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Trump's TikTok love raises stakes in battle over app's fateProposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons is halted by federal, state judges The proposed $24.6 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons floundered on Tuesday after judges overseeing two separate cases both halted the merger. A federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked the proposed merger until an in-house administrative judge at the Federal Trade Commission considers it. Shortly afterward, a judge in Washington state issued a permanent injunction barring the merger in that state, saying it lessens competition. Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. But the Federal Trade Commission and the state of Washington sued earlier this year. Biden says he was 'stupid' not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, like Donald Trump had done in 2020. He noted Tuesday in a speech at the Brookings Institution that Trump likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he defended his economic record and challenged Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Trump’s decision to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Former chairman of state-owned bank China Everbright Group jailed for 12 years for corruption BEIJING (AP) — Chinese official broadcaster CCTV says a former chairman of the state-owned bank China Everbright Group has been jailed 12 years for embezzlement and bribery. Tang Shuangning, who had also held senior posts at the People’s Bank of China and the China Banking Regulatory Commission, was arrested in January, part of a wider wave of prosecutions of senior officials accused of financial crimes. A court in the city of Tangshan, about 100 miles east of Beijing, found him guilty of taking advantage of his position at the state-owned bank in “seeking convenience for others” in jobs and loans, in exchange for illegal payments. The court said he had accepted illegal property with a total value of more than $1.5 million. What did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa América, here's what search trends show NEW YORK (AP) — Remember what you searched for in 2024? Google does. Google has released its annual “Year in Search," rounding up 2024's top trending searches. It shows terms that saw the highest spike in traffic compared to last year. Sports — particularly soccer and cricket — dominated overall search trends, led by queries for Copa América, the UEFA European Championship and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, the U.S. election led news-specific searches worldwide. Queries about excessive heat and this year’s Olympic Games followed. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump topped searches in Google’s people category this year — followed by Catherine, Princess of Wales, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. US defense secretary in Japan to support alliance as Osprey aircraft safety causes concern TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has met with officials in Japan to reaffirm the importance of their alliance and Washington's commitment to regional security as threats rise from China and North Korea. Austin’s visit on Tuesday also came amid growing concerns over the safety of Ospreys. The military aircraft have been grounded in the United States following a near crash at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico last month. The incident was caused by weakened metal components. It was similar to a fatal crash off southwestern Japan last year. The U.S. measure prompted the suspension of Ospreys operated by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. Trustee over Infowars auction asks court to approve The Onion's winning bid A trustee who oversaw the bankruptcy auction of Alex Jones’ Infowars is asking a judge to approve The Onion’s winning bid for the conspiracy-filled platform. Trustee Christopher Murray took the stand Tuesday in the second day of testimony at a hearing where a judge is scrutinizing the satirical news outlet’s winning offer. He told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston that he was there asking a court to approve the sale of Infowars’ parent company to The Onion’s parent company. It is not clear how quickly Lopez will rule. The Onion wants to turn Infowars’ website and social media accounts into parodies. Small businesses plan events, start marketing earlier to deal with shorter holiday shopping season The holiday shopping season is underway, and this year small businesses have less time to capitalize on the busy shopping period. Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year. But there are still ways to make the most of a shorter season. One key strategy is for owners to promote deals to customers wherever they can, from social media to physical ads. The National Retail Federation predicts that retail sales will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Online shopping is expected to grow too. Adobe Digital Insights predicts an 8.4% increase online for the full season. 10 notable books of 2024, from Sarah J. Maas to Melania Trump NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, Americans still found time to read. Sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market. Many chose the release of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up the tie-in book to Taylor Swift’s blockbuster tour, which had the best opening week of 2024. Others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Boeing is building new 737 Max planes for the first time since workers went on strike Boeing is resuming production of its bestselling plane, the 737 Max. It's the first time that Max jets have moved down the assembly line since September, when about 33,000 workers went on strike for higher pay. Boeing said Tuesday that work on the Max has resumed at its factory in Renton, Washington, near Seattle. Both the Max and another Boeing plane, the 787 Dreamliner, have been plagued by manufacturing problems in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration is limiting Boeing’s production of Max jets until the agency is convinced that Boeing has corrected quality and safety issues during manufacturing. Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back loss NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% Tuesday for its first back-to-back losses in nearly a month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite also fell 0.3%. Oracle dragged on the market after reporting weaker growth than analysts expected. Treasury yields rose in the bond market ahead of Wednesday’s inflation report, which will be among the final big pieces of data before the Federal Reserve's meeting on interest rates next week.

President-elect Donald Trump's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app's impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while," Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump's unpredictable nature. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok's American users. Even with Trump's decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect's desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump's influence over Republicans. The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation's highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court's unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law's national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok's US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren't detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a "deal of the century" satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance's interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing's approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump's upcoming term. This isn't the first attempt to resolve TikTok's US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal's completion. arp/mlm

Manhattan police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione , suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, while carrying a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Here's the latest: That’s according to a spokesperson for the governor who said Gov. Hochul will do it as soon as possible. Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. ▶ Read more about Luigi Mangione Peter Weeks, the Blair County district attorney, says he’ll work with New York officials to try to return suspect Luigi Mangione there to face charges. Weeks said the New York charges are “more serious” than in Blair County. “We believe their charges take precedent,” Weeks said, promising to do what’s needed to accommodate New York’s prosecution first. Weeks spoke to reporters after a brief hearing at which a defense lawyer said Mangione will fight extradition. The defense asked for a hearing on the issue. In the meantime, Mangione will be detained at a state prison in western Pennsylvania. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said Tuesday it will seek a Governor’s warrant to secure Mangione’s extradition to Manhattan. Under state law, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul can issue a warrant of arrest demanding Mangione’s return to the state. Such a warrant must recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance and be sealed with the state seal. It would then be presented to law enforcement in Pennsylvania to expedite Mangione’s return to New York. But Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks says it won’t be a substantial barrier to returning Mangione to New York. He noted that defendants contest extradition “all the time,” including in simple retail theft cases. Dickey, his defense lawyer, questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it. Mangione will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon. He has 14 days to challenge the detention. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have a month to seek a governor’s warrant out of New York. Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion, but was quieted by his lawyer. Luigi Mangione, 26, has also been denied bail at a brief court hearing in western Pennsylvania. He has 14 days to challenge the bail decision. That’s with some intervention from owner Elon Musk. The account, which hasn’t posted since June, was briefly suspended by X. But after a user inquired about it in a post Monday, Musk responded “This happened without my knowledge. Looking into it.” The account was later reinstated. Other social media companies such as Meta have removed his accounts. According to X rules, the platform removes “any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, as well as any accounts glorifying the perpetrator(s), or dedicated to sharing manifestos and/or third party links where related content is hosted.” Mangione is not accused of perpetrating a terrorist or mass attack — he has been charged with murder — and his account doesn’t appear to share any writings about the case. He shouted something that was partly unintelligible, but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.” He’s there for an arraignment on local charges stemming from his arrest Monday. He was dressed in an orange jumpsuit as officers led him from a vehicle into the courthouse. Local defense lawyer Thomas Dickey is expected to represent the 26-year-old at a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Blair County Courthouse. Dickey declined comment before the hearing. Mangione could have the Pennsylvania charges read aloud to him and may be asked to enter a plea. They include possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. In New York, he was charged late Monday with murder in the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain with corporate greed, said a a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s hand-written notes and social media postings. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. A felony warrant filed in New York cites Altoona Officer Christy Wasser as saying she found the writings along with a semi-automatic pistol and an apparent silencer. The filing echoes earlier statements from NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny who said Mangione had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America.” Mangione is now charged in Pennsylvania with being a fugitive of justice. A customer at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested said one of his friends had commented beforehand that the man looked like the suspect wanted for the shooting in New York City. “It started out almost a little bit like a joke, my one friend thought he looked like the shooter,” said the customer, who declined to give his full name, on Tuesday. “It wasn’t really a joke, but we laughed about it,” he added. The warrant on murder and other charges is a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. In court papers made public Tuesday, a New York City police detective reiterated key findings in the investigation he said tied Mangione to the killing, including surveillance footage and a fake ID he used to check into a Manhattan hostel on Nov. 24. Police officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, found that ID when they arrested Mangione on Monday. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and ski cap. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. Mangione’s cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione, announced Tuesday morning that he’s postponing a fundraiser planned later this week at the Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore, which was purchased by the Mangione family in 1986. “Because of the nature of this terrible situation involving my Cousin I do not believe it is appropriate to hold my fundraising event scheduled for this Thursday at Hayfields,” Nino Mangione said in a social media post. “I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. My family and I are heartbroken and ask that you remember the family of Mr. Thompson in your prayers. Thank you.” Officers used New York City’s muscular surveillance system . Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door to door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later , those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian’s instincts. A customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos New York police had publicized. He remains jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late Monday evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. It’s unclear whether Luigi Nicholas Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday’s arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.”Donald Trump has threatened to seize the Panama Canal, revived calls to buy Greenland and joked about annexing Canada -- leaving the world guessing once again whether he is serious or not. By challenging the sovereignty of some of Washington's closest allies four weeks before he even returns to the Oval Office, the US-president elect has underscored his credentials as global disruptor-in-chief. His comments have renewed fears from his first term that Trump will end up being harsher on US friends than he is on adversaries like Russia and China. But there are also suspicions that billionaire tycoon Trump is looking for leverage as part of the "art of the deal" -- and that the former reality television star is grabbing headlines to look strong at home and abroad. "It's hard to tell how much of this he really wants, and how much is the latest soundbite that will be heard around the world," said Frank Sesno, a professor at George Washington University and former White House correspondent. "He puts other leaders in position of having to figure out what is literal and what is not," he told AFP. The idea of buying Greenland is not a new one for Trump. He also raised the prospect of purchasing the vast strategic island, a Danish territory, during his first term in office. He revived his push over the weekend when naming his ambassador to Copenhagen, saying the "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for US national security. But he received the same answer this time as he did then, with Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede saying on Monday that the resource-rich island was "not for sale." Yet his most headline-grabbing remarks have been on Panama, as he slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through and threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington. Trump said on Sunday that if Panama did not agree "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America -- in full, quickly and without question." He also hinted at China's growing influence around the canal, which was built by the United States in 1914 to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was returned to Panama under a 1977 deal. Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed Trump's threats, saying that "every square meter" of the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. Trump responded on TruthSocial: "We'll see about that!" Trump also teased neighboring Canada last week that it would be a "great idea" to become the 51st US state -- but against a dark backdrop of threatened tariffs. Sesno said it was hard for other countries to know how to deal with Trump's comments. "Well, it's clearly a joke. Or is it? said Sesno. "Imagine if you're the President of Panama, how do you react to something like that? You can't ignore it and your country will not let you. So the ripple effect of these comments is extraordinary." Trump's harsh treatment of US allies also stands in stark contrast to his repeated praise for the leaders of US foes -- including Russia's Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine in 2022 in a bid for a land-grab. But there is still likely to be method behind Trump's rhetoric. "Maybe the message is for China" when Trump talks about buying Greenland, said Stephanie Pezard, senior political scientist with the Rand Corporation. Just as Trump expressed concern about Beijing's influence in Panama, China's growing presence in the Arctic and its ties with Russia were "something that the US is really worried about," Pezard told AFP. But there could also be a signal to Denmark that 'If you're too friendly with China, you'll find us in your way" -- even though Denmark and Greenland had been "very good NATO allies." And perhaps Trump knows the reality. Any US plan to "buy" Greenland would be unfeasible "not just in international law but more broadly in the global order that the US has been trying to uphold," she said.

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:32 a.m. ESTThe last time MPs voted on the question of assisted dying - nearly three quarters were against it. Nine years later - polling suggests two thirds of the country would back a change in the law. That ratio is mirrored in the number of cabinet ministers who've so far publicly declared their position, with 10 for and five against (only nine have obeyed the instruction from Cabinet Secretary Simon Case not to get involved). But the bill's cabinet opponents have made some of the most high-profile interventions in the debate. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are the two individuals who would be most responsible for seeing the legislation translate into practical reality for the NHS and court system. They've raised similar concerns about the safeguards in place around vulnerable patients feeling pressured or coerced into taking their own lives. Politics Live: MP proposing assisted dying bill responds to claims it's a 'slippery slope' More from Politics MP behind assisted dying bill says she has 'no doubts' - as she rejects minister's 'slippery slope' claim Politics latest: MP proposing assisted dying bill responds to claims it's a 'slippery slope' - and says debate needs to stay 'respectful' Young people to lose benefits if they refuse work and training, says minister Ms Mahmood also has a fundamental objection to such a paradigm shift in the role of the state from protecting the lives of its citizens, to helping end them. Her warning about "the slippery slope towards death on demand" will be chilling reading for many. We've also had a weighty intervention from former Labour leader Gordon Brown , who wrote powerfully in The Guardian about how the death of his baby daughter had convinced him of the importance of end of life care, arguing for a commission to be set up to consider improvements to palliative care. Will these arguments sow the seeds of doubt among MPs who had originally been leaning the other way? Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The MP behind the bill, Kim Leadbeater, told Sky's Trevor Phillips this morning she has "no doubts whatsoever" - arguing that the current legal situation is failing those in distress, and that her proposed legislation contains "the most robust" safeguards of any assisted dying law in the world. Read more: Where does the cabinet stand on assisted dying? Justice sec's assisted dying intervention is explosive Lord Falconer, a long-term advocate for assisted dying, went much further - hitting out at Ms Mahmood, his successor as a Labour Lord Chancellor - as being "completely wrong" in her objections and suggesting that she was being motivated by her religious belief, "which shouldn't be imposed on anyone else". Ms Mahmood argued in her constituency letter that her Islamic faith was just one factor in her position - but Lord Falconer's controversial claim highlights the increasingly divisive nature of the debate. Shadow housing secretary Kevin Hollinrake said this morning he will be voting for the bill, after seeing his own mother pass away in "very difficult" circumstances, and said he had no problem with the open cabinet debate on such an important topic. Many voters may agree, and with a free vote, such open division within rather than between parties is only to be expected. But after such a rocky few months, Sir Keir Starmer won't be welcoming the public arguments within his top team over such a momentous decision, nor the open insubordination. Follow our channel and never miss an update The irony is that as former director of public prosecutions, the prime minister is a man who knows far more than most about the issue. While he voted for the law to change in 2015, undecided MPs - so many of them new to parliament - won't be getting any direction from him on what to do, given the government's neutral position. It's no surprise that with less than a week left to the vote, the stakes are higher, the language more emotional, the criticism more outspoken. Expect the debate to get even louder in the days to come.Our favourite stocking stuffers under $25

NoneGreece's former royal family expresses 'deep emotion' after reclaiming citizenship - 50 years on from being forced into exile when the monarchy was abolished

: Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Tuesday branded his successor Donald Trump's economic plans a "disaster" in a speech hailing his own legacy in office. Biden said Trump's threats to impose huge tariffs on imports were a "major mistake" and urged the Republican to abandon proposed tax cuts. The lame-duck president's speech comes after Trump won a second term largely on the back of US voters' anger at the high cost of living under the Democrats. "I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025. I think it'd be an economic disaster for us and the region," Biden said in his speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, referring to a conservative blueprint for a second Trump administration. Coughing frequently because of a cold, Biden said US consumers would pay the price for the tariffs that Trump has vowed to slap on US neighbors Mexico and Canada and on Asia-Pacific rival China. Together they are the three biggest US trading partners. "I believe this approach is a major mistake," Biden added. - Shadow president - ==================== The White House had touted Biden's speech as a "major address on his economic legacy" as the 82-year-old looks to the history books with less than six weeks left in office. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race against Trump in July due to concerns about his age and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump comfortably defeated at the November polls. Trump's inauguration is not until January 20 but he has already become something of a shadow president, making pronouncements on the economy and foreign policy and being feted by world leaders. Biden has meanwhile kept a relatively low profile since the November 5 election, but he came out swinging in defense of his own record in front of an audience of economists. He contrasted his "middle-out, bottom-up economic playbook" with what he called Trump's failed promise of "trickle-down economics" in which tax cuts for the wealthy are supposed to boost incomes across the board. Biden also touted achievements including the US economy's recovery from the Covid pandemic and his huge investments in green technology and industry. "President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history, which is the envy of the world," said Biden. But the departing president said he regretted not signing his own name to Covid stimulus checks sent out to Americans, like Trump had done. "I also learned something with Donald Trump. He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks," he said. "And I didn't -- stupid!" Biden ended his speech with a broader plea for US leadership in a troubled world, even as Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to take a more isolationist stance. "If we do not lead the world, what nation leads the world? Who pulls Europe together? Who tries to pull the Middle East together?"he said.

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Israeli PM requests 15-Day postponement for court testimonyDivvela Madhuri complains against social media posts

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer ideas that will bring festive joy without breaking the bank? Here are some fun and functional finds that are sure to delight your loved ones this holiday season. Whether you're stuffing stockings for family, friends or coworkers, these thoughtful little gifts are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Start with the Vinyl Record Coaster Set – a quirky and nostalgic gift for music lovers that doubles as a practical home accessory. For those who are always on-the-go, Silicone AirPod Cases and Cleaning Kits make a stylish and useful stocking stuffer, helping them keep their devices safe and clean. Cosy Kelabia Women Fuzzy Socks are a warm and snug treat, perfect for chilly winter mornings. Need something to help keep the home fresh during the holidays? Arm & Hammer Odour Busterz Balls are a subtle yet effective solution for keeping rooms smelling holiday-fresh. And for those who like to stay organized, Inch Ruled Notes with Tabs are ideal for jotting down gift lists, holiday recipes or to-do lists while adding a pop of colour to their stationery collection. These stocking stuffers are not only thoughtful but practical, ensuring that your gifts are both memorable and useful all season long! Stay organized and inspired with the SIIXU Colorful Undated Daily Planner , a stunning blend of style and functionality. With its compact 5.8"x8.5" size and 128 pages (64 sheets), this planner is designed to be your perfect on-the-go scheduling tool. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional or someone who simply loves to stay organized, find everything you need to keep your life on track while adding a touch of creativity and colour to your day. Key features: Compact : This planner fits easily in your bag or backpack – perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle who needs to stay organized wherever they go. Comprehensive organization : Featuring 48 undated weekly pages , 11 monthly summary pages and one yearly summary , this planner gives you ample space to keep track of appointments, goals and tasks. It also includes two vision board pages to help visualize aspirations and stay motivated. Vibrant design : Each page is adorned with unique floral illustrations , infusing your day with a burst of colour and energy. Simplify your note-taking and organizing with these innovative 4 x 6-Inch ruled notes with tabs . Designed for both functionality and flexibility, they’re perfect for students, professionals or anyone who loves staying on top of things. Key features: Tackle unwanted odours with the power of Arm & Hammer Odour Busterz Balls . This three-pack of deodorizing balls is the ultimate solution for keeping your spaces smelling fresh and clean. Key features: Protect your Apple AirPods Pro (first and second generation) with this silicone case and cleaning kit. The durable, waterproof case ensures protection while supporting wireless charging. The cleaning kit features a silicone nib, sponge and brush to keep your earbuds spotless. Includes a carabiner for portability, offering a perfect combination of style, functionality and care. Add a nostalgic touch to your table with the DuoMuo Vinyl Record Coaster Set . This set of six colourful coasters combines vintage charm with practical protection for your furniture – a must-have for music lovers and party hosts alike! Key features: Elevate your sleep experience with this 2-pack of 3D Contoured Weighted Sleep Masks . Designed for men and women, these masks combine gentle pressure, complete blackout and luxurious comfort for restful sleep anytime, anywhere. Pair your weighted sleep mask with the Bedsure White Satin Pillowcase Set . These luxurious pillowcases are designed to protect hair and skin while providing a comfortable, restorative night’s sleep. 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Versatile : Perfect for thick, thin, curly or straight hair , the clips' rounded teeth offer a slip-free hold, securely holding hair without causing damage or discomfort. Say goodbye to dust, dirt and debris with the Jeymei Damp Clean Duster Sponge , a must-have tool for maintaining a spotless home with minimal effort. Whether you're tackling baseboards, vents or blinds, this high-performance cleaning sponge is designed to make cleaning more efficient, effective and hassle-free. Effective cleaning : Effortlessly removing dust, hair, stains and debris from various surfaces, keep your home cleaner for longer. It’s perfect for those tough-to-reach spots, ensuring no nook goes unnoticed. Durable : Built to last, this high-density cleaning sponge is made from durable materials that can withstand multiple uses. Simply soak the sponge before each use and after cleaning, rinse it, let it dry and it’s ready for the next round of cleaning. 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Internet sensation Vinegar Berry Xuan Xuan announced she would take a long break to adjust her state and denied any relationship controversies.Imagine waking up from a peaceful night's sleep, only to realize that your skin feels stiff and burned. The culprit? A hot water bottle that was left in direct contact with your skin for too long, causing low-temperature burns. It may seem like a minor mishap, but low-temperature burns can be just as serious and painful as traditional burns caused by high heat sources.Title: Property Dispute Sparks Family Conflict as Parents Regret Transferring Shanghai Property to Daughter's Nametop 646 apk 。

Furthermore, the shift towards single-device streaming could open up new opportunities for Tencent Video to enhance its content library and introduce exclusive features for VIP members. With a more controlled streaming environment, the platform may be able to offer specialized content recommendations, personalized viewing experiences, and interactive features that cater to individual users' preferences. This could result in a more tailored and engaging viewing experience for subscribers.

