandi told ET she has spent $70,000 already trying to determine the cause of the lumps. The star has even had all of her facial fillers dissolved. This comes after Terry called Brandi's face a 'ticking time bomb.' Dubrow shared his concerns over Glanville's disturbing claim that her recent facial disfigurement might be caused by a 'parasite.' The plastic surgeon emphasized that Glanville's condition could be a 'ticking time bomb,' and he urged her to get help from her doctors as soon as possible in an interview with TMZ . 'I have places to go, people to make out with. I have not had sex since last October. I haven't kissed [or] made out with anyone. I haven't socialized, really,' she explained; (R) seen in 1998 The star — who believes her issues are being caused by a parasitic infection — also added that her face is 'f****d' but that she had '50 good years'; seen in a recent Instagram video Brandi also shared that she had a consultation with Dr. Terry Dubrow (pictured), but has decided to get a second opinion, after he said it might take five years for her to be 'totally fine' Dubrow added that, in his opinion, it's most important to get a doctor to give her a clear diagnosis so that she can treat the root problem. He said he was 'concerned' that Glanville could be suffering from either an 'infectious process' or a 'foreign-body reaction to something she's had injected.' Dubrow also clarified that Glanville isn't at 'fault' for not being certain about what is plaguing her, and he instead blamed her doctor for not having a solid diagnosis and treatment plan. However, he seemed fairly certain that whatever was going on with her is 'not a parasite' and is 'not from something she ate.' Instead, he suggested the issue is 'something that got into her bloodstream and seeded some foreign body.' Surprisingly, Dubrow even thought it was possible that Glanville could be ahead of her doctors, as he said she could be right that she might require surgery. He noted that she could have been infected with either mycobacteria or fungi, which could be 'very difficult to treat.' Dubrow looked particularly concerned when he said Glanville's condition was 'like a ticking time bomb,' because the potential damage could get more and more severe in a short period of time. This comes after Brandi told ET she has spent $70,000 already trying to determine the cause of the lumps Brandi thinks she might have contracted the potential parasite while filming in Morocco. 'I mean, we had food sitting out for hours on end and some of it was meat,' she shared He added that antibiotic treatments for mycobacteria or fungus could take six to 12 months. It would be essential for her to get a solid diagnosis and possibly a skin sample to determine what she was suffering from. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight earlier this week, Brandi opened up about the frustration she feels over not being able to get a diagnosis for the unknown 'parasite' under the skin on her face. 'I've been on meds this whole year. I don't socialize. I don't go out and I'm just spending all of my money on trying to figure out what's wrong with me, over $70,000,' she told ET. Glanville has been a variety of doctors in an attempt to get to the root of her issue. 'Honestly, I have so many doctors and I've had so many tests ... I did lab work for $10,000. I ran every test under the sun.... They're like, it could be a parasite that's, you know, new.' Brandi thinks she knows how she contracted the potential parasite. 'I mean, we had food sitting out for hours on end and some of it was meat. In Morocco,' she offered. Despite her health battle, Brandi had an enjoyable holiday season, as she joined her ex-husband Eddie Cibrian and his country singer wife LeAnn Rimes for Christmas LeAnn had on a brown outfit as Eddie was in black behind her LeAnn was also seen sitting on Eddie's lap by their Christmas tree She was married to Eddie from 2001 until 2010; The TV personality and Eddie pictured at the Living Out Loud premiere in 1998 'Six months after I got back from [filming in] Morocco, I started having this speaking thing and the swelling up thing, it started in July and we're still here trying to figure it out.' Despite her health battle, Brandi had an enjoyable holiday season, as she joined her ex-husband Eddie Cibrian and his country singer wife LeAnn Rimes for Christmas. She was seen in a group photo posted to Instagram with the couple. Also spied were the two sons that Brandi shares with Eddie: Mason, 21, and Jake, 17. Glanville's face looked healthy as she was seen with a Christmas hat on in the back row. She was married to Eddie from 2001 until 2010. Brandi previously claimed she dated a number of famous men prior to her marriage, including Friends co-stars David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc, actors Gerard Butler and Ben Stiller, and one unnamed star from The Notebook. Brandi Glanville Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Share or comment on this article: Brandi Glanville reveals she hasn't had sex in a year as she battles facial disfigurement e-mail Add comment

TSS, Inc. senior VP sells $377,852 in stockRhode Island beats Bryant 35-21 to claim its first Coastal Athletic Association titleAuto industry leaders say U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on Canadian goods would have devastating effects for the sector, forcing both Canadian and U.S. consumers to pay higher vehicle prices. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, said it's unreasonable to apply such a tax to vehicle parts, which may cross the border up to eight times before ending up in a finished vehicle. He noted the auto industry works with single-digit profit margins. "A tariff of 25 per cent is like talking about purple unicorns," said Volpe in an interview. "I think we need to ignore the number, because cars would cease to be made by American companies if that came into effect." Trump sparked backlash among Canadian business and political leaders after posting to Truth Social on Monday that he will sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all products coming to the United States from Canada and Mexico. The incoming president said such a tariff would remain in place until Canada and Mexico stop drugs and people from illegally crossing the borders. Global Automakers of Canada president and CEO David Adams said his organization had "obvious concerns" about the announcement. “A 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada — the largest trading partner of the United States — will negatively impact jobs and livelihoods on both sides of the border across a number of key sectors of our economies. This would also be the case for the automotive industry," said Adams in a statement. "In our view, Canada must act swiftly and firmly to make the case that the U.S. and Canada are stronger and more competitive when we face the global challenges together, not apart.” Volpe said any cross-border tax would increase the cost of components and raw materials that go back and forth between the neighbouring countries. That would lead to a slowdown in production and a supply shortage, prompting higher prices for customers at dealerships. "Everybody would feel it," he said. "First, the American consumer would feel it. But it wouldn't take too long before it would be shared by everybody, meaning everybody in Canada and Mexico as well." During the U.S. election campaign, Trump had promised to introduce a universal 10 per cent tariff on all American imports — a pledge that would reduce the size of the Canadian economy by around one per cent, resulting in $30 billion per year in economic costs, according to previous modelling by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. But asked if he would consider any tariff level digestible for the Canadian auto sector, Volpe replied, "Zero is the maximum." "It's simply because we've built this auto sector together," said Volpe. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press

Green Builder Media's VISION House Austin illustrates the level of performance houses must achieve to stay safe and efficient in weather extremes. View Master The Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture team designed the VISION House Austin for Robert and Judi George. The Georges chose to build their custom home on a two-acre site adjacent to their current home because of their deep appreciation for their Hill Country neighborhood outside Austin. "From this location we can see five or six miles of views of rolling hills,” says Robert. "The new site has an even better view because there are fewer trees obstructing the vista.” A Roof That Stands Up to Heat One example of a resilient design best practice on the VISION House Austin is the Fabral metal roof. It is designed to be lifted off the roof deck with 1-by-4 lath, and the then the builder ventilates the air cavity from a space between the drip edge and fascia boards. This air space, combined with the Galvalume finish, acts as a solar heat radiant barrier and effectively places the entire home under a shading umbrella lan Barley and Pfeiffer, co-owners of the firm, are big believers in layering. They start with a deep study of the site they're working with and design a home that complements the location and their client's preferences. Next, they layer in sustainable products and systems that will enhance the performance of a well-designed and carefully built home. Because this house needs to perform well in a hot climate, the design team selected products that would hold up to the heat. They also leaned on design to achieve performance, such as overhangs to create shade and positioning each house appropriately on its site. They also focus on innovations that have made it easier to build a resilient, sustainable, high-performance house. "The intelligent design enhances energy efficiency by reducing the heating and cooling load,” Green Builder CEO Sara Gutterman explains. "Resilient materials increase the home's ability to withstand nature's fury. And an integrated solar + battery storage system ensures that the house will remain functional in the event of an extreme climate event or power outage." Most important, Gutterman notes, is that the VISION House Austin demonstrates how sustainable architecture can be affordable and practical for everyday living, and that a home with lower carbon footprint can lead to a higher quality of life for homeowners. The design team of VISION House Austin is dedicated to combining new innovations with their decades of experience to create a home that embraces the natural world and contributes to sustainability. Click here to read about the beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance products the team specified to make the house resistant to climate extremes. The home will be completed in first quarter 2025. Click here to visit the VISION House Austin site to learn more . You can follow along as the project is built by signing up for Green Builder Media's Vantage enewsletter here . Here's a sampling of the high-performance products used in this project: Green Builder Media is North America's leading media company focused on green building and sustainable living content. With a comprehensive suite of content marketing, digital, social, and print media options, high-profile demonstration projects, market intelligence, data services, and live events, Green Builder Media offers a blend of visionary and practical information covering a broad spectrum of topics, including decarbonization, electrification, smart home technologies, energy efficiency, intelligent water, indoor air quality, resilient housing, renewables, and clean transportation. Attachments View Master A Roof That Stands Up to Heat CONTACT: Cati O'Keefe Green Builder Media 513-532-0185 [email protected]Rhode Island beats Bryant 35-21 to claim its first Coastal Athletic Association titleBolton Hospice has teamed up with a borough alpaca farm for a creative Christmas tree recycling scheme - turning discarded trees into nutritious feed for the animals. The hospice and Poppywood Alpacas in Horwich have joined forces as part of the hospice’s annual Christmas tree collection scheme. (Image: Poppywood Alpacas) Bolton residents can book for a collection starting Monday (January 6) for their unwanted Christmas trees. The eco-friendly scheme not only helps the environment but also directly supports the hospice's vital work in the community. A minimum donation of £5 is suggested to book a tree collection. Trees must be completely free from decorations, nails and anything which would affect its ability to be safely transported and chipped. (Image: Bolton Hospice) Hospice fundraiser Jack Savage said: “This is our second year of collecting trees across Bolton. "We offer it as a service for the people of Bolton, as it can be a hassle to get rid of your tree come the new year. READ MORE > Poppywood Alpaca Centre celebrates planning permission READ MORE > Ex-Bolton Wanderers John McGinlay in his own Love Actually scene “To save people having to dirty their cars , overbear themselves, or even burn their trees, we thought we’d help people out, and if they feel our service has been worth it, why not make a suggested donation to the hospice. We cover all Bolton postcodes! “I reached out to Poppywood Alpacas a few months back to see if they were interested in some trees after hearing that they can make up part of an alpaca’s diet – and who doesn’t love an alpaca! (Image: Leah Collins) “We thought it would make a great social media post as well as further helping the local community while we are at it!” “It’s a great project for us to run, as it helps to raise awareness of Bolton Hospice around the local area, to people who might never have encountered us before. “It’s also nice to provide a sustainable way to dispose of the trees, whilst getting local businesses involved in the collection, donating their vans and time to help around Bolton and hopefully raise some money for the hospice!” Poppywood Alpacas, which has been operating since 2021, is run by co-owners Pippa and Mark and currently homes 51 of the fluffy friends. Poppywood Alpacas (Image: Poppywood Alpacas) The five-star rated alpaca farm currently offers walking sessions, meet and greet experiences for families, children and alpaca lovers alike. Aside from the on-site group sessions, Poppywood Alpacas visits some of the most vulnerable people in the community, including those with disabilities, elderly residents and those with suffering with their mental health . Pippa said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Bolton Hospice this year and their Christmas tree collection service. (Image: Poppywood Alpacas) “Alpacas love Christmas trees and this time of year they look forward to receiving everyone’s donated trees. “They eat all the needles and then love scratching on the bare branches. "Bolton Hospice is a charity close to my heart as it is where my lovely dad spent his final days some years ago, the work they do is amazing and we are always happy to support them in any way we can.” Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk

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( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES, December 27, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The AIM Act phases down HFCs, which are commonly used as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, reducing greenhouse gases. It pushes the HVAC-R industry to adopt eco-friendly substitutes. What is the AIM Act? The American Innovation and manufacturing (AIM) Act, enacted on December 27, 2020, is a significant piece of environmental legislation in the United States. It directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% by 20361. The AIM Act provides the EPA with the authority to manage HFCs and their substitutes, and to facilitate the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions. What are Hydrofluorocarbons? HFCs are synthetic organic compounds composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They are widely used as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. HFCs were developed to replace ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). While HFCs do not harm the ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential, contributing significantly to climate change. Why is Reducing Emissions a Priority? Reducing emissions, particularly of greenhouse gases like HFCs, is crucial for mitigating climate change. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate-related impacts such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems. Achieving this target requires significant reductions in emissions from all sectors, including the HVAC-R industry, which heavily relies on HFCs. Focal Points of the AIM Act The AIM Act focuses on three main areas: - Phasing Down HFCs: The Act mandates an 85% reduction in the production and consumption of HFCs by 2036. - Managing HFCs and Substitutes: It provides the EPA with the authority to manage HFCs and their substitutes, ensuring a smooth transition to environmentally friendly alternatives. - Facilitating Technological Transition: The Act encourages the development and adoption of next-generation technologies that are more climate-friendly and energy-efficient. 5. How to Prepare for Automatic Leak Detection Requirements To comply with the AIM Act's requirements for automatic leak detection, businesses in the HVAC-R industry should take the following steps: - Understand Regulatory Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific leak detection regulations outlined by the EPA. This includes understanding the types of systems that require leak detection and the standards they must meet. - Invest in Technology: Implement advanced leak detection technologies that can automatically detect and alert you to leaks. These systems should be capable of detecting even small leaks to prevent significant emissions. - Regular Maintenance and Calibration: Ensure that leak detection systems are regularly maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. This helps maintain their accuracy and reliability. - Training and Education: Train staff on the importance of leak detection and how to operate and maintain the systems. Proper training ensures that everyone understands their role in preventing emissions. - Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of leak detection activities, including inspections, maintenance, and any detected leaks. This documentation is crucial for compliance and can help identify patterns or recurring issues. By taking these steps, businesses can not only comply with the AIM Act but also contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Dimitar Dechev Super Brothers Plumbing Heating & Air +1 916-588-7767 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN27122024003118003196ID1109036074 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Regions Financial Co. (NYSE:RF) Shares Sold by Larson Financial Group LLCGAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Princely Umanmielen's return to the Swamp ended with a police escort . Umanmielen, who spent three years at Florida before transferring to Ole Miss, left the stadium with a number of officers surrounding him. And the defensive end still tried to get at heckling fans. It started when Umanmielen left the sideline in the waning seconds of a 24-17 loss to the Gators . He was walking toward the visiting locker room when at least one fan yelled at him from the stands. Umanmielen clearly didn't like what he heard and made his way toward the seats. Officers quickly stepped in and escorted Umanmielen back toward the locker room. They then walked him directly to the team's waiting busses, but more fans were in the path and shouted at him again. Umanmielen turned and started toward the fans before officers stepped in and stopped him. It was the latest bit of oddness for Umanmielen, who wore an orange Gators ski mask through Ole Miss' practice facility late in the week. He finished the game with seven tackles, including a sack. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballIt is a tactical and long-term strategic error for a former prime minister to create a new, inevitably small party simply because he wants to express the clarity of his views, and this not only concerns Antonis Samaras, who was recently expelled from the ruling conservatives for questioning the government’s policies. The same was true in the case of former premier and one-time PASOK leader George Papandreou, who, with the founding of the Movement of Democratic Socialists (KIDISO) 10 years ago, trapped himself in an unnecessary failed venture. People who have led major political parties and have held the fate of the country in their hands do themselves an injustice when they slide into the realm of petty politics through moves that are almost mathematically doomed to failure. By becoming prime ministers they are part of Greece’s political history and have secured the right to make their opinions public, when and where they deem necessary. Their previous role makes it a given that their opinions are widely published, thus becoming part of the public debate, which is their goal. This writer’s view is that former prime ministers not only have the right, but the obligation, to intervene in public life. The fact that they are not subject to the restrictions of a simple member of parliament allows them to express different opinions, sometimes critical ones, and in any case to influence developments. The leadership of the party in power which is the recipient of any criticism takes it into account, to some extent. Sometimes it may even take corrective measures. This is how the interventions of a former prime minister contribute to changes and improvements, to the extent that this is needed. But that’s as far as it should go. And, of course, the way in which these interventions are done matters. Former socialist premier Costas Simitis had chosen to write the occasional opinion piece. New Democracy’s Kostas Karamanlis, after a prolonged period of silence, has recently made his own public interventions, but although it is clear that he disagrees with many things with the government he has never crossed the line, and this is acknowledged by both his supporters and opponents. This stance lends authority, instead of weakening any objections with the allowed policies. How does Samaras or his views benefit from his expulsion, which every intelligent person understood would follow after questioning the patriotism of a minister? And more than that, how will he benefit from the creation of a new party?

Bridges Investment Management Inc. Sells 42,439 Shares of Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)Chase Artopoeus has two TD passes, TD run as Chattanooga tops Austin Peay 24-17 in season finale

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for a catch-and-run, 40-yard touchdown pass with 4 seconds left, sending No. 24 Illinois to a wild 38-31 victory over Rutgers on Saturday. Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent his offense back on the field. Altmyer hit Bryant on an in cut on the left side at the 22, and he continued across the field and scored untouched in a game that featured three lead changes in the final 3:07. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) gave up a safety on the final kickoff return, throwing a ball out of bounds in the end zone as players passed it around hoping for a miracle touchdown. Altmyer was 12-of-26 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant finished with seven receptions for 197 yards. Altmeyer put Illinois in front with a 30-yard TD run with 3:07 to go. He passed to Josh McCray on the 2-point conversion, making it 30-24. Rutgers responded with a 10-play, 65-yard drive. Athan Kaliakmanis had a 15-yard run on fourth down. He passed to running back Kyle Manangai for a 13-yard TD with 1:08 remaining. Illinois then drove 75 yards in eight plays for the unexpected win. Kaliakmanis was 18 for 36 for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 13 carries for 84 yards and two TDs. Monangai had a career-high 28 carries for 122 yards. Kaliakmanis found Ian Strong for a 2-yard touchdown in the final seconds of the first half, and he scored on a 1-yard run to lift Rutgers to a 24-15 lead early in the fourth quarter. Illinois responded with Aidan Laughery’s 8-yard TD run, setting up the roller-coaster finish. The start of the second half was delayed because of a scrum between the teams. There were no punches thrown and the officials called penalties on both schools. Monangai become the third player in Rutgers history to rush for 3,000 yards when he picked up 4 on a third-and-1 carry early in the second quarter. The defending conference rushing champion joins Ray Rice and Terrell Willis in hitting the mark. Illinois: The great finish keeps the Illini in line for its first nine-win season since 2007 and a prestigious bowl game this season. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights were seconds away from their first in-conference three-game win streak since joining the Big Ten in 2014. Illinois: At Northwestern next Saturday. Rutgers: At Michigan State next Saturday. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollWill the Liberals’ ‘tax holiday’ pay political dividends? What it signalsA Pomeranian's response to his owner's question about where he was hurting after getting his vaccinations has left social media viewers speechless. Puppies need to go to the vet over several months for a series of vaccinations, according to the American Kennel Club. These vaccinations, which include bordetella bronchiseptica, distemper, canine hepatitis and parainfluenza, help shield puppies and dogs from potential diseases. TikTok user @garybearthepom told Newsweek via TikTok that Gary the Pomeranian is getting all his puppy shots. Gary is about 14 weeks old and recently got a distemper shot in his left leg. Since he is only 31⁄2 pounds, his owner said, he really felt the pain of the shot, which she could see. In the December 18 TikTok video, the owner asked Gary what was bothering him, although she knew the answer. To her surprise, he looked directly back at his left hind leg, nearly pointing with his snoot and slightly lifting it. He instantly understood the question and let her know exactly "where it hurts." "I felt so bad," the owner said. "And it was given in his left leg, so I knew that was bothering him." The vet gave her some medication to help with the pain, and she gave it to the dog immediately. Once it kicked in, he started feeling much better. Plus, the owner wrote in the comments section that she gave him plenty of cuddles and treats to help ease the pain. "He's still getting all his puppy shots. They have to space them out 'cause he's so tiny," the owner said. Viewer Reactions The TikTok video had amassed over 1.1 million views, 181,700 likes and 1,171 comments as of Friday. Viewers were impressed that the dog knew exactly what the owner asked, but they also felt bad that he was in pain. "You betrayed his tiny trust," said one TikTok user. Another demanded: "Pick up the baby and kiss the booboo." A third person wrote: "He said 'You tell me. WTH is this.'" Another wrote: "I love that pets have started to evolve to understand us and how to show us what's wrong. Scares me how sentient they really are but at the same time doesn't." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

WASHINGTON — There's a common trait that President-elect Donald Trump is clearly prizing as he selects those to serve in his new administration: experience on television. Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wis., speaks during a hearing July 18, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Duffy to be Transportation Secretary. Trump loves that "central casting" look, as he likes to call it. Some, like his choices for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, were until recently TV hosts on Trump's favorite network, Fox News. Mike Huckabee, his pick for U.S. ambassador to Israel, hosted the Fox show “Huckabee” from 2008 to 2015 after his time as Arkansas governor. Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former syndicated talk show host and heart surgeon, was tapped to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the agency that oversees health insurance programs for millions of older, poor and disabled Americans. He would report to Trump's choice for health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., himself a regular on the cable news circuit. Mehmet Oz visits the AW Driving School & License Testing Center on Sept. 23, 2022, in Allentown, Pa. Trump, a former reality television star himself, has made no secret of his intention to stack his administration with loyalists after his decisive 2024 election win — including some whose lack of relevant experience has raised concerns among lawmakers. But he's also working to set up a more forceful administration in this term, and in his eyes, many of those people happen to intersect with celebrity. The trend was not lost on Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, who posted on social media after the Oz nomination: “We are becoming the world’s first nuclear-armed reality television show.” For good measure, Himes added: “Just spitballing here, but what if the Attorney General and the Secretary of HHS fight each other in an octagonal cage?” That was a reference to Trump's affinity for the UFC fighters who do battle in the octagon. Choosing TV personalities isn't that unusual for the once-and-future president: A number of his first-term choices — John Bolton, Larry Kudlow, Heather Nauert and Mercedes Schlapp, were all on TV — mostly also on Fox. Omarosa Manigault Newman, a confrontational first-season member of Trump's NBC show “The Apprentice," was briefly at the White House before she was fired. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who ran Trump’s 2016 transition team until he was fired, said that eight years ago, Trump held “Apprentice-like interviews at Bedminster,” summoning potential hires to his club in New Jersey. On a call on Tuesday organized by the Council on Foreign Relations, Christie said this year’s Cabinet choices are different than 2016’s but it’s still “Donald Trump casting a TV show.” “He’s casting,” Christie said. Trump has readily highlighted the media experience of his choices as he's announced them. He said Duffy, a former lawmaker and onetime cast member of MTV’s “The Real World," was “a STAR on Fox News.” Pete Hegseth walks to an elevator for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower on Dec. 15, 2016, in New York. Hegseth, a military veteran, “has been a host at FOX News for eight years, where he used that platform to fight for our Military and Veterans,” Trump said. He also noted that Hegseth's book “The War on Warriors” spent nine weeks on The New York Times “best-sellers list, including two weeks at NUMBER ONE.” As for Oz, Trump said: “He won nine Daytime Emmy Awards hosting ‘The Dr. Oz Show,’ where he taught millions of Americans how to make healthier lifestyle choices." It's also true that those seeking positions in Trump's orbit often take to the airwaves to audition for an audience of one. Tom Homan, Trump's choice for “border czar,” is a frequent Fox contributor. Ohio Sen. JD Vance was chosen as Trump's running mate in part because of how well he comes across on air. Trump's choice to lead the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, upped his profile when he took to Fox News to argue that a pre-election appearance on NBC's “Saturday Night Live” by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris was a violation of the “equal time” rule governing candidate appearances on television. The White House-to-cable news pundit pipeline tends to cut across administrations of both parties, to some extent. President Joe Biden had three MSNBC contributors on his transition team and his former press secretary went to the network after she left the White House. Biden, though, looked to career diplomats, longtime government workers and military leaders for key posts like the Defense Department. Trump's affinity for Fox News is well-documented, though the romance cooled for a time after Fox made an early call of Arizona for Biden in 2020, a move that infuriated Trump and many of the network’s viewers. Trump suggested viewers should migrate to other conservative news outlets. While the Arizona call ultimately proved correct, it set in motion internal second-guessing and led some Fox personalities to embrace conspiracy theories, which ultimately cost the network $787 million to settle a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems. But Trump is still an avid watcher — the network provides Trump a window into conservative thinking, with commentary from Republican lawmakers and thinkers who are, often, speaking directly to the president-elect. 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. 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. 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.” 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.” Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.As many as 21 sub-district level camps organised as part of the Little KITEs initiative led by the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education began in Kollam on Saturday (November 23). The highlight of these camps is the development of a programme that uses artificial intelligence (AI) systems to assist differently abled children. Additionally, the camps will feature animation programmes for environmental awareness using open-source software such as OpenToonz and Blender. AI-powered programmes that enable children with speech and hearing impairments to communicate using sign language are being developed. This module is designed not only to teach sign language, but also to encourage and empower individuals to interact with such children. The camp will also introduce video classes for this purpose. Children will create animation films based on the concept of how a deforested urban area can be restored to its former green glory through the efforts of two birds. Animation and programming projects have begun. Out of the 17,789 members in 183 Little KITEs units across the district, 1,216 students selected from the school-level camps will participate in the sub-district camps. The camps are scheduled in various batches to ensure that students don’t miss their classes. The top 104 performers from the sub-district-level camps will be selected for the district camp to be held in December. Published - November 23, 2024 07:43 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said before Christmas that the House of Commons should be recalled now that NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has vowed to bring forward a motion of non-confidence to take down the Liberal government. “I will be writing the Governor General asking her to urgently reconvene Parliament and require a non-confidence vote so the prime minister can judge whether he stays in power,” he said. However, the wording in the letter he sent categorically differs in tone and substance. “This chaos cannot continue,” he wrote. “That is why I am asking you to use your authority to inform the Prime Minister that he must either dissolve Parliament and call an election or reconvene Parliament on the earliest day that is not a statutory holiday before the end of the calendar year to prove to you and to Canadians that he has the confidence of the House to continue as Prime Minister. ... The Canadian constitution provides that the Prime Minister can only govern as long as he has the confidence of the House of Commons. This is the principle of responsible government on which the legitimacy of our government rests. It is the role of the Governor General to ensure that this constitutional principle is upheld. When the principle is in doubt, as it is now, it is incumbent on you, the Governor General, to confer with the Prime Minister to ensure that he understands his constitutional duty. If he is not willing to fulfil it, it falls to you to act to ensure that he does.” On the surface, Mr. Poilievre’s reasoning may appear sound, but it overlooks a key principle behind the Governor General’s role. The Governor General, like the monarch they represent, is separate from the political maneuvering in parliament. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch serves a ceremonial role, with the real governing authority held by elected bodies and officials. Monarchs act as neutral parties in political matters, providing continuity during changes in government. They often engage in diplomatic duties, representing their countries at state functions and international events, which can help strengthen relationships between nations. In Canada, the Governor General is the monarch’s non-partisan representative and is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Governor General has four main areas of responsibility: constitutional duties, the presentation of honours, military responsibilities, and ceremonies. The Governor General carries out these constitutional responsibilities guided by the Constitution, established conventions, and the advice of the Prime Minister. ( ) According to the House of Commons Procedure and Practice, “the decision to recall is taken by the Speaker, after consultation with the government and once the Speaker is satisfied that the public interest would be served by an earlier meeting of the House.” The House currently stands adjourned but is still in session. According to House of Commons rules, it is up to the Speaker to recall MPs when the House is adjourned. The Governor General also has no authority to dictate the House of Commons agenda. When a session stands adjourned, provisions in the House rules allow for a recall earlier than the originally specified date to conduct business that is in the public’s best interest. The rule does not refer to other criteria besides best serving the public interest. (ourcommons.ca) Consultation between the Speaker and the government regarding a recall of the House usually begins with a government request made in writing to the Speaker, setting out reasons why it is in the public interest to recall the House. If the Speaker is satisfied, after consulting with the government, that recalling the House is in order, the Speaker will give notice of the day and hours of the resumption of the session. As the country is not facing an imminent crisis at this time, a recall such as Mr. Poilievre is calling for is unlikely. For the first 70 years after Confederation, the practice was to end the session by prorogation rather than have a lengthy adjournment. In 1940, however, given the uncertainty of wartime, it was deemed advisable to adjourn rather than to prorogue, to enable the House to reconvene quickly if necessary. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn, empowering the Speaker to recall the House if, after consultation with the government, it was concluded that it was in the public interest to do so. Similar motions were adopted in subsequent sessions and became routine when the House adjourned for an extended period. Prorogation of Parliament results in the termination of a session, but not dissolution. The principal effect of ending a session by prorogation is to terminate business. All unfinished business is dropped from or “dies” on the Order Paper and all committees lose their power to transact business, providing a fresh start for the next session. Bills which have not received Royal Assent before prorogation are “entirely terminated” and must be reintroduced as if they had never existed. Parliament then stands prorogued until the opening of the next session. No committee can sit during a prorogation and members of parliament are released from their duties until Parliament is summoned. A confidence motion asks all members of parliament to vote on whether or not they have confidence in the incumbent Prime Minister and their party. If the Prime Minister receives the majority of the votes in the confidence motion, he or she continues to govern. If he or she loses the vote or receives a vote of nonconfidence, the Prime Minister must resign or seek the dissolution of Parliament. The Governor General will either invite the opposition parties in the House of Commons to try to form a government through the creation of some form of coalition or will dissolve Parliament and call an election. The election date is then set under the provisions of the Canada Elections Act. With dissolution, all business of the House is terminated. Only the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the Members of the Board of Internal Economy continue in office to carry out certain administrative duties until they are replaced in a new Parliament. Conservative MP John Williamson, who chairs the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, said the committee will meet on Jan. 7 and will consider a confidence motion. Williamson said he will introduce the result of the committee’s non-confidence vote to the House on Jan. 27. He stated in a letter posted to X on December 27th, that parliamentary committees “are a microcosm of the House of Commons,” making it appropriate for its members to begin non-confidence deliberations while Parliament is adjourned.

