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While the rest of the Notre Dame community figures out whether it's worth paying four figures for a ticket to the College Football Playoff first-round home game against Indiana, the men's basketball team continues to figure out how to survive without Markus Burton. Notre Dame (5-5) hosts its next-to-last nonconference game Wednesday night against Dartmouth (4-4), which plays its sixth contest of a seven-game road trip. The Fighting Irish took a promising step -- and snapped a five-game losing streak -- on Saturday by edging Syracuse 69-64 in their ACC opener. "We needed to be in a close game and we needed to win a close game so our guys can build some belief back," head coach Micah Shrewsberry said. "We can't take any steps back on Wednesday." Without Burton -- the stat sheet-stuffing sophomore point guard who injured the medial collateral ligament in his knee Nov. 26 against Rutgers -- the Irish are struggling to find someone to run the offense, as evidenced by their seven assists versus 15 turnovers against Syracuse. At the same time, players are filling the scoring void. Braeden Shrewsberry poured in a career-high-tying 25 points versus the Orange while hitting 6 of 11 3-point attempts. Tae Davis averaged 12.4 points and 7.2 shots per game when Burton was healthy, but he has upped his mean production to 16.6 points and 12.2 shots in the past five games. Micah Shrewsberry, though, prefers to measure progress on a possession-by-possession basis. "Just the toughness," he said. "There have been times when we haven't gotten the key stop. We haven't gotten the bucket when we quite need it. It gets deflating sometimes." Dartmouth knows that feeling. On Sunday, the Big Green took a one-point lead with 4:03 left in overtime at UIC -- and then failed to score on their final six possessions to suffer a 69-68 loss. The Big Green, who haven't posted a winning season since 1998-99, believe whole-heartedly in launching 3-pointers as they take 48 percent of their shots from behind the arc. Senior Cade Haskins (13.6 ppg) has hit a team-high 28 of 68 3-pointers this season, though fellow senior Ryan Cornish stacks up as the team's top scorer (14.3 ppg), passer (3.0 assists per game) and defender (2.3 steals per game). In its only previous game against a power-conference opponent, Dartmouth upset Boston College 88-83 on Nov. 29. --Field Level MediaWho is Tony Buzbee, the lawyer taking on Diddy and Jay-Z?

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 4, 2024-- iHeartMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: IHRT) (“iHeartMedia”, the “Company” or “we”) today announced that, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 29, 2024, $750,585,122 aggregate principal amount (93.8%) of iHeartCommunications, Inc.’s (“Communications”) outstanding 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “Existing 2026 Secured Notes”), $743,023,000 aggregate principal amount (99.1%) of Communications’ outstanding 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the “Existing 2027 Secured Notes”), $221,587,000 aggregate principal amount (44.3%) of Communications’ outstanding 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “Existing 2028 Secured Notes” and, together with the Existing 2026 Secured Notes and Existing 2027 Secured Notes, the “Existing Secured Notes”) and $843,734,539 aggregate principal amount (92.1%) of Communications’ outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Existing Unsecured Notes” and, together with the Existing Secured Notes, the “Existing Notes”) had tendered and delivered consents in the previously announced exchange offers (the “Notes Exchange Offers”) for the Existing Notes and concurrent consent solicitations (the “Notes Consent Solicitations”) to amend certain provisions in the indentures governing the Existing Notes pursuant to the terms and conditions described in the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 15, 2024 (the “Offering Memorandum”), and that $2,254,656,962 aggregate principal amount (99.5%) of Communications’ outstanding term loans (the “Existing Term Loans” and, together with the Existing Notes, the “Existing Debt”) had agreed to participate and delivered consents in the previously announced exchange offer (the “Term Loan Exchange” and, together with the Notes Exchange Offers, the “Offers”) for the Existing Term Loans and consent solicitation (the “Term Loan Consent Solicitation” and, together with the Notes Consent Solicitations, the “Consent Solicitations”) to amend certain provisions in the credit agreement governing the Existing Term Loans (the “Existing Term Loan Credit Agreement”) in connection with the Term Loan Exchange, representing a total participation of $4,813,586,623 aggregate principal amount (92.0%) of the Existing Debt in the Offers as of such time (the “Early Tender/Participation Debt”). Amendments to the Offers and Consent Solicitations Additionally, Communications announced certain amendments to the Notes Exchange Offers and Notes Consent Solicitations as follows: Communications also announced that corresponding amendments (as applicable) were made to the terms of the Term Loan Exchange and Term Loan Consent Solicitation. The New Comprehensive Condition has been satisfied as of the date hereof and, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum, as amended, Communications intends to consummate the Comprehensive Offers. Holders are referred to the Offering Memorandum, as amended, for the detailed terms and conditions of the Notes Exchange Offers and Notes Consent Solicitations with respect to the Existing Notes, all of which remain unchanged except as set forth in this release. Important Information Eligible Holders of the Existing Notes who wish to participate in the Notes Exchange Offers and Notes Consent Solicitations must tender all their Existing Notes across each series in the Notes Exchange Offers (and deliver consents in the related Notes Consent Solicitations) and shall not be permitted to tender in only one or a subset of the foregoing. In addition, such Eligible Holders will be deemed to have delivered consents for each proposed amendment applicable to the indentures governing their Existing Notes. There are no withdrawal or revocation rights in connection with any of the Notes Exchange Offers. As a result, any tenders of Existing Notes and delivery of the related consents will be final and irrevocable. None of the Issuers, their advisors, the trustee of the Existing Notes, the trustee with respect to the new notes, as applicable, the Exchange and Information Agent (as defined below) or any affiliate of any of them, makes any recommendation as to whether Eligible Holders of Existing Notes should participate in the Notes Exchange Offers and Notes Consent Solicitations, and no one has been authorized by any of them to make such a recommendation. Eligible Holders of Existing Notes should read carefully the Offering Memorandum, as amended, before making a decision to participate in the Notes Exchange Offers and the Notes Consent Solicitations. In addition, Eligible Holders of the Existing Notes must make their own decisions as to whether to tender their Existing Notes in the Notes Exchange Offers and provide consent in the related Notes Consent Solicitation. The Notes Exchange Offers and Notes Consent Solicitations are conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum, as amended, and, other than the amendments described above, the other terms and conditions of the Notes Exchange Offers and Notes Consent Solicitations remain unchanged. The Notes Exchange Offers are being made, and the new notes to be issued by the Issuers in the Notes Exchange Offers are being offered and issued, only to holders of Existing Notes that are either (i) persons who are reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act or (ii) persons other than “U.S. persons” as defined in Regulation S who agree to purchase any such new notes outside of the United States and who are otherwise in compliance with the requirements of Regulation S. The Issuers are not making the Notes Exchange Offers in any jurisdiction where the inclusion of any person in such jurisdiction would require the Issuers or any subsidiary of the Issuers to comply with registration requirements or other similar requirements under any securities laws of such jurisdiction. The holders of Existing Notes who have certified to us that they are eligible to participate in the Notes Exchange Offers pursuant to at least one of the foregoing conditions are referred to as “Eligible Holders.” Only Eligible Holders of Existing Notes may receive a copy of the Offering Memorandum and the amendment thereto (such amendment, the “Supplement”) and participate in the Notes Exchange Offers and the Notes Consent Solicitations. The Exchange and Information Agent is Kroll Issuer Services (US) (the “Exchange and Information Agent”). Detailed instructions regarding how Eligible Holders of Existing Notes can tender Existing Notes and deliver consents with respect to the Notes Consent Solicitations are set forth in the Offering Memorandum, as amended. Questions concerning the Notes Exchange Offers or Notes Consent Solicitations or requests for additional copies of the Offering Memorandum, the Supplement or other related documents may be directed to the Exchange and Information Agent at iheart@is.kroll.com . Eligible Holders of the Existing Notes should also consult their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other institution for assistance concerning the Notes Exchange Offers and the Notes Consent Solicitations. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as counsel and PJT Partners served as financial advisor to the Company. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as counsel and Perella Weinberg Partners served as financial advisor to an ad hoc group of certain of the Supporting Holders. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements herein constitute “forward-looking statements”. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of iHeartMedia, Inc. and its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words or phrases "guidance," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "will," "potential," "positioned," "estimates," "forecast," and words of similar meaning, as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the transactions described above, including the Company’s ability to complete any of the transactions on the terms contemplated herein, on the timeline contemplated or at all, and the Company’s ability to realize the intended benefits of any such transactions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, such as statements about our anticipated growth and financial performance, our expected costs savings and other capital and operating expense reduction initiatives, utilizing new technologies and programmatic platforms, trends in the advertising industry, and strategies and initiatives are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other important factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. Various risks that could cause future results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to: risks related to weak or uncertain global economic conditions and our dependence on advertising revenues; competition, including increased competition from alternative media platforms and technologies; dependence upon our brand and the performance of on-air talent, program hosts and management; fluctuations in operating costs; technological and industry changes and innovations; shifts in population and other demographics; risks related to our use of artificial intelligence, impact of acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions; risks related to our indebtedness; legislative or regulatory requirements; impact of legislation, ongoing litigation or royalty audits on music licensing and royalties; regulations and concerns regarding privacy and data protection and breaches of information security measures; risks related to scrutiny of environmental, social and governance matters; risks related to our Class A common stock; and regulations impacting our business and the ownership of our securities. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on the Company’s future results, performance or achievements. In light of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date stated, or if no date is stated, as of the date hereof. Additional risks that could cause future results to differ from those expressed by any forward-looking statement are described in the Company’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the section entitled “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of iHeartMedia, Inc.’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of iHeartMedia, Inc.’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise. About iHeartMedia, Inc. iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 90% of Americans every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have more consumer reach in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the reach of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled reach of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined and has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204802225/en/ CONTACT: Media Wendy Goldberg Chief Communications Officer (212) 377-1105 wendygoldberg@iheartmedia.comInvestors Mike McGuinness EVP, Deputy CFO, and Head of Investor Relations (212) 377-1336 mbm@iheartmedia.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PODCAST TV AND RADIO MEDIA MUSIC COMMUNICATIONS ONLINE EVENTS/CONCERTS ENTERTAINMENT SOURCE: iHeartMedia, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/04/2024 05:47 PM/DISC: 12/04/2024 05:47 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241204802225/en

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts may sit out a potential NFC East clincher against Dallas because of the lingering effects of a concussion . The Eagles could also just rest Hurts to play it safe -- even if he’s medically cleared ahead of Sunday’s game -- and protect their franchise QB from additional injury over the final two games. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni kept quiet this week on which QB will start Sunday, in large part, of course, because of the head injury suffered by Hurts in last week’s loss to Washington that forced him into the concussion protocol . The issue was complicated by backup Kenny Pickett’s rib injury suffered in relief of Hurts in his first real game competition in nearly a year. Tanner McKee, the third-string QB, could move into a backup role — or maybe even get the start against the Cowboys. Philadelphia's starting quarterback situation has surged past Saquon Barkley's chase at Eric Dickerson's season rushing record as the most intriguing talking point in the final two games. The Eagles (12-3) appear certain to win the division title — they're two games ahead of Washington (10-5) — and a No. 2 seed in the conference no matter the quarterback headed into the playoffs. Even with an unsettled QB spot, the Eagles are are still 7 1/2-point home favorites to beat division rival Dallas, per BetMGM Sportsbook. Sirianni appreciated that quarterback depth has been a strength for the Eagles. “We feel good about that room,” he said. So why risk Hurts against the Cowboys? There's little reason to make Hurts play only a week after absorbing a pair of blows to the head and the extra week off — maybe two if the finale against the Giants is truly meaningless — could add to his recovery time ahead of a home playoff game. The Eagles were burned in a similar situation last season when Hurts and star wide receiver A.J. Brown were both injured in the final game against the Giants with little at stake. With both players hampered by unnecessary injuries, the Eagles were dumped the next week by Tampa Bay in the NFC wild-card playoff game. The Eagles have options if Hurts is inactive. Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards in relief, throwing a touchdown pass to Brown and an interception. Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pitt in 2022, went 14-10 as a starter for the Steelers before he was traded to the Eagles in the offseason. McKee was the Eagles’ 2023 sixth-round pick out of Stanford. The 6-foot-6, 231-pound quarterback has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game. He's mostly used in practice on the scout team or in developmental periods — at best, he'll stay late after practice to get some reps in with the top receivers. “Every week, every opportunity, it's knowing it could be my shot, my chance,” McKee said. He could finally get that shot against Dallas. Rolling with Rush With the Cowboys out of playoff contention, the questions persist for coach Mike McCarthy about bypassing Cooper Rush for a look at Trey Lance before both QBs hit free agency. McCarthy’s answer hasn’t wavered: Rush gives Dallas the best chance to win. Rush is 4-3 since Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring tear after going 5-1 over two previous stints as an injury replacement. That’s 9-4 total. Half the losses came in both of Rush’s starts against Eagles – the last of five games filling in during the 2022 season and the first game this season. “The mindset is to win,” McCarthy said. “We’re going to Philadelphia to win the game.” Barkley watch Barkley leads the NFL with 1,838 yards rushing for the season through 15 games. He still needs two big outings in the final games of the season against Dallas and the New York Giants to top Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. Barkley is 268 yards away from passing Dickerson for the season mark and 162 shy from becoming the ninth player in NFL history with 2,000 yards rushing in a season. He ran for only 66 yards in the first game this season against Dallas. Dallas ranks 28th in the NFL in rushing defense, surrendering 135.9 yards per contest. Philadelphia, behind Barkley’s stellar play, tops the league at 187.9 yards per game on the ground. The Eagles have already have set a team record for yards rushing in a season with 2,818, and they are within four rushing touchdowns of tying the club’s single-season mark of 32, set in 2022. Barkley needs four more rushing touchdowns to tie LeSean McCoy’s Eagles record, set in 2011 and just 33 yards from scrimmage to break McCoy’s mark of 2,146 set in 2013. Seeing double digits Star Dallas edge rusher Micah Parsons needs half a sack to reach double digits in each of his first four seasons despite missing four games with a high ankle sprain, the first injury absence of his career. The 2021 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year would be the fifth player to reach 10 sacks in each of his first four seasons. The other four — Claude Humphrey, Reggie White, Derrick Thomas and Dwight Freeney - are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. ___ AP Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon contributed from Arlington, Texas. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Dan Gelston, The Associated PressWASHINGTON — The Supreme Court seemed likely Wednesday to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices' decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which restrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender health care for minors. Supporters of transgender rights rally Wednesday outside the Supreme Court in Washington. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism over arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. Chief Justice John Roberts, who voted in the majority in a 2020 case in favor of transgender rights, questioned whether judges, rather than lawmakers, should weigh in on a question of regulating medical procedures, an area usually left to the states. "The Constitution leaves that question to the people's representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor," Roberts said in an exchange with Strangio. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion in 2020, said nothing during the arguments. The court's three liberal justices seemed firmly on the side of the challengers, but it's not clear that any conservatives will go along. People attend a rally March 31, 2023, as part of a Transgender Day of Visibility, near the Capitol in Washington. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushed back against the assertion that the democratic process would be the best way to address objections to the law. She cited a history of laws discriminating against others, noting that transgender people make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to studies. There are an estimated 1.3 million adults and 300,000 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who identify as transgender, according the UCLA law school's Williams Institute. "Blacks were a much larger part of the population and it didn't protect them. It didn't protect women for whole centuries," Sotomayor said in an exchange with Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she saw some troubling parallels between arguments made by Tennessee and those advanced by Virginia and rejected by a unanimous court, in the 1967 Loving decision that legalized interracial marriage nationwide. Quoting from that decision, Jackson noted that Virginia argued then that "the scientific evidence is substantially in doubt and, consequently, the court should defer to the wisdom of the state legislature." ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio, left, and plaintiff Joaquin Carcano address reporters after a June 25, 2018, hearing in Winston-Salem, N.C., on their lawsuit challenging the law that replaced North Carolina's "bathroom bill." Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly pressed Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue at the nation's highest court, about whether transgender people should be legally designated as a group that's susceptible to discrimination. Strangio answered that being transgender does fit that legal definition, though he acknowledged under Alito's questioning there are a small number of people who de-transition. "So it's not an immutable characteristic, is it?" Alito said. Strangio did not retreat from his view, though he said the court did not have to decide the issue to resolve the case in his clients' favor. There were dueling rallies outside the court in the hours before the arguments. Speeches and music filled the air on the sidewalk below the court's marble steps. Advocates of the ban bore signs like "Champion God's Design" and "Kids Health Matters," while the other side proclaimed "Fight like a Mother for Trans Rights" and "Freedom to be Ourselves." Four years ago, the court ruled in favor of Aimee Stephens, who was fired by a Michigan funeral home after she informed its owner she was a transgender woman. The court held that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. The Biden administration and the families and health care providers who challenged the Tennessee law urged the justices to apply the same sort of analysis that the majority, made up of liberal and conservative justices, embraced in the case four years ago when it found that "sex plays an unmistakable role" in employers' decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Demonstrators against transgender rights protest Wednesday during a rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. The issue in the Tennessee case is whether the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same. Tennessee's law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the administration's top Supreme Court lawyer, called the law sex-based line drawing to ban the use of drugs that have been safely prescribed for decades and said the state "decided to completely override the views of the patients, the parents, the doctors." She contrasted the Tennessee law with one enacted by West Virginia, which set conditions for the health care for transgender minors, but stopped short of an outright ban. Gender-affirming care for youth is supported by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. 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Expanded Big Ten could put 4 teams in the playoff -- thanks to Indiana's unexpected riseShopping the best toys for the kids in your life can be truly challenging, especially if they're in the toddler age range. It requires dedicated research to discover which toys are most popular, which toys are age appropriate, and which toy they will truly love and enjoy playing with. Remember, their budding interests are waiting to be explored, so a bit of trial and error may be needed to discover the toys that resonate best with them. Luckily, Amazon has a whole section dedicated to the best toys for kids, including the best-selling toys and top-rated ones, too. Ahead, we narrowed down the best toys for little kids to shop on Amazon this holiday season. We found options for all interests, whether they enjoy a hands-on building project, being active, or a unique sensory toy . Many of them are even designed for little ones, thus making it so much easier for us adults to put together. Whether you're shopping for your toddler, your niece or nephew , or your best friend's children, keep scrolling to shop the 12 best toys for little kids on Amazon. 30 of the Best Gifts For 2-Year-Olds Best Crystal Ball Toy Magic Mixies Magical Misting Crystal Ball ($42, originally $85) If your little one has an interest in magic, this enchanting crystal ball will be a perfect fit for them. They can use the included wand to cast spells, and the crystal ball responds accordingly. Best Activity Book Melissa & Doug Water Wow! On The Farm Activity Book ($8) The beauty of this activity book is that it can be reused over and over again. How it works is that it features four reusable white pages with line drawings, and when children use a water pen on them, they come to life with color. Best Sensory Toy BUNMO Pop Tubes ($7, originally $12) These colorful tubes stretch over two feet and can connect for hours of sensorial entertainment. Whether they create shapes or simply make sounds with them, they'll be a hit (for under $10, no less!). Best Building Set PicassoTiles 60 Piece Set ($18, originally $26) Kids can build any structure they can dream up with these colorful tiles. It's the number one bestseller in "Toy Magnetic Building Sets" on Amazon, with an overwhelming amount of five-star ratings. Ideal for ages three and up, they also make a great gift idea. Best Stuffed Animal TeeTurtle The Original Reversible Octopus Plushie ($13, originally $15) For those with little ones who adore their stuffed animals and plushies, this reversible octopus toy is a must-have. With its super-soft texture, it's perfect for cuddling, but what makes it even more special is its dual purpose: it doubles as a communication tool. Your child can express themselves by flipping it inside out, revealing a happy or sad face. Best Modeling Compound Play-Doh Modeling Compound 24-Pack ($15, originally $22) Go back to basics with this Play-Doh kit. Little ones will have hours of fun unleashing their creativity with all the different colors. Best Sensory Play Set Creativity for Kids Sensory Bin ($15) There are several versions of this sensory bin toy, each uniquely themed to cater to different interests. For instance, this particular one comes stocked with all the essentials to create pretend ice cream cones or bowls. However, there's also an exciting construction zone version, an adventurous dinosaur dig edition, and more. Shop From These LGBTQ-Owned Businesses For the Coolest Holiday Gifts Best Sports Toy VTech Smart Shots Sports Center ($34, originally $40) If your child likes to be active, they'll likely love this sports center. They can choose between soccer or basketball, and there's even an LED scoreboard that counts baskets and goals up to 10. Best Splash Pad SplashEZ 3-in-1 Splash Pad ($24, originally $40) This splash pad is ideal for playing in the summer heat. The base is decorated with animals from A to Z, creating a perfect environment for kids to stay cool while learning the alphabet at the same time. Best Play Tent Space World Play Tent ($24, originally $35) Your kiddo will love this play tent. They can explore the great cosmos and beyond right in your living room — but it's suitable for outdoor use, too. Best Basketball Set Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set ($50) Whether you place this basketball hoop indoors or outdoors, it's bound to keep tykes active. The hoop adjusts height, and it also comes with three junior-size basketballs. Best Bubbles Fubbles Bubbles ($16, originally 18) Bubbles are the ultimate toddler delight, and this bucket full of them is perfect for your "I-can-do-it" little one. With a spill-proof design, it ensures mess-free fun, and the convenient handle makes it easy to carry around. Anvita Reddy (she/her) is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and reviews home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She tests skin care, makeup, and hair care, plus countless other beauty products.