After a prolonged period of absence from the spotlight, Jack Ma reemerged onto the center stage, captivating audiences with his presence and words. The iconic founder of Alibaba, who had been notably absent from public view for months, made a dramatic return during an event held in Hangzhou, China.

Betty White Forever: New stamp will honor the much-beloved 'Golden Girls' actorThe launch of the ticket booking service for migrant workers in Shenzhen not only demonstrates the authorities' commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly Spring Festival travel rush but also reflects their sense of care and consideration for the migrant worker population. By providing convenient and efficient services, the railway authorities are not only making it easier for migrant workers to return home for the holiday but also helping to bring warmth and comfort to their journey back to their families.

MOSCA, Colorado — A handmade sign at the start of a long dirt road in the rural San Luis Valley indicates to visitors that they’ve arrived at the future site of Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa . The peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains barely make a dent in the big blue skies above the 40 acres purchased by founder and CEO Gamal Jadue Zalaquett. He aims to transform the land into a resort featuring 20 villas, a spa, a restaurant and a planetarium. “It’s a place of alignment. Kosmos is a place of connection,” Jadue Zalaquett said. “Kosmos, in a way, is a place to heal, and the San Luis Valley has a lot to do with healing.” He bought the property for $11,000 in December 2020. But with glass domes for stargazing and expensive price tags to stay the night, Jadue Zalaquett’s ambitious brainchild falls snugly into the category of “luxury ecotourism.” His site is an ideal spot for admiring constellations and distant galaxies. According to the National Park Service, the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is considered an International Dark Sky Park. Jadue Zalaquett said the area is a class two location on the Bortle dark-sky scale, which translates to “ truly dark ” skies. The resort’s planetarium will include a 1-meter telescope. In terms of getting visitors to Kosmos, “that’s gonna be the biggest attractor,” Jadue Zalaquett said. Development is still in the early stages, but it’s already garnering attention from the public: More than 12,000 Instagram users follow the resort’s page where project renderings and updates are shared. Kosmos plans to open its first villa early next year, said marketing operations manager Jennifer Geerlings. Although it’s still under construction, the resort has already booked more than 2,000 reservations, she added. “A lot of it, for some people, is the excitement of being the first to be able to stay in an experience like this,” Geerlings said in a phone interview. “There’s really no other resort that’s doing this.” While Jadue Zalaquett put about $500,000 toward getting the project off the ground, a crowdfunding campaign raised $1.9 million, Geerlings said. Donors paid a one-time fee to receive 50% discounts off their reservations for early 2025. So instead of paying the usual $700 nightly rate, they booked at $350 per night, Geerlings said. And after the campaign’s end, people continued to contribute directly via Stripe, which put total revenue from crowdfunding at more than $2 million, Jadue Zalaquett added. So why is it worth it to stay at Kosmos? For Geerlings, the answer is a combination of the villas — with their jacuzzis nestled in glass domes under the stars — and amenities like the planetarium. “You’re able to experience some of the best stargazing. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye,” Geerlings said. “A planetarium is something that’s never been at a resort before.” Future plans for Kosmos In November, director of field operations Auston Duncan stepped over sagebrush and loose hardware to outline the state of construction on the project. An unfinished villa offered a hint of what’s to come. The rectangular building with exposed wooden rafters and newly-installed glass sliding doors will soon house a bedroom and a bathroom. Jeremy Stephen, the founder of Steamboat Springs-based Evolve Construction , built the villa out of hempcrete , which is made of hemp, water and lime. It works as an eco-friendly insulator, helping to mitigate heating and cooling costs and lending itself to the vision of Kosmos as a resort with sustainability in mind. On one side of the villa, a hot tub will be installed. On the other, a dome made out of glass and wood from Ekodome will cover the kitchen and loft area. The development will occur in phases. Next year, 16 stargazing villas (which hold up to four guests) and 4 galaxy villas (which hold up to eight guests) will be constructed, Geerlings said. Every stay includes an hour of a guided stargazing experience and telescope training. In 2026, the amenities will be built out. Those include the Mediterranean-style restaurant and the wellness center with spa features like hyperbaric chambers, a sauna and a cold plunge. In 2027, the planetarium will be added to the resort. To ensure dark skies, guests will park their cars and use electric golf carts to navigate the resort, Jadue Zalaquett said. He mentioned that discussions with consultants on the stargazing center included a NASA representative, who was interested in hosting a mission workshop at Kosmos next year. Both the planetarium and the spa will be open to the public, Geerlings added. “Back at my roots” All in all, it’s a bold plan. And Kosmos is looking to hire to make it happen. Right now, the business is in search of employees to lead their stargazing experiences. So far, it’s recruited a former Great Sand Dunes ranger, Geerlings said. The team is considering college students from Adams State University in Alamosa as interns. Kosmos will also need to staff resort operations, including housekeeping, security and front desk workers. “We’re gonna try and hire pretty much everyone locally,” Geerlings said. For Jadue Zalaquett, taking on an endeavor like this runs in his blood. He currently lives between Alamosa and Boulder, but Jadue Zalaquett was born in Chile and grew up in Miami. When his family migrated to Chile, they ran hotels. Several paternal relatives work as architects. However, Jadue Zalaquett didn’t initially follow the family business. Instead, he worked in technology startups for almost a decade. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he visited the San Luis Valley. He realized that, although the Great Sand Dunes were located less than a half hour away, tourists could only choose from a few lodging options. So came the idea for Kosmos. And “here I am, back at my roots,” Jadue Zalaquett said.

LIZ Kendall today promises to cut the number of Brits on benefits - as she warns the jobless epidemic is “terrible” for the country. People stuck on welfare are poorer, sicker and less happy, the Work and Pensions Secretary said. She staked her reputation on slashing the welfare bill and getting people back to work. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday at a job centre in Stratford, east London, Ms Kendall said: “I’ve never been swayed from my belief in the value of work. “I believe that the benefits of work go way beyond a pay slip; that work can bring pride, self respect and dignity. “Work is good for your mental health. And as a woman, I believe work can bring you independence and equality.” Asked if she is staking her reputation on cutting the number of people languishing on welfare, Ms Kendall said: “Yes. “I’m not in politics to fail. I am in politics to succeed. “And this will be one of the biggest reforms this government does.” Ms Kendall will this week unveil plans for a radical shake-up of Britain’s broken benefits system to get people into work. Most read in Politics At the heart of it is a tough new ultimatum to get young adults off welfare and in jobs. She will promise every Brit aged 21 and under work or training. Those who refuse will have their benefits withdrawn. Plans to cut £3 billion a year from welfare by reassessing people on long term sick and disability benefits more often will also be set out. Ministers are increasingly worried that the UK is once again turning into the sick man of Europe. Britain spent a staggering £150 billion on non pensioner benefits last year - and the number is predicted to carry on ballooning. Four million people will be claiming long-term sickness benefits by 2030, according to forecasts. This is 60 per cent higher than pre Covid levels. Shocking stats show nearly one million adults aged 24 and under are not in education, employment or training - known as NEETs. Hitting out at the welfare epidemic blighting Britain’s youth, Ms Kendall said: “That is terrible for them. “It’s terrible for businesses, many of whom are desperate to recruit, and it’s terrible for taxpayers seeing an ever higher benefits bill. “And I am determined to bring that down through more and better opportunities for young people to work, to get training and to get skills. “And in return for that, young people will have to take up those offers. “If you’re out of work when you’re young...the consequences can be lifelong. “It can have a long term effect on your job prospects, your ability to earn, and your health, because we know the longer you’re out of work that can be bad for your health too, which increases costs on the taxpayer. “So my commitment to young people is this: I value you. I believe in you. I will offer you the chances and choices you deserve. “But in return for that, you have a responsibility to take them up.” She added: “I’ve always believed, if you can work, you must.” Ms Kendall is “extremely concerned” about the growing number of young adults in their 20s off work because of mental health problems. And she is “worried about the impact of social media on young people”. Her concerns were echoed by the staff at the busy job centre Liz is visiting in east London. They are seeing more and more young adults off work with things like depression and anxiety. The current system of sickness and disability benefits “isn’t working at the moment”, Ms Kendall said. “It’s not working for the people who rely on them, and we are seeing the costs rise”, she warned. Plans to carry out more checks on people on sickness benefits are expected to be set out in the New Year. Brits will also be given more mental health support in schools and via job centres to keep them in training or work. The UK has no choice but to get people back to work - the mission to kickstart economic growth depends on it, Ms Kendall said. “We are the HR department of the growth mission”, she said. But Ms Kendall has come under fire for other welfare cuts announced. Earlier this week, she admitted cuts to winter fuel allowance could force another 100,000 pensioners in England and Wales into poverty. The decision to strip the £300 payments from around 10 million pensioners is hugely unpopular. It will only save the government about £1.4 billion. So, is the cut worth it? “This is not a decision that any of us wanted or expected to make”, Ms Kendall said. “The need to get the public finances sorted, though, is not something we’re going to duck. “I understand how concerned people have been about it, but when money is tight, we took the decision to focus on pensioners in the greatest need.” Britain’s economy is stagnating and business confidence is plummeting. The Labour government says getting people into work and growth going again is their number one mission. READ MORE SUN STORIES They will be judged on the results. Ms Kendall may have the fate of her party in her hands.Madein's agency denies allegations of CEO’s sexual assault involving Madein member

1. **Tobacco Use**: Smoking and tobacco use are among the leading causes of cancer worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer-related deaths globally. Cigarette smoke contains numerous carcinogenic chemicals that can damage DNA and increase the risk of various types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer. Secondhand smoke exposure is also a significant risk factor for cancer, highlighting the importance of creating smoke-free environments to protect non-smokers from harmful tobacco-related toxins. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke are essential steps in reducing the risk of cancer and improving overall health.

Created by Daniel Mullins Games, "Inscryption" is a narrative-driven card-based horror game that combines deck-building mechanics with psychological suspense. Players are drawn into a mysterious tale surrounding a cursed card game, where choices made both in and out of the game have consequences. With its gripping story and innovative gameplay, "Inscryption" offers a truly immersive experience that is sure to captivate players.

In conclusion, low-temperature burns from hot water bottles are a real and preventable risk that can have serious consequences for your skin health. By taking simple safety measures and being vigilant about the temperature of the water inside the bottle, you can avoid the pain and discomfort associated with these burns. Remember, a good night's sleep should not come at the cost of your skin's well-being. Stay safe and stay mindful of the potential dangers of low-temperature burns.As Zuo showcased the "Monkey Zuo" hairstyle, it was easy to see why he was so pleased with the outcome. The hairstyle featured a combination of textured layers, bold fringe, and unexpected pops of color that added a dynamic and energetic flair to his overall look. Each strand seemed to have a life of its own, creating a lively and animated effect that perfectly complemented Zuo's vibrant personality.The first of the three clubs vying for the Dutch defender is Manchester City, a perennial contender in the English Premier League and a force to be reckoned with in European competitions. With a track record of success and a star-studded squad, Manchester City presents an attractive proposition for the defender as he considers his next career move.

Moses Brown 'Excited' For Chances With PacersEmpowered Funds LLC decreased its holdings in NetScout Systems, Inc. ( NASDAQ:NTCT – Free Report ) by 82.3% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 41,140 shares of the technology company’s stock after selling 191,473 shares during the quarter. Empowered Funds LLC’s holdings in NetScout Systems were worth $895,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Meeder Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in NetScout Systems during the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new position in NetScout Systems during the second quarter valued at approximately $60,000. KBC Group NV lifted its holdings in NetScout Systems by 52.4% during the third quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 3,100 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 1,066 shares in the last quarter. Gladius Capital Management LP purchased a new position in NetScout Systems during the second quarter valued at approximately $69,000. Finally, Quest Partners LLC purchased a new position in NetScout Systems during the second quarter valued at approximately $73,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.64% of the company’s stock. Insider Activity In other news, COO Michael Szabados sold 6,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.32, for a total value of $138,580.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 42,489 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $905,865.48. This trade represents a 13.27 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Company insiders own 3.71% of the company’s stock. Analyst Ratings Changes View Our Latest Report on NTCT NetScout Systems Trading Up 1.2 % NetScout Systems stock opened at $21.81 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $1.56 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.60 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.63. NetScout Systems, Inc. has a 1 year low of $17.10 and a 1 year high of $24.42. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $21.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $20.13. About NetScout Systems ( Free Report ) NetScout Systems, Inc provides service assurance and cybersecurity solutions for protect digital business services against disruptions in the United States, Europe, Asia, and internationally. The company offers nGeniusONE management software that enables customers to predict, preempt, and resolve network and service delivery problems, as well as facilitate the optimization and capacity planning of their network infrastructures; and specialized platforms and analytic modules that enable its customers to analyze and troubleshoot traffic in radio access and Wi-Fi networks. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NTCT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NetScout Systems, Inc. ( NASDAQ:NTCT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for NetScout Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NetScout Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are working diligently to uncover the truth behind this heinous act and bring the perpetrator to justice. The shocking combination of a 3D-printed firearm and a top school graduate implicated in the crime has left many wondering about the motives and consequences of such a tragic incident.

Recently, Chen Xiao was spotted at Hangzhou Airport, sparking fresh rumors about his marriage. The actor's appearance at the airport has reignited speculation about the state of his relationship with his wife, Michelle Chen.In 2024, the word "Greed" has been chosen as the representative word of the year in Taiwan. The selection of this word reflects the growing concerns and discussions around the concept of greed in Taiwanese society.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Luke Kromenhoek threw for 209 yards and tossed three touchdown passes as Florida State halted a six-game losing streak and routed Charleston Southern 41-7 on Saturday. Kromenhoek completed 13 of 20 passes in his first college start, including a 71-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Khi Douglas, as the Seminoles (2-9) won for the first time since Sept. 21. The true freshman also connected with Amaree Williams for a 4-yard TD and Hykeem Williams for a 10-yard TD. Florida State had the nation’s lowest scoring offense at 13.3 points. The Seminoles hadn’t scored more than 21 points or surpassed the 300-yard mark in 2024. But Florida State overwhelmed FCS Charleston Southern (1-11), accumulating 415 offensive yards. Kaleb Jackson completed 22 of 32 passes for 218 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Landon Sauers, and an interception for the Buccaneers. The takeaway Charleston Southern: While the Buccaneers found some success through the air, they couldn’t sustain drives and managed just 57 rushing yards on 29 carries. Florida State: The Seminoles picked up a season-best 176 rushing yards, scoring 17 points in the second quarter and 14 points in the third quarter to take control. Up next Charleston Southern’s season is over. Florida State plays host to Florida on Nov. 30. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25Overall, the collaboration between Amazon and Intuit represents a significant step towards empowering millions of businesses to succeed in the digital economy. By combining the strengths of e-commerce and financial management, the partnership is poised to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth for businesses of all sizes, ultimately creating a more level playing field for entrepreneurs and small businesses around the world.

In conclusion, the decisions made by Manchester United and Arsenal regarding their sporting director positions are sure to have far-reaching implications for the respective clubs. Whether these moves will pay off in the long run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear - the drama and excitement of football's transfer market show no signs of slowing down.

top646 how to register The Boston Red Sox continued to rebuild their pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Jovani Morán on Tuesday from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old Morán appeared in 79 games as a reliever for the Twins from 2021 to 2023, posting a 4.15 ERA, striking out 112 with 52 walks and holding opponents to a .208 batting average. He missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He originally was chosen in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. In Gasper, the Twins are getting a 29-year-old who made his major league debut last season and appeared in 13 games with Boston. The switch-hitter was selected by the New York Yankees in the 27th round of the 2018 draft. He was picked by Boston in the minor league portion of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. The Red Sox and Twins both currently have 39 players on their 40-man rosters. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Ledecka says 2026 Winter Olympic schedule will hurt her medal hopes

The New York Yankees acquired closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, a prospect and cash considerations. Williams, a 30-year-old right-hander, is a two-time All-Star (2022, 2023) and former National League Rookie of the Year with 68 saves and a 1.83 ERA in six seasons with Milwaukee. Cortes, also 30, was an All-Star in 2022 and is coming off a 9-10 season with a 3.77 ERA in 31 games (30 starts) for New York. He is 33-21 with a 3.80 ERA in 135 games (86 starts) with three teams since 2018. Caleb Durbin, a 24-year-old infielder, batted .275 with 10 homers, 60 RBIs and 31 stolen bases in 90 games across three levels in the minors in 2024. The Brewers also received $4.5 million from the Yankees in the transaction, USA Today reported. Williams' final season with Milwaukee was bookended by an injury and a disastrous blown save. He began the season on the injured list with a stress fracture in his back and did not pitch in the majors until July 28. Once healthy, Williams posted a 1.25 ERA in 22 relief appearances to help Milwaukee win its second straight NL Central title. Williams secured the save in Game 2 of the Brewers' wild-card series against the visiting New York Mets but imploded in the decisive Game 3 the next night. He entered in the ninth with a 2-0 lead before surrendering four runs, including Pete Alonso's go-ahead three-run homer, as New York rallied to win 4-2. --Field Level Media

Building community through love at Meemaws Hometown Kitchen, a pay-what-you-can restaurant in UnionLONDON - SailGP will launch its fifth season in Dubai this weekend with Rolex as its title partner, reinforcing a relationship with the Swiss luxury watchmaker since the birth of the league in 2019. Rolex, which has been involved in the sport of sailing for nearly 70 years, will also become title partner for the Los Angeles grand prix in mid-March next year and will continue as the official timepiece for SailGP under the 10-year deal. "What they really like about SailGP is it's modern, it's attracting a larger and a younger audience and the fact that this is an annual championship," said SailGP CEO Russell Coutts, adding Rolex had become "inextricably linked with the league". Coutts told Reuters that with SailGP into a fifth season it was able to provide the certainty to sponsors, venues and team owners that had been lacking from sailing events in the past. SailGP, in which teams race state-of-the-art, one-design 50-foot foiling catamarans at high-profile venues around the world, was founded and backed by Oracle's Larry Ellison, who was earlier involved in successful U.S. America's Cup campaigns. Coutts said there were still other areas where SailGP was in talks to sign up partners, highlighting energy and financial services as possible areas of interest. "We think we've got a really unique property in some regards," Coutts said, pointing to the on-site fan experience and hospitality which form part of the SailGP events. "The sport hasn't had a platform like this where they could activate and plan ... a 10-year arrangement, it just hasn't existed before now, not an entity that's professionally televised and marketed in a consistent way," he added. With Brazil and Italy joining the league for season five, there will be a total of 12 teams competing from early 2025, with SailGP offering bonus prize money of $7 million. Alterations to the foils which lift the catamarans out of the water mean that the F50s are expected to "fly" even faster this season than last, with Coutts predicting speeds of 110 kilometres per hour in the right wind conditions. 'MORE VISIBLE' Joël Aeschlimann, International Sponsorship Manager for Rolex, told Reuters that the brand will be "much more visible in and around SailGP in the coming years". Its distinctive logo is prominently on show on the jib sails of the catamarans. "We were really happy to be one of the founding partners and had a strong belief that the vision that Russell and Larry had would work," Aeschlimann said of SailGP. Aeschlimann said this faith had paid off and the package that SailGP has assembled allows for enjoyment whether watched from the shore, on screen or from the water, encompassing all the ingredients that a modern sports event needs. A combination of the best sailors, technological innovation and the mix of human emotions and achievements were among the elements that made SailGP appealing to Rolex, he added. Rolex is title sponsor of 15 major international sailing events, including the Sydney-Hobart and Fastnet races, and partners institutions including the New York Yacht Club and Britain's Royal Yacht Squadron. It also has ties with individuals involved in SailGP such as Ben Ainslie, who owns and runs the British team, Tom Slingsby, who skippers Australia's F50, and double Olympic gold medallist Hannah Mills, who is Britain's team strategist. Rolex had been partner to Formula 1 since 2013 but was replaced this year by French luxury giant LVMH, which agreed to a 10-year sponsorship deal. REUTERS

Need to brand India as 'responsible capitalist country': FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Duke rallies from 14 down, beats Wake Forest 23-17 on final-play pass

Saim shines as Pakistan set South Africa a stiff target in CenturionSalam Mustapha Finally Speaks Out as He Exposes the Secret Behind NPP’s Election DefeatAdvisors Asset Management Inc. Lowers Stock Position in Lamar Advertising (NASDAQ:LAMR)

top646 redemption code ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's defense of the national championship has fallen woefully short. The Wolverines started the season ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25 , making them the third college football team since 1991 to be ranked worse than seventh in the preseason poll after winning a national title. Michigan (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) failed to meet those modest expectations, barely becoming eligible to play in a bowl and putting the program in danger of losing six or seven games for the first time since the Brady Hoke era ended a decade ago. The Wolverines potentially can ease some of the pain with a win against rival and second-ranked Ohio State (10-1, 7-1, No. 2 CFP) on Saturday in the Horseshoe, but that would be a stunning upset. Ohio State is a 21 1/2-point favorite, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, and that marks just the third time this century that there has been a spread of at least 20 1/2 points in what is known as “The Game.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore doesn't sound like someone who is motivating players with an underdog mentality. “I don’t think none of that matters in this game,” Moore said Monday. “It doesn’t matter the records. It doesn’t matter anything. The spread, that doesn’t matter.” How did Michigan end up with a relative mess of a season on the field, coming off its first national title since 1997? Winning it all with a coach and star player contemplating being in the NFL for the 2024 season seemed to have unintended consequences for the current squad. The Wolverines closed the College Football Playoff with a win over Washington on Jan. 8; several days later quarterback J.J. McCarthy announced he was skipping his senior season; and it took more than another week for Jim Harbaugh to bolt to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. In the meantime, most quality quarterbacks wanting to transfer had already enrolled at other schools and Moore was left with lackluster options. Davis Warren beat out Alex Orji to be the team's quarterback for the opener and later lost the job to Orji only to get it back again. Story continues below video No matter who was under center, however, would've likely struggled this year behind an offensive line that sent six players to the NFL. The Wolverines lost one of their top players on defense, safety Rod Moore, to a season-ending injury last spring and another one, preseason All-America cornerback Will Johnson, hasn't played in more than a month because of an injury. The Buckeyes are not planning to show any mercy after losing three straight in the series. “We’re going to attack them," Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer said. “We know they’re going to come in here swinging, too, and they’ve still got a good team even though the record doesn’t indicate it. This game, it never matters what the records are." While a win would not suddenly make the Wolverines' season a success, it could help Moore build some momentum a week after top-rated freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. “You come to Michigan to beat Ohio,” said defensive back Quinten Johnson, intentionally leaving the word State out when referring to the rival. "That's one of the pillars of the Michigan football program. “It doesn’t necessarily change the fact of where we are in the season, but it definitely is one of the defining moments of your career here at Michigan.” AP Sports Writer Mitch Stacy in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-pollIn conclusion, the explosive debut of OpenAI's Sora marks a significant milestone in the evolution of artificial intelligence. As the dust settles from the initial frenzy and the website recovers from the onslaught of traffic, one thing is certain: Sora is here to stay, and the world of AI will never be the same again.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for all parties involved to maintain open channels of communication and dialogue to prevent misunderstandings and promote peaceful solutions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's response to the PLA's restrictions on coastal airspace highlights the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in addressing security challenges and upholding regional stability. By emphasizing the principles of national sovereignty and peaceful coexistence, China seeks to contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for all countries in the region.