Insurers report rise in commission expenses

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American rugby sevens star Ilona Maher will join 15-a-side club Bristol in January in a bid to play in next year's women's Rugby World Cup, the English club announced on Monday. Maher, 28, helped the USA to a bronze medal at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris and is the sport's most popular player on social media. "This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal," Bristol head coach Dave Ward said. "She is one of the biggest names in women's sport, let alone rugby, and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field." Last week Maher finished second on US television show "Dancing with the Stars", and she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition in July. Maher has signed a three-month deal with Bristol ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England in August. She made her 15-a-side debut for the USA in 2021. "I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears," Maher said in a club statement. Bristol's first game next month is on January 4 against local rivals and Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury, in a repeat of last season's final. obo/iwd/mwTexas Instruments Inc. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors

QuantumArc Solutions Launches AI Adoption Framework to Empower Mid-Market Businesses 11-21-2024 11:34 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire New framework simplifies AI integration, making enterprise-grade technology accessible and scalable. Q [ https://quantumarc.ca/]uantumArc Solutions [ https://quantumarc.ca/ ], a leading technology strategy consulting firm, has unveiled a groundbreaking AI Adoption Framework tailored specifically for mid-market companies. This innovative initiative aims to bridge the technology divide, enabling medium-sized businesses to leverage enterprise-grade AI solutions efficiently, cost-effectively, and with measurable results. Designed to address the unique challenges faced by mid-market businesses, the AI Adoption Framework offers a streamlined version of QuantumArc Solutions' proven Strategic Technology Roadmaps Methodology. By focusing on rapid implementation and practical outcomes, the framework empowers organizations to integrate advanced technologies, such as generative AI, automation, and data analytics, within weeks instead of months. "At QuantumArc Solutions, we're democratizing access to AI and emerging technologies for medium-sized businesses," commented Sandeep Matharoo, CEO of QuantumArc Solutions. "Our new AI Adoption Framework breaks down the complexity of enterprise-grade AI solutions into practical, implementable steps that mid-market companies can execute quickly and cost-effectively. We're bridging the technology gap that has traditionally given larger enterprises a competitive advantage." The framework provides a clear path to AI integration, addressing critical market needs: * Accessibility: Tailored solutions designed for the specific demands and budgets of mid-sized companies. * Efficiency: Drastically reduced implementation timelines, ensuring businesses see a return on investment faster. * Scalability: Solutions that grow with the organization, providing long-term value. One of QuantumArc's clients, a mid-market manufacturing firm, shared their experience: "QuantumArc Solutions' AI Adoption Framework has been a game-changer for our operations. What once seemed like an overwhelming and expensive endeavor became a clear and achievable process. Within weeks, we saw significant improvements in efficiency and decision-making powered by AI." The launch comes at a pivotal time when many medium-sized businesses are struggling to keep up with rapid technological advancements. While larger enterprises have long enjoyed the competitive edge provided by advanced AI and digital tools, mid-market companies often lack the resources or expertise to implement such solutions effectively. QuantumArc's new framework not only simplifies the adoption process but also ensures that businesses can compete more effectively by leveraging the same cutting-edge technologies as their larger counterparts. From automating routine tasks to unlocking new insights through data analytics, the framework delivers practical benefits that drive business growth. For more information about QuantumArc Solutions and the AI Adoption Framework, visit https://quantumarc.ca/ . About QuantumArc Solutions: QuantumArc Solutions specializes in strategic technology roadmapping and digital transformation for organizations across North America. With a team of expert consultants and a commitment to innovation, the firm empowers businesses to navigate complex technological landscapes and achieve sustainable growth. Media Contact Company Name: QuantumArc Solutions Contact Person: Info Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=quantumarc-solutions-launches-ai-adoption-framework-to-empower-midmarket-businesses ] Country: Canada Website: https://quantumarc.ca This release was published on openPR.

Walmart’s DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump’s election victoryAnalog Devices Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitors despite daily gainsNew OGI Camera Detects Fugitive Ammonia and Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Emissions at Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart's sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are re-evaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups. The changes announced by the world's biggest retailer on Monday followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The retreat from such programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump's incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher at the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches -- the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President -- are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the October survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associate at Pew, called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI," Glasgow said. "The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Walmart says its U.S. businesses sourced more than $13 billion in goods and services from diverse suppliers in fiscal year 2024, including businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America's top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart's announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart's need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company has no explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer's ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart." Walmart's announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.

Ian Schieffelin came within two assists of a triple-double and Clemson handed Penn State its first loss with a 75-67 decision for the championship of the Sunshine Slam tournament Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Schieffelin finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Tigers (6-1), leading four players in double figures. Chase Hunter added 17 points, while Chauncey Wiggins scored 14 and reserve Del Jones chipped in 10 points. Clemson sank 9 of 19 3-pointers, converted 16 of 20 free throws and was able to limit the impact of the Nittany Lions' full-court pressure. The Tigers committed just 13 turnovers, helping them hold Penn State (6-1) to less than 85 points for the first time this year. Ace Baldwin starred in defeat with game highs of 20 points and 11 assists, while center Yanic Konan Niederhauser added 14 points. Nick Kern came off the bench to score 11 but Penn State was outscored 15-2 on the fast break and made just 4 of 18 attempts from 3-point range. Schieffelin came up big down the stretch, assisting on a 3-pointer by Jaeden Zackery with 6:04 left that made it 65-61. Then he made two foul shots and tossed in a jump hook from the lane to up the margin to 71-66 with 1:03 left. The big storyline going into this game was which team would be able to control the pace. Penn State came in averaging 96 ppg, while Clemson demonstrated its ability to enforce a slower tempo in March, advancing to a regional final in the NCAA Tournament. In the first 10 minutes of the game, the Tigers made the Nittany Lions play at a crawl, opening up a 17-10 advantage when Schieffelin converted a short hook in the lane. But Penn State answered with an 18-4 run over nearly six minutes, establishing a 28-21 lead when Kern shook free for a layup. Clemson rallied with nine straight points but the Nittany Lions had the last say as Baldwin converted a layup with 24 seconds left, cutting the Tigers' edge to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level MediaATLANTA — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats grappled Monday with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She, along with Biden and other White House officials, insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who argues that indictments and a conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote on social media. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., posted: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper wrote on social media. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump’s apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP’s pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House: “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Tulsa fired football coach Kevin Wilson on Sunday and will elevate wide receivers coach Ryan Switzer on an interim basis for the remainder of the season. The Golden Hurricane lost to South Florida 63-30 on Saturday, dropping their record to 3-8. The school's decision concludes Wilson's two-year tenure with a 7-16 record, including 3-12 in American Athletic Conference play. “With the rapidly evolving landscape of college athletics, we know the importance of positioning our football program and athletic department to thrive and excel in the upcoming years,” athletic director Justin Moore said in a statement. “Our standard will be to play in bowl games every season, compete for conference titles, and build a program that everyone connected to the Golden Hurricane will be proud of." Wilson spent six years as Indiana’s head coach, going 26-47 from 2011 to 2016. He then joined Urban Meyer’s staff at Ohio State and stayed on under Meyer’s successor, Ryan Day, before taking over at Tulsa. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballBy ALEXANDRA OLSON and CATHY BUSSEWITZ NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches — the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President — are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI,” Glasgow said. “The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America’s top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart’s announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart’s need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer’s ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart.” Related Articles National News | Bird flu virus was found in raw milk. What to know about the risks National News | Ransomware attack on software supplier disrupts operations for Starbucks and other retailers National News | Man found guilty of holding down teen while he was raped at a youth center in 1998 National News | What Black Friday’s history tells us about holiday shopping in 2024 National News | New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants Walmart’s announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.

Morgan Stanley stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors despite daily gains(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) A uthors: Nicole Hassoun , Binghamton University, State University of New York The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has set off soul-searching among many Americans. Part of that reflection is about the public reaction to Thompson’s death and the sympathy the suspect received online, with some people critical of the insurance industry celebrating the assailant as a sort of folk hero . As many observers have pointed out , frustrations are no excuse for murder. But it has become a moment of wider reflection on health care in America, and why so many patients feel the system is broken . Philosopher Nicole Hassoun researches health care and human rights. The Conversation U.S. spoke with her about the deeper questions Americans should be asking when they discuss health care reform. We’re seeing an outpouring of anger about health care in the United States. Your work deals with global health inequality and access – can you help put the U.S. system in perspective? If we compare ourselves to other rich countries, we don’t do very well. We spend much more money – about double per patient, on average, compared with other OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries – and get much less in return. In a study of 10 wealthy nations, including New Zealand, Sweden and Canada, The Commonwealth Fund – a private foundation for health care research – ranks the U.S. last overall. About 90% of Americans have some kind of health insurance . Still, 10% lack insurance entirely, and even some of those who are insured can’t afford the co-pays or medication costs . And there is a great deal of inequality in the U.S.: both disparities in access to health care and disparities in outcomes. Black infants die at a rate nearly 2.5 times higher than white babies do, for example, and diabetes rates are 30% higher among Native Americans and Latinos than white Americans. People of color tend to have lower rates of coverage as well. Before the Affordable Care Act, the situation was really dire. It’s likely many of us will get some terrible health condition like cancer during our lifetime, even when we’re relatively young. And what that meant before the ACA was that, if you got sick enough to lose your job – and so, your health insurance – new insurers could charge high rates because of your “preexisting condition.” You’ve argued there’s a universal right to health. What does that mean, and what would it look like? I think that people everywhere should have a legally enforced right to health – and in many countries, such as Germany and Norway , they do. In about half the world’s countries, that right is spelled out in the constitution . But the United States has not ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights , which includes a right to health. Morally, I think that the U.S. ought to have signed on to that. People should be able to live minimally good lives , and health is really important to do that. Countries should protect their citizens’ human rights, and health is fundamental to other human rights, like the right to life. When I say people have a right to health , I mean they have a right to the socially controllable determinants of health. This includes a clean and safe environment, health care and adequate food, water and social support. I am not saying that they have a right to be healthy, because you can’t guarantee that for anybody. What I mean is that society should do what it can so that everybody has health care at a reasonable cost. Good governments and their social support systems help everyone secure the health they need to contribute to society. The alternative is costly for everybody, not just people who are sick. Nearly half of the health problems in the U.S. stem from preventable diseases . As a wealthy country, we should have the resources to address those problems – including steps as simple as making sure people have high blood-pressure medicine, or regular primary-care visits . Everybody should be getting that kind of care, because otherwise, people certainly end up in the emergency room. Even ER visits that do not result in hospitalization cost an immense amount of money , ratcheting up the costs for everyone in the system, and often patients still don’t get the care that they need . According to a 2020 study published in The Lancet , a single-payer system could save the U.S. 13% savings in health care spending or US$450 billion each year. It’s a matter of how we want to be as a country. We can make health a right, but that is a decision that the American population has to make. We’re all in this together. We’re all trying to make this country work. And it’s a lot harder to do that when you’re sick. You mentioned an interesting phrase: the idea of the “minimally good life.” I just wrote a book on the minimally good life, and the main question it grapples with is this: What do we owe each other as a basic minimum? What kind of social safety net will suffice for everyone? I argue that respect for humanity requires people to help others live “minimally good lives” when that help does not sacrifice our own reasonably good quality of life. But how should we define that minimum? How should the country decide what kind of social welfare system to have? The basic idea is this: Put yourself in other people’s shoes and think, “There but for the grace of God go I.” What would I need to live a good-enough life as that person? What would I need if I were them? Maybe you don’t have cancer right now, or heart disease, or anything else. But someday you might. Empathy lets us think about how we can create the kind of security that will help us all flourish and live good lives. It’s also part of being a good-enough person. I think we live better lives when we help each other. When we think about what we want, what policies and laws we want to vote for, we have to put ourselves in others’ shoes and consider what would be good enough for all of us. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/the-moral-dimension-to-americas-flawed-health-care-system-245971 . 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Gaetz withdraws from consideration to be attorney generalBy Tom Hals and Jonathan Stempel WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -A Delaware judge ruled on Monday that Tesla CEO Elon Musk still is not entitled to receive a $56 billion compensation package despite shareholders of the electric vehicle company voting to reinstate it. The ruling by the judge, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the Court of Chancery, follows her January decision that called the pay package excessive and rescinded it, surprising investors, and cast uncertainty over Musk's future at the world's most valuable carmaker. Musk did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Tesla has said in court filings that the judge should recognize a subsequent June vote by its shareholders in favor of the pay package for Musk, the company's driving force who is responsible for many of its advances, and reinstate his compensation. McCormick said Tesla’s board was not entitled to hit “reset” to restore Musk’s pay package. “Were the court to condone the practice of allowing defeated parties to create new facts for the purpose of revising judgments, lawsuits would become interminable,” she said in her 101-page opinion. She also said Tesla made multiple material misstatements in its proxy statement regarding the vote, and could not claim the vote was a “cure-all” to justify restoring Musk’s pay. “Taken together,” the problems with Tesla’s arguments “pack a powerful punch,” she wrote. Tesla shares fell 1.4% in after hours trade, after the ruling. McCormick also ordered Tesla to pay the attorneys who brought the case $345 million, well short of the $6 billion they initially requested. She said the fee could be paid in cash or Tesla stock. “We are pleased with Chancellor McCormick’s ruling, which declined Tesla’s invitation to inject continued uncertainty into Court proceedings," said a statement from Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann, one of the three law firms for the plaintiff. The law firm also said it looked forward to defending the court's opinion if Musk and Tesla appealed. Musk and Tesla can appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court as soon as McCormick enters a final order, which could come as soon as this week. The appeal could take a year to play out. After the January ruling, Tesla shareholders flooded the court with thousands of letters arguing that rescinding Musk's pay increased the possibility he would leave Tesla or develop some products like artificial intelligence at ventures other than Tesla. Attorneys for shareholder Richard Tornetta, who sued in 2018 to challenge Musk's compensation package, had argued that Delaware law does not permit a company to use a ratification vote to essentially overturn the ruling from a trial. McCormick in January found that Musk improperly controlled the 2018 board process to negotiate the pay package. The board had said that Musk deserved the package because he hit all the ambitious targets on market value, revenue and profitability. But the judge criticized Tesla's board as "beholden" to Musk, saying the compensation plan was proposed by a board whose members had conflicts of interest due to close personal and financial ties to him. After the January ruling, Musk criticized the judge on his social media platform X and encouraged other companies to follow the lead of Tesla and reincorporate in Texas from Delaware, although it is unclear if any companies did so. The judge in her January ruling called the pay package the "biggest compensation plan ever - an unfathomable sum." It was 33 times larger than the next biggest executive compensation package, which was Musk's 2012 pay plan. As of Monday, the pay package was worth $101.4 billion, according to Equilar, a compensation consulting firm. Musk's 2018 pay package gave him stock grants worth around 1% of Tesla's equity each time the company achieved one of 12 tranches of escalating operational and financial goals. Musk did not receive any guaranteed salary. Tornetta argued that shareholders were not told how easily the goals would be achieved when they voted on the package. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Bill Berkrot)

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The Newport News government has applied for an almost $20 million federal grant that — if received — could help address the coal dust pollution that plagues the Southeast Community. For decades, Newport News residents have urged the city government to address the pollution coming from Dominion Terminal Associates and Kinder Morgan coal terminals. Residents say the coal dust blows into the surrounding community and coats homes and schools. In addition to dirtying the atmosphere, residents also worry it’s causing them respiratory problems. During a council work session last week, Chief Strategy Officer Eoghan Miller discussed ways the city is trying to be environmentally responsible. He noted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has Community Change Grant funding available for environmental and climate justice activities that benefit disadvantaged communities. The funding is designed to reduce pollution and increase community climate resilience. Miller said the city and a collection of community-based organizations submitted an application in November to address dust issues in the Southeast Community and requested $19.6 million in funding. “We’ve got our fingers crossed,” Miller said. “We hope to hear more.” Mayor Phillip Jones said remediation would take “a lot of money.” While the specific remedy remains to be determined, Jones said some potential solutions could include a coal fence or a dome. “$20 million, I think, will change downtown, especially when it comes to coal mitigation,” he said. The state Department of Environmental Quality is working on a project that deploys monitors to test air quality and assess potential health risks associated with dust from the coal storage and transportation facilities in Newport News and Norfolk. The study, known as the Tidewater Air Monitoring Evaluation project , will measure and analyze toxic metals and particulates in the air in the two communities and use the information to conduct health risk assessments. Miller told the Daily Press that in addition to dust coming from the coal terminals, the grant could also be used to mitigate other environmental factors such as dust coming off the interstate. “Even if we get the funding, there’s probably not a single solution that completely eradicates these fugitive dust issues, and so it’s probably looking at a host of measures to hopefully reduce some of the fugitive dust issues, pollution issues, climate action issues that we have, in the Southeast Community particularly, and citywide,” he said. According to Miller, the city hopes to find out before the end of the year whether it will receive the grant money. Southeast Community resident Yugonda Sample-Jones, a longtime advocate for addressing the coal dust issue, said her organization EmPower All, the Sierra Club, the University of Virginia and numerous other local organizations have been raising awareness about the harm of coal dust in the Southeast Community and she hopes she hopes the city can undergo a holistic effort to create “a truly healthy space.” She said she collaborated with the city on the community change grant application and hopes funding could be used for a dome, fence, or some other barrier to protect residents from dust. “This is the most momentum we’ve had at a local level to do something about environmental justice,” she said. Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.comBiden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to

Caprock Group LLC boosted its stake in HubSpot, Inc. ( NYSE:HUBS – Free Report ) by 16.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 673 shares of the software maker’s stock after buying an additional 97 shares during the quarter. Caprock Group LLC’s holdings in HubSpot were worth $358,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of HubSpot in the second quarter worth $35,000. HM Payson & Co. lifted its holdings in HubSpot by 36.0% in the 3rd quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 68 shares of the software maker’s stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of HubSpot by 525.0% during the 2nd quarter. Crewe Advisors LLC now owns 75 shares of the software maker’s stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp grew its holdings in shares of HubSpot by 690.9% during the second quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 87 shares of the software maker’s stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its position in shares of HubSpot by 41.6% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 109 shares of the software maker’s stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.39% of the company’s stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have commented on HUBS shares. Raymond James lowered their target price on shares of HubSpot from $725.00 to $675.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Truist Financial reaffirmed a “buy” rating and issued a $750.00 price objective (up previously from $600.00) on shares of HubSpot in a research report on Friday, November 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on HubSpot from $626.00 to $690.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Citigroup lowered their price target on HubSpot from $699.00 to $629.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered shares of HubSpot from an “overweight” rating to a “neutral” rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $570.00 to $640.00 in a report on Thursday, November 7th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $672.68. Insider Buying and Selling at HubSpot In other news, CEO Yamini Rangan sold 116 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $491.19, for a total transaction of $56,978.04. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 67,203 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $33,009,441.57. This trade represents a 0.17 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, insider Dawson Alyssa Harvey sold 573 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $700.00, for a total transaction of $401,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 7,603 shares in the company, valued at $5,322,100. This represents a 7.01 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 44,391 shares of company stock worth $29,101,488 in the last 90 days. 4.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. HubSpot Trading Up 3.1 % Shares of HUBS stock opened at $742.61 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $575.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of $551.49. The company has a market capitalization of $38.33 billion, a PE ratio of -2,750.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 87.52 and a beta of 1.63. HubSpot, Inc. has a twelve month low of $434.84 and a twelve month high of $745.49. HubSpot ( NYSE:HUBS – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The software maker reported $2.18 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.91 by $0.27. HubSpot had a negative net margin of 0.56% and a negative return on equity of 1.16%. The company had revenue of $669.72 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $646.97 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($0.04) EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 20.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that HubSpot, Inc. will post 0.4 EPS for the current year. HubSpot Company Profile ( Free Report ) HubSpot, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform for businesses in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's CRM platform includes Marketing Hub, a toolset for marketing automation and email, social media, SEO, and reporting and analytics; Sales Hub offers email templates and tracking, conversations and live chat, meeting and call scheduling, lead and website visit alerts, lead scoring, sales automation, pipeline management, quoting, forecasting, and reporting; Service Hub, a service software designed to help businesses manage, respond, and connect with customers; and Content Management Systems Hub enables businesses to create new and edit existing web content. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for HubSpot Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HubSpot and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .American rugby sevens star Ilona Maher will join 15-a-side club Bristol in January in a bid to play in next year's women's Rugby World Cup, the English club announced on Monday. Maher, 28, helped the USA to a bronze medal at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris and is the sport's most popular player on social media. "This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal," Bristol head coach Dave Ward said. "She is one of the biggest names in women's sport, let alone rugby, and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field." Last week Maher finished second on US television show "Dancing with the Stars", and she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition in July. Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! Maher has signed a three-month deal with Bristol ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England in August. She made her 15-a-side debut for the USA in 2021. "I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears," Maher said in a club statement. Bristol's first game next month is on January 4 against local rivals and Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury, in a repeat of last season's final. obo/iwd/mwNoneFrese pleased after No. 8 Maryland stays unbeaten in 'phenomenal game' against No. 19 Michigan State