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Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana, the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the amount of energy it would use — and whether it could lead to higher energy bills in the future. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Packaging Corp. of America stock rises Thursday, still underperforms market

The expanded Big Ten is poised to be a major player in this season's College Football Playoff. The 18-team conference had three of the top-four teams in the AP poll this week — No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 4 Penn State. A one-loss Indiana team is ranked 10th but is still very much a contender to make the playoff, given how many Southeastern Conference teams have three defeats or more. Indiana's rise has been perhaps the Big Ten's biggest story this season. Much of the spotlight was on newcomers Oregon, Southern California, UCLA and Washington, but aside from the top-ranked Ducks, that foursome has struggled to impress. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers won their first 10 games under new coach Curt Cignetti before losing at Ohio State last weekend. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 back in October, and if the Buckeyes beat rival Michigan this weekend, they'll earn a rematch with the Ducks for the Big Ten title . And it's entirely possible another matchup between those two teams awaits in the CFP. Dillon Gabriel has quarterbacked Oregon to an unbeaten record, throwing for 3,066 yards and 22 touchdowns in 11 games. But don't overlook Iowa's Kaleb Johnson and his 21 rushing TDs, and quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been a big part of Indiana's improvement. Penn State's Abdul Carter has eight sacks and two forced fumbles and could be one of the top edge rushers drafted this year. Oregon (11-0, 8-0), Ohio State (10-1, 7-1), Penn State (10-1, 7-1), Indiana (10-1, 7-1), Illinois (8-3, 5-3), Iowa (7-4, 5-3), Michigan (6-5, 4-4), Minnesota (6-5, 4-4), Washington (6-5, 4-4), Southern California (6-5, 4-5), Nebraska (6-5, 3-5) and Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) have already reached the six-win mark for bowl eligibility. Michigan State (5-6, 3-5) and Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5) can join them. There may not be many firings in general at the top level of college football. The prospect of sharing revenue with athletes in the future might lead schools to be more judicious about shedding one coach and hiring a new one. Who should be most worried in the Big Ten? Well, Lincoln Riley is struggling to stay above .500 in his third season at USC. Purdue is 1-10, but coach Ryan Walters is only in his second season. Maryland's Mike Locksley has been there six years and his Terrapins are 4-7, but this was his first real step backward after guiding the team to three straight bowl wins. Cignetti has shown it is possible for a coaching change to push a previously moribund program to some impressive heights in a short amount of time — but the improvement has been more incremental at Michigan State following Jonathan Smith's arrival. Sherrone Moore wasn't a completely unknown commodity at Michigan after he won some massive games in place of a suspended Jim Harbaugh last year. But in his first season completely at the helm, the Wolverines have declined significantly following their national title a season ago. The Big Ten is home to one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country in Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith. He has 52 catches for 899 yards and nine touchdowns. Highly touted quarterback Dylan Raiola has teamed up with fellow freshman Jacory Barney (49 catches) to lead Nebraska to bowl eligibility. Ohio State is on track to land the Big Ten's top class, according to 247 Sports , but the big news recently was quarterback Bryce Underwood flipping from LSU to Michigan . If the Wolverines do in fact keep Underwood in his home state, that would be a big development for Moore. ___ 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-pollBluetooth Mono Earpieces Market Driven by Demand for Immersive Technologies Across Industries

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In a world where people convert shipping containers into homes, the idea seems to be emerging that bigger isn’t always better. The same thing could be said of SUVs. Consider the 2025 Mini Countryman. It’s smaller than a Toyota Corolla Cross or a Chevrolet Trax. Yet compared with Mini’s other models, it’s positively huge. Offered in S ALL4 or JCW ALL4 trim, the 2025 Mini Countryman gains a total makeover for the new model year that lessens its resemblance to a Mini Cooper that’s taken on too much water weight. It’s more its own animal, looking far more contemporary, serious and, well, less cute. That probably makes it more palatable if you have Y-Chromosomes. Open the door of the 2025 Mini Countryman and you’ll find the interior feels more modern thanks to the use of sustainable materials, including the fabric on the dash that’s actually recycled plastic. But it retains its trademark circular 9.4-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen and, like the Mini Cooper, controls have been simplified. It’s also noticeably roomier, as the Countryman shares its vehicle architecture with the BMW X1. This explains why the Countryman is 5 inches longer, nearly an inch wider, and almost 4 inches taller for 2025. It’s noticeably larger, and it’s fair to think of it as a maxi Mini, or perhaps a Morris Major. Its driver’s perch is noticeably higher than any Mini should feel, although SUV buyers not accustomed to the Countryman’s smaller stablemates won’t notice. And while larger, the second row is best used for two adults; three is an imposition. The tester had the $3,200 Iconic trim option, which brings with it a Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system, wireless smartphone charger, augmented reality navigation system and niceties such as auto-dimming mirrors and privacy glass. Thoughtfully, Mini provides the infotainment display with different visual presentations, allowing for a bit of lightheartedness for which the brand is known. Still, as brand DNA goes, it’s lacking a bit, even though most will welcome the extra interior space and more modern exterior appearance. Yet some character remains, even if it seems somewhat less impish than its diminutive sibling. It still possesses some of the persona that’s distinctly Mini. That comes mostly under the hood, where a turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic funnels 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels in S ALL4 trim. JCM models get the same powerplant with an additional 71 horsepower. Torque remains unchanged. That extra juice delivers a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds according to Mini, one second quicker than the S ALL4 test drive model. The 2025 Mini Countryman S ALL4 test drive occurred during the ninth Mini Takes the States, or MTTS for short. Mini owners are invited to join the biennial expedition, which started in Albuquerque in July. Drivers then continued north through Grand Junction and Durango, Colorado, before going on to Salt Lake City, Bozeman and Missoula, Montana, and Spokane and Yakima, Washington, before arriving in Seattle nine days later. With 1,921 aficionados traveling from as far afield as Australia, more than 900 Minis participated in the rally, which covered more than 1,600 miles. For those who say the United States is a bitterly divided partisan nation, they’ve never run MTTS. It’s one big happy family, albeit one with a Mini fixation — not a political one. Thank goodness. As you might expect, the Countryman performs like a Mini Cooper, although not quite as quickly or with as much communication as its smaller sibling. The ride is more yielding as well, with more suspension travel to allow for the occasional off-road foray. That said, this is no hard-core boulder basher. It’s more the foul-weather friend, one that drives entertainingly enough to prevent boredom during long stretches behind the wheel. And of course it has decent cargo space, 25 cubic feet in fact, expanding to 56 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. And let’s face it, frisky performance, modern good looks and a fair amount of space for you and your stuff is all we really need from any SUV. But the character and built-in brother- and sisterhood that comes with owning a Mini adds another level of satisfaction that few automakers offer. That makes this Mini one that delivers a maximum of fun and functionality that’s hard to resist. Base price: $38,900/$46,900 Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Horsepower/Torque: 241/295 pound-feet EPA rating (combined city/highway): 27 mpg Fuel required: 91 Octane Length/Width/Height: 175/73/65 inches Ground clearance: 8 inches Payload: 1,100 pounds Cargo capacity: 25-56 cubic feet Towing capacity: (unbraked) 750 pounds ©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLCMurphy and Nwoko lead Mississippi State to 90-57 rout of No. 18 Pitt

90jili org The gym in Richton Park was bursting at the seams for the highly-anticipated showdown between host Rich and Homewood-Flossmoor, the defending Class 4A state champions in the Big Dipper Holiday Tournament title game on Sunday . At halftime, it even had to be cleared out a bit. Fans who had to leave were offered refunds. ”By order of the fire marshal, if you are sitting in the aisles you will be asked to leave,” the PA announcer said. The Big Dipper is a beloved south suburban institution that has been back bigger than ever the past few seasons. This year was special. For the first time in 31 years, the host school won. The Raptors received a lot of attention in the preseason. They are one of the most talented teams in the state. But their early results were a let down. “We had to correct some stuff so we did some team bonding,” junior Jayden Williams said. “We all did Christmas together as teammates.” It worked. Rich knocked off undefeated, top-ranked Kenwood in the semifinals on Saturday and took down Homewood-Flossmoor 81-67 in the championship game. “This feels amazing,” junior guard Jamson Coulter said. “We worked our butts off and came to play. I’m just happy for the program. All the work we put in is showing.” Coulter scored 30 points. Senior Al Brooks added 12 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks. Coulter and Brooks were established stars last season. Williams, who scored 18 points, had a breakout week. He had 21 in the semifinals against Kenwood. Rich coach Lou Adams wasn’t on the sideline for the game. He’s been dealing with some health issues so he wasn’t coaching. But he was on the baseline watching and occasionally looking more involved than his doctors may have liked. “I had some issues [during the semifinal against Kenwood on Saturday],” Adams said. “So I had to play it by ear today. I’m so proud of these guys. We brought it back.” Rich (7-4) led 37-30 at halftime. The Vikings cut the lead to 66-61 on a layup by Jayden Tyler with 3:20 left but that was as close as it would get. Tyler led the Vikings (13-2) with 24 points and four steals and senior Arden Eaves added 18 points and six rebounds. “They made a lot of threes,” H-F coach Jamere Dismukes said. “We are back to the drawing board to see what we can do. The biggest takeaway from us is allowing those shots. It seems like they wanted it a little more.”NoneBig Update On THIS Penny Stock: Rs 10 Multibagger FMCG Share Soars 108% In A Year - All Details

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Trump calls meeting with Trudeau 'productive' after tariff threatRuud van Nistelrooy is reportedly set to be appointed as Leicester City's new manager, various British media outlets said on Wednesday. Van Nistelrooy recently left Manchester United after a short spell as interim manager and serving as assistant to Erik ten Hag. Leicester sacked Steve Cooper on Sunday after just 12 Premier League games in charge, with the Foxes 16th in the table and only one point above the relegation zone. Two of Van Nistelrooy's three wins in four games as United's caretaker boss in the past month came against Leicester in the League Cup and Premier League. The 48-year-old Dutchman has previous managerial experience from one year in charge of PSV Eindhoven from 2022 to 2023. Sky Sports reported that he could even be appointed in time to lead Leicester in their next game away at Brentford on Saturday. A prolific goalscorer, Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a glorious playing career, most notably at PSV, Man United and Real Madrid. (AFP)

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Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back lossEASTON, Pa. (AP) — Louie Semona scored 15 points off of the bench to lead Stonehill over Lafayette 70-65 on Sunday. Semona had six rebounds for the Skyhawks (8-7). Hermann Koffi scored 13 points, shooting 4 for 8 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Josh Morgan had 13 points and shot 4 of 9 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the line. The Leopards (5-8) were led by Caleb Williams, who recorded 15 points. Lafayette also got 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks from Justin Vander Baan. Alex Chaikin also recorded 12 points, two steals and two blocks. Stonehill went into the half leading Lafayette 28-27. Semona put up seven points in the half. Stonehill used a 7-0 second-half run erase a five-point deficit and take the lead at 47-45 with 11:20 remaining in the half before finishing off the victory. Todd Brogna scored nine second-half points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Quarterbacks in spotlight when No. 6 Miami visits SyracuseLiverpool remain the only team with a 100 per cent record in the Champions League after five rounds, but Inter and Atalanta are very close to securing qualification while Milan leapfrog Juventus. The new format was introduced this season where all the results The top eight will go directly into the Round of 16, while the teams from ninth to 24 will face each other in a play-off stage. As for the sides in the bottom sector, they are simply eliminated from Europe at the end of this phase. Liverpool beat Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid 2-0 this evening and are on 15 points, so effectively already guaranteed at the very least a play-off spot. Inter are in second place on 13 points and one more victory would Atalanta aren’t far behind in Milan have now leapfrogged Juventus in the standings on nine points, Bologna are to all intents and purposes doomed to an early exit, in five Champions League games. The biggest surprises are Real Madrid on six points and Paris Saint-Germain with just four, on the verge of elimination in January. There are another three games to be played in this Champions League phase.

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It shows that support for the Fianna Fail party is at 21% ahead of polling day, only slightly ahead of their coalition partners Fine Gael and the largest opposition party Sinn Fein, who were neck-and-neck at 20%. The Red C-Business Post poll showed support for Fianna Fail unchanged, while Fine Gael had a slide of two percentage points and Sinn Fein gained two. The near dead-locked poll results came on Wednesday as fears over future economic threats took centre stage in the final stretch of the campaign. Taoiseach Simon Harris said he is taking a “project truth” approach to calling out Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as election results on the other side of the Atlantic put Ireland’s economic model into sharp relief. Donald Trump’s presidential election victory in the US has brought heightened concern around what his proposals for corporation tax and tariffs could mean for Ireland. Mr Harris, leader of Fine Gael, has argued Ireland and other EU countries need to prepare for the possibility of trade shocks as he criticised the scale of Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as well as their saving plans. He said: “I think that is irresponsible, I think it is dangerous and I think it is reckless.” He accused Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald of not being able to say what her party was prepared to do in the event of an economic crash, adding that Fine Gael would borrow and stop putting money towards a rainy-day fund. Asked if the party was engaging in “project fear” to dissuade voters against Sinn Fein, Mr Harris said: “I call it ‘project truth’. It’s telling people what’s being discussed right across European capitals.” Ms McDonald told an RTE interview on Wednesday morning that a Sinn Fein government would also be prepared to start borrowing in the event of an economic downturn. Both Mr Harris and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who were partners in the last coalition government in Ireland, have made clear they will not countenance Sinn Fein as a potential partner in the next administration in Dublin. One day after the only three-way debate featuring the leaders of the main parties, Mr Martin accused Sinn Fein of being “dishonest” about how they will fund their manifesto plans. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, he said he is anxious to get clarity on the issue. “I think Sinn Fein have been very dishonest, frankly, in terms of the funds, because if you go through their figures, and this is a matter of fact, not opinion, they’re predicting a surplus of a billion in 2026, a billion in 2027. “Even in 2025, they’re talking about a mini budget, which would mean reducing the surplus that we’re anticipating in 2025. “There’s a legislative obligation now on any new government to put 0.8% of GDP to one side, and into the funds. There’s no way you can do that with a surplus of a billion in 2026 or 2027, and we would argue they would not have enough funds next year either to put into the funds.” He added: “It means they have no room to manoeuvre if things go wrong, if there’s headwinds come externally, or there are shocks internationally, Sinn Fein is not allowing any headroom at all in terms of room to respond or to move it.” Ms McDonald accused the other two parties of conspiring to keep Sinn Fein out of government and prevent change in Ireland. She said the two men were now “indistinguishable” from each other as she claimed they were suffering “acute amnesia” in regard to their records in government. On a visit to Naas fire station in Co Kildare, she said: “To listen to them, you’d imagine they had just arrived on the scene and that they were going to come up with all of these solutions. “They have had ample chances, ample opportunity, to make things better, and they have failed, and in between the two of them I make the case that now we ask for our chance, with our plans, with our team, to demonstrate how change can happen, how your community, your family, yourself, can be supported when the government is actually on your side.” Mr Martin’s and Mr Harris’ coalition partner Roderic O’Gorman, the leader of the Greens, issued a warning to the public over a future government without his party. On Wednesday, he said it is looking likely that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will be returned to government – but cautioned they may not want the Greens to continue “fighting hard” on policies. He told reporters: “My sense is certainly the mood music from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is that they’d like an easier life in the next government – and my concern is they use these small populist parties and right-wing independents.” Mr O’Gorman argued that the Greens could continue to provide stability to government at a time when economic shocks may be around the corner. As the Green leader suggested that relying on independents would be unstable, Mr Martin has also argued that “too much fragmentation would lead to incoherence in government”. Reflecting on Tuesday night’s debate, the Fianna Fail leader said the race remained “too close to call” while Mr Harris said it is “all to play for”. The leaders of Ireland’s three main political parties clashed on housing, healthcare and financial management in the last televised debate before Friday’s General Election. The tetchy debate, which was marked by several interruptions, saw the parties set out their stalls in a broadcast that commentators said did little to move the dial before polling day. After the 2020 general election delivered an inconclusive result, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two parties forged from opposing sides of Ireland’s Civil War of the 1920s, agreed to set aside almost a century of animosity and share power – with the Greens as a junior partner. From 2016 to 2020, Fianna Fail had supported Fine Gael in power through a confidence-and-supply arrangement from the Opposition benches in the Dail parliament. Sinn Fein won the popular vote in 2020 but a failure to run enough candidates meant it did not secure sufficient seats in the Dail to give it a realistic chance of forming a government.

90 jilibet Buffalo Sabres (11-10-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Islanders (8-10-6, in the Metropolitan Division) Elmont, New York; Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Islanders -130, Sabres +110; over/under is 5.5 BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders take on the Buffalo Sabres as losers of three straight games. New York has gone 3-5-2 in home games and 8-10-6 overall. The Islanders have gone 6-1-1 in games they score one or more power-play goals. Buffalo is 5-4-1 in road games and 11-10-2 overall. The Sabres have a 4-7-1 record in games their opponents commit fewer penalties. Saturday's game is the second time these teams match up this season. The Islanders won the previous meeting 4-3. Simon Holmstrom scored two goals in the victory. TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Palmieri has 10 goals and nine assists for the Islanders. Brock Nelson has five goals and five assists over the last 10 games. Tage Thompson has 11 goals and seven assists for the Sabres. Rasmus Dahlin has five goals and five assists over the past 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Islanders: 2-4-4, averaging 2.7 goals, 4.6 assists, 2.4 penalties and 5.1 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game. Sabres: 6-3-1, averaging three goals, 4.7 assists, 4.3 penalties and 8.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game. INJURIES: Islanders: None listed. Sabres: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press

‘Nitish’s B-team’: Tejashwi Yadav slams Prashant Kishor's party, claims protesting BPSC aspirants' were ‘misled’MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa doesn't want to take chances with his family's safety, so the Miami Dolphins’ star quarterback hired personal security when one of his cars was broken into about a year ago. "(It was) a little too close for my comfort with my family being in the house,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday. “So we got personal security to take care of all of that. When we're on the road, we've got someone with my wife, got someone also at the house, surveying the house.” Tagovailoa, speaking days after the home of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was broken into while the Bengals were playing a Monday night game at Dallas, also noted his security is armed, "so I hope that if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.” Burrow's home was the latest targeted in a string of burglaries of pro athletes' homes in the U.S., which included the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Mahomes' and Kelce's homes were broken into in October, prompting the NFL to issue a security alert to teams and the players' union warning that the houses of numerous pro athletes were “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," according to a memo previously obtained by The Associated Press. Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Tagovailoa's personal security has been in place since long before this string of break-ins. No one was injured in the Monday night break-in at Burrow's home, but it was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.’s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information, and the NBA later issued its own memo revealing that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. Tagovailoa, who just signed an extension with the Dolphins last offseason, said he doesn't necessarily feel like a target, "but I wouldn't want to play the chances with my family and kids sleeping, my wife sleeping, me sleeping at the house.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Alanis Thames, The Associated Press

