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Investors should buy the postelection dip in renewable energy stocks, UBS says. The analysts point to a relatively cheap entry point and surging power demand from AI data centers. Renewables have slumped as investors expect Trump to scale back clean-energy initiatives. The recent sell-off in renewable energy stocks might be an opportunity to get in cheap, analysts at UBS said this week. They wrote in a note on Thursday that US and EU renewables have jumped to their top-ranking stock theme in recent weeks after the sector saw steep losses in the wake of Donald Trump 's election win. Now, with a cheap point of entry and huge and growing demand for power, it might be time to jump into the space, the analysts said. "The environment of an unrelenting power demand shock puts just about every source of power generation in a solid position to capitalize. Against a backdrop where positioning was not overweight, it seems the sentiment-driven downdraft presents an attractive entry point," the analysts said in a Wednesday note. The analysts said their optimism about surging power demand comes from rapid growth in AI and data center buildouts to power the technology. Data centers need a huge amount of power to operate, and their electricity demand is set to exceed supply in just two years, according to a recent estimate from Bernstein Research. The analysts suggested that data centers' outsized power needs mean they will likely need energy from all available sourcs, including renewables. "The rapid growth in AI and the subsequent Data Center buildout have resulted in an unrelenting demand for increased power generation. This, combined with continued emphasis on the importance of low-carbon solutions from Hyperscalers should pave the way for continued growth in Renewables," they said. The analysts' call comes as Trump's win has sent clean energy shares tumbling, even as much of the rest of the market has surged on the promise of lower taxes and less regulation. Stocks like Plug Power and Enphase Energy have shed over 24% since the election, while SolarEdge Technologies has plunged 42%. The President-elect, who said he wants to "drill baby, drill," is expected to scale back many of the Biden administration's clean-energy initiatives, including billions of dollars in solar and wind subsidies that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act. But the analysts said that investors' worst fears about the sector likely won't be realized. Companies using Biden-era subsidies could "grandfather" in support at the start of construction rather than risk losing it during a project, and states will likely continue to aim for lower emissions, they say. "We think that the concerns are overdone. In the view of our US utilities analyst, growth in renewables is likely to continue (solar installs were +50% in Trump's last term, compared to the previous 4 years) driven by state and corporate emission goals," the analysts said. Within the sector, the analysts said names poised for gains include US renewables stocks like NextEra and Generac, plus European stocks like Iberdrola, Siemens Energy, EDP, and developers like Ørsted and RWE.Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100November 24 - Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital to be evaluated for a concussion following an injury late in the first half of Sunday's home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As Sanders was tackled near the sideline after a 10-yard reception, he was flipped upside down and landed directly on the top of his helmet. After receiving attention from the team's medical staff, he was strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a cart with 40 seconds remaining in the half. On the CBS broadcast following halftime, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Sanders had movement in all his extremities, while extreme precaution was taken because of back tightness. CBS later reported he had a concussion. The 21-year-old rookie out of Texas had a team-leading three receptions for the Panthers at the half for 49 yards. In 11 games this season, Sanders has 29 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown. Sanders was a fourth-round selection in the NFL draft in April. --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
Special-teams mishaps plague Commanders in loss to Cowboys
States are rational beings, what about the presidents?
Column: As climate disasters multiply, here’s how to pay for themCheyenne City Council to hold Straw Poll Dinner on TuesdayNEW YORK — The masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words "deny," "defend" and "depose," two law enforcement officials said Thursday. The words were written in permanent marker, according to one of the officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. With the gunman still at large, police also released photos of a person they said was wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush Wednesday as he walked to the company's annual investor conference at a Hilton hotel in Midtown. The reason behind the killing remained unknown, but investigators believe it was a targeted attack. This image shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. The message left on the ammunition echoes the phrase "delay, deny, defend," which is commonly used by attorneys and insurance industry critics to describe tactics used to avoid paying claims. It refers to insurers delaying payment, denying a claim and then defending their actions. Health insurers like UnitedHealthcare have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors and patients for complicating access to care. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. Inside a nearby trash can, they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper that they say the gunman purchased from a nearby Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The city's medical examiner was looking for fingerprints. The killing and the shooter's movements in the minutes before and after were captured on some of the multitudes of security cameras present in that part of the city. The shooter fled on a bike and was last seen riding into Central Park. Bullets lie on the sidewalk Wednesday outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in New York. The hunt for the shooter brought New York City police to at least two hostels on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Thursday morning, based on a tip that the suspected shooter might have stayed at one of the residences, according to one of the law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation. The photos police released Thursday of a man wanted for questioning were taken in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel. "We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time," said Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the hostel. Police received a flood of tips from members of the public, many of them unfounded. On Wednesday evening, police searched a Long Island Rail Road train after a commuter claimed to have spotted the shooter, but found no sign of the gunman. "We're following up on every single tip that comes in," said Carlos Nieves, a police spokesperson. "That little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together." Investigators believe, judging from surveillance video and evidence collected from the scene, that the shooter had at least some prior firearms training and experience with guns and the weapon was equipped with a silencer, said one of the law enforcement officials who spoke with the AP. This still image from surveillance video shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, Wednesday outside a Manhattan hotel. Security camera video showed the killer approach Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a gun jam while the health executive tumbled to the pavement. Cameras showed him fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza before getting on the bicycle. Police issued several surveillance images of the man wearing a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face, which wouldn't have attracted attention on a frigid day. Authorities also used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intensive search, but the killer's whereabouts remained unknown. Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in suburban Minneapolis, was with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. The insurer's Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting with investors in New York to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompson's death. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs. In the U.S. healthcare system, even the simplest act, like booking an appointment with your primary care physician, may feel intimidating. As you wade through intake forms and insurance statements, and research out-of-network coverage , you might wonder, "When did U.S. health care get so confusing?" Short answer? It's complicated. The history of modern U.S. health care spans nearly a century, with social movements, legislation, and politics driving change. Take a trip back in time as Thatch highlights some of the most impactful legislation and policies that gave us the existing healthcare system, particularly how and when things got complicated. In the beginning, a common perception of American doctors was that they were kindly old men stepping right out of a Saturday Evening Post cover illustration to make house calls. If their patients couldn't afford their fee, they'd accept payment in chicken or goats. Health care was relatively affordable and accessible. Then it all fell apart during the Great Depression of the 1930s. That's when hospital administrators started looking for ways to guarantee payment. According to the American College of Healthcare Executives, this is when the earliest form of health insurance was born. Interestingly, doctors would have none of it at first. The earliest health plans covered hospitalization only. A new set of challenges from the Second World War required a new set of responses. During the Depression, there were far too many people and too few jobs. The war economy had the opposite effect. Suddenly, all able-bodied men were in the military, but somebody still had to build the weapons and provision the troops. Even with women entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers, there was simply too much to get done. The competition for skilled labor was brutal. A wage freeze starting in 1942 forced employers to find other means of recruiting and retaining workers. Building on the recently mandated workers' compensation plans, employers or their union counterparts started offering insurance to cover hospital and doctor visits. Of course, the wage freeze ended soon after the war. However, the tax code and the courts soon clarified that employer-sponsored health insurance was non-taxable. Medicare, a government-sponsored health plan for retirees 65 and older, debuted in 1965. Nowadays, Medicare is offered in Parts A, B, C, and D; each offering a different layer of coverage for older Americans. As of 2023, over a quarter of all U.S. adults are enrolled in Medicare. The structure of Medicare is not dissimilar to universal health care offered in other countries, although the policy covers everyone, not just people over a certain age. Medicaid was also signed into law with Medicare. Medicaid provides health care coverage for Americans with low incomes. Over 74 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid today. The Obama administration was neither the first nor the last to champion new ways to provide health care coverage to a wider swath of Americans. The first attempts to harmonize U.S. healthcare delivery systems with those of other developed economies came just five years after Medicare and Medicaid. Two separate bills were introduced in 1970 alone. Both bills aimed to widen affordable health benefits for Americans, either by making people Medicare-eligible or providing free health benefits for all Americans. As is the case with many bills, both these died, even though there was bipartisan support. But the chairman of the relevant Senate panel had his own bill in mind, which got through the committee. It effectively said that all Americans were entitled to the kind of health benefits enjoyed by the United Auto Workers Union or AFL-CIO—for free. But shortly after Sen. Edward Kennedy began hearings on his bill in early 1971 , a competing proposal came from an unexpected source: Richard Nixon's White House. President Nixon's approach , in retrospect, had some commonalities with what Obamacare turned out to be. There was the employer mandate, for example, and an expansion of Medicaid. It favored healthcare delivery via health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, which was a novel idea at the time. HMOs, which offer managed care within a tight network of health care providers, descended from the prepaid health plans that flourished briefly in the 1910s and 1920s. They were first conceived in their current form around 1970 by Dr. Paul M. Ellwood, Jr. In 1973, a law was passed to require large companies to give their employees an HMO option as well as a traditional health insurance option. But that was always intended to be ancillary to Nixon's more ambitious proposal, which got even closer to what exists now after it wallowed in the swamp for a while. When Nixon reintroduced the proposal in 1974, it featured state-run health insurance plans as a substitute for Medicaid—not a far cry from the tax credit-fueled state-run exchanges of today. Of course, Nixon had other things to worry about in 1974: inflation, recession, a nation just beginning to heal from its first lost war—and his looming impeachment. His successor, Gerald Ford, tried to keep the proposal moving forward, but to no avail. But this raises a good question: If the Republican president and the Democratic Senate majority both see the same problem and have competing but not irreconcilable proposals to address it, why wasn't there some kind of compromise? What major issue divided the two parties? It was a matter of funding. The Democrats wanted to pay for universal health coverage through the U.S. Treasury's general fund, acknowledging that Congress would have to raise taxes to pay for it. The Republicans wanted it to pay for itself by charging participants insurance premiums, which would be, in effect, a new tax. The next significant legislation came from President Reagan, who signed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, in 1985. COBRA enabled laid-off workers to hold onto their health insurance—providing that they pay 100% of the premium, which had been wholly or at least in part subsidized by their erstwhile employer. While COBRA offers continued coverage, its high expense doesn't offer much relief for the unemployed. A 2006 Commonwealth Fund survey found that only 9% of people eligible for COBRA coverage actually signed up for it. The COBRA law had a section, though, that was only tangentially related. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, which was incorporated into COBRA, required all emergency medical facilities that take Medicare—that is, all of them—to treat patients irrespective of their insurance status or ability to pay. As Forbes staff writer Avik Roy wrote during the Obamacare debate, EMTALA has come to overshadow the rest of the COBRA law in its influence on American health care policy. More on that soon. It wasn't until the 1990s that Washington saw another serious attempt at healthcare reform. Bill Clinton's first order of business as president was to establish a new health care plan. For the first time, the First Lady took on the role of heavy-lifting policy advisor to the president and became the White House point person on universal health care. Hillary Clinton's proposal mandated : The Clintons' plan centralized decision-making in Washington, with a "National Health Board" overseeing quality assurance, training physicians, guaranteeing abortion coverage, and running both long-term care facilities and rural health systems. The insurance lobbyists had a field day with that. The famous "Harry and Louise" ads portrayed a generic American couple having tense conversations in their breakfast nook about how the federal government would come between them and their doctor. By the 1994 midterms, any chance of universal health care in America had died. In this case, it wasn't funding but the debate between big and small governments that killed the Clinton reform. It would be another generation before the U.S. saw universal health care take the stage. Fast-forward to 2010. It was clear that employer-sponsored plans were vestiges of another time. They made sense when people stayed with the same company for their entire careers, but as job-hopping and layoffs became more prevalent, plans tied to the job became obsolete. Thus the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, was proposed by Barack Obama's White House and squeaked by Congress and the Supreme Court with the narrowest of margins. The ACA introduced an individual mandate requiring everyone to have health insurance regardless of job status. It set up an array of government-sponsored online exchanges where individuals could buy coverage . It also provided advance premium tax credits to defray the cost to consumers. But it didn't ignore hat most people were already getting health insurance through work, and a significant proportion didn't want to change . So the ACA also required employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to provide health coverage to at least 95% of them. The law, nicknamed Obamacare by supporters and detractors, set a minimum baseline of coverage and affordability. The penalty for an employer that offers inadequate or unaffordable coverage can never be greater than the penalty for not offering coverage at all. The model for Obamacare was the health care reform package that went into effect in Massachusetts in 2006. The initial proposal was made by then-Governor Mitt Romney, a Republican who now serves as a senator from Utah. Despite an onslaught of court challenges, Obamacare remains the law of the land. For a while, Republican congressional candidates ran on a "repeal-and-replace" platform plank, but even when they were in the majority, there was little legislative action to do either. Still, Obamacare is not the last word in American health care reform. Since then, there have been two important improvements to Health Reimbursement Arrangements, through which companies pay employees back for out-of-pocket medical-related expenses. HRAs had been evolving informally since at least the 1960s but were first addressed by the Internal Revenue Service in 2002. Not much more happened on that front until Obama's lame-duck period. In December 2016, he signed the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which was mainly a funding bill supporting the National Institutes of Health as it addressed the opioid crisis. But, just like the right to free emergency room treatment was nested in the larger COBRA law, the legal framework of Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements was tucked away in a corner of the Cures Act. QSEHRAs, offered only by companies with fewer than 50 full-time employees, allow firms to let their employees pick their insurance coverage off the Obamacare exchanges. The firms pay the employees back for some or all of the cost of those premiums. The employees then become ineligible for the premium tax credit provided by the ACA, but a well-constructed QSEHRA will meet or exceed the value of that subsidy. That brings this timeline to one last innovation, which expands QSEHRA-like treatment to companies with more than 50 employees or aspiring to have them. Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements , or ICHRAs, were established by a 2019 IRS rule . ICHRAs allow firms of any size to offer employees tax-free contributions to cover up to 100% of their individual health insurance premiums as well as other eligible medical expenses. Instead of offering insurance policies directly, companies advise employees to shop on a government-sponsored exchange and select the best plan that suits their needs. Employer reimbursement rather than an advance premium tax credit reduces premiums. And because these plans are already ACA-compliant, there's no risk to the employer that they won't meet coverage or affordability standards. The U.S. is never going back to the mid-20th century model of lifetime employment at one company. Now, with remote employees and gig workers characterizing the workforce, the portability of an ICHRA provides some consistency for those who expect to be independent contractors for their entire careers. Simultaneously, allows bootstrap-phase startups to offer the dignity of health coverage to their Day One associates. The U.S. health care system can feel clunky and confusing to navigate. It is also regressive and penalizes startups and small businesses. For a country founded by entrepreneurs, it's sad that corporations like Google pay less for health care per employee than a small coffee shop in Florida. In many ways, ICHRA democratizes procuring health care coverage. In the same way that large employers enjoy the benefits of better rates, ICHRA plan quality and prices improve as the ICHRA risk pool grows. Moving away from the traditional employer model will change the incentive structure of the healthcare industry. Insurers will be able to compete and differentiate on the merits of their product. They will be incentivized to build products for people, not one-size-fits-all solutions for employers. This story was produced by Thatch and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save NEW YORK — The masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words "deny," "defend" and "depose," two law enforcement officials said Thursday. The words were written in permanent marker, according to one of the officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. With the gunman still at large, police also released photos of a person they said was wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush Wednesday as he walked to the company's annual investor conference at a Hilton hotel in Midtown. The reason behind the killing remained unknown, but investigators believe it was a targeted attack. This image shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. The message left on the ammunition echoes the phrase "delay, deny, defend," which is commonly used by attorneys and insurance industry critics to describe tactics used to avoid paying claims. It refers to insurers delaying payment, denying a claim and then defending their actions. People are also reading... The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County OSU football: Three takeaways from Oregon State's loss at Boise State City officials admit Corvallis' flag is 'bad.' Will it change? Prosecutor: Driver on laughing gas caused double fatal in Sweet Home UPDATED: GAPS teacher strike NOT off after talks over returning to the classroom break down Recently made-over park sees this change after Albany got an earful Corvallis chemical manufacturer eyes Albany for expansion OSU women's basketball: Marotte takes a more aggressive approach on offense Agreement reached (again), GAPS teachers get new contract Strike to end, GAPS reaches tentative deal with Albany teachers Corvallis decides layout for new civic campus — with a side of strife Philomath moves forward following July Nazi flag controversy Albany man pleads to numerous sex crimes Court dismisses jail-related Benton County whistleblower complaint A false start: GAPS strike continues after district, teachers announce deal Health insurers like UnitedHealthcare have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors and patients for complicating access to care. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. Inside a nearby trash can, they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper that they say the gunman purchased from a nearby Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The city's medical examiner was looking for fingerprints. The killing and the shooter's movements in the minutes before and after were captured on some of the multitudes of security cameras present in that part of the city. The shooter fled on a bike and was last seen riding into Central Park. Bullets lie on the sidewalk Wednesday outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in New York. The hunt for the shooter brought New York City police to at least two hostels on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Thursday morning, based on a tip that the suspected shooter might have stayed at one of the residences, according to one of the law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation. The photos police released Thursday of a man wanted for questioning were taken in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel. "We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time," said Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the hostel. Police received a flood of tips from members of the public, many of them unfounded. On Wednesday evening, police searched a Long Island Rail Road train after a commuter claimed to have spotted the shooter, but found no sign of the gunman. "We're following up on every single tip that comes in," said Carlos Nieves, a police spokesperson. "That little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together." Investigators believe, judging from surveillance video and evidence collected from the scene, that the shooter had at least some prior firearms training and experience with guns and the weapon was equipped with a silencer, said one of the law enforcement officials who spoke with the AP. This still image from surveillance video shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, Wednesday outside a Manhattan hotel. Security camera video showed the killer approach Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a gun jam while the health executive tumbled to the pavement. Cameras showed him fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza before getting on the bicycle. Police issued several surveillance images of the man wearing a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face, which wouldn't have attracted attention on a frigid day. Authorities also used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intensive search, but the killer's whereabouts remained unknown. Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in suburban Minneapolis, was with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. The insurer's Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting with investors in New York to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompson's death. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs. Healthcare history: How U.S. health coverage got this bad Healthcare history: How U.S. health coverage got this bad Key Points Health care in America has evolved in some ways, but in others, it continues to be a complex and arduous process for employees and employers alike. The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, made it a legal requirement for Americans to have a health insurance plan, regardless of employment status. ACA opened the door for health care expansion, including the marketplace, HRAs, and more. In the U.S. healthcare system, even the simplest act, like booking an appointment with your primary care physician, may feel intimidating. As you wade through intake forms and insurance statements, and research out-of-network coverage , you might wonder, "When did U.S. health care get so confusing?" Short answer? It's complicated. The history of modern U.S. health care spans nearly a century, with social movements, legislation, and politics driving change. Take a trip back in time as Thatch highlights some of the most impactful legislation and policies that gave us the existing healthcare system, particularly how and when things got complicated. History of U.S. Health Care 1930s: Great Depression and the birth of health plans that primarily covered the cost of hospital stays. 1942: Creation of employer-sponsored health care in the wake of wage freezes. 1965: Medicare and Medicaid debut. 1986: COBRA is signed, offering former employees the opportunity to stay on employer health care. 2010: Affordable Care Act signed into law. 2019: ICHRAs introduced. Past Is Prologue In the beginning, a common perception of American doctors was that they were kindly old men stepping right out of a Saturday Evening Post cover illustration to make house calls. If their patients couldn't afford their fee, they'd accept payment in chicken or goats. Health care was relatively affordable and accessible. Then it all fell apart during the Great Depression of the 1930s. That's when hospital administrators started looking for ways to guarantee payment. According to the American College of Healthcare Executives, this is when the earliest form of health insurance was born. Interestingly, doctors would have none of it at first. The earliest health plans covered hospitalization only. A new set of challenges from the Second World War required a new set of responses. During the Depression, there were far too many people and too few jobs. The war economy had the opposite effect. Suddenly, all able-bodied men were in the military, but somebody still had to build the weapons and provision the troops. Even with women entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers, there was simply too much to get done. The competition for skilled labor was brutal. A wage freeze starting in 1942 forced employers to find other means of recruiting and retaining workers. Building on the recently mandated workers' compensation plans, employers or their union counterparts started offering insurance to cover hospital and doctor visits. Of course, the wage freeze ended soon after the war. However, the tax code and the courts soon clarified that employer-sponsored health insurance was non-taxable. The Start of Medicare and Medicaid Medicare, a government-sponsored health plan for retirees 65 and older, debuted in 1965. Nowadays, Medicare is offered in Parts A, B, C, and D; each offering a different layer of coverage for older Americans. As of 2023, over a quarter of all U.S. adults are enrolled in Medicare. The structure of Medicare is not dissimilar to universal health care offered in other countries, although the policy covers everyone, not just people over a certain age. Medicaid was also signed into law with Medicare. Medicaid provides health care coverage for Americans with low incomes. Over 74 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid today. Nixoncare? The Obama administration was neither the first nor the last to champion new ways to provide health care coverage to a wider swath of Americans. The first attempts to harmonize U.S. healthcare delivery systems with those of other developed economies came just five years after Medicare and Medicaid. Two separate bills were introduced in 1970 alone. Both bills aimed to widen affordable health benefits for Americans, either by making people Medicare-eligible or providing free health benefits for all Americans. As is the case with many bills, both these died, even though there was bipartisan support. But the chairman of the relevant Senate panel had his own bill in mind, which got through the committee. It effectively said that all Americans were entitled to the kind of health benefits enjoyed by the United Auto Workers Union or AFL-CIO—for free. But shortly after Sen. Edward Kennedy began hearings on his bill in early 1971 , a competing proposal came from an unexpected source: Richard Nixon's White House. President Nixon's approach , in retrospect, had some commonalities with what Obamacare turned out to be. There was the employer mandate, for example, and an expansion of Medicaid. It favored healthcare delivery via health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, which was a novel idea at the time. HMOs, which offer managed care within a tight network of health care providers, descended from the prepaid health plans that flourished briefly in the 1910s and 1920s. They were first conceived in their current form around 1970 by Dr. Paul M. Ellwood, Jr. In 1973, a law was passed to require large companies to give their employees an HMO option as well as a traditional health insurance option. But that was always intended to be ancillary to Nixon's more ambitious proposal, which got even closer to what exists now after it wallowed in the swamp for a while. When Nixon reintroduced the proposal in 1974, it featured state-run health insurance plans as a substitute for Medicaid—not a far cry from the tax credit-fueled state-run exchanges of today. Of course, Nixon had other things to worry about in 1974: inflation, recession, a nation just beginning to heal from its first lost war—and his looming impeachment. His successor, Gerald Ford, tried to keep the proposal moving forward, but to no avail. But this raises a good question: If the Republican president and the Democratic Senate majority both see the same problem and have competing but not irreconcilable proposals to address it, why wasn't there some kind of compromise? What major issue divided the two parties? It was a matter of funding. The Democrats wanted to pay for universal health coverage through the U.S. Treasury's general fund, acknowledging that Congress would have to raise taxes to pay for it. The Republicans wanted it to pay for itself by charging participants insurance premiums, which would be, in effect, a new tax. The Birth of COBRA Coverage The next significant legislation came from President Reagan, who signed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, in 1985. COBRA enabled laid-off workers to hold onto their health insurance—providing that they pay 100% of the premium, which had been wholly or at least in part subsidized by their erstwhile employer. While COBRA offers continued coverage, its high expense doesn't offer much relief for the unemployed. A 2006 Commonwealth Fund survey found that only 9% of people eligible for COBRA coverage actually signed up for it. The COBRA law had a section, though, that was only tangentially related. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, which was incorporated into COBRA, required all emergency medical facilities that take Medicare—that is, all of them—to treat patients irrespective of their insurance status or ability to pay. As Forbes staff writer Avik Roy wrote during the Obamacare debate, EMTALA has come to overshadow the rest of the COBRA law in its influence on American health care policy. More on that soon. The Clinton Debacle It wasn't until the 1990s that Washington saw another serious attempt at healthcare reform. Bill Clinton's first order of business as president was to establish a new health care plan. For the first time, the First Lady took on the role of heavy-lifting policy advisor to the president and became the White House point person on universal health care. Hillary Clinton's proposal mandated : Everyone enrolls in a health coverage plan. Subsidies would be provided to those who can't afford it. Companies with 5,000 or more employees would have to provide such coverage. The Clintons' plan centralized decision-making in Washington, with a "National Health Board" overseeing quality assurance, training physicians, guaranteeing abortion coverage, and running both long-term care facilities and rural health systems. The insurance lobbyists had a field day with that. The famous "Harry and Louise" ads portrayed a generic American couple having tense conversations in their breakfast nook about how the federal government would come between them and their doctor. By the 1994 midterms, any chance of universal health care in America had died. In this case, it wasn't funding but the debate between big and small governments that killed the Clinton reform. It would be another generation before the U.S. saw universal health care take the stage. The Birth of Obamacare Fast-forward to 2010. It was clear that employer-sponsored plans were vestiges of another time. They made sense when people stayed with the same company for their entire careers, but as job-hopping and layoffs became more prevalent, plans tied to the job became obsolete. Thus the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, was proposed by Barack Obama's White House and squeaked by Congress and the Supreme Court with the narrowest of margins. The ACA introduced an individual mandate requiring everyone to have health insurance regardless of job status. It set up an array of government-sponsored online exchanges where individuals could buy coverage . It also provided advance premium tax credits to defray the cost to consumers. But it didn't ignore hat most people were already getting health insurance through work, and a significant proportion didn't want to change . So the ACA also required employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to provide health coverage to at least 95% of them. The law, nicknamed Obamacare by supporters and detractors, set a minimum baseline of coverage and affordability. The penalty for an employer that offers inadequate or unaffordable coverage can never be greater than the penalty for not offering coverage at all. The model for Obamacare was the health care reform package that went into effect in Massachusetts in 2006. The initial proposal was made by then-Governor Mitt Romney, a Republican who now serves as a senator from Utah. What Came Next Despite an onslaught of court challenges, Obamacare remains the law of the land. For a while, Republican congressional candidates ran on a "repeal-and-replace" platform plank, but even when they were in the majority, there was little legislative action to do either. Still, Obamacare is not the last word in American health care reform. Since then, there have been two important improvements to Health Reimbursement Arrangements, through which companies pay employees back for out-of-pocket medical-related expenses. HRAs had been evolving informally since at least the 1960s but were first addressed by the Internal Revenue Service in 2002. Not much more happened on that front until Obama's lame-duck period. In December 2016, he signed the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which was mainly a funding bill supporting the National Institutes of Health as it addressed the opioid crisis. But, just like the right to free emergency room treatment was nested in the larger COBRA law, the legal framework of Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements was tucked away in a corner of the Cures Act. QSEHRAs, offered only by companies with fewer than 50 full-time employees, allow firms to let their employees pick their insurance coverage off the Obamacare exchanges. The firms pay the employees back for some or all of the cost of those premiums. The employees then become ineligible for the premium tax credit provided by the ACA, but a well-constructed QSEHRA will meet or exceed the value of that subsidy. That brings this timeline to one last innovation, which expands QSEHRA-like treatment to companies with more than 50 employees or aspiring to have them. Introducing ICHRAs Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements , or ICHRAs, were established by a 2019 IRS rule . ICHRAs allow firms of any size to offer employees tax-free contributions to cover up to 100% of their individual health insurance premiums as well as other eligible medical expenses. Instead of offering insurance policies directly, companies advise employees to shop on a government-sponsored exchange and select the best plan that suits their needs. Employer reimbursement rather than an advance premium tax credit reduces premiums. And because these plans are already ACA-compliant, there's no risk to the employer that they won't meet coverage or affordability standards. The U.S. is never going back to the mid-20th century model of lifetime employment at one company. Now, with remote employees and gig workers characterizing the workforce, the portability of an ICHRA provides some consistency for those who expect to be independent contractors for their entire careers. Simultaneously, allows bootstrap-phase startups to offer the dignity of health coverage to their Day One associates. How We Got Here, Where We're Headed—A Fairer, Kinder Health Care System The U.S. health care system can feel clunky and confusing to navigate. It is also regressive and penalizes startups and small businesses. For a country founded by entrepreneurs, it's sad that corporations like Google pay less for health care per employee than a small coffee shop in Florida. In many ways, ICHRA democratizes procuring health care coverage. In the same way that large employers enjoy the benefits of better rates, ICHRA plan quality and prices improve as the ICHRA risk pool grows. Moving away from the traditional employer model will change the incentive structure of the healthcare industry. Insurers will be able to compete and differentiate on the merits of their product. They will be incentivized to build products for people, not one-size-fits-all solutions for employers. This story was produced by Thatch and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.
Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’
Key posts 7.32am Your view: How will the India bat today? 7.23am If this Pat Cummins ball is up for auction, buy it. It belongs in a collection 7.13am ‘I think my eyes are still there’: Smith proves critics wrong 7.07am Today’s weather 6.58am ‘He’s hearing every bit of negativity’: Ponting on Kohli 6.58am ‘One of the best barbecues I’ve seen’: Lyon sledges Kohli, Indian superstar reacts to crowd Hide key posts Posts area Latest 1 of 1 Latest posts Latest posts 7.32am Your view: How will the India bat today? 7.27am Fans enter the MCG By Andrew Wu From earlier this morning. The MCC Members were eager to get to their favorite seats for the third day of play. A crowd of over 70,000 is expected today as Australia look to take the game beyond India. Play is set to start at 10.30am AEDT. 7.23am If this Pat Cummins ball is up for auction, buy it. It belongs in a collection By Greg Baum Tea was due on day two of the Boxing Day Test and the contest was at an absorbing pass. Australia spent the first half of the day making hay while the sun shone from a cloudless sky. On a pitch that had quickened up to a nicety overnight, there was plenty to make. Pat Cummins of Australia celebrates the wicket of KL Rahul of India Credit: Getty Images Steve Smith wound back the years as he wound up his arms, scattering the ball to all parts. He does not so much hook sixes as cast them over fine leg like a fly fisherman. This was his fifth MCG hundred; he loves the place like he loves his mum and his bat in no particular order. Pat Cummins, playing a mix of conventional and Konstas cricket, had matched him blow for robust blow in a century stand that gave Australia the running in this match. Cummins in such a vein divides sentiment, between appreciation for what he can do and mystification about why hasn’t done it more often. But he doesn’t often get this batting conditions as blissful as this. He reaped. Click here to read the story. Advertisement 7.13am ‘I think my eyes are still there’: Smith proves critics wrong By Roy Ward Australian star Steve Smith has admitted he reflected on critics questioning whether his eyes and reflexes were fading by stepping forward and moving closer to the bowler. He believed batting out of his crease takes the game to the bowler but also makes it harder for him to be trapped lbw. “You’ve got to have faith, I was hitting the ball really nicely and people were saying “Is he too old? Are his eyes going?” So I thought I would go out of my crease and make my impact point closer to the bowler, so it all comes a bit quicker,” Smith told Fox Sports this morning. “I think my eyes are still there which is nice. For me, it is about keeping the faith and knowing that I’m hitting the ball well. There is a difference between being out of form and out of runs - I was just out of runs and I’ve played long enough to know that things can turn around quickly.” 7.07am Today’s weather There could be a hint of rain later today but, otherwise, looks to be a brilliant day for cricket. 6.58am ‘He’s hearing every bit of negativity’: Ponting on Kohli By Daniel Brettig Ricky Ponting has had this to say on Seven about Virat Kohli turning back to address hecklers after his dismissal at the MCG on day two. Click here to read more about Kohli’s struggles. Advertisement 6.58am ‘One of the best barbecues I’ve seen’: Lyon sledges Kohli, Indian superstar reacts to crowd By Tom Decent and Andrew Wu Virat Kohli came close to an angry confrontation with the crowd after he was involved in a calamitous run out in which veteran spinner Nathan Lyon later pinned him as the guilty party. Kohli was almost out of sight from the crowd in the players’ race after his dismissal before he returned to glare at hecklers. An ICC official then placed a consolatory arm around his shoulder and shepherded him down the race. It is not clear from the video of the incident that surfaced on social media on Friday night what sparked Kohli’s backturn, and though boos were clearly audible, no racial or personal abuse could be heard. Cricket Australia and the Melbourne Cricket Club had not received a complaint from the Board of Control for Cricket in India at the time of publication. The BCCI have been contacted for comment. Click here to read the story. 6.49am Good morning G’day everyone. I’m Roy Ward and welcome to our Boxing Day Test live blog. We are at day three of this match and it really feels like both this match and this series are both on the line today as Australia tries to bowl out India and the tourists aim for a mid-innings recovery after falling to 5-164 at stumps yesterday. India trails by 310 runs and have the dangerous Rishbah Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease, both are capable of posting big scores. Scott Boland, Pat Cummins and the rest of the Australian attack will aim to break this partnership up early and then power through the tail. Play begins at 10.30am AEDT. Enjoy the hours to come. Latest 1 of 1 Latest Most Viewed in Sport Loading
The Scottish Government has been urged to do more to address falling teacher numbers, as figures show increasing numbers of pupils are having to “trek miles” for lessons in key subjects. According to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats through a freedom of information request, 1,599 pupils were affected by “consortia arrangements” between schools in the 2023/24 academic year, up from 1,468 the year before. Consortia arrangements enable pupils to travel to a different school for lessons that are not offered at their own school. The figures show some pupils in Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Orkney, Perth and Kinross, Scottish Borders and South Ayrshire travelled more than 10 miles for lessons in a number of subjects. This included pupils in the Borders travelling up to 12 miles for advanced higher physics, maths and history lessons, and pupils in Dumfries and Galloway travelling 20 miles for advanced higher religious, moral and philosophical studies lessons. Meanwhile, pupils in East Lothian had to travel 23 miles for business skills lessons. The number of of consortia arrangements also rose from 399 in 2022/23 to 471 last year. Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie said the figures showed there were “not enough teachers in key subjects”. “The SNP once claimed that education would be their defining mission. Instead, it has become their defining failure,” he said. “On their watch, young people are having to trek miles and miles to attend lessons in key subjects. “These journeys take up huge chunks of the school day, precious time that could be better spent learning or engaging in extracurricular activities.” “There are not enough teachers in key subjects. By failing to promote teaching as a rewarding career, the SNP are denying young people the guidance and support they need, especially in more rural and remote communities. “It creates a vicious cycle that diminishes the skills of future generations and undermines teacher recruitment for years to come. “Scottish Liberal Democrats want to end this crisis, and that’s why we will continue to call for the government to properly resource teachers and staff and to finally guarantee teachers stable contracts they can depend on.” Figures released earlier this month showed there were 53,412 full time equivalent teachers, down by 621 from last year, with the vast majority of the fall being among primary school teachers. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “While it is disappointing that teacher numbers have declined, the Scottish Government has reached an agreement with local authorities to restore teaching posts to 2023 levels next year and is providing £186.5 million to support them to do this. “ Scotland has more teachers per pupil and the highest paid teachers in the UK. We are investing more per pupil than any other UK nation, and this investment has seen record levels of literacy and numeracy in the most recent figures and record levels of positive destinations for school leavers.”Easyjet to report £600m profit as holiday arm boosts business
Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — While Gov. Ron DeSantis is a top contender to be nominated as defense secretary under President-elect Donald Trump, people around the two men see obstacles that could keep Trump from offering the job, and DeSantis from accepting it. The Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau spoke to 11 political insiders close to both DeSantis and Trump for this story. The potential hurdles are both personal and political. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people
Piedmont Tree Services Expands Expert Solutions in High Point And Winston Salem, NC 12-05-2024 11:52 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Piedmont Tree Services announces professional tree care services for local residents at extremely affordable prices. The company offers clearing trees and site grading to prepare your property well. They also provide lot clearing and stump grinding for your yard needs. Customers can call for tree removal services today. Furthermore, they specialize in tree stump removal. Their team uses strong tools to handle every project with care and skill. They work quickly to ensure your trees are removed safely and neatly, making their services trusted by many in the community. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/e5f006711a796d33bf76ea147439456f.jpg Additionally, the company offers clear and fair pricing for all its tree care services. It provides free estimates so customers know the costs upfront. 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Contact Info: Name: Zachary W Nixon Email: rankorbit524@gmail.com Organization: Piedmont Tree Services Address: 1209 Elgin Ave, High Point, NC 27262, United States Phone: (336) 355-3504 Website: https://piedmonttreeservicellc.com/ Media Contact Company Name: Piedmont Tree Services Contact Person: Zachary W Nixon Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=piedmont-tree-services-expands-expert-solutions-in-high-point-and-winston-salem-nc ] Phone: (336) 355-3504 Address:1209 Elgin Ave City: High Point State: North Carolina 27262 Country: United States Website: https://piedmonttreeservicellc.com/ This release was published on openPR.Gleyber Torres sends emotional message to Yankees fans after signing with Tigers | Sporting News
Unleash Your Creativity with JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)'s B.A. in Communication Design -Graphic DesignThe Liberal candidate in a federal byelection in British Columbia says she is applying for Métis membership after a local group questioned her claims of Indigenous identity. Madison Fleischer says in a written statement that she self-identifies as Métis based on what she knows about her great-grandmother’s heritage and is “collecting the necessary documentation to go through the application process” for citizenship with B.C.‘s Métis Nation. In the meantime, Fleischer, who is the candidate in the Dec. 16 byelection in Cloverdale-Langley City, says she has removed “Métis” from her social media profile descriptions to ensure there is “no confusion” about her Indigenous status. Her response comes after the Waceya Métis Society — which describes itself as a chartered community representing Métis people in the Langley and White Rock regions of B.C.‘s Lower Mainland — said in a release that it “wishes to distance itself from Madison’s claims of Métis identity.” The society says it met with Fleischer over the weekend to discuss her claims of Métis identity but was “disappointed that she could not provide any evidence to support her Métis heritage.” The attention on Fleischer comes after Edmonton Centre Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault left cabinet last week amid questions about his shifting claims of Indigenous heritage and his business dealings. In her statement, Fleischer says she has “always been vocal about not yet holding Métis Nation British Columbia citizenship.” The Waceya Métis Society says it has asked Fleischer to “properly research and verify her Indigenous heritage before making any further public assertions.” “In this meeting, Madison was unable to substantiate her claims with any documentation or historical connections to Métis communities,” the society says about their Nov. 23 meeting with Fleischer. “The integrity of Métis identity is not to be taken lightly, especially in public office, where the representation of our community must be accurate, respectful, and legitimate.” Cloverdale-Langley City was previously held by Liberal John Aldag, who resigned to run for MLA with the B.C. New Democrats. Aldag was defeated by B.C. Conservative candidate Harman Bhangu in the Langley-Abbotsford seat in the Oct. 19 provincial election. Fleischer, whose Liberal party biography calls her a small-business owner who operates a public relations firm in Langley, is going up against candidates including federal Conservative Tamara Jansen, who held the seat from 2019 to 2021 before losing a close race to Aldag. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024.