Under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and Invest Saudi will hold the 28th annual World Investment Conference (WIC) in Riyadh from November 25 to 27. The event will gather global leaders in investment, government, and international organizations to tackle the theme “Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth: Scaling Investment Opportunities”. On the occasion, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said: “Under the wise leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salaman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed, the Kingdom, driven by its ambitious Vision 2030, has become a premier world investment destination and is experiencing unprecedented growth in overall investment amounts and diversity.” This year’s World Investment Conference in Riyadh “will be a platform for sharing our nation’s strategic vision with our partners, and an invaluable opportunity to highlight our status as a trusted partner for sustainable economic growth,” he added. “We look forward to welcoming investment leaders from around the world to forge partnerships that will benefit both the Kingdom and global economies,” he stressed. Vision 2030 has driven significant economic reforms in Saudi Arabia, attracting substantial foreign investment. Over 28,900 foreign investment licenses have been issued, reflecting the Kingdom's transformation into a major global investment hub. Key factors contributing to this growth include 100% foreign ownership in specific sectors, streamlined commercial register procedures, simplified visa issuance, and other investor-friendly initiatives that have created a favorable and appealing environment for investors in various sectors, including renewable energy, logistics services, and AI. The Kingdom's attractive investment landscape has also facilitated the development of a dynamic economy that leads in innovation and growth. WAIPA Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin said: “WAIPA is excited to bring the 28th WIC to Riyadh, a city that perfectly embodies the future of investment. The conference will provide a crucial platform for Investment Promotion Agencies and investors to discuss emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape.” “We deeply appreciate Saudi Arabia’s vision and leadership, which will ensure that this edition of WIC is an impactful gathering for all participants,” he remarked. Key highlights of this year’s WIC are a range of conference tracks, such as high-level dialogues with government ministers, insightful sessions on technology, sustainability, and economic cooperation, as well as practical masterclasses for investment professionals, a dedicated entrepreneurship track that will emphasize the transformative role of startups and innovators, and exclusive matchmaking sessions that will facilitate strategic partnerships between investors, SMEs, and potential collaborators. Participants will also have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Investment Promotion Agencies on the Awards Track, honoring innovation and excellence in investment facilitation. This year’s WIC promises to be a pivotal forum as it aligns with global investment drivers: the disruptive influence of technology and AI, global supply chain resilience, energy transition toward sustainability, and the transformative role of entrepreneurs and startups in reshaping investment landscapes traditionally led by multinational corporations. Leaders and stakeholders will discuss and explore how these factors are redefining economies and driving forward-looking investment models worldwide. With its focus on scaling investment opportunities, WIC is designed to equip attendees with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to drive meaningful economic impact.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and ended the Indianapolis Colts’ slim playoff hopes Sunday as Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in a 45-33 victory. New York earned its first home win of the season and it no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Lock sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around TD passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and 5 yards to Wan’Dale Robinson in leading the Giants (3-13) to their first win since beating Seattle on Oct. 6. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a 100-yard return on the second-half kickoff on a day the league’s worst offense set a season high for points. Jonathan Taylor scored on runs of 3 and 26 yards for Indianapolis (7-9), while Joe Flacco, subbing for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw touchdown passes of 13 yards to Alec Pierce and 7 yards to Michael Pittman, the last bringing the Colts within 35-33 with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter. Lock, who finished 17 of 23 for 309 yards, iced the game by leading a nine-play, 70-yard drive that he capped with a 5-yard run. The 45 points were the most for New York since putting up 49 in a 52-49 loss to the Saints in 2015. It’s the Giants most in a win since a 45-14 rout against Washington in 2014 and most at home since a 52-27 win against the Saints in 2012. Nabers finished with seven catches for a career-high 171 yards. Flacco was 26 of 38 for 330 yards with two interceptions, the second by rookie Dru Phillips shortly after Lock’s TD run. Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards in a win over Tennessee last weekend, finished with 125 yards on 32 carries. Pierce had six catches for 122 yards. Rookies Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy become the third pair of rookies to have more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in the same season. The previous duo was running back Reggie Bush and receiver Marques Colston of the Saints in 2006. Injuries Colts: Richardson was inactive with foot and back injuries sustained against Tennessee. Giants: DL Armon Watts (knee) was ruled out in the first half. Up next Colts: Finish the regular season by hosting Jacksonville. Giants: At Philadelphia to face Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. ___ AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLNEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid a mixed Monday of trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% from its all-time high set on Friday to post a record for the 54th time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 128 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared 28.7% to lead the market. Following allegations of misconduct and the resignation of its public auditor , the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board. It also said that it doesn’t expect to restate its past financials and that it will find a new chief financial officer, appoint a general counsel and make other moves to strengthen its governance. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 3.2% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 0.5% after the chip company said CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired and stepped down from the board. Intel is looking for Gelsinger’s replacement, and its chair said it’s “committed to restoring investor confidence.” Intel recently lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to Nvidia, which has skyrocketed in Wall Street’s frenzy around AI. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the announcement of its CEO’s departure . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world’s fourth-largest automaker’s stock fell 6.3% in Milan. The majority of stocks in the S&P 500 likewise fell, including California utility PG&E. It dropped 5% after saying it would sell $2.4 billion of stock and preferred shares to raise cash. Retailers were mixed amid what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record and coming off Black Friday . Target, which recently gave a forecast for the holiday season that left investors discouraged , fell 1.2%. Walmart , which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.2%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.4%. All told, the S&P 500 added 14.77 points to 6,047.15. The Dow fell 128.65 to 44,782.00, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 185.78 to 19,403.95. The stock market largely took Donald Trump’s latest threat on tariffs in stride. The president-elect on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a group of developing economies if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. Trump said he wants the group, headlined by Brazil, Russia, India and China, to promise it won’t create a new currency or otherwise try to undercut the U.S. dollar. The dollar has long been the currency of choice for global trade. Speculation has also been around a long time that other currencies could knock it off its mantle, but no contender has come close. The U.S. dollar’s value rose Monday against several other currencies, but one of its strongest moves likely had less to do with the tariff threats. The euro fell amid a political battle in Paris over the French government’s budget . The euro sank 0.7% against the U.S. dollar and broke below $1.05. In the bond market, Treasury yields gave up early gains to hold relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed above 4.23% during the morning before falling back to 4.19%. That was just above its level of 4.18% late Friday. A report in the morning showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted again last month, but not by as much as economists expected. This upcoming week will bring several big updates on the job market, including the October job openings report, weekly unemployment benefits data and the all-important November jobs report. They could steer the next moves for Federal Reserve, which recently began pulling interest rates lower to give support to the economy. Economists expect Friday’s headliner report to show U.S. employers accelerated their hiring in November, coming off October’s lackluster growth that was hampered by damaging hurricanes and strikes. “We now find ourselves in the middle of this Goldilocks zone, where economic health supports earnings growth while remaining weak enough to justify potential Fed rate cuts,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. In financial markets abroad, Chinese stocks led gains worldwide as monthly surveys showed improving conditions for manufacturing, partly driven by a surge in orders ahead of Trump’s inauguration next month. Both official and private sector surveys of factory managers showed strong new orders and export orders, possibly partly linked to efforts by importers in the U.S. to beat potential tariff hikes by Trump once he takes office. Indexes rose 0.7% in Hong Kong and 1.1% in Shanghai. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

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Two Pittsburgh Steelers missed the first official practice of the week due to injury, putting their status for Wednesday’s Week 17 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in serious doubt. Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee, PCL sprain) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) did not practice on Monday after being projected as DNPs on Sunday. Porter and Skowronek’s absences from practice weren’t a total surprise after head coach Mike Tomlin hinted the two are long shots to suit up against the Chiefs. “The two guys that didn’t finish yesterday’s game, Joey Porter with a knee and Ben Skowronek with a hip, they’re availability remains questionable,” Tomlin said. “Anybody that didn’t make it out of their stadium yesterday on a four day turnaround probably have a difficult time showing for this one.” Porter left Saturday’s 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens with what was first believed to be a calf injury but later diagnosed as a knee injury . Shortly after, PennLive.com reported that the Steelers fear that Porter may have suffered a PCL sprain, which would likely cause him to miss more than just this week’s game against Kansas City. Skowronek also left the game with a hip injury after reeling in two catches for 25 yards early on. He did not return, either. In addition to the Steelers two absences, quarterback Justin Fields was limited as he recovers from an abdominal injury that he suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT STEELERS INJURED RESERVE This article first appeared on Steelers Now and was syndicated with permission.The entrance of the main offices of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The State ... [+] Department’s decision to update the J-1 Exchange Visitors Skills List may prevent many researchers from being pushed out of the United States due to immigration law. (Photo by Greg Mathieson/Mai/Getty Images) The State Department’s decision to update the J-1 Exchange Visitors Skills List may prevent many researchers from being pushed out of the United States due to immigration law. The policy change allows more J-1 researchers, trainees and others, particularly from India and China, to work in the United States and not be forced to leave the country due to a foreign residence requirement. Attorneys report increased employer interest in the J-1 category after the State Department’s action. The announcement follows favorable changes by the Biden administration that increased approvals for O-1A visas and policy guidance that will make it easier for employment-based immigrants to qualify as individuals with extraordinary abilities . The State Department’s Immigration Change The U.S. Department of State has published a public notice that updates the Exchange Visitors Skills List. “The Skills List is a list of countries designated by the Secretary of State as clearly requiring the services of persons engaged in certain fields of specialized knowledge or skills,” according to the notice. “This list is used by the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether an individual who has been admitted into the United States as a ‘J’ nonimmigrant exchange visitor, or who acquired such status, is subject to the two- year foreign residence requirement” under U.S. immigration law. Steve Plastrik, a senior associate at BAL, said the most significant aspects of the J-1 change are that individuals from China and India are no longer on the Skills List and subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement, and that the notice applies retroactively. Under the law, certain J exchange visitors must live two years in their home country after their exchange program ends or obtain a waiver “to be eligible for change of status to H or L status, adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident or receive an H, L, K or immigrant visa,” notes Plastrik. J-1 visas are unlike H-1B and L-1 visas, which involve employers filing with the government for a direct employer-employee relationship. “For J-1s, an employer or ‘host’ would work with a program ‘sponsor’ organization designated by the State Department to get the foreign national’s DS-2019 issued (like an I-20 for F-1 students), which the foreign national uses to obtain a J-1 visa,” said Plastrik. “The program sponsor helps throughout the process and monitors the host’s compliance with program requirements.” He notes that the State Department had not updated the Skills List in nearly 15 years, and it no longer reflected the needs of the countries on the list, which is the premise for requiring J-1 visa holders to return home. Analysts say removing China and India from the list made sense, given the high scientific and technical base of those countries. “The outdated Skills List made it more challenging or delayed certain J-1 exchange visitors from obtaining H-1B, L-1 or lawful permanent resident status,” said Plastrik. iOS 18.2 Release Date: iPhone’s New Upgrade Is Hours Away FBI Warns iPhone, Android Users—Change WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal Apps KG Of VCHA Exits Girl Group With Lawsuit Against JYP USA Alleging Child Labor Abuse “So far, U.S. industry—which funds and performs about 90% of America’s experimental STEM R&D [research and development] and just under 60% of America’s applied STEM R&D—has barely tapped the tremendous potential of the J-1 visa program,” according to Amy Nice, who worked on technology policy in the White House during the Biden administration and is now a distinguished immigration counsel at the Institute for Progress and distinguished immigration scholar at Cornell Law. “Instead, the J-1 category for researchers, which allows up to five years of authorized stay in the U.S. and no per-country limits, has been utilized almost exclusively by U.S. universities, hospitals, government and major nonprofit research institutions.” She said the State Department would like to connect more designated exchange sponsors with U.S.-based host businesses in science and technology (i.e., STEM fields), especially small and medium-sized companies “that may benefit from the global perspective added by a J-1 researcher.” Nice coauthored a paper with Michael Clemens and Jeremy Neufeld for the Institute for Progress arguing restrictions on the J-1 visa category, including requiring individuals to return home for two years unless obtaining a waiver, reflected outdated academic research on “brain drain.” Current research shows that emigration, including by highly educated individuals, can lead to a greater exchange of goods, knowledge and investment that benefits the home country. A view of the Duke University Chapel on February 19, 2022, in Durham, North Carolina. The State ... [+] Department's update of the J-1 Visa Skills List may help U.S. universities retain top researchers. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) Reactions From Employers And Immigration Attorneys Immigration attorneys say that the State Department announcement has generated interest. “Since word came out on Friday, I am getting many inquiries from companies and universities about this really important development,” said Dan Berger of Green & Spiegel. “The new announcement does not change how the J-1 would be used for research scholars,” he said. “But it does mean that the scientists will be more likely to accept a J-1 position now that the Skills List is updated.” He notes postdoctoral researchers might not want to accept a J-1 if it means they must return to their home country for two years. “The updated policy creates more flexibility for STEM talent to do high-level research and build toward a successful career without being tied to spending two years early in their career in their home country.” “This is terrific news for countries like India and China who have been historically oversubscribed in categories like the H-1B,” according to Dagmar Butte of Parker Butte and Lane. She advises employers also to look at entry-level positions to see if individuals might qualify in the trainee or intern category. “That would allow the employer to train the worker and see if there is a long-term opportunity or provide the worker the chance to take the skills learned back to their country.” She cautions that even if the State Department has lifted the home residence requirement for an individual from a particular country, the underlying J-1 rules have not changed. “For employers, this change makes the J-1 a more viable option for international workforce development,” said Kevin Miner of Fragomen. “Employers that have international operations and want to give employees working abroad the opportunity to gain training in the United States are now able to use the J-1 as a potential option for more individuals. In particular, individuals from China, India and other countries that were removed from the Skills List have the option of obtaining J-1 training without triggering the two-year home residence requirement.” Miner thinks the State Department making the policy retroactive could be significant for many people. “This means that if there are individuals who came to the United States for J-1 training whose plans have now changed, they can explore options such as H-1B or L-1 without the need to first satisfy the two-year home residence requirement or obtain a waiver.” Attorneys agree that the State Department’s announcement is a welcome, modest step, but it does not solve the U.S. immigration system’s shortcomings on retaining talent. According to Dan Berger, “It is important that it is clear this is a resumption of regular updates to the Skills List, which the State Department had not updated in 15 years, rather than a free pass for J-1s to stay in the United States.”

Flat PSG drop points in Nantes drawThe move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.

Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham are looking into why so many players have suffered injury setbacks this season. Ben Davies is the latest to fall into that category, with the Welsh international initially primed to return for Sunday’s visit of Wolves but no longer available. Davies suffered a setback in training this week, which means Spurs could be without a fit centre-back after Radu Dragusin was forced off in the latter stages of Thursday’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest with an ankle issue. Ange with a team news update ahead of Wolves on Sunday 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/0EiYh4TP8j — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 27, 2024 Postecoglou is already without first-choice central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven after both failed to make it through their comeback fixture against Chelsea on December 7. “Yeah, that’s been our major problem this year. Guys who are coming back from injury rather than us losing players as such,” Postecoglou said. “We’re looking at those things and why they’re happening. It’s certainly happened too often this year where guys have come back and they’re the ones who are missing. “I think just about all of them, apart from Vic (Guglielmo Vicario), are recurrences of an injury. “Even with Romero, it was a different injury but it’s still a guy coming back, so it’s something we’re looking at.” There could be good news on the horizon with attackers Mikey Moore and Richarlison expected to return to training next week. A post shared by Richarlison (@richarlison) Richarlison suffered his own setback in November when his short-lived return after a calf issue was cut short when he injured the same area against Aston Villa. Moore, meanwhile, has been sidelined by a virus for the best part of two months but the 17-year-old could provide a much-needed spark in the new year when Newcastle visit on January 4. Postecoglou said: “Him and Richy are in the final phases. Next week they can start training. We’ve got a bit of a gap before the Newcastle game. “The plan is Mikey and Richy come back into first-team training next week.” Anticipated returns for Moore and Richarlison will fail to help Postecoglou against Wolves, with makeshift centre-back Archie Gray potentially set to partner up with fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma if Dragusin cannot recover. Pressed on the issue of fixture scheduling, with Spurs definitely missing eight players for Sunday’s fixture, Postecoglou said: “It is challenging. “All clubs are going to have to get their heads around it and authorities are going to have to get their heads around it. “One of two things need to happen: either you somehow change the fixture schedule, which doesn’t seem feasible, or you allow clubs bigger squads. Then you have other issues with that, as well. “The attrition rate you’re seeing and it’s not just us. We’re going through a particularly badly moment. Newcastle went through it last year and it affected them pretty badly. They were obviously in the Champions League as well and probably didn’t have the squad to cope with it. “It hits certain clubs at different times and is probably becoming more prevalent, and for all of us it’s a challenge as to how we navigate this process to keep our players healthy. “It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental thing. For us it’s been constant since August and we’re not even halfway through the year. And they’re not going to get a break now, so these things we’re constantly assessing.”

Ben Davies is the latest to fall into that category, with the Welsh international initially primed to return for Sunday’s visit of Wolves but no longer available. Davies suffered a setback in training this week, which means Spurs could be without a fit centre-back after Radu Dragusin was forced off in the latter stages of Thursday’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest with an ankle issue. Ange with a team news update ahead of Wolves on Sunday 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/0EiYh4TP8j — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 27, 2024 Postecoglou is already without first-choice central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven after both failed to make it through their comeback fixture against Chelsea on December 7. “Yeah, that’s been our major problem this year. Guys who are coming back from injury rather than us losing players as such,” Postecoglou said. “We’re looking at those things and why they’re happening. It’s certainly happened too often this year where guys have come back and they’re the ones who are missing. “I think just about all of them, apart from Vic (Guglielmo Vicario), are recurrences of an injury. “Even with Romero, it was a different injury but it’s still a guy coming back, so it’s something we’re looking at.” There could be good news on the horizon with attackers Mikey Moore and Richarlison expected to return to training next week. A post shared by Richarlison (@richarlison) Richarlison suffered his own setback in November when his short-lived return after a calf issue was cut short when he injured the same area against Aston Villa. Moore, meanwhile, has been sidelined by a virus for the best part of two months but the 17-year-old could provide a much-needed spark in the new year when Newcastle visit on January 4. Postecoglou said: “Him and Richy are in the final phases. Next week they can start training. We’ve got a bit of a gap before the Newcastle game. “The plan is Mikey and Richy come back into first-team training next week.” Anticipated returns for Moore and Richarlison will fail to help Postecoglou against Wolves, with makeshift centre-back Archie Gray potentially set to partner up with fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma if Dragusin cannot recover. Pressed on the issue of fixture scheduling, with Spurs definitely missing eight players for Sunday’s fixture, Postecoglou said: “It is challenging. “All clubs are going to have to get their heads around it and authorities are going to have to get their heads around it. “One of two things need to happen: either you somehow change the fixture schedule, which doesn’t seem feasible, or you allow clubs bigger squads. Then you have other issues with that, as well. “The attrition rate you’re seeing and it’s not just us. We’re going through a particularly badly moment. Newcastle went through it last year and it affected them pretty badly. They were obviously in the Champions League as well and probably didn’t have the squad to cope with it. “It hits certain clubs at different times and is probably becoming more prevalent, and for all of us it’s a challenge as to how we navigate this process to keep our players healthy. “It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a mental thing. For us it’s been constant since August and we’re not even halfway through the year. And they’re not going to get a break now, so these things we’re constantly assessing.”

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During the Town of Amherst’s final town council meeting of the year on Dec. 16, a motion was passed approving funding for two initiatives. The Community Support Grants Policy, Social Equity Fund allowed for a $5,000 contribution to be made to the Amherst Community Christmas Dinner. The free dinner is open to anyone in the town and beyond providing an inclusive environment for anyone experiencing food insecurity. The welcome holiday meal is free and open to anyone. Another contribution was made on behalf of the Social Equity Fund in the amount of $3,100 being made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Amherst. The library provides books to more than 220 children in the area to inspire their quest for learning. Council appointed Rae Burke as a citizen member of the Town of Amherst Audit Committee for a term ending on October 31, 2025. The seat was vacant following the election of Rob Small as mayor. An expression of interest was advertised in local media and on the Town of Amherst social media pages. Amherst Town Council believes involving youth in the community adds value to youth development. They also want to empower young people to be active participants in their community and democracy. Council believes the youth perspective is an important one in the decisions they make everyday and welcome their opinions. That’s why in June 2024 an expression of interest was highlighted for young people to join the Amherst Youth Town Council. The seats are capped at 15 members and there were seven interested applicants over the summer. Last week, two new students were recruited, bringing the total number of members to nine. Town Council appointed Isla Crocker and Hanna Brunt to the Amherst Youth Town Council last week. Town Council approved the purchase of 10 body-worn cameras for Town Police in the 2024/25 Capital Budget. The amount to purchase the devices was estimated at $50,000 but the prices have changed considerably since the approval. Staff are now recommending the equipment be leased now instead of purchasing it. Council passed a new motion to remove the purchase of 10 police body worn cameras from the 2024/25 Capital Budget and authorize the lease. The new lease will be for 12 police body-worn cameras at a cost of approximately $20,000 annually. This new approval will be funded from the Police Department Operating Budget. In leasing the equipment, the provider will make sure the existing technology, data storage in the cloud, repairs and equipment replacement will be up to date.

UA&P – vivo Inter-Collegiate Futsal Tournament ends with RTU clinching the titleThe move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.

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New pro-European coalition approved in Romania amid period of political turmoilSpace exploration's most stunning photos in 2024 READ MORE: Shocking truth about the most iconic photos from space revealed By ELLYN LAPOINTE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 14:39 EST, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 14:58 EST, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments This year was historic for space research and exploration, and we have the photos to prove it. In 2024, rare astronomical events captured the attention of sky watchers across the US, including a total solar eclipse , aurora that stretched as far south as Florida and striking meteor showers . There were stunning accomplishments in the world of spaceflight, too. SpaceX performed the first commercial spacewalk and caught a giant rocket with a pair of 'chopstick' arms , NASA completed the first flight of an aircraft on Mars , and International Space Station astronauts beamed amazing images back to Earth . Telescopes in space and on Earth snapped some incredible shots too, capturing stars, other planets and even entire galaxies in unprecedented detail. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and European Southern Observatory (ESO) are just a few of the highly-sophisticated imaging instruments that changed our understanding of the universe this year. Below, DailyMail.com highlights some of 2024's most jaw-dropping space photos. Star-forming region NGC 604 JWST captured this near-infrared view of the star-forming region NGC 604, which sits in the Triangulum galaxy 2.7 million light-years from Earth JWST 's NIRcam instrument is a powerful near-infrared camera that can capture images of distant nebulae in astonishing detail. This year, the telescope snapped this photo of the star-forming nebula known as NGC 604. This enormous cloud of gas and dust is located 2.7 million light-years from Earth in the Triangulum galaxy. Stretching almost 1,500 light-years across, NGC 604 is nearly 100 times larger than the Orion Nebula in our own galaxy. NHC 604 contains more than 200 hot, massive young stars — significantly more than the Orion Nebula's four. This JWST image shows the nebula's arms of gas and dust, which serve as a nursery for young, still-forming stars. Starlink satellites captured by ISS astronaut Don Pettit, a NASA astronaut aboard the ISS, shared this photo he took in November, which shows Starlink satellites streaking by In November, NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared this image taken from the ISS, which shows Starlink satellites streaking by. In a post on X , Pettit compared the satellites to 'a miniature version of the monolith from '2001: A Space Odyssey', where the large flat face of the monolith points towards earth and the solar panel protrudes outward like the fin on the back of a Dimetrodon.' He described the image, saying: 'Compared to the well-defined streaks from star trails, this time exposure shows wonky streaks flashing ISS. 'These are Starlink satellites reflecting pre-dusk or pre-dawn sunlight off their solar panels. They are only seen from 5 to 18 degrees preceding or trailing the sun. 'They create bright flashes, perhaps lasting for a few seconds each due to the orientation of their outward pointing solar panels.' Pettit is well-known for his orbital astrophotography, which he creates from the unique vantage point of the ISS. SpaceX's 'chopsticks' rocket catch SpaceX achieved a historic spaceflight maneuver this year when the Mechazilla launch tower's 'chopstick' arms caught the Super Heavy booster in mid-air, executing a bull's eye landing Elon Musk's SpaceX made spaceflight history in October with the successful execution of a 'chopstick' maneuver. It was the fifth time the spaceflight company launched its 400-foot-tall Starship rocket, but this launch was anything but routine. In a world's first, SpaceX aimed to return the rocket's Super Heavy booster directly to its launch mount, snatching it out of mid-air with a pair of 'chopstick' arms attached to the launch tower. Just seven minutes after liftoff, Super Heavy executed a bull's eye landing, hovering near the 'Mechazilla' launch tower as the metal arms caught it. The bold, historic maneuver marked a major achievement for SpaceX and the spaceflight industry at large. 'Are you kidding me?' SpaceX spokesperson Dan Huot added from the launch site following the event. 'Even in this day and age, what we just saw — that looked like magic.' Supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* In 2024, astronomers captured the first image of the polarized light and magnetic fields that surround Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way This year, astronomers captured the first image of the polarized light and magnetic fields that surround Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole that sits at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. This image was made using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a global network of radio telescopes that can observe a supermassive black hole's event horizon, or the boundary where the velocity needed to escape exceeds the speed of light. At just 26,000 light years from Earth, Sagittarius A* is one of very few black holes in the universe where astronomers can actually observe the flow of matter around it. This historic image provides the first direct visual evidence of this supermassive black hole's existence. Although we cannot see the black hole itself — as it is completely dark — the glowing whirls of gas around it reveal a telltale signature: a dark central region (or 'shadow') surrounded by a bright ring-like structure. The image therefore shows light bent by the black hole's extreme gravity. HP Tau: An infant star The Hubble Space Telescope captured this image of the infant star HP Tau this year, located 550 light-years from Earth The Hubble Space Telescope snapped this stunning photo of the infant star HP Tau this year. HP Tau is located roughly 550 light-years from Earth in the constellation Taurus. At just 10million years old, it is the youngest among its neighbors. It can be seen at the top of a trio of stars captured in this Hubble image. These three stars reside within a hollow cavity in a huge cloud of gas and dust, 'looking like a glittering cosmic geode,' as NASA described it. HP Tau is a T Tauri star, a type of young variable star that has not begun nuclear fusion yet, but will eventually evolve into a hydrogen-fueled star similar to our sun, according to NASA. At 4.6 billion years old, our sun is far older than this infant. First-ever commercial spacewalk Tech billionaire and SpaceX astronaut Jared Isaacman made history when he emerged from the Polaris Dawn capsule to complete the first civilian spacewalk In September, SpaceX's Polaris Dawn crew made history by executing the first privately-funded spacewalk. The achievement marked a major milestone for the commercial spaceflight industry, of which SpaceX is a key leader. In this image, tech billionaire and Polaris Dawn mission commander Jared Isaacman can be seen emerging from the Crew Dragon capsule 434 miles above Earth's surface as the sun rises over the eastern portion of the US. He spent 12 minutes testing the mobility and functionality of SpaceX's new extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, which had never been used in space before. After Isaacman retreated back into the capsule, Polaris Dawn mission specialist Sarah Gillis, emerged and performed the same EVA test maneuvers. 'Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do,' said Isaacman as he looked down at our planet. 'But from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world.' 'Doomed' star Eta Carinae The Hubble Space Telescope captured this image of the unusual nebula that surrounds Eta Carinae, a star that is likely to explode at any time This 2024 image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope brings out details in the unusual nebula that surrounds Eta Carinae, a star that may be about to explode. Scientists aren't sure exactly when this explosion could occur. According to NASA, it could be next year, or it could be a million years from now. But when it does blow, it will likely cause a supernova — the biggest type of explosion known to man. Eta Carinae is about 100 times more massive than our sun. Located 7,500 light-years away in the Keyhole nebula, its violent death would not impact Earth. But still, Hubble has been monitoring Eta Carinae for the last 25 years, waiting for it to explode. In this image, two distinct lobes of the surrounding Homunculus Nebula encompass the hot central region, while some 'strange' radial streaks are visible in red extending toward the right, according to NASA. Total solar eclipse On April 8, skywatchers in 15 US states witnessed a total solar eclipse On April 8, millions of Americans looked up at the sky in unison to witness a total solar eclipse. All of North America experienced at least a partial solar eclipse. But 15 US states from Texas to Maine were in the 115-mile-wide path of totality, which also stretched through Canada and Mexico. In this area, spectators experienced several minutes of near-total darkness as the sun disappeared behind the moon's shadow. Images of the eclipse were shared widely on social media, including this one which shows solar prominences erupting from the sun's surface - the squiggly red lines that appear to be jetting out from the perimeter of the sun. Solar prominences are eruptions of solar plasma, a hot gas made of electrically charged hydrogen and helium. US sees far-reaching aurora The aurora borealis is typically only seen at northern latitudes. But in October, this dazzling light display stretched as far south as Florida In an extremely rare event, the aurora borealis — also known as the northern lights — stretched as far south as Key Largo, Florida in October. The dazzling light display was triggered by a severe geomagnetic storm, or a major disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere that occurs when an outburst of solar radiation impacts out planet. This storm was a G5, the most severe class of geomagnetic storm. Aurora were visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with spectators sharing images from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas and other southern states. Perseid meteor shower This long exposure photo shows the Perseid meteor shower over Osijek, Croatia on August 11 In August, the Perseid meteor shower streaked across the night sky, allowing stargazers to capture striking long-exposure photos like this one taken in Osijek, Croatia. The Perseid meteor shower occurs annually, and is considered the best meteor shower of the year. It can produce 50 to 100 shooting stars per hour, which frequently leave long 'wakes' of light and color behind them, according to NASA. This meteor shower results from the Earth passing through debris, or bits of ice and rock, left in the wake of the comet Swift Tuttle, which last passed close to Earth in 1992. The peak of the shower is from August 11 through 12, when our planet travels through the densest part of this debris trail. Share or comment on this article: Space exploration's most stunning photos in 2024 e-mail Add comment