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Following a number of deaths due to this phenomenon, KAZEEM BIRIOWO examines how antimicrobial resistance has become an increasing concern in Nigeria, and how the Nigerian government, working with global health organisations, can reduce the scourge. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat that has been described as a “silent tsunami” by the World Health Organisation (WHO). AMR is when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines used to treat them. This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death. AMR is a natural process, but human activity, such as the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, accelerates its emergence and spread. Microorganisms that develop resistance to antimicrobials are sometimes called “superbugs”. AMR affects all countries, but Africa is likely to bear the heaviest burden. The burden of AMR is felt disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where the healthcare system is already overburdened. AMR represents a global challenge as 4.95 million people who died in 2019 suffered from drug-resistant infections. AMR directly caused 1.27 million of those deaths and one in five of those deaths occurred among children under five years old. In the GBD region of Western Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria has the seventh highest age-standardised mortality across 19 countries Deadly effects of AMR There are several victims of AMR in Nigeria, some of whom are no longer alive. Those who Nigerian Tribune spoke with were comfortable with just their surnames being used. Mrs Adebayo, a 35-year-old mother of two, knows firsthand the devastating effects of AMR. Her seven-year-old son, Tunde, was diagnosed with pneumonia and was treated with antibiotics. However, the antibiotics proved ineffective and Tunde’s condition worsened. He was eventually diagnosed with a multidrug-resistant form of pneumonia which required more expensive antibiotics. “We were devastated when we found out that the antibiotics were not working,” Mrs Adebayo said. “We had to sell our belongings to afford the more expensive antibiotics. It was a very difficult time for us.” Similarly, Mr Okoro, a 42-year-old businessman, also has a personal experience with AMR. His 65-year-old mother was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection and was treated with antibiotics. However, the antibiotics were ineffective, and her condition worsened. She eventually died from complications related to the infection. “The death of my mother was a devastating blow to our family,” Mr Okoro said. “We were not aware of the risks associated with AMR and we did not know how to prevent it. We hope that our story can serve as a warning to others and encourage them to take action to prevent AMR.” Miss Chukwu, a 28-year-old nurse, has seen the devastating effects of AMR almost on a daily basis. She works in a hospital in Lagos, where she has seen many patients die from infections that were resistant to antibiotics. “It is heartbreaking to see patients die from infections that could have been treated with antibiotics,” Miss Chukwu said. “We need to do more to prevent AMR and ensure that antibiotics are used responsibly.” Causes and consequences of AMR in Nigeria According to the WHO, the causes of AMR in Nigeria are multifaceted and interconnected. Some of the key causes include misuse and overuse of antibiotics which are major drivers of AMR. In Nigeria, antibiotics are often prescribed inappropriately and patients often demand antibiotics for viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics. Also lack of National Antibiotic Guidelines in Nigeria contributes to the misuse of antibiotics. Healthcare professionals often rely on personal experience and judgment when prescribing antibiotics rather than following evidence-based guidelines. General awareness and understanding of AMR in Nigeria is poor. Many healthcare professionals and the general public are not aware of the risks associated with AMR which contributes to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Inadequate infection control measures in Nigerian hospitals contribute to the spread of microbes, including resistant strains. Poor hygiene practices, inadequate use of personal protective equipment and lack of sterilisation of medical equipment are common in many Nigerian hospitals. The consequences of AMR in Nigeria are severe and far-reaching. Some of the key consequences include, increased morbidity and mortality. AMR poses a risk of increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. The economic burden of AMR is also substantial as a study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice estimated that the economic burden of AMR in Nigeria could be as high as $1.3 billion annually. According to the study, “AMR reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics, making it challenging to treat infections. This can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and increased mortality. “AMR increases the risk of infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with compromised immune systems.” State of AMR in Nigeria Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, is faced with the burden of poverty and poor environmental conditions, such as lack of potable water and sanitation, and inadequate infection control. These factors are crucial in the spread of microbes, including resistant strains. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, Nigeria had an estimated 627,000 deaths attributable to AMR in 2019, which is the highest number of deaths in Africa. The IHME also estimated that the mortality rate due to AMR in Nigeria was 335.6 deaths per 100,000 population in 2019. Urgent need to tackle AMR Dr John Oladapo, a consultant microbiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), emphasized the urgent need to address the growing burden of AMR in Nigeria. “AMR is a ticking time bomb in Nigeria,” Dr Oladapo said. “We need to take immediate action to address the root causes of AMR, including the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, poor infection control practices, and lack of awareness about AMR.” Dr Adebiwale Akintayo, a public health expert at the University of Ibadan, emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to address AMR in Nigeria. “We need to adopt a comprehensive approach to address AMR in Nigeria,” Dr Akintayo said. “This includes improving infection control practices, promoting responsible use of antibiotics, and enhancing awareness and understanding of AMR among healthcare professionals and the general public.” Dr Eyitope Ogunbodede, a professor of microbiology at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), emphasized the need for research and development of new antibiotics to address the growing problem of AMR. “We need to invest in research and development of new antibiotics to address the growing problem of AMR. “We also need to improve our surveillance systems to monitor the spread of AMR and develop effective strategies to prevent it,” he said. FG’s action plan Recently, the Federal Government launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR NAP-2.0). The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the launch of AMR NAP-2.0 came at a time when the global community, through platforms like the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), had committed to renewed and urgent action against AMR. He said in 2017, Nigeria made significant strides by launching its first National Action Plan on AMR, adding “We recognised that a multisectoral, one health approach-integrating human, animal, and environmental health-was essential in confronting AMR.” The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government is committed to integrating genomic technologies into all aspects of the work, noting that a plan has been laid out to build capacity for genomic sequencing and surveillance, as well as improving response to emerging infections and advancing vaccine development. The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, said the second AMR National Action Plan is a comprehensive five-year strategy designed to combat antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria, adding that the NCDC leads the Antimicrobial Resistance Coordination Committee (AMRCC) to drive the implementation of the plan’s priority actions. Co- chair of the national AMR Technical Working Group, Professor Kabiru Junaid, said it will cost a total of $77.6 million to implement all the strategic objectives of the AMR National Action Plan. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said his ministry is committed to the implementation of the activities of the action plan. The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, speaking through the Director, Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Bahijjahtu Abubakar, said effective implementation of the plan will improve the country’s strategies in addressing AMR and strengthening surveillance in the environment sector, livestock and healthcare settings, while promoting sustainable standard practices that ensures food security, protection of the environment and human health. WHO’s role in supporting AMR efforts WHO has been a key technical partner in developing AMR NAP-2.0, providing guidance on global best practices and supporting the Federal Government in aligning its strategies with the Global Action Plan on AMR. To improve the national efforts to control the impact of AMR, the ministry launched the AMR NAP 2.0, which is a revision of the national action plan on AMR adopted in 2017. With the expiration of the AMR NAP-1.0 (2017-2022), an assessment of its implementation revealed key gaps and challenges, with only a 44 percent completion rate. The assessment highlighted weak involvement from sectors such as environment, plant, food, aquaculture, agriculture, and relevant human health sectors in the implementation of priority activities. Additionally, NAP-1.0 was not costed and lacked specific milestones and targets. In response, the Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC, requested WHO’s support in developing NAP-2.0 (2024-2028) and providing strategic guidance for the AMR Coordination Committee to develop the plan based on the AMR Global Action Plan, WHO manual for NAP Development, WHO implementation handbook for NAPs on AMR, and the People-cantered approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance in human health. This story is produced for the Media-EIS Fellowship Programme, a collaborative partnership among the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention(NCDC), the USAID-funded Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria and the African Field Epidemiology Network(AFENET) 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

The Winter Session of Parliament concluded with disappointing productivity figures, reflecting an alarming trend in legislative functioning. The Lok Sabha recorded just 58% productivity, while the Rajya Sabha fared worse at 40.03%. These figures signify a serious lapse in the effective use of parliamentary time, raising concerns about the growing discord that overshadows crucial governance responsibilities. Parliament is the cornerstone of democracy, meant to deliberate on policies and address the concerns of its citizens. Unfortunately, this session was marred by animosity and protests, with both the ruling NDA and the opposition equally culpable. The session’s highlights-two landmark bills on simultaneous elections and the robust debate on the Constitution’s 75-year journey-were overshadowed by unseemly incidents, including Thursday’s physical altercation and a police case involving MPs. Focusing on political grandstanding rather than legislative work is a betrayal of public trust. Parliamentary discourse should prioritise the nation’s pressing issues, from economic policies to social welfare measures. Instead, sessions devolve into verbal sparring, disruptions, and adjournments. The stark contrast between the potential for constructive debates and the actual outcome of this session is disheartening. The responsibility lies with all stakeholders. Opposition parties must recognise that sustained protests and walkouts, though sometimes necessary, cannot replace the need for active participation in discussions. Simultaneously, the ruling party must foster an environment of dialogue rather than confrontation, addressing concerns raised by the opposition with transparency. The crux of the issue lies in the erosion of respect for parliamentary norms. India’s pressing challenges-economic recovery, employment generation, and social justice-demand attention. The time lost in this session is a loss to the citizens who look to their elected representatives for solutions. Returning to productive functioning requires introspection, collaboration, and a commitment to restoring Parliament’s sanctity. The upcoming sessions offer another opportunity for the government and opposition to set aside differences and prioritise the nation’s agenda. Anything less would be an abdication of their democratic responsibilities.

A Georgia judge on Friday dismissed a request by Kenneth Chesebro , one of President-elect Donald Trump’s alleged co-conspirators in the sweeping 2020 election subversion and interference case, to have his guilty plea thrown out. Trump, Chesebro and 17 others were charged in August 2023 with playing separate roles in an alleged criminal conspiracy to overturn the results in Georgia of the 2020 presidential election that Trump lost to President Joe Biden. Chesebro, an election lawyer, pleaded guilty to a single conspiracy count later that year after reaching a deal with prosecutors that required him to cooperate and provide inside knowledge of the alleged election racketeering conspiracy. Last week, Chesebro's defense attorney asked that the plea be thrown out on the grounds that it violated his constitutional right to due process. In all, four of Trump's co-defendants have pleaded guilty in the case and are cooperating with prosecutors. The case is on hold while an appellate court decides whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be removed from overseeing it due to ethical and financial conflicts of interest alleged by defendants. In a swift response, Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee concluded in his ruling Friday that Chesebro's request was procedurally "defective in more ways than one." McAfee concluded that while Chesebro’s filing challenged the validity of the indictment, he had “already submitted a plea in response to this indictment — one of guilt.” Also, he said, Chesebro waited too long to file his request because it must be done during the same judicial term in which he entered his plea. USA TODAY has reached out to Chesebro and his lawyers for comment. Does the judge's ruling have wider implications for the case against Trump and 18 others? In his plea, Chesebro admitted to a single count of conspiracy to commit filing false documents. One legal analyst who has watched the case closely said McAfee’s ruling Friday was based narrowly on the procedural facts of the case, and that Chesebro simply waited too long to file his motion to invalidate his plea. “Guilty pleas must be withdrawn within the same term of court – a two-month period – from the day they are entered,” said Chris Timmons, a Georgia trial lawyer and former state prosecutor in Cobb and DeKalb counties for 17 years. “We’re over a year. He’s way out of time.” It’s also likely that McAfee will stay the case against Trump personally while he's in the White House, based on longstanding Department of Justice policy regarding the prosecution of a sitting president, said Timmons, a partner with the law firm Knowles Gallant Timmons. But McAfee “doesn’t have to dismiss it for that reason,” and in the meantime could continue the case against Trump’s co-defendants, Timmons said. Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University College of Law professor, said McAfee’s ruling could have broader implications in the near term. Kreis agreed that Chesebro’s motion to set aside the plea deal “was not procedurally sound. And Judge McAfee recognized that in his order.” But he also said McAfee was making a broader statement in ruling the way he did. “I think there was some feeling that because Trump won in November that his co-defendants might benefit from a more favorable environment. Not so here,” Kreis told USA TODAY. “This is a reminder that regular order will prevail for the remaining co-defendants even while Donald Trump occupies the White House.” After his Nov. 5 election victory, Trump and his team of lawyers have moved to throw out all of his criminal cases and convictions on the grounds that the American public voted him into office for a second term and he shouldn’t have to suffer from continuing “lawfare” from prosecutors. Dropping charges − and cases − due to Trump's election victory Citing a Justice Department policy, special counsel Jack Smith moved to drop both federal criminal cases against Trump, one charging him with illegally trying to overturn the 2020 election results and the other for allegedly unlawfully mishandling classified national defense documents that he shouldn’t have taken with him when he left the White House in January 2021. In response, two federal judges dismissed the two cases brought by the Justice Department against Trump. On Dec. 4, Trump asked the Georgia Court of Appeals to order the dismissal of his election racketeering case in the Peach State, arguing the charges are unconstitutional as he prepares to return to the White House. As part of that, they asked the appeals court to order McAfee to dismiss the Fulton County charges against Trump. The appellate court has not decided. But its decision should result in the court determining that neither it nor a Georgia trial court has the power to oversee any further criminal process against Trump, the defense lawyers wrote. That five-page request was similar in nature to a more lengthy Trump filing made public Tuesday, which asked a Manhattan criminal court to throw out his convictions on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Judge Juan Merchan postponed sentencing in that case while he considers the request. Trump lawyer Steve Sadow had no comment Friday when asked about McAfee’s latest ruling against Chesebro. What is Chesebro accused of doing in the election subversion case? Chesebro pleaded guilty Oct. 20, 2023 to a felony charge of conspiracy to commit filing false documents in connection with the alleged scheme to recruit fake presidential electors to vote for Trump in Georgia and states that Trump lost to Biden.Chesebro created and distributed false documents in Georgia and other states for people to submit to the National Archives and Congress posing as presidential electors, according to Daysha Young, the executive district attorney in Fulton County. "The defendant provided detailed instructions to co-conspirators in Georgia and other states for creating and distributing these false documents," she said. Chesebro's deal was expected to get the prosecution closer to former senior Justice Department official John Eastman, who around that time appears to have been in "constant communication" with Trump and his then-lawyer Rudy Giuliani, said Melissa Redmon, a former Fulton County prosecutor who directs the University of Georgia School of Law's Prosecutorial Justice Program. By agreeing to cooperate, Chesebro's connections likely would help prosecutors paint a picture for the jury of the false elector activity being ultimately motivated by a desire to make sure Trump retained the presidency "by any means necessary," Redmon said. There are also pending charges related to the fake electors scheme in state and federal courts in Wisconsin , Arizona , Michigan , Nevada and Georgia , according to the Associated Press. Earlier this week, Wisconsin prosecutors filed 10 additional felony charges in their state case against Chesebro, another Trump attorney in the state in 2020 and Michael Roman, Trump’s director of Election Day operations in 2020 who is also charged in the Georgia case and has pleaded not guilty. The three were allegedly part of a plan to submit paperwork falsely claiming Trump won the battleground state of Wisconsin that year. Contributing: Bart Jansen, Aysha BagchiWhen it (bourbon in particular), there are a lot of well-known, household names. We’re talking , Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam, and others. All of these brands make a wide . Some are (gasp) overrated. But that also means that they, and many other smaller brands, make a lot of underrated expressions as well that are just waiting to be discovered. How do you and undervalued? To us, it’s the idea that something doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Specifically, if we’re talking about bourbons. It doesn’t mean that the whiskey expression is unknown or not popular. It simply means the bourbon isn’t valued as high as it should be. If you were to ask us, there are quite a few expressions that fit this parameter. Now that you learned a little about the idea of what defines an underrated bourbon in our book, it’s time to find some to add to your home bar car. Lucky for you, we did the hard work for you. Below, you’ll find ten of the most underrated bourbons on the market. Some are popular and some are not. All deserve more acclaim than they get. Keep scrolling to see them all. As the Dude says in ‘The Big Lebowski’, if you don’t like our picks, “Well, you know, that’s just like uh, your opinion, man.” 10. Old Grand-Dad Bonded 50% You might not think that Old Grand-Dad Bonded is underrated, but when it comes to the price-to-quality ratio, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of this 4-year-old, 100-proof whiskey. This high-rye, spicy, memorable whiskey is surprisingly inexpensive but works well as both a mixing bourbon and a rainy-day sipper. On the nose, you’ll find notes of toasted vanilla beans, toffee, charred oak, and a ton of spicy cinnamon candy, The palate is a mix of raisins, plums, vanilla beans, peppery rye, butterscotch, and a lot of cinnamon sugar. The finish is warming, lingering, and loaded with brown sugar, oaky wood, and a final kick of wintry spices. Old Grand-Dad Bonded is always reasonably priced. The low price and this whiskey’s versatility for mixing and sipping is why it’s one of our favorite underrated bourbons. 9. J Rieger Bottled in Bond 50% If you’ve never heard of J Rieger Bottled in Bond, now is the time to try this memorable Kansas City-made whiskey. This award-winning, non-chill filtered 100-proof bourbon was made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. It was matured for a full six years to give it a nuanced, complex, balanced flavor profile. Nosing this whiskey reveals notes of maple candy, lemon zest, orchard fruits, caramel, and vanilla beans. Sipping it reveals notes of dried cherries, raisins, pipe tobacco, sweet corn, caramelized sugar, honey, and cinnamon. The last sip is a warming, lingering mix of toasted vanilla beans, salted caramel, and gentle spices. J Rieger Bottled in Bond is underrated for the obvious reason that it doesn’t have the name recognition of many of the well-known expressions even though it’s balanced, complex, and highly flavorful. 8. Old Ezra Barrel Strength 7 Year 58.5% You might not have ever heard of Old Ezra Barrel Strength 7 Year and that’s a shame. This whiskey deserves much more acclaim than it gets. This 117-proof whiskey is matured in charred American white oak barrels for seven years. Bottled at barrel strength, it’s bold, balanced, and deserves a spot on your home bar. The nose is a mix of caramel candy, dried fruits, cinnamon, oak, vanilla beans, and gentle baking spices. The palate is centered around vanilla beans, toffee candy, cinnamon, brown sugar, oak, and light spices. Lingering, warming, and filled with brown sugar, oak, and peppery spice, the finish is very memorable. If you’re a fan of cask strength bourbon, you have to try this 7-year-old expression from Ezra Brooks. It’s memorable and nuanced and deserves much more praise. 7. Old Forester 1920 57.5% Old Forester 1920 gets its name because it was distilled to pay tribute to the high-proof Prohibition-style bourbons. Made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, this 115-proof was matured to perfection in new, heavily charred American oak barrels. It’s big, bold, and highly underrated. Dried cherries, sticky toffee pudding, maple candy, charred oak, cracked black pepper, and vanilla beans are prevalent on the nose. Complex flavors of cracked black pepper, oaky wood, caramelized sugar, vanilla beans, dried fruits, fresh leather, and baking spices highlight the palate. Rounding out the flavor profile is a finish of dark chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla, oak, and light smoke. This is the epitome of a throwback whiskey. This potent, rich, memorable high-proof sipper is a must-have for bourbon drinkers. 6. Michter’s US-1 45.7% Michter’s is a well-respected whiskey brand. But its Michter’s US-1 Bourbon still manages to be underrated. This memorable 91.4-proof bourbon was matured in fire-charred, new American oak barrels. Truly a small batch whiskey, it’s batched in a holding tank that fits only twenty barrels. On the nose, you’ll find notes of cracked black pepper, raisins, brown sugar, oak, vanilla beans, and wintry spices. Mellow, sweet, and complex, this whiskey’s palate is loaded with cinnamon candy, dried fruits, vanilla beans, toffee, pipe tobacco, and oak. The finish is a warming, sweet, and spicy mix of dried fruits and cracked black pepper. This whiskey remains underrated because it deserves more credit than it gets for being a balanced memorable mix of sweetness and spice. 5. Evan Williams Bottled in Bond 50% Evan Williams is one of the most underrated whiskey brands in general. You can make a case for any of its bourbons. But we think its 100-proof bottled-in-bond bourbon is by far the most underrated. It’s surprisingly inexpensive and extremely versatile. The nose is a gentle mix of toasted vanilla beans, pipe tobacco, treacle, charred oak, and toffee candy. Drinking it brings forth notes of candied orange peels, vanilla, caramelized sugar, dried fruits, oak, and cracked black pepper. The finish is long, warm, sweet, spicy, and effortlessly dry. This is the most inexpensive bottle on our list. And if you blindly tasted it with the others, you wouldn’t really know that. It’s one of the best value bottles on the market. 4. Early Times Bottled in Bond 50% Don’t sleep on Early Times Bottled-in-Bond. This surprisingly well-balanced, flavorful 100-proof whiskey was made to pay homage to the 75th anniversary of the original recipe for Early Times bottled-in-bond bourbon. This throwback to a bygone era should be much more popular than it is. Candied orange peels honey, toffee, vanilla beans, and lit baking spices make for a very welcoming nose. Take one sip and you’ll be immersed in a world of caramel corn, toffee, pipe tobacco, fresh leather, vanilla beans, toasted marshmallows, and peppery rye spice. The finish is a nice warming, lingering mix of brown sugar sweetness and cracked black pepper spice. If you like bottled-in-bond bourbons with a nice balance of corn sweetness and cracked black pepper rye spice, this is the whiskey for you. 3. Wild Turkey Rare Breed 54.1% It’s a bit of a toss-up between Wild Turkey 101 and Wild Turkey Rare Breed to determine which one is the most underrated. We’re going to give it to Rare Breed because it doesn’t get as much attention as its 101-proof sibling. This 116.8-proof banger is a mix of six, eight, and 12-year-old bourbons. The nose is a mix of candied orange peels, oak, butterscotch, vanilla beans, and light rye spice. The palate is centered around notes of fresh leather, maple candy, vanilla beans, toffee, cracked black pepper, and charred oak. Take a moment to enjoy the last sip and you’ll be treated to a symphony of toffee, peppery rye, and vanilla. You’ll have a hard time finding a more well-rounded, reasonably-priced bourbon of this caliber. This is the kind of whiskey you buy once and continue to stock in your home bar forever. 2. Bib & Tucker 6 Year 46% Bib & Tucker 6 Year has begun to gain in popularity, but it’s still underrated. Also known as the “Classic Six”, this 92-proof award-winning whiskey is matured for a minimum of six years in new, charred American oak barrels. The result is a mellow, flavorful small batch bourbon you won’t soon forget. A lot is going on with this whiskey’s nose. There’s a ton of toasted vanilla beans, oaky wood, pepper, and baking spices. Complex flavors of candied pecans, vanilla beans, candied orange peels, pipe tobacco, treacle, oak, and spices make for a very exciting palate. It all ends with a finish of warming candied nuts, vanilla, and cinnamon spice. This flavorful whiskey is surprisingly mellow for the fact that it has so many different flavors intermingling. You need to try it. 1. Russell’s Reserve 10 45% Ever since it was first launched in 1998, Russell’s Reserve has been cranking out award-winning, memorable whiskeys. One of our favorites and a surprisingly underrated gem is its Russell’s Reserve 10. This 90-proof bourbon is matured for a decade in No. 4 alligator char American oak barrels. A fragrant nose of vanilla beans, maple candy, orange peels, brown sugar, and oak greets you before your first sip. Sipping it is an indulgent trip into a world of toasted vanilla beans, tobacco, citrus peels, salted caramel, cracked black pepper, dried fruits, and charred oak. It ends with a final flourish of sweet, spicy heat that leaves you craving more. It might not seem like Russell’s Reserve 10 is underrated, but it is. For the price, you won’t find a better bottle of ten-year-old bourbon.US bankers cautious on crypto despite expected regulatory easing

Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’Tributes were paid to the former Scottish first minister, who died suddenly in North Macedonia in October at the age of 69. A private family funeral has already taken place, with Saturday’s memorial service in Edinburgh held to celebrate his love of Scotland and his commitment to the cause of independence. But while some 500 people, including family, friends and politicians from across the spectrum attended the service at St Giles’ Cathedral, his successor Nicola Sturgeon was not present. A rift between her and Mr Salmond – who she had previously described as her mentor – developed during her term as SNP leader. Ms Sturgeon attended the funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley in Glasgow on Saturday morning. Her successor, Mr Swinney, was met with boos as he arrived at the service – held on St Andrew’s Day – with at least one person in the crowd outside on the Royal Mile shouting “traitor”. Mr Salmond stood down as SNP leader and first minister after the 2014 referendum in which Scots voted to stay part of the UK. He helped found and went on to lead another pro-independence party, Alba, with Kenny MacAskill, a long-time friend who served as justice secretary in Holyrood under Mr Salmond. Mr MacAskill, now the acting Alba leader, told the congregation – which included Mr Salmond’s widow Moira as well as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, former Labour first minister Henry McLeish and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay – that Mr Salmond had been a “giant of man”. Mr MacAskill, who quit the SNP to join Alba, hailed Mr Salmond as “an inspiration, a political genius” and being “most of all a man who had the cause of independence burned into his heart and seared in his soul”. The cause of independence was Mr Salmond’s “guiding light, his north star”, the former justice secretary said, adding that “he came so close to achieving it”. He added: “Those of us who share his dream must conclude that journey on his behalf. That’s the legacy he’d expect and the duty we owe him.” Recalling Mr Salmond’s words from when he stood down as first minister that “the dream shall never die”, Mr MacAskill concluded his address with the words: “Your dream shall be delivered.” Former Conservative Brexit minister and long-time friend of Mr Salmond, David Davis, gave a reading as did former Scottish government minister SNP MSP Fergus Ewing. Scottish folk singer Dougie MacLean performed his famous song Caledonia, while singer Sheena Wellington led mourners in a rendition of Robert Burns’ classic A Man’s A Man For A’ That. Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers were applauded for their performance of Cap in Hand – a pro-independence song which features the line “I can’t understand why we let someone else rule our land, cap in hand”. Brothers Craig and Charlie Reid said: “We’re going to do this for Alex, with love and respect and eternal gratitude for everything you did for our country.” Christina Hendry described her Uncle Alex as a “political giant, a strong leader, a fearless campaigner” but also remembered his as a “dearly loved husband, brother and uncle”. While she said he had been “the top man in Scotland”, he had “always made time for his family”, recalling how he phoned her brother on his birthday – the day after the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 – to apologise for not posting a card “as he’d been busy”, before telling them he would “resigning in 10 minutes”. She told the congregation: “As his family, we always felt loved no matter how far away he was or the time that passed before we saw him next. “We always knew he was standing up for our country, and for that we were grateful.” Ms Hendry continued: “The world will be a much quieter place without Uncle Alex, for Moira, for the wider family and for Scotland. “Uncle Alex passing means a great loss for many. A loss of Scotland’s voice on the international stage. A loss of integrity in Scottish politics. And a great loss to Scotland’s independence movement. “As a family it is likely a loss we will never get over.” Duncan Hamilton KC, who was an SNP MSP after the first Scottish Parliament elections, but also served as a political adviser and legal counsel to Mr Salmond, said the former first minister had “rightly been hailed as one of the greatest Scottish politicians of this, or any, generation”. He told how Mr Salmond took the SNP from being “a fringe act trying to get onto the main stage” to a party of government. “In Scottish politics, his success was both spectacular and unrivalled,” Mr Hamilton said. “Alex Salmond will forever be a pivotal figure in Scotland’s story. He changed a nation. He inspired a country. “History will certainly remember him as a man of talent, charisma and substance. But also as a political leader of courage, vision and intelligence. “He dared to dream. And so should we.” As the service finished the crowd gathered outside applauded and chanted “Alex, Alex” before singing Flower Of Scotland.

Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the Senate

90jili club apps The controversy has reignited concerns about the effectiveness of oversight and verification mechanisms in place to prevent fraud and abuse within agricultural subsidy programs. With limited resources and personnel to conduct on-site inspections and audits of every reported harvest, there are fears that similar cases of deception may be widespread and difficult to detect.

Barcelona's interest in Son Heung-Min is not only driven by his on-field abilities but also by the potential commercial benefits of signing a player of Asian descent. With a massive fan following in Korea and across Asia, Son's arrival at the Camp Nou could open up new revenue streams for the Catalan club through merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and increased global exposure. Furthermore, Barcelona's association with a player of Son's stature could help them tap into the growing football market in Asia, where the club has a large and passionate fan base.

Lawmakers and commentators think it’s “clear” Donald Trump is already in charge even though his inauguration is still weeks away. As President Joe Biden winds down his presidency, Trump is behaving as though he is already in office by intervening with last week’s spending bill, issuing threats to retake the Panama Canal and asserting dominance over Greenland, according to The Hill. “It’s clear he’s in charge now,” Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska told the outlet, remarking on Trump’s influence over the chaotic spending bill when the government was just a few hours from a shutdown. “Nobody is talking about, ‘Where’s Biden?’ in any of this. Trump is in charge,” she added. “Trump is in charge now, even without the election certification.” Trump’s assertiveness, with his inauguration just weeks away, is “unprecedented,” according to Stephen S. Smith, a political science professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Smith noted that Trump, spurred on by billionaire ally and adviser Elon Musk, took GOP leaders by surprise when he proclaimed his opposition to Mike Johnson’s first bipartisan bill. “Trump’s involvement is unprecedented,” he told The Hill . “I have no doubt he was being carefully advised about what was going on. Surely there must have been the thought that his open involvement — which would have been a form of criticizing the Republicans for something — would have only made it more difficult for the Senate Democrats to win some concessions from the House Republicans.” Republican strategist Vin Weber told the outlet that the issue is more about Biden’s absence than Trump’s assertiveness. “I’ve heard people criticize Trump for jumping in too soon,” Weber said. “I think the main point is that Biden has vacated the field and Trump has filled the vacuum.” Weber added that it was “really telling” that Biden didn’t have much impact over last week’s spending bill chaos in Congress . “It was quite something to watch,” Weber said. Other Republicans claim that Biden has already “checked out.” Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina told The Hill that Trump “has been more of a president the last month than President Biden’s been,” while Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas said Biden “checked out a long time ago.” “I don’t see a lot of leadership coming from the White House . We’re getting more White House leadership from Mar-a-Lago than we’re getting from the White House,” Tillis added. Some Democrats thought Biden “could have been more vocal” about some of the proposals in the bill that Trump managed to remove, according to The Hill. A Democratic senator, who spoke anonymously, conceded that the Biden administration was “out of energy.” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told The Hill he hadn’t “heard anything directly from the White House,” but added he wasn’t aware of conversations at a leadership level. The White House pushed back against criticism and claimed their “maneuvering prevented a Republican-triggered Christmas shutdown .” “President Biden and his team worked hand-in-hand with Leaders Jeffries and Schumer to leverage Republicans’ mistakes against them, guaranteeing that the American public knew the House GOP and Trump were breaking their word and putting tax breaks for the wealthy above troops and Social Security recipients — all at the direction of the richest man in the world,” White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told The Hill in a statement.

Martinez had gone eight matches since last finding the back of the net against Venezia on November 3 but after Alessandro Bastoni opened the scoring in the 54th minute, the Argentina international struck in Sardinia. The Inter captain took his tally against Cagliari to 10 goals in as many games after 71 minutes before Hakan Calhanoglu capped an excellent night for the visitors from the penalty spot a few moments later. Inter’s fifth-successive league victory led to them temporarily leapfrogging Atalanta, who reclaimed top spot but saw their lead cut to a single point following a 1-1 draw at Lazio. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were grateful for a point in the end after falling behind to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first-half strike, only drawing level with two minutes remaining thanks to Marco Brescianini. Lautaro Valenti’s last-gasp strike condemned rock-bottom Monza to a 10th defeat in 18 matches as Parma edged a 2-1 victory, while Genoa defeated Empoli by the same scoreline.

As Xiaohua sat in the hairdressing chair, watching Xiang Zuo skillfully trim and style her hair, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and appreciation wash over her. In that moment, she realized that true friendship transcends fame and fortune, and that the support of a genuine friend is worth more than any number of social media followers or box office hits. It was a humbling experience for Xiaohua, who had always prided herself on her independence and self-sufficiency, to accept help from someone else and acknowledge that she didn't have to face her struggles alone.

Jharkhand Election Results 2024: JMM's Mathura Prasad Mahato Wins Tundi Seat

The investment promotion conferences, which took place in major cities across the provinces of Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Jiangsu, attracted a diverse range of attendees, including small and medium-sized enterprises, cross-border e-commerce sellers, and industry experts. The events featured presentations by AliExpress executives, informative workshops, and networking opportunities for participants to discuss potential collaborations and business opportunities.In conclusion, Omdia's projection of small and medium-sized OLED shipments exceeding 1 billion units in 2025 underscores the transformative impact of OLED technology on the display industry. With OLED displays becoming increasingly ubiquitous in consumer electronics products, the future looks bright for OLED technology and its potential to revolutionize the way we interact with digital content.

A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim’s sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Thi Cam Nhung Lê says she grew up with Sebastien Gauthier in Quebec City and considered him her best friend. Lê says Gauthier’s older sister was also on the boat in Florida’s Broward County when it exploded and she was taken to a hospital. She says Gauthier’s family was in Florida to celebrate the holidays and that his sudden death feels “unimaginable.” A video posted on social media Monday shows the vessel engulfed in flames following the explosion, with a thick column of black smoke billowing into the sky. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed that Gauthier died of his injuries, saying a preliminary investigation shows the 37-foot vessel exploded after its engines were started. Lê remembers Gauthier as someone who was always smiling and says she is waiting for answers about what led to her friend’s death.The 54-year-old TV presenter revealed in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and later underwent a mastectomy during which her breast plus two lymph glands were removed before reconstruction took place. Bradbury has since stopped drinking alcohol and has changed the priorities in her life, but revealed she has received some pushback on social media from sharing her approach. She told The Times Weekend magazine: “I wasn’t close to death, but death looked me in the eyes. So I am more focused on my health than I ever have been. “I don’t drink, I eat a healthy diet and exercise every day. “When I came home from my mastectomy, I promised I would spend time outside every day, and that is my mantra, however poor it might be in this shitty winter.” Bradbury, who has since been given the all-clear, said a doctor recently helped her reframe how she utilises her energy. She recalled: “He said, ‘This drive that you have – you’re running on a credit card. You can push through all sorts of things. But is that the best thing for you?’. “I realised you don’t have to win every race. You don’t have to overcome everything. I don’t want to max out the credit card.” The presenter previously discussed her experience in an ITV documentary, Julia Bradbury: Breast Cancer And Me, which followed her as she came to terms with her diagnosis and prepared to undergo her single mastectomy. She also regularly shares her wellness and fitness tips with her more than 270,000 Instagram followers. However, she revealed she has had pushback from people saying, “I was healthy, I go to the gym, I got cancer, and now its metastasised and I’ve got secondary cancer. So are you blaming me for my illness?”. A post shared by JULIA BRADBURY (@juliabradbury) Responding to the accusations, she added: “No. All I’m saying is, this is what I went through. It was a wake-up call, and it made me look at life differently. “It made me prioritise my sleep, emotional health, and give more time to my loved ones. “If I drink more than four units of alcohol a week, my risk of reoccurrence goes up by 28%. But people find me giving up drinking infuriating.” Bradbury, who has a 13-year-old son Zephyr, and nine-year-old twins Xanthe and Zena, said having children later in life has caused her to not be as “patient” as she feels she should be at times after becoming more set in her own ways. “People think that after you’ve got a cancer diagnosis, you become this beautiful angel with a halo, and a super mum and do everything right”, she added. “But no, you make the same mistakes. I lose my temper, and I can hear myself saying things that I can’t believe I’m saying. “None of us know what we’re doing, really. We’re just doing our best. I know they do have lots of love. They are told that they’re loved every day.”

Upon landing, the affected passenger was quickly attended to by airport medical staff who were on standby to provide further medical assistance. The airport authorities coordinated closely with the airline to ensure the passenger received proper medical care and support.Amazon, known for its vast marketplace and innovative services, has continually shown its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With Intuit, a leader in financial management solutions for small businesses, joining forces, the partnership is poised to deliver a comprehensive suite of tools and resources tailored to meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs and business owners.

NEW DELHI: Domestic telecom gear maker HFCL inaugurated its defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, the company said on Tuesday. The new facility will produce defence technologies, including HFCL's indigenously developed thermal weapon sights, electronic fuzes, high-capacity radio relay (HCRR) systems and surveillance radars. "HFCL is proud to inaugurate this advanced defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, which symbolises our unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and national progress. This facility will allow us to deliver world-class defence technologies to armed forces, enabling them to operate with greater efficiency and confidence in critical missions," HFCL Managing Director Mahendra Nahata said. The facility has the capacity to manufacture up to 5,000 thermal weapon sights, 250,000 electronic fuzes, 1,000 units each of high-capacity radio relays and ground surveillance radars annually, the statement said. HFCL's thermal weapon sights are compatible with small arms, such as rifles, light machine guns (LMGs), and rocket launchers, and offer features like high-resolution imaging etc.Australia’s most decorated Olympic medallist Emma McKeon has announced her retirement from swimming. The 30-year-old entered Paris 2024 having already announced it would be her third and last Olympics, but had left the door open to continue competing. However, she has now shut that door, confirming the news in a statement on social media. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today McKeon bows out with six Olympic gold medals among 14 in total, as well as a host of other accolades. “Today I am officially retiring from competitive swimming,” she wrote . “Leading into Paris, I knew it would be my last Olympics, and the months since have given me time to reflect on my journey, and think about what I wanted my future to look like in swimming. “I am proud of myself for giving my swimming career absolutely everything, both physically and mentally. “I wanted to see what I was capable of - and I did. “Swimming has given me so much. From the dream igniting at 5 years old, right through to my third Olympic games - I have so many lessons, experiences, friendships and memories that I am so thankful for. Along with every person who supported me, worked hard with me, and cheered me on. THANKYOU. “Now I am excited to see how I can push myself in other ways, and for all the things that life has in store.” McKeon’s announcement was flooded with messages from superstars from Australia and around the world. “Incredible. What a career👏 proud to have shared a few teams with you. Congrats Emma ❤️ Enjoy whatever is next!” Jess Fox wrote. “So proud of you Em ❤️❤️ you’re a legend in and out of the pool forever xxx,” fellow swimmer Ariarne Titmus said. “Love your work, Emma. Enjoy the next chapter 😍,” Ash Barty added. “What an amazing career! Truely blessed to have the honour to train alongside you,” Emily Seebohm said. “There is no one else like you, incredible athlete and extraordinary woman. An honour to be apart of your career and I am so proud to be your friend. Congratulations, can’t wait to see what you do next! ❤️,” Jenna Strauch added. Born into a swimming family, McKeon always appeared destined for greatness. After narrowly missing out on a spot in the 2012 team, McKeon made her Olympics debut in Rio four years later. She won her first gold as a member of the 4x100m freestyle relay team, while she also picked up two silvers. But that was nothing compared to what she achieved at the next Olympics in Tokyo. She won four gold among seven medals in total — the equal most won by a female athlete in any sport at a single Games. She added another gold to her haul this year in Paris, as well as a silver and bronze to be the most decorated Australian Olympian of all time.

Kosovo's ethnic Serb party says its ban from a parliamentary election is 'political violence'But perhaps the most surprising development for Chelsea fans has been the resurgence of their veteran defender, Thiago Silva. Many had written off the Brazilian as past his prime, but under Mahrezka's guidance, Silva has been a rock at the back for the Blues. His experience and leadership have been invaluable to the team, and he has played a key role in their defensive solidity.As children transition into adolescence, they begin to seek independence and establish their identities outside of their families. This crucial stage is often marked by conflicts between parents and their teenage children, as the latter yearn for autonomy while parents may struggle with letting go. One common point of contention is the extent to which parents should be involved in their teenagers' social lives, particularly when it comes to fathers and their daughters. In the case of a father interfering in his 14-year-old daughter's social interactions, the line between fatherly love and control can become blurred.