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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 24, 2024-- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds investors that a shareholder filed a class action on behalf of all purchasers of stock of Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGX) pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s initial public offering conducted between February 9 and 13, 2024 (the “IPO”). Metagenomi describes itself as a “genetics medicine company.” For more information, submit a form , email attorney Phillip Kim, or give us a call at 866-767-3653. The Allegations: Rosen Law Firm is Investigating the Allegations that Metagenomi, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGX) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Operations. According to the lawsuit, Metagenomi introduced itself to investors during its IPO as a “genetic medicines company” having a long-standing business relationship with Moderna, one of the leading Covid-19 vaccine companies. Integral to Metagenomi’s collaboration with Moderna was the claim that the two companies had entered into a Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement on October 29, 2021, which included multiple four-year research programs and a subsequent licensed product-by-licensed product agreement. Metagenomi completed its initial public offering on February 13, 2024, selling 6.25 million shares at $15 per share. However, less than three months later, on May 1, 2024, Metagenomi announced that it and Moderna had “mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration” agreement. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Metagenomi, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must file their motions with the court by November 25, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Rosen Law Firm: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions. Rosen Law Firm does. Rosen Law Firm is a recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improving corporate governance structures, and holding company executives accountable for their wrongdoing. Since its inception, Rosen Law Firm has obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124410010/en/ CONTACT: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/24/2024 09:37 AM/DISC: 11/24/2024 09:35 AM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124410010/enCMA plans to allow former expatriates in Saudi and other Gulf states to invest in TASI
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Founder of failed crypto lending platform Celsius Network pleads guilty to fraud chargesIn 1979, brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald, who were not yet old enough to drive, started a band, Redd Kross . Now, 45 years later, the Year of Redd Kross kicked off in June with the release of a double album in June. A memoir, “Now You Are One of Us: The Incredible Story of Redd Kross,” followed, with the McDonalds writing their own individual sections and coauthor Dan Epstein adding context between chapters. This month, a documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” begins a round of special screenings, some with the band in attendance. Jeff McDonald, left, and Steven McDonald, right, share a look during an interview about their band, Redd Kross, in the new documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” which opens in Dec. 2024. (Film still courtesy of ‘Born Innocent’) Brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald formed the band Redd Kross in Hawthorne when Jeff was 15 and Steven was 11. “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story” is a new documentary that traces Redd Kross from its birth in Hawthorne in 1979 to its 45th anniversary as cult heroes of Southern California punk and power pop. (Film poster courtesy of ‘Born Innocent’) Redd Kross formed in the late ’70s when brothers Jeff McDonald, left, and Steven McDonald, right, were still to young to drive. They celebrate their 45th anniversary as a band in 2024 with the release of a new documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” as well as a memoir and a self-titled double album. (Photo by Al Flipside) Jeff McDonald, left, and Steven McDonald, right, laugh during an interview about their band, Redd Kross,” in the new documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” which opens in Dec. 2024. (Film still courtesy of ‘Born Innocent’) Southern California cult heroes Redd Kross, founded by Jeff McDonald, center, and Steven McDonald, right, are the subjects of the new documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” which opens in Dec. 2024. (Film still courtesy of ‘Born Innocent’) Jeff McDonald, left, and Steven McDonald, right, check out the copy of the Beatles’ “White Album” that inspired them as boys growing up in Hawthorne. The new documentary “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story” opens in Dec. 2024. (Film still courtesy of ‘Born Innocent’) Redd Kross celebrates its 45th anniversary this year with a new documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” as well as a memoir and a self-titled double album. Seen here in a still from the film are brothers Jeff McDonald, left, and Steven McDonald, right, performing on the Santa Monica Pier early in their career. (Film still courtesy of ‘Born Innocent.’) Southern California cult heroes Redd Kross, founded by Jeff McDonald, center, and Steven McDonald, right, perform at the Observatory in Santa Ana, where they were touring with the Melvins, the Seattle band for which Steven McDonald is also the bass player. The new documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” opens in Dec. 2024. (Photo by Steve Appleford) Redd Kross celebrates its 45th anniversary this year with the new documentary “Born Innocent,” the memoir “Now You’re One of Us,” and a self-titled double album. Seen here are the brothers who founded the band in the late ’70s, Jeff McDonald, left, and Steven McDonald, right. (Photo by Tony Molina Filmworks) Jeff McDonald, left, and Steven McDonald, right, share a look during an interview about their band, Redd Kross, in the new documentary, “Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story,” which opens in Dec. 2024. (Film still courtesy of ‘Born Innocent’) It’s a ton of terrific material about Redd Kross , a band that deserves every bit of acclaim that the album, book and film might bring. Still, Steven McDonald had one more thing in mind. “The one we didn’t get to do – which, whatever, we’ve done too much as it is – I was hoping there would be an audiobook,” Steven McDonald says on a recent video call with his brother. This launches the McDonalds into enthusiastic riffing about all the possibilities, like brothers who have long known how to take a wild dream and talk it into being. “Omni Books saw that Jack Black , who I’ve known for a long time, liked a post about the book,” Steven says. The publisher asked him to send Black a book, so he called to let the actor and cofounder of the comedic rock band Tenacious D know. “He’s like, ‘I want the audiobook,’” Steven continues. “I said, ‘So do I! But no one would produce it.’ “He said, ‘Well, come and give me the book. Come over and read it to me,’” he continues. “I said, ‘OK, great, I’ll do my part, you can do Jeff’s.’” “Wow,” Jeff says, nodding his approval of this obvious solution. “There you have it.” “That would be a good audiobook too, if we just record that,” Steven says, and then shifts into the serious intonation of a “Masterpiece Theatre” narrator: “The role of Jeff McDonald will be played by Jack Black.” And so it goes, in the interview as in the film and memoir, and even, at times, the album. A brotherly banter that is often entertaining, occasionally endearing, and always true to the dynamic these closest of siblings have shared their entire lives. In an interview edited for length and clarity, Jeff and Steven McDonald talked about everything from making the movie, book and album to forming Redd Kross in the relative isolation of the South Bay in the ’70s, that time when Steven was kidnapped at 13 by an older fan for several months (yes, you read that right), and more. Q: The documentary is so much fun. How did you get connected with director Andrew Reich [an Emmy winner as executive producer of “Friends.”] Steven McDonald: Andrew and I had mutual friends, and he pursued us through mutual friends. He started the film project, like eight years ago, the better part of a decade. Q: Was it a quick yes? Something you wanted to do right away? Jeff McDonald: I know, with a good documentary, it’s the filmmaker telling their version of your story. Which is great. Because I knew if it was us telling our version, entirely us, it would just go on forever. So it was important that we liked and trusted Andrew. And I instantly liked him, instantly just clicked. So it got the OK early on. We had no idea how long the movie would take, He just said, ‘Oh, it’s going to take a couple of years.’ But those couple of years turned into eight years. It was really insane. Q: And the memoir? When did that begin? SM: I thought the book was going to come out in 2025, actually. The book was also a bait and switch. [laughs] The literary agent Lee Sobel reached out to me through Facebook and asked if I was interested in a Steve McDonald book. Of course, I am! [laughs] Then about 10 minutes later he switched it to a Redd Kross book. Q: So Steven, why were you thinking it was going to come out next year? SM: Because that’s the only thing my blood pressure would allow. I had no idea that all three deadlines were all going to hit at the same time. Not only did we do the record, we’ve completed two pretty extensive tours. That has been a lot of heavy lifting. Which is great. I mean, that’s what it’s about for me and Jeff. More than any of it, it’s to go out and play live. But it’s just, in this age of the independent artist, it’s hard. And even though we’re celebrating our 45th year as a band, there’s still so much to learn. JM: It’s non-stop. SM: It never stops being a challenge but, you know, it’s one I’m grateful for. JM: I think if you’re a band that’s still growing you always feel you have something to prove. You never get to that spot where it’s like, ‘Oh, I’ve arrived.’ When that feeling’s gone, that’s when you put it down. SM: But yeah, so it’s great to have this opportunity to show what we can do. That’s kind of what 2024 has been about. Q: Did all the different projects create any crossover moments or influence each other? SM: We did the book before and while were making the record, which I think added another interesting quality. But also just the process of being interviewed by Andrew for eight years. There was a lot of reflection going on. Jeff and I wrote the lion’s share of this in 2023 in the midst of all this. I’m sure it informed some of the more reminiscing moments on the record. Also, I will often reference the Beatles ‘Get Back’ doc that came out, too. That’s the other thing that really inspired our record. Just seeing a unique collaboration. Not to compare us to Lennon and McCartney but to see how much they valued that creative partnership in real time. The demystifying things were fascinating, and it was super freeing and inspiring, and got me hungry to get into that room with Jeff and see what we were capable of. Especially after all that reflection. Q: One thing that struck me in the book and in the movie was the isolation you felt in Hawthorne at the time. You got yourselves to Hollywood and into Black Flag’s circle – but didn’t become a hardcore punk band like them. JM: The four bands [in the area] when we met Black Flag and became part of that whole tiny scene, it was us, a very early version of the Descendents , who were extremely poppy, almost like the original surf punk band. The Last, who were like our version of the Flamin’ Groovies , and Black Flag. So everyone had their own identity, and even we did at our young age. SM: And we played all of our first shows with Black Flag. The first one was an eighth-grade graduation party, and we got Black Flag the gig. We just had all these sort of extraordinary experiences in a very condensed amount of time. And it shaped us in many ways, but it didn’t keep us from being who we were. Or when we did feel any constraint coming down we just kind of distanced ourselves and went our own way. And in reference to what it was like to be in Hawthorne, we detail that on the song ‘Born Innocent,’ which is the closing credit title for the film. [And also the closing track on the new album.] Andrew asked us to write an origin story song. Q: One surprising part of your story is the kidnapping of Steven when he was very young by a woman in her 20s who had started an inappropriate relationship with him before taking him to Las Vegas for three months. SM: I’ve talked about it a little bit, and when you’re asking about doing the movie and how we felt talking about our lives, I don’t know. During lockdown, I found myself revisiting that moment because it turned out to be like the 40th anniversary of that time. And I’m a dad too, and it just so happened that I had, my son was 12 or 13, the same age I was 40 years later. So I found myself just sort of investigating where my head was at that time. For our family, it was traumatizing, and we did our best to process it, but much of it was left unprocessed. As you can see, my parents, it’s still a very raw topic for them, as is detailed in the film with their beautiful interview. I’ve always been fine with talking about it. But whatever, it was a real moment, and it happened within the context of our rock and roll experience. Had I not been in a band it would have never happened. So it’s somewhat of a cautionary tale as well. Q: I want to ask about the mixture of influences you talk about in the film and book. You didn’t censor yourselves over what was cool or popular. You loved the Beatles but you also loved the Partridge Family equally. JM: Through reading about rock and roll music and biographies, I learned, oh, you know, the Beatles did Shirelles covers. They were doing like girl bubblegum covers and were inspired by that type of stuff. It made me realize that anything that moves you is valid and it doesn’t matter what social baggage it may have. It’s like when we were in the punk movement, just saying, ‘I love the Partridge Family’ was kind of like a little bit of a troll to people who took themselves very seriously. SM: I think we also have not been afraid to infuse a nice dose of humor into what we do. I think that’s also something that sometimes people find hard to take on board, because it might imply that you’re not serious on some level, or there’s missing some substance or something. And it’s not just music, you know, it’s movies, it’s television. It’s all sorts of cultural things we took on board. We were hanging out with people that were much older than us and had very sophisticated interests. JM: Yeah, we have been inspired by movies, like Russ Myers and John Waters and all that stuff. And there’s always a bit of humor in what we do. You know, like I may not be taken as seriously as a singer as like, say, Perry Farrell [of Jane’s Addiction], who’s not very funny at all. But comedians are some of the heaviest entertainers there are. So you just can’t judge a book by its cover. Q: This year has been busy. How do you take advantage of that and go forward next year? JM: We haven’t been to South America yet. SM: We have done a lot to get the momentum going. It’s true. I have a day job. I’m also in the Melvins , who have a very busy schedule next year. So it’s a conflict in my life to have had this moment and create so much momentum for us. You don’t want it to dissipate. But at the same time, it’s been a long career. I mean, hopefully there’s enough for people to snack on for a while, and they’ll be hungry for us the next time we’re available, which hopefully will be sometime next year. Related Articles
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Six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick is finalizing a deal to become the new head coach at North Carolina , sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The expected hiring of Belichick, 72, will resonate as one of the most stunning and compelling moves in college football history. He worked in the NFL in some capacity from 1975 until his divorce from the New England Patriots after the 2023 season. Belichick's father, Steve, served as an assistant coach for the Tar Heels in the 1950s. Editor's Picks Bill Belichick to North Carolina?! What does this mean for college football? Bill Belichick's UNC move joins Kiffin and others in NFL to college head coach pipeline The coordinator carousel: Top hires made at FSU; other key openings Belichick's hiring at North Carolina, which hasn't won an ACC football title since 1980, was spearheaded by board chair John P. Preyer, who had homed in on Belichick in recent weeks. The sides met multiple times at length, including for five hours on Sunday, and those talks culminated with Belichick finalizing the deal Wednesday. For a program awash in apathy and mediocrity, this marks a distinct and compelling shift from Mack Brown, as Belichick gives the Tar Heels an unprecedented jolt of star power for 2025 and beyond. The Patriots' six Super Bowls under Belichick is an NFL record. (He won two more as an assistant coach.) He enters college football with 333 NFL wins, behind only Don Shula's all-time record of 347. North Carolina fired the 73-year-old Brown on Nov. 26 after a 6-6 season, ending his second stint at the school with a 44-33 record over six years. He coached the Tar Heels' regular-season finale, a 35-30 loss to NC State , then said it was a "great time for me to get out." The expected hiring of the famously aloof Belichick, who joked Monday on "The Pat McAfee Show" about his news conference aura, represents a significant shift from Brown's syrupy Southern charm. Belichick has spent his year away from the sideline doing multiple media jobs while making it clear he wanted to return to coaching. After exploring multiple NFL positions last year following his departure from New England, it was expected that Belichick would explore the NFL market again. But sources told ESPN that a return to coaching in general had been paramount for Belichick. He spent a lot of time around his former assistant, Washington Huskies coach Jedd Fisch, and talking to friends and former assistant coaches around college football. Belichick's son Stephen is the Huskies' defensive coordinator and is expected to be involved with the North Carolina staff in some way. Oldest in FBS At 72 years old, Bill Belichick will become the oldest head coach in the FBS. The previous oldest entering this season was Mack Brown (73), whom Belichick is succeeding at the school: Through the draft every year, Belichick has built up a reserve of college coach confidants, and he has popped up at places such