The move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania’s 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party (PSD) the centre-right National Liberal Party (PNL), the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a parliamentary election on December 1 a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Mr Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis,” he said. “It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romania’s 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It is widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Mr Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it is entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns”. Romania was plunged into turmoil after Mr Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the December 8 run-off, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race. “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Mr Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Mr Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organise the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighbouring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all politicians from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute.

x park taiwan Additionally, purchasing property is not just a financial decision but also a lifestyle choice. Owning a home provides stability, security, and the opportunity to build equity over time. If finding the right property that meets your needs and fits your budget is a priority, waiting for interest rates to drop may not be worth the potential trade-offs.HOUSTON , Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ascend Performance Materials announced today the successful production of acrylonitrile, hexamethylene diamine, adipic acid and nylon 6,6 from feedstocks derived from used cooking oil, expanding its Bioserve portfolio. The resulting nylon 6,6 has a 25% lower product carbon footprint than nylon 6,6 made from fossil-fuel derived feedstock. Using an ISCC Plus-certified mass-balance approach allows for industrial-scale production of sustainable materials without sacrificing performance. Ascend’s production facilities in the United States are all ISCC Plus certified to handle bio-based, circular and bio-circular materials. “We are focused on finding technical solutions for our customers’ challenges,” said Alex Mihut , Ascend’s vice president for performance chemicals. “Using the mass-balance approach allows us to meet the growing need for sustainable materials at scale while continuing to offer reliable performance and quality.” Combined with Ascend’s efforts to lower its scope 1 and 2 emissions, the company’s Bioserve products offer among the lowest product carbon footprints for industrial-scale nylon 6,6 and its precursors available in the market today. “Part of our sustainability strategy is a pillar we call ‘Operating Without Compromise’,” said Chris Johnson , Ascend’s senior director for sustainability. “It is based on a commitment to find well-rounded solutions that meet the needs of our customers and help them achieve their goals.” Ascend recently published its 2023 sustainability report , which highlights progress against the company’s 2030 Vision. About Ascend Performance Materials Ascend Performance Materials makes high-performance materials for everyday essentials and new technologies. Our focus is on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. Based in Houston, Texas , and with regional offices in Shanghai , Brussels and Detroit , we are a fully integrated material solutions provider with global manufacturing facilities in North America , Europe and Asia . Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability and the success of our customers and our communities. Learn more about Ascend at www.ascendmaterials.com . Contact: Osama Khalifa , +1 832-963-1347, okhali@ascendmaterials.com SOURCE Ascend Performance MaterialsNASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 17, 2024-- Celero Commerce (“Celero”), a leading integrated electronic commerce solutions provider, today announced a new collaboration with EverBank, N.A., a national specialty bank serving clients across the United States, to enhance payment processing options for EverBank’s clients. Through this collaboration, EverBank will leverage Celero’s advanced payment and analytics platform to streamline financial operations for small business to larger commercial corporate clients, with a focus on expanding payment acceptance capabilities. The integration will enable a more flexible, seamless and scalable approach to payments, reinforcing EverBank’s dedication to providing innovative financial solutions to deliver the financial advantage clients deserve. “We founded Celero to deliver a proprietary suite of FinTech solutions tailored for financial institutions and small to mid-sized businesses,” said Celero founder and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Jones. “Paired with the superior service we offer, we know we can help deliver a better payments experience to EverBank’s customers.” Celero’s platform offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet complex client requirements, including real-time payment capabilities, robust fraud prevention tools and in-depth financial analytics, all strategically aligned to streamline payment operations. “We are always looking for ways to make our clients’ lives easier and improve their experience of working with us, and Celero shares our mission of providing best-in-class payments solutions to give our clients an advantage,” said Lindsay Lawrence, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of EverBank. “By collaborating with Celero, we are offering a solution that adapts to our clients’ evolving needs, ensuring we continue to support their success and growth effectively.” About Celero Commerce Headquartered in Nashville, Celero Commerce is a full-service, integrated electronic commerce solutions provider powered by leading-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and business intelligence. Celero offers small and medium-sized businesses payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence, empowering them to drive growth and profitability. Celero is a top ten non-bank processor of electronic payment transactions in the world. Visit https://www.celerocommerce.com/ to learn more. About EverBank EverBank, N.A. (“EverBank”) is a nationwide specialty bank providing high-value products and services to consumer and commercial clients nationwide. As a pioneer in online banking, we offer convenient digital access for clients 24/7, in addition to phone banking services and a network of financial centers across Florida and California. EverBank’s commitment is to deliver to their clients high-performing, high-yield solutions backed by exceptional service, always giving them the advantage they expect to make the most of their money. Visit everbank.com or connect and interact with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter). EverBank is a Member FDIC. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217424040/en/ CONTACT: Media Scott Farace scottf@celerocommerce.com (972) 533-5655 Media Michael Cosgrove Michael.Cosgrove@EverBank.com (904) 612-4160 KEYWORD: TENNESSEE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY PAYMENTS FINANCE FINTECH BANKING ELECTRONIC COMMERCE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE DATA ANALYTICS DATA MANAGEMENT SOURCE: Celero Commerce Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/17/2024 02:00 PM/DISC: 12/17/2024 02:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217424040/en

Hyperconnected employees experiencing ‘dark side’ of digital work

One key indicator that reflects the growth of online consumption in China is the E-commerce Logistics Index. This index measures the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics systems in supporting e-commerce activities. A higher index score indicates a better logistics infrastructure, which can facilitate the smooth and timely delivery of goods purchased online.

Adams' 25 help CSU Northridge down Utah Tech 89-79

While Tah's potential arrival may raise questions about the future of some of Barcelona's current defenders, it is believed that the club sees him as a valuable addition rather than a direct replacement for any existing players. The coaching staff is confident that Tah's attributes and playing style complement the qualities of the defenders already at the club, including Araujo.Chhatarpur: Land Dispute Turns Violent As 2 Families Hit Each Other With Sticks, Pull Hair; Over Dozen Injured (Watch Video)

Zhang also highlighted that the company is committed to supporting employees affected by the layoffs, providing severance packages, career counseling, and job placement assistance. He expressed gratitude for the contributions of those who have been part of the Cloud Whale Intelligence team and emphasized that the decision to reduce workforce was made with the long-term interests of the company and its remaining employees in mind.In the highly competitive world of professional football, where egos clash and tempers flare, it is rare to see such humility and sportsmanship. Messi's gesture towards Mbappe showcased his emotional intelligence - the ability to recognize, understand, and manage his own emotions, as well as those of others. By acknowledging Mbappe's past achievements and expressing his desire to win, Messi demonstrated his empathy and respect for his fellow player.

Opposite Chen Yanxi is the talented and versatile actor He Rundong, whose previous works have earned him accolades for his emotional depth and on-screen presence. In "Sinister Spell: The Eerie Game," He Rundong takes on the role of a skeptic who becomes entangled in the dark forces at play, leading to a battle against the unknown that will test his resolve and beliefs.

New hope for flight MH370 families as Malaysia agrees to resume search

In conclusion, the growing disputes and tension between Barcelona's core player and the club highlight the complex and intricate dynamics that exist in the world of football. As negotiations continue and issues are addressed, it is imperative for both parties to prioritize the team's success and unity above individual interests. Only through cooperation and understanding can Barcelona navigate through these challenging times and emerge stronger as a cohesive unit.