Congress moves SC against changes to election rulesUnbeknownst to Mr. Li and Lily, Mrs. Li had been quietly observing the scene unfold from the doorway, a mischievous glint in her eyes. While she was concerned about her husband's inebriated state, she couldn't help but find the situation slightly amusing. She knew that Mr. Li's emotions were genuine, but the theatricality of his drunken declaration was too absurd not to elicit a small chuckle from her.Cover Five: With pressure rising, Matt Rhule delivers Nebraska a bowl bid in Year 2

However, the retirement of the Brazilian defender was not the only story that captivated the footballing world. Just 3 days earlier, his twin brother, who had also carved out a successful career in the sport, announced his decision to retire. The twin brothers had embarked on their footballing journey together, rising through the ranks and eventually playing at the highest levels of the game. Their bond on and off the field was evident to all who watched them play, with their telepathic understanding and synchronicity creating moments of magic on the pitch.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans decreased its position in shares of iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:FALN – Free Report ) by 19.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 181,057 shares of the company’s stock after selling 43,427 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ holdings in iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF were worth $4,950,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of FALN. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its position in iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF by 70.6% during the 3rd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 17,134 shares of the company’s stock worth $468,000 after buying an additional 7,092 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF by 16.7% during the third quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 48,547 shares of the company’s stock worth $1,327,000 after purchasing an additional 6,957 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in shares of iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $49,000. Breakwater Capital Group grew its stake in shares of iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF by 8.2% during the third quarter. Breakwater Capital Group now owns 293,959 shares of the company’s stock valued at $8,037,000 after purchasing an additional 22,196 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF by 182.5% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 768,476 shares of the company’s stock valued at $20,641,000 after purchasing an additional 496,455 shares in the last quarter. iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of FALN opened at $27.02 on Friday. iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $25.50 and a 52 week high of $27.43. The business’s fifty day moving average price is $27.12 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $26.79. iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF Increases Dividend iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF Company Profile ( Free Report ) The iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF (FALN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market value weighted index of bonds that were rated investment grade at issuance, but later downgraded to sub-investment grade. FALN was launched on Jun 14, 2016 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FALN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:FALN – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Fallen Angels USD Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .90jili net 。

NoneGovinda recalls Shilpa Shetty’s hilarious reaction to his gunshot injury

Welp. This season is officially off the rails. Ohio State thoroughly handled Indiana. Oklahoma trounced Alabama. Florida dashed Mississippi's playoff hopes. Auburn upset Texas A&M. Arizona State and Kansas sent the Big 12 into chaos with their wins over BYU and Colorado. Notre Dame resoundingly ended Army's magical run. And that was all in one week! There are more than 60 voters on the AP Top 25 panel. There’s at least one voter from each state that has an FBS team and a handful of national folks. For the state of Nebraska, there’s one voter. Each week I will break down my ballot compared with the actual Top 25 and write on some pressing topics. Without further ado, here is my ballot ahead of Week 14: And here is the actual AP Top 25 for Week 14: Nothing makes sense. I think Ohio State is the best team in the nation right now. However, the Buckeyes remain No. 2 behind undefeated Oregon. Penn State, even at 10-1, doesn't feel inspiring. Barely beating Minnesota? Not cause to be optimistic. I think Indiana still deserves more credit than it gets. The whole "who have they played" narrative is tired. Of their 10 wins, three teams are bowl-eligible in Nebraska, Washington and Michigan. And Michigan State is at five wins ahead of a Week 14 game against Rutgers. I don't know what to make of the SEC or the Big 12. The SEC might be lucky to get three teams into the College Football Playoff. Two feels reasonable, but three feels like a stretch — especially depending on the final week of the regular season. Every game is winnable for the ranked SEC teams. But every game is losable, too. Auburn could beat Alabama. Texas A&M could beat Texas. Vanderbilt could beat Tennessee. And, man, how about Florida? The Gators, after everything, could finish the season 7-5. Heck, even winless Mississippi State could pull off an Egg Bowl miracle over Mississippi. But regardless of what happens, thanks to tiebreakers, Georgia has clinched the SEC championship game. There's a possibility that the Big 12 gets left out of the CFP. If Boise State runs the table in the Mountain West and Tulane runs the table in the American, there's a possibility that both of them, in two weeks, are ranked ahead of whichever Big 12 team decides it wants to win the conference. Kansas, after being left for dead at 2-6, has rattled off three straight wins over ranked teams and could be bowl-eligible with a win over Baylor. Who's going to even make the Big 12 title game? Four teams are tied at 6-2 heading into the final week of the regular season, and there's plenty of potential chaos on the horizon. And Army... congrats on a great start to the season. Apologies that it had to end the way it did against Notre Dame. Now, was Army's schedule — in retrospect — pretty cupcakey? You betcha. Florida Atlantic, Rice, Temple, Tulsa and East Carolina have all already fired their coaches. And UAB probably should, too. Did I still have them ranked this week? I did. Mostly out of the notion that winning games, above all else, is the most important piece of the puzzle here. And because, honestly, the bottom of the poll is an absolute dumpster fire that's impossible to ascertain. Also, with one week left in the regular season, 77 teams have clinched bowl eligibility out of the possible 82 spots. Two more teams are guaranteed to reach their sixth win this week as there are two games both featuring 5-win teams. There are also 12 other teams that could win and reach a sixth win. It's been a while since there were too many bowl-eligible teams — another sign of the chaos that's unfolded this year. Three teams rose five or more spots this week and one team made a return to the Top 25. Arizona State: The biggest riser of the week? The Sun Devils. They jumped up seven spots to No. 14 after their chaotic victory over BYU. That's three straight wins for Arizona State, two of which came over teams that were ranked at the time. Clemson : The Tigers jumped five spots this week to No. 12 after their convincing victory over The Citadel paired with other teams dropping spots with losses. Iowa State : The Cyclones also rose five spots after narrowly beating an injury-riddled Utah squad. That's two straight wins for the Cyclones, putting them at 9-2 and in a must-win spot this week in Farmaggedon. Missouri: Tigers fans must have whiplash. Missouri is back in the Top 25 this week after a brief stint on the outside looking in. The Tigers vaulted back in at No. 24 after beating Mississippi State, 39-20, to move to 8-3 on the season. Seven teams dropped five or more spots this week, and one team dropped out. Army: Losing like that to Notre Dame? That'll send you tumbling. Army fell seven spots this week, narrowly holding onto the No. 25 spot. Colorado: Colorado also dropped seven spots after losing to Kansas, 37-21, falling to No. 23. The Buffaloes are still in the hunt, but they're in a must-win situation against Oklahoma State this week. Alabama : The Crimson Tide is on red alert this week after they not only lost to Oklahoma, which is bad enough, but only scored three points in the game. For that, Alabama fell six spots to No. 13. Indiana : Well, the fun story of an undefeated Indiana is over. The Hoosiers lost to Ohio State and dropped five spots to No. 10. The Hoosiers could still eclipse their 11th win of the season this week when they host the struggling Purdue Boilermakers to close out the regular season. Mississippi: Mississippi said goodbye to its playoff hopes with a loss to Florida, tumbling six spots down the rankings to No. 15. BYU : The Cougars have now lost two in a row — one to Kansas and now to Arizona State. The Cougars, once the Big 12's best story of the season, fell five spots this week to No. 19. Texas A&M: Texas A&M, after losing a close game to Auburn, 43-41, dropped five spots to No. 20. Oddly enough, though, Texas A&M is still in position to make the SEC title game. Just have to get through ~checks notes~ Texas this week to get there. Washington State: The Cougars lost the de facto Pac-2 Championship Game, so they fell out this week. I didn't want any three-loss teams on my ballot at all last week, but after the chaos of this week, it was impossible to do that again. So, I kept all the three-loss teams below No. 15. And that makes my ballot a little funky compared to the consensus poll. The biggest "miss" I had was Tennessee. I had the Volunteers at No. 11, while they came in at No. 7. Their most recent win came over a struggling UTEP that's 2-9 on the season. Before that, they lost to Georgia. Before that, they beat the only winless team in SEC play in Mississippi State. Now, I'm of the mindset that you have to win the games on your schedule, but they're pretty tough to figure out. Also, I had Memphis ranked instead of Missouri. Here are the games I have circled for this week: No. 16 South Carolina (8-3, 5-3) at No. 12 Clemson (9-2, 7-1) : It's been a long time since the Palmetto Bowl featured two ranked teams — 11 years, in fact. Going to be a fun one in Clemson. 11 a.m. kick Saturday on ESPN. No. 3 Texas (10-1, 6-1) at No. 20 Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2): The Lone Star Showdown is back after a 12-year hiatus, and the stakes are incredibly high as the winner will advance to the SEC title game to face Georgia. 6:30 p.m. kick on Saturday on ABC. Kansas State (8-3, 5-3) at No. 17 Iowa State (9-2, 6-2) : The Big 12 is a mess, and this game will directly influence who makes the Big 12 title game. 6:30 p.m. kick on FOX. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Former Prime Minister of India and veteran Congress leader Dr Manmohan Singh died on Thursday at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of political and economic achievements. Singh, who also held the Finance portfolio in his early political days, played a key role in ushering in economic reforms in the 1990s. A celebrated economist across the globe, Dr Manmohan Singh entered politics at the height of the 1991 economic crisis when late Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao inducted him into the government as Finance Minister. Together, both the leaders steered the economy out of the balance of payments crisis and laid the foundation for the economic reforms that have been upheld by every successive government since. A stellar scholar: Manmohan Singh's academic achievements Dr Manmohan Singh completed his Matriculation examinations from Punjab University in 1948. His academic career took him from Punjab to the University of Cambridge, UK, where he earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957. Dr Singh followed this with a D. Phil in Economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. His book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth” [Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1964] was an early critique of India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Manmohan Singh's academic credentials were burnished by the years he spent on the faculty of Punjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics. The Indian leader had a brief stint at the UNCTAD Secretariat as well, during these years. This presaged a subsequent appointment as Secretary General of the South Commission in Geneva between 1987 and 1990. Manmohan Singh's political achievements A technocrat with an eye for politics and a long portfolio of key positions such as Reserve Bank Governor and Secretary General of the South-South Commission, made Dr Manmohan Singh, an accurate choice for Sonia Gandhi when she decided to renounce the post of Prime Minister following the backlash Dr Singh took reigns from the NDA government at a time when India was reeling under the aftermath of the 2002 post-Godhra riots surrounded by an atmosphere of communal imbalance, Singh's administration, as it believed brought in a sense of balance in the situation. One of the biggest highlights of Singh's regime was securing the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which opened up civilian nuclear cooperation and was seen as a landmark moment in India’s foreign relations. It was under his government that India launched several social schemes including 'The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which provided employment opportunities to millions in rural areas. Dr Manmohan Singh's economic achievements Dr Singh's government delivered a robust 8.5 per cent GDP growth for most of his tenure but the scams- 2G, CWG and Coal block allocations-and the resultant policy paralysis of the government stymied his performance. As a Finance Minister, he played a crucial role in India's economic liberalisation in 1991, which included devaluing the rupee, reducing import tariffs, and privatising state-owned enterprises. Notably, while Singh was not directly responsible for bringing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) into effect, the groundwork for the said tax reforms was laid under his government.Several Nigerian clerics made bold predictions about the year 2024 in January, and some of their prophecies came to pass Prominent clerics with manifested political prophecies included Primate Elijah Ayodele and Prophet Joshua Iginla Prominent among the prophecies is the death of a governor, and 2014 was the year Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state left the world CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. As the year comes to a close, it's natural to reflect on the prophecies and predictions made by various religious leaders and clerics. In Nigeria, several prominent clerics made bold predictions about the country's economy, politics , and international relations. From Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele's warnings about economic instability to Prophet Joshua Iginla's predictions about tough economic times, these clerics provided insight into the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele's Prophecies Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos , made several prophecies concerning Nigeria's economy and politics. He predicted that the country's economy would be hard to revive due to a weak Naira-to-dollar rate and that it would fluctuate, leading to unstable inflation rates. Read also Sharia: “Christians not to be subjected to Islamic law,” Sheikh Idris Oni speaks, gives condition PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! Some of the highlights of his prophecies include: Economic Instability: Ayodele predicted that the Nigerian economy would be unstable, with inflation rates rising astronomically. Bereavement in the Governors' Forum: He warned the Governors' Forum to pray against bereavement, which came to pass with the deaths of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the wife of Governor Umo Eno. Impeachment of Philip Shuaibu: Ayodele also predicted the impeachment of former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu. Prophet Joshua Iginla's Prophecies Prophet Joshua Iginla, founder and senior Champions Royal Assembly, made disturbing predictions about Nigeria's economy in 2024. However, he also foretold a relief in 2025. Some of the highlights of his prophecies include: Tough Economic Times: Iginla predicted that Nigeria's economy would go through tough times in 2024, but that there would be real changes in 2025. Disgruntled Politicians: He warned that the government would battle the war of disgruntled politicians on unsettled political promises. Caution to Tinubu: Iginla also advised President Tinubu to be careful of those he relies on, as he sees faithful people becoming unfaithful and betrayers. Read also Ndume under fire for sharing video of Nigerians waiting for palliatives at Tinubu's residence Prophet Olagunju's Prophecy on Donald Trump Prophet Wale Olagunju, presiding Bishop of Seed of God Chapel Ministry Sasa, Ibadan, Oyo State , made a bold prediction about the US presidential election. He foretold Donald Trump's return to power, which came to pass despite widespread predictions by many Christian clerics that Trump would lose to Kamala Harris. Clerics who predicted trouble for churches in 2024 Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian pastors are known for issuing prophecies from time to time and predicting the future. On Monday, January 1, which marked the beginning of a new calendar, 2024, Christian leaders across the country gave predictions about the new year . Many pastors on Monday discussed Nigerians' fate in the hands of politicians. Many political prophecies centred on President Bola Tinubu and the new administration. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng

DALLAS — Roope Hintz scored the first in a four-goal third-period for Dallas, including two from Thomas Harley, and the Stars beat the Calgary Flames 6-2 on Sunday night. Hintz tipped the puck just past Dustin Wolf’s right skate on a give-and-go with Esa Lindell at 5:13 of the period. Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist while Wyatt Johnston and Sam Steel also scored for Dallas, which began a season-long six-game homestand. Jake Oettinger made 29 saves to remain perfect in 10 games this season at American Airlines Center for his 14th overall win, second among NHL goaltenders. Calgary received goals from Jonathan Huberdeau, who scored one minute in, and Connor Zary. Wolf stopped 22 shots. The rookie has three consecutive regulation losses after earning points in six straight (5-0-1). Johnston’s first-period shorthanded goal came three seconds after a 4-on-4 stint ended. Robertson’s second-period goal came eight seconds after he left the penalty box and rushed the net, closely backchecked by Martin Pospisil. Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) blocks a shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Dallas. Credit: AP/LM Otero It was defenseman Harley's first multigoal game this season. Dallas rookie Oskar Back had two assists. Takeaways Flames: They’re 0-5-3 in their last eight road games. They allowed their fourth shorthanded goal this season. Stars: Robertson ended an eight-game goalless streak. Ranking next to last in home power play at 11.1% going in, the Stars went 0 for 4 — two of them less than the full two minutes. Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) defends the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Dallas. Credit: AP/LM Otero Key moment Flames defensemen Kevin Bahl and Jakob Pelletier had chances to prevent Lindell from passing back to Hintz at the crease, but the puck caromed off Bahl’s skate to Hintz. Key stat The Stars had lost six straight regular-season home games to the Flames dating to the 2019-20 season. Up next The Flames will visit the Nashville Predators on Tuesday before beginning a season-long five-game homestand. The Stars will host Nashville on Thursday.

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Donald Trump Is Selling His Perfumes With Jill Biden As 'Poster Girl': 'Enemies Can't Resist'LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. “We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. “Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world.” Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. “The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team,” Michael Andretti posted on social media. “I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!” The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti’s dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA . The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they’ve already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti’s application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1’s current grid. “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. “Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024,” F1 said in a statement. “Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1." AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

"MP Has Immense Potential": Chief Minister Mohan Yadav On UK Visit To Seek InvestmentsJaipur, Dec 28 (PTI) The state units of the ruling BJP and opposition Congress sparred over the dissolution of nine districts and three divisions by the Rajasthan government on Saturday. While the Congress has criticised the decision and called it anti-people and undemocratic, the BJP alleged that the previous Congress government had created these districts for political gain. The state cabinet on Saturday decided to dissolve nine new districts and three divisions that were formed by the previous Ashok Gehlot government. However, eight new districts have been retained. The previous Congress government had formed 17 new districts and three new divisions. It had also issued a notification for three new districts, which is also being cancelled by the Bhajan Lal Sharma government. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully also slammed the decision. "We strongly condemn this decision and the Congress party and the common people of Rajasthan will protest against this decision. There are winter holidays in the court. Such a decision was taken hastily so that no one could go to the court and could not even file a PIL. If required, we will also approach the court," Dotasra told reporters at a press conference. Jully said that the Congress will start a mass movement to get the government to revert the decision. "We will raise voices against the decision in the assembly. From the road to the assembly, we will not let BJP sit in peace. This decision is anti-people. They have killed the rights of the people." Cabinet ministers Avinash Gehlot and Sumit Godara called the opposition's comments "childish and absurd". Avinash Gehlot said that the Congress had created these districts for political gains just ahead of elections. Godara said the BJP government has dissolved the districts in public interest. The of the government is to carry out welfare works that help the entire state. The Bhajanlal Sharma government has fulfilled 50 per cent of its election promises in the first year itself, he added. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

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Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staffFlorida State made official on Monday the hiring of Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator, confirming weekend reports that he would resign as UCF head coach to reunite with Seminoles coach Mike Norvell. UCF had confirmed on Sunday reports of Malzahn's exit but not his destination, and FSU had not made an announcement until Monday afternoon. "I am excited to be here at Florida State and to help us win championships," Malzahn said in a statement. "It's exciting to work with Coach Norvell, who is someone I believe in as a coach and leader." Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, said on Saturday night after the Seminoles' 31-11 loss to Florida that he could not identify the new offensive coordinator until the hiring process was finalized. Florida State, which is 2-10 overall and 1-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, is ranked No. 132 of 133 FBS programs in total offense (270.2 yards per game). The Seminoles are 130th in the nation in scoring offense (15.4 points per game). Norvell shook up his staff, including firing offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins on Nov. 10 after a 52-3 defeat at Notre Dame. "I'm extremely excited to have Gus Malzahn join our staff at Florida State," Norvell said in the school's statement on Monday. "He has one of the most innovative minds in college football and a proven track record of developing elite offenses everywhere he's been. "His offenses have consistently showcased a tremendous running game combined with explosive plays through the air. I'm thrilled to work side-by-side with Gus again as we elevate the Florida State offense back to one of the elite groups in college football." UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn's four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons. Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn -- which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and play caller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010. Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation. In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn's teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season. --Field Level Media

SANTA CLARA — Jake Moody missed another goal attempt in Week 17, setting social media and talk radio ablaze. Time for the 49ers to get a new kicker, or at the very least some competition during training camp in 2025. Not necessarily, even if Shanahan threw his tablet on the sidelines in frustration after missing a 41-yard attempt in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. “I believe we’ve got the right guy,” Shanahan said Thursday as the 49ers (6-9) began preparations to host the Detroit Lions (13-2). He’s showed that at times. I thought he showed that at times in his rookie year.I thought he showed that in being 12 of 13 to start the year and I think he’ll show that in the future.” But rest assured that Moody will be watched closely to see how he performs in the final two weeks of the season, beginning with a spotlight game on Monday night in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game won 34-31 by the 49ers. Since the game is at Levi’s Stadium, Moody should enter with some confidence. He’s 23-for-30 on field goal attempts a 76.7 rate that’s unacceptable in today’s NFL, let alone for a kicker who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But all seven of his misses have been on the road — one in Miami, two in Buffalo in the snow, three in Tampa Bay in the sunshine and one in Los Angeles. Which apparently came as news to Moody. “I actually didn’t know that,” Moody said. “That’s pretty interesting. I don’t think that necessarily has anything to do with it, being home or away. It’s just the misses, I’ve got to hit better kicks. It’s not any specific reason why I miss. I’ve just got to make sure I’m dialed in on my form.” Moody is 15-for-15 in field goal attempts at home, starting off 6-for-6 in the opener against the New York Jets. But Moody sustained a high ankle sprain on his right kicking foot in Week 5 against Arizona, missing three games as the 49ers cycled through Matthew Wright (also injured on a kick return) and Anders Carlson. “Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously,” Shanahan said. “I think a lot of it probably has to do with (the injury), just common-sense wise. Hopefully he can get to this offseason, heal up and find a stroke again.” Having a midseason injury was a “learning experience,” according to Moody. “Whether or not that was an issue, I don’t know. I’m still doing the best I can trying to keep everything that it was prior to the injury,” Moody said. “It’s not like you can really blame something.” Whether or not that was an issue, I don’t know. I’m still doing the best I can trying to keep everything that it was prior to the injury. It’s not like you can really blame something. While tempted to alter his approach and preparation, Moody thought better of it. He considers kicking similar to golf, and said it can take years for golfers to master a swing change. “In this business you don’t have that much time to try and dial something in and do big changes like that,” Moody said.”You’ve got to be consistent and not be changing too many things or you’ll be overwhelmed by everything.” While the 49ers may bring another kicker into camp just for an extra leg, Shanahan didn’t sound as if he was looking to set up a competition for No. 1. “I think you’ve got the wrong guy if you have to,” Shanahan said. “You do that when you don’t think you’re going to have a guy, but when those guys miss too much you go get a new one usually. And that’s what’s tough about the kicker position.” GREENLAW DONE FOR THE YEAR Shanahan hinted strongly Monday that linebacker Dre Greenlaw wouldn’t play in the last two games, saying he’d wait until talking to him before making it official. “He’s not going to play in these two games,” Shanahan said. “He understood.” Left tackle Spencer Burford (calf) did not practice and Shanahan thought there was a chance he’d be ready to face Detroit with Trent Williams and Jaylon Moore both on injured reserve. Left guard Aaron Banks (knee), who hasn’t yet been placed on I.R., did not practice and neither did edge rusher Robert Beal Jr. Those who were limited were safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle), running back Isaac Guerendo (foot/ankle). Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) was off the injury list. Veteran offensive lineman Matt Hennessey was added to the roster with Williams going on injured reserve, with Sebastian Gutierrez joining the practice squad. Shanahan will try to piecemeal an offensive line heading into Detroit, with newcomer Charlie Heck also in the mix. “We’ve got to mix and match a number of guys,” Shanahan said. The 49ers activated the practice clock on rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has been out with a knee injury in hopes of getting him back before the end of the regular season. LIONS EXPECT 49ERS BEST SHOT Detroit Dan Campbell thinks last year’s loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game helped prepare them for taking another run at this season. “I think we’re really more mature,” Campbell told the Detroit media. “Every year you learn something about winning and losing. And when you take an `L’ like we did last year you learn from that . . . I think we’re much more prepared than at that time. You feel like you’re (prepared) but you get into that with a heavyweight that’s been there numerous times, you don’t always know. I think that as an experience has served us well moving into this year.” The Lions have also taken notice of what happened to the 49ers in 2022 when Brock Purdy tore the UCL in his throwing elbow in the NFC title game against Philadelphia and didn’t have a viable quarterback. Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was signed to the roster, giving the Lions three quarterbacks along with starter Jared Goff and backup Hendon Hooker. STAT WATCH — Tight end George Kittle (68 receptions, 967 yards) needs 33 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the fourth time in his career and second in succession. With eight touchdown receptions, he his three shy of his career high of 11 in 2022. — Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (63 receptions, 856 yards) needs 144 yards in his last two games to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career. HIs six touchdown receptions are a career high. — Defensive end Nick Bosa has has seven sacks and needs three over the last two games for his fourth consecutive season in double figures. Bosa had 15 1/2 in 2021, 18 1/2 in 2022 (winning NFC Defensive Player of the Year) and 10 1/2 last season. First, Bosa is thinking about his eighth sack. “Just trying to get to the next one,” Bosa said. “But it would be cool.” — Defensive end Leonard Floyd has 8 1/2 sacks and needs 1 1/2 over the last two games to reach double figures for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in his career. — Middle linebacker Fred Warner (117 tackles) needs 21 in his last two games to exceed his career high of 137 in 2021. Warner has exceeded 100 tackles in each of his seven seasons. — Quarterback Brock Purdy has 31 rushing first downs, three more than Colin Kaepernick had in 2013 and 2014.