as Washington, Rutgers and LSU this year for college games. Belichick also spent recent days familiarizing himself with the transfer portal and NIL, and he spent a lot of time on how the organizational chart of a college system would work. He made it clear in his interview with McAfee on Monday that he would create an incubator for NFL talent if he were a college coach. "If I was in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL," Belichick said. "It would be a professional program: training, nutrition, scheme, coaching and techniques that would transfer to the NFL." He concluded a lengthy portrait of what the program would look like by saying: "It would be an NFL program, but not at the NFL level." Other names that had emerged in North Carolina's search included veteran NFL coach Steve Wilks, Tulane coach Jon Sumrall, Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, Army coach Jeff Monken and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith indicated he would stay with the Steelers, and Tulane reached an agreement in principle with Sumrall for a contract extension.Tim Osborne, of Livermore, in grey, fences with Chris Schmaling, of Standish, on Saturday at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. Katie Langley/Portland Press Herald CAPE ELIZABETH — If you were walking in Fort Williams Park on Saturday afternoon, you might have noticed about a dozen medieval warriors engaged in heated fencing matches. The “citizens” of the Province of Malagentia — the local chapter of a national group of historical hobbyists and reenactors — hold regular meetups to fence and explore all facets of life in the Middle Ages. For many, the draw is more than the period-accurate garb or the thrill of beating their enemies in battle. “I like the sword fighting, but it’s the friends you meet along the way — it really is. It’s a really good community,” said a Waterboro-based participant who goes by the name Camille Des Jardins. “We didn’t fit in other places, and we fit here.” Greg Tremblay, of Boston, agreed. “(It’s) community — 100%,” said Tremblay, who plays under the name Gavin Kent. Malagentia is the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA, a group founded in 1966 with a focus on learning about and recreating the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras in the modern age. Most members have their own niche interests in the group, from traditional fencing practices to the Dutch masters of art. “Our goal is to educate people and encourage the exploration of things within that life. How did people cook? How did they dress? How did they make their swords?” said Collette d’Avingnon (her SCA name), of Biddeford. In addition to fencing and weaponry, players can take up activities like medieval dance, painting, cooking, woodworking, calligraphy and more. Des Jardins has the role of fencing instructor in the group. An SCA member for about 25 years, she dons a purple Elizabethan period-inspired outfit and armor. “I started fencing in college, and fencing is kind of the gateway for a lot of people,” Des Jardins said. “For years, I did nothing but fence, then I realized there’s other things. So now that I get involved, there’s dancing, there’s cooking, I do artwork.” Seth Wilhelm of Westbrook holding up a hockey jersey with the fencing chapter’s Malagentia seal. Katie Langley/Portland Press Herald Fencing practice meets each week at Payson Park in Portland in the summer months, and during winter at the Sullivan Gym at the University of Southern Maine. The friendly competition uses rapiers and daggers that are blunted at the end, so no one gets hurt. Touch your opponent’s limb, they can no longer use it. Hit them in an important artery, and they’re “dead.” Chris Schmaling, of Standish, who goes by Q in the SCA world, went up against Tim Osborne (also known as Rwuan), of Livermore. For Schmaling, SCA is a family affair. “My daughter has been doing this since she was 2 days old,” said Schmaling, who has been role-playing for about 25 years. Eli Parsons, of Portland, is a newcomer in the group. Parsons said he was hooked as soon as someone handed him a sword. “After COVID, I was looking for some kind of social club, something to get out and go do something,” Parsons said. “I happened to hear there was a sword fighting practice going on every Tuesday and I was like, ‘Let me check it out.’” Whether you’ve been in the organization for two decades or two days, SCA aims to be welcoming to all. “One thing that we really pride ourselves in is being accepting of people, so this is a place where anybody, it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you do ... we want you to come here and play and explore and feel safe doing so,” D’Avingnon said. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous
Dec. 27—Christmas came late for the Boiling Springs boys basketball team. In Friday's Bubbler Alumni Holiday Tournament opener opposite Dover, the hosts stuffed their proverbial stockings with nine 3-pointers, 17 steals and a whole lot of confidence. The myriad gifts placed the Bubblers on the basketball gods' nice list and steered them on the path of a 84-40 victory atop Coach Dieter Court. Bubbletown (8-2) draws Hershey, a 68-54 winner over Carlisle in Friday's adjacent opener, in Saturday's title tilt at 8 p.m. The Herd and Eagles will duel in a 3:30 p.m. consolation. "I think it definitely set a tone," Boiling Springs senior Eli Kimmel said. "I think a lot of our misses on opportunities, they weren't coming out as hard, and so we were able to set the tone real quick, rolling with a steady pace. I think that was good for us." The Bubblers fostered a steady pace, to the tune of a 26-9 first quarter and a 15-2 spree in the third quarter. Riley Lucido led the charge with 15 points while Brandon Ascione contributed 14, Ethan Yenser drained 13 and Mason LaBuda added nine. The quartet didn't play in the final frame with the Bubblers inducing a running clock and booming to a 64-32 third-quarter advantage. "It doesn't matter who you play," Boiling Springs head coach Brett Sheaffer said, "when you coach long enough, you're on both sides of the coin, and it's just about getting better. Dover is in the same boat as we are. They're just trying to get better, and everybody's on a different level. Some years you're up, and some years you're down, and we were just trying to get better." While the Bubblers' first-half output bested their second-half performance, Sheaffer highlighted key reserve minutes as another foundation of growth. Noah Mandell deposited four 3-pointers for 12 points, Jon Wonders cashed in for six and Timmy George kicked in four. In all, Bubbletown featured 11 scorers. "It creates more of a team kind of family," said Kimmel, who also tacked on four tallies, "maybe some more camaraderie. It meant more because we did it as a team. Rather than the starting five just scoring, it helped that the bench scored." Dover struck a pair of 7-0 spurts in the second and fourth quarters, utilizing six 3-pointers to generate some energy. Logan Stites paced the Eagles with 11 points while Jay Grant and Nathan Cooper crashed the defenders for eight points apiece. But the Bubblers' 17 steals and six blocks compounded Dover's lack of momentum. "Transition is a lot of how we get our energy up," Lucido said. "And so every time we get a transition bucket, I feel like the energy keeps going up — it keeps piling up." The Trojans will provide a test Saturday. Leading Carlisle 31-26 at halftime Friday, Hershey erupted for a 17-point third quarter to pull away from the Herd. Carlisle's Parker Smith led all scorers with 28 points. Meanwhile, 10 of Cam Sweeney's 18 points ignited the Trojans' upswing, and double-digit efforts from Jack Zakovitch (15), James Campbell IV (11) and Drew Grana (10) also played their role. "Hershey is one of the standard programs in the area," Sheaffer said. "And (head coach Paul Blackburn) is one of the best that's done it in the area a long time. He has that program humming, and it's going to be a challenge, a huge challenge, for us tomorrow. But I told the guys, it's an opportunity. If you're not excited to play on your home court for the championship game against a good team like that, then you're never going to get up for a game." Christian Eby is a sports reporter for The Sentinel and cumberlink.com . You can contact him at ceby@cumberlink.com and follow him on Twitter at: @eby_sports (c)2024 The Sentinel (Carlisle, Pa.) Visit The Sentinel (Carlisle, Pa.) at www.cumberlink.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Namibia will have its first female leader after VP wins presidential election for the ruling party
Three of these images are fake. Can you spot the real image? Some images generated by artificial intelligence have become so convincingly real that there is no surefire way to spot the fakes. But experts say there are still things we can try to detect fakes. "Media literacy is super awesome," said Matt Groh, assistant professor at Northwestern University. "But it needs to extend to AI literacy. Like the classic kind of things that you want to teach in media literacy, we still need to teach those same things. We just need to add the AI portion to it now." RELATED STORY | Nobel Prize in physics awarded to 2 scientists for discoveries that enabled artificial intelligence Groh's team at Northwestern released a guide on how to spot AI generated images. The full preprint paper was released in June. "So what we've done is we've articulated 5 different categories of artifacts, implausibilities," Groh said. "Ways to tell AI-generated image apart from a real photograph." The academic preprint guide offers detailed tips, tricks and examples on spotting AI-generated images. It also teaches important questions to consider when consuming media. Anatomical implausibilities The first and easiest telltale signs: anatomical implausibilities. Ask yourself: Are the fingers, eyes, and bodies off? Are there extra limbs or do they bend strangely? Are there too many teeth? Stylistic implausibilities Ask yourself: Do images seem plastic, glossy, shiny or cartoonish? Are there overly dramatic or cinematic? Functional implausibilities Ask yourself: Is text garbled? Is clothing strange? Are objects not physically correct, like how this backpack strap merges into clothing? Violation of physics Ask yourself: Are light and shadows off? Are there impossible reflections? Sociocultural implausibilities Ask yourself: Are there images that are just too unbelievable or historically inaccurate? RELATED STORY | AI voice cloning: How programs are learning to pick up on pitch and tone "What we're trying to do is give you a snapshot of what it looks like in 2024 and how we can help people move their attention as effectively as possible," Groh said. "Education is really the biggest thing. There's education on the tools," said Cole Whitecotton, senior professional research associate at the National Center for Media Forensics. Whitecotton encourages the public to educate themselves and try AI tools to know their capabilities and limits. "I think everybody should go out and use it. And look at how these things do what they do and understand a bit of it," he said. "Everyone should interact with ChatGPT. In some way. Everyone should interact with Midjourney. And look at how these things do what they do and understand a bit of it." Whitecotton suggests being inquisitive and curious when scrolling through social media. "If you interacted with every piece of content in that way, then there you would be a lot less likely to be duped and to be sort of sucked into that sort of stuff, right?" he said. "How do you interact with Facebook and with Twitter and all these things? How do you consume the media?" Whitecotton added. RELATED STORY | Biden's AI advisor speaks on AI policy, deepfakes, and the use of AI in war While AI-generated images and videos continue to evolve, Groh and his team offer a realistic approach to a changing technological landscape where tips and tricks may become outdated quickly. "I think a real, good, useful thing is we build this. We update this every year. Okay, some of these things work. Some of these things don't. And I think once we have a base, we're able to update it," Groh said. "I think one of the problems is we didn't have a base. And so one of the things we're really excited about is even sharing our framework, because I think our framework is going to help people just navigate that conversation." So were you able to guess which image is real? If you guessed the image of the girl in the bottom left corner, you are correct! "It sucks that there's this misinformation in the world. But it's also possible to navigate this new problem," Groh said. If you want to test yourself even more, the Northwestern University research team has released this site that gives you a series of real and AI-generated images to differentiate.US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. Bitcoin ticks closer to $100,000 in extended surge following US elections NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, setting another new high above $99,000. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. Supreme Court steps into fight over FCC's $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stepped into a major legal fight over the $8 billion a year the federal government spends to subsidize phone and internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas, in a new test of federal regulatory power. The justices on Friday agreed to review an appellate ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund. The Federal Communications Commission collects money from telecommunications providers, who then pass the cost on to their customers. The Biden administration appealed the lower court ruling, but the case probably won’t be argued until late March. At that point, the Trump administration will be in place and it is not clear whether it will take a different view of the issue. Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground as it notches a winning week and another Dow record Stocks closed higher on Wall Street, giving the market its fifth gain in a row and notching another record high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Friday. The Dow added 1%, and the Nasdaq composite tacked on 0.2%. Retailers had some of the biggest gains. Gap soared after reporting quarterly results that easily beat analysts' estimates. EchoStar fell after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. European markets closed mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Crude oil prices gained ground. Australia rejects Elon Musk's claim that it plans to control access to the internet MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — An Australian Cabinet minister has rejected X Corp. owner Elon Musk’s allegation that the government intends to control all Australians' access to the internet through legislation that would ban young children from social media. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Friday that Musk’s criticism was “unsurprising” after the government introduced legislation to Parliament that would fine platforms including X up to $133 million for allowing children under 16 to hold social media accounts. The spat continues months of open hostility between the Australian government and the tech billionaire over regulators’ efforts to reduce public harm from social media. Parliament could pass the legislation as soon as next week. Oil company Phillips 66 faces federal charges related to alleged Clean Water Act violations LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oil company Phillips 66 has been federally indicted in connection with alleged violations of the Clean Water Act in California. The Texas-based company is accused of discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of industrial wastewater containing excessive amounts of oil and grease. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the indictment on Thursday. Phillips is charged with two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act and four counts of knowingly violating the Clean Water Act. An arraignment date has not been set. A spokesperson for the company said it was cooperating with prosecutors. US regulators seek to break up Google, forcing Chrome sale as part of monopoly punishment U.S. regulators want a federal judge to break up Google to prevent the company from continuing to squash competition through its dominant search engine after a court found it had maintained an abusive monopoly over the past decade. The proposed breakup floated in a 23-page document filed late Wednesday by the U.S. Justice Department calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent Android from favoring its search engine. Regulators also want to ban Google from forging multibillion-dollar deals to lock in its dominant search engine as the default option on Apple’s iPhone and other devices. New York judge rejects state efforts to shutter bitcoin mine over climate concerns NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge has rejected an effort by state regulators to shutter a bitcoin mine over concerns about its greenhouse gas emissions. The decision will allow the Greenidge power plant to continue operating in the Finger Lakes region of the state. The state had previously found the gas-powered crypto mine ran afoul of a climate law intended to limit greenhouse gas emissions. But on Thursday, a state Supreme Court judge found Greenidge was entitled to a process to defend its continued operation. Environmental groups have protested the facility, which they allege is pumping emissions into the air while contaminating the nearby Seneca Lake. What you need to know about the proposed measures designed to curb Google's search monopoly U.S. regulators are proposing aggressive measures to restore competition to the online search market after a federal judge ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly. The sweeping set of recommendations filed late Wednesday could radically alter Google’s business. Regulators want Google to sell off its industry-leading Chrome web browser. They outlined a range of behavioral measures such as prohibiting Google from using search results to favor its own services such as YouTube, and forcing it to license search index data to its rivals. They're not going as far as to demand Google spin off Android, but are leaving that door open if the remedies don't work. Apple and Google face UK investigation into mobile browser dominance LONDON (AP) — A British watchdog says Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers. The watchdog's report Friday recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year. The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker’s tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. The CMA’s report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers “the clearest or easiest option.” Apple said it disagreed with the findings.