The sleek and innovative design of the Xiaomi YU7 sets it apart from traditional SUVs, showcasing Xiaomi's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and stylish aesthetics. The compact SUV is expected to offer a comfortable and spacious interior, featuring advanced connectivity and entertainment systems to cater to the needs of tech-savvy consumers.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these emoticons also serve as a bridge between fans and the creators of The Game Awards. Through the use of these emoticons, viewers can engage with the official channel, participate in conversations, and show their support for this iconic event. It's a way to connect with like-minded individuals, share in the excitement of gaming announcements, and celebrate the achievements of the industry.

NoneRedemption Yield ETF Surpasses 71.1 Billion RMB in Total Scale, Leading Products Break through 20 Billion RMB

y65a Taiwan President Lai Ching-te spoke with US House Speaker Mike Johnson, sources sayAbacus Life director Adam Gusky buys $137,537 in stock

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Coalition to Save Culpeper seeks to curtail data centersCHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- ACH remains a popular payment method for B2B finance operations. At the same time, ACH is one of the most commonly and easily defrauded forms of payment. Victim organizations risk significant losses, compromised reputation and possible legal consequences. Bectran, Inc. , the credit, collections and accounts receivable platform leading the way in fraud prevention, has partnered with GIACT, part of the London Stock Exchange Group and the leader in helping companies positively identify and authenticate customers, to offer robust, persistent protection against ACH fraud for credit departments. “Partnering with GIACT marks a significant step in Bectran’s commitment to streamlining credit risk management,” comments Bectran’s CEO, Louis Ifeguni. “Identifying potential ACH fraud automatically and reliably gives departments a profound additional security in their decisioning.” Know Your Business Many credit departments collect ACH forms on their credit applications. Requests backed by valid bank accounts should represent a lower risk, making decisioning quick and more confident. Without verification, though, unstable or stolen bank account information can easily pass as trustworthy — garnering quick approvals. While such ACH fraud has historically been associated mostly with consumer transactions, more and more scammers have begun targeting B2B credit, lured by the high-dollar transactions and relative ease of ACH forgery. Even departments that do verify ACH may still be vulnerable. Some services use outdated databases to check account funding and standing. Few services include the ability to match applicants to account owners, meaning applications could be approved based on stolen credentials. Protect It Automatically With GIACT , Bectran provides users leading coverage for account verification and ACH fraud prevention. GIACT’s real-time account checks keep credit reviews and customer experience running smoothly. At the same time, as part of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), GIACT has access to the largest bank account database in the US, giving credit departments more confidence and security in their decisions. Bectran utilizes GIACT to give creditors two layers of account validation. The first verifies each account’s status, indicating whether the account is open and whether it has any risk indicators such as recent returns or insufficient funds notices. The second attempts to authenticate the account, comparing the applicant information with the account owner’s information when available, which can help catch applicants using stolen bank account information. Bectran combine these checks and presents them seamlessly in the credit workflow, aiding departments in protecting their businesses. Bectran automatically flags transactions indicated by GIACT as high-risk and provides a report of GIACT’s findings on each application. Backed by Bectran and GIACT, credit departments can more quickly and confidently identify safe accounts while assessing risky transactions with more reliable and complete information. “GIACT brings the trustworthiness of the London Stock Exchange Group to credit departments using ACH,” says Ali Kidwai, Product & Implementation Sr. Manager, Bectran. “You can move through credit reviews faster and more securely, trusting that bank accounts are verified thoroughly.” Learn more about Bectran’s partnership with GIACT, and about Bectran’s full fraud prevention suite, at Bectran.com . About GIACT GIACT is part of the London Stock Exchange Group, one of the world’s leading providers of financial markets infrastructure. GIACT’s account and identity verification solutions enable businesses to verify accounts quickly and seamlessly so that they and their customers can transact with confidence. With GIACT’s integrated bank database and open banking solution, businesses can verify accounts, safeguard payments and reduce unauthorized returns — all in real time. About Bectran Bectran is the premier SaaS platform for Finance Departments, akin to CRM for Sales. Trusted by diverse organizations, from SMEs to Fortune 500 companies, we streamline credit processing by over 98%, reducing credit defaults and collection costs. Many businesses rely on Bectran for efficient Accounts Receivable and Collections management, achieving up to 95% cost savings. With rapid onboarding in days, our platform is hailed by credit professionals as the future of credit management. Visit Bectran.com to learn more about financial solutions for your industry. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121050944/en/ CONTACT: Bectran Inc 224-231-4160 PR@Bectran.com KEYWORD: ILLINOIS EUROPE UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE FINANCE BANKING DATA MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY FINTECH SECURITY SOURCE: Bectran, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 02:01 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 02:01 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121050944/en

Meta to build $10 billion AI data center in Louisiana as Elon Musk expands his Tennessee AI facilityCHICAGO (AP) — Jacob Meyer scored 23 points as DePaul beat Wichita State 91-72 on Saturday. Meyer shot 6 of 9 from the field, including 4 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 7 for 7 from the line for the Blue Demons (8-2). CJ Gunn scored 22 points, shooting 9 for 12, including 4 for 6 from beyond the arc. Isaiah Rivera shot 6 for 11, including 5 for 8 from beyond the arc to finish with 17 points, while adding seven rebounds. Harlond Beverly led the Shockers (8-2) in scoring, finishing with 14 points. Xavier Bell added 14 points for Wichita State. Quincy Ballard also had 12 points. Rivera scored 14 points in the first half and DePaul went into halftime trailing 47-42. Meyer led DePaul with 14 points in the second half and the Blue Demons outscored Wichita State by 24 points over the final half. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Malek Abdelgowad scored 26 points as UMass beat UMass-Boston 86-52 on Saturday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * AMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Malek Abdelgowad scored 26 points as UMass beat UMass-Boston 86-52 on Saturday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? AMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Malek Abdelgowad scored 26 points as UMass beat UMass-Boston 86-52 on Saturday. Abdelgowad also contributed 14 rebounds for the Minutemen (4-7). Daniel Rivera added 11 points while going 4 of 6 and 3 of 7 from the free-throw line while they also had 10 rebounds. Jaylen Curry had 10 points and finished 4 of 7 from the field. The Beacons were led in scoring by Cameron Perkins, who finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two steals. Xavier McKenzie added 13 points, two steals and two blocks for UMass-Boston. Raphel Laurent also recorded eight points. UMass took the lead with 15:49 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 47-24 at halftime, with Abdelgowad racking up 18 points. UMass extended its lead to 66-36 during the second half, fueled by a 14-2 scoring run. Abdelgowad scored a team-high eight points in the second half as their team closed out the win. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Advertisement

WITH just weeks to go before Christmas one free phone app has announced a jolly upgrade allowing users to speak directly to AI Santa. The clever tech savvy app is available for curious iPhone and Android users who are interested in chatting directly with Father Christmas this festive period. 4 A free phone app has announced a jolly upgrade allowing users to speak directly to AI Santa 4 ChatGPT’s new genius upgrade has been described as Santa Mode Credit: OpenAI ChatGPT have managed to create an AI voice that is described as "merry and bright" and closely follows the speech patterns used by Hollywood depictions of old Saint Nick. The upgrade is a part of Open AI's spectacular 12 days of OpenAI campaign where they release a new feature every two days until Christmas. Dubbed Santa Mode, it is available to everyone using ChatGPT on their mobile, web app or desktop apps on MacOS and Windows. In order to access the Santa Claus speech users need to open up ChatGPT and find the snowflake icon next to the prompt bar. read more in ChatGPT BR-AI-N ChatGPT will soon be smarter than any human on Earth as boss issues spooky update CHAT'S BAD! Panic over new ChatGPT that 'thinks' as expert warns AI can steal all your cash The virtual voice should then be a drop down option which when clicked transforms AI across to the North Pole. Santa Mode is set to remain available to users across the globe until early January. ChatGPT will work the exact same way as normal when the voice is on with only the tone changing. This also means that the chats with Santa won't be remembered and saved in the chat history . Most read in Tech SMASH HORROR Bus crashes into bridge in Glasgow as pics show passengers 'trapped' on board BUSTED Moment 'invisible' Scots cocaine kingpin 'linked to cartel' arrested in Colombia TOUGH LOVE My dad is Scotland’s greatest player but Shearer called me out in X-rated rant NEXT MAN UP Gers finally appoint new permanent chairman as lifelong fan starts after final It is being mainly aimed at young families with children as it gives them a chance to speak directly to Father Christmas through the clever technology. It comes just months after OpenAI allowed anyone to use ChatGPT for free without even needing an account. ChatGPT gets even smarter after OpenAI reveals new ‘brain’ for free called GPT-4o – it can ‘see’ photos and talk to you "We're rolling this out gradually, with the aim to make AI accessible to anyone curious about its capabilities," OpenAI explained. Currently more than 100 million people are using ChatGPT weekly across 185 countries, according to OpenAI. CHAT'S GREAT? ChatGPT is a powerful chatbot created by OpenAI. It's based on a large language model that means it can process your sentences and respond almost as if it was another human. The app launched on November 30, 2022 and saw a rapid rise in popularity. Part of the app's appeal is how natural it feels to speak to ChatGPT. "These models were trained on vast amounts of data from the internet written by humans, including conversations, so the responses it provides may sound human-like," OpenAI explained. "It is important to keep in mind that this is a direct result of the system's design (i.e. maximising the similarity between outputs and the dataset the models were trained on). And the content you provide to the chatbot can also be used to train OpenAI's models. However, you can opt out of this by going into ChatGPT settings if you have an account. It was even revealed that the groundbreaking artificially intelligent chatbot will soon be smarter than any human on Earth "in a few thousand days", according to its creator. In a personal blog post titled " The Intelligence Age ", OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote: "It is possible that we will have superintelligence in a few thousand days (!); it may take longer, but I’m confident we’ll get there. "How did we get to the doorstep of the next leap in prosperity? In three words: deep learning worked." AI is still a highly contentious piece of tech for millions across the globe. Many fear it will soon become too powerful with humans potentially being over reliant on the system. Read more on the Scottish Sun XMAS BLOW Dozens sacked by Scots tech firm weeks before Christmas as bosses travel to Spain HAVE A BRAKE Entire Scots town to enforce new 20mph limit in major road shake-up Others have concerns over how it may affect various industries and workplaces if robots or chatbots could replace humans. Ethics, privacy and misinformation worries are also some of the most common objections to the rise of artificial intelligence. Read more about Artificial Intelligence Everything you need to know about the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence How does Artificial Intelligence work - and is it always correct? What is the popular AI Chat GPT and how does it work? How do you use Google's latest AI chatbot Bard? What is the AI image generator Lensa AI and how can you use it How do you use Snapchat's My AI tool? What are the best things to ask Chat GPT? What are the funniest things to ask Chat GPT? 4 The AI voice is described as 'merry and bright' and closely follows the speech patterns used by Hollywood depictions of old Saint Nick 4 ChatGPT are known as the market leaders in savvy AI techMaskot/DigitalVision via Getty Images It has been nearly a year and a half since my previous Verastem ( NASDAQ: VSTM ) article , where I discussed the impact of the RAMP 201 program data showing that avutometinib monotherapy or in combination Thank you for reading my research on Seeking Alpha. If you want to learn even more about my method and how I discover these investment opportunities, please check out my subscription marketplace service, Compounding Healthcare , and sign up for a free trial. Biologics is a full-time healthcare investor who developed a passion for biotech and life saving therapies after working in the medical field for years. His trade focus is around innovative companies developing breakthrough therapies and/or pharmaceuticals with catalysts for potential acquisitions. Compounding Healthcare Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of VSTM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.– German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck recently visited Kenya to discuss energy collaboration and attempt to dissuade the East African nation from proceeding with plans to construct a nuclear power plant with Russian involvement. Kenya, a leader in renewable energy, generates approximately 90% of its electricity from sustainable sources such as geothermal, hydro, and wind. However, despite this achievement, significant gaps remain. The Olkaria geothermal power plant, one of the nation’s largest renewable energy facilities, provides only a fraction of the electricity needed, leaving nearly 25% of Kenya’s population without access to power. Faced with this pressing energy deficit, Kenya’s government has outlined plans to build a nuclear power plant, citing the need for a reliable and large-scale energy solution to meet growing demand. The proposed project would involve Russian assistance, a decision that has raised eyebrows internationally. During his visit, Habeck lauded Kenya’s renewable energy progress, calling it “a model for the world,” but expressed deep concerns over the nuclear project. “We need that kind of commitment to renewables too,” he remarked, underscoring Germany’s own transition away from nuclear energy in favour of green alternatives. Habeck attempted to persuade Kenyan officials to reconsider their nuclear ambitions, arguing that partnerships with Russia in such a strategic sector could have long-term implications for Kenya’s sovereignty and energy policy. “Nuclear energy is neither democratic nor sustainable,” Habeck reportedly told Kenyan officials, urging them to explore renewable alternatives and technological collaboration with Germany and other Western nations instead. Kenyan officials, however, appear resolute in their plans. They argue that while renewable energy is critical, it alone cannot meet the country’s growing energy needs, particularly as urbanisation and industrialisation accelerate. Energy Minister Davis Chirchir defended the nuclear proposal, stating, “Renewables have brought us far, but they cannot address our base-load power needs. We require a stable and consistent source of energy to support our economic development, and nuclear offers that solution.” Kenya has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, which has offered to provide technology, expertise, and funding for the project. Habeck’s efforts to dissuade Kenya from partnering with Russia highlight broader geopolitical tensions. Western nations, particularly Germany, have distanced themselves from nuclear energy in favour of renewables. The involvement of Russia in Kenya’s energy sector also raises concerns amid strained global relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions. Energy experts warn that the project could deepen Kenya’s dependence on foreign powers while exposing the country to risks associated with nuclear energy, including high costs, waste management challenges, and potential safety issues. Despite Habeck’s unsuccessful bid to alter Kenya’s course, the visit signals Germany’s interest in strengthening ties with African nations in the energy sector. Habeck proposed increased investment in Kenya’s renewable energy infrastructure, including expanding geothermal and wind capacity, as an alternative to nuclear power. While no agreements were reached during the trip, Habeck vowed to continue advocating for sustainable and democratic energy solutions. Kenya, meanwhile, remains steadfast in its pursuit of nuclear energy as a means of ensuring energy security and supporting its economic ambitions. As the debate continues, Kenya’s decision could have lasting implications for its energy landscape and international relations.

A political analyst, Kelly Agaba, has explained how a coalition of opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and others can displace President Bola Tinubu in 2027 Agada, who is the coordinator of Citizens Coalition in Abuja said there's already a coalition of parties and associations ongoing in the country During an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, he said 15 governors and Northern APC stakeholders are involved in the coalition PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you! Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events FCT, Abuja - The coordinator of Citizens Coalition, Kelly Agaba, said the chances of the coalition of opposition leaders – Atiku Abubakar , Peter Obi, and others taking over power from President Bola Tinubu in 2027 are very high. Agaba said there's a coalition of political parties and associations ongoing in the country ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Read also "Done and dusted": Atiku hosts Peter Obi in Adamawa as preparations for 2027 elections peak Speaking during an exclusive chat with Legit.ng , Agaba said about 15 governors have joined the coalition. PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow The political analyst said: “Absolutely yes, there's a coalition of parties and associations ongoing and I can proudly say 15 governors are already involved. “You know no one single individually flies a ticket to win an election. The Northern APC stakeholders are in this Coalition. And Tinubu and APC will be reduced to a regional party.” On the steps and actions that the coalition must take to emerge victorious in 2027, he said: “Firstly, the coalition must first be structured on the doctrine of equity, and churn out better policy priorities, at the moment the coalition is engaged in what I call political evangelism which will guarantee alignment and realignment. “At the moment it's making positive advancement and getting fruitful responses from the South East and south-south also the north is keying in 70%. In the South West, at least three states are buying the idea” Read also BREAKING: Former Nigerian minister Osita Chidoka dumps PDP, shares next step Atiku told to work with Buhari’s Chief of Staff Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Atiku was told to work with Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former chief of staff to Muhammadu Buhari . A top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, said he looks forward to Atiku and Gambari working together to displace Tinubu in 2027 . Atiku made a post announcing that he paid guest Professor Gambari at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday, November 27. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ng

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held a secret meeting with Israeli attorney and pollster Shlomo Filber and MK Matan Kahana (National Unity) ahead of his return to politics, Kan News reported. According to the report, the trio discussed Bennett's return to politics and the possibility of him attracting right-wing voters after creating the anti-Netanyahu government and sitting with the United Arab List. The report also stated that according to recent polls, Bennett has had trouble getting right-wing votes and most of his support has come from the center-left. The report exposes the partnership between Bennett and Kahana, who is still a member of Benny Gantz's party. According to sources with knowledge of the meeting, Bennett is currently not rushing to announce his former partner Ayelet Shaked as his political ally. Two months ago, Bennett visited Canada to enlist funds. Things said during his visit strengthened the assumption that he plans to return to politics. The former Prime Minister held a series of seminars in North America, as well as parlor meetings and speaking engagements. During his visit, he also enlisted funds and gave interviews to the foreign press.