Beloved Fitness Brand, Men’s Fitness, Returns under The Arena GroupBy TOM KRISHER, Associated Press DETROIT (AP) — For a second time, a Delaware judge has nullified a pay package that Tesla had awarded its CEO, Elon Musk, that once was valued at $56 billion. On Monday, Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick turned aside a request from Musk’s lawyers to reverse a ruling she announced in January that had thrown out the compensation plan. The judge ruled then that Musk effectively controlled Tesla’s board and had engineered the outsize pay package during sham negotiations . Lawyers for a Tesla shareholder who sued to block the pay package contended that shareholders who had voted for the 10-year plan in 2018 had been given misleading and incomplete information. In their defense, Tesla’s board members asserted that the shareholders who ratified the pay plan a second time in June had done so after receiving full disclosures, thereby curing all the problems the judge had cited in her January ruling. As a result, they argued, Musk deserved the pay package for having raised Tesla’s market value by billions of dollars. McCormick rejected that argument. In her 103-page opinion, she ruled that under Delaware law, Tesla’s lawyers had no grounds to reverse her January ruling “based on evidence they created after trial.” On Monday night, Tesla posted on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, that the company will appeal. The appeal would be filed with the Delaware Supreme Court, the only state appellate court Tesla can pursue. Experts say a ruling would likely come in less than a year. “The ruling, if not overturned, means that judges and plaintiffs’ lawyers run Delaware companies rather than their rightful owners — the shareholders,” Tesla argued. Later, on X, Musk unleashed a blistering attack on the judge, asserting that McCormick is “a radical far left activist cosplaying as a judge.” Legal authorities generally suggest that McCormick’s ruling was sound and followed the law. Charles Elson, founding director of the Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, said that in his view, McCormick was right to rule that after Tesla lost its case in the original trial, it created improper new evidence by asking shareholders to ratify the pay package a second time. Had she allowed such a claim, he said, it would cause a major shift in Delaware’s laws against conflicts of interest given the unusually close relationship between Musk and Tesla’s board. “Delaware protects investors — that’s what she did,” said Elson, who has followed the court for more than three decades. “Just because you’re a ‘superstar CEO’ doesn’t put you in a separate category.” Elson said he thinks investors would be reluctant to put money into Delaware companies if there were exceptions to the law for “special people.” Elson said that in his opinion, the court is likely to uphold McCormick’s ruling. Experts say no. Rulings on state laws are normally left to state courts. Brian Dunn, program director for the Institute of Compensation Studies at Cornell University, said it’s been his experience that Tesla has no choice but to stay in the Delaware courts for this compensation package. The company could try to reconstitute the pay package and seek approval in Texas, where it may expect more friendlier judges. But Dunn, who has spent 40 years as an executive compensation consultant, said it’s likely that some other shareholder would challenge the award in Texas because it’s excessive compared with other CEOs’ pay plans. “If they just want to turn around and deliver him $56 billion, I can’t believe somebody wouldn’t want to litigate it,” Dunn said. “It’s an unconscionable amount of money.” Almost certainly. Tesla stock is trading at 15 times the exercise price of stock options in the current package in Delaware, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a note to investors. Tesla’s share price has doubled in the past six months, Jonas wrote. At Monday’s closing stock price, the Musk package is now worth $101.4 billion, according to Equilar, an executive data firm. And Musk has asked for a subsequent pay package that would give him 25% of Tesla’s voting shares. Musk has said he is uncomfortable moving further into artificial intelligence with the company if he doesn’t have 25% control. He currently holds about 13% of Tesla’s outstanding shares.

Another popular pizza chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcyLegal authorities generally suggest that the ruling was sound and followed the law.

Fitch Ratings confirms Iveco Group Long-Term Issuer Default Rating at 'BBB-' with a stable outlookDaily Post Nigeria Rundunar yan sandan Kano ta gurfanar wasu yan fashi gaban kotu Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Hausa Rundunar yan sandan Kano ta gurfanar wasu yan fashi gaban kotu Published on December 26, 2024 By Kabeer Bello Rundunar yan sandan jahar Kano, ta gurfanar da wasu mutane biyu , a gaban kotun majistire mai lamba 45, dake zaman ta a unguwar Gyadi-gyadi , karkashin jagorancin Mai Shari’a, Haulat Magaji. An Gurfanar da Ado Yusuf da kuma Shehu Surajo, da Zargin hada kai don aikata da fashi da makami da kuma sumun kayan da aka Yi fashin a hannunsu. Rahotanni sun ce tun a ranar 30 ga watan Nuwamban 2024, a garin Dambatta, Inda suka hada Kai wajen yi wa , Isma’il fashi ta hanyar yin amfani da sinadarin wata hoda sannan suka kwace masa babur dinsa mai kimar kudi N1,200,000. Mai gabatar da kara, Barista Muhammed Sani, ya roki kotun ta bayar da dama a karanto musu kunshin tuhumar da ake yi mu su, inda kotun ta amince da rokon. Bayan an karanta musu tuhumar nan ta ke suka musanta, Inda lauyansu ya nemi belinsu, sai dai kotun ta ce bata da damar bayar da belinsu, don haka ya nemi belinsu a gaban babbar kotun jahar Kano. A bangaren lauyan Wadanda aka yi karar, ya yi suka kan tuhumar sakamakon rashin sanya wani sashi , sai dai lauyan masu karar ya ce Takaddar binciken farko ( FIR) da jami’an Yan Sanda suka gabatar ta isa komai domin akwai zargin fashi da makami a cikin ta. Haka zalika ana zargin mutanen biyu, sun taba i wa wani matukin adaidaita sahu fashi , a unguwar Dandinshe, sannan suka gudu da Babur din. Daya daga cikin lauyoyin masu karar , Barista Mustapha Yusuf Yakubu, ya ce mutanen da ake zargin sun addabi yankin Danbatta da sace-sace, fashi da kuma satar baburan adaidaita sahu. Alkaliyar kotun Mai Shari’a, Haulat Magaji, ta dage ci gaban shari’ar zuwa ranar 14 ga watan Janairu 2025 don ci gaban shari’ar. Related Topics: kano yan sanda Don't Miss Shugaba Tinubu ya mika ta’aziyya ga Gwamna Umar Namadi You may like Zamu yi wa APC yadda muka yiwa PDP a zaben 2023 – Kwankwaso Gwamnatin Kano zata bullo da sabon tsarin zuba jari na shekaru 5 Gwamnatin Kano ta garkame kasuwa bisa zargin boye barayi da ‘yan luwadi KAROTA ta gurfanar da wasu mutum 3 a gaban kotu kan cin zarafin jami’anta Hauwa Ibrahim Jibrin ta zama mace ta farko daga Kano da ta samu mukamin kwamishinan ‘Yan Sanda ’Yan sanda sun damke wani da zargin kashe ɗansa a Edo Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weekslong delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transition of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. FILE - Susie Wiles watches as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) "This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day," said Susie Wiles, Trump's designate to be White House chief of staff. The announcement came a week after the Trump transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office Jan. 20. The White House agreement was supposed to have been signed by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House issued both public and private appeals for Trump's team to sign on. Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts emphasized to Trump's team the importance of having cleared personnel before Inauguration Day so they could be fully briefed and ready to run the government. President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) Republican Senators also insisted on FBI background checks for Trump's nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers were particularly interested in seeing the findings of reviews into Trump's designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence. "That's why it's so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee review of extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Monday. John Thune, incoming Senate Republican leader, said the Trump team "understands there's going to have to be a thorough vetting of all these nominees." Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

www 90jili live Steelers say Pickens a no go for Eagles matchupDanica McKellar is no stranger to Christmas films and has watched as the genre’s popularity continues to rise in recent years. “More than an escape, it provides a reminder of what human nature can be,” she said. “We need that. We need that reminder. We need, yes, the feeling of comfort, but also ideas for how to move forward in a wholesome, earnest kind of way.” McKellar stars in the upcoming film “A Cinderella Christmas Ball,” which follows her character’s search for her birth father. Similarly, she explained that while the characters in the Christmas movies may not appear especially dramatic, they are always dealing with genuine struggles. “It’s painful, it’s scary, but what you see is a character in earnest really doing her best, pushing through and trying to make good choices along the way,” she said of her character. “So that’s what we can model for people in the midst of just giving them, yes, comfort food around the holiday season, which it’s important to feel those warm and fuzzy feelings around the holidays.” The actress has starred in Christmas movies since 2012, from “Love at the Christmas Table” to 2023’s “A Royal Date for Christmas.” However, McKellar says “A Cinderella Christmas Ball” holds much more meaning for her than the others. “It’s much harder than they show in the packages because it would bum people out to see how stressful it is,” McKellar told host Cheryl Burke of the “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast. “It just wouldn’t be as fun anymore for people.” “Failure was not an option,” she added. “So I put an enormous amount of pressure on myself to try and fulfill it, and it broke me. I was in tears because I didn’t know how to handle that kind of pressure.” While the actress loves dancing, being in the competition show complicated her relationship with the sport. “I remember telling somebody it was like if you love chocolate and somebody puts you in a vat of chocolate and then holds your head under it,” she explained. “That’s what ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is like. And every now and then, you get a breath. It’s unrelenting.” Born on Jan. 3, 1975, in La Jolla, California, McKellar launched her acting career when she got the role of Gwendolyn “Winnie” Cooper on ABC’s hit coming-of-age series “The Wonder Years.” The show premiered in 1988 and ran for six seasons until ending in 1993. McKellar has also starred in a number of Hallmark films, including 2015’s “Crown for Christmas,” 2017’s “Campfire Kiss,” 2018’s “Love in Design,” and 2020’s “Christmas She Wrote.” The actress married Scott Sveslosky in 2014 and celebrated their 10-year anniversary this month. “Ten years has flown by, and I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet! Happy 10 year anniversary, my love!” she added. McKellar’s latest project, “A Cinderella Christmas Ball,” premieres Nov. 29.No secrets as Bucs visit Dave Canales, Panthers for NFC South showdown

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors moved Monday to dismiss the criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump that accused him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election and to abandon the classified documents case against him, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. The decision by special counsel Jack Smith, who had fiercely sought to hold Trump criminally accountable for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election, represented the end of the federal effort against the former president following his election victory this month despite the election-related cases and multiple other unrelated criminal charges against him and is headed back to the White House. FILE - Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023, at an office of the Department of Justice in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) The decision, revealed in court filings, also amounts to a predictable but nonetheless stunning conclusion to criminal cases that had been seen as the most perilous of the multiple legal threats Trump has faced. It reflects the practical consequences of Trump’s victory, ensuring he enters office free from scrutiny over his hoarding of top secret documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Smith’s team emphasized that the move to abandon the prosecutions, in federal courts in Washington and Florida, was not a reflection of their view on the merits of the cases but rather a reflection of their commitment to longstanding department policy. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in Monday’s court filing in the election interference case. The decision was expected after Smith's team began assessing how to wind down both the 2020 election interference case and the separate classified documents case in the wake of Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Justice Department believes Trump can no longer be tried in accordance with longstanding policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump has cast both cases as politically motivated, and had vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) The 2020 election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing the Republican as he vied to reclaim the White House. But it quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of using “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. ___ Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this story. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

You knew it was coming, didn’t you? Baseball’s reigning Evil Empire took the initiative this week, signing another high-profile starting pitcher and giving its fans something additional to be grateful for during Thanksgiving week (besides, of course, those shots of the Commissioner’s Trophy being shown off here, there and everywhere throughout Southern California). And after the bombshell announcement Tuesday night, that the Dodgers had signed Blake Snell , the howls could be heard throughout the land. The Dodgers are making a mockery of the sport. The rest of baseball can’t compete. They’re signing everybody! And how are the Cincinnatis and Pittsburghs and Colorados of the sport able to compete with an organization that not only brings in boatloads of money – and has created a second source of runaway revenue through its ties to Japan – but isn’t interested in hoarding it? Shouldn’t the next step be a salary cap to restrain this franchise’s runaway spending? Oh, stop it. Competitive balance is not an issue in baseball, period. Four different teams have won the last four World Series, and nine different fan bases have celebrated championships in the last 12 years. There hasn’t been a repeat champion in ... checks notes ... a quarter of a century. (That would be the New York Yankees, the first Evil Empire, in 1999-2000.) Meanwhile, Kansas City, Detroit and Baltimore have all risen from rebuilding to contention in the last couple of seasons. Milwaukee and Cleveland, both smaller markets, were legitimate threats as this past postseason began. And the Padres, long squeezed between Mexico to their south, the Imperial Valley to their east, the Pacific to their west and L.A. to their north, just might have been the second-best team in baseball in 2024 and, may we remind you, had the Dodgers by the neck going into Game 4 of their National League Division Series . Nor are they going away, even with some payroll retrenching in the wake of controlling owner Peter Seidler’s death. (But, nope, still no parade.) Most of the caterwauling, of course, comes from those whose favorite teams were either outbid or declined to spend. Trust me, no ownership in Major League Baseball can claim poverty, even with the cable TV issues that have scrambled some teams’ finances. Yes, big-market teams start with a financial advantage. Yes, Diamond Sports’ bankruptcy and the cord-cutting revolution have factored in. And yes, the Dodgers and Yankees have insulated themselves to a degree by owning their own cable networks. So, maybe, give them some credit for intelligence and foresight? Front Office Sports reported that deferrals on Snell’s reported five-year, $182 million deal, said to be $60 million, would push the Dodgers closer to the $1 billion mark in deferred money owed to five players. Shohei Ohtani’s whopping $680 million deferred on a $700 million contract signed last winter enabled the Dodgers to add additional pieces. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts also have chunks of deferred money in their contracts – as does, interestingly, Teoscar Hernández on his one-year 2024 deal with the Dodgers. That would make that contract even more of a bargain than we thought. And this is an undisputable fact: Salary caps and other payroll-limiting mechanisms put no limits on front office creativity and ingenuity. It’s been pretty well established that in Guggenheim Baseball’s 13-year ownership of the Dodgers, especially after Mark Walter’s organization corrected the problems of the Frank McCourt era and particularly after Friedman arrived from Tampa Bay in 2015, the Dodgers have a smart, savvy organization whose advantages go way beyond their cash on hand. (And yes, as I noted on social media Tuesday night, we do tease them about sometimes trying too hard to be the smartest guys in the room. But most of the time they are, anyway.) Assuming everyone stays healthy – and as we saw throughout baseball in 2024, that’s a tall ask – what will the Dodgers’ rotation look like in 2025? They’ll have left-hander Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who was one of the victims of a soft free agent market last spring and didn’t sign with the San Francisco Giants until March 19. He got off to a dreadful start as a result but was lights out from the start of July. In 14 starts he was 5-0 (and his team 12-2 in those starts), with a 1.23 ERA, an opponents’ batting average of .123, an 0.78 WHIP, five double-digit strikeout games and a 3.8-1 strikeout to walk ratio, and a complete-game no-hitter, an achievement for someone denigrated as a five-and-dive pitcher. Maybe those final three months spurred him to sign early this time. It’s almost certain the Dodgers will use a six-man rotation from the start of the season, and right now they have seven possibilities and who knows what they do from here. They’ll have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher. Tyler Glasnow, Snell’s former teammate in Tampa Bay, will be back, as will Tony Gonsolin in his return from Tommy John surgery. Dustin May, essentially inactive since May of 2023, will return, and Clayton Kershaw is expected to re-sign and has indicated he plans to retire a Dodger. Is there room for free agent Jack Flaherty, last season’s major trade deadline acquisition? Or fellow free agent Walker Buehler, who closed out Game 5 of the World Series against the Yankees, following a sometimes spotty comeback from injury? And the wild card might be Roki Sasaki, who will be posted by his Japanese team this winter. The Dodgers had long been considered the favorites to land him, and even Snell’s signing might not change that. Then again, the way the 2024 Dodgers went through pitchers because of injuries – 40 for the season, including 12 starting pitchers – shouldn’t they be tempted to grab every reasonably healthy arm they can and sort it out as they go along? But this is, and should be, the bottom line: Every fan in every sport wants the people running their favorite team to care as much about winning as they do. In a lot of cities, with a lot of teams, that’s really hard to envision. In Dodger Stadium, it’s not hard at all. And if they’re going to be the new Evil Empire, why not just lean into it and have Dieter Ruehle play “The Imperial March” (i.e., Darth Vader’s Theme) before every game? jalexander@scng.com

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BIG 12 THIS WEEK

AUSTIN, Texas — When the Texas Longhorns take on the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday for the first time in 13 seasons, fans will pay a hefty price to go to the game as it will be the most expensive ticket of this college football season. According to the ticket website TickPick, the average ticket cost to get into the game in College Station is $1,027, making it the most expensive college football game ever. The cheapest ticket available on SeatGeek cost about $430, for one seat in the stadium's upper level. The record applies to both college football and NFL games. The previous record for ticket prices in the NFL regular season was when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visited the New England Patriots in 2021 for Tom Brady's first game back at Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots in 2019. Those tickets went for an average of $912. With demand high and tickets scarce or hard to find, it creates an opportunity for scammers to capitalize. "They'll create fake websites, fake resale shops and fake tickets," Jason Meza, the Senior Director Of Media Relations & Community Engagement for the Better Business Bureau, said. "If you buy a ticket without verifying it or with a reseller that's unverified or just a nonlegitimate option, then there's a chance you run the risk of not having that ticket valid." As Longhorn and Aggie fans scramble to secure tickets for this weekend's rivalry matchup, authorities are warning of online scams and fraudsters who pose as legitimate sellers but deliver fake tickets or no tickets at all. During the season, Texas A&M Police said they have dealt with multiple ticket scams that have cost fans thousands of dollars. One such scam came just before the team's game against Notre Dame in August. At the time, Texas A&M Police recommended fans purchase tickets from either the 12th Man Foundation or Seat Geek . "We see reports of fake tickets for every year for the popular sporting events," Meza said. "If they're not buying through a legitimate seller or reseller, their risk increases dramatically going through a nonlegitimate means." The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends that people buy directly from the university, but when that's no longer doable, many turn to third-party websites. However, the BBB says that not all of these websites can be trusted. Meza said people should be careful when purchasing tickets from third-party sellers. "They can just create a ticket out of nowhere with a barcode that looks legit, but it's copied and pasted," Meza said. "They could be one character, number or letter off and you might not see. It'll have an actual valid barcode, but it's a ticket for a future event, so when you scan that, it checks out, but you missed the date." Scammers often use fake ads on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Meza said buyers should be suspicious of deep discounts on tickets that usually command high prices or if there is any sense of immediate urgency to pay up. "If a profile or an account is saying we can't go last minute, we're selling them, do your research, do your homework, and double check that that account is real. That social media profile could be a day old, which should indicate that it might not be a real person," Meza said. "If they don't have any pictures, it's simply trying to create that demand and sense of urgency or panic so you might fall into that trap of offering money." The BBB also suggests using payment methods that come with protection, like credit cards. Usually, debit cards, wire transfers and cash transactions are riskier because getting your money back is harder. "Peer-to-peer payment systems should only be used for family and friends, and when you go outside of that circle, you're really risking it because it's also a one-way ticket to your bank account since most of these are tied to a checking or banking account," Meza said. Meza said information obtained during the sale, like names, addresses and dates of birth, could lead to more severe consequences than financial loss, including identity theft. "The ramifications are very severe," Meza said. "There could be people mimicking you, creating new personas and profiles with your information, simply by needing your credit card details and date of birth. If you provide additional information on top of your payment information, that could lead to ID theft." Meza said if you're using a third-party site, it's best to use a reputable source like StubHub . But even when searching through a reputable source, watch out for copycats. The BBB also advises you to look for a lock symbol in the web address. That indicates a secure purchasing system. Meza also said to trust your gut. Don't buy anything if you visit a website and something feels off. If you fall victim to a scam, you should report it to law enforcement. Doing so increases the chances that those responsible will be caught, and it could prevent it from happening to someone else.

By Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times (TNS) Every day millions of people share more intimate information with their accessories than they do with their spouse. Wearable technology — smartwatches, smart rings, fitness trackers and the like — monitors body-centric data such as your heart rate, steps taken and calories burned, and may record where you go along the way. Like Santa Claus, it knows when you are sleeping (and how well), it knows when you’re awake, it knows when you’ve been idle or exercising, and it keeps track of all of it. People are also sharing sensitive health information on health and wellness apps , including online mental health and counseling programs. Some women use period tracker apps to map out their monthly cycle. These devices and services have excited consumers hoping for better insight into their health and lifestyle choices. But the lack of oversight into how body-centric data are used and shared with third parties has prompted concerns from privacy experts, who warn that the data could be sold or lost through data breaches, then used to raise insurance premiums, discriminate surreptitiously against applicants for jobs or housing, and even perform surveillance. The use of wearable technology and medical apps surged in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, but research released by Mozilla on Wednesday indicates that current laws offer little protection for consumers who are often unaware just how much of their health data are being collected and shared by companies. “I’ve been studying the intersections of emerging technologies, data-driven technologies, AI and human rights and social justice for the past 15 years, and since the pandemic I’ve noticed the industry has become hyper-focused on our bodies,” said Mozilla Foundation technology fellow Júlia Keserű, who conducted the research. “That permeates into all kinds of areas of our lives and all kinds of domains within the tech industry.” The report “From Skin to Screen: Bodily Integrity in the Digital Age” recommends that existing data protection laws be clarified to encompass all forms of bodily data. It also calls for expanding national health privacy laws to cover health-related information collected from health apps and fitness trackers and making it easier for users to opt out of body-centric data collections. Researchers have been raising alarms about health data privacy for years. Data collected by companies are often sold to data brokers or groups that buy, sell and trade data from the internet to create detailed consumer profiles. Body-centric data can include information such as the fingerprints used to unlock phones, face scans from facial recognition technology, and data from fitness and fertility trackers, mental health apps and digital medical records. One of the key reasons health information has value to companies — even when the person’s name is not associated with it — is that advertisers can use the data to send targeted ads to groups of people based on certain details they share. The information contained in these consumer profiles is becoming so detailed, however, that when paired with other data sets that include location information, it could be possible to target specific individuals, Keserű said. Location data can “expose sophisticated insights about people’s health status, through their visits to places like hospitals or abortions clinics,” Mozilla’s report said, adding that “companies like Google have been reported to keep such data even after promising to delete it.” A 2023 report by Duke University revealed that data brokers were selling sensitive data on individuals’ mental health conditions on the open market. While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report. In two public surveys conducted as part of the research, Keserű said, participants were outraged and felt exploited in scenarios where their health data were sold for a profit without their knowledge. “We need a new approach to our digital interactions that recognizes the fundamental rights of individuals to safeguard their bodily data, an issue that speaks directly to human autonomy and dignity,” Keserű said. “As technology continues to advance, it is critical that our laws and practices evolve to meet the unique challenges of this era.” Consumers often take part in these technologies without fully understanding the implications. Last month, Elon Musk suggested on X that users submit X-rays, PET scans, MRIs and other medical images to Grok, the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot, to seek diagnoses. The issue alarmed privacy experts, but many X users heeded Musk’s call and submitted health information to the chatbot. While X’s privacy policy says that the company will not sell user data to third parties, it does share some information with certain business partners. Gaps in existing laws have allowed the widespread sharing of biometric and other body-related data. Health information provided to hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical insurance companies is protected from disclosure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , known as HIPAA, which established federal standards protecting such information from release without the patient’s consent. But health data collected by many wearable devices and health and wellness apps don’t fall under HIPAA’s umbrella, said Suzanne Bernstein, counsel at Electronic Privacy Information Center. “In the U.S. because we don’t have a comprehensive federal privacy law ... it falls to the state level,” she said. But not every state has weighed in on the issue. Washington, Nevada and Connecticut all recently passed laws to provide safeguards for consumer health data. Washington, D.C., in July introduced legislation that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data. In California, the California Privacy Rights Act regulates how businesses can use certain types of sensitive information, including biometric information, and requires them to offer consumers the ability to opt out of disclosure of sensitive personal information. “This information being sold or shared with data brokers and other entities hypercharge the online profiling that we’re so used to at this point, and the more sensitive the data, the more sophisticated the profiling can be,” Bernstein said. “A lot of the sharing or selling with third parties is outside the scope of what a consumer would reasonably expect.” Health information has become a prime target for hackers seeking to extort healthcare agencies and individuals after accessing sensitive patient data. Health-related cybersecurity breaches and ransom attacks increased more than 4,000% between 2009 and 2023, targeting the booming market of body-centric data, which is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2030, according to the report. “Nonconsensual data sharing is a big issue,” Keserű said. “Even if it’s biometric data or health data, a lot of the companies are just sharing that data without you knowing, and that is causing a lot of anxiety and questions.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps today confirmed that the team is for sale. Majority owner Greg Kerfoot owns the team with Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash. Kerfoot acquired the team in 2002 and then put together the ownership group in 2008. The four were awarded an MLS franchise the following year and saw the team play in North America's premier soccer league starting in 2011. "This decision comes after careful consideration of the club’s journey and reflection on what is required to ensure its continued growth and success,” the team said in a news release. The team added that the Whitecaps have grown to become "a staple of MLS, reaching seventh in league attendance, doubling season ticket memberships over the past two years, and qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs in three of the past four seasons." It added that the current ownership has built a solid foundation for the team and that "it is the right time for an owner with the platform, resources and ambition to enhance the club’s ability to compete at the highest levels of MLS and steward the club in realizing its significant potential." The league confirmed the news and praised the team's owners. “The Vancouver Whitecaps would not be where they are today without the vision and commitment of this exceptional ownership group,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber in a statement. “The Whitecaps are a terrific club in a world-class city. On behalf of everyone at Major League Soccer, I want to thank them for their tremendous contributions and look forward to working with them to identify new ownership for the club.” Kerfoot said today in a statement on behalf of the ownership group that it has been "committed to transforming our local soccer club into a significant contributor to our community.” He added, "It is gratifying to see how meaningful the Whitecaps have become to so many, and to have been able to contribute to the growth of a vibrant and thriving soccer community in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, British Columbia, and beyond.” He thanked what he called "the passionate MLS supporters, academy development teams and players, the thousands of kids who attend camps, and the groups we support in nurturing the game in so many places have all proven out our belief in Vancouver as a first-class soccer market. The future of the Vancouver Whitecaps is bright.”

NEW YORK , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global optical transceiver market size is estimated to grow by USD 10.32 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 16.68% during the forecast period. Strategic collaboration among supply chain members is driving market growth, with a trend towards migration of OTNs toward wdm architecture. However, deployment issues of fiber optic infrastructure poses a challenge. Key market players include Amphenol Corp., Applied Optoelectronics Inc., Broadcom Inc., CBO GmbH, Ciena Corp., Fabrinet, Firecomms Ltd., FS.COM Inc., Fujikura Co. Ltd., Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., II VI Inc., Koch Industries Inc., Lumentum Holdings Inc., Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co. KG, Shaoxing ZKTel Equipment Co. Ltd., Smartoptics AS, Source Photonics, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., and Texas Instruments Inc.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The Optical Transceiver Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of smart devices, data traffic, and cloud-based services. With the adoption of 5G networks and the rise of connected devices, the need for high-speed data transmission and low latency is becoming crucial. Optical transceivers, also known as fiber optic transceivers, are interconnect components that convert electrical signals into light signals and transmit data through fiber optic cables. Key players in the market include Source Photonics, Meltwater, and Clune Construction. They are focusing on product portfolio expansion, using advanced communication technologies like silicon photonics, DSP technologies, and circuit designs, to meet the demands of hyperscale data centers, telecommunications, and networking applications. The market is driven by the telecom industry, data center networks, and the entertainment industry, which require high data rates, capacity, scalability, and data flow. The use of alternative materials and energy-efficient solutions like circuit designs and connectivity ICs is also a major trend. The operational range of optical transceivers is expanding, with the 1310 nm bandwidth being widely used in single-mode fibers. Network complexity, power consumption, and networking standards are key challenges for the market. The market is expected to grow further with the increasing adoption of AI infrastructure, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) in the communication landscape. The market is expected to reach new heights with the rollout of 5G networks, IoT, and cloud services. The market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a focus on high-speed data transmission, high bandwidth applications, and connectivity solutions. The Optical Transport Network (OTN) market is witnessing a shift from SONET technology to wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) architecture, particularly dense WDM (DWDM). Carriers are increasingly adopting DWDM systems due to their ability to carry multiple wavelengths over a single optical fiber, significantly reducing the need for additional network deployments. This is especially beneficial in areas with limited installation space. DWDM offers advantages such as fault detection, performance monitoring, and wavelength isolation. By utilizing this technology, carriers can efficiently increase their network capacity while controlling costs. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The Optical Transceiver Market is facing significant challenges due to the increasing demand for smart devices, data traffic, cloud-based services, and the adoption of 5G networks. The proliferation of connected devices and the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving up network complexity. This complexity is further compounded by the need for low latency in 5G devices and the increasing operational range requirements. To meet these challenges, companies are focusing on developing advanced communication solutions using connectivity ICs, silicon photonics, and alternative materials. Energy efficiency and power consumption are also key concerns, as data centers and networking applications continue to consume vast amounts of computing resources. The telecom industry is under pressure to reduce IT infrastructure costs, making high-speed data transmission and high bandwidth applications essential. The entertainment industry, including movie streaming and online services, is driving the demand for data centers and cloud services, which require scalable and efficient data transmission networks. Optical communication using fiber optics technology is becoming increasingly important, with companies expanding their product portfolios to include advanced components such as transmitters, receivers, and connectors for single-mode and multimode fibers. DSP technologies and networking standards are also being developed to meet the demands of hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructure. The communication landscape is evolving rapidly, with the Internet penetration rate and AI adoption driving up data usage. Companies are investing in advanced circuit designs and fiber optic devices to meet the demands of high data rates and high-speed connectivity solutions. The form factor, data rate, fiber type, and distance are all critical factors in the development of optical transceivers for various applications, including telecommunications, VoIP, LTE, and optical cable networking. Key players in the market include Source Photonics, Clune Construction, Cloudscene, and Meltwater, among others. The market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for connectivity solutions in various industries, including telecom, data centers, and cloud services. The multi-dwelling unit (MDU) sector in the housing industry presents significant growth opportunities for communication service providers in the optical transceiver market. However, deploying fiber optics in MDUs poses unique challenges. Engineering issues such as space constraints and the presence of multiple cable networks increase installation time and project costs. Creating conduits, pulling fiber above ceilings and within walls, and making other pathways can create bottlenecks, particularly in brownfield MDUs. These challenges necessitate innovative fiber deployment solutions tailored to specific geographical and earth stratum conditions. Effective addressing of these barriers is crucial for successful fiber deployment in MDUs and market growth in the optical transceiver industry. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This optical transceiver market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Datacom 1.2 Telecom 1.3 Enterprise 2.1 Singlemode fiber 2.2 Multi mode fiber 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Datacom- The datacom segment of the optical transceiver market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing focus on data analytics in major firms. With the generation of large volumes of structured and unstructured data, there is a pressing need to collect, process, and analyze this information for effective decision-making. Hyperscale and metro data centers are being built to accommodate this data, with hyperscale data centers requiring fiber optic components like optical transceivers for long-distance, low-loss data transmission. Optical transceivers are also essential in metro data centers for efficient data transmission within metropolitan areas. The number of optical transceivers required has increased with the evolution of data center architectures, driving the growth of the global optical transceiver market. Key factors contributing to this growth include cloud migration, cloud computing, distributed computing, IaaS virtual configuration, and large data. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The Optical Transceiver Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity driven by smart devices, data traffic, and cloud-based services. The adoption of 5G networks and 5G technology is further fueling this growth, as 5G devices require advanced optical transceivers to support their high data rates and low latency. Optical transceivers, also known as fiber optic transceivers, are interconnect components that convert electrical signals into light signals and vice versa, enabling optical communication through fiber optic cables. These transceivers are essential for optical fiber networks, including those used for internet usage, VoIP, LTE, and other network equipment. The form factor and data rate of optical transceivers vary, with different fiber types used to support various applications. Overall, the Optical Transceiver Market is poised for continued growth as the demand for faster and more reliable connectivity increases. Market Research Overview The Optical Transceiver Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission and low latency in various industries, including smart devices, data centers, telecommunications, and the entertainment industry. The proliferation of cloud-based services, 5G networks, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving the need for advanced connectivity solutions that can handle high data rates and scalability. Optical transceivers, also known as fiber optic transceivers, are interconnect components that convert electrical signals into light signals for transmission through fiber optic cables. They play a crucial role in high-speed data transmission, high bandwidth applications, and fiber optics technology. Key factors fueling the market growth include the operational range of optical transceivers, power consumption, energy efficiency, networking standards, circuit designs, alternative materials, and the adoption of silicon photonics. The telecom industry, hyperscale data centers, and AI infrastructure are major consumers of optical transceivers due to their need for high-speed connectivity and low latency. The market is witnessing product portfolio expansion with the introduction of new form factors, such as SFF, SFP, QSFP, CFP, XFP, CXP, and connectors like LC, SC, and MPO, catering to different distance, fiber type, and wavelength requirements. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by the increasing demand for connectivity, scalability, and data flow in the communication landscape. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation End-user Datacom Telecom Enterprise Fiber Type Singlemode Fiber Multi Mode Fiber Geography APAC North America Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioBy Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times (TNS) Every day millions of people share more intimate information with their accessories than they do with their spouse. Wearable technology — smartwatches, smart rings, fitness trackers and the like — monitors body-centric data such as your heart rate, steps taken and calories burned, and may record where you go along the way. Like Santa Claus, it knows when you are sleeping (and how well), it knows when you’re awake, it knows when you’ve been idle or exercising, and it keeps track of all of it. People are also sharing sensitive health information on health and wellness apps , including online mental health and counseling programs. Some women use period tracker apps to map out their monthly cycle. These devices and services have excited consumers hoping for better insight into their health and lifestyle choices. But the lack of oversight into how body-centric data are used and shared with third parties has prompted concerns from privacy experts, who warn that the data could be sold or lost through data breaches, then used to raise insurance premiums, discriminate surreptitiously against applicants for jobs or housing, and even perform surveillance. The use of wearable technology and medical apps surged in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, but research released by Mozilla on Wednesday indicates that current laws offer little protection for consumers who are often unaware just how much of their health data are being collected and shared by companies. “I’ve been studying the intersections of emerging technologies, data-driven technologies, AI and human rights and social justice for the past 15 years, and since the pandemic I’ve noticed the industry has become hyper-focused on our bodies,” said Mozilla Foundation technology fellow Júlia Keserű, who conducted the research. “That permeates into all kinds of areas of our lives and all kinds of domains within the tech industry.” The report “From Skin to Screen: Bodily Integrity in the Digital Age” recommends that existing data protection laws be clarified to encompass all forms of bodily data. It also calls for expanding national health privacy laws to cover health-related information collected from health apps and fitness trackers and making it easier for users to opt out of body-centric data collections. Researchers have been raising alarms about health data privacy for years. Data collected by companies are often sold to data brokers or groups that buy, sell and trade data from the internet to create detailed consumer profiles. Body-centric data can include information such as the fingerprints used to unlock phones, face scans from facial recognition technology, and data from fitness and fertility trackers, mental health apps and digital medical records. One of the key reasons health information has value to companies — even when the person’s name is not associated with it — is that advertisers can use the data to send targeted ads to groups of people based on certain details they share. The information contained in these consumer profiles is becoming so detailed, however, that when paired with other data sets that include location information, it could be possible to target specific individuals, Keserű said. Location data can “expose sophisticated insights about people’s health status, through their visits to places like hospitals or abortions clinics,” Mozilla’s report said, adding that “companies like Google have been reported to keep such data even after promising to delete it.” A 2023 report by Duke University revealed that data brokers were selling sensitive data on individuals’ mental health conditions on the open market. While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report. In two public surveys conducted as part of the research, Keserű said, participants were outraged and felt exploited in scenarios where their health data were sold for a profit without their knowledge. “We need a new approach to our digital interactions that recognizes the fundamental rights of individuals to safeguard their bodily data, an issue that speaks directly to human autonomy and dignity,” Keserű said. “As technology continues to advance, it is critical that our laws and practices evolve to meet the unique challenges of this era.” Consumers often take part in these technologies without fully understanding the implications. Last month, Elon Musk suggested on X that users submit X-rays, PET scans, MRIs and other medical images to Grok, the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot, to seek diagnoses. The issue alarmed privacy experts, but many X users heeded Musk’s call and submitted health information to the chatbot. While X’s privacy policy says that the company will not sell user data to third parties, it does share some information with certain business partners. Gaps in existing laws have allowed the widespread sharing of biometric and other body-related data. Health information provided to hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical insurance companies is protected from disclosure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , known as HIPAA, which established federal standards protecting such information from release without the patient’s consent. But health data collected by many wearable devices and health and wellness apps don’t fall under HIPAA’s umbrella, said Suzanne Bernstein, counsel at Electronic Privacy Information Center. “In the U.S. because we don’t have a comprehensive federal privacy law ... it falls to the state level,” she said. But not every state has weighed in on the issue. Washington, Nevada and Connecticut all recently passed laws to provide safeguards for consumer health data. Washington, D.C., in July introduced legislation that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data. In California, the California Privacy Rights Act regulates how businesses can use certain types of sensitive information, including biometric information, and requires them to offer consumers the ability to opt out of disclosure of sensitive personal information. “This information being sold or shared with data brokers and other entities hypercharge the online profiling that we’re so used to at this point, and the more sensitive the data, the more sophisticated the profiling can be,” Bernstein said. “A lot of the sharing or selling with third parties is outside the scope of what a consumer would reasonably expect.” Health information has become a prime target for hackers seeking to extort healthcare agencies and individuals after accessing sensitive patient data. Health-related cybersecurity breaches and ransom attacks increased more than 4,000% between 2009 and 2023, targeting the booming market of body-centric data, which is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2030, according to the report. “Nonconsensual data sharing is a big issue,” Keserű said. “Even if it’s biometric data or health data, a lot of the companies are just sharing that data without you knowing, and that is causing a lot of anxiety and questions.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times (TNS) Every day millions of people share more intimate information with their accessories than they do with their spouse. Wearable technology — smartwatches, smart rings, fitness trackers and the like — monitors body-centric data such as your heart rate, steps taken and calories burned, and may record where you go along the way. Like Santa Claus, it knows when you are sleeping (and how well), it knows when you’re awake, it knows when you’ve been idle or exercising, and it keeps track of all of it. People are also sharing sensitive health information on health and wellness apps , including online mental health and counseling programs. Some women use period tracker apps to map out their monthly cycle. These devices and services have excited consumers hoping for better insight into their health and lifestyle choices. But the lack of oversight into how body-centric data are used and shared with third parties has prompted concerns from privacy experts, who warn that the data could be sold or lost through data breaches, then used to raise insurance premiums, discriminate surreptitiously against applicants for jobs or housing, and even perform surveillance. The use of wearable technology and medical apps surged in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, but research released by Mozilla on Wednesday indicates that current laws offer little protection for consumers who are often unaware just how much of their health data are being collected and shared by companies. “I’ve been studying the intersections of emerging technologies, data-driven technologies, AI and human rights and social justice for the past 15 years, and since the pandemic I’ve noticed the industry has become hyper-focused on our bodies,” said Mozilla Foundation technology fellow Júlia Keserű, who conducted the research. “That permeates into all kinds of areas of our lives and all kinds of domains within the tech industry.” The report “From Skin to Screen: Bodily Integrity in the Digital Age” recommends that existing data protection laws be clarified to encompass all forms of bodily data. It also calls for expanding national health privacy laws to cover health-related information collected from health apps and fitness trackers and making it easier for users to opt out of body-centric data collections. Researchers have been raising alarms about health data privacy for years. Data collected by companies are often sold to data brokers or groups that buy, sell and trade data from the internet to create detailed consumer profiles. Body-centric data can include information such as the fingerprints used to unlock phones, face scans from facial recognition technology, and data from fitness and fertility trackers, mental health apps and digital medical records. One of the key reasons health information has value to companies — even when the person’s name is not associated with it — is that advertisers can use the data to send targeted ads to groups of people based on certain details they share. The information contained in these consumer profiles is becoming so detailed, however, that when paired with other data sets that include location information, it could be possible to target specific individuals, Keserű said. Location data can “expose sophisticated insights about people’s health status, through their visits to places like hospitals or abortions clinics,” Mozilla’s report said, adding that “companies like Google have been reported to keep such data even after promising to delete it.” A 2023 report by Duke University revealed that data brokers were selling sensitive data on individuals’ mental health conditions on the open market. While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report. In two public surveys conducted as part of the research, Keserű said, participants were outraged and felt exploited in scenarios where their health data were sold for a profit without their knowledge. “We need a new approach to our digital interactions that recognizes the fundamental rights of individuals to safeguard their bodily data, an issue that speaks directly to human autonomy and dignity,” Keserű said. “As technology continues to advance, it is critical that our laws and practices evolve to meet the unique challenges of this era.” Consumers often take part in these technologies without fully understanding the implications. Last month, Elon Musk suggested on X that users submit X-rays, PET scans, MRIs and other medical images to Grok, the platform’s artificial intelligence chatbot, to seek diagnoses. The issue alarmed privacy experts, but many X users heeded Musk’s call and submitted health information to the chatbot. While X’s privacy policy says that the company will not sell user data to third parties, it does share some information with certain business partners. Gaps in existing laws have allowed the widespread sharing of biometric and other body-related data. Health information provided to hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical insurance companies is protected from disclosure under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act , known as HIPAA, which established federal standards protecting such information from release without the patient’s consent. But health data collected by many wearable devices and health and wellness apps don’t fall under HIPAA’s umbrella, said Suzanne Bernstein, counsel at Electronic Privacy Information Center. “In the U.S. because we don’t have a comprehensive federal privacy law ... it falls to the state level,” she said. But not every state has weighed in on the issue. Washington, Nevada and Connecticut all recently passed laws to provide safeguards for consumer health data. Washington, D.C., in July introduced legislation that aimed to require tech companies to adhere to strengthened privacy provisions regarding the collection, sharing, use or sale of consumer health data. In California, the California Privacy Rights Act regulates how businesses can use certain types of sensitive information, including biometric information, and requires them to offer consumers the ability to opt out of disclosure of sensitive personal information. “This information being sold or shared with data brokers and other entities hypercharge the online profiling that we’re so used to at this point, and the more sensitive the data, the more sophisticated the profiling can be,” Bernstein said. “A lot of the sharing or selling with third parties is outside the scope of what a consumer would reasonably expect.” Health information has become a prime target for hackers seeking to extort healthcare agencies and individuals after accessing sensitive patient data. Health-related cybersecurity breaches and ransom attacks increased more than 4,000% between 2009 and 2023, targeting the booming market of body-centric data, which is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2030, according to the report. “Nonconsensual data sharing is a big issue,” Keserű said. “Even if it’s biometric data or health data, a lot of the companies are just sharing that data without you knowing, and that is causing a lot of anxiety and questions.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.(BPT) - Consumers are facing increasing costs on virtually every purchase these days and auto insurance is no exception. While skyrocketing costs of this auto-related expense can be attributed to everything from parts replacement to service — even health costs as a result of accidents — consumers can better manage these increases with thoughtful study and attention to detail. Some of the common causes for higher insurance rates are Inflation, car accidents, extreme weather conditions such as hail, hurricanes and wind, along with increased vehicle theft claims. Mercury Insurance has partnered with financial literacy influencer Sam Jarman to highlight specific ways consumers can address these rising costs. "Your car is the second biggest expense for most people, right behind your home, and car insurance is a big part of that," said Jarman. "Checking rates and coverage with your Mercury Insurance agent makes sense along with choosing a car with low maintenance costs." According to Consumer Price Index data released earlier this year, car insurance rates are up almost 21% year-over-year for the 12 months which ended in February. The last time car insurance rates rose that much on an annual basis was 1976. Here are some auto insurance statistics recently released from Forbes : "Our goal is to help our customers get the best rates possible because we know that every dollar counts." said Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management, State. "We encourage consumers to build a close relationship with their agent and discuss what discounts they may be eligible to receive. The answer might be surprising." Mercury offers the following tips for lowering your insurance costs: Review your deductibles with your insurance agent – It is recommended that you review your coverage and deductible with your Mercury agent at least once a year. Their wisdom and experience can help you make wise decisions regarding your insurance. Explore car insurance discounts – In addition to bundling your home and auto insurance, Mercury offers discounts for multi-car, good drivers, good students and auto pay. Your agent may have additional discounts to offer. Let Your Insurer Track Your Driving – Most insurers offer discounts for customers who install telematics. This technology allows your insurance company to collect information regarding your mileage and driving habits. This can also provide valuable information regarding your driving as well as saving you money. Drive a safe car with low repair costs – According to Bankrate , some of the cheapest cars to insure are the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V and Honda Pilot. Also, look for cars with lower repair costs such as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius and Tesla Model 3. Doing some research before you purchase a vehicle can save you money over the length of ownership. Install an anti-theft device on your car – Drivers may receive an additional discount on your auto insurance if you install an anti-theft device on your car. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs – You can get a fast and easy quote from your Mercury Insurance agent. To receive a quote, you can reach us at 844-514-2893. To learn more about common types of auto insurance discounts, visit https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/auto/understanding-types-of-auto-insurance-discounts.html . For more information on your auto insurance, you can reference the Insurance Information Institute .