The EU regulatory agency, known for its strict oversight of big tech companies, launched an investigation into the advertising practices of Google and Meta after receiving multiple complaints from industry insiders and competitors. What they uncovered was a covert agreement between the two companies to manipulate the digital advertising market in their favor.Russia's Rosatom is selling its stakes in uranium deposits in Kazakhstan to Chinese-owned companies as the Central Asian nation looks to avoid any international sanctions against Russian-linked assets and a sign of China's growing influence in the region. Kazatomprom, the world's largest producer of uranium, said Uranium One Group -- a unit of Rosatom -- had sold its 49.98 percent stake in the Zarechnoye mine in the Turkistan region to Astana Mining Company, which is owned by China's State Nuclear Uranium Resources Development Company. Kazatomprom maintains its 49.99 percent stake in the venture. Kazatomprom chief Meirzhan Yussupov told The Financial Times in September that sanctions imposed on Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine made it difficult to sell uranium to Western buyers. The U.S. State Department condemned the 10-year sentence handed down by Iranian authorities against Reza Valizadeh , a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and former journalist for RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "We strongly condemn this sentencing and call for his immediate release and the release of all political prisoners in Iran," a spokesperson told Radio Farda on December 17. "The Iranian government has repeatedly suppressed press freedom through threats, intimidation, detentions, forced confessions, and the use of violence against journalists in Iran," the spokesperson added. According to court documents sent to the journalist's lawyer on December 10 and subsequently reviewed by RFE/RL, Valizadeh was sentenced by Tehran's Revolutionary Court on charges of "collaborating with a hostile government." In addition to the prison term, Valizadeh was banned for two years from living in Tehran and adjacent provinces, from leaving the country, and from joining political or social organizations following the completion of his sentence. Valizadeh resigned from Radio Farda in November 2022 after a decade of work. He returned to Iran in early 2024 to visit his family but was arrested on September 22. His two court sessions, held on November 20 and December 7, reportedly lacked a prosecution representative, with the judge assuming that role. Sources close to the journalist claim he fell into a "security trap" despite receiving unofficial assurances from Iranian security officials that he would not face legal troubles upon returning to Iran. The State Department earlier condemned Valizadeh's detention, calling it "unjust" and inconsistent with international legal standards. Press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, urged Iranian authorities to release Valizadeh immediately. RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus also called for Valizadeh to be released, saying the charges against him, his conviction, and sentence were unjust. "Time and again, the Iranian regime has attempted to spread its malign influence around the world, trampling on human rights at every opportunity," Capus said in a statement. "Clearly, this regime feels threatened by the forces of freedom, including independent journalism." Iran is routinely accused of arresting dual nationals and Western citizens on false charges to use them to pressure Western countries. In September 2023, Iran released five Americans jailed in Iran in a prisoner swap. Valizadeh is the first U.S. citizen known to have been arrested since that deal. Iran is also among the most repressive countries in terms of freedom of the press. Reporters Without Borders ranked Iran 176th out of 180 countries in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index. The Paris-based media watchdog says Iran is now also one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it disrupted what it described as the "biggest network" of Russian spies operating within the country who were allegedly collecting intelligence on ally-donated F-16 fighter jets, among other military targets. The December 17 announcement underlines what Ukraine describes as Russia's constant spying efforts as it continues to repel Russia's ongoing invasion launched in February 2022. The SBU claimed its military counterintelligence division neutralized the alleged spy network working for Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) across five Ukrainian regions. In a coordinated operation, the SBU identified 12 Russian agents and informants, including former Ukrainian soldiers who deserted their positions and were later allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence while on the run from law enforcement. The group operated across Ukraine's key regions -- Zaporizhzhya, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolayiv, and Odesa -- under the leadership of a GRU-appointed handler based in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the SBU said. The group's leader allegedly used forged documents, including fake credentials, to conceal his identity. According to the SBU, the agents were tasked with high-value intelligence missions crucial to the Russian military strategy. These included pinpointing the locations of Ukrainian air-defense systems and secret military airfields where F-16 fighter jets might be stationed and locating Ukrainian companies involved in the production of electronic warfare systems used to counter Russian drones. The SBU reported that the network's operators often used personal contacts, including Ukrainian soldiers in the frontline area, to unwittingly extract sensitive information from them. The focus on F-16 fighter jets underscores Russia's strategic concerns, the agency noted, as Ukraine's acquisition of these Western-supplied jets represents a potential major impact in the nearly 3-year-old conflict. The advanced aircraft bolster Ukraine's air capabilities, posing a significant threat to Russian operations. For Moscow, gaining intelligence on their potential deployment locations is critical to preemptively countering their use. The SBU has officially indicted the prominent members of the spy network with state treason and the unauthorized disclosure of military information about the movement and location of Ukrainian forces. Other participants in the operation may face further charges from law enforcement officials. The suspects face prison terms of up to eight years if convicted. Russian lawmakers have approved a bill that restricts how so-called foreign agents can access their income inside the country as the government continues to clamp down on political opponents amid the war in Ukraine. The State Duma, Russia's lower chamber of parliament, approved in its second and third readings a bill targeting "foreign agents," a controversial designation that stigmatizes those who receive it with a Soviet-era connotation and restricts their ability to exercise free speech. The bill limits a so-called foreign agent's access to various forms of income sourced domestically, including proceeds from property sales, royalties for creative work, or investment returns by requiring all proceeds be placed in special blocked bank accounts. Such funds would become available only in the event of the individual's foreign agent status being officially lifted -- a development critics say is all but impossible. Human rights groups and international observers have denounced the legislation as another move in Russia's authoritarian squeeze. Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, justified the move, however, describing it as a way to defend national interests. "Those who betray our country will not enrich themselves at the expense of its citizens. Funds earned in Russia must not be used against it," Volodin stated on Telegram. The law passed unanimously in the State Duma and now goes to the Federation Council, parliament's upper house, before going to President Vladimir Putin for a signature -- both of which are seen as a formality. The designation of foreign agent carries Soviet-era overtones of espionage and betrayal and has become the hallmark of the Kremlin's efforts to muzzle dissent. First introduced in 2012, the term has been applied to NGOs, independent journalists, opposition politicians, activists, and cultural figures accused of receiving foreign funding or engaging in activities perceived as politically hostile. The number of so-called foreign agents has increased to about 500 and includes prominent cultural and creative figures, most of whom had to flee Russia and are currently staying abroad. The new law significantly enhances controls from which the already highly restricted designees have to suffer, including among other demands such requirements as compulsory disclaimers on everything they say or write publicly and even file activity and detailed financial reports regularly. Later, other amendments banned advertisement collaborations with alleged foreign agents and significantly stiffened penalties, sending some to trials for noncompliance with the law. The new legislation represents a new phase in the campaign by the Kremlin to choke off the voices of its opponents. Royalties and earnings from intellectual property became an essential lifeline for musicians, authors, and artists whom the government placed on the list. Critics say the new measures will economically paralyze people whose work or public statements challenge government narratives. The move could also exacerbate the cultural brain drain in Russia since the beginning of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. KYIV -- Moscow's forces, bolstered by North Korean troops , have intensified their offensive against Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region, as Kyiv's outnumbered soldiers attempted to resist the onslaught there and elsewhere on December 17. "For the third day, the enemy has been conducting intensive offensive operations on the territory of the Kursk region, actively using units of the North Korean Army," said General Oleksandr Syrskiy, Ukraine's top military commander, in an address broadcast online. Ukrainian and U.S. officials said on December 16 that North Korean troops have been fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk and that some have been killed or injured. RFE/RL has not been able to independently verify the claim. Russia has not commented on the report. Syrskiy said the situation all along the front line "remains difficult" after Russian troops had seized "the strategic initiative" in recent weeks. Syrskiy said Russian forces were continuing their drive to capture the strategic Donetsk city of Pokrovsk , which appears to be mostly deserted by civilians. Local military commanders in the region said defense forces were "holding back the onslaught," although the overall situation in the Donetsk city -- with a prewar population of about 65,000 -- appeared perilous, according to many Ukrainian officials. Over recent months, Russia has pressed its manpower advantage to push back against Ukraine's shock incursion into its Kursk region in August and to gain territory in eastern Ukraine, prompting Ukrainian officials to increase pleas to Western partners for additional military aid. Elsewhere, Ukraine's SBU security service said it had uncovered a "large-scale network" of agents working for Russian military intelligence that had attempted to collect information on Ukraine's supply of Western-supplied F-16 warplanes, which are based at secret sites throughout the country. "As a result of the special operation, 12 Russian agents and their informants were exposed. Some of them are deserters who voluntarily left the units of the armed forces of Ukraine, and when they were hiding from justice, they were recruited by the Russian special service," the security office said. On the political front, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Lviv, vowing his support for Ukraine's NATO membership hopes, while Zelenskiy urged Western allies to "urgently strengthen Ukraine" with additional aid. On December 16, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump told a news conference that Zelenskiy and Russia's Vladimir Putin must be prepared to "make a deal" to end the "horrible" war in Ukraine. "He should be prepared to make a deal, that’s all," Trump said of Zelenskiy during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Putin must also "make a deal," Trump then added. "Got to be a deal. Too many people being killed," he said. Trump, who takes office on January 20, said he would speak with Zelenskiy and Putin on ways to end the war, but he did not answer directly when asked if Ukraine would be forced to cede territory to Russia. President Joe Biden's administration has attempted to speed deliveries of aid to Kyiv ahead of the return to the White House of Trump, who has criticized the amount of assistance Biden has provided to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, in Tallinn, Estonia, leaders of the 10-nation Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) on December 17 vowed continued support for Ukraine. "We reiterate that Ukraine’s victory is vital to all our security and the preservation of rules-based international order," a joint statement read . "We call on all third countries, including [North Korea], Belarus, Iran, and China, which are directly or indirectly enabling Russia’s aggression, to cease offering the support Moscow requires to prolong the war and the suffering of the Ukrainian people." The statement is signed by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The European Union has launched an investigation into the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok over accusations that it was used by Russia to influence the result of Romania's first round of presidential elections won by a far-right Moscow-friendly candidate. Largely unknown independent Calin Georgescu scored a shock victory in the first round of balloting in a November 24 election with some 23 percent of the vote. He had been due to face pro-European center-right Elena Lasconi in a December 8 runoff. However, following Romania's National Security Council's declassification of documents allegedly pointing to a "state actor" that wasn't named but appeared to be Russia, the EU and NATO member's Constitutional Court annulled the first round of the vote and ordered a complete rerun that would take place in the next few months. Incumbent Klaus Iohannis's term has been extended accordingly, although his second five-year term expired in mid-December. "Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by failing to tackle such risks," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on December 17. "This decision to open an investigation takes into account information received from declassified intelligence reports by the Romanian authorities, as well as third-party reports," she added. The statement said the commission will continue to gather evidence, "for example by sending additional requests for information, conducting monitoring actions, interviews, inspections, and requesting access to algorithms." Von der Leyen's announcement comes after the EU, issued a retention order to TikTok on December 5, ordering the platform to freeze and preserve data related to "actual or foreseeable systemic risks" concerning national elections in the 27-member bloc from November 24 to March next year. TikTok will now have to provide data and documents retained under the December 5 order, von der Leyen said. The EU move comes after a group of senior U.S. senators issued a statement condemning alleged Russian influence in the Romanian elections. “Vladimir Putin’s assault on Romania’s elections is yet another example of the hybrid war he is waging on our European allies and partners,” U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (Republican-Nevada), Ben Cardin (Democrat-Maryland), Jim Risch (Republican-Idaho), and Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire) said in a statement . “As a strong NATO ally, we support Romania as it fights for the integrity of its elections. We condemn Putin’s manipulation of Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-controlled TikTok to undermine Romania’s democratic process," the senators said. "The United States stands in support of Romania as it urgently moves to hold certifiably free and fair presidential elections," the statement said. A Moscow court on December 17 fined lawyer Yeva Levenberg of the OVD-Info rights group for speaking to RFE/RL's Russian Service, known locally as Radio Svoboda. The court ordered Levenberg to pay 10,000 rubles ($96) after finding her guilty of cooperating with an "undesirable" organization. The charge stemmed from Levenberg's comments to RFE/RL regarding politically motivated charges of extremism faced by Russian activists. RFE/RL's Russian Service was labeled " undesirable " in February. Individuals found guilty of collaborating with "undesirable" organizations may face up to 15,000 rubles of fines and up to four years in prison if convicted of repeated cooperation with organizations labeled "undesirable" by Russian authorities. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here . Dozens of kilometers of Black Sea coastline in Russia's Krasnodar region have been covered in heavy fuel oil, local authorities and residents reported on December 17, after two oil tankers were heavily damaged during a storm in the Kerch Strait. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said cleanup crews were being dispatched to the area as high winds helped spread large amounts of spilled oil along the coastline, raising concerns of an impending environmental disaster in the Black Sea. Social media photos and video showed wildlife covered in dark liquid, the result of the December 15 incident involving two Volgoneft tankers that were carrying thousands of tons of mazut -- low-quality heavy fuel oil. The vessels reportedly ran aground in the ecologically sensitive waters off Ukraine's Moscow-annexed Crimean coastline. One of the tankers reportedly capsized and split into two during a severe storm. Waves as high as 3-4 meters, considered dangerous for such vessels, are believed to have caused the accident. Reports of environmental degradation are mounting as more and more oil spreads across the sea and onto shores that are summer havens for families. Local residents painted a dire picture of the shoreline, noting oil-covered birds that cannot fly and stray dogs covered in fuel oil roaming the shore. They also noted the strong scent of oil in the air with many residents complaining of nausea and skin and eye irritations. Almost 300 people, including volunteers and heavy equipment, are working to minimize the consequences of the accident, officials said. Two municipalities have organized operational headquarters for cleaning. Environmentalists, however, warn that the spill's size may already be too big to handle. The chairman of the region's maritime trade unions, Leonid Glushak, told the Kedr website that the overwhelming majority of the fuel oil has already seeped into the sea, exacerbating the eco-catastrophe. According to Glushak, Volgoneft tankers, intended for river voyages, are inadequate for open sea water such as the Kerch Strait. Moscow has been using a so-called shadow fleet of tankers -- a group of old, uninsured oil vessels -- to bypass Western sanctions imposed over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The poor condition of these ships has raised concerns about environmental disasters . Authorities have started criminal investigations into the accident, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned could be repeated in other areas of Europe. "Our sea is facing yet another environmental disaster caused by Russia. But there are even larger and more dangerous Russian tankers operating in your seas. Stopping this fleet is not just about cutting off Russia’s war funding -- it’s about protecting nature," he said in a post on X on December 17. Russia illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. A high-ranking officer in charge of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces (RKhBZ) has been killed in an explosion in Moscow that sources told RFE/RL was carried out by Ukrainian intelligence operatives. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant were killed by a bomb concealed in a scooter outside the entrance of a Moscow building early on December 17, Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement . Kirillov, 54, is the highest-level Russian military officer to be killed in an apparent assassination since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While no individual or group officially claimed responsibility for the killing, a source at Ukraine’s SBU security service told RFE/RL that the blast was the result of a special operation by the SBU. The Kremlin blamed the attack on Kyiv and criticied Ukraine's Western allies for what it called a lack of reaction to the killing. "The terrorist attack in Moscow was a continuation and development of the spiral of approval by the West of the war crimes of the militants of the Kyiv regime," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram. A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP that Washington was not warned in advance of the attack and that it "does not support or enable these kind of activities." The SBU has said Russian forces used chemical weapons almost 5,000 times during the war in Ukraine under Kirillov’s leadership. The claim could not be independently verified, but Kyiv has reportedly been behind a campaign of targeted assassinations of Russian officials and military officers involved in the invasion of Ukraine. The incident occurred a day after the SBU reported that Ukrainian prosecutors filed a charge against Kirillov, accusing him of being responsible for the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops during the war started by Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Kirillov is one of a number of Russian officers and pro-war figures to be killed in Russia and in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. His death came a week after a senior official from a Russian company that develops cruise missiles used by Moscow in the war was reportedly shot dead just outside the capital. Kirillov figured in footage that was central to an RFE/RL Russian Service investigation which revealed details about a restricted facility outside Moscow that figures in the U.S. assertion that Russia maintains an offensive biological weapons program in violation of the UN Biological Weapons Convention. The investigation focused on Russian state media footage that showed then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu inspecting the facility, which was known for its role in the Soviet Union's biological weapons program and has undergone a major expansion. Kirillov led Shoigu on his tour of the inspection of the facility, the 48th Central Scientific Research Institute. The investigative committee said the explosion occurred outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt, an avenue in the Russian capital which starts some 7 kilometers southeast of the Kremlin. Pictures posted on the Russian Telegram channel Astra showed what appeared to be two bodies lying in the snow outside the damaged door of an apartment building. After analyzing images of a car parked near the apartment building, Astra reported that the vehicle was Kirillov's. The RKhBZ are special forces who operate under conditions of radioactive, chemical, and biological contamination. According to his official biography, Kirillov participated in the creation and adoption of the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower system by the Russian Army, as well as in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Kirillov and the RKhBZ were placed on Britain, Canada, and New Zealand's sanctions list in October for using riot control agents and numerous reports of the use of the toxic choking agent chloropicrin on the battlefield. Kirillov and his forces were "responsible for helping deploy these barbaric weapons," Britain said at the time. The Kremlin has called the accusations "baseless." Kirillov, who according to Russian state news agency TASS was a graduate of Kostroma Higher Military Command School of Chemical Defense, had been appointed to head the RKhBZ in April 2017. He previously served in the Directorate of the Chief of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said a deal allowing transit of Russian gas through his country wouldn't be extended into 2025, but he said he's ready to discuss other methods of providing supplies to Western Europe. "If the European Commission officially approaches Ukraine about transit of any gas other than Russian, we'll naturally discuss it and are ready to reach an appropriate agreement," Shmyhal said on Telegram . "Ukraine's agreement with Russia on gas transit comes to an end on January 1, 2025, and won't be extended." When Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU was largely dependent on Russia for gas but has since sought alternative supplies. Shmyhal previously said no extension was planned, but some countries, including Slovakia, had expressed hopes for additional time. Ukraine has said discussions have taken place on the possibility of shipping gas from Azerbaijan to Europe through Ukraine. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, click here . Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he only left the country in the late hours of December 8 after a Russian air base allegedly came under attack by rebel forces and officials in Moscow ordered "an immediate evacuation." In what appear to be Assad's first public comments since the fall of his regime in war-torn Syria, a post on the Syrian presidency Telegram social media page on December 16 said the departure from the Hmeimim air base "was neither planned, nor did it occur during the final hours of the battles." Russia had intervened in the 14-year civil war between government forces and rebels to help keep Assad in power. But the strongman leader fled Syria as the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies -- some of whom are linked with Turkey -- overran government forces in a blitz offensive. Assad's whereabouts were unknown for a brief period before officials in Moscow said on December 9 that he had been granted political asylum in Russia by President Vladimir Putin after more than five decades of iron-fisted rule by his family. In the post, Assad said he "never considered stepping down or seeking refuge, nor was such a proposal made by any individual or party." Reuters reported last week that Assad's departure from the country took even relatives and senior officials by surprise. The HTS has since moved quickly to establish an interim government, and its leader, Riad al-Asaad, has said he is confident the factions that helped topple Assad will unite as one force. HTS and the transitional government have insisted the rights of all Syrians will be protected. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on December 16 that Russia and another of Syria's staunch allies, Iran, shouldn't have influence over the country's future. "Many foreign ministers emphasized that it should be a condition for the new leadership to eliminate Russian influence [in Syria]," Kallas told reporters at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, adding the bloc would raise the issue of Russia's military bases in the country. The future of Russia's bases -- the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartus naval facility -- have been thrown into question with the fall of Assad. Reuters quoted Syrian military and security sources in contact with the Russians as saying that Moscow was pulling back its forces from the front lines and withdrawing some heavy equipment from the country. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (HUR) said on December 15 that Russian military personnel still in Syria are experiencing a lack of food and drinking water as an evacuation of troops and equipment continues . It added that Russian personnel are experiencing these problems at the bases in Tartus and Hmeimim and on ships anchored offshore in the Mediterranean Sea. Hungary and Slovakia – both with populist, pro-Russian leaders -- on December 16 blocked a proposed package of European Union sanctions against leading Georgian officials for that government's violent crackdown on pro-West protesters over recent weeks. EU foreign ministers , who are planning for a December 19 Brussels summit, moved forward, however, on a plan to suspend visa liberalization for diplomatic passport holders of the South Caucasus nation. The expected moves on December 16 by Hungary and Slovakia prevent the implementation a series of measures against Georgian officials that would have included visa bans and asset freezes. The move would have required unanimous support by the 27-member bloc. However, the suspension of visa-liberalization procedures for Georgian diplomatic passport holders requires only a majority vote, meaning 55 percent of member states comprising 65 percent of total EU population. The European Commission has begun planning for the suspension, and the proposal could be sent to member states this week. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovakian premier Robert Fico have been a thorn in the side of fellow EU leaders seeking to punish Georgia for its violent crackdowns on dissent and its increasingly pro-Russia policies. Both have opposed sanctions on the Kremlin for its war against Russia and have expressed support for the Georgian Dream-led government in Tbilisi. The EU has never sanctioned Georgian politicians, but earlier this year it froze more than 100 million euro ($105.1 million) of EU funds going to Georgia and halted EU accession talks with Tbilisi. Earlier in the day, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc had set a list of Georgian leaders to sanction following a violent crackdown on protesters angered by the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to delay the Caucasus country's negotiations to join the EU. "We have proposed the list for sanctions for these people who are...using really force and violence against the opposition," Kallas said before a meeting of EU foreign ministers. "But everybody needs to agree to the list, and we are not there yet." "All the developments that we are seeing right now in Georgia are not going in the right direction where the candidate countries should be," Kallas told reporters. Western leaders have been alarmed at what they say are increasingly violent measures against protesters and a growing pro-Russia tilt within the Georgian Dream-led government. The United States earlier this month imposed more visa restrictions on Georgian officials for "undermining democracy" and on December 16 indicated that further measures are imminent. "We have been greatly concerned about the state of Georgian democracy, the actions that Georgia Dream has taken to undermine [Georgian] democracy," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. "We have other sanctions that we are preparing to unfold in the coming weeks," he added. Protesters have also called for fresh elections following allegations of electoral fraud during the October parliamentary poll whose results the opposition has refused to recognize, claiming Georgian Dream rigged the vote to cling to power. In power since 2012, Georgian Dream, the party founded by Russia-friendly billionaire and ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused by critics of becoming increasingly more authoritarian. Pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili, who has sided with the protesters, has said the elections were manipulated with the help of Russia. Serbian authorities have been using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to access mobile phones used by journalists and activists, Amnesty International said on December 16. In a new report titled A Digital Prison, Amnesty detailed how Serbian officials have been using a locally developed spyware system called NoviSpy and technology developed by the Israeli firm Cellebrite to "unlawfully" target reporters and members of civil society. "Amnesty International uncovered forensic evidence showing how Serbian authorities used Cellebrite products to enable NoviSpy spyware infections of activists' phones," the report said . The report includes testimonies from a journalist and an activist who alleged that the authorities, including the police the Security Intelligence Agency, installed spyware on their devices while in custody and during an interview. "Our investigation reveals how Serbian authorities have deployed surveillance technology and digital repression tactics as instruments of wider state control and repression directed against civil society," said Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for Europe. "It also highlights how Cellebrite mobile forensic products -- used widely by police and intelligence services worldwide -- can pose an enormous risk to those advocating for human rights, the environment, and freedom of speech when used outside of strict legal control and oversight." Amnesty said NoviSpy can steal sensitive personal data and turn on a phone's microphone and camera remotely. Celleberite tools unlock a target's phone to allow infection by spyware and enable the extraction of data. In response to Amnesty, Cellebrite said its products "are licensed strictly for lawful use, require a warrant or consent to help law enforcement agencies with legally sanctioned investigations after a crime has taken place." "Over the past years, state repression and a hostile environment for free speech advocates in Serbia [have] escalated with each wave of anti-government protests. The authorities have engaged in sustained smear campaigns against NGOs, media, and journalists and have also subjected those involved in peaceful protest to arrests and judicial harassment," the report said. European Union foreign ministers have adopted a 15th package of sanctions against Russia targeting tankers transporting Russian oil as the bloc looks to curb the circumvention of previous measures aimed at hindering Moscow's ability to wage war against Ukraine. "This package of sanctions is part of our response to weaken Russia’s war machine and those who are enabling this war, also including Chinese companies," Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, said in a statement on December 16. "It shows the unity of EU member states in our continued support to Ukraine. Our immediate priority is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. We will stand by the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic and military. There can be no doubt that Ukraine will win," she added. The European Council said it agreed on a significant package of measures against 54 individuals and 30 entities "responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine." It sanctioned the military unit responsible for the striking of the Okhmadyt children's hospital in Kyiv, senior managers in leading companies in Russia's energy sector, individuals responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children, and two "senior" North Korean officials. Moscow's so-called shadow fleet of tankers is a group of old, uninsured oil vessels used to bypass Western sanctions and maintain a source of revenue. The poor condition of these ships has raised concerns about environmental disasters . Separately, 12 Western nations announced measures on December 16 designed "to disrupt and deter Russia’s shadow fleet vessels." “Russia uses its shadow fleet to circumvent sanctions and mitigate their impact on Russia. The 12 countries agreed to disrupt and deter Russia’s shadow fleet to prevent illegal operations and increase Russia’s costs of its war against Ukraine,” a statement said . Five of the nations – Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Finland, and Estonia -- have ordered their maritime authorities to request relevant proof of insurance from suspected “shadow” vessels as they pass through bodies of water under their jurisdiction, the statement added. The statement was issued by the government of Estonia, where leaders of the 10-nation Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) were scheduled to meet on December 17. A draft of a statement of conclusions being prepared for an EU summit later this week and seen by RFE/RL said that efforts "to further limit Russia's ability to wage war must continue." The draft, which is still subject to revision, adds that the European Council "strongly condemns" Iran and North Korea for helping to sustain Russia's "war of aggression against Ukraine." The bloc said growing military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and the deployment of North Koreans to the battlefront have "serious consequences for international peace and security" and called on both countries to stop helping Russia. The EU will continue aiding Ukraine financially to stave off the Russian invasion, with plans to disburse a total of 18.1 billion euros ($19 billion) to Kyiv in 2025 starting in January. On developments in Syria, the bloc welcomed the fall of the "criminal regime" of Bashar al-Assad and called for an "inclusive and Syrian-led political process" to install a government that protects the rights of minorities. It added that the bloc's foreign policy chief would be asked to "prepare options for measures to support Syria." On the Gaza War, it called for "an immediate cease-fire" and the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States. It also reiterated its stance on a two-state solution to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establish "just and lasting peace." The EU summit will take place in Brussels on December 19. Environmentalists are warning of a potential disaster posed by two Russian oil tankers that ran aground in the ecologically sensitive waters off Ukraine's Moscow-annexed Crimean coastline as local media reported thousands of tons of low-grade fuel has spilled into a major Black Sea shipping lane. The incidents, which occurred on December 15, left one sailor dead and forced the evacuation of 26 crew members from the vessels Volgoneft-239 and Volgoneft-212. Officials have said crew error during stormy conditions was to blame and that there was no evidence of any links to Russia's war on Ukraine. Both tankers were laden with large cargoes of fuel oil. The Volgoneft-212 is said to have been carrying more than 4,000 tons of the heavy pollutant, leaving the potential for one of the largest environmental disasters ever in the Kerch Strait, which is a key shipping lane. Russian state news agencies on December 16 quoted sources as saying some 3,700 tons of mazut, a low-quality heavy fuel oil, had spilled into the water. Social media video verified by RFE/RL showed one of the tankers splitting in half. It was not immediately clear what, if anything, had leaked from the vessels. "Any oil or petrochemical spill in these waters has the potential to be serious. It is likely to be driven by prevailing wind and currents...and in the current weather conditions is likely to be extremely difficult to contain. If it is driven ashore, then it will cause fouling of the shoreline, which will be extremely difficult to clean up," Dr. Paul Johnston, head of Greenpeace Research Laboratories in the United Kingdom, said in a statement. "In consideration of likely significant impacts, the efforts, after saving the crew, should be to prevent or minimize further spillage as feasible. If the ships sink, then there is potential for releases of oil and petrochemicals over longer periods." The vessels were were about 7 kilometers from the shore in the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, when they issued distress signals. In 2007, the strait, which links the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, saw the Volgoneft-139 tanker split in half during a storm while anchored nearby, spilling more than 1,000 tons of oil. Greenpeace called on the Russian authorities "to take all efforts to mitigate or reduce environmental impact of the oil spill, and withdraw the navy ships, and stop militarization of the region, returning Crimea under rightful control of Ukraine." Isaac Levi, a London-based expert on Russian energy sanctions at the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said that, although the scale of the situation caused by the two tankers' sinking remains unknown, "the environmental impact is very likely to be astronomical." The cost of cleanup could be upwards of $112 million if the two tankers spilled all their oil products, and $64 million if only the one that broke apart did so, Levi said in a phone interview with RFE/RL. "It’s a very old tanker, and it does show some degree of negligence to set sail in those conditions, putting the environment at risk, as well as the crew members," he said of the vessel that broke apart. "It looks like a classic case of negligence or too high risk taken on to sail in stormy conditions." Russia uses "shadow tankers" -- vessels that are not Western-owned or Western-insured, to skirt sanctions that prohibit it from selling oil and oil products at rates that exceed a set price cap, which varies for crude and different kinds of oil products. "Shadow tankers that transport Russian oil often undertake dangerous practices that enable Russia to increase its oil export earnings used to fund its war in Ukraine at the expense of maritime ecosystems," Levi said, "as well as putting crews of the vessels at risk and taxpayers in countries that could end up footing the bill for a cleanup if the tanker has insufficient insurance coverage." "It’s warning that these tankers are old, have poor insurance...and frequently engage in dangerous practices such as ship-to-ship transfers and turning off the AIS transponders" that show their location, putting the maritime ecosystem at risk, he added. According to the Telegram channel Krymsky Veter, the vessel that broke up, Vologneft-212, had not had its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder on since December 3. The system provides positioning, identification and other information about the ship to other ships and to coastal authorities. Evidence indicates the other tanker, Vologoneft-239, had not turned its AIS transponder on since December 11. Andriy Klymenko, project director at the Kyiv-based Institute of Strategic Black Sea Studies, wrote on Facebook that the vessels are "not seagoing vessels" but are river vessels that are permitted to travel in coastal waters. According to Klymenko, neither of the tankers was authorized to sail in seas where waves are higher than 2.5 meters, while he said the waves in the Kerch Strait were reaching 3.5 meters on December 15. Russia's government said in a post on Telegram that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has ordered a working group be set up to coordinate cleanup, while Natural Resources and Environment Minister Aleksandr Kozlov arrived at the site on December 16 along with other officials to assess the situation. Ukrainian intelligence said at least 30 North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia have been killed or wounded in the western Russian region of Kursk, the first time Kyiv has given such a detailed report on North Korean losses since Pyongyang sent troops to help Moscow. The remarks were partially backed up by the Pentagon, with a spokesman on December 16 saying Washington has indications that North Korean troops have fought alongside Russian forces in Kursk and that some have been killed or injured, without speculating on numbers. "We do assess that North Korean soldiers have engaged in combat in Kursk...we do have indications that they have suffered casualties, both killed and wounded," Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder told reporters in Washington. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian military (HUR) said in a statement on December 16 that North Korean units had suffered "significant losses" near the villages of Martynovka, Plekhovo, and Vorozhba. On December 15, Skhemy (Schemes), an investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, received photos from Ukrainian military sources purportedly showing the bodies of dead soldiers in Kursk, including what was said to be North Korean fighters. RFE/RL has not been able to independently verify the claim. Russia has not commented on the report. Separately, the United States and nine other Western allies on December 16 issued a statement condemning “in the strongest possible terms” the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Direct North Korean “support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security,” it said. The statement was signed by the U.S. secretary of state along with the foreign ministers of Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand, as well as the high representative of the European Union. Washington on December 16 also hit Russia and North Korea with new sanctions that the Treasury Department said targeted Pyongyang's financial activities and military support for the Kremlin, echoing similar moves made by the EU earlier in the day. The sanctions target North Korean banks, generals, and others, along with Russian oil shipping companies. “Since October, [North Korea] has supplied Russia with more than 11,000 troops -- which are now training for deployment against Ukraine -- and sent significant quantities of missiles and ammunition to the Russian military to replenish its dwindling stockpiles,” the Treasury said. Ukrainian troops began their incursion into the Kursk region in August and still control some areas. Russia began deploying thousands of North Korean troops in the region in October. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on December 14 that Moscow had started involving more North Korean troops in an effort to push back Ukrainian forces in Kursk. With estimates by some analysts saying Russian casualties exceed 600,000 and President Vladimir Putin looking to avoid a politically unpopular second mass mobilization, reports suggest more than 11,000 North Korean soldiers are in southwestern Russia. Meanwhile, an informed source at Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) told RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service that Kyiv used drones last week to target and destroy a Russian ammunition depot in the village of Markyne in the Russian-occupied Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. Russia launched 49 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine in the early hours of December 16, Kyiv said. It added that 27 were shot down but it lost track of 19. Three remained in Ukrainian air space. The Ukrainian military said none of the drones made impact and there were no reports of damages or casualties. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on December 16 that both Zelenskiy and Putin must be prepared to “make a deal” to end the “horrible” war in Ukraine. “He should be prepared to make a deal, that’s all,” Trump said of Zelenskiy during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Putin must also "make a deal," Trump then added. “Got to be a deal. Too many people being killed,” he said. Trump, who takes office on January 20, said he would speak with Zelenskiy and Putin on ways to end the war, but he did not answer directly when asked if Ukraine would be forced to cede territory to Russia. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov submitted his resignation on December 16 amid an unfolding scandal surrounding the detention of senior officials from the State Tax Service. The resignation ended Japarov's three-year tenure, which, despite notable reforms, has been overshadowed by controversy and increasing scrutiny. The administration of President Sadyr Japarov, no relation to the prime minister, officially confirmed the move, saying it came as he is due to "transition to another position." It did not elaborate. Akylbek Japarov, who is active on social media, hasn't said anything about the circumstances surrounding his resignation, which was termed a "rotation" by the deputy chairman of the cabinet in charge of social policy, Edil Baisalov. Until the appointment of a new prime minister, First Deputy Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev will serve as interim head of the cabinet. Japarov's resignation came amid an unprecedented corruption scandal within the State Tax Service, angry public protests, and lawmakers' calls for Japarov's responsibility and resignation. While authorities have not confirmed his resignation is related to the scandal, the timing raises many questions. Several times, Japarov publicly said he knew about the political pressure but was confident in his position, saying he would serve as long as the president trusted him. Akylbek Japarov's three years -- substantial in a country where few prime ministers serve even two years -- were marked by vital reforms. Before Japarov, Apas Jumagulov was the only politician in Kyrgyzstan who served longer, holding the post for over four years in the 1990s. Japarov's tenure as head of the government saw extensive tax reforms in Kyrgyzstan aimed at taming the shadow economy. If official reports are accurate, the measures brought a significant part of the previously unregulated economic activities into the country's formal system, increasing state revenues. The changes, however, have also been met with criticism, while some business leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with some of the new regulations. His time in office also has been tainted by complaints from businesses and accusations of corruption within state institutions, which have yet to be proven. Iran closed government offices and shifted school classes online on December 16 due to freezing temperatures and a severe gas shortage. Northern provinces have experienced temperatures plunging to -20°C (-4°F) in recent days, accompanied by widespread gas supply disruptions. President Masud Pezeshkian called on citizens last week to lower their thermostats by 2 degrees Celsius to conserve energy. Other government officials have made similar pleas online. Despite sitting on the world’s second-largest proven gas reserves, Iran’s aging infrastructure has struggled to meet increasing demand during winter. To read the full story by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, click here . Four men suspected of planning terrorist attacks have been arrested in western North Macedonia, Interior Minister Pance Toskovski said on December 15. Toshkovski said the arrests were made during raids on several locations in the towns of Struga and Gostivar. The four men are suspected of planning to organize events that could jeopardize the security of North Macedonia and other countries, Toskovski told reporters. He added that they were suspected of being “part of terrorist organizations [and] have been under surveillance for a long time.” Those arrested are linked to religious extremist groups, he said, but did not specify what groups they were part of or what actions they planned. “We have reasonable suspicion that they are connected to groups supporting certain extremist and religious organizations,” he said. According to Toskovski, the goal of the four-member terrorist cell was to "indoctrinate and co-opt other individuals in the Balkans who could act accordingly toward the realization of their plans." He added that the National Security Agency (ANB) of North Macedonia and the services of friendly foreign countries also participated in the antiterrorist operation. The action was carried out in cooperation with partner international organizations, the minister said. All four men are citizens of North Macedonia and were expected to face an investigating magistrate on December 15. The suspects face up to eight years in prison if convicted of planned terrorism charges. Russian military personnel still in Syria are experiencing a lack of food and drinking water as an evacuation of troops and equipment continues , according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (GUR). The Russian personnel are experiencing the problems at military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim and on ships anchored offshore in the Mediterranean Sea, the press service of the GUR said in a statement on Telegram on December 15. The GUR also said that the remaining Russian service members were waiting for military transport planes involved in the evacuation that were supposed to deliver food. The statement said Russia continues to withdraw its contingent from remote areas of Syria. "At the same time, on some routes, the Russians are accompanied by armed groups opposing the Assad regime," the GUR said. The statement added there are rumors circulating among Russian soldiers that Moscow has agreed to maintain its presence at the two bases, where the number of military personnel is up to 3,000. RFE/RL was unable to verify the information from open sources. Russian authorities have not commented on this information. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Telegram that it had evacuated part of its diplomatic staff from Syria on December 15. It said the withdrawal was carried out by a special flight of the Russian Air Force from the Hmeimim air base. Russian transport planes have departed the Hmeimim air base in recent days as part of the evacuation following the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The longtime ruler was overthrown last week following a lightning offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Assad fled to Russia, which was his regime's main backer. Satellite images taken on December 13 by the space technology company Maxar appeared to show Russia preparing for the withdrawal of military equipment from the Hmeimim air base. The images showed what appear to be at least two Antonov An-124 cargo planes on the tarmac with their nose cones open. Russia also has sent several landing ships and civilian vessels to Syria, according to open-source information. In Damascus, HTS has appointed an interim government, and its leader, Riad al-Asaad, told AFP on December 15 that he is confident the factions that helped topple Assad will unite as one force. HTS and the transitional government have insisted the rights of all Syrians will be protected. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with spoke with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy about the situation in Syria, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on December 15. Blinken and Lammy discussed the situation "and the principles endorsed by the United States and countries in the region that should be upheld during the transition process and formation of a new government," Miller said in a statement . Blinken on December 14 attended an emergency meeting in Jordan of foreign ministers from the Arab League, Turkey, and top officials from the European Union and United Nations. He said afterward the United States had made "direct contact" with the HTS and other parties. He declined to discuss details of the contacts but said it was important for the United States to convey messages to the group about its conduct and how it intends to govern in a transition period. Blinken said a joint statement had been agreed at the meeting in Jordan that sets out the principles that other countries want to see in Syria's political transition, including inclusivity and respect for minorities and women and ensuring that terrorist groups do not take hold in the country. A Russian oil tanker split in two and began spilling oil into the Kerch Strait during a heavy storm, Russian authorities said on December 15. The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry said one of 13 crew members of the Volgoneft 212 died, but the remainder were rescued. All but one of those brought to safety were taken to a hospital for treatment of hypothermia. The Volgoneft 212 was carrying around 4,000 tons of fuel oil when it was damaged in what the ministry said was an accident. The 136-meter tanker split and its bow sank , a video published by state media appeared to show. Two parts of the distressed vessel in rough seas are visible in the video, which was released by the Russian Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office. "There was a spill of petroleum products," said Russia's water transport agency, Rosmorrechflot. A second tanker, Volgoneft 239 with 14 sailors on board, was also damaged and ran aground 80 meters from the shore near the port of Taman, the Emergency Situations Ministry said . Rescuers are in contact with the crew and are preparing an evacuation, but so far approaching the ship is difficult. According to Baza, the rescue operation has been postponed until the morning. The statements from Russian authorities did not provide details on the extent of the oil spill or how the tankers were damaged. The Investigative Committee of Russia reported that two criminal cases have been opened for violating safety rules on the movement and operation of a marine vehicle. Crew error in adverse weather conditions is being considered as among the causes , a source with the search and rescue services told Interfax. According to preliminary data, the crews of one or both tankers could not cope with the elements and made mistakes in controlling the vessel. "As a result, one vessel received critical damage to the bow, and the other was also seriously damaged," the source said. The vessels were were about 7 kilometers from shore in the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, when they issued distress signals. The strait links the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to set up a working group to deal with the rescue operation and the spill. Svetlana Radionova, head of Russia's natural resources watchdog Rosprirodnadzor, said specialists were assessing the damage at the site of the incident. Ukraine on December 14 carried out a complex operation targeting fuel supply routes from the Russian-annexed Crimea to occupied areas of Zaporizhzhya, an informed source has told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. The operation involved a sabotage mission to detonate railway tracks near Oleksyivka in the Bilmak district, derailing a train carrying fuel tanks. As the fire spread to the tanks, U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets struck the locomotive and key railcars to prevent salvage efforts. The attack destroyed the locomotive and 40 tankers, crippling a critical rail line supplying Russian forces, the source said. The operation was carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service in collaboration with military intelligence, special operations forces, and drone units. Moscow has not commented on the attack. Meanwhile, Russia launched over 100 suicide drones against Ukraine and struck the Kharkiv region with a missile attack overnight, Ukrainian authorities said on December 15. Air defenses downed 56 Shahed-type drones while 49 were "locationally lost," according to the Ukrainian military. Apartment buildings, houses, and an unspecified piece of infrastructure were damaged due to falling debris in several regions. Two people were injured in Mykolayiv, according to local authorities. Separately, Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said a Russian missile struck the Kyivsky district, injuring a 48-year-old woman. Local media in Russia's Chechen Republic reported that suspected Ukrainian drones had targeted a military camp and a base in the capital, Grozny, on December 15. Iranian police released singer Parastoo Ahmadi in the early hours of December 15 following a brief detention after she performed without the mandatory head scarf, her lawyer has confirmed. Ahmadi caused a stir on social media earlier this week after recording a performance with her hair uncovered and wearing a dress. The performance, recorded with a crew of male musicians, was uploaded to YouTube. The police on December 14 claimed she was released after a "briefing session" but a source close to the family told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that she remained in custody. Her lawyer Milad Panahipur also denied the police claim, writing on X that the authorities were "lying" about her release. The following day, Panahipur confirmed Ahmadi, who had been detained in her home province of Mazandaran, was released at 3 in the morning. Two of her bandmates, Soheil Faqih-Nasri and Ehsan Beyraqdar, were also detained briefly. Ahmadi’s Instagram account is no longer accessible, but her YouTube account remains active. The video of her performance, dubbed "an imaginary concert" because female performers cannot sing solo in front of an audience, has received around 1.6 million views on YouTube since it was uploaded on December 11. On December 12, the authorities said legal proceedings had been launched against Ahmadi and her bandmates for the "illegal concert." Ahmadi, who gained prominence during the 2022 nationwide protests after singing a song in support of demonstrators, has been widely praised for her performance. On social media, many have hailed her for fighting "gender apartheid" and showing "bravery, resilience, and love." A rising number of women have been flouting the mandatory hijab in public since the 2022 protests, which gave rise to the Women, Life, Freedom movement. The authorities have tried to crack down and recently passed a law enhancing the enforcement of the hijab by introducing hefty fines, restricting access to basic services, and lengthy prison sentences. The new hijab and chastity law, which has been widely criticized by even conservative figures, is scheduled to go into effect this month, but at least two lawmakers have said its implementation has been postponed by the Supreme National Security Council. Authorities in Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of orchestrating deadly bombings over the past week. Dnipro regional police on December 14 arrested a suspect in connection with an explosion that occurred in the city center earlier that day. The blast killed a man and injured four others, including two police officers, who remain hospitalized in critical condition. According to authorities, the suspect, a 37-year-old local resident, allegedly acted under orders from the Russian intelligence service. The suspect was arrested within hours following a joint operation by the police and Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). The SBU has classified the incident as a terrorist attack. Meanwhile, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on December 15 announced the arrest of a suspect in a car bombing in Russian-occupied Donetsk that reportedly killed a former prison warden and injured his wife on December 9. Russian state media say the suspect is a local resident. The FSB alleges the suspect planted a homemade explosive device under the vehicle and detonated it remotely, acting on orders from Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate. Russian authorities have not disclosed the identity of the man killed in the explosion, describing him only as an officer. Social media reports, however, have identified him as Sergei Yevsyukov, a former head of a prison where dozens of Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russian forces were killed in 2022. No one has claimed responsibility for either explosion.

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Matt Reed's 15 points off of the bench helped lead Tulsa to a 93-48 victory against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday night. Reed also added nine rebounds for the Golden Hurricane (5-7). Tyshawn Archie scored 14 points and added five rebounds. Dwon Odom had 12 points and finished 5 of 5 from the floor. Antonio Sisk led the way for the Delta Devils (2-10) with 15 points and two steals. Arthur Tate added eight points for Mississippi Valley State. Donovan Sanders also recorded seven points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Title: Who Has the Most Advanced Plug-in Hybrid System? Changan UNI-Z, Geely Xingyue L7, or BYD Song Pro?

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Beierly is a major reason why No. 1-ranked Mater Dei is playing De La Salle for the state championship Saturday.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 11 — OpenAI on Monday released the latest version of its highly anticipated Sora video generator to the public, stepping into an increasingly crowded field of AI tools that has raised concerns about disruption to creative industries. The company behind ChatGPT said its latest version, dubbed Sora Turbo, offers significant speed improvements over the February preview model and can create high-definition videos lasting up to 22 seconds. While tech giants Google and Meta have also announced similar video tools, none have yet met the huge expectations set for AI since the launch of ChatGPT two years ago. In a launch demonstration, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the video technology’s early stage but insisted that “it’s going to get a lot, lot better.” The service will be available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, though notably absent from European and British markets for now. “We’re going to try our hardest to be able to launch there,” Altman said in a livestream. Basic subscribers can generate up to 50 videos monthly at standard definition, with options to create content in various aspect ratios and incorporate existing media. OpenAI has implemented safeguards against misuse, including verification metadata and visible watermarks. The company is temporarily restricting the generation of videos featuring real people while it strengthens anti-deepfake measures. Despite the launch, Sora still faces technical challenges. Early reviews note inconsistent realism and difficulties with complex sequences. An OpenAI employee tempered expectations in the announcement livestream: “If you come into Sora with the expectation that you’ll just be able to click a button and generate a feature film, I think you’re coming in with the wrong expectation.” — AFP

Volunteer Janet Lee (right) has planned a Christmas party for palliative care patients at Kang Le Day Hospice. SINGAPORE – It is that time of the year again, when most people gather their nearest and dearest and sit down for a meal in familiar company. But for every flat filled with laughter, there may be another shrouded in silence. Separated from their loved ones by death, disputes or distance, many are marking the close of another year – alone. Loneliness can feel especially acute when everyone else seems to be having the best holiday ever. According to a 2023 American Psychological Association poll, the stress levels of 41 per cent of adults increase during the holiday season. Such festive social and emotional isolation afflicts many in Singapore too, which is why some residents are trying to stem the tide, one party at a time. This year-end, The Straits Times speaks to the people who are choosing to celebrate not with friends and family, but with those who have no one else. Lonely Christmas no more Married couple David and Esther Loh are hosting a party for strangers who need company this Christmas. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAVID LOH When 29-year-old David Loh sits down for dinner on Dec 24, he might not recognise anyone at the table, apart from his wife. The gallery manager and his wife, Mrs Esther Loh – a 28-year-old creative strategist at a social media agency – are throwing a party for people who might feel lonely around this time of year. It will be the second such gathering they have hosted, following a similarly-themed get-together in 2022 that went viral on TikTok. That video, viewed more than 100,000 times since, attracted close to 300 responses from people eager to attend. To minimise disappointment, they capped party sizes at 15 people and organised three gatherings over the Christmas weekend and Chinese New Year, over and above the sole session they had planned. For 2024, the couple have a new venue – a friend’s event space and pottery studio in Chinatown that can accommodate 30, twice as many attendees as two years ago. They still hope to keep things small and intimate, with numbers capped at 30 a gathering. Mr Loh says: “It would be a tragedy if a 200- or 300-strong crowd shows up, and lonely people leave feeling the same way. We want to create a place where we can be more intentional with hosting, where people can talk to one another and be heard.” For Mrs Loh, it is important that everyone feels seen and heard. “When people think of Christmas, they think of celebrating with friends and family. They might not think about those on the outskirts who don’t have that. It’s a period when the lonely get lonelier,” she says. Her husband knows that feeling all too well. The social work graduate used to spend Christmas on his own, tending a gallery in Millenia Walk over the holidays, with no celebrations to look forward to. He says: “I’m a pretty positive, mentally healthy individual, and still I felt the weight and loneliness of being alone. I’d take the bus home and feel sad that I had nothing on that night. So, I wanted to make space for people like myself.” The couple, who are Christian, will sponsor pizza and side dishes – halal, to cater to as many guests as possible – as well as gifts for the Dec 24 party. They have set aside a $1,000 budget for this. The Lohs organised a similar party for strangers in 2022, which received nearly 300 responses. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAVID LOH In 2022, 45 people of all ages and religions turned up across their three parties. There was an empty nester in her 50s, whose sons had moved overseas to study; a woman in her 30s spending her first Christmas without her late husband; and a man who had been on the brink of suicide. Despite their differences, these strangers were able to open up to one another and conversations ran raw. To the Lohs’ surprise, some attendees kept in touch after that night. “Everyone there sort of knew the other attendees were also lonely, so there was a sense of empathy and solidarity,” recalls Mrs Loh. The couple hope to inject more joy and excitement into their 2024 programme with activities like pottery painting. “We’re not trying to change someone’s life. We just want to change someone’s night. If deep friendships happen, that’s great. But we don’t have lofty ideas. We just want to make them feel like they had a good Christmas.” YOU’RE INVITED!!!! Drop us a DM to rsvp so we can plan for the food 😛🍕🍕 When: 24 Dec 22, Sat Time: 730pm-OTOT Where: City Hall (DM for more info) #christmas2022 #fypsg #youareinvited More information will be released on the couple’s TikTok account ( @davidandesther ) in December. I’ll (not) Be Home for Christmas Coliwoo senior operations manager Javier Lim is hosting a party for residents who are spending the festive period away from home in December. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM This will be Mr Javier Lim’s 15th Christmas away from home, so the 38-year-old Malaysian senior operations manager at co-living operator Coliwoo knows how his clients must feel. A bittersweet melancholy settles over Coliwoo’s apartments at this time of year. Most of its residents are expatriates, international students or digital nomads, whose families are thousands of kilometres away. “It’s sad seeing people in their rooms during the festive period. They’re lonely, they miss home. Sometimes, they’ll come to the management office just to have someone to chat with,” says Mr Lim. To lift their spirits, he started throwing Christmas parties for residents two years ago. The 2024 bash will be held at Coliwoo’s Orchard residence, and he is expecting 50 to 60 guests. Sponsored by Coliwoo, a buffet of Western dishes – such as prawns with garlic aioli and sauteed garden vegetables – will be catered, and prizes will be up for grabs. As part of Mr Lim’s eco-conscious aims, game booths will be built out of recycled materials such as cardboard, egg trays and plastic bottles. In addition to organising the party on Dec 20, Mr Lim is working the holiday shift on Christmas Day. He will be stationed at the company’s Boon Lay property, where he will oversee operations and manage requests from residents. “I find the festive shift very rewarding,” he says, adding that because he is so familiar with the staff and some of the residents, it feels almost like he is with friends. Staff also share drinks and desserts with residents in the lounge on days when they work late. “Here, you get a lot of these value-added activities that help build a strong community spirit, so people feel at home. We don’t just provide them with a roof over their heads.” The bachelor, whose two sisters also live overseas, sees his parents in Kelantan only after the festive season. But texts, video calls and knowing that they are just a four-hour flight away in Kelantan away help temper his homesickness. Last Christmas Volunteer Janet Lee will dress up as Santa Claus to spread festive cheer at Kang Le Day Hospice. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY The elderly patients of a palliative care centre look on in amusement as Ms Janet Lee struggles with her Santa Claus costume. “I must be the skinniest Santa Claus ever,” she quips with a wry smile, strapping a beard across the lower half of her face. “Maybe I should stuff a pillow under the top.” The 59-year-old volunteer is testing out the costumes she plans to don on Dec 9, when Kang Le Day Hospice celebrates a cross-cultural Christmas with an Asian buffet and Western carols. She expects around 30 attendees. It was the housewife’s idea, and one of the many contributions she has made since she started volunteering with HCA Hospice, which runs the centre in Marsiling, in June 2023. Moved by the care and compassion its team showed to her late mother in her final days some four years ago, Ms Lee decided to reciprocate by helping out. The memories she has made have stuck with her. In particular, her friendship with her very first patient – an elderly man she refers to as Mr N – continues to shape the work she does. Mr N suffered from dementia and anxiety, which made it difficult to interact with him at first. But Ms Lee eventually won over the former postman with her rendition of the Carpenters’ Please Mr Postman. He shared his life story with her, while she entertained him with games and activities, keeping him company until his death in August 2023. “I was very sad upon hearing the news, but I was also thankful for the opportunity to have created some happy moments while he was around,” she says. Thus was born her idea of organising parties to spread that joy to more patients, most of whom have only six months to a year left to live, and are likely celebrating their last Christmas. Ms Lee preparing a bunny costume ahead of the Christmas party at Kang Le Day Hospice. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Though to many of these seniors, Christmas is not as culturally significant as Chinese New Year or Hari Raya, Ms Lee – who usually does not celebrate Yuletide herself – believes in seizing any opportunity to get everyone together. “I enjoy doing the work. I’m happy to see them relax and have fun. If not, usually they just sit here and say, ‘All I do here is eat and wait for time to pass.’ It’s quite negative,” she says. To inject some energy into the room, Ms Lee, who describes herself as “quite a serious person”, busts out her goofy side. She will lead a singalong in her Santa Claus outfit, while her 35-year-old anaesthesiologist daughter, who is helping her, will tower over the party in a 2m-tall bunny suit. The festivities cannot stretch beyond two hours as the patients tire quickly, but she says it is heartening to see their energy return, even momentarily. Mr Lee Fatt Ping (left) leading seniors St Luke’s ElderCare Serangoon Centre in an arts and crafts activity. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY At St Luke’s ElderCare Serangoon Centre, 71-year-old retiree Lee Fatt Ping is also keenly aware of the needs of his fellow merry-makers. Though the seniors here are not terminally ill, many have conditions that might hamper their ability to participate. The volunteer, who visits the centre on Tuesday mornings, has prepared a simple arts and crafts activity to spread cheer this festive season. It comprises four strips of coloured paper that can be folded to form a heart, representing peace, love and joy – sentiments the Christian associates with Christmas. “It’s a way for them to come together and stamp their identity on this place. It gives them a sense of ownership,” he says, explaining that the completed paper hearts can then be hung up as decorations. However, he also has to take into consideration those with weaker psychomotor skills and poor eyesight. In such cases, Mr Lee will encourage one of their friends to help them, or get them involved through simple questions such as “What colour is this?” and “Is this pretty?”, to which they can respond with a thumbs up or down. “We have to adjust to their capabilities and make sure they feel included. The important thing is not to discredit them but encourage them to try again, if they want to.” When it comes to the more reserved seniors who do not want to participate, he will approach them as a supplicant, asking for assistance or help – a move that is guaranteed to flatter. “They’ll say, ‘You don’t know how to do meh?’, but it gets them involved.” Mr Lee Fatt Ping (second from right) will be one of the few volunteers on duty during the year-end festive period. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY The former civil servant-turned nursing home executive, who completed a master’s degree in ageing at The University of Melbourne in his late 60s, will be one of the few volunteers on duty at a time when most are away on holiday. He says: “If I can be around, I’m happy. This is a very meaningful time for me. I want to spread my blessings during this time when we’re reflecting on the year, and being grateful for all the good and bad, the highs and lows.” Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowNo daylight saving time? See how early or late you would be in the dark.None

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. (" Lithium Argentina ” or the " Company ”) ( TSX: LAAC ) ( NYSE: LAAC ) today announced that it has filed its notice of meeting, management information circular (the " Circular ”), notice-and-access notification, form of proxy, voting instruction form and virtual meeting guide (collectively, the " Meeting Materials ”) in connection with its previously announced special meeting of shareholders on January 17, 2025 (the " Meeting ”) to approve a redomiciling of the Company in Switzerland under the new name, Lithium Argentina AG, and ancillary matters. The move, which requires shareholder, stock exchange and court approval, is expected to occur in early 2025. HIGHLIGHTS The Meeting is scheduled to be held virtually at https://meetnow.global/MDAUKRK on Friday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time). Shareholders as of the close of business on December 3, 2024 (the " Record Date ”), are entitled to vote at the Meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to access the Meeting Materials and vote electronically. The specific details of matters to be put before the Meeting are set forth in the Circular. The Meeting Materials have been posted in full, and are available for review via the internet without charge, on the Company's website at http://lithium-argentina.com/investor-relations/Special-Meeting , and under the Company's SEDAR+ and EDGAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov , respectively. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (" Broadridge ”), on behalf of the Company, has mailed the notice-and-access notification and voting instruction form to U.S. non-registered shareholders in accordance with its applicable procedures. In light of the ongoing postal strike and given the high demand for courier services, Broadridge has couriered the notice-and-access notification and voting instruction form to certain Canadian non-registered shareholders in accordance with its applicable procedures. Registered U.S. and Canadian shareholders will be mailed and couriered, respectively, the notice-and-access notification and form of proxy by the Company's transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. (" Computershare ”). This news release is being made in accordance with the interim order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia dated December 4, 2024 and constitutes valid delivery of the Meeting Materials in lieu of prepaid ordinary mail delivery of Meeting Materials due to the ongoing postal strike in Canada. VOTING ASSISTANCE & QUESTIONS In the event that the ongoing postal strike in Canada continues, registered shareholders are encouraged to contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the Company's proxy solicitation agent, by telephone at 1-877-452-7184 (North American Toll Free) or 416-304-0211 (Collect Outside North America), or by email at [email protected] to obtain and return their proxies in connection with the Meeting. Non-registered shareholders are encouraged to contact their brokers or intermediaries in order to obtain their control numbers and to make arrangements for the return of their voting instruction forms in connection with the Meeting. For details on how to vote at the Meeting, please see " Voting Information ” in the Circular. To vote via the internet or by phone: ABOUT LITHIUM ARGENTINA Lithium Argentina is an emerging producer of lithium carbonate for use primarily in lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. The Company, in partnership with Ganfeng Lithium Co, Ltd., is operating the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operation in Argentina and advancing development of additional lithium resources in the region. Lithium Argentina currently trades on the TSX and on the NYSE. For further information contact: Investor Relations Telephone: +1 778-653-8092 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lithium-argentina.com FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains "forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking information”). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of words such as "seek,” "anticipate,” "plan,” "continue,” "estimate,” "expect,” "may,” "will,” "project,” "predict,” "propose,” "potential,” "targeting,” "intend,” "could,” "might,” "should,” "believe” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information, including, without limitation, with respect to the following matters or the Company's expectations relating to matters such as the intention to establish corporate domicile in Switzerland; the approval of the redomicile; the holding of a special meeting of shareholders; and the continued conduct of our business. Forward-looking information does not take into account the effect of transactions or other items announced or occurring after the statements are made. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon a number of expectations and assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those related to: uncertainties with respect to obtaining all applicable shareholder, court and regulatory approvals or satisfying other requirements necessity or desirability of permitting or facilitating the completion of the transaction; the continued listing on the TSX and NYSE; being subject to satisfying all conditions prescribed by the exchanges; there being no guarantee that the redomiciling will procure the anticipated benefits nor that the expected impacts will materialize as expected; potential adverse tax consequences resulting from the transaction; discretion of the Company to implement the redomicile or not; risks associated with the Company being governed under a different corporate legal regime post continuation; change in the rights of shareholders as a result of the continuation; unforeseen events that could prevent, delay in or increase in cost of completing the continuation; uncertainties inherent to feasibility studies and mineral resource and reserve estimates; global financial markets, general economic conditions, competitive business environments, and other factors that may negatively impact the Company's financial condition; the inability of the Company to secure sufficient additional financing to develop the Company's mineral projects; and all the other risk factors identified herein and in the Company's latest annual information form and in other continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ and EDGAR. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that the actual results achieved will vary from the information provided herein and that such variations may be material. Consequently, there are no representations by the Company that actual results achieved will be the same in whole or in part as those set out in the forward-looking statements. This press release does not constitute a solicitation of any proxy nor the offering of any securities of the Company.Indian leather exporters need to take advantage of India-UAE trade pact to push exports: OfficialToday’s ‘Wordle’ #1290 Hints, Clues And Answer For Monday, December 30thThe dollar rose on Tuesday ahead of U.S. inflation data that could offer clues about the Federal Reserve’s monetary-easing path, while analysts assess the likely impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s policies when he begins his second term. The Australian dollar dropped sharply as the Reserve Bank of Australia softened its tone on the inflation outlook, while the rally sparked by China stimulus pledges tapered off after weak Chinese trade data. Money markets are pricing an 86% chance of a 25-bps rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve next week, but some analysts warned that Fed hawks could have more weight in the upcoming decisions. “The Fed’s consensus (median) will be to tilt the outlook in a more hawkish direction than in September or November,” said Thierry Wizman, global forex and rates strategist at Macquarie. The U.S. dollar rose 0.5% to 151.980 yen . The dollar index , which measures the currency against the yen and five other major peers, rose 0.42% to 106.6. Market participants see little action before a busy second half of the week with the U.S. data and European Central Bank policy meeting. An ECB quarter-point cut is baked in, but investors will focus on the communication, which could provide clues about the central bank’s future moves. The euro dropped 0.48% to $1.0503. The Aussie fell 1.09% to $0.6371, a level that had not been seen since Aug. 5. It rose 0.8% the previous day after China pledged an “appropriately loose” monetary policy next year. “If we can get Chinese stocks to rally, China-sensitive commodities like copper to rally, that could depress the U.S. dollar a little bit,” said Erik Bregar, director of FX & precious metals risk management at Silver Gold Bull. “You can feel there’s a lot of pressure over there to do something.” China’s exports grew at a slower pace in November, while imports unexpectedly shrank, affecting expectations for the Australian economy, as China is its largest trading partner. Chinese equities eased gains while Hong Kong stocks declined as the initial optimism over Beijing’s policy shift faded. The RBA held rates steady as expected, but noted the board had gained “some confidence” inflation was heading back to target. “A full pricing-in (of a rate cut) over the next few weeks would weigh further on the Australian dollar,” said Volkmar Baur, forex strategist at Commerzbank, recalling that two labour market reports and the inflation figures for the fourth quarter will be published before the next policy meeting in February. The New Zealand dollar dropped in sympathy with the Aussie, declining 1.13% to $0.5799. Investors will closely watch China’s closed-door Central Economic Work Conference this week, which sets key targets and policy intentions for next year. The yuan was last at 7.2632 per dollar in offshore trading , supported by Monday’s surprise shift in Beijing’s monetary policy stance toward more easing to boost the ailing economy. Elsewhere, the Bank of Canada and the Swiss National Bank decide policy on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, with deep rate cuts expected from both. Against Canada’s loonie , the U.S. dollar rose to its strongest level since April 2020 at C$1.4191. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Hannah Lang in New York and Stefano Rebaudo; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Kim Coghill, Jamie Freed, Ed Osmond, Alexander Smith and Rod Nickel)

711 jili casino Environment Secretary Steve Reed has been asked to review “incompetence” at the Met Office that led to a “clear underestimation” of the impact of Storm Bert. Labour MP for Cardiff West, Alex Barros-Curtis, said warnings should have been “amber or red”, as Mr Reed told MPs that more flooding is “likely”. Hundreds of homes were left under water, roads were turned into rivers and winds of more than 80mph were recorded across parts of the UK. More than 130 flood warnings and 160 alerts remained in place across the UK on Monday. In the Commons on Monday, Mr Barros-Curtis asked: “Can I ask that the Secretary of State speak to his Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) colleagues to carefully look into the role of the Met Office here? “It is clear that their response was slow and that there was a clear underestimation of the impact of Storm Bert. “They put it yellow rather than amber or red. Our constituents have been let down by this incompetence before, and it cannot keep happening.” Mr Reed said: “In most parts of the countries that were affected, warnings were given with adequate time for people to prepare and I would encourage people to sign up on the Defra website, or the Environment Agency website for warnings and alerts if they live in an area that could be affected by flooding. “I’m aware of the particular concern that he mentions regarding the Met Office, and I will indeed be speaking to colleagues in DSIT as they review the circumstances of that and look at how the situation can be improved for future events of this kind.” During his update to the House, the Environment Secretary said that more flooding this week is “likely” but its impact “should be less severe” than has been seen. He said: “Around 28,000 properties are being protected by Environment Agency flood defences. “Unfortunately, an estimated 107 properties have flooded across England, principally from river and surface water flooding.” He added: “The Environment Agency and local responders have also been busy protecting properties elsewhere in England, including flooding from the River Teme in Tenbury Wells where around 40 properties have flooded. “The river has now peaked and local responders will be focusing on the lower reaches of rivers over the next few days.” He further stated: “Further flooding is sadly likely over the next few days as water levels rise in slower flowing rivers such as the Severn and the Ouse. “The Environment Agency anticipates that any impacts should be less severe than we have seen in recent days.” Mr Reed also described the flood defences they inherited from the previous government as being “in the worst condition on record following years of underinvestment”. He added: “Over 3,000 of our key flood defences are below an acceptable standard. “That is why we are investing £2.4 billion over the next two years to build and maintain flood defences.” Elsewhere in the session, Labour MP for Coventry South, Zarah Sultana, was among the MPs to call for a legal duty on fire services to respond to flooding. She said: “I want to express my solidarity and thanks to all of our emergency services, including firefighters on the front line. “Extreme weather events are on the rise and becoming ever more frequent due to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for proper funding and resources. “England is the only part of the UK without a statutory duty for flooding, leaving fire services underfunded and under-resourced to respond effectively. This must change, as the FBU (Fire Brigades Union) has long called for.” “When will the Government finally provide a statutory duty for Fire and Rescue authorities to respond to flooding incidents in England?” Mr Reed replied: “The fire and rescue authorities have the powers to intervene, but she’s quite right to point out there’s not a duty, and officials in my department, working with the Home Office, will review that to see that that remains appropriate.” Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire Greg Smith said some communities in his constituency are flooding “for the first time in decades” as he accused the Government of wanting to “concrete over the countryside”. He said: “That is a result of some of the big infrastructure we are seeing being built, particularly HS2 where they will concrete over a field completely, it seems, unaware that that will have a knock-on effect to farmland next door. “So will the Secretary of State commit to working with the Transport Secretary (Louise Haigh) and I also suggest the Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner) given their plans to concrete over the countryside to ensure that where construction takes place proper, and I really mean proper, flood mitigation measures are put into place.” Mr Reed replied: “This needs to operate across Government, and we will have those conversations and ensure that measures are put in place to support communities as much as is possible from the more severe weather events that we’re seeing as a result of climate change.”SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- An online debate between big tech and politics continues into the weekend. At the center of the issue - the H-1B visa program. It's a gateway for skilled workers from around the world who specialize in areas that include mathematics, technology, engineering, and science; 65,000 visas are issued each year with an additional 20,000 given to those who have masters degrees or higher. Ahmed Banafa is an engineering professor at San Jose State. "This thing about having this limit about having 65,000 - I mean we could miss someone," Banafa said. MORE: Mexico tests cellphone app allowing migrants to send alert if they are about to be detained in US Google and Meta were each approved to hire 5,000 H-1B-workers this year. Trump's new AI advisor has advocated for the U.S. to remove country-specific caps on H-1B visas. Tech industry leaders and Trump advisors Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk both made long posts on X on how their businesses rely on H-1B workers. Ramaswamy pointed to the "American culture" that celebrates the prom queen over the math Olympiad. MORE: Proposed CA bill would offer protection to immigrant children in schools, child care facilities MAGA supporter Laura Loomer tweeted the H-1B program takes away jobs from American STEM students. In a comment post Musk said "OF COURSE my companies and I would prefer to hire Americans and we DO, as that is MUCH easier than going through the incredibly painful and slow work visa process. HOWEVER, there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America." "Look at Musk himself. He is one of the products of the H-1B visa. I mean, we don't have Elon Musk - you agree or disagree with him we're not going to have Tesla, we're not going to have Space X, Starlink," Musk said. ABC7 News insider Phil Matier weighed in on Musk's support for the visa program. MORE: Attorney General Bonta bolsters California's response to Trump's immigration proposals "He's not only in favor of H-1B visas, he's also in favor of expanding them. To where if someone comes to America and completes a four-year college program they should automatically get a green card. That's bringing a competitive workforce into America that will be competing with native-born Americans for jobs," Matier said. On Friday, Marjorie Taylor Greene made the case young people are spending all their time trying to be "the next YouTuber, content creator or social media influencer instead of pursuing a useful skill set, trade -education." So, what will happen to H-1B visas during Trump's second term? That's unclear. Trump restricted the program in 2020 during his first administration.49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing but status for this week remains unknown

None49ers QB Brock Purdy resumes throwing but status for this week remains unknown

NoneEven after dropping to 7-5 following Sunday's 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Commanders are still in position to make the NFC playoffs. However, the margin is razor thin. Washington now sits only half a game ahead of the Arizona Cardinals for the final Wild Card spot, and 1.5 games ahead of three formidable challengers in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. With the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings and 8-3 Green Bay Packers all but locked into the first two Wild Card spots, it's going to come down to those five teams (along with the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons, should they lose their respective division leads) for the last one. That means the Commanders can't afford to take any more losses like they had on Sunday. Their defeat at the hands of the 4-7 Cowboys was their first truly bad loss this season, and it needs to end up being their only one. Next week, the Commanders get another home matchup against a three-win team in the Tennessee Titans prior to their Week 14 bye. The Titans are riding some momentum after their own upset road win on Sunday, a 32-27 victory over the Houston Texans. That, combined with the Commanders' loss to Dallas, needs to be a wakeup call that no opponent can be taken lightly. Sunday is a must-win for Washington, and following their week off, they may need to go at least 3-1 against the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and Cowboys again to secure a playoff spot. It's very doable, but after Sunday, the Commanders are out of mulligans.