Moderna, Gap pop, Tesla drives higher: Yahoo Finance

Sen. Mitch McConnell said Thursday he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader. The Kentucky Republican revealed he will assume the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. The role dovetails with his constant message that America needs a bulked-up military to deter threats from adversaries such as Russia, Iran and China. The transition comes as McConnell is ending his role as the longest-serving Senate leader in history, just as Republicans prepare to take majority control of the chamber after big gains in this month's election. Republicans elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune , a top deputy to McConnell, as the next Senate majority leader. McConnell, 82, said Thursday he will assume the subcommittee chairmanship at a critical time. “America’s national security interests face the gravest array of threats since the Second World War," the senator said in a statement. “At this critical moment, a new Senate Republican majority has a responsibility to secure the future of U.S. leadership and primacy.” McConnell frequently evokes Ronald Reagan’s mantra of “peace through strength” when discussing foreign policy risks and how the U.S. should respond. McConnell's stance could clash with President-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine on foreign affairs. McConnell worked with Trump on a tax cuts package and the appointment of conservative judges — including three justices to the nine-member Supreme Court — during Trump's first term as president. Fighting back against isolationism within his own party, McConnell has championed sending weapons and other aid to Ukraine as it fends off Russia’s invasion. McConnell said Thursday he's also set to become chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which is often a more low-key panel at the center of big issues, both at the Capitol and in the country. The committee oversees the administration of the Senate side of the building, including during inaugurations. But it also puts McConnnell at the center of weighty topics, namely federal elections and voting rights as well as the procedures of the Senate, including the debate around the filibuster. McConnell said the committee will have important work in the coming two years. “Defending the Senate as an institution and protecting the right to political speech in our elections remain among my longest-standing priorities,” he said. There had been considerable speculation about what roles McConnell would take after stepping down as Republican leader. He has two years left in his current Senate term and has not signaled whether he will run for reelection in Kentucky in 2026. McConnell has been a prolific appropriator for the Bluegrass State, a role he’s well positioned to continue.Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre: Laine could stay in Montreal (at a discount) if he keeps having funHIV: There's Hope For A Cure - Where We Stand Now

DoorDash (NASDAQ:DASH) Stock Price Expected to Rise, Citigroup Analyst Says

The circadian ‘secret’ to a healthy body, sharp mind, and better moodAbacus Life director Adam Gusky buys $137,537 in stock

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has been ruled out for the second half of Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Texas after being injured on the final play of the first half. Texas' Trey Moore forced a fumble on Beck's pass attempt, appearing to injure the Georgia quarterback's throwing arm. Beck remained motionless on the field for a short time before joining the team in the locker room. Coach Kirby Smart told ESPN at halftime that Beck was done for the day. During the third quarter, Beck was seen with ice on his right elbow. Beck completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards and was sacked once before exiting. Georgia backup Gunner Stockton entered and led Georgia on a 10-play, 75-yard opening second-half drive, giving the Bulldogs their first lead at 10-6. Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson injured his left knee in the third quarter and was ruled out of the contest. He was taken off on a cart. --Field Level Mediatop 646 jili 。

Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Botafogo overcame playing with 10 men to win its first Copa Libertadores title after beating fellow Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro 3-1 in the final at Monumental de Nunez Stadium on Saturday. After just 30 seconds, midfielder Gregore, one of Botafogo's best players, hit the head of Fausto Vera with his foot and was given a straight red card. “It was so hard to have one less so early in a final. It was an unfortunate move,” Botafogo defender Alexander Barboza said. “But Gregore deserves this title as much as we do. We made history and that won’t ever be erased.” Winger Luiz Henrique scored first in the 35th minute from close range, and was fouled for the penalty shot converted by Alex Telles in the 44th. Eduardo Vargas headed Mineiro's only goal in the 46th while Junior Santos, the top scorer in the Copa Libertadores with 10 goals, capped Botafogo's historic night with the third in injury time. Brazil was assured of a sixth consecutive Copa Libertadores title and its 24th in history, just one less than Argentina. It was also the third straight title for Rio de Janeiro clubs, after Fluminense in 2023 and Flamengo in 2022. Botafogo, the last of the four big Rio clubs to win the Copa Libertadores, earned prize money of $23 million and a spot in the Club World Cup in the United States next year. Despite sensationally losing Gregore, Botafogo reset and Luiz Henrique scored the opener. Henrique surged on the right flank and crossed to Marlon Freitas, who took a shot that was deflected. Henrique was in the right place to strike through the legs of goalkeeper Ederson. Henrique and Ederson met again near the end of the first half when the striker surprised the keeper on the edge of the box. A penalty was given after a video review and left back Telles calmly slotted the ball home. Mineiro came back with a more aggressive formation in the second half and was rewarded when veteran Hulk took a corner kick and Vargas, who replaced midfielder Gustavo Scarpa during the break, didn’t even need to jump to score with his head. Mineiro had more chances to equalize through Deyverson in the 53rd, Hulk in the 56th, and Vargas in the 86th and 88th, all from close range. But it was Botafogo’s Júnior Santos, who was sidelined by injury during the Copa, who scored the last goal. “We just failed at getting some advantage at having one more player than them,” tearful Mineiro defender Rodrigo Battaglia said. “It was a very hard day for all of us.” Botafogo coach Arthur Jorge joined Portuguese compatriots Jorge Jesus (Flamengo, 2019) and Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras, 2020 and 2021) as European coaches with a Copa Libertadores title. Mineiro's Gabriel Milito missed the chance to be the first Argentine to win the tournament with a Brazilian club. Botafogo also gave American owner John Textor his biggest trophy yet. Textor has been subject to criticism after unproven allegations about match-fixing when Botafogo squandered a 13-point lead last year and missed out on the league title. Next week, his team could win its first Brazilian title since 1995. “I saw this was a hungry group of players since I joined,” said Telles, who joined Botafogo in mid-year. “No one was speaking about what happened last year, it hurt us all. We knew we had a burden to carry, to give something back to our fans. Now we did it.” Botafogo was relegated from the league in 2020 but has risen to prominence again with Textor’s investment. He was part of a wave of foreign owners who came into Brazilian soccer after a 2021 law change paved the way for private investors. Mineiro also has wealthy owner in Brazilian billionaire Rubens Menin, a construction mogul. Savarese reported from Sao Paulo. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has died at 100Key takeaways from Donald Trump’s Time Person of the Year interview

Canada's Trudeau returns home after Trump meeting without assurances that tariffs are off the table

Some aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Kogi state, have accused the leadership of the party of perpetuating illegality, allegedly imposing a member Enemona Anyebe as state Chairman of the party. Speaking on behalf of the group at a press conference in Lokoja on Saturday Muhammad Sani Gambo, who is also the runners-up in the said Kogi State PDP Congress, said the group is seeking justice, equity and fairness through the press conference. He noted that Enemona Anyebe was disqualified by the Court from contesting the chairmanship position in the party’s delegate election held in August this year. Speaking further he said “This Press Conference has become very necessary towards salvaging our party from imminent collapse and the landmines the illegality and impunity that the purported Chairmanship of Hon. Enemona Anyebe is about to cause the PDP. “Let me quickly State that his purporting to be the Chairman of Kogi PDP is not only criminal, but it has also made the PDP a laughing stock amongst the comity of civilized people in Nigeria. “This must not be allowed to happen because the imminent breakdown of law and order may also be inherent if he is allowed to continue to assume what he is not. “The crude manner jointly masterminded by Hon. Enemona Anyebe and his sponsors to take over, through military-style the leadership of PDP in Kogi State lives much to be desired. “This is even more worrisome that Kogites, Nigerians and the world looks up to the PDP at this moment to salvage Nigeria from the precipice of outright destruction. Unfortunately, it is surprising that these haters of democracy are trying to undermine the will of the PDP members in Kogi State. “The need for the principle of fairness, justice and equity, to reflect in our conduct and activities particularly as an opposition Political Party must not be compromised. We are a Country and people guided by the rule of law and the time to call a spade-a-spade, no matter whose ox is gored is now in Kogi State. “Recalled that the last PDP State Congress in Kogi State was free and fair and the outcome well accepted by all the contestants except for one position, the office of the State Chairman, where a court order barred Hon. Enemona Anyebe, the person parading himself as Chairman now from contesting and presenting himself for screening. The Party was asked not to screen him, all because of the court order and ruling that was yet to be vacated before the Congress and as we speak. Gambo noted that they are however worried that Hon. Enemona Anyebe, the purported State Chairman who was suspended by the Party first by his Local Government Executives, affirmed by the State Executives in 2019 and again by his Wards Executives in 2024, all on account of anti-party, affirmed by a court, now presides over the affairs of our Party in the State. We, therefore, wonder how Hon. Enemona Anyebe could have become the State Party Chairman when the nomination form that was sold to him to Contest as Chairman was withdrawn by the COURT ORDER via Suit No. HC/OKP/54M/2024 of the Kogi State High Court. “We are also aware that Hon. Enemona approached a Kogi State High Court with prayers to vacate the COURT ORDER via Motion Nos. HCL/372M/2024 and HCL/379M/2024 respectively. But his appeals were dismissed. When contacted, Enemona Anyebe, the accused person promised to get back to our correspondent, as he said he was on transit. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now

In the rapidly evolving wellness industry, the kratom market stands out as a sector that has seen significant advancements in quality assurance and production standards. A key driver behind this transformation is technology. From cultivation to distribution, technology has revolutionized how kratom brands ensure product safety, efficacy, and consistency. In this blog, we explore the multifaceted role of technology in advancing kratom brand quality and the benefits it brings to both producers and consumers. How Emerging Technologies Are Redefining Kratom Standards One of the foundational steps in ensuring high-quality kratom is proper cultivation. Modern kratom farms now leverage precision agriculture tools, including GPS mapping, drones, and soil sensors, to optimize growing conditions. By analyzing data such as soil composition, moisture levels, and sunlight exposure, farmers can create ideal environments for Mitragyna speciosa, the plant from which kratom is derived. This level of precision minimizes the risk of contaminants and ensures that the plants produce high concentrations of active alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. In addition to improving plant health, these technologies contribute to sustainability. For example, smart irrigation systems reduce water usage by delivering precise amounts of water to the crops, while drones monitor for signs of pest infestations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. By adopting these tools, kratom brands can maintain eco-friendly practices without compromising quality. Explore the comprehensive list of kratom brands available at West World . Once the kratom leaves are harvested, the next critical step is processing. Traditional drying and grinding methods are prone to inconsistencies, which can affect the potency and purity of the final product. However, advancements in technology have introduced state-of-the-art processing equipment that ensures uniformity and hygiene. For instance, automated drying chambers control temperature and humidity levels to preserve the alkaloid content of the leaves. Similarly, industrial-grade grinders equipped with HEPA filters prevent contamination during the powdering process. These machines not only enhance product quality but also improve efficiency, allowing brands to meet growing consumer demand. One of the most significant technological advancements in the kratom industry is the adoption of sophisticated quality testing methods. Leading kratom brands now utilize laboratory technologies such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze their products. These tests provide detailed insights into the chemical composition of kratom, ensuring that each batch meets the required standards for alkaloid content and purity. Additionally, advanced microbiological testing detects harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, while heavy metal analysis ensures that products are free from contaminants like lead and mercury. By employing these technologies, kratom brands can provide certificates of analysis (COAs) to their customers, building trust and transparency. Supply chain transparency has become a critical factor for consumers, especially in the wellness sector. Blockchain technology is now being employed by innovative kratom brands to enhance traceability and accountability in their supply chains. By recording every step of the production process on an immutable digital ledger, blockchain allows consumers to verify the origins and quality of their kratom products. For example, a QR code on the product packaging can provide detailed information about the farming practices, processing methods, and quality testing results associated with that batch. This level of transparency not only boosts consumer confidence but also sets a new standard for ethical practices in the kratom industry. The rise of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized how kratom brands reach their customers. Advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now being used to personalize the shopping experience. By analyzing consumer behavior, AI can recommend products tailored to individual needs, such as specific strains for pain relief or relaxation. Moreover, kratom brands are leveraging digital marketing technologies like social media analytics and programmatic advertising to connect with their target audiences. These tools help brands create more engaging and informative content, educating consumers about the benefits and proper usage of kratom. Such efforts not only drive sales but also foster a more informed and responsible customer base. Sustainability and safety are two key concerns for modern consumers, and technology is helping kratom brands address these issues through innovative packaging solutions. For example, biodegradable packaging materials reduce environmental impact, while tamper-evident seals and child-resistant caps enhance product safety. Smart packaging technologies, such as RFID tags and NFC-enabled labels, are also being adopted. These features allow consumers to access detailed product information and verify authenticity with a simple scan. By incorporating such technologies, kratom brands can differentiate themselves in a competitive market while addressing consumer demands for quality and sustainability. Technology has also transformed how kratom brands develop new products. Big data analytics enable companies to analyze market trends, customer feedback, and scientific research to create formulations that meet specific consumer needs. For instance, data might reveal a growing demand for kratom-infused beverages or enhanced capsules, prompting brands to innovate accordingly. Furthermore, AI-powered simulations can predict the effects of different formulations, reducing the time and cost associated with product development. This approach allows brands to stay ahead of trends and continuously improve their offerings. Conclusion The integration of technology into the kratom industry has ushered in a new era of quality, transparency, and innovation. From precision agriculture and advanced processing techniques to blockchain transparency and AI-driven personalization, technology is helping kratom brands deliver superior products to their customers. As these technologies continue to evolve, the future of the kratom industry looks promising, with endless possibilities for growth and improvement. For consumers, these advancements mean greater confidence in the safety and efficacy of their kratom products. For brands, they offer a competitive edge in a rapidly growing market. By embracing technology, the kratom industry is not only enhancing product quality but also setting a benchmark for the broader wellness sector.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Jamiya Neal's 19 points helped Creighton defeat UNLV 83-65 on Saturday night. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Jamiya Neal's 19 points helped Creighton defeat UNLV 83-65 on Saturday night. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Jamiya Neal’s 19 points helped Creighton defeat UNLV 83-65 on Saturday night. Neal had nine rebounds, nine assists, and four blocks for the Bluejays (7-3). Steven Ashworth added 17 points plus seven assists. Isaac Traudt had 15 points and shot 5 for 8, including 5 for 7 from beyond the arc. The Rebels (4-4) were led in scoring by Jailen Bedford, who finished with 20 points and three steals. Dedan Thomas Jr. added 18 points for UNLV. Julian Rishwain finished with 10 points and two steals. Creighton took the lead with 18:48 left in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 39-27 at halftime, with Neal racking up 10 points. Creighton extended its lead to 49-27 during the second half, fueled by a 10-0 scoring run. Ashworth scored a team-high 10 points in the second half as his team closed out the win. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Advertisement

Washington recovers from upset, rolls past NJITBold Eagle Acquisition Corp. Announces Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and ...Dear Eric: The last four years of my father’s life, I was a near constant caregiver. I visited him daily, did his lawn work, took him to doctor’s appointments, to the barber, occasionally to dinner or a movie. I always took care of his finances and medications. He would call me as many as 10 or 15 times a day. After he died about a year ago, I have been overcome with guilt. There were times when his constant needs overtook my life. I had no social outlet of my own. I didn’t handle this pressure well and would occasionally lash out in anger at my father. A week before he died, I made him cry. I live each day now with a regret I cannot seem to shake. I visit his grave every week and ask for forgiveness. I can tell myself that if I had not been able to help him, he would not have been able to stay in his home, something he desperately wanted to do until the end. Others have commented on my sacrifices for my father. But I still have this feeling that I was a bad son, and it weighs down on all aspects of my life now. I’ve become isolated in my guilt and grief. I don’t know what I need to do to once again find joy. — Still Grieving Dear Still Grieving: My heart aches for you. There’s no perfect caregiver; there’s no perfect son; there’s no perfect grief. With time, try to offer yourself forgiveness. Because it sounds like, even with the moments of frustration or fatigue, your father didn’t see you as a bad son. When faced with the uncontrollable — the illness of loved ones, our inability to stop death — we often hyperfocus on what we think we can control. But, by your own account, you did the best you could, and your father’s quality of life was better because of it. If you can, please work with a grief counselor to process these feelings. Keep talking to those you trust, who can listen without judgment and without trying to rush you. Dear Eric: I am a 72-year-old woman who lives alone. I live in a one-story, two-bedroom condo. The mortgage is paid off. I don’t have any family here. I am also divorced. I have cousins who live in another state, and I haven’t seen them in many years. I am the youngest cousin. So, I am thinking about my end-of-life plans. I don’t have any serious health problems, but I am not totally healthy. I have two friends who have been here for me for many years. However, I am hesitant to ask one of them to be my power of attorney. They want to help me make my end-of-life plans and decide what to do if I can no longer live alone. There is nobody else I can ask to be my POA. Any advice you can give me would be appreciated. — Plan Hesitation Dear Plan: If your friends have expressed a desire to help you, please take them up on it. Your friends have been there for you in good times and in times of need, as surely as you have been for them. Think of this as another way to affirm your bond. If you’re worried about it being an imposition, don’t be afraid to share that with your friends. This is a vulnerable ask and it’s OK to have complicated feelings about it. You may be surprised to find they don’t feel it’s an imposition at all. If you haven’t already, you may also want to talk with a lawyer about the responsibilities of power of attorney. Thinking through the specifics of what you’re asking may make it easier. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Cyber Pandora’s box

Experts fear new jab may not be able to fight pre-Christmas flu outbreakAwards season has arrived in the form of the Golden Globes nominations. The awards, which honor both movies and television programs, is often viewed as a preview of the upcoming Oscars. In this week's episode, co-hosts Bruce Miller and Terry Lipshetz go over the list, focusing largely on the movies, which tend to shine brightest at the ceremony. But they also take time to review a few of the TV shows, including the great, but rarely funny "The Bear," which is again in the comedy or musical category. We also have an interview with "Nickel Boys" director RaMell Ross, who spoke with Miller prior to the film receiving a nomination for best drama. Miller also talked with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who starred in the film. “Wicked”; “Anora”; “Emilia Perez”; “Challengers”; “A Real Pain”; “The Substance” “The Brutalist”; “A Complete Unknown,”; “Conclave”; “Dune: Part Two”; “Nickel Boys;” “September 5” Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”; Hugh Grant, “Heretic”; Gabriel LaBelle, “Saturday Night; Jesse Plemons, “Kinds of Kindness”’ Glen Powell, “Hitman”; Sebastian Stan, “A Different Man” Amy Adams, “Nightbitch”; Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”; Karla Sofia Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”; Mikey Madison “Anora”; Demi Moore, “The Substance”; Zendaya, “Challengers” Pamela Anderson, “The Last Showgirl′′; Angelina Jolie, ”Maria”; Nicole Kidman, “Babygirl”; Tilda Swinton, “The Room Next Door”; Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”; Kate Winslet, “Lee” Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”; Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown’; Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”; Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”; Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice’’ “Alien: Romulus”; Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”; Deadpool & Wolverine”; “Gladiator II”; “Inside Out 2”; “Twisters”; “Wicked”; “The Wild Robot” “All We Imagine As Light′′; ”Emilia Pérez”; “The Girl With the Needle”; “I’m Still Here”; “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”; “Vermiglio” “Flow”; “Inside Out 2”; “Memoir of a Snail”; “Moana 2”; “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”; “The Wild Robot” Selena Gomez, ”Emilia Pérez”; Ariana Grande, “Wicked”; Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”; Margaret Qualley, “The Substance”; Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”; Zoe Saldaña, ”Emilia Pérez” Yura Borisov, “Anora”; Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”; Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”; Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”; Jeremy Strong, ”The Apprentice”; Denzel Washington, “Gladiator II” Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”; Sean Baker, ”Anora”; Edward Berger, “Conclave”; Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”; Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”; Payal Kapadia, “All We Imagine As Light” Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”; Sean Baker, ”Anora”; Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, “The Brutalist”; Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”; Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”; Peter Straughan, “Conclave” Volker Bertelmann, “Conclave”; Daniel Blumberg, “The Brutalist”; Kris Bowers, “The Wild Robot”; Clement Ducol, Camille “Emilia Pérez”; Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, “Challengers”; Hans Zimmer, “Dune: Part Two” “Beautiful That Way” from “The Last Showgirl” (music/lyrics by Andrew Wyatt, Miley Cyrus, Lykke Zachrisson); “Compress/Repress” from “Challengers’ (music/lyrics by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Luca Guadagnino; “El Mal” from EL MAL” from “Emilia Pérez” (music/lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille, Jacques Audiard; “Forbidden Road” from ”Better Man′′ (music/lyrics by Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler, Sacha Skarbek); “Kiss the Sky” from “The Wild Robot′′ (music/lyrics by Delacey, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Maren Morris, Michael Pollack, Ali Tamposi); ”Mi Camino′′ from “Emilia Pérez” (music/lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille) “Shogun”; “The Diplomat”; “Slow Horses”; “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”; “The Day of the Jackal”; “Squid Game” “Abbott Elementary”; “The Bear; “Hacks”; “Nobody Wants This”; “Only Murders in the Building”; “The Gentlemen” Donald Glover, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”; Jake Gyllenhaal, “Presumed Innocent”; Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”; Eddie Redmayne, “The Day of the Jackal”; Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shogun”; Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman” Kathy Bates, “Matlock”; Emma D’Arcy, “House of the Dragon”; Maya Erskine, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”; Keira Knightley, “Black Doves”; Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”; Anna Sawai, “Shogun” Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This”; Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”; Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”; Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”; Kathryn Hahn, “Agatha All Along”; Jean Smart, “Hacks” Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This”; Ted Danson, “A Man on the Inside”; Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”; Jason Segel, “Shrinking”; Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”; Jeremy All White, “The Bear” “Baby Reindeer”; Disclaimer"; “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”; “The Penguin”; “Ripley”; “True Detective: Night Country” Cate Blanchett, “Disclaimer''; Jodie Foster, ”True Detective: Night Country"; Cristin Milioti, “The Penguin''; Sofia Vergara, ”Griselda"; Naomi Watts, “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”; Kate Winslet, “The Regime” Colin Farrell, “The Penguin”; Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”; Kevin Kline, “Disclaimer”; Cooper Koch, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”; Ewan McGregor, “A Gentleman in Moscow”; Andrew Scott, “Ripley” Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear”; Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”; Dakota Fanning, “Ripley”; Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer”; Allison Janney, “The Diplomat”; Kali Reis, “True Detective: Night Country” Tadanobu Asano, “Shogun''; Javier Bardem, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”; Harrison Ford, “Shrinking”; Jack Lowden “Slow Horses”; Diego Luna, “La Maquina”; Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear” Jamie Foxx, “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was”; Nikki Glaser, “Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die”; Seth Meyers, “Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking”; Adam Sandler, "Adam Sandler: Love You"; Ali Wong, “Ali Wong: Single Lady”; Ramy Youssef, “Ramy Youssef: More Feelings” —List compiled by The Associated Press Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — returned home Saturday after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. After the leaders’ hastily arranged dinner Friday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation” but offered no details. Trump said in a Truth Social post later Saturday that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” For issues in need of such cooperation, Trump cited fentanyl and the “Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration," fair trade deals "that do not jeopardize American Workers” and the U.S. trade deficit with its ally to the north. Trump asserted that the prime minister had made “a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation” of American families from fentanyl from China reaching the United States through its neighbors. The U.S., he said, “will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic.” The Republican president-elect has a 25% tax on all products from Canada and as one of his first executive orders when he takes office in January. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024 — and Canadian officials say they are ready to make new investments in border security. Trudeau called Trump after the Republican's social media posts about the tariffs last Monday and they agreed to meet, according to a official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss detail of the private talks. The official said other countries are calling Canadian officials to hear how about how the meeting was arranged and to ask for advice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, after speaking with Trump on the telephone, said Thursday she was confident would be averted. At the dinner that was said to last three hours, Trump said he and Trudeau also discussed energy, trade and the Arctic. A second official cited defense, Ukraine, NATO, China, the Mideast, pipelines and the Group of Seven meeting in Canada next year as other issues that arose. Trump, during his first term as president, once called Trudeau but it was the prime minister who was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. "Tariffs are a crucial issue for Canada and a bold move was in order. Perhaps it was a risk, but a risk worth taking,” Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Trudeau had said before leaving from Friday that Trump was elected because he promised to bring down the cost of groceries but now was talking about adding 25% to the cost of all kinds of products, including potatoes from Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. “It is important to understand that Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about it,” Trudeau said. “Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” he added. The threatened tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his first term. Trudeau noted they were able to successfully renegotiate the deal, which he calls a “win win” for both countries. When Trump imposed higher tariffs as president, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced against the U.S. in a response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto.GLD And SLV: Buy The Dip, Especially For SLV

ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

ATLANTA — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has been ruled out for the second half of Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Texas after being injured on the final play of the first half. Texas' Trey Moore forced a fumble on Beck's pass attempt, appearing to injure the Georgia quarterback's throwing arm. Beck remained motionless on the field for a short time before joining the team in the locker room. Coach Kirby Smart told ESPN at halftime that Beck was done for the day. During the third quarter, Beck was seen with ice on his right elbow. Beck completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards and was sacked once before exiting. Georgia backup Gunner Stockton entered and led Georgia on a 10-play, 75-yard opening second-half drive, giving the Bulldogs their first lead at 10-6. Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson injured his left knee in the third quarter and was ruled out of the contest. He was taken off on a cart. --Field Level MediaJimmy Carter Dies At 100, Here Are The Rarest Facts About The Longest Living President Of The US

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In a bold move to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy, the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has unveiled the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) platform—a comprehensive one-stop hub designed to empower Nigerians with the tools and knowledge needed to embrace clean energy solutions. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Vision 30:30:30, which aims to generate 30,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30 per cent sourced from renewable energy. The DER platform provides practical resources, including a solar energy calculator, policy guidelines, financing options, and a verified directory of installers and resellers. It aims to address critical knowledge gaps and drive the widespread adoption of renewable energy across Nigeria, from bustling urban centers to underserved rural areas. CADEF’s executive director, Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, at the launch of the platform in Lagos on Friday, emphasized the urgent need for accessible, accurate information about renewable energy systems such as solar panels, batteries, and charge controllers. She highlighted education as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s renewable energy transformation. “The state of electricity in Nigeria is no secret—demand far outstrips supply, and rural areas suffer the most. Beyond adoption, we must prioritize education and training to enable young Nigerians to maintain and manufacture renewable energy systems. This requires a complete overhaul of our educational curriculum to integrate renewable energy technologies,” she said. Ndukwe-Okafor also underscored the importance of financial support and government incentives in scaling renewable energy adoption. “The DER platform lists institutions offering loans for clean energy projects, but this is just one part of the puzzle. The government must eliminate tariffs on renewable energy imports and provide tax incentives for businesses adopting these technologies,” she stated. CADEF’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond the DER platform. Its Green Labs Incubation program, developed in collaboration with Jacobs Ladder, focuses on equipping young Nigerians with the skills to innovate in the renewable energy space. To date, the program has trained over 80 participants, emphasizing entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and sustainable business practices “Our goal is to nurture self-reliant individuals who not only sustain themselves but also create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s green economy,” Ndukwe-Okafor said. CADEF envisions a future where Nigeria shifts from dependence on imported energy solutions to becoming a leader in local production and export. Ndukwe-Okafor stressed that a thriving renewable energy sector would boost industries, manufacturing, and Nigeria’s competitiveness on the African continent. She encouraged young Nigerians to seize emerging opportunities in renewable energy, citing fields such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and sustainable energy as areas ripe for innovation and economic growth. With the DER platform and initiatives like Green Labs Incubation, CADEF is taking a decisive step toward building a self-sustaining, energy-secure Nigeria that aligns with the country’s Vision 30:30:30.COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Related Articles College Sports | Michigan shocks No. 2 Ohio State, 13-10, wins fourth straight in heated rivalry College Sports | Michigan State holds off No. 12 North Carolina 94-91 in overtime for 3rd at Maui Invitational College Sports | Danny Wolf scores 20 and Michigan knocks off No. 22 Xavier 78-53. College Sports | SEC losses are big gains for SMU and Indiana in latest College Football Playoff rankings College Sports | Hunter, Haggerty again lead way for Memphis in 71-63 win over Michigan State to reach Maui finale Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Ohio State police said in a statement “multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray.” Ohio State police will investigate the fight, according to the statement. After the Ohio State players confronted their bitter rivals at midfield, defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the top of the Wolverines’ flag and ripped it off the pole as the brawl moved toward the Michigan bench. Eventually, police officers rushed into the ugly scene. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he understood the actions of his players. “There are some prideful guys on our team who weren’t going to sit back and let that happen,” Day said. The two Ohio State players made available after the game brushed off questions about it. Michigan running back Kalel Mullings, who rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, didn’t like how the Buckeyes players involved themselves in the Wolverines’ postgame celebration. He called it “classless.” “For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game,” he said in an on-field interview with Fox Sports. “It’s just bad for the sport, bad for college football. But at the end of the day, you know some people got to — they got to learn how to lose, man. ... We had 60 minutes, we had four quarters, to do all that fighting.” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said everybody needs to do better. “So much emotions on both sides,” he said. “Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we got to handle that better.” — By MITCH STACY, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Salt AI, a pioneer in AI workflow orchestration, today announced it has raised $3M in seed funding and appointed technology veteran Aber Whitcomb as Chief Executive Officer. Whitcomb, former Co-Founder and CTO of MySpace and Jam City, brings decades of experience scaling breakthrough technologies across social media, mobile gaming, and blockchain. The funding round was led by Morpheus Ventures with participation from Struck Capital, and Irregular Expressions. The investment will accelerate development of Salt's proprietary AI orchestration platform and expand its market presence. "We're pleased to back the Salt AI team. Aber Whitcomb's impressive track record of success in launching and scaling businesses, paired with the immense market opportunity makes this an exciting investment for us," said Kristian Blaszczynski , Partner at Morpheus. "Very soon, AI will power almost every industry and Salt will be the engine on which enterprises execute." Salt offers a unified AI collaboration environment where organizations can securely connect their firewalled data to build AI automations, agentic workflows and bespoke AI solutions. With a visual drag and drop interface, and full-code capabilities, every member of an organization can collaborate in real time to build powerful AI on the Salt platform. Teams can deploy in one click to Salt's cloud infrastructure that autoscales to meet the real-time needs of any use case. "We're at an inflection point where AI can transform how companies operate, but only if we make it truly accessible and actionable," said Aber Whitcomb , CEO of Salt AI. "Salt's platform enables teams to create powerful AI agents and workflows that automate complex tasks and drive real business impact. I'm excited to lead Salt as we help organizations build and scale their AI capabilities." Salt integrates with all major closed-source and open-source LLMs and supports diffusion models for generative art. Users can connect to 30+ enterprise data sources for both reading and writing, with new connections being released weekly. To learn more about Salt AI's platform and start building AI workflows today, visit www.salt.ai and register for their free trial. About Salt AI Founded in 2023 by Aber Whitcomb and Jim Benedetto , Salt's mission is to empower every organization to harness AI to work smarter and gain competitive advantage. The platform features a visual-first interface for non-technical collaborators, and full-code capabilities for technical builders. Users can connect to all major closed and open-source LLMs and diffusion models, and integrate with 30+ enterprise data sources. Salt is the leading unified AI collaboration environment that enables organizations to build, deploy, and scale AI solutions. About Morpheus Ventures Founded in 2016, Morpheus Ventures is one of the largest early-stage investors based in Los Angeles , and is investing in the disruption of large markets across the technology landscape from consumer to enterprise technologies including data analytics, machine learning, robotics, transportation, and SaaS. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles and backs great entrepreneurs worldwide. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salt-ai-raises-3m-elevates-aber-whitcomb-to-ceo-302334106.html SOURCE Salt AI

Johnnies don't fold in the cold to win D-III playoff openerWARSAW, Ind. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Premarket Approval Application (PMA) Supplement approval for the Oxford ® Cementless Partial Knee. The approval is based on safety and effectiveness data from an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study and non-clinical testing for cementless partial knee replacement (PKR). 1 The Oxford Cementless Partial Knee allows surgeons to perform a PKR with improved fixation, 2 better long-term implant survival rate 2,3 and improved efficiency in the operating room 4 (OR) compared to the Oxford Cemented Partial Knee procedure. Following more than 20 years of clinical experience and over 300,000 procedures across Canada , Europe , Middle East , Africa , and Asia , 5 the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee is now the only FDA-approved cementless partial knee implant in the U.S. "Cementless knee replacement procedures are increasingly preferred by surgeons seeking to improve surgical efficiency. The Oxford Cementless Partial Knee is coming into the U.S. with a proven track record of retaining more healthy anatomy with a less invasive approach and improved outcomes 6 as compared to a total knee replacement," said Joe Urban , President, Knees at Zimmer Biomet. "We are excited to address the unmet U.S. demand for a cementless partial knee with a new offering which has 20 years of clinical experience in more than 50 countries. 5 " Compared to traditional partial knee replacements that use bone cement to secure the implant in place, a cementless approach allows patients' natural bone growth to secure the implant for better long-term fixation. 2 The Oxford Cementless Partial Knee features a mobile bearing that can move with the femoral component throughout the entire range of motion to mimic natural knee movement. This design provides better range of motion, a more natural feel and a more stable implant-to-bone fixation for improved long-term implant survival. 2,3 The system's tibial and femoral components have a titanium and hydroxyapatite coating to promote bone growth into the implant 7 . The UK national joint registry has more than 33,000 patients treated with Oxford Cementless Partial Knees recorded with a 94.1% rate of implant survival at 10 years after surgery, 3 which is higher than the average 10-year survivorship for all other partial knees (89.9%). 3 Enthusiasm and usage of partial knee replacement continues to grow around the world as published research continues to demonstrate that PKR in appropriate cases provides improved patient outcomes compared to TKR. 6 "For younger and more active patients, the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee amplifies the benefits of a traditional partial knee replacement by offering knee flexion that resembles natural knee movement, and stronger adhesion of the implant to the bone for better long-term durability," said Adolph V. Lombardi Jr. , MD, FACS, President of JIS Orthopedics in New Albany, Ohio . "In my own practice, a cementless approach has increased OR efficiency by shortening my surgery time and reducing costs associated with cement preparation." Since its initial launch in England in 2004, the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee has become the preferred partial knee implant for Zimmer Biomet's European customers. 5 As part of the U.S. nationwide launch in Q1 2025, Zimmer Biomet will provide FDA-required training, focusing on the cementless surgical technique and proper patient selection. For patients in the U.S., the Oxford Partial Knee is the only implant with a lifetime limited warranty that covers the cost of Zimmer Biomet replacement implants.* Important Safety Information: The Cementless Oxford Partial Knee System is intended for use in unilateral knee procedures with osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis limited to the medial compartment of the knee. It is intended to be implanted without the application of cement for patients whose clinical condition would benefit from a shorter surgical time compared to the cemented implant. The Oxford Partial Knee is not indicated for use in the lateral compartment or for patients with ligament deficiency, or for use in simultaneous bilateral surgery or planned staged bilateral procedures. Potential risks include, but are not limited to, loosening, dislocation, fracture, wear and infection, any of which can require additional surgery. For a full list of product indications, contraindications and warnings, as well as further information on product IDE data, please see the associated product Information for Use (IFU) and Surgical Technique available at https://labeling.zimmerbiomet.com/ For more information about the Oxford Cementless Partial Knee, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com/oxfordcementless . About Zimmer Biomet Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence. With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Our legacy continues to come to life today through our progressive culture of evolution and innovation. For more information about our product portfolio, our operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining our team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerbiomet or X / Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet . Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Zimmer Biomet's expectations, plans, prospects, and product and service offerings, including new product launches and potential clinical successes. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. For a list and description of some of such risks and uncertainties, see Zimmer Biomet's periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in Zimmer Biomet's filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Zimmer Biomet disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers of this news release are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, since there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this news release. *Subject to terms and conditions set forth within the written warranty References: SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.A business associate of an alleged Chinese spy is a major Tory donor who was handed key roles at Government departments, including the Ministry of Defence by the last Conservative government. Former racing tycoon Sir Ron Dennis is the sole director of an investment firm he jointly owns with Yang Tengbo. Yang is the alleged spy barred from the UK on national security grounds after becoming a close confidant of Prince Andrew . He insists the allegations against him are “entirely untrue”. 50-year-old Yang became co-owner with Sir Ron in May 2017 of Coeus International Limited, a fund management firm founded by Dennis two years earlier. This was shortly after Dennis became Co-Chair of the Defence Innovation Advisory Panel for the Ministry of Defence. This panel was set up to “challenge” the MoD on how it is adapting to the changing threats, including cyber, from countries like China . Rheian Davies, Good Law Project’s legal director, said: “The proximity of this alleged spy to a Tory government insider who likely had access to sensitive information, is a case in point of how the rich and powerful in our country may leave themselves and our political system exposed to potentially malign influence to the detriment of us all.” Dennis went on to be appointed non-executive director of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for a year from 2023 to 2024. He was in this role when the Intelligence and Security Committee published a bombshell report on China, which found the Far East state “targets the UK and its interests prolifically and aggressively”. The Department has a key role in protecting British research interests and advising UK academics on joint projects with other countries including China. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Dennis or Coeus International. Yang came to the UK in 2002 to study and founded his first business here in 2005. He was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK in 2013. He started a number of businesses, including consultancy firm Hampton Group International, and split his time between the UK and China. Yang said Hampton helped British firms gain a foothold in China. One client was McLaren, run at the time by Dennis. But in November 2021, Yang was stopped at the UK border and surrendered his digital devices, which were later returned. In 2023, then Home Secretary Suella Braverman excluded him from the UK. Sir Ron Dennis is best known for nearly four decades at the helm of McLaren, the car and racing brand, where he ran their Formula One team. He was forced out after he backed a Chinese takeover of McLaren in 2016. He was a British Business Ambassador for the UK between 2010 and 2019 and was knighted last year. Dennis has donated £579,000 to the Conservatives since 2005, including £250,000 in May. In a statement issued after the High Court agreed to his request for him to be named, Yang Tengbo said: “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue. I have dedicated my professional life in the UK to building links between British and Chinese businesses. My activities have played a part in bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the UK.” A Conservative party spokesman said: "All reportable donations are properly and transparently declared to the Electoral Commission, published by them, and comply fully with the law." Sir Ron Dennis was not available for comment.

Avery Lake has a story to tell and is excited for the public to hear it once their debut album drops on Dec. 20. The Abbotsford artist has had a deep connection with nature for most of their life, originating from their childhood growing up in the Alps before eventually moving out to Abbotsford and its Pacific Northwest landscape. Now Lake has explored this love of the natural world while also contrasting it with the journey of technological progress in the new seven-track "Singular Dust" album. "Singular Dust is a meditation on the pulse that connects all things – nature, humanity, and the tools we create," said Lake. "It’s about tracing that rhythm, from the first murmur of life to the increasingly complex world we inhabit today. Crafted with a spirit of experimentation, the album embraces innovative creative tools that mirror its themes of singularities." All seven of the songs included on this album follow a narrative arc that begins with the concept of the creation of life concept and continues through to the future of humanity as the organic continues to blend together with the synthetic. When "Singular Dust" releases on Dec. 20, it will be available on all major music streaming sites, including both Spotify and Apple Music. More information on Avery Lake can be found at .

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Key phones are traditional desk phones with a central unit and handset. Able to support up to 50 users, they’re often used by small to medium-sized offices. They have a dial pad and special buttons that let users route calls to other extensions or access features like hold or transfer. A key phone system has been ideal for companies with employees who need to be reachable at their desk and behind the counter. These systems are easy to manage compared to a traditional PBX — and excel at the core competencies of a basic phone system. But as equipment ages and more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions hit the market, many businesses are upgrading their landline to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) . Why it’s hard to let go of your existing system For many businesses, this trusty technology has been the silent backbone of communication since before the internet became a regular part of our daily lives. Key phones made offices more efficient and productive with features like call transfer, hold, conference calling, direct inward dialing , and paging. Key phone systems are generally easy to use, and more than anything, they’re familiar. Since most adults have used a key phone system at some point in their careers, there’s not a huge learning curve when you need to onboard new employees. With a quick explanation of how to access voicemail and what extension belongs to who, you can get most new hires up to speed by the end of their first day. This makes it hard for a lot of businesses to let go of their old school key phone systems — even if they know that modern business phone services offer a ton more functionality. In short, key phone systems once had all the advanced functions you’d expect from a business phone, and they were easy to use, with predictable costs and straightforward maintenance. These strengths made them a mainstay in business communications. But now, after over 50 years of usage, this technology is slowly sunsetting. And businesses today should look at modernizing their phone systems sooner than later. Using a VoIP gateway with a key phone system A VoIP gateway or Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) allows traditional phones to make calls over the internet. The ATA acts as a bridge between your old phone system and the internet. Plug your regular phones into the ATA, connect the ATA to your internet router, and you are ready to start answering calls as before. ATAs support fax machines and multifunction printers, as well. This is a budget-friendly way to modernize without replacing your phone system, minimizing disruption to employees. Typically, you can access basic VoIP features like voicemail-to-email and call forwarding while staying with familiar hardware. This approach is ideal for businesses that want to gradually transition to cloud, phase out old equipment, or simply want to ride out their old phone system contract for a few more years. Are all key phone systems compatible with an ATA? Most key phones will work with an ATA, but not all. If your phone says “analog” or connects with a standard phone line, it’s probably compatible. If it’s labeled “IP” or “digital,” you may require special adapters or need to take another approach entirely. Always check your system’s compatibility before investing in an ATA. Challenges with moving to the cloud Migrating to a cloud phone system comes with a lot more versatility for businesses and their employees — but it’s not without challenges. Here are some of the important issues you will have to address over the course of transitioning from a key phone system to the cloud: Compatibility: Can your existing handsets work with a cloud system, or do you need to invest in new equipment? You may need to buy new handsets or softphones to use modern VoIP services. Replicating functionality: Can you replicate features like DID and intercom in the cloud? Chances are you can, but be sure to choose a provider that supports the features your business relies on. Soft key programming: Cloud systems often rely on “soft keys,” which are on-screen buttons that can change dynamically. You may need IT support to configure changes manually. Training: This is a big one, as you may have employees who are resistant to change. Do you have the time and resources to teach your employees how to use these new cloud-based systems? You’ll need to train employees how to use new features like call parking in order to put callers on hold. Any upgrade naturally presents challenges, but the key is to ask yourself whether the benefits outweigh the costs and whether now’s the right time to upgrade. Benefits of replacing a key phone system before it fails If your key phone system is still working, you may be hesitant to replace it. But there are risks to keeping an old system that doesn’t have an infinite lifespan — what if your phone system fails or your hardware becomes unsupported before you have a backup in place? Today, most businesses use a hosted PBX , where the vendor manages all of the infrastructure and software — employees simply log into their account and make calls. It works perfectly whether they are in the office or working from an airport bar — the vendor secures the network, allows remote employees anytime access, and you never have to worry about the main office network being up 24/7 ever again. VoIP phone systems are relatively inexpensive — most businesses save money switching by eliminating most hardware maintenance costs associated with traditional phone setups. It’s not an incredible savings, but it’s nice. The real draw is the functionality you gain from connecting your phones to other business software. This enables advanced call administration, simple call recording, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), in-depth analytics, and potentially much more. Premium systems support CRM integration , which allows reps to pull up customer files, view previous conversations, order history, and more on a single dashboard. Migrating to the cloud is a great way to future-proof your business phone system , as the software is continuously updated, patched, and improved. If you’re thinking about switching to a remote or hybrid setup, cloud-based phone systems can make the switch easy. Even if some employees are working from home and others are onsite, they’ll all have the same communication capabilities. Yes, there are challenges with updating your systems to new technology — this is inevitable — the downsides of staying with you an old key phone system will probably get worse over time. But by choosing to upgrade your key phone system to a cloud-based system, you get to navigate those challenges at your own pace rather than being forced into them later on.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Jaylon Johnson wasn't all that interested in discussing any bright spots or reasons to have hope for the Chicago Bears. The star cornerback made his feelings clear. “I’ve been in slumps four, five years in a row now,” Johnson said Monday. "So, I mean at the end of the day, I don’t look for, ‘OK, what is going to be better in the future?’ ... It will be better when it’s better. So, right now, it’s not better. That’s all I can go off of.” The Bears (4-7) are last in the NFC North and have five straight losses after in overtime. They wiped out an 11-point deficit in the final 22 seconds of regulation, only to come up short again when the Vikings' Parker Romo kicked a 29-yard field goal. It was the third game during this skid that came down to the final play. in Week 8 and had a in Week 11. Players have openly questioned some of the coaching decisions in recent weeks. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron got fired before the game against Green Bay. And coach Matt Eberflus' game management came under more scrutiny against Minnesota. With the Bears trailing 17-10 in the third quarter, there was some confusion on a fourth-and-4 at the Vikings 27. Eberflus said he didn't do a good enough job communicating on the previous play that they would go for it on fourth down. That led to a chaotic sequence in which Santos and long snapper Scott Daly ran onto the field, only to get waved off by a lineman. Quarterback Caleb Williams had to rush to get everyone lined up properly in order to avoid a delay of game. He wound up barking out the wrong play because he misheard the call from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and threw an incomplete pass. Receiver DJ Moore said Eberflus had not addressed that play with the team. The Bears were scheduled to meet later Monday. “That moment was just like, like a ‘what is going on’ moment that we could have avoided,” he said. What's working The passing game. Williams has clearly looked more comfortable in the two games since Brown replaced the fired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. The No. 1 draft pick followed up a solid performance against Green Bay by throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns. It was his fourth straight turnover-free game and fifth in a row without an interception. What needs help Field goal protection. One week after his game-ending 46-yard field goal attempt against Green Bay got blocked, Santos had a 48-yarder rejected on his first try against Minnesota. It happened from the same area, in the middle of the line, when the Vikings' Jerry Tillery knocked down the kick. “I just think it’s technique," Eberflus said. "It’s getting your foot down, bracing up there, staying lower. ... We just have to do a better job there with that.” It was the third blocked field goal for Santos this year, the most for Chicago in a single season since it also had three blocked in 2012. He had a 43-yard try blocked in a win over Jacksonville on Oct. 13. Stock up Moore. The Bears have done a better job getting Moore involved under Brown. Moore caught seven passes for a season-high 106 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota. That gave him 14 receptions for 168 yards the past two games, compared to 13 for 104 yards over the previous four. Johnson's 27-yard catch down the middle set up Santos' tying field goal at the end of regulation. But it's not just deep shots. The Bears are finding ways to get the ball in his hands, allowing him to turn short passes into bigger gains. He also had a 13-yard run. Stock down RB D’Andre Swift. After a string of solid outings, Swift had just 30 yards on 13 carries. To be fair, he has been dealing with a groin issue, and he was going against the NFL's No. 1 run defense. Injuries The Bears reported no injuries during the game. Key number 5-18 — The Bears' record in one-possession games in nearly three seasons under Eberflus, including a 2-5 mark this year. They are 14-31 overall during Eberflus' tenure. Next steps The schedule doesn't get any easier, with a Thanksgiving matchup at NFC North leader Detroit. The Lions (10-1) have won nine straight since losing to Tampa Bay in Week 2. ___ AP NFL: Andrew Seligman, The Associated Press

COLLEGEVILLE — The temperature didn't get above 13 degrees at Clemens Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30. And with a little wind, it felt like two degrees for most of St. John's NCAA Division III second-round playoff game against Wisconsin-La Crosse. After a punchless first half, the No. 3 Johnnies woke up from a deep freeze offensively to beat the Eagles 24-13 in front of 3,117 fans. St. John's (11-0) will next host Susquehanna (Pennsylvania) in a third-round game at noon on Saturday, Dec. 7, in Collegeville. Susquehanna beat Hobart (N.Y.) 42-35 in a second-round game Saturday. The Johnnies , who led 3-0 at the half, started the second half with the ball and ran it five straight times behind Will Blakey (two carries for 19 yards) and Corey Bohmert (three carries for 27 yards) to the Eagles' 33-yard line. And wouldn't you know it, running the ball set up the pass. SJU senior quarterback Aaron Syverson found senior wide receiver Marselio Mendez for a 33-yard touchdown on the sixth play of the drive to give the Johnnies a 10-0 lead — and some much-needed life. Mendez had a huge day, finishing with 11 catches for 135 yards while Syverson went 27-of-39 passing for 357 yards and three TDs. "We got some outside practices in (during the week) and that prepared us for today," Mendez said. "In the end, the cold wasn't a big factor. And, it wasn't that windy. We talked at the half — made some adjustments — and took off from there." Bohmert breaks out Establishing Bohmert in the running game came in handy when it mattered most for St. John's. The speedy sophomore from Mahtomedi has been used sparingly this year. He had three carries for 34 yards at the half. With the Johnnies up 17-13 late in the fourth quarter, Bohmert came up with the biggest play of the year. On a 3rd-and-4 from the Eagles' 31-yard line, St. John's went to unbalanced line on the left side. Four players shifted to the left of center before the play and Syverson dumped a screen pass off to Bohmert on the right side. And then the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Bohmert turned on the jets by cutting across the field and turning an "old style" play (as SJU head coach Gary Fasching called it) into a 69-yard touchdown to give the Johnnies a 24-13 lead with 2:38 left. Bohmert finished with 10 carries for 69 yards and had four catches for 88 yards. Syverson said St. John's put the play in for the first time this week at practice. "You just have to make sure you have seven guys on the line when you shift everybody over like that," Syverson said. "Bohmert had some good runs for us throughout the game. His explosiveness is so nice to have as a weapon." When Fasching saw the play for the first time this week, he told offensive coordinator Kole Heckenedorf and running backs coach Josh Bungum how much he liked it. "I said 'I love that play.' That's old style football right there. Really old school. Credit to Josh Bungum for coming up with that during the week," Fasching said. "We've slowing been working Corey into the game plan after (starting running back) Caden Wheeler went down. When he gets going, he's fun to watch. "We have to supplement the running game in a little more and I thought Kole and Josh did that today. The mixed it in at the right times. It kept La Crosse off-kilter." Bohmert said the play worked well at practice, but he never imagined he could turn it into a long touchdown. "The goal is to ultimately do that and everything panned out perfectly on that one," Bohmert said. "We were just hoping to get a first down there, but their whole defense motioned over with our offensive line. That left the whole backside open. I saw a little hole, made another cut with my left foot and saw a huge opening. Once I got around the corner, I knew I was gone." Eagles linebacker Ryan Daines credited the Johnnies for their innovation on Bohmert's touchdown. "He hit a cutback lane and we went heavy to the other side," Daines said. "There was nobody left over there and he took advantage. (Bohmert) ran the ball really well. They gave us some looks we weren't expecting." The dynamic duo The Eagles cut it to 10-7 on the next drive following Mendez's TD catch on a 25-yard touchdown run by running back Braedon Ott with 9:22 left in the third. Syverson found junior wide receiver Dylan Wheeler just before the end of the third for a 22-yard touchdown pass on a 3rd-and-20 play. Syverson rolled to his right and threw it up for Wheeler, who leapt over two defenders to come down with his 20th touchdown catch of the season. Wheeler has 78 catches for 1,093 yards on the season while Mendez has 67 catches for 1,070 yards and 13 TDs. Fasching feels that Wheeler and Mendez are the two best receivers in D-III football this season. "Dylan and Marselio have been making plays like that all year for us," Fasching said. "I think they're the two best receivers in the country. Marselio has been lights-out the past six to seven weeks. And, they have a great trigger man in Aaron to get them the ball. They're both winning a lot of one-on-one battles." Eagles struggle in red zone The Eagles cut it to 17-13 when quarterback Kyle Haas hit Jack Studer for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 4:17 left. But St. John's defensive lineman Charlie King blocked kicker Maddox Pratt's extra-point attempt to keep it a four-point game. La Crosse got into the red zone on the final drive of the game, but SJU senior linebacker Hayden Sanders ended it by sacking Haas with no time left. Sanders finished with eight tackles — including two for a loss — and the sack. The Eagles finished 1-of-3 in their red-zone scoring opportunities. "We didn't play well in the red zone," La Crosse head coach Matt Janus said. "With it being so cold, there were a couple of times we should have tried a field goal. We just couldn't finish down there. Their defense really tightened up when they had to." Haas finished 19-of-33 passing for 168 yards with two interceptions (one each by SJU's Cooper Yaggie and Ben Dahl). SJU held Eagles running back Gabe Lynch to 13 carries for 63 yards and Studer to five catches for 44 yards. Lynch came into the game with 993 yards rushing on the season and Studer came in with 1,037 yards receiving. Yaggie led the Johnnies with nine tackles, Jake Schwinghammer had eight tackles and Westin Hoyt and Jack St. Fleur each had seven stops. St. John's outgained the Eagles 432-347 in total offense. Gendreau added seven catches for 96 yards for the Johnnies and Blakey had nine carries for 42 yards. It's the first time that Syverson has advanced past the second round in his four years at St. John's. To him, that's a relief, but there is still more to accomplish. "Next week (against Susquehanna) is another big one. We lost to Linfield and Wartburg in the second round in my other playoff games here. We all know we need to be locked in for it," Syverson said. "We've shown even if we start slow, the seal will eventually break and we can score on every possession. We got it going in the second half and that made the difference." Notes St. John's guard Nick McKenzie left with 2:18 left in the game with an injury and didn't return. Next Saturday's forecast calls for temperatures in the low 30s. When told of that, Fasching got a big smile on his face. "I guess that's a heat wave compared to today," he said. "We'll take it." Mendez was asked how tall he is in the postgame press conference. Mendez is listed at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds. Mendez replied that he's probably more like 5-7 or 5-8. "I'd say it's more like 5-6, really," Fasching said. "It doesn't matter though. He makes incredible catches. He's a great route runner who finds pockets in the defense. He's a great combo to have with Dylan." St. John's wide receiver Riley Schwellenbach (4) runs for yardage after making a catch in the first half against Wisconsin-La Crosse Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville. Andy Rennecke / St. Cloud LIVE

Gus Malzahn is resigning as Central Florida’s head coach to become Florida State ‘s offensive coordinator, a person familiar with the hire told The Associated Press on Saturday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Seminoles have not confirmed Malzahn’s move, which is pending a state background check. ESPN first reported the decision. The Knights made official that Malzahn is leaving in a statement released a day after UCF (4-8) concluded its season with to Utah. “We would like to thank Coach Malzahn for his contributions to our football program over the past four seasons, including our transition into the Big 12 Conference,” the school said. “We appreciate his professionalism and dedication to our student-athletes throughout his tenure at UCF and wish he and his wife, Kristi, the very best in their future endeavors.” Malzahn finished with a 28-24 mark in four years at UCF, the last two ending with losing records after joining the Big 12. He coached at Auburn for eight seasons in 2020. Malzahn replaces offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins, who was fired Nov. 10 following a 52-3 loss at Notre Dame. The Seminoles rank 131st out of 134 in total offense and scoring offense, averaging 15.8 points a game heading into Saturday night’s rivalry game against Florida. The Seminoles (2-9) have dropped significantly since going 13-1 last season and winning the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. The Knights, meanwhile, struggled mightily in Malzahn’s fourth season — most of it because of quarterback issues. Four players took snaps from center as the Knights finished 2-7 in conference play. It was the program’s worst record since going 0-12 in former coach George O’Leary’s final season in 2015. Florida State coach Mike Norvell fired Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and receivers coach Ron Dugans amid the Seminoles’ season-long skid. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: andWalmart employees now wearing body cameras in some stores

Financial Inclusion: Huawei Unveils Mobile Money SolutionMILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo was available for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards Saturday night after missing one game with swelling in his left knee. Antetokounmpo sat out the Bucks' 106-103 NBA Cup victory at Miami on Tuesday. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekPlate concept is a mechanical robot you need to touch to obey your command

Alabama State tops Prairie View to secure a third straight winning season under coach Eddie RobinsonBOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Deshawn Purdie threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to O’Mega Blake for the go-ahead score and Charlotte defeated Florida Atlantic 39-27 on Saturday in a game that matched two new interim coaches. Charlotte (4-7, 3-4 American Athletic Conference) fired Biff Poggi on Monday and Tim Brewster took over. FAU (2-9, 0-7) fired Tom Ferman, also on Monday, with Chad Lunsford taking charge. After Blake’s third touchdown catch of the game that came with 5:25 left, the 49ers extended their lead when Tyriq Starks was strip-sacked by Ja’Qurious Conley and 335-pound Katron Kevans carried it 22 yards into the end zone. Blake made five catches for a career-high 205 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown. Purdie was 16 of 30 for a career-best 396 yards passing with the three scores plus an interception. The 49ers only rushed for 46 yards. Stephen Rusnak kicked four field goals. Starks was 12-of-23 passing for 179 yards including a 65-yard score to Omari Hayes in the final minute of the third quarter to get FAU within six of the 49ers. CJ Campbell rushed 58 yards to score early in the fourth quarter and the Owls had a 27-26 lead. Campbell finished with 150 yards on 21 carries. ___ AP college football: and . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter:

NoneGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jasin Sinani's 22 points helped Campbell defeat Green Bay 72-66 on Saturday. Sinani had eight rebounds for the Fighting Camels (4-4). Cameron Gregory scored 11 points while shooting 4 for 9, including 1 for 4 from beyond the arc and added seven rebounds. Colby Duggan went 4 of 8 from the field (3 for 6 from 3-point range) to finish with 11 points. Anthony Roy led the Phoenix (2-6) in scoring, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Marcus Hall added 13 points for Green Bay. Campbell went into halftime ahead of Green Bay 33-27. Sinani put up 12 points in the half. Campbell went on an 18-0 run to take a 51-31 lead with 14:07 left in the half. Sinani scored 10 second-half points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated PressMexico shares lower at close of trade; S&P/BMV IPC down 0.40%

OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hub Group, Inc. HUBG today announced its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share on the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on December 20, 2024, to stockholders of record as of December 6, 2024. Hub Group's quarterly cash dividend program, initially set at $0.50 per share per year, is part of its previously announced growth-focused capital allocation plan. CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, provided pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that might cause the actual performance of Hub Group to differ materially from those expressed or implied by this discussion and, therefore, should be viewed with caution. Further information on the risks that may affect Hub Group's business is included in filings it makes with the SEC from time to time, including those discussed under the "Risk Factors" section in Hub Group's most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. Hub Group assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. ABOUT HUB GROUP: Hub Group offers comprehensive transportation and logistics management solutions. Keeping our customers' needs in focus, Hub Group designs, continually optimizes, and applies industry-leading technology to our customers' supply chains for better service, greater efficiency, and total visibility. As an award-winning, publicly traded company HUBG with over $4 billion in revenue, our nearly 6,000 employees and drivers across the globe are always in pursuit of "The Way Ahead" – a commitment to service, integrity and innovation. For more information, visit hubgroup.com. SOURCE: Hub Group, Inc. CONTACT: Lorna Williams, Investor Relations, lornawilliams@hubgroup.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

jili top646 As NH's casino industry grows, one lawmaker wants more campaign finance transparency

As political chaos on Parliament Hill threatens to sink the minority Liberal government and trigger an early election, Ontario’s official opposition is putting off its annual convention to focus on a provincial election campaign its strategists believe is near. The Ontario NDP made the decision over the weekend to postpone its convention after its federal sister party said it would no longer support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and joined the Conservative Party’s attempts to trigger an early election . The convention had originally been set to take place in early January in downtown Toronto for the Ontario NDP and its supporters to plan policy and look at the year ahead. With the prospect of an early federal election on the horizon, however, the party decided to forgo the conference to prepare for an election campaign. An early federal election could theoretically prompt the Ford government to trigger a snap ballot in Ontario as well, a question the premier has danced around without indicating either way. “With snap provincial and federal elections looking increasingly likely in early 2025, the Ontario NDP Provincial Convention has been postponed,” a statement posted to the convention’s webpage explained. Behind the scenes, the party is moving resources that would have gone into the convention to focus on a potential early election campaign. With the politicians not expected to return to Queen’s Park to debate again until March, the NDP has moved its focus to nominating as many new candidates as it can across the province, more fundraising and trying to introduce leader Marit Stiles to as many communities as possible through the winter. The switch comes as Premier Doug Ford continues to mull an early election — speculation that has been in the air since May and a theory that Ford has not explicitly denied, despite being repeatedly asked. Other parties are also making moves to prepare for an election earlier than usual. Many Progressive Conservative party members — including Education Minister Jill Dunlop, Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa — have already signed up to run for the party again in the next election. The early nominations in key ridings would leave the party with flexibility to launch a snap campaign if its leaders decided to. The Ontario Liberals have been preparing for a campaign with their new leader, Bonnie Crombie, who recently hosted a large, downtown Toronto fundraiser and has distanced herself from Trudeau and the federal price on carbon. Despite the signs from the province’s major parties that an early election could be imminent, no official call has been made. The next Ontario election is currently scheduled to take place in June 2026.Deliciously creamy Tuscan chicken is perfect easy dinner – and takes just 30 minutes

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One of the top wrestlers from the United States is set to make her MMA debut on Friday when U.S. Olympic trials runner-up Forrest Molinari competes for the first time in a featured bout at the Borroka 1 event in Las Vegas. But Molinari’s entry into the sport is actually a rarity compared to many of the top men’s wrestlers from the U.S., who flock to MMA after their competitive careers on the mats are over. While 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann was the first seriously credential women’s wrestler to make a sizable impact in the sport, she also remains the only woman with any Olympic wrestling experience to compete the UFC level. Two-time World bronze medalist Tatiana Suarez is another example but largely the top women’s wrestlers haven’t made the transition into MMA at least in the same numbers as their male counterparts. “I think obviously in the states, men and women’s freestyle wrestling is so good and we’re one of the best countries in the world,” Molinari explained. “I think where the sports are at in their lifetime cycles and that’s why you’re seeing a difference. Now with the women’s side, we’re growing so fast and we’re showing year after year we’re a force to be reckoned with, we’re challenging the best people in the world and we’re a powerhouse. I think that is fueling more women to stay in wrestling longer. That’s an exciting time to a part of women’s wrestling when we are showing that we’re so good. “On the men’s side, we’re already so deep, you’re seeing more and more guys go wrestle for other countries because they can’t make our teams in the states but they can go medal at the World and Olympic level games. We’re just that deep.” Women’s wrestling has exploded at the international level in recent years but it’s easy to forget that the Olympics didn’t even feature a women’s division until 2004. Over the past 20 years, women’s wrestling has evolved at an exponential rate but Molinari knows that growth has primarily led to more people getting involved at the collegiate athletics and then moving onto compete at the national and international level. But Molinari believes as time passes with more and more women competing in wrestling, that the numbers of athletes eventually moving to MMA will only increase. “I just think where the sports are at in their life cycles is why you’re seeing that difference where a lot of women aren’t going over to MMA,” Molinari said. “But a lot of guys are going to MMA because the depth is just so much that after a while these guys are like I’m just not breaking through that final level to become a World champ or whatever part they’re trying to get to but maybe MMA, I can do this. “They just see the difference in their skill and athleticism and the grit that wrestlers have. That’s what I think it is right now. They’re just in different stages.” A post shared by Borroka Promotions (@borrokapromotions) With her debut fight now just days away, Molinari really hopes that she can serve as an example to more women’s wrestlers interested in getting involved with fighting in the future. MMA isn’t going to be for everybody but Molinari has really learned to embrace every aspect of the sport since she really dedicated herself to training six months ago. “I’m hoping I can change that,” Molinari said. “No one has come over from women’s wrestling in a long time and obviously everyone knew I was going to fight but now it’s actually here. It’s different when it’s actually here and you’ve been waiting years for this to happen. I’m hoping I can go in there and really put women’s wrestling on the map in a different way for MMA. That can pave the way for a lot more women to come over after their wrestling careers. “Hopefully more girls see me fight and dominate the same way I did in wrestling and want to try it. There are a lot of tough, gritty girls out there that could do very well in MMA.” Perhaps the most encouraging part about Molinari’s transition into MMA has been her ability to fall in love with the sport in much the same way she did with wrestling. There were definitely days when she got frustrated — particularly during some early jiu-jitsu classes — but she’s really started to love the sport and she expects more women’s wrestlers will do the same in the future. “We’re only six months into MMA but I can feel the hunger for it is the same,” Molinari said. “It’s not like I was wrestling and I was so hungry in wrestling to be the best and then I come to MMA and I’m just doing it for fun. No, I’m doing this to be the best just like in wrestling. That’s where that passion is the same.”Party Crisis: Very critical time for PDP – Utaan calls for unity ahead of NEC meetingNone

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Bombshell report finds evidence Gaetz had sex with minor, paid for sex and took drugs while in CongressArticle content As injuries begin mounting a quarter of the way into the season, the Edmonton Oilers were hoping to get Darnell Nurse back in the lineup Saturday against the visiting New York Rangers. The veteran blueliner missed the previous three games after taking a vicious hit to the head from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves on Saturday. A repeat offender, Reaves was suspended for a fourth time as the league handed down a maximum five-game penalty after Nurse was left dazed and bloody after taking a shoulder to the helmet while playing a puck that went in behind the Oilers net on the way to a 4-3 overtime loss. Also missing Viktor Arvidsson and Zach Hyman from their top-six forwards, the Oilers had gone with an 11-and-seven formation to carry an extra defenceman, calling up Josh Brown from the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League. The Oilers went 1-2 in Nurse’s absence to enter Thursday’s game one game above .500 (10-9-2). “He’s a heartbeat back there for us, a guy everybody looks to,” Oilers forward Adam Henrique said following the morning skate at Rogers Place, which included Nurse. “I think he was playing fantastic before the injury and doing a lot of small things that I think sometimes can get overlooked. “We’ll wait to see what happens, but it will certainly be nice to have him back in the lineup at some point soon.” Sooner rather than later. And that goes for all injuries, if the team had its way. “He’ll be fresh and he plays big minutes and contributes as a big part of the team,” said fellow defenceman Brett Kulak. “It’s not just like calling someone and slotting them in for some minutes, he’s a big part of the team. “I think everything kind of happens around him, so it will be good to have him back.” And not just in his regular role on the second defensive pairing, but also on special teams, including an Oilers penalty kill that has begun to find its legs as of late, having gone a perfect 13-for-13 over the previous six games and not allowing a goal. “It’s a major adjustment, he plays all situations and a lot of minutes, everyone has to chip in and play more,” Kulak said. “It’s a different dynamic without him in the lineup. “He’s an incredible player and does a lot of great things.” In other words, the Oilers are finding out just how tough Nurse is to replace. “First of all, he plays 22-25 minutes a night, he’s good at transporting the puck, getting it out of the zone and the biggest thing is just how much area he covers defensively,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “To play against him, there’s not much room. One, because of his quickness. And two, his reach. And if you do get into a battle with him, he’s so incredibly strong that he could push somebody off the puck. “So, it’s difficult to play against him.” Thursday’s game was part of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Institute. As part, the Oilers had special nameplates above their lockers, with the words: “I play for,” followed by a blank. Kulak chose to dedicate the game to the memory of a late uncle. “Uncle Randy, he was my mom’s brother and he passed away to lung cancer when I was younger,” said Kulak, who was born and raised in Edmonton. “I forget what age I was when he passed away, I was pretty young. But I’ve still got some good memories of him. “One thing he always said was he was going to be my agent when I grew up and made the NHL, so that was kind of fun. I’m still sure in a way he’s up in heaven doing his job for me.” Kulak is holding up his end of the bargain, too, realizing his childhood dream of making the big league. And it certainly didn’t hurt having someone early on in the process think he could do it. “Definitely, it’s another stepping-stone along the way,” he said. “To see an adult that you look up to believe in you like that, it just kind of makes the dream feel a little more possible.” E-mail: gmoddejonge@postmedia.com On Twitter: @GerryModdejongeIn 2023, the global cryptocurrency user base increased by 34%, reaching 580 million. The recent bull market has sparked a resurgence of interest, particularly in cryptocurrencies like Neiro and Dogecoin. Supported by Elon Musk, Dogecoin has doubled in value within a week, whereas Neiro has increased by 48%. In the presale domain, Web3Bay (3BAY) is emerging as a prominent DeFi contender, introducing what could be one of the most significant presales in the history of cryptocurrency. Neiro’s 48% Surge Neiro (NEIRO), released in August 2024 on the Ethereum blockchain, has swiftly risen in the crypto market rankings. As of December 12, 2024, Neiro’s trading price is $0.00165, an 11.67% increase in 24 hours, with a weekly gain of 48.43%, boosting its market cap to about $5.43 million and a circulating supply of 1 billion tokens. This growth is driven by increasing community involvement and institutional interest. A notable example is GSR Markets, a key market maker, withdrawing $4.3 million in NEIRO from Bybit, indicating strong market confidence, accompanied by a 25% price rise that highlights positive market sentiment. Dogecoin’s Momentum Buildup Dogecoin (DOGE) has seen a significant surge, increasing by 45% as Bitcoin soared to new records above $88,000. This bullish trend is partly fueled by the positive market reaction to Donald Trump's presidential win. Elon Musk’s continuous support has significantly influenced Dogecoin's market movements, with the current upturn being no exception. Technical signals indicate Dogecoin might see further growth. A "golden cross" pattern has formed, typically a precursor to significant rallies, as seen in past cycles with increases up to 7,000%. Web3Bay’s Upcoming Market Boom: Act Before It Hits $1 Web3Bay is swiftly becoming a standout in the realm of crypto e-commerce, differentiating itself from standard marketplaces by leveraging a decentralized blockchain. This approach gives users unprecedented control over their personal data, enhancing privacy and security—essential elements in today's digital economy. Built on a robust Layer-1 blockchain, Web3Bay is synonymous with transparency and reliability, creating a safe space for trading digital assets. At the core of Web3Bay's vibrant ecosystem is its native token, 3BAY. This token extends beyond mere transactional use; it empowers users with governance rights, letting them shape the platform's future. Additionally, Web3Bay supports both cryptocurrency and traditional payment options like PayPal, making it a versatile gateway for both new and experienced crypto users. With the global cryptocurrency ownership standing at 580 million and a growing consensus that crypto is the future of finance, Web3Bay is strategically positioned to harness this expansion. Its innovative presale structure, offering substantial ROI potential, sets it apart as a transformative player ready to redefine the crypto-commerce landscape. Premier 3 Cryptos to Invest In Right Now As the market thrives, Neiro and Dogecoin are capturing impressive gains, yet Web3Bay is poised to revolutionize e-commerce with blockchain technology. Its user-focused design and lucrative presale make it an attractive investment for those looking to capitalize on the future of decentralized commerce. For those aiming to invest in a true market evolution, Web3Bay is emerging as a definitive leader in new crypto assets. Presale: https://web3bay.io/buy Website: https://web3bay.io/ Twitter: https://x.com/web3bayofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/web3bayofficial/ Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

Elon Musk digs in on German far right plug, sparking rowWASHINGTON (AP) — For years, Pat Verhaeghe didn’t think highly of Donald Trump as a leader. Then Verhaeghe began seeing more of Trump’s campaign speeches online and his appearances at sporting events. There was even the former president’s pairing with Bryson DeChambeau as part of the pro golfer’s YouTube channel series to shoot an under-50 round of golf while engaging in chitchat with his partner. “I regret saying this, but a while ago I thought he was an idiot and that he wouldn’t be a good president,” said the 18-year-old first-time voter. “I think he’s a great guy now.” Verhaeghe isn't alone among his friends in suburban Detroit or young men across America. Although much of the electorate shifted right to varying degrees in 2024, young men were one of the groups that swung sharply toward Trump. More than half of men under 30 supported Trump, according to AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, while Democrat Joe Biden had won a similar share of this group four years earlier. White men under 30 were solidly in Trump’s camp this year — about 6 in 10 voted for Trump — while young Latino men were split between the two candidates. Most Black men under 30 supported Democrat Kamala Harris, but about one-third were behind Trump. Young Latino men’s views of the Democratic Party were much more negative than in 2020, while young Black men’s views of the party didn’t really move. About 6 in 10 Latino men under 30 had a somewhat or very favorable view of the Democrats in 2020, which fell to about 4 in 10 this year. On the other hand, about two-thirds of young Black men had a favorable view of the Democrats this year, which was almost identical to how they saw the party four years ago. “Young Hispanic men, and really young men in general, they want to feel valued," said Rafael Struve, deputy communications director for Bienvenido, a conservative group that focused on reaching young Hispanic voters for Republicans this year. “They're looking for someone who fights for them, who sees their potential and not just their struggles.” Struve cited the attempted assassination of Trump during a July rally in Pennsylvania as one of the catalyzing moments for Trump’s image among many young men. Trump, Struve said, was also able to reach young men more effectively by focusing on nontraditional platforms like podcasts and digital media outlets. “Getting to hear from Trump directly, I think, really made all the difference," Struve said of the former president's appearances on digital media platforms and media catering to Latino communities, like town halls and business roundtables Trump attended in Las Vegas and Miami. Not only did Trump spend three hours on Joe Rogan's chart-topping podcast, but he took up DeChambeau's “Break 50” challenge for the golfer's more than 1.6 million YouTube subscribers. Trump already had an edge among young white men four years ago, although he widened the gap this year. About half of white men under 30 supported Trump in 2020, and slightly less than half supported Biden. Trump's gains among young Latino and Black men were bigger. His support among both groups increased by about 20 percentage points, according to AP VoteCast — and their feelings toward Trump got warmer, too. It wasn’t just Trump. The share of young men who identified as Republicans in 2024 rose as well, mostly aligning with support for Trump across all three groups. “What is most alarming to me is that the election is clear that America has shifted right by a lot,” said William He, founder of Dream For America, a liberal group that works to turn out young voters and supported Harris’ presidential bid. With his bombastic demeanor and a policy agenda centered on a more macho understanding of culture , Trump framed much of his campaign as a pitch to men who felt scorned by the country’s economy, culture and political system. Young women also slightly swung toward the former president, though not to the degree of their male counterparts. It's unclear how many men simply did not vote this year. But there's no doubt the last four years brought changes in youth culture and how political campaigns set out to reach younger voters. Democrat Kamala Harris' campaign rolled out policy agendas tailored to Black and Latino men, and the campaign enlisted a range of leaders in Black and Hispanic communities to make the case for the vice president. Her campaign began with a flurry of enthusiasm from many young voters, epitomized in memes and the campaign's embrace of pop culture trends like the pop star Charli XCX's “brat” aesthetic . Democrats hoped to channel that energy into their youth voter mobilization efforts. “I think most young voters just didn’t hear the message,” said Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, a liberal group that engages younger voters. Mayer said the Harris campaign’s pitch to the country was “largely convoluted” and centered on economic messaging that he said wasn’t easily conveyed to younger voters who were not already coming to political media. “And I think that the policies themselves were also very narrow and targeted when what we really needed was a simple, bold economic vision,” said Mayer. Trump also embraced pop culture by appearing at UFC fights, football games and appearing alongside comedians, music stars and social media influencers. His strategists believed that the former president’s ability to grab attention and make his remarks go viral did more for the campaign than paid advertisements or traditional media appearances. Trump's campaign also heavily cultivated networks of online conservative platforms and personalities supportive of him while also engaging a broader universe of podcasts, streaming sites, digital media channels and meme pages open to hearing him. “The right has been wildly successful in infiltrating youth political culture online and on campus in the last couple of years, thus radicalizing young people towards extremism,” said He, who cited conservative activist groups like Turning Point USA as having an outsize impact in online discourse. “And Democrats have been running campaigns in a very old fashioned way. The battleground these days is cultural and increasingly on the internet.” Republicans may lose their broad support if they don't deliver on improving Americans' lives, Struve cautioned. Young men, especially, may drift from the party in a post-Trump era if the party loses the president-elect's authenticity and bravado. Bienvenido, for one group, will double down in the coming years to solidify and accelerate the voting pattern shifts seen this year, Struve said. “We don’t want this to be a one and done thing,” he said. Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan, and AP polling editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux contributed to this report.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For years, Pat Verhaeghe didn’t think highly of Donald Trump as a leader. Then Verhaeghe began seeing more of Trump’s campaign speeches online and his appearances at sporting events. There was even the former president’s pairing with Bryson DeChambeau as part of the pro golfer’s YouTube channel series to shoot an under-50 round of golf while engaging in chitchat with his partner. “I regret saying this, but a while ago I thought he was an idiot and that he wouldn’t be a good president,” said the 18-year-old first-time voter. “I think he’s a great guy now.” Verhaeghe isn’t alone among his friends in suburban Detroit or young men across America. Although much of the electorate shifted right to varying degrees in 2024, young men were one of the groups that More than half of men under 30 supported Trump, , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, while Democrat Joe Biden had won a similar share of this group four years earlier. White men under 30 were solidly in Trump’s camp this year — about 6 in 10 voted for Trump — while young Latino men were split between the two candidates. Most Black men under 30 supported Democrat Kamala Harris, but about one-third were behind Trump. Young Latino men’s views of the Democratic Party were much more negative than in 2020, while young Black men’s views of the party didn’t really move. About 6 in 10 Latino men under 30 had a somewhat or very favorable view of the Democrats in 2020, which fell to about 4 in 10 this year. On the other hand, about two-thirds of young Black men had a favorable view of the Democrats this year, which was almost identical to how they saw the party four years ago. “Young Hispanic men, and really young men in general, they want to feel valued,” said Rafael Struve, deputy communications director for Bienvenido, a conservative group that focused on reaching young Hispanic voters for Republicans this year. “They’re looking for someone who fights for them, who sees their potential and not just their struggles.” Struve cited the during a July rally in Pennsylvania as one of the catalyzing moments for Trump’s image among many young men. Trump, Struve said, was also able to reach young men more effectively by like podcasts and digital media outlets. “Getting to hear from Trump directly, I think, really made all the difference,” Struve said of the former president’s appearances on digital media platforms and media catering to Latino communities, like town halls and business roundtables Trump attended in Las Vegas and Miami. Not only did Trump spend three hours on Joe Rogan’s chart-topping podcast, but he took up DeChambeau’s “Break 50” challenge for the golfer’s more than 1.6 million YouTube subscribers. Trump already had an edge among young white men four years ago, although he widened the gap this year. About half of white men under 30 supported Trump in 2020, and slightly less than half supported Biden. Trump’s were bigger. His support among both groups increased by about 20 percentage points, according to AP VoteCast — and their feelings toward Trump got warmer, too. It wasn’t just Trump. The share of young men who identified as Republicans in 2024 rose as well, mostly aligning with support for Trump across all three groups. “What is most alarming to me is that the election is clear that America has shifted right by a lot,” said William He, founder of Dream For America, a liberal group that works to turn out young voters and supported Harris’ presidential bid. With his bombastic demeanor and a policy agenda centered on a more , Trump framed much of his campaign as a pitch to men who felt scorned by the country’s economy, culture and political system. Young women also slightly swung toward the former president, though not to the degree of their male counterparts. It’s unclear how many men simply did not vote this year. But there’s no doubt the last four years brought changes in youth culture and how political campaigns set out to reach younger voters. Democrat Kamala Harris’ campaign rolled out policy agendas tailored to Black and Latino men, and the campaign enlisted a range of leaders in Black and Hispanic communities to make the case for the vice president. Her campaign began with a from many young voters, epitomized in memes and the campaign’s embrace of pop culture trends like the pop star . Democrats hoped to channel that energy into their youth voter mobilization efforts. “I think most young voters just didn’t hear the message,” said Santiago Mayer, executive director of Voters of Tomorrow, a liberal group that engages younger voters. Mayer said the Harris campaign’s pitch to the country was “largely convoluted” and centered on economic messaging that he said wasn’t easily conveyed to younger voters who were not already coming to political media. “And I think that the policies themselves were also very narrow and targeted when what we really needed was a simple, bold economic vision,” said Mayer. Trump also embraced pop culture by appearing at UFC fights, football games and appearing alongside comedians, music stars and social media influencers. His strategists believed that the former president’s ability to grab attention and make his remarks go viral did more for the campaign than paid advertisements or traditional media appearances. Trump’s campaign also heavily cultivated networks of online conservative platforms and personalities supportive of him while also engaging a broader universe of podcasts, streaming sites, digital media channels and meme pages open to hearing him. “The right has been wildly successful in infiltrating youth political culture online and on campus in the last couple of years, thus radicalizing young people towards extremism,” said He, who cited conservative activist groups like Turning Point USA as having an outsize impact in online discourse. “And Democrats have been running campaigns in a very old fashioned way. The battleground these days is cultural and increasingly on the internet.” Republicans may lose their broad support if they don’t deliver on improving Americans’ lives, Struve cautioned. Young men, especially, may drift from the party in a post-Trump era if the party loses the president-elect’s authenticity and bravado. Bienvenido, for one group, will double down in the coming years to solidify and accelerate the voting pattern shifts seen this year, Struve said. “We don’t want this to be a one and done thing,” he said. ___ Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan, and AP polling editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux contributed to this report. Matt Brown, The Associated PressThroughout his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump promised national prosperity and global peace, saying he would quickly drive down the cost of groceries in local supermarkets and bring deadly overseas wars to an abrupt end. He echoed that rosy message during a wide-ranging news conference Monday, saying his second term "will be the most exciting and successful period of reform and renewal in all of American history, maybe of global history." "The Golden Age of America, I call it," he said. "It's begun." Then again, maybe not. Trump also offered a caveat — a warning that things could go badly wrong, such as when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted "out of nowhere" during his first term in office. "We hope we don't have any intervening problems," he said, "because things happen." The remarks were the latest example of Trump's idea of himself as the strongman fixer of all the world's problems running headlong into his penchant for pessimism — for casting the world as a dangerous place, the nation as a crumbling wreck and himself as the undeserving victim of political ill will and plain bad luck. Since his victory last month, those dueling worldviews have collided repeatedly, as he has softened the assured rhetoric of his stump speeches, walked back some of his more grandiose campaign promises and doubled down on some of his more dire warnings about a future filled with chaos. In his victory speech, Trump said he would "govern by a simple motto: Promises made, promises kept. We're going to keep our promises. Nothing will stop me from keeping my word to you, the people." During a more recent interview with Time magazine, Trump cast fresh doubt on his ability to bring down grocery prices — a key campaign promise — by saying, "It's hard to bring things down once they're up." After a campaign that spent millions on ads about the alleged threat posed by the nation's small population of transgender people, he also suggested the issue has been overblown, saying "it gets massive coverage, and it's not a lot of people." During his Monday news conference, Trump said he'd recently had a "very good conversation" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is leading a brutal campaign against Hamas in Gaza and beyond, and that he believes "the Middle East will be in a good place" soon. However, he also said that if hostages taken from Israel during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that precipitated the war aren't returned by his inauguration on Jan. 20, "all hell's going to break out." Asked to clarify, he simply said: "It won't be pleasant." Trump also said that Russia's war on Ukraine — which he promised to end in a day during the campaign, saying "I'll have that done in 24 hours" — will be "actually more difficult" than addressing the Middle East tensions. He said the fighting was producing the "worst carnage this world has seen" since World War II, and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must be "prepared to make a deal" with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end it. Asked directly if he thinks Ukraine should "cede territory" to Russia in that deal, he said he would let people know once he takes office and begins having meetings as president. Then he suggested the territory isn't worth fighting over. "There are cities that there's not a building standing. It's a demolition site. There is not a building standing," he said. "So people can't go back to those cities. There's nothing there. It's just rubble." According to historians and experts in political speech, Trump's wildly vacillating rhetoric is unique among presidents — many of whom have overpromised or shifted positions, but few so wildly. "The president-elect has spoken on both sides of so many issues that it's impossible to know what he will do after being inaugurated. It's a brilliant strategy, leaving him free to move in any direction," said H.W. Brands, a prominent historian, author and history professor at University of Texas at Austin. "His predecessors, wherever they are, must be watching in envy." Brands noted that Trump has less of a mandate than he claims, having won but not by much and failing to secure a popular majority. His "margin of error is slim," Brands said. But as long as his "appeal to his base remains firm," Brands said, "he will continue to be largely immune from ordinary expectations of political leaders." One limit, Brands said, is that "the longer he is in government himself, the less persuasive his efforts to blame government for what his base doesn't like." Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of "Presidents Creating the Presidency: Deeds Done in Words," which considers how presidents have defined the office through their speech, said Trump "lives in an all-or-nothing world," and it is reflected in his stark pronouncements about the direction of the country and the world. "Trump on average is far more hyperbolic than candidates have traditionally been," she said. Presidents and presidential candidates of all stripes "routinely claim that they will do something that they actually can't do alone, that requires Congress," Jamieson said — such as Vice President Kamala Harris promising to sign a bill that would restore the protections of Roe vs. Wade. "That's a routine part of presidential discourse, that's not unusual," Jamieson said. But Trump does something different, she said, in that he promises to accomplish things that are "completely unrealistic," then works to "reframe" the promise in the eyes of his followers once he fails to fulfill it. His first-term promise that Mexico would pay for a border wall, for example, morphed into a promise Mexico would pay for a piece of the wall, then transformed into an argument that Mexico had in fact paid for the wall by agreeing separately to deploy troops to the border. Trump is able to get away with such shifts for a few reasons, Jamieson said. One is that he has made good on other big promises, like overturning Roe vs. Wade. Another is that his followers understand and accept his speech as bluster — "not as literal statements" but as "statements that he is going to do something that is bigger and more impactful than what other people are going to do," Jamieson said. That Trump has already started walking back promises about the economy is new, she said, adding that she will be interested to see how he handles the other economic promises he has made about decreasing or eliminating taxes — including the federal income tax, tax on tips and tax on Social Security benefits — and increasing tariffs without costs being passed on to consumers. "Unless mainstream economists are wrong," Jamieson said, "that's impossible." One of the first major opportunities for Trump to describe his view of the world heading into his second term will be his inauguration. Presidents have traditionally offered a hopeful view of the country at inaugurations, but not Trump. He shocked many political observers during his first inaugural speech in 2017, when he spoke of "American carnage" and a suffering nation. During a recent interview with NBC, he said "carnage" would not be his message this time around, but "unity." Some experts, including Jamieson, were doubtful, as unity messages have not come easily to Trump before. "It's as if he only has one mode, it's campaign mode, and he only has one focus, it's himself," Jamieson said. Unity speeches are generally "centered on something other than yourself," she said, "and he seems to have trouble with it."

debut cover of the holiday classic has left fans both confused and disturbed after the release of its accompanying music video. The track, produced by brother-in-law , dropped on Sunday night, and the accompanying visuals quickly became the subject of online debate. Check out the eerie video below: Kim Kardashian's "Santa Baby" cover The music video, directed by and , is set to a slowed-down version of the festive tune, but it's the eerie imagery that has taken center stage. Fans have compared the clip to an unsettling filled with bizarre, almost surreal scenes. , dressed in a blonde bob wig, is seen navigating a chaotic house party, where things quickly spiral into the strange and unsettling. The video captures seemingly disoriented, crawling across the floor at a late-night party. As the camera pans around, viewers are introduced to a series of bizarre partygoers, including creepy elves, men in 1980s clothing, and a donkey standing alongside a figure dressed as the . As crawls through the scene, she passes unsettling moments, including a woman dancing in a cheerleader outfit and men fighting over money. The only intensifies as the video progresses. Despite the offbeat visuals, remains a central figure in the clip, moving through scenes filled with tension and absurdity. The strange events unfold rapidly, with moments such as a nun mumbling incoherently, people dressed as Santas stealing items, and a surreal scene featuring a man dressed as who is later revealed to be none other than . Fans have taken to social media to express their shock, with many commenting on the unsettling nature of the video. Some viewers have labeled it a while others have called it Despite the criticism, some fans have praised the video for its avant-garde and abstract approach, calling it and

Video shows mom spitting on infant, putting dish soap in their mouth, Ohio cops sayNone

MANY financial changes are coming in 2025 which could affect how much money you have in your pocket. Bus and rail fares will rise, the minimum wage will increase and stamp duty thresholds will be updated. Plus, it’s important to remember yearly money dates including the deadline to submit a tax return or when the new financial year begins. Here we explain all the key dates you need in your diary for the New Year. January 1 - energy price cap On January 1 the new energy price cap comes into effect. Households will now pay an average of £1,738 per year for their energy, up from £1,717. Read more on benefits The price cap is used to show how much a typical family with a dual fuel tariff who pays via direct debit could expect to spend on their energy bill each year. But the exact amount you will pay each month will depend on your usage and can be higher or lower than the cap. What to do: There are several things you can do to ease the pain of a price cap rise. The first is to look around for a fixed rate that might be cheaper than the standard variable tariffs based on the cap. Most read in Money The second is to look for ways to minimise your energy usage, which can bring down your overall bills. This could be things like turning the thermostat down a degree, keeping your curtains drawn, and even blocking drafts from chimneys. Longer term, insulation is expensive but can save you thousands of pounds on your bills. Emily Seymour, Which? energy editor, said: "It's still worth shopping around for energy deals - look out for any that might be cheaper than the January price cap when it comes into effect. "You should compare what your monthly payments would be on a fixed deal with what you'd expect them to be if you remain with the price-capped variable tariff to see what the best option is for you. "As a rule of thumb, we'd recommend looking for deals cheaper than the price cap, not longer than 12 months and without significant exit fees. "If you're worried about affording your bills this winter, don't suffer in silence. "Speak to your energy company - they are obliged to help you if you're struggling to pay your bills." January 1 - bus fares rise On January 1 the bus fare cap will also increase from £2 to £3. The government announced the changes to travel costs in its Budget. The cap will mean that no single bus fare on routes included in the scheme will exceed £3. Meanwhile, routes where fares are less than £3 will only be allowed to increase in line with inflation . What to do: You'll need to factor this change into your monthly budget and check to see if there is a travel card that might make it cheaper for you. January 29 - Winter Fuel Payment deadline Thousands of pensioners who receive certain benefits will get a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 this year. Most payments will be made automatically in November or December. If you are eligible you should receive a letter telling you how much you’ll get and which bank account it will be paid into. This is usually the same account as your Pension Credit or other benefits. Consumer reporter Sam Walker explains all you need to know about the payment. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free benefit designed to help cover the cost of heating through the colder months. Most who are eligible receive the payment automatically. Those who qualify are usually told via a letter sent in October or November each year. If you do meet the criteria but don't automatically get the Winter Fuel Payment, you will have to apply on the government's website. You'll qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter if: you were born on or before September 23, 1958 you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of September 16 to 22, 2024, known as the "qualifying week" you receive Pension Credit , Universal Credit , ESA, JSA, Income Support, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply: you live in Switzerland or a EEA country you have a "genuine and sufficient" link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK and having a family in the UK But there are exclusions - you can’t get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France , Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain . This is because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK. You will also not qualify if you: are in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you can not claim public funds were in prison for the whole "qualifying week" lived in a care home for the whole time between 26 June to 24 September 2023, and got Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance Payments are usually made between November and December, with some made up until the end of January the following year. What to do: If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29 then you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number. The deadline for you to claim for this winter is March 31, 2025. January 31 - Self-assessment tax return deadline Hundreds of thousands of people need to file a self-assessment tax return before January 31 or face a hefty penalty. You may need to do a tax return for several reasons, including if you are self-employed or earn money from savings, tips or commissions. The deadline to submit a paper tax return has passed but you can still complete the forms online. You can find more information about completing a tax return on the Government’s website. If you owe any tax then you need to pay it by midnight on the same day. You can do this online, via the HMRC app, through your bank’s app or using online banking. It can take a few days for payments to reach HMRC so try and pay your bill at least a few days ahead of the deadline. There’s usually a second payment deadline of July 31 if you make advance payments towards your bill. This is known as “payments on account”. You will also need to pay a penalty if you are late. What to do: You can check if you need to file a tax return by using the online tool on the GOV.UK website. Complete the paperwork online well before the deadline to avoid any mishaps. Pay any tax you owe now to avoid being slapped with a hefty fine. February 1 - Alcohol duty freeze ends The freeze on alcohol duty rates was extended until February 1 in the Spring Budget. After this date, alcohol duty rates on all non-draught products will rise in line with the retail price index measure of inflation. This means that the price of some alcohol will increase. Draught products, such as beer, which are served in pubs will be exempt to help control prices. What to do: Stock up on your favourite beverages ahead of this deadline to avoid being affected by price rises. February 6 - Bank of England base rate In February the Bank of England’s rate-setting committee will meet for the first time to decide whether to cut interest rates. If the Bank decides to cut interest rates then it could mean that savings rates fall and mortgages get less expensive. Interest rates were cut twice this year, in August and November. It is expected that interest rates will fall even further in 2025 but they are unlikely to return to the levels seen for more than a decade. What to do: If experts think the base rate is likely to increase, then you should consider whether you’re getting the best mortgage deal. You can apply for and hold a mortgage rate for up to six months. If you have a fix coming to an end or you’re on a standard variable rate, it’s worth speaking to a broker before any MPC decision and securing a rate. You can always shop around for another one if rates fall. It's also a good time to check whether your savings, and any debts are in the best place possible. Check whether you can find lower interest for credit cards, or higher paying savings accounts depending on what the MPC announces. February 25 - Energy price cap published The next energy price cap will be published on February 25. This will control how much an energy supplier can charge for every unit of energy used between April 1 to June 30. There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal . Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households , such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts , free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply. The cap has risen the last two times it has been reviewed and could rise again in February. As a result, energy bills could become more expensive. What to do: Check if you would be better off locking into a fixed energy deal if you are on a variable tariff. March 2 - train fares rise by 4.6% Rail fares are set to increase by 4.6% in March after the government revealed the plans in its Budget document. The cost of most railcards will also rise by £5, which is equal to almost 17%. What to do: As train travel gets more expensive, railcards are likely to become better value for money, particularly if you’re a regular traveller. National Rail has plenty available including for young people up to 30, disabled people, family and friends, network rail, seniors, veterans and two people travelling together. Currently, most cost £30 for one year or £70 for three, so it’s worth buying now before prices rise. If you’re a commuter, it might also be worth checking whether an annual ticket might be cheaper, if you don’t have one already. March 31 - Household support fund applications close Struggling households have until March 31 to apply for the Household Support Fund which can help them to make ends meet. The government has provided £421 million of funding to local authorities to help hard-up families and pensioners. The money will help to pay for gas , electricity or food. Payments will be made in cash or vouchers. The amount you will get depends on your local authority and what support is available. If you think you are eligible then apply as soon as possible. Councils only have a certain amount of money to give out to residents and once it is gone you will miss out. What to do: Check if you are eligible for help and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out. April 1 - household bills increase The cost of several household bills will rise from April 1. Council tax bills in England will rise by up to 5% from April, which will add an extra £100 to a typical bill. The exact amount your bill will rise depends on where you live and what band your property is in. Water regulator Ofwat has forecast that bills will rise by £27.40 next year, pushing up the average household water bill to £473. Meanwhile, the cost of a TV licence will increase by £5 to £174.50 , the Government announced in December. What to do: Most of the changes will happen automatically and there’s not much you can do, but you can plan in advance. Start thinking now about how you can cut costs to accommodate rising bills. For anything where you can choose your provider, such as mobile phones and broadband, it’s worth shopping around to make sure you’ll be getting the best deal. April 1 - minimum wage rise and National Living Wage Meanwhile, the National Living Wage is also set to increase on the same day. The living wage for those aged over 21 will rise by 77p to £12.21 an hour from April 1. The rate for 18-20-year-olds will increase by £1.40 to £10. Apprentices will get £7.55 an hour, a £1.15 increase. The Government wants to eventually introduce a single minimum wage for all ages. What to do: Rises will come in automatically for those who earn the national living or minimum wages and you don’t need to do anything. For anyone on a higher salary, this could be a good opportunity to negotiate an increase with your employer. If you do get a pay rise, it often makes sense to increase your pension contributions. After all, if you’ve never had the money, you won’t miss it. Equally, diverting more money to savings at the beginning of the month can help you save for emergencies or big spends such as holidays. April 5 - end of the tax year Unlike the calendar year, the tax year runs from April to April each year. This can be important if you want to save a lot of money in an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or junior version. You can pay up to £20,000 into an Isa each year. Meanwhile, Junior Isas have a limit of £9,000 a year. You cannot roll over any unused allowance to the next tax year. What to do: If you have an ISA, this is the last chance to use up any of the 2024/2025 allowance. It’s also when your annual pension allowance ends, so a good opportunity to get any last minute payments in if you think you might reach the limit next year. April 5 - deadline to top up state pension One important date is April 5, when the rules about filling historic gaps your NI record change. Currently, you can buy national insurance years going back to 2006 to top up your record, but from April this will change to just 6 years. Your national insurance record determines how much state pension you get, and you need 35 years of contributions or credits to get the full amount. What to do: Check your state pension record and see if there are any gaps. Use HMRC’s new online tool which tells you how much it would cost to fill different years and what effect that would have on your pension. April 5 - tax credits finish Universal Credit is replacing tax credits in 2025. After April 5 tax credits will end and no further payments will be made. Those who are eligible will be moved over to Universal Credit . They will get a letter from the Government to tell them that they need to switch. If you do not claim by the deadline in that letter then your existing tax credit payments will stop, even if you just renewed your claim. If you claim tax credits and are over the state pension age then you will be asked to apply for Universal Credit or Pension Credit, depending on your situation. What to do: If you need to apply for new benefits then you should do so before this deadline. You could miss out on some money if you apply after this date. There should be information on how to apply in the Government letter. April 6 - state pension rises The state pension will rise by £472 a year for millions of pensioners on April 6 as part of the triple lock guarantee. This ensures that payments rise in line with wages, inflation or 2.5% - whichever is highest. AT the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 - but it's due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046. The state pension is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach State Pension age. But not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record. For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income , as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings. The new state pension is based on people's National Insurance records. Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension. You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit . If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions. To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits. You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension. Those on the basic and new state pension will see their payments rise by 4.1%. From next year pensioners on the full new state pension will get £230.25 a week. Meanwhile, retirees on the full old basic state pension will receive £176.45 a week. What to do: Make sure that your contact details are up to date. Check what day of the week your state pension should be paid . April 6 - Help to Save scheme expanded On the same day, the Help to Save scheme will be expanded to anyone who works and claims Universal Credit. Help to Save is a savings account which can be opened by people who are entitled to Working Tax Credit or receive Universal Credit and meet certain criteria. Those with the account get a bonus of 50p for every £1 they save over four years. They can save between £1 and £50 every calendar month and do not have to pay in money every month. Currently, those who get Universal Credit must earn £793.17 or more each month to be eligible. But anyone earning at least £1 a month who claims Universal Credit will be able to apply from April. What to do: If you want to join Help to Save then you can apply through the Government Gateway. You do not need to submit any paperwork as HMRC will assess whether you are eligible. If you have problems applying then you can call the Help to Save service on 0300 322 7093. May 1 - NHS prescription charges could rise The NHS increased prescription charges from May 1, 2024. The cost of a single prescription rose by 25p to £9.90. Meanwhile, the cost of a prepayment certificate rose by £2.90 to £114.50. The Government may decide to do the same in 2025. It is not yet clear how much prescription costs could rise by next year. What to do: If you get lots of prescriptions, consider a Prescription Prepayment Certificate. These cover all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. The NHS says you will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months. The prescription charge in England is currently £9.90. A PPC costs: £32.05 for 3 months £114.50 for 12 months If you’re on benefits or a low income you might be eligible for free prescriptions. You can use the eligibility checker here to find out. May 26 - energy price cap published By May 26 the energy regulator Ofwat will announce the energy price cap for July 1 to September 30. This will decide how much households will pay for their gas and electricity during the summer months. What to do: Check how much you are spending on your gas and electricity each month. Compare it to how much you would pay if you locked into a fixed tariff to see whether you could save money. June 30 - Radio Teleswitch service turned off The Radio Teleswitch Service uses radio signals to tell some electricity meters to switch between peak and off-peak rates. It will be shut down and the service which uses it will end on June 30, 2025. Homes which use this service for their heating and hot water could be impacted if they are not upgraded. What to do: If you think you could be affected then contact your energy supplier to check if your meter needs replacing. June 30 - Mortgage guarantee scheme closes The mortgage guarantee scheme allows lenders to offer 95% deals for first-time buyers and people who want to move home. To be eligible they must have a deposit of between 5% and 9.99%. GETTING on the property ladder can feel like a daunting task but there are schemes out there to help first-time buyers have their own home. Help to Buy Isa - It's a tax-free savings account where for every £200 you save, the Government will add an extra £50. But there's a maximum limit of £3,000 which is paid to your solicitor when you move. These accounts have now closed to new applicants but those who already hold one have until November 2029 to use it. Help to Buy equity loan - The Government will lend you up to 20% of the home's value - or 40% in London - after you've put down a 5% deposit. The loan is on top of a normal mortgage but it can only be used to buy a new build property. Lifetime Isa - This is another Government scheme that gives anyone aged 18 to 39 the chance to save tax-free and get a bonus of up to £32,000 towards their first home. You can save up to £4,000 a year and the Government will add 25% on top. Shared ownership - Co-owning with a housing association means you can buy a part of the property and pay rent on the remaining amount. You can buy anything from 25% to 75% of the property but you're restricted to specific ones. Mortgage guarantee scheme - The scheme opens to new 95% mortgages from April 19 2021. Applicants can buy their first home with a 5% deposit, it's eligible for homes up to £600,000. The scheme allows lenders to offer more mortgages with smaller deposits, helping thousands of people to get on the property ladder. But it will close to applicants on June 30, 2025. What to do: This may see some lenders stopping 95% mortgages or making them more expensive, so if you’re planning to buy, do so before the scheme ends. You can hold a mortgage offer for up to six months, so it’s worth applying even if you won’t be ready to move for a couple of months after the deadline. July 1 - Energy price cap updated The energy price cap for July 1 to September 30 will come into force on this day. British Gas estimates that on this day the price cap will fall from £1,810 to £1,775. If true, the decrease would save customers £35 a year. What to do: Take a meter reading before the new price cap comes into force. This will ensure that you are charged accurately for the energy you used before prices changed. Every supplier has their own policy on when you can submit a meter reading after the new cap comes in. Check with yours how long you have to take one and submit it. July 31 - Payment on account deadline The deadline to make a second payment on account is July 31. Payments on account help you to spread the cost of your tax bill by splitting it into instalments. Each payment is half of the tax you owed last year. They must be paid by midnight on January 31 and July 31. What to do: You can check how much you owe and make payments through your online government account. There is also an HMRC tool which you can use to check if you need to pay. August 1 - Student fees rise The maximum fees that universities can charge will rise from £9,250 to £9,535 a year. This will be the first increase since a freeze introduced in 2017. What to do: You can get a student loan to cover your fees. August 20 - July inflation figures released Inflation figures for July will be published on August 20, 2025. This figures are used to calculate how much rail fares will increase by the following year. The exact amount that rail fares will increase by is usually confirmed around the time the government publishes its Budget . What to do: Keep an eye out for announcements around how this will impact prices in 2026. September 15 - First day to claim Winter Fuel Payment To get the Winter Fuel Payment you must have received certain benefits such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit between September 16 and 22. This is known as the “qualifying week”. If the same rules apply next year then the qualifying week will begin on September 15. What to do: Apply for any benefits which would make you eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment well ahead of September. If you already receive a qualifying benefit then ensure you will receive it during the qualifying week. September 16 - Wage figures published On this date the government will publish its September labour market figures, which are used to calculate state pension rates . The state pension increases every April in line with September wage figures, inflation or 2.5%, whichever is highest. In 2024 the state pension was increased in line with wages, which rose by 4.1%. What to do: Wait until the Government confirms how much the state pension will rise in 2026. Check how much you could be entitled to so you can manage your budget the following year. October 1 - Energy price cap updated The energy price cap for the October 1 to December 31 period will come into effect on this day. The amount that a typical family can expect to pay during this period will be published on August 27. What to do: Take a meter reading and send it to your energy supplier before the new price cap comes in. October 5 - Deadline to register for self-assessment If you need to file a tax return then the deadline to register with HMRC is October 5. You may need to do a tax return if you are self-employed and earned more than £1,000 last year or if you are in a business partnership. To register visit the Gov.uk website. What to do: To register, follow the instructions on the government’s website . October 22 - September inflation figure published On October 22 the inflation figure for September will be published. This is important because it is used to calculate how much benefits, the state pension and tax credits will rise. The September inflation figure is used as part of the triple lock guarantee. If it is higher than the wage figures published on September 16 and 2.5% then it will be used in the calculations. The government usually confirms the exact amount that the state pension will rise at a later date. What to do: Check the figures announced to understand how your payments from April 6, 2026 might be affected. October 31 - Paper tax return deadline The deadline to submit a paper tax return is usually midnight on October 31 every year. These forms can be downloaded from the Government website or you can request them by telephone. They are then posted to the tax office, where they are registered. It can take a few days for the tax office to receive your paper tax return in the post. Submit it a few days ahead of this deadline to make sure it arrives on time. What to do: You can download the form here or ring HMRC and ask them to send you one. If you miss the deadline, you should submit as soon as possible. If you’re able to file digitally, there is a later deadline of January 31. November - Budget We don't know when the Budget will be, but it's likely to be November. What to do: Keep an eye on the Sun’s money pages throughout Autumn, where we will update you on the date of the budget and all the experts’ predictions for what it will include. November 28 - Black Friday Black Friday will start on November 28 and will end on December 1 in 2025. READ MORE SUN STORIES Although it was originally an American celebration, it has now become a worldwide shopping event. What to do: Keep an eye out for deals and discounts in the run-up to Black Friday as some shops launch their offers early to entice shoppers. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk . Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and storiesIf you were still gaming on Windows 7 or 8 in 2024, almost two years after Microsoft itself abandoned its own children , it's definitely time for an upgrade: Steam's most recent client update is the first to not work on the old OSes, more than 11 months after Valve announced it would stop supporting them . "This version of the Steam client will no longer run on Windows 7 or Windows 8," reads the accompanying documentation of the November 5 Steam client update . "Users on these OS versions will not automatically update to this new version of the Steam client." Really, the news is less that you can no longer download the latest version of Steam on Windows 7 and 8, but that it took this long to happen after Valve announced the end of support for them back in January. "We expect the Steam client and games on these older operating systems to continue running for some time without updates after January 1st, 2024," Valve wrote on the Steam support website at the time, "but we are unable to guarantee continued functionality after that date." According to Valve, the embedded version of Google Chrome required for core functions of the Steam client was the impetus for the move⁠—it just doesn't support older versions of Windows anymore. As of October's Steam hardware survey , only .28% of users were still on Windows 7, while there were no reported users at all on Windows 8. Not only is that one final damning indictment of the awkward, touchscreen-centric Windows 8 before it's gone for good, that Windows 7 figure is actually kind of confounding⁠—that's higher than the percentage of Windows 7 and 8 users combined in the December 2023 Steam Hardware survey PCG senior editor Wes Fenlon cited at the beginning of the year! If you're still gaming on Windows 7 in 2024, especially if you installed Steam in just the past year, please drop me a line. You are fascinating. If you're still gaming on Windows 8 and just skipped the survey, it's about time you upgraded that college laptop⁠—you've more than gotten your money's worth. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.

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