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Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario — a newspaper in Carty’s native Dominican Republic — that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Madras univ conference to throw more light on city, religion linkage
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Special counsel moves to abandon election interference and classified documents cases against TrumpNoneWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill rallied around Pete Hegseth , Trump’s Pentagon pick, on Thursday even as new details surfaced about allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman in 2017. The GOP embrace of Hegseth came as another controversial Trump nominee, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz said it was clear he had become a “distraction" amid pressure on the House to release an ethics report about allegations of his own sexual misconduct. An attorney for two women has said that his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. Fresh questions over the two nominees' pasts, and their treatment of women, arose with Republicans under pressure from Trump and his allies to quickly confirm his Cabinet. At the same time, his transition has so far balked at the vetting and background checks that have traditionally been required. While few Republican senators have publicly criticized any of Trump's nominees, it became clear after Gaetz's withdrawal that many had been harboring private concerns about him. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” After meeting with Hegseth, though, Republicans rallied around him. “I think he’s going to be in pretty good shape,” said Wicker, who is expected to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee in the next Congress. Republican senators' careful words, and their early reluctance to publicly question Trump's picks, illustrated not only their fear of retribution from the incoming president but also some of their hopes that the confirmation process can proceed normally, with proper vetting and background checks that could potentially disqualify problematic nominees earlier. Gaetz withdrew after meeting with senators on Wednesday. Sen. Thom Tillis said Gaetz was “in a pressure cooker” when he decided to withdraw, but suggested that it would have little bearing on Trump’s other nominees. “Transactions — one at a time,” he said. As the Hegseth nomination proceeds, Republicans also appear to be betting that they won't face much backlash for publicly setting aside the allegations of sexual misconduct — especially after Trump won election after being found liable for sexual abuse last year. Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance on Thursday in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” A 22-page police report report made public late Wednesday offered the first detailed account of the allegations against him. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, said the incident was “fully investigated and police found the allegations to be false.” Hegseth paid the woman in 2023 as part of a confidential settlement to head off the threat of what he described as a baseless lawsuit, Palatore has said. Wicker played down the allegations against Hegseth, a former Fox News host, saying that “since no charges were brought from the authorities, we only have press reports.” Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said after his meeting with Hegseth that he "shared with him the fact that I was saddened by the attacks that are coming his way.” Hagerty dismissed the allegations as “a he-said, she-said thing” and called it a “shame” that they were being raised at all. The senator said attention should instead be focused on the Defense Department that Hegseth would head. It's one of the most complex parts of the federal government with more than 3 million employees, including military service members and civilians. Sexual assault has been a persistent problem in the military, though Pentagon officials have been cautiously optimistic they are seeing a decline in reported sexual assaults among active-duty service members and the military academies. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who will be the No. 2 Republican in the Senate next year, said after his meeting with Hegseth that the nominee is a strong candidate who “pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power – not the current administration’s woke political agenda.” Senate Republicans are under pressure to hold hearings once they take office in January and confirm nominees as soon as Trump is inaugurated, despite questions about whether Trump’s choices will be properly screened or if some, like Hegseth, have enough experience for the job. Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, who will be the top Democrat on the panel next year, said the reports on Hegseth “emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the FBI on the background of all the nominees.” It takes a simple majority to approve Cabinet nominations, meaning that if Democrats all opposed a nominee, four Republican senators would also have to defect for any Trump choice to be defeated. Trump has made clear he’s willing to put maximum pressure on Senate Republicans to give him the nominees he wants – even suggesting at one point that they allow him to just appoint his nominees with no Senate votes. But senators insist, for now, that they are not giving up their constitutional power to have a say. “The president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit, but the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent,” said Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. In the case of Gaetz, he said, “I think there was advice offered rather than consent.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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(CNN) — Senior Biden White House aides, administration officials and prominent defense attorneys in Washington, DC, are discussing potential preemptive pardons or legal aid for people who might be targeted for prosecution by President-elect Donald Trump after he retakes power, multiple sources told CNN. Reports of these conversations have captured the attention of Trump’s legal advisers, who, according to a source familiar with their strategy, believe President Joe Biden would be setting a new precedent in terms of the scope of pardons that they could take advantage of, down the line, to help their own allies. Biden’s senior aides inside the White House have been deliberating for weeks about the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons, according to the sources familiar with the discussions. The move, which would cover people who haven’t ever been formally accused of any crimes, would be an extraordinary step and shows the grave concerns many Democrats have that Trump will prosecute a range of figures that he considers to be his enemies. Trump has publicly called for the jailing of people like Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney, who served as vice chair of the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack, as well as special counsel Jack Smith , who brought federal criminal cases against Trump. One former senior White House official said aides inside the White House and across various federal agencies are intensely worried about the possibility that the incoming Trump administration will prosecute anyone deemed as having antagonized the president-elect. Additionally, several prominent white-collar lawyers across Washington have fielded calls in recent weeks from government officials, including investigators from Smith’s office, who are concerned they could be targeted by the incoming Trump administration. Biden and his top aides view Trump’s public threats – particularly against current and former government officials – as unprecedented, and some believe that it would be reckless and irresponsible for Biden to leave office without granting preemptive pardons. “You have got (an incoming) president that has basically said he’s going to go after all these people,” a source familiar with the discussions told CNN. “Why not do it?” A White House spokesperson declined to comment. According to Politico, which first reported on the internal debate, the discussions are being led by White House counsel Ed Siskel and other senior aides to the president, including chief of staff Jeff Zients . The former White House official who spoke to CNN, who is intimately familiar with the workings of the White House counsel’s office, said it would be typical for Siskel and his team to first put together a detailed memo to be presented to Biden. In that situation, that memo would include a list of individuals that Biden might consider pardoning preemptively, the context about any prior legal precedent, and a discussion of the wide range of potential ramifications if the president does move forward with these pardons. The calls among worried government officials and top white-collar defense lawyers in DC, appear, at this point, to be precautionary. One private attorney told CNN that they’re “feeling out what they should do if something happens” once Trump takes over. A spokesman for Smith’s special counsel office declined to comment on whether he would seek a preemptive pardon. CNN previously reported that Smith intends to step down before Trump takes office, instead of being fired, as the president-elect has pledged to do . As Democrats brace for the political and legal scrutiny that could come from the new president, his administration, and the GOP-run Congress , one significant concern for many current and former administration officials is the possibility of mounting legal bills. Multiple sources said there have been discussions about setting up legal funds to help support those who would not be able to afford thousands of dollars in lawyers’ fees. Some of the private practice bar have discussed if influential white-collar practices could work together to help career Justice Department workers – and others who are exiting the federal workforce – to possibly provide them low-cost or pro-bono representation. And at least one progressive group is working on assembling resources – such as lawyers, security experts and communications professionals – who could help government officials placed under investigation during the Trump years, some of the people familiar with the discussions said. A source familiar with Trump legal strategy says his team believes Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter has set a new precedent for presidents to issue expansive pardons to their children – and this could be something Trump chooses to do before he leaves office. The Hunter Biden pardon was notable for not only forgiving the crimes in his tax and gun indictments, but also for protecting him from being charged with any offense he “may have committed or taken part in” between January 2014 and December 2024. There’s also the president’s brother James Biden, who hasn’t faced charges but whose overseas business dealings attracted intense scrutiny from congressional Republicans. Several GOP-run House committees urged the Justice Department to prosecute James Biden in connection with lying to Congress. (He denies all wrongdoing and declined to comment for this story.) If Biden goes even further and grants preemptive pardons to an expansive list of individuals, Trump’s team believes that move would also create a new precedent and give Trump political cover to do the same for his allies, according to the source. CNN reported in 2021 that before Trump left office during his first term, he considered – but did not grant – preemptive pardons for family members , political allies, his personal attorneys, and even for himself , including in the wake of the January 6 insurrection. Attorneys across the political spectrum have raised concerns about blanket pardons to protect against future investigations or prosecution. “It’s just such a different use of the pardon power,” said Neil Eggleston, former White House counsel to President Barack Obama. “You would create the beginning of a tit for tat where, when any administration is over, you just pardon everybody.” Presidential pardons protect against federal Justice Department prosecutions, but do not shield individuals from state-level criminal cases or congressional investigations. While Trump has publicly said he wants his Justice Department to go after his perceived adversaries, the system has built-in checks against abuses of power, such as judges that can throw out charges, grand juries that can refuse to indict, juries that can return “not guilty” verdicts, and other safeguards to protect against purely vindictive prosecutions. Some prominent former Justice Department officials have said they wouldn’t want a preemptive pardon from Biden, because it might imply they’re conceding there was wrongdoing during their work for the federal government, according to a source familiar with their thinking. Trump has a well-documented history of pushing – both publicly and privately – for investigations and prosecutions of his political opponents, almost always based on unproven, baseless and conspiracy-tinged allegations about their supposed activities. Many of his recent threats targeted prosecutors who charged him with crimes: Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. He has publicly called for investigations into prominent lawmakers: Cheney and the rest of the January 6 committee members (who he said “should go to jail”), former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (for her supposed “ties to Russia”), Senator-elect Adam Schiff (for his role in the Trump-Ukraine impeachment saga) and a host of other Democratic lawmakers. Still, members of Congress have immunity from the Constitution’s “speech or debate clause” that offers such broad protections for their legislative work that even members of the defunct January 6 committee would be unlikely to take seriously any legal threats. Trump also has said Vice President Kamala Harris “should be ... prosecuted” for letting undocumented immigrants into the country. After the election, Trump called for probes of Iowa pollster Ann Selzer (for “election fraud,” by releasing a poll with Harris ahead), and into stock traders who spread “illegal rumors” about his investment in Truth Social. During his first term, some of Trump’s calls for probes were apparently heeded, leading to investigations into 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton , former FBI director James Comey , and former FBI deputy director Andy McCabe , now a CNN contributor. None of them were ever charged with crimes. Some of Trump’s longtime foes who worked on the Russia probe around the 2016 election may not have much legal exposure now because their government service ended so long ago and statutes of limitations may have lapsed. There are plenty of other figures that, despite Trump’s calls, weren’t investigated during his first term, but could be scrutinized when he returns to power: former President Barack Obama (for “treason”), former Secretary of State John Kerry (for his contacts with Iran), and even MSNBC host Joe Scarborough (based on a conspiracy theory that he was possibly able to “get away with murder” after one of his interns died in 2001). Attorneys who might defend top targets have their own fears, too. Representing Trump administration and political officials had largely gone out of fashion for large DC defense firms in recent years, with few willing to take on clients, especially after January 6. The view at Washington’s elite firms – which tend to lean liberal – may be shifting back toward getting involved, but it’s still not clear how much pushback the next Trump presidency may receive from the capital’s powerful law firms, several prominent attorneys told CNN this week. “There could well be a fear now by law firm leaders that if we take on those cases, could we ourselves be targeted?”one white-collar lawyer who regularly represents high-profile political figures told CNN on Thursday. Some liberal-leaning and criminal justice reform groups are pushing Biden to focus his final clemency efforts less on family members, political allies or Trump’s potential targets – and instead to help incarcerated Americans whom they believe deserve relief. One group, FWD.us , is airing TV ads in the Washington, DC, market, pressing Biden to “give people a second chance,” by granting clemency to Americans with “outdated” prison sentences that they argue would be shorter under today’s laws and policies. They’ve pointed to Obama’s record-setting commutations as a model. He reduced the punishments of more than 1,300 convicts, including 500 people serving life sentences. “The thousands of people serving disproportionately long and racially disparate sentences in federal prison have been waiting for relief long before the politics of this particular moment,” Zoë Towns, executive director of FWD.us , said in an email. “It is our hope that whatever comes next includes a robust clemency effort focused on them.” CNN’s Curt Devine contributed to this report. The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.Smart Tracker Market 2024 Size, Share, Growth Report 2032 12-06-2024 07:41 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: Prudent Markets Smart Tracker Market Smart Tracker Market Size & Growth 2024 Latest Updated Report 2024, The Global Smart Tracker Market to Growing A CAGR of % during forecast period of 2024-2031. The Market is segmented by Global Smart Tracker Market Breakdown by Application (Pets, Personal Items, Others) by Type (Bluetooth, GPS, Others) and by Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA). The Smart Tracker Market 2024 Report makes available the current and forthcoming technical and financial details of the industry. It is one of the most comprehensive and important additions to the Prudent Markets archive of market research studies. It offers detailed research and analysis of key aspects of the global Smart Tracker market. This report explores all the key factors affecting the growth of the global Smart Tracker market, including demand-supply scenario, pricing structure, profit margins, production, and value chain analysis. Discover Who You Really Compete Against In The Marketplace, Get PDF Sample Report Now! @ https://www.prudentmarkets.com/sample-request/113866/ The report concludes with the profiles of major players in the Smart Tracker market are: Wistiki, Linquet, Protag, Pixie, Lugloc, Link AKC, Tile, TrackR, Chipolo, Findster, Lapa Studio, Kaltiot, Slightech, Beijing Zizai Technology, Ace Sensor, Pebblebee, Petsimpl, PitPatPet Smart Tracker Market 2024 Overview: Prudent Markets Predicts that Smart Tracker Market was valued USD in 2020 and is expected to reach USD by the year 2025, growing at a CAGR of % globally. Global Smart Tracker Market Overview: Global Smart Tracker Market Report 2020 comes with the extensive industry analysis of development components, patterns, flows and sizes. The report also calculates present and past market values to forecast potential market management through the forecast period between 2020-2025.This research study of Smart Tracker involved the extensive usage of both primary and secondary data sources. This includes the study of various parameters affecting the industry, including the government policy, market environment, competitive landscape, historical data, present trends in the market, technological innovation, upcoming technologies and the technical progress in related industry. Impact of COVID-19 on Smart Tracker Market Since the COVID-19 virus outbreak in December 2019, the disease has spread to almost every country around the globe with the World Health Organization declaring it a public health emergency. The global impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are already starting to be felt, and will significantly affected the Smart Tracker market in 2020. Market Segmentation Are: Type Segmentation: Bluetooth, GPS, Others Industry Segmentation: Pets, Personal Items, Others Speak To Our Analyst For A Discussion On The Above Findings, And Ask For A Discount On The Report @ https://www.prudentmarkets.com/discount-request/113866/ Prudent Markets provides attractive discounts that fit your needs. Customization of the reports as per your requirement is also offered. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you a report that suits your needs. The report covers the competitive analysis of the market. As the demand is driven by a buyer's paying capacity and the rate of item development, the report shows the important regions that will direct growth. This section exclusively shares insight into the budget reports of big-league members of the market helping key players and new entrants understand the potential of investments in the Global Smart Tracker Market. It can be better employed by both traditional and new players in the industry for complete know-how of the market. Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Smart Tracker Market: Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Smart Tracker market Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary - the basic information of the Smart Tracker Market. Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges & Opportunities of the Smart Tracker Chapter 4: Presenting the Smart Tracker Market Factor Analysis, Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis. Chapter 5: Displaying the by Type, End User and Region/Country Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Smart Tracker market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by Manufacturers/Company with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source Any Questions? Feel Free To Enquire Here. We Will put you on the Right Path @ https://www.prudentmarkets.com/enquiry-request/113866/ Free Customization on the basis of client requirements on Immediate purchase: Free country-level breakdown of any 5 countries of your interest. Competitive breakdown of segment revenue by market players. Customization of the Report: This report can be customized to meet the client's requirements. Please connect with our sales team (sales@prudentmarkets.com), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +91 83560 50278 || USA/Canada(Toll Free): 1800-601-6071 to share your research requirements. Get ready to Recognize the pros and cons of the regulatory framework, local reforms, and its effect on the Industry. Understand how the Leaders in Intelligent Network are keeping themselves one stage forward with our most up-to-date survey analysis. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at a Complete Table of Contents (Single User License) @ https://www.prudentmarkets.com/checkout/?id=113866&license_type=su In conclusion, the Smart Tracker Market report is a genuine source for accessing the research data which is projected to exponentially grow your business. The report provides information such as economic scenarios, benefits, limits, trends, market growth rates, and figures. SWOT analysis and PESTLE analysis is also incorporated in the report. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/comprehensive-review-mooring-bollards-market-current-zm02c/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/analysis-car-park-ventilation-system-market-its-yoknc/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/assessing-impact-growth-consumer-behavior-njvee/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-factors-influencing-seduction-vsjhe/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/camera-module-lens-market-size-trends-2030-research-analysis-2024-rzh3e/ Contact Us: Allan Carter Andheri, Maharashtra, 400102 USA/Canada(Toll Free): 1800-601-6071 Direct Line: +91 83560 50278 Mail: sales@prudentmarkets.com Web: www.prudentmarkets.com About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.As President-elect Donald Trump shapes his second administration, the country is getting a preview of what the next four years may look like. Early in December Trump filled the last slot of his core cabinet with Brooke Rollin's Secretary of Agriculture nomination. Now he has started to flesh out different departments and name additional leaders for his upcoming term. Among those named are several celebrity figures like TV show host Mehmet Oz , better known as Dr. Oz, who Trump tapped for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator. There's also former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon who was picked to lead the Department of Education and former NFL player Scott Turner named to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Trump has brought some newer faces to America's top politics with investment company executive and art collector John Phelan and media host Sebastian Gorka. The two have been named as Secretary of the Navy and Senior Director for Counterterrorism, respectively. Other notable names include disbarred attorney Charles Kushner as Trump's pick for Ambassador to France. Kushner is Trump's son-in-law's father and was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after pleading guilty in 2003 to having made false statements to the Federal Election Commission, among other subsequent charges. Trump has announced new roles will be coming in his administration, most notably the Department of Government Efficiency that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been appointed to lead. The group, coined "DOGE," has been tasked with eliminating excess government waste and spending. Trump has also asked technology investor David Sacks to act as his new AI and crypto czar , and has named former acting ICE director Tom Homan as the country's border czar. While nearly 100 positions have been named, many still face what may be a long and arduous Senate confirmation process ahead — one that some may not make it through. Already, some of the picks have caused controversy. Facing opposition over alleged sex trafficking , Trump's initial pick for attorney general, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew from the nomination. Trump has now called former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi up to fill the role. Questions have also circled around Trump's selection of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. The Fox News political commentator has come under scrutiny for a sexual assault allegation , which he has denied, and has been meeting with senators to salvage the nomination.
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Trump says he can’t guarantee tariffs won’t raise prices and won’t rule out revenge prosecutionsFollow us on Image Source : BCCI/GETTY/INDIA TV India vs Australia 3rd Test, Day 1 Live Score and Updates IND vs AUS 3rd Test Live Score: India win toss and elect to field first vs Australia at Gabba, make 2 changes India vs Australia Live Updates: A December Gabba Test with the World Test Championship points at stake and the juncture at which the series is poised, is probably the most crucial game of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Test match in itself is a catch-22 sort of thing given India have had some great memories when they were here the last time but the visitors are coming off a 10-wicket defeat in the second Test in Adelaide. If only India could be in Australia's position... but imagine a comeback from here? That would be a story to tell and Rohit Sharma and Co would enter the overcast Gabba with this very aim, not just to take the lead in the series but also stay alive in the hunt for a spot in the WTC final. Follow all the live updates from the 3rd Ind vs Aus Test from Gabba, Brisbane- Live Match Scorecard
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Long live pragmatism, carajo!Explico Revolutionizes Technology Revolution in India in Education Domain: A Strategic Partnership with BLACKSPINE PUBLISHING PRIVATE LIMITEDFestive meals merrier with women empowerment initiative
Columbia, a perennial football loser, wins Ivy League title for first time since 1961None
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- An emotional spoke for the first time since being benched by the in favor of and expressed regret for not producing enough victories, while also saying he's still processing his future. Jones has been the Giants' starting quarterback for much of the past six years. That changed Monday when he was informed of the decision by coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen that there would be a change at quarterback. Jones came to Thursday's news conference with a prepared statement in which he thanked the team but also articulated his disappointment. "There have been some great times, but of course we all wish there had been more of those," Jones said as part of his statement. "I take full responsibility for my part in not bringing more wins. Nobody wanted to win more games worse than me and I gave everything I had on the field and in my preparation. Of course, this season has been disappointing for all and of course I wish I could have done more. I'm 100% accountable for my part. I did not play well enough consistently enough to help the team get results. "The reality of the NFL is it's hard to win games. It requires consistent performance for everyone involved. We didn't do that well enough, so the idea to change something happens and I understand. I love the game, I love being part of the team. I'm excited for the next opportunity. I know there is a lot of good football in front of me and I'm excited about that." That next opportunity could come elsewhere relatively soon. Jones, who has thrown eight touchdown passes with seven interceptions this season, was noncommittal when asked whether he would stay with the Giants for the rest of the season. New York (2-8) has seven games left. "That's something I'm processing," Jones said. "Right now, my focus is on how I can help all these guys, help all these guys prepare for this week." Jones, 27, said he wanted to find a way to keep playing and tried to create a situation that made both sides comfortable despite a $23 million injury guarantee for next season. It was too late. New York's brass had already decided it was time to move on from the 2019 No. 6 pick as their starting quarterback and turn to DeVito, a second-year quarterback who won three games as a starter last season. The Giants explained the decision to Jones as there being a need for change with the team at 2-8. He admittedly was not happy, as it effectively will end his career with the team that drafted him out of Duke University. The injury guarantee was also part of the equation. "That was a piece of the conversation, for sure," Jones said. "I wanted to play. I wanted to play badly and do what I could to play. I think it was a part of it. Most of those discussions took place with my agents and [general manager Joe Schoen]." The Giants have lost five straight games, and Jones is 3-13 as the starter since signing a four-year, $160 million deal in March 2023. That prompted the switch, even if it wasn't Jones' preference. "Definitely not happy about it. Not what you want to hear. All those emotions you have," he said. "At the end of the day, this is football and we're in a business where you're expected to get results, and we weren't doing it. You've got to accept it and understand." Jones has been the fourth quarterback this week for the Giants behind DeVito, and the recently signed . He spent part of Thursday's practice as a scout team safety during a walk-through period. It's a situation that Lock said was weird seeing at practice. "Well, I've got the injury guarantee. So, that's that," Jones said. "I understand it. They don't want to take any risks. At that point, it's just do as you're told." The Giants would be on the hook for $23 million should Jones sustain a serious injury and not be able to pass a physical early next year. It's a risk the Giants are not willing to take given the circumstances. As for going home (such as what happened with two years ago in Las Vegas) or asking for his outright release, both options still seem to be still in play for Jones. "Like I said, I'm still processing and trying to think through what the best thing is for this team, what the best thing is for me," he said. In the meantime, he's also processing it all coming to an end. Admittedly, it hasn't been easy. Tears started to well in Jones' eyes when asked about the support he has received in recent days from teammates, specifically 2019 draftmates and . "Like I said, I've created a lot of great relationships with the guys here and definitely appreciate the support," Jones said. "But, it's about the team and what's best for the team. I know the guys will be ready to go. I know Tommy will be ready to go this week."CLINTON, S.C. (AP) — Quante Jennings rushed for 190 yards and a tiebreaking touchdown as Presbyterian beat Butler 30-20 in a regular-season finale on Saturday. Collin Hurst threw for 172 yards and two scores and ran for another for the Blue Hose (6-6, 4-4 Pioneer League). Reagan Andrew threw for three touchdowns and was intercepted once for the Bulldogs (9-3, 5-3). Jennings' 50-yard rush led to Hurst's 17-yard touchdown pass to Worth Warner to tie the game at 20 midway through the third quarter. Presbyterian's next possession began on the Butler 30 after a short punt from deep in Bulldogs territory, and five plays later Jennings scored from 10 yards out. Peter Lipscombe made it a 10-point lead with a field goal with 2:15 to go after a 15-play, 89-yard drive that took over 10 minutes. About a minute later, Andrew threw a 42-yard score to Ethan Loss but the Blue Hose recovered the onside kick. The Blue Hose defeated a ranked FCS team — Butler (9-3, 5-3) is No. 23 in the coaches poll — for the first time in its Division I history that began in 2007. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25NEW YORK (AP) — Having waited 63 years for an Ivy League football title, Columbia had to stand by for another 40 minutes. The Lions had beaten Cornell 17-9 but needed a Harvard loss against Yale to secure a share of first place on the season's final day. So Columbia players retreated to their locker room on a hill a few hundred feet from Wien Stadium to watch the game in Boston on TV as a few hundred fans remained and gazed at the gold-and-orange foliage of Inwood Hill Park glowing in Saturday's afternoon sun. When Yale recovered onside kick with seconds left to ensure a 34-29 Harvard defeat, players let out a scream and streamed back onto the field to celebrate, smoke cigars, lift a trophy and sing “Roar, Lion, Roar” with family and friends. Who would have thunk it? “You had the realization of, oh, I’m a champion, which is something that hasn’t been said here in a while,” co-captain CJ Brown said. Harvard dropped into a tie with Columbia and Dartmouth at 5-2, the first time three teams shared the title since 1982 — the conference doesn't use tiebreakers. “It was nerve-wracking, for sure, but definitely exciting because that's something that not a lot of people have experienced, especially here," running back Joey Giorgi said. There have been several top players at Columbia — Sid Luckman, Marty Domres, Marcellus Wiley among them — but the school is perhaps better known for owners such as the New England Patriots' Robert Kraft and former Cleveland Browns head Al Lerner. Columbia's only previous championship in 1961 also was shared with Harvard. That Lions team was coached by Buff Donelli, a former Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Rams coach who scored for the Americans in soccer's 1934 World Cup. Columbia set a then Division I-AA record with 44 consecutive losses from 1983-88, a mark broken by Prairie View’s 80 in a row from 1989-98. Since 1971, the Lions’ only seasons with winning records until now were 1994, 1996, 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022. Al Bagnoli, who won nine Ivy titles in 23 years at Penn, couldn't manage one at Columbia from 2015-22. He quit six weeks before the 2023 opener, citing health, and was replaced on an interim basis by Mark Fabish, his offensive coordinator. Jon Poppe, now 39, was hired last December after working as a Bagnoli assistant at Columbia from 2015-17 between stints at Harvard from 2011-14 and 2017-22, plus one season as a head coach at Division III Union College. He led the Lions to a 7-3 record overall, their most wins in a coach's first season since George F. Sanford's team went 9-3 in 1899. Poppe had wife Anna and 7-year-old daughter with him in the locker room watching the countdown to the title. “Sixty-three years of whatever into now,” he said. “Just seeing a lot of that history myself, personally. This is a hugely — a feeling of elation, seeing my dad on the field, a lot of emotional things with that.” Before a crowd of 4,224, quarterback Caleb Sanchez's 1-yard touchdown run put Columbia ahead in the second quarter. Giorgi's 1-yard TD run opened a 14-3 lead in the third and Hugo Merry added a 25-yard field goal in the fourth, overcoming three field goals by Alan Zhao. Giorgi rushed for 165 yards and finished his career with 2,112, second in school history. He and Brown missed what would have been their freshman season in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Given Columbia's athletic history — the most successful sport is fencing — it is not an obvious football destination. “I saw the dedication, whether it resulted in wins or losses,” Brown said. “I saw their dedication to the product that they put out on the field and also the athletic department, the facilities that we had here, the busses on schedule and stuff, I was like, OK, they care about their athletes. People here want to win and it doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past, it matters what we’re going to do now.” Poppe cited a mindset. “You get 10 opportunities, unlike other sports, it is a grind to play this sport and prepare the way we do just for 10,” he said. As the final whistle sounded in Boston, Brown noted an unusual initial reaction in the locker room. “It was like kind of awe when they recovered the kick,” he said. “It was a lot quieter than you would think it would be, but you could feel the joy and the elation.” They accomplished what more than six decades of their predecessors had failed to. As the players headed out, Poppe had a final word. “Day off tomorrow,” he said. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
College Roundup: Penn State Schuylkill sweeps Penn State Shenango at Buhl Rec Center
WARMINGTON: Prime Minister rocks with Swifties in Toronto as rioters roll on Montreal
The United States Postal Service might have found a way to unite a nation bitterly divided after this month's election: It will release a Betty White stamp. The beloved actor known for roles in "The Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Boston Legal" and others will be on a 2025 Forever stamp, USPS announced this past week. White died in late December 2021 , less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Postal Service hasn't announced a release date for the stamp. Betty White speaks Sept. 17, 2018, at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. “An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades,” the Postal Service said in announcing the stamp, which depicts a smiling White based on a 2010 photograph by celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston . “The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals.” Boston-based artist Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration from Alston's photo. "I'd love to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self with this stamp on it and tell him that everything is going to be OK," Stephanos posted on Facebook . Regardless of personal politics, self-proclaimed supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reacted with delight on social media. "Betty White was my hero, all of my life! I actually had a doll when I was a little girl I named Betty White," one Trump supporter posted on X , formerly Twitter. “Something to make this awful week a little better: We’re getting a Betty White stamp,” a pro-Harris X account posted. White combined a wholesome image with a flare for bawdy jokes . Her television career began in the early 1950s and exploded as she aged. “The only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party," Seth Meyers posted on Twitter after her death. "A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.” Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White, who love to play games, continue a two year gin rummy battle in which she's ahead by a cumulative 6,000 points in Westchester, N.Y. on April 29, 1965. They do it professionally on TV. He's the master of ceremonies on "Password," and she makes frequent guest appearances on game shows. They play games to relax at home. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White admire magnolia blossoms on the lawn of their country home in Westchester, N.Y. on May 14, 1965. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Actress Betty White in 1965. (AP Photo) Betty White shares a moment backstage at the 28th annual Emmy Awards with Ted Knight after they each won an Emmy for their supporting roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." On the series Miss White played Sue Ann Nivens while Knight played newscaster Ted Baxter. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 17, 1976: (L-R) "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" co-stars - Ed Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight - all won awards at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 28th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Shubert Theatre on May 17, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by TVA/PictureGroup/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images) Actress Betty White with Ted Knight at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept. 13, 1981. (AP Photo/Randy Rasmussen) Betty White and Anson Williams don't seem to faze Buckeye, a St. Bernard, during an awards ceremony during which Williams was honored by the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a friend and lover of animals. Ms. White presented a humanitarian plaque to Williams at the event, which was held in Hollywood, California, Friday, May 1, 1982. (AP Photo/Marc Karody) Actress Betty White with actor John Hillerman arriving at Emmy Awards, Sept. 22, 1985 in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/LIU) Actresses Betty White Ludden, left, and Mary Tyler Moore, right, smile at each other in Los Angeles, Friday, June 22, 1985 during Annual Meeting of Morris Animal Foundation, at which Ludden announced her retirement as President of the animal health group, held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) These four veteran actresses from the television series "The Golden Girls" shown during a break in taping Dec. 25, 1985 in Hollywood. From left are, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Betty White. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Actress Betty White poses in Los Angeles, Ca. in June, 1986. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Betty White stands backstage at the NBC TV Bob Hope "I Love Lucy" special on Sept. 16, 1989. (AP Photo/Djansezian) Michael J. Fox and Betty White, winners of Emmys for best actor and actress in a comedy series, stand backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, Sunday, Sept. 21, 1986 after receiving their honors. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) Comedienne Betty White places her hand on the star that was presented posthumously to her husband, Allen Ludden, during ceremonies inducting him into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Thursday, March 31, 1988. Ludden was honored with the 1,868th star of the famed walkway — between those of White and Tyrone Power. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Estelle Getty, who plays Sophia, poses with her new husband, who plays Max, and the other "Golden Girls" after taping of episode on Friday, night, Nov. 5,1988 in Hollywood. Left to right are Rue McCLanahan (Blanche), Getty, Gilford, Bea Arthur (Dorothy) and Betty White. (AP Photo/Ira Mark Gostin) Former cast members of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, sans Mary Tyler Moore, are reunited for the Museum of Television and Radio's 9th annual Television Festival in Los Angeles Saturday, March 21, 1992. From left are Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White and Ed Asner. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii) Actress Betty White, left, writer/producer David E. Kelley, actress Bridget Fonda, and actor Oliver Platt pose at the premiere of their movie "Lake Placid," Wednesday night, July 14, 1999, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White, from "Golden Girls," and Mr. T, Lawrence Tureaud, from "The A Team," pose for photographers at NBC's 75th Anniversary Party, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Actors Betty White, left, Georgia Engel, second left, Gavin MacLeod, center, Valerie Harper, second right, and John Amos pose for photographers during arrivals at CBS's 75th anniversary celebration Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano) Actress Betty White laughs as an African eagle roosts overhead at the Los Angeles Zoo Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, in Los Angeles, where White was honored as Ambassador to the Animals by the city for her decades of dedication to the humane treatment of animals. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Betty White poses for photographers on the red carpet before Comedy Central's "Roast of William Shatner," Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Betty White arrives at the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, on Friday, June 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Beatrice Arthur, left, Betty White, center, and Rue McClanahan, of the Golden Girls, arrive at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actor Henry Winkler, center, is seen Beatrice Arthur, right, and Betty White at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, actress Betty White poses for a portrait following her appearance on the television talk show "In the House," in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) Actress Betty White poses for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actress Betty White is seen on stage at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 in Universal City, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, a cast member in "You Again," poses with fans holding Betty White masks at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Actress Betty White wears a U.S. Forest Ranger hat after being named an Honorary Forest Ranger by the US Forest Service, at the Kennedy Center in Washington Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. White has stated in numerous interviews that her first ambition as a young girl was "to become a forest ranger, but they didn't allow women to do that back then". (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Betty White, left, Bradley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson arrive at the MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, Calif., on Sunday, June 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, left, Kristen Bell, center, and Jamie Lee Curtis, cast members in "You Again," pose together at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Betty White, left, accepts the Life Achievement Award from Sandra Bullock at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) From left, actresses Betty White, Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, and Jane Leeves pose for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Alec Baldwin, left, and Betty White are seen on stage at the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White attends a book signing for her book 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)' at Barnes & Noble in New York, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) Actress Betty White attends a press conference prior to the taping of "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute To America's Golden Girl" on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Vince Bucci) Actress Betty White arrives on a white pony as she is honored at a Friars Club Roast sponsored by Godiva, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York. (AP Photo/Starpix, Marion Curtis) Betty White, at left, attends her wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds on Monday, June 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP) From left, Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Shuck, Actress Betty White and The 2012 American Hero Dog Gabe pose during 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP) Betty White and Cloris Leachman onstage at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the JW Marriott on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP) Ellen DeGeneres, left, presents Betty White with the award for favorite TV icon at the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Betty White, left, speaks at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Looking on from right are Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!"Victory A Stamp On BJP's Governance Model": Top Quotes From PM's Speech
USWNT beats Netherlands 2-1 in goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher's final match
Columbia, a perennial football loser, wins Ivy League title for first time since 1961
Scoot Henderson OK After Minor Traffic AccidentNo. 12 Boise State (9-1, 6-0 Mountain West, No. 12 CFP) at Wyoming (2-8, 2-4,) Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (CBSSN) BetMGM College Football Odds: Boise State by 22 1/2. Series record: Boise State leads 17-1. Boise State enters its final conference game of the season with an eight-game winning streak - its longest single-season winning streak since 2014 - and with its sights set on a potential top-four seed in the College Football Playoff. With Boise State in front of BYU, the Broncos became the provisional No. 4 seed in the playoff with two weeks left in the regular season. Despite being mired in a two-win season, Wyoming would love to play the spoiler role against the Broncos. Wyoming’s rushing defense against Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty. The junior running back comes into this one leading the nation in several categories, including rushing yards (1,893), rushing touchdowns (26), total touchdowns (27) and all-purpose yards (1,991). The Cowboys rank 116th in the nation in allowing 201.2 yards rushing per game. Boise State: WR Cameron Camper continues to play a pivotal role for the Broncos. As Jeanty draws the attention of opposing defensive units, it creates space in the secondary for Camper to operate. The senior leads the Broncos with 665 yards receiving with 40 catches, including four touchdowns. Wyoming: DE DeVonne Harris has proven to be effective for the Cowboys since missing time earlier this season with an injury. Harris registered a season-high six tackles with a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery at Colorado State and has three tackles for loss this season. Harris could be tasked to slow Jeanty in the running lanes while also applying pressure to Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen. Boise State and Wyoming are two of the best teams on third downs on both sides of the ball with the Broncos’ offense checking in third nationally in third-down conversion percentage (52.7%) and Wyoming’s defense ranked fifth in the country in third-down conversion percentage against (.285). ... The Broncos, who own the third-best rushing offense in the country with 258.7 yards rushing per game, have run for 200 or more yards in eight games this season. ... Wyoming linebacker Connor Shay ranks second on the team with 62 tackles this season. His 6.2 tackles per game rank 20th in the conference. .. Wyoming has won 65.9% of its games in War Memorial Stadium, though the Cowboys are just 1-4 in Laramie this season. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football .
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to Luton Today, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you. Storm Bert has hit the south today (November 23), with yellow wind and rain warnings in place. Blenheim Palace has cancelled its Christmas events due to “adverse weather conditions”. Advertisement Advertisement The palace, located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire , has closed its light trail, Christmas markets and the ice rink. Posting to social media, their statement read: “Due to today’s adverse weather conditions, all Christmas events at Blenheim Palace will be closed, this includes Neverland at the Palace, the Light Trial, Market and Great Skate. Our ticket provider Ticketek will contact you later today when you will be offered a chance to rebook your tickets to Christmas on another day. We are monitoring the forecast for Sunday 24th November and will update our website and social media. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.” Christmas lights switch-ons in Dorchester, Romsey, Christchurch, New Milton, and Odiham have also been cancelled. Portsmouth 's We Shine festival has cancelled its outdoor installations for Saturday, but the indoor events will go ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Portsmouth City Council said: “We shine Portsmouth starts at 5pm tonight! Prepare to see Portsmouth will transform the city into a gallery of illuminating art. Please note, however, that due to the strong winds and rain forecast, only indoor installations will be open on Saturday.”None
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Why Gerry Harvey reckons development’s a tough game right now
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Len Desiderio wants answers on drones. So does most of New Jersey, where dozens of drones have been seen overhead at night in recent weeks. The FBI is investigating, and Gov. Phil Murphy has said the drones do not appear to be a safety concern. Desiderio is the director of the Cape May County Board of Commissioners. At a Tuesday meeting, he said he would soon meet with county Emergency Management Director Chris Leusner to discuss the drones, and whether there is anything the county should be doing about them. “I plan on sitting down with him, asking what this is about, what we should do and what we should be looking at down here in Cape May County,” Desiderio said. He said there have been no sightings of mysterious drones reported in the county, at least as far as he knows. Body matching description of missing 84-year-old found in Galloway Township Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita 1 injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Could American Airlines bus program lead to more flights at Atlantic City airport? District overspending main focus for new Atlantic City school board member Ron Bailey Atlantic City now has more weed shops than casinos with dozens more on the way Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders Large drones spotted in Philadelphia area as FBI investigates mysterious drone sightings in NJ Egg Harbor City church celebrates its inspiration with 1,700-year-old artifact Who are The Press 2024 Boys Soccer All-Stars? Northfield intersection to become four-way stop Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail High-scoring St. Augustine senior is The Press Boys Soccer Player of the Year Private drones are legal to own and use, and come in a variety of sizes, with a variety of capabilities. Their use is governed by Federal Aviation Administration rules. That includes a requirement to maintain a direct line of sight between the drone and the operator, to avoid flying over crowds and to remain below 400 feet. Ocean City police and other agencies routinely use drones for a variety of tasks, including searches for missing persons. They also are used for commercial photography and recreational flying. Sharp-eyed observers will often see small drones on summer nights in the beach communities, as some users seek to capture aerial video of fireworks or events. Dozens of reported drone sightings across New Jersey in recent weeks can be frustrating, but they don’t appear to pose a public safety concern. That's what Gov. Phil Murphy stressed Monday. Reports vary, but the drones seen in New Jersey have been described as being several feet long. Desiderio cited reports that describe them as being the size of an SUV. Drones designed for cargo work or to dust crops can lift 1,000 pounds. At least one lawmaker is calling for a ban on drone flights, as reported on NJ.com. Republican state Sen. Jon Bramnick, who is seeking his party's nomination for governor, said drones should be grounded until the reason for the sightings has been discovered. Murphy said there were 49 reports of drones Sunday, mostly in Hunterdon County. The Democratic governor said those numbers included possible sightings and potentially the same drone being reported more than once. “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated," Murphy said this week. A speaker at the county meeting told Desiderio he was right to be concerned, and that she sees drones regularly over her home in the Whitesboro section of Middle Township. She said they fly at night and make a considerable amount of noise. She expressed concerns about community safety, noting the county is home to a Coast Guard base. “At night tonight, when you go home, take a look up at the sky and see what you see,” she said at the meeting. Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill 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. Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Actor Keanu Reeves has said he joined the cast of Sonic The Hedgehog 3 as he is “a big fan” of the series. Reeves, 60, plays Shadow in the latest film adaption of the Sega video game, which will see Sonic, Knuckles and Tails battle him to protect the planet. Speaking at the movie’s London premiere on Tuesday, the Canadian star said: “I’m a big fan, I mean, I really enjoyed the first two films. “I really liked the character of Shadow, so I was really excited to try to be a part of it.” The Matrix actor went on to speak about the differences between voice acting and appearing on screen. He added: “It’s fun to play pretend, I love acting, so it’s fun to try and inhabit another character. “There’s an intensity to doing voice work and specificity, it’s kind of more like doing, it’s its own thing, because it’s kind of like theatre, but no audience. “So it’s like doing radio, and it’s just fun.” Canadian-American actor Jim Carrey co-stars as villain Doctor Eggman, a role he told the PA news agency it was “great” to be playing again. Carrey told PA: “I do like to play a character filled with disdain here and there, the Grinch was that. “But there were other characters like The Truman Show, he’s somebody who loves the world and believes in the world, and believes in the people in his life, and believes in his neighbours, and he’s just a good-hearted soul that finds out there’s something more in the world than what he knows and something beyond his own neighbourhood. “So it’s a lovely story, but they’re all different characters, they all have different desires, and you have to do something special with each one.” He added: “I just let it rip when they say action, it’s just a perfect excuse to be an obstreperous bloviating bag of ill will. “And then of course they say cut, and all of that horrible politeness and needing to be loved seeps back in.” Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will be released in UK cinemas on Friday December 20.Prime Minister leads tributes to former US president Jimmy Carter
SPDW: Diversified International Equities Offering A 7% Forward Earnings Yield
JUNIOR Peps from the Western Highlands has claimed the championship for the 2024 Highlands Confederate tournament after defeating Western Panthers from the Eastern Highlands 18-12 at the Baning Rugby League ground in Kudjip, Jiwaka, yesterday. The team from Mt Hagen, who will represent the Highlands region, is now on standby to participate in the national championships which will be held in Lae on November 30. Co-ordinator for Highlands Confederation Joe Tokam acknowledged all club champion teams in all affiliated rugby leagues in the highlands region for taking part in the two-day tournament. Chief executive officer for PNGRFL Stanley Hondina while officiating at the games thanked all participating teams for this year and described the tournament as a way forward because it is creating a pathway for rugby league development and also marketing players for Digicel ExxonMobil Cup franchise scouts to recruit potential players. “ Rugby has now become a multi-million industry and the onus is on us leaders to create pathways for our youths,” he said. Mr Hondina further said the National Government has already thrown its support to push PNG to have a team in Australia’s National Rugby League, thus, it’s about time youths must be serious in playing rugby. The four teams that participated in the tournament are Prum Panthers from Enga, Western Panthers from the Eastern Highlands, Junior Peps from the Western Highlands and Mt Knights from Jiwaka.Buying a house in 2025: your how-to guide
In Japanese society, prostitution is often framed as a necessary evil – a way to maintain social harmony by providing men with an outlet for their pent-up sexual desires. While there are a number of issues with this view – such as the implication that men are inherently unable to control their sexual impulses – it also has a critical flaw: It frames prostitution as something that only men want or need. In Japan, female sexuality is often seen through the narrow lens of heterosexual romance and motherhood. Rezu fuzoku upends this view. Rezu fuzoku , which roughly translates to “lesbian sexual entertainment,” refers to agencies where female sex workers provide sex to female clients. And in Japan, it’s entirely legal. I began investigating female-to-female commercial sex and escort services in 2023. After initially studying the phenomenon of female-to-male crossdressers offering nonsexual, romantic dates to female clients, I decided to expand the investigation to focus on clients seeking sex and romance. The names of the sex workers and clients I interviewed in my research have been changed in this article to protect their anonymity. Tapping into a niche market Unlike in many countries that historically criminalized homosexual acts, Japan only briefly outlawed them in the 1870s, during an era of rapid Western-inspired legal reforms. After that period, the country did not reintroduce laws criminalizing homosexual acts, allowing same-sex relationships to exist largely without legal interference – even if they remained frowned upon in Japanese society. Furthermore, homosexual prostitution has never been illegal. Japan did enact a strict anti-prostitution law in 1956 that bans the practice, which it exclusively defines as penetrative, paid sex between a man and a woman. As a result, any paid-for activity that falls outside of this definition – such as homosexual sex – is not considered illegal. For my research, I interviewed a man named Obo, the founder of the Lesbian Girls Club, an agency with branches in Osaka and Tokyo providing female sex workers for female clients. Obo started out his career as a web developer but soon became burned out and disillusioned. “I wanted to start my own business, and since I was building websites for several adult entertainment shops, I decided to try something similar. It quickly became clear that while the market was flooded with services for men, there were almost none for women.” So Obo opened Lesbian Girls Club in 2007, an agency arranging meetups between sex workers and female clients in hotels, rather than at a brothel. Since then, it’s become an institution in Japan, with some of his original sex workers still working for Obo. A diverse clientele Initially a niche market, rezu fuzoku gained wider attention when the manga artist Nagata Kabi used Obo’s agency and later chronicled her experience in her work “My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness.” The award-winning manga, which was also released in the U.S. and Europe, introduced the service to many Japanese women who hadn’t previously known about it. Despite the term rezu – lesbian – in the name, Obo’s agency welcomes women of all sexual orientations. “Some of our clients are lesbians,” he told me. “But many are straight, also married. Most are between 26 and 35 years old, though we also have clients in their 60s and 70s.” Many Japanese women still find it difficult to explore their sexuality and express their sexual desires, even with their partners. This often leads to unsatisfactory sexual experiences, which can pave the way for sexless relationships– something which is increasingly commonplace in Japan and a situation that many users of rezu fuzoku services shared with me. As Yuriko, a 35-year-old heterosexual client of rezu fuzoku , explained, “For the very first time I really enjoyed sex! Rezu fuzoku gave me the chance to try new things and to feel good.” Sex is wellness In my interviews, the term iyashi often popped up. It means “healing” and refers to activities or services that provide relief from daily stress and negative feelings. Just as yoga classes or massages are seen as forms of iyashi , sex – especially commercial sex – is also branded this way in Japan. “Men do not understand women and their bodies,” Yuriko said. “But sexuality is a fundamental part of life, and ignoring it only leads to frustration and dissatisfaction. Sex is iyashi .” The use of this word shows how prostitution in Japan is not always viewed as something to be ashamed of but can also be seen as a form of self-care. For instance, the practice of dispatching a sex worker to a hotel where she meets the client is called in Japanese deriheru , or delivery health, stressing the connection with the iyashi realm. Also, a 90-minute session with a professional sex worker for women is often called “wellness course,” which ties sex to physical and psychological well-being. Sex workers themselves also emphasize the connection between their occupation and iyashi practices, often referring to themselves as “therapists” or “cast” and downplaying the sexual aspects of their work, instead highlighting the wellness-related ones. Aware of the positive impact their services have on women, many of them expressed pride in their work during our interviews. “It’s rewarding,” Moe, who has been in the industry for six years, told me. “When a customer tells me she was really struggling but now feels she can try a little harder because we met, I feel glad I chose this job.” Her colleague, Makiko, agreed. “I am proud of this job. It’s very important to me, and I believe it’s quite needed in society.” Despite the widespread stigma against sex workers in Japanese society, the legal status of rezu fuzoku services offers employees greater protection and ensures clear working conditions. And as a marker of how the industry has grown, Tokyo alone is currently home to over 10 rezu fuzoku agencies, according to my research. ‘A refuge for the heart’ Yet, despite the existence of services aimed at women’s sexual well-being, gender inequality remains rampant in Japan. Women still face significant social and economic barriers. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, Japan ranks 118th out of 146 countries for gender equality and holds the lowest position among G7 nations. By catering to women’s sexual desires outside of the traditional heterosexual framework, rezu fuzoku challenges conventional narratives about women’s sexuality. In a country that has been experiencing falling marriage and birth rates, listening to women and understanding their needs has become increasingly important. This legal form of sex work clearly fills a need, offering women a safe place to try new things and entrust their sexual pleasure to an expert – who happens to be another woman. One thing that stood out in my research was how popular the service was among women in heterosexual relationships who seemed eager to explore desires that may be difficult to share with a partner. But what female clients seek often goes beyond sex itself. Many women simply want intimacy – being hugged, cuddled and cared for in a way that is missing not only in the lives of single women but also in those of women in relationships. “I use this service for comfort and healing,” said Sachi, a 42-year-old woman who’s married to a man. “It is a kind of refuge for the heart offering emotional richness.” Marta Fanasca is a Marie Curie Global Fellow, Università di Bologna, Italy. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of guest commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• Minnesota finds itself with a remarkable budget surplus exceeding $600 million — yet facing a looming $5 billion shortfall in just two years (” Minnesota projects $5.1B budget deficit ,” Dec. 5). While fiscal responsibility demands careful decisionmaking, our approach to education funding must be one of desperate reinvestment. The current landscape of Minnesota’s public schools reveals critical funding gaps that demand immediate attention. School districts across the state are working through large projected budget shortfalls. Unfunded mandates for special education services have left school districts struggling to balance budgets in order to be in compliance with the law. English learning programs remain chronically underfunded. The Read Act, a promising literacy innovation legislation, requires a greater investment to implement with fidelity. Districts across the state are being impacted by changes to compensatory funding that provide vital resources for our students and families. Yes, the projected $5 billion shortfall signals the need for careful fiscal consideration and planning. Cuts and adjustments will be necessary across various state sectors. Education, however, cannot be the casualty of this financial challenge. In fact, it must be our priority — our most critical investment against future economic uncertainty. These aren’t mere bureaucratic challenges — they represent real impediments to student success and equity. When special education services and English learning programs are underfunded and lack resources, districts make up the difference, often shortchanging other areas to ensure they meet state and federal requirements. When literacy initiatives are constrained due to budget, we risk perpetuating cycles of educational and economic gaps. With a family of five, I know the importance of saving for a rainy day. I don’t expect us to give the whole surplus to public schools. However, by directing $500 million of the current surplus directly into public education, Minnesota can make a profound statement about its priorities. This isn’t just a financial allocation; it’s a declaration of our shared values of nurturing the next generation of engaged community members — our most valuable resource in navigating future economic challenges. Moreover, this investment goes beyond immediate educational outcomes. Strong public schools are the foundation of vibrant, sustainable communities. They attract families, support workforce development, drive economic innovation and reduce long-term social inequities. In the face of a potential $5 billion shortfall, investing in education is not an expense — it’s an economic strategy. Critics might argue for a more conservative approach in light of future financial challenges; but no investment offers a more direct path to Minnesota’s future prosperity than education. Our students are not a line item to be cut — they are our most significant asset and our most promising economic development strategy. This surplus arrives at a critical moment. Post-pandemic educational recovery requires bold investments. By dedicating a portion of these funds to public education, Minnesota can position itself to weather future economic uncertainties with a well-prepared, well-educated, adaptable workforce. Our state has long prided itself on progressive policies. Now is the moment to reaffirm our commitment to our communities, our economy and our shared future. This is an opportunity to demonstrate our values, to show that in Minnesota, we don’t just talk about supporting our children — we act. Let us turn this fiscal blessing into educational empowerment, signaling to every student, every family and every educator that they are our priority. Christian Ledesma is the principal of Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and was recently named the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals — Hennepin Division’s High School Principal of the Year.SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Building the current crop of artificial intelligence chatbots has relied on specialized computer chips pioneered by Nvidia, which dominates the market and made itself the poster child of the AI boom. But the same qualities that make those graphics processor chips, or GPUs, so effective at creating powerful AI systems from scratch make them less efficient at putting AI products to work. That’s opened up the AI chip industry to rivals who think they can compete with Nvidia in selling so-called AI inference chips that are more attuned to the day-to-day running of AI tools and designed to reduce some of the huge computing costs of generative AI. “These companies are seeing opportunity for that kind of specialized hardware,” said Jacob Feldgoise, an analyst at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology. “The broader the adoption of these models, the more compute will be needed for inference and the more demand there will be for inference chips.” It takes a lot of computing power to make an AI chatbot. It starts with a process called training or pretraining — the “P” in ChatGPT — that involves AI systems “learning” from the patterns of huge troves of data. GPUs are good at doing that work because they can run many calculations at a time on a network of devices in communication with each other. However, once trained, a generative AI tool still needs chips to do the work — such as when you ask a chatbot to compose a document or generate an image. That’s where inferencing comes in. A trained AI model must take in new information and make inferences from what it already knows to produce a response. GPUs can do that work, too. But it can be a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. “With training, you’re doing a lot heavier, a lot more work. With inferencing, that’s a lighter weight,” said Forrester analyst Alvin Nguyen. That’s led startups like Cerebras, Groq and d-Matrix as well as Nvidia’s traditional chipmaking rivals — such as AMD and Intel — to pitch more inference-friendly chips as Nvidia focuses on meeting the huge demand from bigger tech companies for its higher-end hardware. D-Matrix was founded in 2019 — a bit late to the AI chip game, as CEO Sid Sheth explained during a recent interview at the company’s headquarters in Santa Clara, California, the same Silicon Valley city that’s also home to AMD, Intel and Nvidia. “There were already 100-plus companies. So when we went out there, the first reaction we got was ‘you’re too late,’” he said. The pandemic’s arrival six months later didn’t help as the tech industry pivoted to focus on software to serve remote work. Now, however, Sheth sees a big market in AI inferencing, comparing that later stage of machine learning to how human beings apply the knowledge they acquired in school. “We spent the first 20 years of our lives going to school, educating ourselves. That’s training, right?” he said. “And then the next 40 years of your life, you kind of go out there and apply that knowledge — and then you get rewarded for being efficient.” The product, called Corsair, consists of two chips with four chiplets each, made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. — the same manufacturer of most of Nvidia’s chips — and packaged together in a way that helps to keep them cool. The chips are designed in Santa Clara, assembled in Taiwan and then tested back in California. Testing is a long process and can take six months — if anything is off, it can be sent back to Taiwan. D-Matrix workers were doing final testing on the chips during a recent visit to a laboratory with blue metal desks covered with cables, motherboards and computers, with a cold server room next door. While tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft have been gobbling up the supply of costly GPUs in a race to outdo each other in AI development, makers of AI inference chips are aiming for a broader clientele. Forrester’s Nguyen said that could include Fortune 500 companies that want to make use of new generative AI technology without having to build their own AI infrastructure. Sheth said he expects a strong interest in AI video generation. “The dream of AI for a lot of these enterprise companies is you can use your own enterprise data,” Nguyen said. “Buying (AI inference chips) should be cheaper than buying the ultimate GPUs from Nvidia and others. But I think there’s going to be a learning curve in terms of integrating it.” Feldgoise said that, unlike training-focused chips, AI inference work prioritizes how fast a person will get a chatbot’s response. He said another whole set of companies is developing AI hardware for inference that can run not just in big data centers but locally on desktop computers, laptops and phones. Better-designed chips could bring down the huge costs of running AI to businesses. That could also affect the environmental and energy costs for everyone else. Sheth says the big concern right now is, “are we going to burn the planet down in our quest for what people call AGI — human-like intelligence?” It’s still fuzzy when AI might get to the point of artificial general intelligence — predictions range from a few years to decades. But, Sheth notes, only a handful of tech giants are on that quest. “But then what about the rest?” he said. “They cannot be put on the same path.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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Donald Trump has yet to move back into the White House and already fissures are opening in his coalition, amid squabbling between Elon Musk and his Silicon Valley "tech bros" and his hardcore Republican backers. At the heart of the internecine sniping is Trump's central election issue -- immigration -- and the H1-B visas that allow companies to bring foreigners with specific qualifications to the United States. The permits are widely used in Silicon Valley, and Musk -- who himself came to the United States from South Africa on an H1-B -- is a fervent advocate. The world's richest man, who bankrolled Trump's election campaign and has become a close advisor, posted on X Thursday that welcoming elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning." Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by Trump as Musk's co-chair on a new advisory board on government efficiency, suggested that companies prefer foreign workers because they lack an "American culture," which he said venerates mediocrity. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he posted, warning that, without a change in attitude, "we'll have our asses handed to us by China." Skepticism over the benefits of immigration is a hallmark of Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and the billionaires' remarks angered immigration hawks who accused them of ignoring US achievements in technological innovation. Incoming White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller posted a 2020 speech in which Trump marveled at the American "culture" that had "harnessed electricity, split the atom, and gave the world the telephone and the Internet." The post appeared calculated to remind critics that Trump won November's election on a platform of getting tough on immigration and boosting American manufacturing. But it was Michael Faraday, an English scientist, who discovered that an electric current could be produced by passing a magnet through a copper wire and Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealander, who first split the atom. And Alexander Graham Bell may have died a US citizen but he was a British subject in Canada when he invented the telephone. Trump voiced opposition to H1-B visas during his successful first run for the White House in 2016, calling them "unfair for our workers" while acknowledging that he used foreign labor in his own businesses. The Republican placed restrictions on the system when he took office, but the curbs were lifted by President Joe Biden. Trump is known for enjoying the gladiatorial spectacle when conflict breaks out in his inner circle. He has been conspicuously silent during the hostilities that Politico characterized as "Musk vs MAGA." Many MAGA figures have been agitating for a complete closure of America's borders while the problem of illegal entries is tackled, and hoping for a steer from Trump that would reassure them that he remains firm in his "America First" stance. For some long-time loyalists, Silicon Valley has already inserted itself too deeply into MAGA politics. "We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way to avoid the 3rd grade teacher picking their kid's gender -- and the obvious Biden/Harris economic decline," said Matt Gaetz, the scandal-hit congressman forced to withdraw after being nominated by Trump to run the Justice Department. "We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy." When Musk almost single-handedly blew up a deal painstakingly hammered out between Democrats and Republicans to set the 2025 federal budget, Democrats used "President Musk" to mock Trump, who is famously sensitive about being upstaged. It remains to be seen whether these cracks can be smoothed out or if they are a portent of further strife, but critics point to the chaos in Trump's first term as a potential indicator. "Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, a MAGA figure with so much influence that she had a seat on Trump's plane during the campaign. "We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats." Loomer has subsequently complained of censorship after she was stripped of her paying subscribers on X, which is owned by Musk. "Full censorship of my account simply because I called out H1B visas," she posted. "This is anti-American behavior by tech oligarchs. What happened to free speech?" rle/ft/smsUS expected to send £1 billion in weapons to Ukraine before Trump takes office
NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.
Redefining motion capture with innovative flying action cameras and the award-winning HOVERAir Beacon LAS VEGAS , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently , Zero Zero Robotics , a pioneering tech company in intelligent devices, announced their participation at CES 2025, where the company will showcase its HOVERAir X1 series of self-flying cameras at booth # 56045 , Venetian, Level 2, Halls A-D. Designed to simplify aerial cinematography, the HOVERAir lineup includes the pocket-sized HOVERAir X1, the action-focused HOVERAir X1 PRO, and the Professional grade HOVERAir X1 PROMAX. Zero Zero will also celebrate its 2025 CES Innovation Awards Honoree title in Audio/Video Components & Accessories for the HOVERAir Beacon, an intelligent modular controller that redefines precision tracking and control. Take Flight with HOVERAir at CES 2025 Building on the success of the X1, Zero Zero introduced the HOVERAir X1 PRO and HOVERAir X1 PROMAX in August 2024 to meet the demands of action enthusiasts and professional creators. The X1 PRO offers 4K/60fps video with a 104° field of view for versatile shooting conditions. The X1 PROMAX delivers stunning 8K /30fps video with 4K /120fps slow-motion capabilities, a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor, and 14 stops of dynamic range for cinematic footage. Both models feature advanced AI tracking, Level 5 wind resistance, and a lightweight, durable HEMTM frame. "Our vision has always been to create flying cameras that are effortless, intelligent, and fun to use," said MQ Wang, Founder & CEO of Zero Zero Robotics. "The HOVERAir series puts professional-grade aerial cinematography in the palm of your hand, whether you're capturing casual moments or pushing creative boundaries." Adding to these innovations, the HOVERAir Beacon enhances control and precision for the series. The Beacon features a patented Tri-state modular design with two detachable joysticks, enabling one-handed and full-featured two-handed controls. It activates HoverLinkTM for precise tracking with up to a 1 km transmission range, while the 1.78" OLED display allows real-time footage monitoring. Equipped with AI-powered noise cancellation, the Beacon sets a new standard for audio and video recording during aerial shoots. "We're excited to bring the HOVERAir X1 series and Beacon to CES 2025, where we're redefining how motion is captured, tracked, and controlled," continued Wang. "These tools empower creators and adventurers to document their journeys with breathtaking precision and ease." Zero Zero Robotics invites attendees to stop by Booth #56045 to experience the HOVERAir X1 series in action and witness its unparalleled performance. Media wishing to interview Zero Zero Robotics personnel should contact Borjana Slipicevic. About Zero Zero Robotics Zero Zero Robotics was co-founded in 2014 by Stanford PhDs MQ Wang and Tony Zhang , specializing in embedded AI technology for intelligent devices. Known for its innovative machine vision and high-precision control systems, ZeroZero has team members who are dreamers, engineers, inventors, and builders hailing from top universities and research institutions around the world. Zero Zero Robotics holds more than 140 core patents and has pioneered technologies like fully enclosed portable propeller designs and bi-copter designs, cementing its place as a leader in intelligent device development.John Elway: remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in draft mitigated by watching Broncos rookie Bo NixUnraveling cultural beliefs around money can lead to better financial wellness.
Welling scores 21 as Utah Valley takes down West Georgia 77-74
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan's defense of the national championship has fallen woefully short. The Wolverines started the season ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25, making them the third college football team since 1991 to be ranked worse than seventh in the preseason poll after winning a national title. Michigan (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) failed to meet those modest expectations, barely becoming eligible to play in a bowl and putting the program in danger of losing six or seven games for the first time since the Brady Hoke era ended a decade ago. The Wolverines potentially can ease some of the pain with a win against rival and second-ranked Ohio State (10-1, 7-1, No. 2 CFP) on Saturday in the Horseshoe, but that would be a stunning upset. Ohio State is a 21 1/2-point favorite, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, and that marks just the third time this century that there has been a spread of at least 20 1/2 points in what is known as "The Game." Michigan coach Sherrone Moore doesn't sound like someone who is motivating players with an underdog mentality. "I don't think none of that matters in this game," Moore said Monday. "It doesn't matter the records. It doesn't matter anything. The spread, that doesn't matter." How did Michigan end up with a relative mess of a season on the field, coming off its first national title since 1997? Winning it all with a coach and star player contemplating being in the NFL for the 2024 season seemed to have unintended consequences for the current squad. The Wolverines closed the College Football Playoff with a win over Washington on Jan. 8; several days later quarterback J.J. McCarthy announced he was skipping his senior season; and it took more than another week for Jim Harbaugh to bolt to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. In the meantime, most quality quarterbacks wanting to transfer had already enrolled at other schools and Moore was left with lackluster options. Davis Warren beat out Alex Orji to be the team's quarterback for the opener and later lost the job to Orji only to get it back again. No matter who was under center, however, would've likely struggled this year behind an offensive line that sent six players to the NFL. The Wolverines lost one of their top players on defense, safety Rod Moore, to a season-ending injury last spring and another one, preseason All-America cornerback Will Johnson, hasn't played in more than a month because of an injury. The Buckeyes are not planning to show any mercy after losing three straight in the series. "We're going to attack them," Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer said. "We know they're going to come in here swinging, too, and they've still got a good team even though the record doesn't indicate it. This game, it never matters what the records are." While a win would not suddenly make the Wolverines' season a success, it could help Moore build some momentum a week after top-rated freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. "You come to Michigan to beat Ohio," said defensive back Quinten Johnson, intentionally leaving the word State out when referring to the rival. "That's one of the pillars of the Michigan football program. "It doesn't necessarily change the fact of where we are in the season, but it definitely is one of the defining moments of your career here at Michigan." AP Sports Writer Mitch Stacy in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78
Welling scores 21 as Utah Valley takes down West Georgia 77-74Secretary of State Antony Blinken has come under fire after the Washington Free Beacon reported earlier this month that the State Department held therapy sessions for employees who couldn't handle President-elect Trump's election win. "I am concerned that the Department is catering to federal employees who are personally devastated by the normal functioning of American democracy through the provision of government-funded mental health counseling because Kamala Harris was not elected President of the United States," said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) in a letter to Blinken last week. According to the Free Beacon , two alleged therapy sessions were held after Trump's victory, with sources telling the outlet that one session amounted to an information "cry session," Fox News reports. Meanwhile, a State Department email sent to agency employees touted an "insightful webinar where we delve into effective stress management techniques to help you navigate these challenging times." "Change is a constant in our lives, but it can often bring about stress and uncertainty," reads the email. "Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into effective stress management techniques to help you navigate these challenging times. This session will provide tips and practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining your well being." Issa slammed the reported sessions as "disturbing," adding that "nonpartisan government officials" should not be having a "personal meltdown over the result of a free and fair election." While the Republican lawmaker acknowledged that the mental health of the agency’s employees was important, he questioned the use of taxpayer dollars to counsel those upset about the election , demanding answers on how many sessions have been conducted, how many more are planned, and how much the sessions are costing the department. Issa also raised fears that the sessions could also call into question the willingness of some of the State Department's employees to carry out Trump’s new vision for the agency. -Fox News " The mere fact that the Department is hosting these sessions raises significant questions about the willingness of its personnel to implement the lawful policy priorities that the American people elected President Trump to pursue and implement," Issa said. " The Trump Administration has a mandate for wholesale change in the foreign policy arena, and if foreign service officers cannot follow through on the American people’s preferences, they should resign and seek a political appointment in the next Democrat administration."
1 2 Lucknow: The Sant Gadge auditorium of the Sangeet Natak Akademi was transformed into a stage where actors and other professionals, dressed as literary giants performed their iconic write up in their reading styles at the Koshala Literature Fest programme on Friday. Actor Amit Sinha dressed like poet Late Gopal Das ‘Neeraj', paid tribute reciting his famous poems like "Karwan Guzar gaya ghubaar dekhte rahe" and some other famous poems of ‘Neeraj'. Photographer Yogesh Aditya, dressed like Prabhu Lal Garg ‘Kaka Hathrasi' (famous for his satires), recited his famous Laxmi Vandana. Ankur Saxena, theatre artist and actor, outfitted like Harivansh Rai Bachchan, narrated his famous poem Madhushala. The audience got excited when poet Yogi Yogesh Shukla outfitted the famous poet Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar', narrated his famous poem ‘Rashmi Rathi' in his iconic style. Social activist and teacher Rupali Chandra, turned out like Subhadra Kumari Chauhan recited her iconic poem ‘Jhansi Ki Rani' which was appreciated by the audience. The programme was conducted by Chander Shekhar Verma who was outfitted like Bhagwati Charan Verma who also narrated the famous poem ‘Dosti' of Bhagwati Charan Verma. The skit was directed by Gopal Sinha who was assisted by make-up artist Dinesh Awasthi and his team.Israeli troops forcibly remove staff and patients from northern Gaza hospital, officials sayGreen Ammonia Market to Grow by USD 3.21 Billion (2024-2028) Green Ammonia Introduction Boosts Growth, Report on AI-Driven Market Transformation - Technavio