ChatGenie launches multi-AI agent to improve customer engagementDigital networks are the backbone of global business and communication, making cyber resiliency essential for organizations to thrive. Cyber resiliency isn’t just a trendy term; it’s about an organization’s ability to predict, endure, recover from, and adapt to cyber threats. With cybercrime expected to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 (Cybersecurity Ventures), ensuring strong defences has never been more critical. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the infrastructure of cyber threats and defences, the need for strong cyber resiliency strategies has become more critical than ever. The integration of AI into cybersecurity has created a constantly evolving challenge, where traditional defenses often fall short. Cybercriminals now use advanced AI algorithms to craft convincing phishing schemes, generate realistic deepfakes, and develop adaptive attacks designed to outsmart standard security systems. Simultaneously, defenders are harnessing the same technological advances to build more intelligent, proactive, and responsive security ecosystems. This article explores the evolving infrastructure of cyber resiliency in the AI era, examining how organizations can build an “unbreakable shield” that not only protects against current threats but anticipates and adapts to future challenges. The Rise of Cyber Threats in the AI Era The proliferation of AI has dramatically transformed the cyber threat infrastructure. Cybercriminals are no longer limited to static, predictable attack patterns but can now deploy intelligent systems that learn, adapt, and optimize their assault strategies in real time. AI-Powered Attacks in Action Phishing Evolution : Using natural language processing, phishing emails now generate highly personalized and contextually relevant messages, increasing click-through rates by up to 30% (IBM Security). Deepfake Threats : AI-generated audio and video impersonations have already been used to steal millions in social engineering attacks. Adaptive Threats : Machine learning algorithms probe network defenses, identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities faster than traditional methods ever could. Case Study: The SolarWinds supply chain attack , one of the most sophisticated breaches in recent history, leveraged advanced techniques to infiltrate critical infrastructure worldwide. It demonstrated the devastating potential of AI-enhanced cyber operations. What is Cyber Resiliency? Cyber resiliency extends beyond traditional cybersecurity approaches. While cybersecurity focuses primarily on prevention and protection, cyber resiliency adopts a holistic, adaptive strategy encompassing prevention, detection, response, and recovery. Key Principles of Cyber Resiliency: Anticipation : Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities before they materialize. Vital Defense : Developing flexible mechanisms to withstand attacks. Rapid Response : Ensuring swift action to contain and neutralize threats. Operational Continuity : Minimizing disruption during and after incidents. Continuous Learning : Adapting strategies based on each encounter to stay ahead of adversaries. By adopting this proactive and adaptive approach, organizations shift from simply reacting to attacks to building an “always ready” defense posture. The Role of AI in Enhancing Cyber Resiliency AI has become a game-changing technology in developing more strong cyber resiliency strategies. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. Prevention Predictive Analytics : AI forecasts vulnerabilities, enabling proactive mitigation. Threat Intelligence : Machine learning identifies emerging risk patterns from massive data sets. Risk Assessment : AI-powered tools offer comprehensive evaluations to guide security investments. 2. Detection Real-Time Anomaly Detection : Algorithms spot suspicious activities before damage occurs. Behavioural Analysis : AI discerns between normal user behaviour and potential breaches. Correlation Engines : These tools detect complex, multi-stage attack attempts. 3. Response Automated Incident Response : AI isolates threats within milliseconds, minimizing damage. Triage Systems : Intelligent mechanisms prioritize critical security events for human review. Dynamic Playbooks : AI guides response teams through complex scenarios based on real-time data. 4. Recovery Optimized Disaster Recovery : AI minimizes downtime with intelligent restoration processes. Predictive Maintenance : Algorithms identify and address vulnerabilities before recurrence. Quote: “AI is transforming cyber resiliency, enabling faster detection, smarter responses, and greater adaptability to threats,” says Dr. Jane Smith, CTO of CyberSafe Solutions. Building the “Unbreakable Shield”: Key Strategies for Organizations To thrive in the AI era, organizations must adopt these strategies: Invest in AI-Powered Security Tools Deploy advanced threat detection platforms. Implement predictive analytics for proactive risk management . Leverage machine learning for continuous security improvement. Embrace Zero Trust Architecture Enforce strict access controls. Adopt network segmentation to limit lateral movement. Continuously verify user and device identities. Train and Educate Teams Conduct regular AI-threat simulation exercises. Develop comprehensive awareness programs to prevent human error. Conduct Resiliency Drills Test response protocols against AI-powered attack scenarios. Measure and improve readiness through regular evaluations. Collaborate Across Industries Share threat intelligence to counteract emerging risks. Engage in cross-sector forums to foster innovation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Challenges in Achieving Cyber Resiliency Despite AI’s potential, organizations face obstacles: High Costs : Advanced AI tools require significant investment. Skills Gaps : Many teams lack expertise in implementing AI-driven solutions. Regulatory Complexity : Compliance with evolving global standards is challenging. Rapid Change : Technology advances faster than most organizations can adapt. Invest in training programs for AI and cybersecurity . Build partnerships to share resources and expertise. The Future of Cyber Resiliency in the AI Era The next frontier includes: Quantum-Resistant Encryption : Preparing for threats posed by quantum computing. AI-Augmented Defense Systems : Combining human expertise with machine intelligence. Collaborative Ecosystems : Global alliances to tackle cyber threats collectively. Conclusion In the AI era, cyber resiliency requires a comprehensive and adaptive approach. Organizations can strengthen their defenses by leveraging advanced technologies, promoting a culture of continuous learning, and deploying strategic defense measures to stay ahead of evolving threats. Now is the time to act. Assess your organization’s resiliency, invest in AI-powered solutions, and prepare for a future where adaptability is the ultimate competitive advantage. RELATED TOPICS Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative Boosts Cybersecurity Email Hacking Reigns as Top Cybersecurity Threat, Study Cybersecurity Tips For Businesses Using Remote Workers IT, Cybersecurity Jobs in the Age of Emerging AI Technologies Future of Phishing Email Training for Employees in Cybersecurity

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When the Nebraska football team gathered for its Thursday practice prior to the Wisconsin game, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen wanted to see a game-ready unit. Anything other than the best wasn’t good enough, and Holgorsen backed it up. The players who made mistakes, even committing false start penalties during that practice didn’t play on Saturday because of it, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said. Those who did their job got their chance, though, with Rhule identifying senior wide receiver Isiaha Garcia-Castaneda as one such beneficiary. So while Holgorsen’s playcalling was part of Nebraska’s 44-point outburst against the Badgers, his general approach is what Rhule appreciates most. “You hear Dana on the headset, the whole time he’s just talking about execution,” Rhule said. “... There’s a real focus on execution and when the guys execute the play calls. I think that was the message to the guys — if you execute and practice at a high level, you’re going to have an opportunity to play in the game.” Changes have been limited in Holgorsen’s short time as NU’s offensive coordinator, but he did make sure the Huskers scaled back the number of plays in their playbook. “We’re still doing a lot,” Rhule said, while crediting assistant coaches Glenn Thomas, Garret McGuire and Marcus Satterfield for their work in helping Holgorsen get accustomed to the team’s offensive setup. A “collaborative” gameplanning process that involves those coaches poring over game film and strategy together has led to results, but Rhule again emphasized that improvements from the players, not the coaches, is what has led to better results. When Nebraska was in rhythm on Saturday and stayed ahead of the chains, the Huskers were nearly impossible to slow down. When penalties, turnovers or miscues like snapping on the wrong count happened, though, the offense’s progress was halted. The clear difference? Execution. “It’s kind of a blend of everything we’ve been trying to say to them all year coming to life,” Rhule said of Nebraska’s 44-point performance. “I think the thing Dana’s done a great job is, he’s cut things down to a degree, but he’s demanding that they execute if they want to get on the field.” Nebraska also couldn’t have cut apart the Wisconsin defense without a reinvigorated showing from quarterback Dylan Raiola. Having thrown at least one interception in his previous five starts, Raiola finished the game turnover-free for the first time since September. The freshman also completed 28-of-38 passes for 293 yards and one touchdown, his biggest passing output other than a 297-yard performance against Illinois. Part of the reason for the turnaround was health-related following the back injury Raiola suffered against UCLA. Held out of practice over the bye, Raiola was “ginger” the whole game against USC according to Rhule but was more comfortable with moving around and sliding up in the pocket last Saturday. Getting the ball out quickly and accurately also helped Raiola’s timing within the offense. “He was just taking completions, taking what was there and not trying to do too much,” Rhule said of Raiola. “Playing as a freshman in the Big Ten is really, really hard; it requires tough people and I think Dylan’s been tough in that he’s gotten better every week.” Nebraska’s progress will be tested in a matchup against the nation’s No. 12 scoring defense, an Iowa unit that is allowing just 17.7 points per game. Another week with Holgorsen at the helm will help Nebraska with that challenge as the Huskers look to build on their recent offensive surge. “Just the rhythm of the way he does things means total sense to me,” Rhule said of Holgorsen. “... If I coach with Dana for one more week or if we coach together for the next 10 years, I’ll be a better coach as a result.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Save 20% on an ASUS A15 Gaming Laptop to Game With Confidence

80 jili app After parting ways with head coach Charlie Adam on Sunday, Fleetwood Town will host Chesterfield at Highbury Stadium on Boxing Day, hoping the decision sparks a much-needed turnaround in their League Two campaign. Adam was sacked by the club following a 2-0 defeat to Barrow last Saturday, with early strikes from Emile Acquah and Theo Vassell condemning the Fishermen to their third consecutive league defeat on the road. © Imago Fleetwood's fortunes have been on a downward trajectory over the past year, culminating in relegation from League One at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Lancashire club appointed Adam on New Year's Eve 2023 to replace Lee Johnson after a poor start to that campaign, but the change failed to arrest their decline, ultimately bringing an end to their decade-long stay in the third tier. Now in League Two, their struggles have persisted, with the Cod Army sitting 18th in the standings after managing 23 points from 19 games, eight points above the drop zone, though they have one game on 24th-placed Carlisle. This is in contrast to their promising start to the season, when Adam steered them to four wins and four draws in nine games, picking up 16 points from a possible 27, with just one loss in that streak. However, that lone defeat in their early run has given way to just one win in the following 10 matches, including four draws and five defeats, with last weekend's loss being the latest setback, leading to the 39-year-old manager's dismissal. Pending the appointment of a new head coach, Fleetwood will look to lift themselves from the rubble and host Chesterfield at Highbury on Thursday, buoyed by their recent record against the visitors, having won the last three meetings between the sides. © Imago In contrast, Chesterfield have enjoyed a dream start to their return to the Football League after six seasons in non-League. The Spireites, fresh off winning the National League title in 2023-24, have settled into life in League Two seamlessly, currently sitting fifth with 34 points, just two behind third-placed Doncaster, who occupy the final automatic promotion spot. Paul Cook 's men come into this weekend's encounter on a high, having won their last three league matches without conceding, the most recent of which was a 1-0 victory over Wimbledon, with Armando Dobra 's early strike securing all three points. With 16 points from 10 games on the road, Town boast the fifth-best away record in the division and will look to extend that form against the struggling hosts Chesterfield's attacking prowess on the road, having scored 21 goals away from home - five more than any other team - adds further weight to their chances in this encounter. © Imago Carl Johnston , who has missed Fleetwood's last three games through injury, remains a doubt for Thursday's clash, while Zech Medley , still recovering from the ruptured achilles tendon he sustained in late August, is also unavailable. Ronan Coughlan , Fleetwood's leading league scorer with six goals in 17 appearances, will be the Fishermen's key player as they look to him to make the difference. The vistors have no injury concerns and could stick with the same lineup that defeated Wimbledon at the weekend. Will Grigg , Chesterfield's top scorer in the league, is set to lead the line once again as he aims to get back among the goals after a quiet outing last time. Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup: Harrington; Broom, Potter, Bolton, Bennett, Hunt; Helm, Virtue, Mayor; Coughlan, Graydon Chesterfield possible starting lineup: Thompsont; Sheckleford, Grimes, Naylor, Araujo; Oldaker; Markanday, Mandeville, Dobra, Berry; Grigg Despite Chesterfield's recent struggles at Highbury, with defeats in their last two visits, their impressive run of three consecutive victories cannot be overlooked. This momentum suggests they might prove too strong for the embattled hosts For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

The JSE Index advanced by 4,706 points on Tuesday, while the Junior Market Index advanced by 16 points. Among the 47 winners were: Knutsford Express, First Rock Real Estate Investment USD, Medical Disposables and Supplies, Indies Pharma, and Kintyre Holdings. The 37 losers were led by: IronRock Insurance, Express Catering, Paramount Trading, Jamaica Producers and Caribbean Flavours and Fragrances. Thirty-three stocks closed the session at the same price they started trading. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1531230668029-0'); });Manchester City's nightmare seasons shows no signs of slowing down following their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. The loss left the Citizens in seventh place with 27 points , 12 fewer than first-placed Liverpool, who have played a game fewer than the champions. Guardiola's side are also at risk of elimination from the Champions League given they are 22nd in the table with eight points and occupy the third-last round of 16 playoff spot. To add to this, Football Insider now claim that Haaland is laying the groundwork to leave the club, with the 24-year-old reportedly moaning in the dressing room at his team's form this campaign. © Imago The Norwegian has scored 13 times in the Premier League this season and has netted his side's opening goal on eight occasions, with defender Josko Gvardiol City's next highest scorer having found the back of the net four times. Haaland broke the record for most goals in a single Premier League season in 2022-23 when he scored 36 times, surpassing Andy Cole and Alan Shearer , who netted 34 each in 1993-94 and 1994-95 respectively. The striker has averaged exactly one goal per 90 in the top flight, as well as 1.18 assists per 90, and only needs to score 24 more times in the league to reach a century of goals in the England's premier division. In his first five league matches of 2024-25, Haaland found the back of the net on 10 occasions, scoring hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. However, he only scored three goals in his subsequent 12 Premier League fixtures, blanking nine times and producing just one assist in that period. © Imago One of the criticisms of Haaland since joining City has been his relatively limited impact on games when he does not score. The 24-year-old has averaged under 20 touches of the ball per 90 in the league this term, whereas Liverpool striker Diogo Jota has averaged just under 35 touches per 90. While it is difficult to expect Haaland to become more involved in build-up play considering he has proven how deadly he can be on the last line of an opposition's defence, he has stood out for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks. Guardiola has defended his striker this season, telling Spanish media: "Erling is so important for us, will be important for us and we need to use him better." Given the striker's track record at City, it would not be surprising if Haaland was to get back on the scoresheet more regularly, but fans will hope that Guardiola can convince him to stay despite the team's overall struggles.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Caleb McCullough was there for the dark times at Arizona State, when the losses piled up and the cloud of an NCAA investigation was hovering over the program. The senior linebacker opted to stick around, believing in coach Kenny Dillingham's vision for a better future. It came sooner than anyone outside the program expected. "I’m doing whatever I can to win,” McCullough said. “I’m not really a stat player. This is my last year of college and my main goal is just to win.” The Sun Devils are doing just that, becoming one of college football's biggest surprises along the way. Picked to finish last in its first Big 12 season, Arizona State (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) now controls its destiny for a spot in the conference title game. The 21st-ranked Sun Devils have already clinched their first bowl berth since 2021, the year they were last ranked in the AP Top 25 before this week. Arizona State has taken down two ranked teams this season, 27-19 over then-No. 16 Utah on Oct. 11 and 24-14 at then-No. 20 Kansas State last weekend. The Sun Devils will play their biggest home game in recent memory against No. 14 BYU on Saturday , the first home game between ranked teams in Tempe since 2014. Beat the Cougars and Arizona State can clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship on Dec. 7 in Arlington, Texas, with a win over rival Arizona in the regular-season finale. “It means a lot to these guys to come in here with that chip on their shoulder and do something that really nobody thought we could do,” Dillingham said. Arizona State faced adversity on and off the field when Dillingham arrived in 2023. After winning eight games in 2021, the Sun Devils went 3-9 the following year while under investigation by the NCAA, a combination that led to the firing of Herm Edwards during his fifth season here. Dillingham had success as Oregon's offensive coordinator and brought the requisite enthusiasm of being a young — he was 32 at the time — first-time head coach returning to his alma mater. Despite rallying the community around the program, Dillingham fell into hard luck his first season in the desert. The Sun Devils were decimated by injuries, particularly at quarterback, and never recovered, finishing 3-9 for the second straight season. But Dillingham had the pieces in place. He proved to be adept at finding the right players through the transfer portal, landing former Sacramento State running back Cam Skattebo two years ago and former Michigan State quarterback Sam Leavitt prior to this season. The hard-running Skattebo has been one of the nation's best running backs and Leavitt has been a perfect fit for Arizona State's offense, making good decisions while extending plays with his legs. The portal success extends across Arizona State's roster and Dillingham has sprinkled in solid recruiting classes while convincing key players to remain, a combination that's meshed into a team that could crash the College Football Playoff if the pieces fall just right. “We were a three-win team twice,” Dillingham said. “We were under NCAA sanctions. Most head coaches, to be brutally honest, get fired if you take a job under sanctions. You don’t survive. You’re hired to be fired. That’s the nature of the beast and right now we’re sitting here at 8-2, and I couldn’t be prouder." Dillingham's vision for a better future, one the rest of the country didn't see coming, is here and now. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Chucky Hepburn had 16 points, 10 assists and seven steals, Noah Waterman also had 16 points and Louisville beat No. 14 Indiana 89-61 on Wednesday in the opening game of the Battle 4 Atlantis. Louisville (4-1) beat a ranked team for the first time since topping Virginia Tech 73-71 on Jan. 6, 2021. Kasean Pryor scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half and Reyne Smith added 12 points for Louisville. Malik Reneau scored 21 points and Oumar Ballo added 11 for Indiana (4-1). Reneau reached 20-plus points for the eighth time in his career. The Cardinals led 37-29 at the break after making 7 of 17 from 3-point range and shooting 57% overall. Indiana missed six straight shots on two occasions in the first half, sandwiched around a string of seven missed field goals, as the Cardinals shot 9 of 29 (31%). Louisville exploded for 52 second-half points by shooting 66.7% from the field. Pryor missed only one of his six shots in the second half. Louisville quickly built a commanding lead in the second half after starting on an 11-2 run, highlighted by Pryor's fast-break dunk . The lead reached 30 on freshman Khani Rooths' alley-oop dunk that came during the Cardinals’ 16-0 run for a 78-40 lead. Louisville entered the week ranked sixth in the country in 3-point attempts per game at 34. The Cardinals attempted 27 against Indiana and made 10 of them — with four apiece from Waterman and Smith. Louisville also came into the game averaging 19 forced turnovers per game. The Cardinals scored 30 points off 23 Indiana turnovers. Louisville, which played its first road game of the season, faces West Virginia on Thursday. Indiana plays No. 3 Gonzaga in the consolation bracket. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos' usually stout defense has been rocked ever since losing second-year cornerback Riley Moss to an MCL injury against Las Vegas in Week 12. Without Moss there to capitalize on opponents shying away from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos (9-6) have had to largely abandon their preferred man coverage in favor of zone strategies and the results haven't been pretty. They when former teammate Jerry Jeudy caught nine passes for a career-best 235 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. Only as he was about to score a 41-yard touchdown and give Indianapolis a 20-3 lead saved the Broncos in Week 15 and allowed Denver to seize momentum and get the victory. They , who led the Los Angeles Chargers back from a double-digit third-quarter deficit for a 34-27 win last week that prevented the Broncos from ending their eight-year playoff drought. It also put more pressure on the Broncos to win Saturday at Cincinnati, where the Bengals (7-8) cling to hopes of catching the Broncos and denying Denver a wild-card berth. Moss returned to practice last week and the Broncos will determine this week whether he’s ready to return to the field or if it’s better to keep him out until their season finale against Kansas City. But all signs point to Moss being on the field to help thwart Cincy's offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. “It's great to have him back,” Surtain said after practice Tuesday. “I mean, you talk about a guy who was playing lights-out before the injury, but to see him back out there with confidence, out there practicing, getting his mojo back, it brings a lot of confidence to the team, as well. So, it's good to see him back out there in action, for sure.” Moss has enjoyed a breakout season in Denver with 71 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception in 12 starts. He played in 14 games as a rotation player his rookie season after recovering from core muscle surgery that relegated him to special teams and spot duty in 2023. “We were and have been super excited" about the third-round pick out of Iowa, coach Sean Payton said. "Obviously, the guy that plays opposite of Patrick is going to get a lot of business. All throughout training camp, he really rose to the occasion, battled, competed and throughout really a good portion of the season. “He’s a big reason why we were playing so well defensively,” Payton added. "The sooner the better when we can get him back in the lineup. Hopefully it can happen this weekend.” In Moss' dozen starts, the Broncos allowed 16.8 points per game. Without him, they've been allowing 26.3 points a game. Burrow and Chase pose a bigger challenge to the Broncos than Jeudy and Jameis Wiston did for Cleveland or Herbert and Ladd McConkey did for the Chargers. The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of the knee that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. It’s one of four major ligaments that stabilize the knee and allow it to rotate. It typically takes a month to recover from an MCL sprain and the Broncos had their bye week earlier this month, meaning Moss might only have to miss three games. If the Broncos reach the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's last start, they'll likely need to have a healthy Moss opposite Surtain to have any realistic hopes of avoiding a one-and-done appearance. The Broncos got a scare when Surtain injured an ankle against Indianapolis two weeks ago and limped off the field in the closing minutes. However, he was a full-go at practice last week and had no issues against the Chargers. NOTES: The Broncos waived veteran CB Levi Wallace, who had been inactive the past two weeks after giving up several big plays to Jeudy on Dec. 2. Denver also designated RB Tyler Badie to return from a back injury he sustained against the Jets in Week 4. Payton said he hopes to sign Wallace to the practice squad if he clears waivers. ___ AP NFL: Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press

BEIRUT — Hezbollah fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel on Sunday, wounding seven people in one of the militant group's heaviest barrages in months, in response to deadly Israeli strikes in Beirut while negotiators pressed on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. An Israeli bomb squad policeman carries the remains of a rocket that was fired from Lebanon on Sunday in Kibbutz Kfar Blum, northern Israel. Some of the rockets reached the Tel Aviv area in the heart of Israel. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike on an army center killed a Lebanese soldier and wounded 18 others in the southwest between Tyre and Naqoura, Lebanon's military said. The Israeli military expressed regret, saying that the strike occurred in an area of combat against Hezbollah and that the military's operations are directed solely against the militants. Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines. Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the latest strike as an assault on U.S.-led cease-fire efforts, calling it a “direct, bloody message rejecting all efforts and ongoing contacts” to end the war. Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles and drones into Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack out of the Gaza Strip ignited the war there. Hezbollah has portrayed the attacks as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians and Hamas. Iran supports both armed groups. The Israeli police bomb squad inspects the site after a missile fired from Lebanon hit the area Sunday in Petah Tikva, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes at Hezbollah, and in September the low-level conflict erupted into all-out war as Israel launched airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon and killed Hezbollah's top leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated seven people, including a 60-year old man in severe condition from rocket fire on northern Israel, a 23-year-old man who was lightly wounded by a blast in the central city of Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, and a 70-year-old woman who suffered smoke inhalation from a car that caught fire there. In Haifa, a rocket hit a residential building that police said was in danger of collapsing. The Palestine Red Crescent reported 13 injuries it said were caused by an interceptor missile that struck several homes in Tulkarem in the West Bank. It was unclear whether injuries and damage were caused by rockets or interceptors. Sirens wailed again in central and northern Israel hours later. Israeli airstrikes without warning on Saturday pounded central Beirut, killing at least 29 people and wounding 67, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. A flock of birds flies above the smoke from Israeli airstrikes Sunday in Dahiyeh, Beirut. Smoke billowed above Beirut again Sunday with new strikes. Israel's military said it targeted command centers for Hezbollah and its intelligence unit in the southern suburbs of Dahiyeh, where the militants have a strong presence. Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,700 people in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry. The fighting has displaced about 1.2 million people, or a quarter of Lebanon’s population. On the Israeli side, about 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians have been killed by bombardment in northern Israel and in battle following Israel's ground invasion in early October. Around 60,000 Israelis have been displaced from the country's north. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Israel-Hezbollah war while on a visit to the Lebanese c... The European Union’s top diplomat called Sunday for more pressure on Israel and Hezbollah to reach a deal, saying one was "pending with a final agreement from the Israeli government.” U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein was in the region last week. Josep Borrell spoke after meeting with Mikati and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally who has been mediating with the group. Borrell said the EU is ready to allocate $208 million to assist the Lebanese military. But Borrell later said that he did not “see the Israeli government interested clearly in reaching an agreement for a cease-fire" and that it seemed Israel was seeking new conditions. He pointed to Israel’s refusal to accept France as a member of the international committee that would oversee the cease-fire's implementation. The emerging agreement would pave the way for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops from southern Lebanon below the Litani River in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the monthlong 2006 war. Lebanese troops would patrol with the presence of U.N. peacekeepers. With talks for a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza stalled, freed hostages and families of those held marked a year since the war's only hostage-release deal. “It’s hard to hold on to hope, certainly after so long and as another winter is about to begin," said Yifat Zailer, cousin of Shiri Bibas, who is held along with her husband and two young sons. Around 100 hostages are still in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Most of the rest of the 250 who were abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack were released in last year's cease-fire. Talks for another deal recently had several setbacks, including the firing of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who pushed for a deal, and Qatar’s decision to suspend its mediation. Hamas wants Israel to end the war and withdraw all troops from Gaza. Israel has offered only to pause its offensive. The Palestinian death toll from the war surpassed 44,000 this week, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. On Sunday, six people were killed in strikes in central Gaza, according to AP journalists at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. How often do you buy something online ? A couple of times a month? A couple of times a week? A couple of times a day? Everybody's answer will be different, but collectively, it's done a lot: Online retail accounted for over $1 trillion of purchases in the U.S. in 2022 and a record $277.6 billion in the second quarter of 2023 alone. Retailers ranging from titans like Amazon and Walmart, down to local small-town shops work very hard to land their share of that business. Sadly and inevitably—so do criminals and scammers. At any given moment, they operate millions of bogus sites. So how can you spot those fake online shopping sites? Spokeo provides a guide. In the early days of the internet , it took some genuine skills to set up a website, but those days are gone. A quick search will show that there are lots of apps and services offering websites on a prefabricated "fill in the blanks" basis, and most web hosts provide those tools as part of the service when someone signs up with them. It's even easier on social media . If you were opening a "side hustle" business tomorrow from your home, you could set up your own Facebook page tonight in under an hour, with exactly zero knowledge of websites. Once that page is set up, you just need to throw a few dollars in the direction of Facebook's advertising department, and they'll start advertising your page to users. It's no harder to promote a website, except in that case, you'd give your advertising dollars to Google. This is a simplified overview, but the main point holds: Establishing a presence online has become a very democratized process, open to anyone with minimal skills and even the smallest budget for advertising. That's been a boon for legitimate entrepreneurs, but it also makes life very easy indeed for scammers. There are multiple types of bogus websites . Some are imposters, created to look very much like a legitimate commercial or government site that you're familiar with, such as Amazon or Netflix. Others don't imitate a specific site, but instead attempt to capture the look and feel of those sites in general (whether that be a retail site, a government or bank page, or even something relatively shady like a gambling or porn site). Next, scammers find ways to drive traffic to their site. Often that's through phishing texts or emails, but deceptive ads on social media or search engines like Google and Bing work just as well. Once a browser arrives at the criminals' site (or, in some cases, downloads their app), any number of bad things can happen. One is that they'll download malware onto your devices, which can capture passwords or steal personal information. A more straightforward risk is that the browser will cheerfully enter their personal and banking/credit card information, thinking they're making a legitimate purchase. That's largely why fake online shopping sites are so dangerous, and so useful to scammers and identity thieves. Most bogus sites share some or all of those characteristics, but shopping sites are a very specific type of bogus site with some quirks of their own. One characteristic to count on—whether the website directly impersonates a major retailer like Amazon, a niche retailer like MEC, or just positions itself as an anonymously general retail site—is that it will offer unusually low pricing on high-demand products. That might be a mass-market item like the latest gaming console, a suddenly in-demand item that's unavailable through normal channels (remember trying to get masks and sanitizing wipes during COVID-19?), or something as mundane as disposable diapers or high-capacity computer drives. Whatever the product, the advertised price will be low enough to get attention. The bogus site will have any number of ways to transfer a browser's money to its coffers, depending on the scammers' intentions and skillset. A few of the most common include: These are all aside from the potential to infect devices or steal payment information . Sites focused on identity theft might consider a faux purchase to be just the added gravy. How common is online shopping fraud? Well, the news is pretty bad. The FTC's 2022 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book recorded over 327,000 online shopping complaints, the fourth-highest category for overall complaints and second among fraud categories. You would expect these sites to be more prevalent during the final quarter of the year, corresponding to the holiday gift-giving season—Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas itself—and they are, but that doesn't mean you can relax during the other nine months of the year. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, or APWG, identified nearly a million fake or phishing websites during the first quarter of 2022 alone (not a busy time of year for shopping), for example. To be clear, only 14.6% of those were eCommerce sites, but that still translates to well over 140,000 bogus shopping sites. The true number is almost certainly higher because the APWG only tracks the ones that use a phishing approach. Many opt to simply buy advertising instead (or as well), and those won't be captured in the APWG's statistics. However you slice it, there's a definite risk of encountering these sites when you shop. The good news is that bogus shopping sites aren't hard to spot, once you're aware of the risk. They aren't built for permanence; scammers pull them together quickly and cheaply and then abandon them once they stop producing.That "just good enough" approach leaves plenty of visible signs you can detect. Below, here's what to look for when recognizing fake online shopping sites. Bad images Bogus sites don't have direct access to the real products' manufacturing images, so they resort to copying and pasting from legitimate sites. \That means bogus sites' product images (and often their fake logos, if they impersonate a legitimate site) are fuzzy and low-res. A URL that's slightly "off" Imposter sites obviously can't have the same URL as the legitimate site, so they'll usually have a URL that looks right, but isn't quite. They might have a typo in the name, or incorporate the real company's name into their URL in a non-standard way ("myfakesite.amazon.com.123xyz.com"), or—sneakiest of all—use a letter from a different language's character set , which looks the same to the eye, but not to the computer. Broken links The scammers may have simply copied and pasted user interface elements from a legitimate site, in which case many links on the site may be broken (or simply not clickable). Lots of missing elements A legitimate retail website will have several pages of legalese, often starting with a pop-up about its cookie policy or privacy policy. You should certainly expect to see a detailed document spelling out shipping policies, return and refund policies, and similar details. If those are missing or brief and vapid, it's probably a fake site. Limited options for payment Sites that plan to take your money and run will often show oddly specific payment options, from wire transfers to gift cards to cryptocurrency. The thing those payment methods have in common is that it's very difficult to get money back once it's spent. Sites geared around capturing your personal or payment information, on the other hand, may insist on getting your credit card. Typos, grammar, and linguistic errors Simple, silly language errors are often a red flag. Scammers may not be native English speakers, and it shows up in awkward or sometimes inappropriate phrasing. Errors in actual product listings aren't necessarily a smoking gun—you'll see them frequently on real Amazon pages—because they come from the manufacturers, who are often not English speakers. Language errors on the rest of the site are more of a concern. HTTP vs. HTTPS In the address bar of your browser, a legitimate retail site's URL will start with HTTPS, rather than HTTP, and will show a closed lock symbol. The majority of fake sites now also have an HTTPS URL and will show the lock (so this isn't as helpful as it used to be), but less-sophisticated scammers may miss that detail. You can automatically rule those ones out. And, of course, the biggest red flag of all is an unrealistically low price on the product you're looking for. We all want to get a really good deal, but that impulse will often lead you astray. If a shopping site fails those basic "eyeball" tests, the smart thing to do is just close that browser tab and walk away. If you want to dig deeper, or if you aren't sure, there are a few quick and easy ways to verify a site's legitimacy. Use a URL/website checker Remember those really sneaky fake URLs that use a letter from another alphabet? The best way to check those (and other problematic elements in a URL) is through a URL verifier/website reputation service, like the ones from URLVoid and Google . Just copy (don't click!) the link, and paste it into the checker. If the site is sketchy, they'll tell you. Look up the site on a registry Domain names all need to be registered and there are several lookup tools to check this, like ICANN's registration lookup (think of it as Spokeo for websites). If a site claims to be Amazon but was registered just a few weeks ago, that's a really big red flag. Similarly, if the site isn't located where it should be, or if the ownership data is obscured, that's grounds for concern. Turn to Google If you have a bad feeling about a particular site, do a quick Google or Bing (or whatever) search that pairs the site's name with keywords like "scam," "fraud," "bogus" or "ripoff" and see what comes up. If you get a lot of hits, that's definitely grounds for concern. Go Forth and Shop (Safely) If a given site fails any or all of those tests, then keeping your wallet in your pocket is definitely the smart choice. Instead of making the purchase, report the site instead to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC's Report Fraud website. That will get the investigative wheels turning and may help protect someone less wary from falling victim to the scammers. As always, wariness and skepticism are your friends when it comes to avoiding scams. Don't click on links in emails, texts , or social media messages; instead, go to the company's site by typing the URL directly. If you search a company's page on Google, scroll down through the actual search results until you find it instead of clicking on the sponsored results or advertisements at the top. Most of all, remember the golden rule of scam avoidance: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Keeping those principles in mind, and using the tips given here to screen out dubious sites means you'll be able to shop 'til you drop (safely), despite the vast number of scammers out there. And that—as the credit card ads like to say—is priceless. This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Mega Millions jackpot nears $1 billion for Christmas Eve drawing

Here's How Much $1000 Invested In Broadcom 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth TodayHezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeksNonePurdy not throwing during 49ers practice, limited to handoffs

GREG COTE’S NFL WEEK 17 CHRISTMAS & THURSDAY PICKS CHIEFS (14-1) at STEELERS (10-5) Line: KC by 2 1/12. Cote’s pick: KC, 24-18. TV: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Netflix. [Playoff impact: KC has clinched division but not yet No. 1 seed. PIT has clinched playoffs but not yet division.] Chiefs sew up top AFC seed with a win in Wednesday’s early game or a loss by Buffalo on Sunday. Both teams are playing on three days’ rest, so will quality of play suffer? Weather shouldn’t be a factor; expected in the 30s, like a K.C. summer for this timer of year. Patrick Mahomes is 14-1 on TDs/INTs in three career games against Pittsburgh and Chiefs are 4-0 winning and covering when favored by three or less this year. If you’re still doubting K-City, that’s on you. RAVENS (10-5) at TEXANS (9-6) Line: BAL by 5 1/2. Cote’s pick: BAL, 27-20. TV: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Netflix. [Playoff impact: BAL has clinched playoffs but not yet division. HOU has clinched division.] Wednesday’s late game is another three days’ rest affair for both, so anything goes. A possible playoff preview based on seeding, but BAL has chance to take lead in AFC North with a win. Ravens WR Zay Flowers is iffy, but C.J. Stroud will be missing top target Tank Dell — a huge loss. Lamar Jackson has been good all season, and better lately. HOU getting this many points at home tempts, but I’ll unwrap L-Jack on Christmas and call it a gift. SEAHAWKS (8-7) at BEARS (4-11) Line: SEA by 3 1/2. Cote’s pick: SEA, 23-16. TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video. [Playoff impact: SEA is alive but has not yet clinched. CHI is eliminated.] Let’s not pretend Thursday prime time is delivering a great matcup, although Seattle still has a shot at NFC West title with a win. Seahawks are better on road (5-1) than Chitown is at home. Bears offense has stalled and the coaching change hasn’t helped. Seattle needs to get its run game working, but Geno Smith with playoff stakes in play should be enough to outscore the toothless Bears. (Betting lines courtesy ESPNBet as of Tuesday afternoon.) ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Katie Porter granted temporary restraining order against an ex after ‘ongoing threats and harassment’Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks

WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request after it experienced trouble with its flight operating system, or FOS. The airline blamed technology from one of its vendors. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos' usually stout defense has been rocked ever since losing second-year cornerback Riley Moss to an MCL injury against Las Vegas in Week 12. Without Moss there to capitalize on opponents shying away from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos (9-6) have had to largely abandon their preferred man coverage in favor of zone strategies and the results haven't been pretty. They allowed 32 points to the Cleveland Browns when former teammate Jerry Jeudy caught nine passes for a career-best 235 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. Only Jonathan Taylor's fumble at the goal line as he was about to score a 41-yard touchdown and give Indianapolis a 20-3 lead saved the Broncos in Week 15 and allowed Denver to seize momentum and get the victory. They couldn't stop Justin Herbert , who led the Los Angeles Chargers back from a double-digit third-quarter deficit for a 34-27 win last week that prevented the Broncos from ending their eight-year playoff drought. It also put more pressure on the Broncos to win Saturday at Cincinnati, where the Bengals (7-8) cling to hopes of catching the Broncos and denying Denver a wild-card berth. Moss returned to practice last week and the Broncos will determine this week whether he’s ready to return to the field or if it’s better to keep him out until their season finale against Kansas City. But all signs point to Moss being on the field to help thwart Cincy's offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. “It's great to have him back,” Surtain said after practice Tuesday. “I mean, you talk about a guy who was playing lights-out before the injury, but to see him back out there with confidence, out there practicing, getting his mojo back, it brings a lot of confidence to the team, as well. So, it's good to see him back out there in action, for sure.” Moss has enjoyed a breakout season in Denver with 71 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception in 12 starts. He played in 14 games as a rotation player his rookie season after recovering from core muscle surgery that relegated him to special teams and spot duty in 2023. “We were and have been super excited" about the third-round pick out of Iowa, coach Sean Payton said. "Obviously, the guy that plays opposite of Patrick is going to get a lot of business. All throughout training camp, he really rose to the occasion, battled, competed and throughout really a good portion of the season. “He’s a big reason why we were playing so well defensively,” Payton added. "The sooner the better when we can get him back in the lineup. Hopefully it can happen this weekend.” In Moss' dozen starts, the Broncos allowed 16.8 points per game. Without him, they've been allowing 26.3 points a game. Burrow and Chase pose a bigger challenge to the Broncos than Jeudy and Jameis Wiston did for Cleveland or Herbert and Ladd McConkey did for the Chargers. The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of the knee that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. It’s one of four major ligaments that stabilize the knee and allow it to rotate. It typically takes a month to recover from an MCL sprain and the Broncos had their bye week earlier this month, meaning Moss might only have to miss three games. If the Broncos reach the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's last start, they'll likely need to have a healthy Moss opposite Surtain to have any realistic hopes of avoiding a one-and-done appearance. The Broncos got a scare when Surtain injured an ankle against Indianapolis two weeks ago and limped off the field in the closing minutes. However, he was a full-go at practice last week and had no issues against the Chargers. NOTES: The Broncos waived veteran CB Levi Wallace, who had been inactive the past two weeks after giving up several big plays to Jeudy on Dec. 2. Denver also designated RB Tyler Badie to return from a back injury he sustained against the Jets in Week 4. Payton said he hopes to sign Wallace to the practice squad if he clears waivers. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

A Weflo official inspects one of the drones owned by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government by placing it atop the company’s contactless maintenance pad at an airfield in Jeju Island on Dec. 5. Weflo conducted a check for possible defects across the entire fleet of drones owned by the authority using the pad. Courtesy of Weflo Weflo's detection system replaces human labor By Ko Dong-hwan Weflo CEO Kim Yee-jung / Courtesy of Weflo JEONJU, North Jeolla Province — Troubleshooting mechanical defects in drones and air taxis must shift to robotic automation, rather than relying on human technicians’ sensory-based decisions, to ensure more time-efficient and error-free operations of future mobility, according to the head of Weflo, a startup specializing in technical solutions for the maintenance of advanced aerial mobility (AAM). Kim Yee-jung, CEO of the Jeonju-based company, has invested this year in designing the solution's concept models, building prototypes, and promoting it worldwide. He expects the company to start generating revenues next year. However, his more ambitious goal is to expand what he believes to be the world’s first technology of this type across the global AAM industry and dominate the maintenance market within the sector. Weflo’s technology, applicable to both drones and air taxis, centers on a "fusion sensor." This sensor scans the machines’ driving motor, electronic speed controller, and blades, checking for irregularities based on electromagnetic waves, noise, and vibration. By analyzing the results of the scan, which takes just seconds, the system can detect issues such as worn-out bearings, broken coils, or twisted axles. According to Kim, the predictive maintenance system boasts an accuracy rate of at least 98 percent. Checking for mechanical defects in these machines has traditionally been the job of human experts. “They would put their hands on the blade and give it a few spins. Depending on how that spinning feels like, they would give out a verdict. It is same with other critical parts of drones or air taxis. They would take a close look but it all depends on the technician’s job experience and physical condition that day,” Kim said in his interview with The Korea Times at GroundX which is Weflo’s research and development facility in Jeonju. “We cannot rely on human decisions. What if that technician was sick that day? Would his decision be trustworthy? What if there were like a hundred drones to inspect? That will take hours or even days.” The contactless technology can take various forms, from a portable tripod-like scanner for drones (called Portable Verti-Pit) to a built-in scanner inside a drone maintenance pad (Verti-Pit), and even a scanner for slowly-moving automobiles in parking lots (HUMs). At a vertiport, which serves as a platform for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL), a dedicated maintenance section can scan air taxis shortly before or after each flight. Weflo refers to this as the Intelligent AAM Inspection (IAI) Platform, which the company is currently placing its biggest bet on. Weflo's Verti-Pit mini won the Innovation Award in the Drone Category at CES 2025. The Verti-Pit mini, a miniature version of the company’s drone maintenance pad Verti-Pit, is designed to scan small-size drones for possible defects, offering a compact and efficient solution for drone inspections. Courtesy of Weflo At GroundX, four Hums are currently being tested in an outdoor parking lot, scanning vehicles in motion — such as during a carwash — for defects across the body and tires. The results are simultaneously transmitted to computers housed in a container booth next to the cameras for analysis and monitoring. Weflo has so far progressed furthest with drones. Under the project commissioned this year by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the company is building Verti-Pit maintenance pads for a network of delivery drone platforms nationwide. The drone network is scheduled for commercialization in 2027. Nine cities and counties, including Incheon, Busan, Jeju Island, and Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province, are part of the project. The network, which will connect both within and outside these areas, will consist of vertiports, maintenance/command centers, and delivery destinations. In total, around 150 infrastructure elements are planned, with 100 already completed. While different consortiums handle the construction of infrastructure, logistics operations, and drone control systems for the project, Weflo is solely responsible for drone maintenance. “Once a drone parks itself atop Verti-Pit, fusion sensors installed inside the pad scans for possible defects,” Kim said, showing Verti-Pit's prototype at GroundX. While the pad scans the drone with all four blades spinning at full-speed, sensor-connected computers show uptick movements indicating the flyer’s condition. “Each pad is an assembled module. We can adjust each pad’s size and how many or where exactly we want fusion sensors inside the pad depending on which drone to inspect.” IAI Weflo’s technologies culminate in the IAI Platform, currently a concept model that specializes in inspecting air taxis between flights. Kim promoted the platform at the Air Taxi World Congress in London earlier this month. He highlighted that the platform would enable vertiport operators to reduce pre-flight inspection time, ultimately shortening turnaround time for each flight and allowing for more air taxis to be operated. Airlines can also implement the platform in their hangars for more precise aircraft inspections, while air taxi manufacturers could introduce it to their end-of-line (EOL) process to significantly reduce plane testing time, he added. “While the IAI is still in the design phase, it shares its core technology with Verti-Pit. I hope that the transport ministry's delivery drone network will eventually expand to include the IAI feature as well,” Kim anticipated. “For air taxi passengers, the improved maintenance will save enough time to ensure no wait for their flight.” Weflo's concept model for the IAI Platform garnered attention at the Air Taxi World Congress in London, held from Nov. 25-28. Courtesy of Weflo Kim targets the United States as Weflo’s largest market for IAI. Most globally renowned companies specializing in the AAM industry, such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, are based there. Europe, on the other hand, has recently witnessed many companies in the industry going bankrupt. Kim believes that his company must make a breakthrough in the U.S. to effectively showcase its technological capabilities. In November, Weflo established its American subsidiary in Silicon Valley. The company is also currently engaged in "working groups" with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Within these groups, Weflo has proposed ideas — including those involving the IAI platform — to advance the global AAM industry. U.S. counterparts, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are now considering developing Weflo's proposals into official regulations. "Georgia is witnessing the most active AAM industry in the U.S., so we have been focusing our efforts there. Next year, we plan to expand our influence and impress other U.S. states as well," Kim said. “AAM planes, each costing hundreds of billions of won to build, must find ways to increase revenues as a form of public transit. What we (the working groups) have been discussing is how to save time, workforce, and costs when operating AAM for public passengers and determining what rate their service fare should be set at. I have been persuading them that IAI will help launch such services at a commercially viable level.” Kim plans to further develop Weflo’s AAM maintenance technologies by making them applicable to a wider range of aircraft and equipment, including medium- to large-sized drones and electric VTOLs. The company is currently working to sell its technologies to Korean drone manufacturers so they can integrate the system into their EOL processes. According to Kim, this will save these companies time and effort by eliminating the need for separate flight tests. “We have seen a series of disasters caused by electric vehicles' lithium battery explosions this year, raising concerns over the vehicles and increasing awareness of the batteries’ safety,” Kim said. “These incidents have underscored the importance of pre-flight inspections for drones and air taxis. I believe this will present an opportunity for our company to highlight our technologies.”

Watchdogs target shadowy PAC with potential leftwing ties that worked to sabotage GOP candidatesA 13-year-old boy inexplicably survived electrocution by a live wire — twice! — while surfing atop a train in Brazil, disturbing footage shows. The shocking video shot from Rio de Janeiro’s Anchieta Station Monday shows the teenager’s limp body lying on top of a train just moments after being electrocuted, with his legs dangling over the side as other travelers panic on the platform below. A brave young man is seen scaling the train car to rescue the boy, barely dodging the live wire himself as passengers scream about the danger from below. The good Samaritan then grabs the teen’s arm to pull him up, and the teen is exposed to the live wire once again, causing a fiery explosion and a second severe shock, forcing the young man to abort the attempted rescue. The unnamed victim was eventually freed and rushed to Albert Schweitzer Municipal Hospital in Realengo, where he was reported to be in serious condition Tuesday morning. Supervia, the Brazilian train company that operated the locomotive, warned against train “surfing” — a dangerous social media trend that has killed six people in New York City this year . “These actions, in addition to being irresponsible, compromise the safety of all passengers and impact the proper functioning of the railway operation,” the rail company said in a statement. “It is essential that everyone, passengers and pedestrians, collaborate, respecting safety rules, and that society as a whole mobilizes to avoid tragedies and eradicate this dangerous practice,” Supervia added. The company also warned against passengers “touching or attempting to remove equipment” due to the high voltage of electricity. In New York City, MTA officials pleaded with parents this week to “take control” of their kids to deter them from participating in the deadly social media trend. Most “subway surfers” are teenagers filming themselves performing the stunt for internet clout. The MTA attempted to curb the activity last year with its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” public service announcement initiative featuring Big Apple students urging their peers not to attempt deadly subway surfing. The transit agency has also pushed social media platforms to remove subway surfing videos, which often go viral and inspire more teens to hop on top of train cars.As the bipartisan group No Labels attempted to field a third-party independent bid in the 2024 presidential race, several of its opponents aggressively attempted to sabotage its operations in hopes of preventing the group from moving forward, according to a lawsuit the group has filed. A lawsuit filed initially against NoLabels.com Inc. in the U.S. District Court of Delaware in December of 2023 alleges that some in the Democratic Party undertook deliberate efforts to undermine the group, ultimately forcing it to halt operations. No Labels is now seeking to recover monetary damages as a result. NoLabels.com Inc., which was created to mimic the real No Labels website – NoLabels.org, is believed to be incorporated in Delaware, according to the suit. MORE: No Labels won't run a 3rd-party 'unity' ticket against Trump, Biden Documents unsealed in the case allegedly show how a handful of Democratic strategists operating under the fake NoLabels.com banner attempted to use fear tactics to raise uncertainty among No Labels supporters and donors, drive skepticism in the media, and question the authenticity and scope of the centrist group. At one point, operatives even viciously targeted No Labels founder Nancy Jacobson, as well as candidates interested in serving on its “Unity Ticket.” One document included a business deck orchestrated by a group of political operatives called the American Patriots Project (APP) to imitate No Labels' website with the purchase of the NoLabels.com domain as well as Google search ads. According to the deck, the operatives attempted to mislead voters and paint the centrist group as Christo-nationalists and featured images of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaking on behalf of the group. The saboteurs' goal was to imply that No Labels was a right-wing shadow effort. Furthermore, the proposal attempted to falsely fixate on “red meat issues” such as immigration and anti-abortion messaging. U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware Judge Gregory B. Williams issued a court order for the operatives to take down the NoLabels.com website; however, No Labels believes that there were more attempts to disavow their operations. No Labels subpoenaed APP on Nov. 5 seeking to uncover more information. Democratic strategists with ties to American Bridge -- which calls itself the largest research, video tracking, and rapid response organization affiliated with the Democratic Party -- also attempted to single out donors, according to a three-step proposal in one email listed in court documents. As donors engaged in conversation, strategists would suggest that their money was being mismanaged with inefficient or wasteful spending. These strategists also attempted to misinform the media about No Labels' goals. MORE: No Labels group has 'steep climb,' but third party 'worth trying': Larry Hogan ABC News has reached out for comment to American Bridge but has not gotten a reply. Earlier this week, No Labels leaders updated supporters on a Zoom call. “We believe in democracy in this organization, and obviously some people didn't want us to live democracy out the way we were living it,” Mike Rawlings, the group's national convention chairman, told the call before tossing to Dan Webb, a No Labels board member, who updated supporters on the legal findings. Webb notified supporters that they called on the Department of Justice to look into any potential illegal conduct. “I think one of the defining stories will be that it's just wrong for a group of elite donors, party operatives, media mouthpieces to actually decide that the way, the way we should protect democracy is to make sure we have less of it,” Webb said. Most of the No Labels "family members" on the call were infuriated with the allegations and pleaded for national exposure, suggesting outlets like “60 Minutes” or Joe Rogan’s podcast to spread awareness. Overall, the call was an opportunity for supporters to air their grievances. “I agree wholeheartedly with publicizing this as much as possible, and not making it seem like it's just normal politics,” one supporter said. “This is not acceptable; they've interfered with the democratic process here,” another supporter added. Asked if the efforts were “just politics” or “dirty politics,” No Labels leaders suggested it went beyond that. MORE: A 'unity' ticket in 2024 presidential race? Why Democrats are objecting to 3rd-party group's plan “I'm a strong believer in the First Amendment, and political speech is absolutely protected by the First Amendment, but the law is also clear that you cannot violate the law and claim that even though you violated the law, you were just engaging in politics,” Webb said. He continued, “I believe we did the right thing by reporting the information to the Department of Justice, and whatever the Department of Justice decides to do, they decide to do.” One supporter suggested that the scandal sounded like Watergate and questioned whether it was worth pursuing lawsuits. Another supporter told No Labels leaders to focus on the Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress and dismiss the past. “We should focus on the fact that no candidate received a majority in this election,” one supporter suggested. “Our need is to focus on fixing Congress. So I think we need to balance this very carefully and not focus on a way that distracts from one main issue, and casts us as being associated with the Trump administration.” Back in April, the group halted its efforts when it was unable to find a candidate that had a credible path to winning with its bipartisan platform. No Labels intended to offer a different choice than the presumptive presidential nominees at that time -- incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump -- to citizens who yearned for something new instead of a repeat of the 2020 election. As they entered the race in March, they suggested their internal polling showed more than 70% of Americans said they'd be open to another option. The group intends to meet with supporters in Washington, D.C., in December to create a plan to deal with the new Congress and work with congressional leaders. -ABC News' Nicholas Kerr contributed to this report.