Technology stocks led a broad rally on Wall Street Tuesday during a holiday-shortened trading session ahead of Christmas. The S&P 500 rose 1.1% for its third-straight gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.9%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. While Big Tech companies, including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped push the market higher, the gains were widespread. Advancers outnumbered decliners by more than 3-to-1 on the New York Stock Exchange. Broadcom rose 3.2%, Apple gained 1.1% and Amazon closed 1.8% higher. Super Micro Computer climbed 6%. Tesla jumped 7.4% for the biggest gains among S&P 500 stocks. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended with a 0.6% gain after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Elsewhere in the market, U.S. Steel rose 1.9% a day after an influential government panel failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the nearly $15 billion proposed sale to Nippon Steel of Japan. NeueHealth surged 74.9% after the health care company agreed to be taken private in a deal valued at roughly $1.3 billion. All told, the S&P 500 rose 65.97 points to 6,040.04. The Dow added 390.08 points to 43,297.03, and the Nasdaq rose 266.24 points to 20,031.13. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59%. European markets closed mostly higher. Markets in Asia mostly gained ground. Tuesday’s U.S. market rally comes as the stock market enters what’s historically been a very cheerful season. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. The so-called “Santa rally” also correlates closely with positive returns in January and the upcoming year. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the stock market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up 26.6% so far this year and remains within roughly 1% of the all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. U.S. markets will be closed Wednesday for Christmas. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to this week, including a weekly update on unemployment benefits on Thursday.

90jili 90 jili club Donald Trump on Saturday sided with Elon Musk, a key supporter and billionaire tech CEO, in a public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the program for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his supporters. Trump’s remarks followed a series of social media posts from Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX , who vowed late Friday to go to “war” to defend the visa program for foreign tech workers. Trump, who moved to limit the visa’s use during his first presidency, told the New York Post on Saturday he was likewise in favor of the visa program. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” he was quoted as saying. Musk, a naturalized US citizen born in South Africa, has held an H-1B visa, and his electric-car company Tesla obtained 724 of the visas this year. H-1B visas are typically for three-year periods, though holders can extend them or apply for green cards. The altercation was set off earlier this week by far-right activists who criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, to be an adviser on artificial intelligence, saying he would have influence on the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Musk’s tweet was directed at Trump’s supporters and immigration hard-liners who have increasingly pushed for the H-1B visa program to be scrapped amid a heated debate over immigration and the place of skilled immigrants and foreign workers brought into the country on work visas. On Friday, Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump confidante, critiqued “big tech oligarchs” for supporting the H-1B program and cast immigration as a threat to western civilization. In response, Musk and many other tech billionaires drew a line between what they view as legal immigration and illegal immigration. Trump has promised to deport all immigrants who are in the US illegally, deploy tariffs to help create more jobs for American citizens and severely restrict immigration. The visa issue highlights how tech leaders like Musk – who has taken an important role in the presidential transition, advising on key personnel and policy areas – are now drawing scrutiny from his base. The US tech industry relies on the government’s H-1B visa program to hire foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labor force that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens. Musk spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars helping Trump get elected in November. He has posted regularly this week about the lack of homegrown talent to fill all the needed positions within American tech companies.

CHARLOTTE — Perhaps the biggest improvement in Bryce Young’s game in Year 2 has been his ability to improvise and use his legs to create plays. On Sunday, Young ran five times for a career-high 68 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown on a scramble in Carolina’s 36-30 overtime win over Arizona, which eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention. It was Young’s fourth rushing touchdown of the season after failing to score on the ground in 2023 as a rookie. Aside from the touchdowns, his rushing numbers are similar to 2023, but it’s clear Young is making better decisions and getting out of the pocket quicker when his protection begins to break down. “I'm trying to take what the defense gives me,” Young said. “As a passer, I always try to remain a passer as long as possible. We talk about all the time just extending above the 2.7 (seconds) and starting the second play and doing whatever it takes. “For me, it's just being more comfortable in the system and playing with the guys. I want to do everything I can to continue to be efficient by moving the chains and doing what’s best for the team. The last couple of weeks have been a little more than that." Young played one of his better games against the Cardinals, finishing 17 of 26 passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions one week after turning the ball over four times in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Carolina scored TDs on its first three possessions, the first time that had happened in six years. Panthers coach Dave Canales said Young played “fast” and was “really decisive." “You saw some of the scrambles early in the first half where he was able to pick up some critical third downs for us, there, and run one in for a touchdown,” Canales said. “It was about just being decisive, knowing where all the bones are buried in his concepts and being able to get to the scramble when those windows opened up for him. Again, just making some really nice throws when we needed him to.” Carolina's offensive line was outstanding on Sunday in the run-blocking game as the Panthers racked up 243 yards, with Chuba Hubbard running for 152 yards and two TDs. Hubbard has 1,195 yards rushing, which ranks as the fourth most in a season in team history behind DeAngelo Williams (1,515) in 2008, Stephen Davis (1,444) in 2003 and Christian McCaffrey (1,387) in 2019. His 10 touchdowns on the ground are tied for the fifth most in franchise history. The Panthers’ run defense. It's the same old refrain and it isn't going to get any better until next season. Carolina allowed James Conner to run for 117 yards and a touchdown before he exited early with an injury as Arizona put up 206 yards on the ground. The Panthers have now allowed an average of nearly 200 yards rushing over the past seven weeks under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Injuries have played a major role in that as the team lost defensive lineman Derrick Brown and linebacker Shaq Thompson early in the season, but it's obvious that adding help on the front seven will be a major priority for general manager Dan Morgan in the offseason. Hubbard got the redemption he sought on Sunday when he ran 21 yards for the winning touchdown in overtime to knock the Cardinals out of playoff contention. Three weeks earlier, Hubbard fumbled in overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while the Panthers were driving for the winning field goal, costing his team the game. That left Hubbard sitting on the team's bench on the sideline in disbelief. But Hubbard told himself at the time he would get another shot — and make the most of it. Hubbard had all 49 yards on the team's winning drive in OT and finished with 152 yards — 1 shy of a career high — and two touchdowns. Team communication needs improvement. Getting plays in on time to the huddle and getting them off before the play clock expires has been a challenge at times this season, and it crept up again against the Cardinals. On third-and-goal at the Arizona 3, the Panthers were flagged for delay of game after spending too much time reviewing whether Jalen Coker had hauled in a TD catch on the previous play. Replays showed Coker made the catch, but was out of bounds. The ensuing play call got in late to Young, he didn't get it off in time and no timeout was called. The penalty moved the Panthers back 5 yards, but the Cardinals bailed them out when they were flagged for roughing the passer. That gave the Panthers a new set of downs at the 4, and Hubbard scored on the next play. The Panthers came out of Sunday's game relatively injury-free. There had been an illness running through the team's locker room last week and it forced center Cade Mays to sit out the game. Brady Christensen stepped in and played well, helping aid in Hubbard's big day. 1 — The NFL wanted to emphasize taking hip-drop tackles out of the game. Well, for the first time this season a flag was thrown on Sunday, coming against Panthers rookie linebacker Jacoby Windmon with just under eight minutes remaining in the second quarter when he brought down Conner. Conner was not injured on that play, but later left the game in the third quarter with a knee injury. The Panthers play their final two games on the road at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, so they'll play a factor in who wins the NFC South. Sent weekly directly to your inbox!A social media post by PM Narendra Modi on the occasion of Vijay Diwas (December 16) appears to have raised Bangladesh's hackles, opening a new front in the ongoing back-and-forth between the neighbouring nations. Bangladeshi law adviser Asif Nazrul took issue with PM Modi's social media post that commemorated December 16 as Vijay Diwas, honoring Indian soldiers' contributions to the 1971 victory. Nazrul posted on Facebook that the date is Bangladesh's Victory Day, emphasising that India was just an ally in Bangladesh's victory, and nothing more. Nazrul wrote, "I strongly protest. Dec 16, 1971 was the Victory Day of Bangladesh. India was an ally of this victory, nothing more." Modi's Facebook post said: "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India's historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us." https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1130562718432305&set=a.336112571210661&type=3&ref=embed_post "This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. 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Several residents of the U.S. eastern seaboard have expressed their worry after many have s potted drones flying around their neighborhood. The appearance of drones has sparked many a theory about what the presence of the flying metal contraptions could possibly be. Many conspiracy theories about the drone s have begun to run rampant across the U.S. as many of them claim that they are from a foreign power such as China or even Iran. however, the Pentagon has attempted to assure citizens that this is not the case. "There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there's no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States," stated Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh. She further noted that the government is keeping a close eye on the situation. Mystery New Jersey drone sightings - what the Government ‘doesn’t want us to know’ Pentagon finally addresses mysterious drones over New Jersey amid escalating fears The appearance of the mysterious drones has also given a resurgence of the popular Project Blue Beam theory. The theory, which was first adopted in 1994 by Quebec native Serge Monast, states that the global elite will use a fake alien invasion to incite panic and discord. After faking the invasion, the elite would use the ensuing panic to create a totalitarian government. According to the theory, the elite would use advanced holographic technology to project images of religious figures or extraterrestrial invasions in the sky, tailored to specific cultural beliefs. According to Monast, who died in 1996, the takeover would happen in several stages. In the first stage, the group would cause earthquakes to be triggered in order to unearth hidden artifacts, "proving" existing religions are false. Next, the elites would deploy the technology that would take the shape of divine figures — allegedly customized to each religion — and speak to about a "unifying god." Finally, the theory states that technology would start to manipulate human thoughts to create the illusion of direct communication with deities and simulate an alien invasion to justify authoritarian control. Project Blue Beam was first mentioned by actress Roseanne Barr who posted a comment on the social media site X stating, "Now you see why I mention Project Blue Beam every week on my podcast." Since posting it on Saturday, the tweet has gotten almost 2.5 million views. The post has been met with mixed reactions. Speaking with Newsweek , Vijay Kumar, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, said that he believed the entire thing was a U.S. government operation. "Firstly, it's not a coincidence, I think, that all these sightings have been near military bases. I'll just leave it at that," Kumar said. Professor Kumar also pointed out that the drones reportedly displayed the lights that aircraft are required to have in U.S. airspace. "If I was an adversary, I would take great trouble to conceal what I was doing," he said. "So that leads me to believe that it's not a military power that's trying to attack the U.S." Missy Cummings, the director of the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center at George Mason University, also spoke with the outlet claiming that the drones that are being reported are not as big as people think and predicted they may not even be drones. "It is highly unlikely these are large drones as you describe, and if they are drones, they likely would be controlled by line-of-sight, so possibly from the water but probably not miles out to sea," Cummings said. According to the director, she thinks that they are small, manned aircraft or small- and medium-sized drones that are commercially available. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.

ATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy vvijayvergiya@korewireless.com (770) 280-0324 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-announces-nyse-acceptance-of-plan-to-regain-listing-compliance-302338621.html SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.Nasdaq surges above 20,000 after US inflation data matches estimatesChina Moves Beyond Foam by Phasing Out PFOS in Firefighting

Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda’s U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. On Monday: The S&P 500 rose 43.22 points, or 0.7%, to 5,974.07. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 66.69 points, or 0.2%, to 42,906.95. The Nasdaq composite rose 192.29 points, or 1%, to 19,764.89. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 4.93 points, or 0.2%, to 2,237.44. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,204.24 points, or 25.2%. The Dow is up 5,217.41 points, or 13.8%. The Nasdaq is up 4,753.53 points, or 31.7%. The Russell 2000 is up 210.36 points, or 10.4%."It Breaks My Heart To See This": People Who Grew Up In The '90s And 2000s Are Sharing The Things Today's Youth Is Missing Out OnThe SEMAF factory, part of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), has signed a cooperation protocol with the Egyptian National Railways Industries Company (NERIC) to produce advanced railway and metro trains for both domestic needs and export to African and Arab markets. The collaboration will promote the “Made in Egypt” brand, advancing local manufacturing and technological localization. This partnership is aligned with the strategic goals of the Arab Organization for Industrialization, which seeks to deepen local manufacturing capabilities and promote technology transfer as part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development. The organization continues to make progress by fostering cooperation, forming key partnerships, and attracting investment to boost Egypt’s industrial sector. Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairperson of the Arab Organization for Industrialization, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in strengthening Egypt’s railway and metro infrastructure. He noted that the initiative would not only benefit the national industry and economy but also help reduce dependency on imports. “The goal is to establish a joint alliance capable of meeting the Ministry of Transport’s needs with high-quality, locally manufactured products bearing the ‘Made in Egypt’ label,” said Abdel Latif. “This includes supplying rolling stock and components, both locally and internationally sourced, while ensuring compliance with global standards. It also supports the government’s industrial localization efforts and overall development strategies.” Abdel Latif also highlighted SEMAF’s leadership in the railway industry, particularly its success in increasing local manufacturing and adopting advanced technologies. SEMAF recently earned a quality management certification for its railway manufacturing processes, opening doors to new international partnerships, marketing opportunities, and export potential. This achievement positions SEMAF to secure global contracts and attract investments in the railway, metro, and smart transportation sectors. Karim Sami Saad, a board member of NERIC, expressed pride in the partnership with the Arab Organization for Industrialization, calling it the backbone of Egypt’s industrial sector. He praised the organization’s track record in delivering projects with high efficiency, top-quality standards, and timely completion, including post-sales maintenance services. “This collaboration will significantly benefit the Egyptian economy by leveraging our national manufacturing capabilities to design and produce cutting-edge railway and metro rolling stock and components,” Saad said. “The partnership will contribute to sustainable development and support key infrastructure projects across Egypt and beyond.”

Endeavour Silver Corp. ( NYSE:EXK – Get Free Report ) (TSE:EDR)’s share price was up 3% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $3.80 and last traded at $3.79. Approximately 464,601 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 92% from the average daily volume of 5,561,851 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.68. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth EXK has been the subject of several recent research reports. TD Securities began coverage on Endeavour Silver in a research note on Friday, November 29th. They issued a “buy” rating for the company. Ventum Cap Mkts upgraded shares of Endeavour Silver to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 13th. HC Wainwright reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $7.25 price objective on shares of Endeavour Silver in a report on Wednesday, December 18th. Alliance Global Partners boosted their target price on Endeavour Silver from $5.25 to $6.25 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Endeavour Silver to a “sell” rating in a research report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $6.63. Check Out Our Latest Report on Endeavour Silver Endeavour Silver Stock Down 1.3 % Endeavour Silver ( NYSE:EXK – Get Free Report ) (TSE:EDR) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 5th. The mining company reported $0.01 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.01) by $0.02. Endeavour Silver had a positive return on equity of 0.97% and a negative net margin of 13.04%. The firm had revenue of $53.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $54.91 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.04) earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Endeavour Silver Corp. will post -0.08 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Endeavour Silver in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $589,000. Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in Endeavour Silver during the third quarter worth $964,000. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of Endeavour Silver by 2.7% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 25,125,455 shares of the mining company’s stock worth $98,994,000 after buying an additional 658,215 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI grew its stake in shares of Endeavour Silver by 5,735.0% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 438,794 shares of the mining company’s stock valued at $1,522,000 after buying an additional 431,274 shares in the last quarter. Finally, U S Global Investors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Endeavour Silver in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,382,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 20.06% of the company’s stock. Endeavour Silver Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Endeavour Silver Corp., a silver mining company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of mineral properties in Chile and the United States. It explores for gold and silver deposits, and precious metals. The company was formerly known as Endeavour Gold Corp. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Endeavour Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Endeavour Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .