In conclusion, the rise of internet celebrities who embrace provocative and controversial content represents a new frontier in the world of digital media. By shedding their clothes and pushing the boundaries of acceptability, these influencers are constructing a vast "edgy" universe that challenges conventional norms and redefines the boundaries of popular culture. While the proliferation of such content may raise concerns about its impact on society, there is no denying the power and influence of these "strip-down" influencers in shaping the online landscape and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore, Colman Domingo, Jeremy Strong and more react to Golden Globe nominationssg777 login password

Manchester City, on the other hand, are reigning champions of the English Premier League but have their own set of challenges in the upcoming transfer window. The club has a reputation for investing heavily in top talent, but the restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play regulations, combined with the inflated prices in the transfer market, make it difficult for Manchester City to secure their desired targets from La Liga.

INDIANAPOLIS – It’s been four weeks since Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced the postseason was the franchise’s top priority and veteran Joe Flacco would take over as the starting quarterback. The Colts (5-7) have won just a single game since, and 22-year-old Anthony Richardson has been reinstated as the starter. Indianapolis has lost plenty of ground in the playoff chase over the last month, but it’s still got a chance to make a run. The Colts enter the week in ninth place in the AFC, two games behind the Denver Broncos (7-5) for the seventh and final postseason berth. That’s not great math for Indianapolis, and there is little to no margin for error, but with the teeth of the schedule in the rearview mirror, there is hope. The Colts play just one team with a winning record over their final five games. That’s a Dec. 15 date against the Broncos that could ultimately seal the team’s playoff fate. The stretch run begins Sunday on the road against the New England Patriots (3-9) with the bye week to follow. The final three games are at home against the Tennessee Titans (3-8), at the New York Giants (2-9) and at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9). “I think, right now, where we’re at in the season, with everything set ahead of us, still being in that picture, one game on the road against New England going into the bye, we’ve got a chance to catch our breath and regroup for the last, final run,” linebacker Zaire Franklin said. “I think we’re in a special, unique position to where – why not go on a run? Why not us? I’ve done it before. “To be honest with you, I hate that I’m always in this position, but I’ve been there before, and I think the reality of the situation is that it just takes one. It just takes one play. It just takes one game. It just takes one to get the ball rolling, to get this momentum shifted, to get that energy back and get it rolling and get into the dance. Because I think, at the end of the day, as long as you get into the dance, that’s all that matters.” Franklin was a rookie in 2018 when Indianapolis went 10-1 down the stretch to overcome a 1-5 start and sneak into the postseason with the final berth. The 2021 Colts went 6-1 in November and December to get to 9-6 and position themselves for a playoff spot before losing their final two games in January. And Indianapolis won four straight to end November and begin December last year, enabling itself to force a winner-takes-all battle against the Houston Texans in the regular-season finale. The Colts went 1-3 in November this year, but they have a chance to turn things around in the final full month of the regular season. “Obviously, these last five games will be big,” Steichen said. “Right now we’ve got to take it one day at a time, one meeting at a time, one practice at a time, one game at a time to get to where we want to be at the end of the year. But we know this is a huge week for us coming up before the bye. So the fundamentals, the details, the attention to details, are going to be huge going into this week and then coming back after the bye. Get some guys back hopefully, be ready to roll for that four-game stretch.” If Indianapolis’ fortunes are to turn around again, it will need to begin with the offense. The Colts rank 21st in the 32-team NFL with an average of 20.2 points per game and are 17th in rushing offense and 24th in the passing game. Center Tanor Bortolini (concussion) and wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) are among the players in danger of missing the trip to New England, increasing the degree of difficulty for a struggling unit. But improvement in situational details could go a long way toward fixing what fails the offense. Indianapolis ranks 23rd with a 36% conversion rate on third down, and it’s 24th with a 52.8% touchdown rate in the red zone. Those numbers are the keys to finishing drives and putting more points on the scoreboard. “We just need to take advantage of our scoring opportunities, and we need to come away with seven (points) instead of three because we got down there – we just couldn’t finish,” wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said, referring specifically to last week’s 24-6 loss against the Detroit Lions in which the Colts twice failed to reach the end zone from inside the visitors’ 20-yard line. “If we start putting up sevens instead of threes, then you don’t know what happens, right? The score is a lot closer and football is football and momentum is king, and who knows?”3. Follow recommended dosages: More is not always better when it comes to supplements. Exceeding recommended dosages can lead to toxicity and adverse effects on your health. Always follow the instructions on the product label or as advised by your healthcare provider.

With its engaging plot, witty dialogue, and standout performances, "Moonlight Bang!" promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave viewers laughing out loud from start to finish. The film's release date coinciding with New Year's Eve is a fitting choice, as it offers a lighthearted and entertaining way to ring in the new year with friends and family.

One of the great advantages of standing on tiptoe is its accessibility. This simple movement can be done almost anywhere, anytime, without the need for any special equipment or a dedicated workout space. Whether you're waiting in line at the grocery store, standing at your desk, or watching TV at home, you can easily incorporate this exercise into your daily routine to reap its benefits.

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has undergone multiple treatments on his left hamstring and is not close to a return to action, sources told ESPN on Friday. Williamson, who has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring strain on Nov. 6, will be out for an extended period of time longer, sources said. The Pelicans have been bracing for Williamson to be sidelined for at least four to six weeks, which places him out through mid-December, but his absence could extend beyond that as he rehabilitates a body part that has sustained multiple strains over the past few years. Williamson has been limited to just six of New Orleans' 16 games this year. Editor's Picks NBA panic meter: Why the tough West already has these teams on alert 3d Neil Paine The injury was a devastating blow for the Pelicans and Williamson, who team officials believe has been in the best shape of his career. Since the Pelicans selected Williamson first overall out of Duke in the 2019 draft, the 6-foot-6, 284-pound power forward has missed 210 out of a possible 400 regular-season games. Injuries have been the story of the season so far for New Orleans. Key offseason acquisition Dejounte Murray fractured his hand in the team's season opener while CJ McCollum , Herb Jones , Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado have also been sidelined at points this season. At 4-12, the Pelicans have the second-worst record in the Western Conference having lost three straight and nine of their past 10 games. New Orleans plays at Golden State in an NBA Cup game Friday night.Where 960 kinders, schools must be built, and built big

Another significant factor driving the need for the expulsion of illegal immigrants is the strain they place on the country's resources. Critics argue that undocumented individuals often rely on public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, without contributing taxes to support these services. This places a burden on taxpayers and strains the resources available to legal residents. By removing illegal immigrants, the government aims to alleviate this strain and ensure that resources are available to those who are in the country legally.- Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk areas to reduce the risk of exposure to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday announced the government's decision to remove gutkha and liquor advertisements from state buses. The decision was taken during the recent Board of Directors (BOD) meeting of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Deputy CM Agnihotri said HRTC plans to modernise its fleet by replacing nearly 1,000 old buses. This includes the addition of 327 electric buses, 250 small buses, and 100 mini-tempo buses. He also revealed that tenders for 24 Volvo buses had been rejected due to a single bidder, and fresh advertisements would be issued. Deputy CM Agnihotri reiterated the government's commitment to reducing emissions and expanding the electric bus fleet. Highlighting social concerns, Deputy CM Agnihotri said, "The decision to remove gutkha and liquor advertisements from buses is part of the government's larger effort to curb drug addiction and promote a healthier society." He added that the changes are aimed at prioritising public welfare, improving services, and strengthening the state's transport infrastructure. In a significant relief for farmers, the Deputy CM announced an exemption from luggage charges for transporting milk and vegetables. "This move is designed to support the rural economy and uplift the agricultural sector," he said. "HRTC is dedicated to public welfare," Deputy CM Agnihotri stated. "We have introduced this exemption to help farmers bring their produce to markets, thereby strengthening the state's economy," he added. Deputy CM Agnihotri also addressed the ongoing legal challenges faced by HRTC, revealing that the corporation is involved in over 3,000 court cases. "HRTC has recorded a 14% revenue increase from April to October, reaching Rs66 crore. We are focusing on modernising and expanding our fleet, introducing new electric and diesel buses, and ensuring better services for the people of Himachal," he said. The Deputy CM highlighted the introduction of advanced technologies, including credit, debit, UPI, and National Mobility Card systems in HRTC buses. "Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to implement such measures, benefitting the nearly five lakh passengers HRTC serves daily," he added. "HRTC cannot be run as a purely commercial entity," Deputy CM Agnihotri remarked. "We operate on loss-making routes to serve remote areas and provide essential services. Additionally, we offer significant concessions, including 50% discounts for women and rebates across 28 categories. These efforts require substantial financial assistance from the government," he explained. On infrastructure development, Deputy CM Agnihotri announced plans to establish automatic vehicle testing centres in Hamirpur and Una. He also mentioned redesigning 148 surrendered routes and reassessing the ISBT Shimla allotment under the BOT model. Responding to opposition criticism, Deputy CM Agnihotri dismissed claims about a "toilet tax" as baseless. "The BJP is spreading misinformation. If they want, they can sit in toilets all day to confirm no such tax exists. The sewerage tax, levied at 30% nationally, was introduced during BJP's tenure. Our government has merely amended it to ensure fairness for large commercial establishments using government sewerage lines," he said. The Deputy CM also highlighted reforms in HRTC to ensure timely payment of pensions, salaries, and allowances to employees. "HRTC is not just a transport corporation; it's a lifeline for the people of Himachal Pradesh," he emphasised. "With such progressive measures, the state government is setting an example of how public welfare and infrastructure development can go hand in hand," he concluded. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Featured Video Of The Day How Alert Bank Staff In Hyderabad Averted A Cyber Fraud Himachal Pradesh Government Himachal Pradesh Government news Himachal Pradesh news Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Mandate Display Of Food Sellers' ID Details Weather Office Warns Of Flash Flood Risk In Parts Of Himachal Pradesh 10 Students From Himachal's Bilaspur Leave For Educational Tour Of ISRO Israel Agrees To Ceasefire Deal With Lebanon. 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Furthermore, the global economic recovery post-pandemic has led to an increase in demand for oil. As countries around the world continue to reopen their economies and resume normal operations, the demand for oil and petroleum products has surged. This increase in demand has put pressure on oil prices, causing them to rise significantly in recent days.By the third week of quitting coffee, many individuals begin to notice an increase in their overall energy levels. While coffee provides a temporary energy boost, it can also lead to crashes and energy fluctuations throughout the day. Without relying on caffeine, the body is able to naturally regulate its energy levels more efficiently, leading to sustained energy throughout the day.

In a shocking turn of events, a recent graduate from a prestigious university has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling national secrets to a foreign entity. The case has sent shockwaves throughout the country and raised concerns about the security of sensitive information.Double 12 is Here! Stimulating Domestic Demand on Tmall, JD, Douyin, PinduoduoIn response to these rumors, the Tianjin City Education Commission promptly issued a statement to set the record straight. The Commission emphasized that there is no such program in place and urged the public to remain vigilant against false information circulating online.

Ultimately, a decision was reached to establish a designated feeding area for the Four-Legged Stranger on the outskirts of the village, where it could safely access food without posing a threat to residents. Additionally, efforts were made to monitor the creature's movements and behavior, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of its presence within the village.Giants owners face a decision on how to mollify frustrated fans

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sg 6 An Irish civil jury found Friday that UFC superstar Conor McGregor is liable of sexually assaulting a woman in a Dublin hotel room in December 2018. McGregor was ordered by the High Court in Dublin to pay the victim 248,000 euros, or approximately $257,000 in U.S. dollars. No criminal charges came from the incident which allegedly occurred after the two met at a Christmas party in Dublin. The woman said McGregor forced her onto a bed and choked her. A paramedic treating the woman's injuries the following morning testified that he had never seen such intense bruising on a victim, per BBC News. The woman said she then let McGregor do what he wanted to because she feared for her life and that she would not see her daughter again. "He let me go and I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn't tell anyone so he wouldn't hurt me again," the woman said in court. She alleged that McGregor put her in a choke hold multiple times and later said, "Now you know how I felt in the Octagon where I tapped out three times," in reference to a UFC bout in which he had to admit defeat. McGregor has denied the accusations, saying that the two had consensual sex. He said in court of the chokehold allegation, "It is a full-blown lie among many lies. How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings." The jury of eight women and four men deliberated for just over six hours before deciding against McGregor's version of events. The woman reported the incident to the police at the time, but prosecutors declined to bring charges, citing insufficient evidence and an unlikely chance at a conviction. After the verdict, McGregor did not speak to reporters but posted on social media that he'll appeal the decision. "The judge's instruction and the modest award was given for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DDP reviewed. I am with my family now, focused on my future. Thank you to all my support worldwide," he posted. McGregor, 36, and his longtime fiancee, Dee Devlin, have four children. McGregor has not fought in UFC since sustaining a broken leg during a July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier. The Ireland native is a former featherweight and lightweight champion with a record of 22-6, including 19 wins by knockout. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.

Packers steamroll depleted Saints, look like a top contender in the NFCWhat made readers turn the pages in 2024? From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to enchanting fantasy worlds, these authors captured the hearts and imaginations of book lovers across the globe. Using insights from Libby, the leading platform for ebooks and audiobooks, we have compiled a list of the ten most beloved authors of the year. Whether you are into courtroom dramas or BookTok famous romantasy, there’s something for every literary taste. James Patterson Once again, James Patterson dominates the literary scene, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller. Known for his action-packed thrillers and unmatched productivity, Patterson delivered three blockbusters this year: Lies He Told Me, The House of Cross (soon to be an Amazon Prime series), and Tiger, Tiger, a compelling biography on Tiger Woods. His much-anticipated collaboration with Bill Clinton, The First Gentleman, has also stirred excitement. This political thriller, exploring the life of the U.S.’s first female president and her husband facing a murder trial, promises to be one of his most gripping works yet. Sarah J. Maas Sarah J. Maas continues to enchant fans with her rich and immersive romantasy worlds. Her latest release, House of Flame and Shadow, the third book in the Crescent City series, debuted to widespread acclaim in January 2024. With intricate plots and swoon-worthy characters, Maas remains a force to be reckoned with. Rumors of a new addition to her A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series have only heightened the anticipation surrounding her future works. Colleen Hoover Even without releasing a new book in 2024, Colleen Hoover’s influence remains undeniable. Her bestselling It Ends With Us series regained momentum thanks to the highly anticipated film adaptation starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which premiered in August. Hoover’s knack for blending emotional depth with relatable characters ensures her place among the year’s most talked-about authors. David Baldacci David Baldacci continues to deliver nail-biting suspense and intricate legal dramas. His latest thriller, To Die For, released in November 2024, showcases his signature ability to keep readers guessing until the final page. A household name in the crime and thriller genre, Baldacci’s books remain staples for fans of gripping storytelling. Kristin Hannah Kristin Hannah’s masterful storytelling and emotional depth make her a perennial favorite among readers. Best known for her poignant historical novels like The Nightingale and The Four Winds, Hannah’s enduring appeal lies in her ability to create characters that resonate deeply. Her latest book, The Women, continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt exploration of resilience and love. Freida McFadden Freida McFadden’s meteoric rise in the thriller genre is nothing short of remarkable. Her bestselling novels, including The Housemaid and The Teacher, combine psychological twists with edge-of-your-seat suspense. McFadden’s ability to craft unpredictable narratives has earned her a devoted following and a well-deserved spot among the year’s most popular authors. Rebecca Yarros Rebecca Yarros captured the imagination of readers with her sensational Empyrean Series. Starting with the viral sensation Fourth Wing in 2023, the series has sold millions of copies and amassed an incredible following on social media. Fans eagerly await the next installment, drawn in by Yarros’s masterful blend of romance and fantasy in a vividly constructed world. John Grisham A legend in the legal drama genre, John Grisham continues to enthrall readers with his signature style. Renowned for classics like The Firm and A Time to Kill, Grisham’s latest works reaffirm his unmatched ability to weave complex legal and moral dilemmas into compelling narratives. His enduring popularity speaks to his status as a literary icon. Nora Roberts Nora Roberts proves once again why she is the queen of romance. Her latest releases, including The Witness, Inheritance, and Mind Games (2024), highlight her versatility in crafting captivating love stories and engrossing mysteries. Roberts’s ability to create vivid characters and immersive settings ensures her continued dominance in the literary world. Stephen King Stephen King remains a towering figure in the realm of horror and suspense. In 2024, King thrilled fans with You Like It Darker, a collection of chilling short stories, and announced his next novel, Never Flinch, set for release in May 2025. With a legacy that includes classics like The Shining and Carrie, King’s storytelling prowess continues to leave an indelible mark on readers. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Features, Lifestyle and around the world.By Lisa Baertlein and Eric Beech LOS ANGELES/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday appeared to back the anti-automation stance of some 45,000 union dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, whose labor talks are at an impasse over that polarizing issue. The ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group are facing a Jan. 15 deadline to finalize talks, which stalled over automation. That cutoff comes just five days before Trump's inauguration. The ILA says automation kills jobs while employers say it is necessary to keep U.S. ports competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. "The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen," Trump said of automation projects in a post on Truth Social. That message followed a meeting with Harold Daggett, who leads the International Longshoremen's Association union that represents the port workers, Trump said. The union and employers agreed to end a three-day strike on Oct. 3 after the union won a 62% wage hike over six years with significant involvement by the White House and other officials from President Joe Biden's administration. Employers, which include the U.S. operations of Switzerland's Mediterranean Shipping Company, Denmark's Maersk and China's COSCO Shipping, have been booking record profits in part due to access to U.S. markets, Trump said on Thursday. "I'd rather these foreign companies spend it on the great men and women on our docks, than machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced," Trump said. ILA President Daggett thanked Trump for his support in a separate message in which union Vice President Dennis Daggett also said he hoped Trump's message would encourage USMX to remove any language on automated or semi-automated equipment in their proposals moving forward. "It's clear President-elect Trump, USMX, and the ILA all share the goal of protecting and adding good-paying American jobs at our ports," USMX said in a statement. "We need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains," the employers said, adding that dockworkers make more money when seaports handle more goods. (Reporting by Eric Beech in Washington and Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Jasper Ward, Bill Berkrot and Michael Perry)

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just some fad Wall Street is currently obsessed with but will fade into utter insignificance soon. While some of the hype will die down eventually, the technology has the potential to make corporations more efficient and increase profits over the long run. So, investing in excellent AI companies remains a great idea. In that spirit, let's consider one AI stock that looks like an excellent investment opportunity for 2025 and beyond: Meta Platforms ( META 2.50% ) . Meta Platforms' AI angle Some companies are offering various AI-related services to corporations or consumers. Others are taking on AI-based initiatives to improve their businesses. Many, like Meta Platforms, are doing both. The company's Meta AI is a platform, available for free, that is looking to rival ChatGPT on a range of performance metrics. This AI assistant can perform tasks, from basic search queries to image generation, all for the price of a Facebook or Instagram account -- something many people already have. Besides the generative capabilities of Meta AI, Meta Platforms has released various iterations of its open-source large language model , Llama. These may be free for now, but don't think Meta Platforms doesn't plan on monetizing these efforts eventually. Elsewhere, the company has used AI to increase engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram through recommendation algorithms. It also helps companies looking to advertise on its websites and apps through AI-based tools that help them quickly create ads. How are all these initiatives working? Pretty well, according to the company. Meta AI had over 500 million monthly active users as of the third quarter. Meta Platforms also reported that AI-powered video-feed recommendations have helped increase the time people spend on Facebook by 8% and on Instagram by 6% this year. Further, companies using Meta's advertising tools have increased conversions by 7%. So, Meta Platforms' AI business is helping improve its financial results. In the third quarter, the company's revenue increased by 19% year over year to $40.6 billion. The company's Q3 earnings per share of $6.03 was up 37% compared to the year-ago period. Meta also ended the quarter with 3.29 billion daily active users (DAUs). Meta Platforms increasing its DAUs may not have anything to do with AI, but when they spend more time on Facebook and Instagram because of AI, that can directly impact the company's revenue. Looking beyond AI AI could be an important long-term tailwind for Meta Platforms, especially as it seeks to find more ways to monetize some of its current initiatives in the field. It's not a race. Meta Platforms acquired WhatsApp in 2014. Its monetization efforts on this platform have been slow. Meta is ramping up things like paid messaging on WhatsApp, but it represents a tiny percentage of its overall revenue. The point, though, is that Meta Platforms has a massive ecosystem. For now, it continues to make strong revenue and earnings from its advertising business. But that could change in the long run. Whether through AI, WhatsApp, e-commerce, or its metaverse ambitions, Meta Platforms will find many other monetization opportunities. Here are two other reasons to invest in the stock. First, Meta Platforms has a strong competitive advantage, particularly from the network effect . For people or businesses who are on Instagram or Facebook, these platforms only get more useful for almost any purpose as more users join. That's why Meta Platforms' ecosystem is second to none in the social media landscape, and it ensures that the company will remain a leader for the foreseeable future. Second, Meta Platforms is now a dividend-paying company. We can't call it a great dividend stock yet, but maybe it will be that in a decade. In the meantime, opting to reinvest the company's payouts will help boost what should already be strong returns in the next decade.( MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) Cairo for investment and Real estate Developments (CIRA) has announced an exclusive opportunity to acquire 43 fully equipped factories for leather production in the third phase of Robbiki Leather City. This offering marks a significant milestone in advancing Egypt's leather industry and aligns with the nation's strategy to develop integrated industrial clusters. With only two days remaining to apply, investors are encouraged to submit their applications electronically via the Digital Egypt Industrial Platform. The available factories, designed to meet various production capacities, include: To accommodate diverse business needs, investors can combine multiple units. Each factory is optimized for leather production and related industries, offering cutting-edge infrastructure, access to advanced marketing, technological training, and spaces for international and local exhibitions. This offering features unprecedented financial facilities to support investors. Factory prices are based on the actual 2021 cost of infrastructure and construction, ensuring affordability. Key financial options include: Additionally, partnerships with leading banks-including the National Bank of Egypt, Bank of Alexandria, and the Export Development Bank of Egypt-offer tailored financing solutions for purchasing machinery, equipment, and working capital. Investors benefit from significant export incentives, including a 50% rebate on export burden recovery for products manufactured within Robbiki Leather City. The third phase aims to establish a comprehensive manufacturing base for finished leather goods, attracting both local companies and global brands. It completes the leather value chain, from tanning to final product manufacturing, creating an integrated hub for exports. Robbiki Leather City's strategic location connects it to key ports, including Ain Sokhna, Adabiya, Suez, Port Said, Damietta, and Alexandria. The city boasts: During a recent meeting between Nahed Youssef, Chairperson of CIRA, and Gamal El-Samalouti, Head of the Chamber of Leather Industry, industry leaders praised Robbiki Leather City's exceptional facilities. The project is a transformative leap for Egypt's leather sector, adhering to global standards for environmental compliance and infrastructure. Prominent leather investors have expressed strong interest in reserving both large-scale and SME-focused factories. The government's support, facilitated by the Ministry of Industry and the Industrial Development Authority, has been instrumental in advancing the project. Robbiki Leather City aims to be a leading industrial hub with economic, environmental, and social diversity. Its integrated facilities, modern communication services, and advanced training programs position it as a center for innovation and growth in the leather industry. This offering represents an unparalleled opportunity for investors to participate in a landmark project that combines strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and robust financial support. MENAFN23122024000153011029ID1109025662 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Shares of AGNC Investment Corp. ( NASDAQ:AGNC – Get Free Report ) rose 1.2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $9.79 and last traded at $9.76. Approximately 12,091,447 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 14% from the average daily volume of 14,121,854 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.64. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have commented on AGNC shares. JMP Securities reissued a “market perform” rating on shares of AGNC Investment in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of AGNC Investment from an “equal weight” rating to an “overweight” rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $10.00 to $12.00 in a research note on Friday, September 20th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of AGNC Investment from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Saturday, October 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on AGNC Investment from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $10.33. Read Our Latest Report on AGNC AGNC Investment Stock Down 1.0 % AGNC Investment ( NASDAQ:AGNC – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, October 21st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.47 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $756.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $219.50 million. AGNC Investment had a return on equity of 23.41% and a net margin of 42.19%. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.65 EPS. Analysts expect that AGNC Investment Corp. will post 1.94 EPS for the current year. AGNC Investment Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a nov 24 dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 29th will be given a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 29th. This represents a yield of 14.9%. AGNC Investment’s payout ratio is 100.00%. Institutional Trading of AGNC Investment Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its stake in AGNC Investment by 35.8% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 584,370 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $6,060,000 after buying an additional 154,029 shares in the last quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp purchased a new stake in shares of AGNC Investment during the third quarter worth about $142,000. Tidal Investments LLC raised its stake in AGNC Investment by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 96,081 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $1,005,000 after purchasing an additional 3,075 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in AGNC Investment by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,303,616 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $128,730,000 after purchasing an additional 242,640 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC boosted its stake in AGNC Investment by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,552,969 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $16,242,000 after purchasing an additional 71,330 shares during the period. 38.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About AGNC Investment ( Get Free Report ) AGNC Investment Corp., formerly American Capital Agency Corp., is a real estate investment trust. The Company invests in agency residential mortgage-backed securities on a leveraged basis. Its investments consist of residential mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a government-sponsored enterprise, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), or by the United States Government agency, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) (collectively, GSEs). See Also Receive News & Ratings for AGNC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGNC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .WASHINGTON, D.C . - Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $179 million in funding for three Microelectronics Science Research Centers (MSRCs). These three MSRCs will perform basic research in microelectronics materials, device and system design, and manufacturing science to transform future microelectronics technologies. The MSRCs were authorized by the Micro Act, passed in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, and complement the activities appropriated under the CHIPS and Science Act at the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and other agencies. For decades, DOE has been at the leading edge of microelectronics, both as a consumer and as an engine of scientific understanding that has enabled many of the technological breakthroughs adopted by industry. Today, as we look beyond Moore’s Law, the emergence of new computing, artificial intelligence , and sensing workloads, in addition to rapidly expanding data, have resulted in an unprecedented need and opportunity to redesign the microelectronics materials and innovation process. In addition to needing more energy efficient microelectronics, DOE also needs microelectronics designed to operate in extreme environments, including high-radiation, cryogenic, and high magnetic field environments. “Advancements in microelectronics are critical to furthering scientific discovery,” said Harriet Kung, DOE’s Office of Science Deputy Director for Science Programs . “The innovations that come from these research centers will improve our daily lives and drive forward U.S. leadership in science and technology.” The three MSRCs are: The centers are formed as networks of projects, 16 in total led out of 10 national laboratories. These projects were selected by competitive peer review under the DOE Laboratory Announcement “Microelectronics Science Research Center Projects for Energy Efficiency and Extreme Environments.” Total funding is $179 million for projects lasting up to four years in duration, with $41 million in Fiscal Year 2024 dollars and outyear funding contingent on congressional appropriations. The list of projects and more information can be found on the Office of Science program homepage. Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time.sg 9

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sg777 live app Hugh Jackman may spend some of the Christmas holidays either without his two children or his rumored new girlfriend, Sutton Foster, because his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness isn’t ready to created a “blended,” “modern-family” dynamic with all of them celebrating together. The 56-year-old Jackman reportedly wanted to introduce Foster, 49, to his adult children, Oscar, 24, and Ava,19, but Furness is not “keen” on the idea, “It’s going to take more time for loved ones to adjust to the new normal and so that means Hugh and Sutton are bracing themselves for way less time together than they’d like during the holidays,” an insider told Woman’s Day. Even without saying anything publicly, Furness, 68, has reportedly made it clear that she’s not happy with how her marriage ended. A report last month said she , his co-star in the hit Broadway revival of “The Music Man,” is the reason behind their divorce after 27 years of marriage. For that reason, Furness feels like Jackman is “moving on quickly” even after she “gave so much of herself to their marriage,” the Woman’s Day source said. She definitely doesn’t want a “blended” Christmas, in which she’d presumably include Foster and even her 7-year-old daughter in their family celebrations. “Hugh and Sutton would love to get together with their kids for the holidays, but it’s still awkward, and Hugh is conscious of respecting Deb’s feelings,” the source said. Tensions are “still simmering,” according to Woman’s Day. “Deb feels like Hugh hasn’t properly acknowledged the hurt he caused by moving on so quickly,” the insider also said. Jackman and Furness shocked fans when they announced their separation in September 2023. One of a few Hollywood couples known for a long and seemingly happy marriage, they issued a statement that sounded polite and amicable, saying that their journey together was “shifting,” and they had “decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.” But then came reports in October, saying that Jackman had developed a “close relationship” with Sutton when they starred together in “The Music Man,” which ran from late 2021 to January 2023 at the Winter Garden Theatre in Manhattan. At the time, both were married to other people. The reports about a rumored affair began as soon as the Tony Award-winning Foster filed for divorce from screenwriter Ted Griffin after 10 years of marriage. A source close to Foster told Us Weekly: “Sutton and Hugh’s relationship is the reason Hugh and Deb (separated).” In October, gossip blogger Tasha Lustig also said that Furness was “blindsided” by her husband’s romance with his co-star, even after she had given her “whole life and career to him,” Us Weekly also reported. Lustig said that the Broadway stars were planning to “soft launch” their relationship publicly. But even if Furness was “blindsided” by her husband’s alleged romance, she had concerns about him working with Foster, . A source told the Daily Mail that the relationship was “not a secret to her.” The relationship also was “not a secret” among the New York theater community. It was in fact an “open secret” in Broadway circles, multiple reports said. The romance allegedly developed while Jackman and Foster were working together on the classic musical comedy, which is set in small-town America at the turn of the 20th century. His conman and her librarian fall in love through a series of music and dance numbers. As Jackman and Foster promoted the show, they didn’t hide their regard for each other. During a 2022 interview on “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” Foster admitted that she and Jackman developed a very close bond and explained how they started a pre-performance ritual that took place when they were alone in her dressing room. “We call it carpet chat,” Foster revealed in the interview. Woman’s Day reported that Jackman and Furness’s children are handling the upheaval with “remarkable maturity.” The source said, “They just want peace and happiness for their parents. But they’re definitely aware of the tension.” Meanwhile, Jackman and Foster are “shocked by the backlash,” another insider told Woman’s Day. With a blended family Christmas off the table, the new couple are reportedly planning a romantic getaway in the New Year. “They’re determined to make it work, but for now, they’re trying to keep things as low-key as possible out of respect for everyone involved,” the source said.Polish-Hungarian relations have reached an all-time low after Hungary granted asylum to a wanted Polish ex-minister as a "political refugee." Prime Minister Viktor Orban has indicated he is open to further cases. For more than 150 years, Poland and Hungary have been linked in a remarkable way. Both nations supported each other in their efforts for independence. Freedom fighters from both countries rushed to help each other in existential historical moments, such as during the anti-Habsburg revolution of 1848. In 1956, when Hungary underwent an anti-communist revolution, Poles spontaneously organized blood drives for the victims of the Soviet invasion. "Pole and Hungarian brothers be" is a well-known proverb in both countries. Since 2007, there has even been an official day dedicated to Polish-Hungarian friendship, March 23. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban admired the Poles' deep desire for freedom and their anti-communist struggle so much that he wrote his thesis as law student in 1987 on "Polish social self-organization using the example of the Solidarity trade union." However, Orban of all people has now caused an all-time low in the countries' relations. On December 19, he granted asylum to the former Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski, who is wanted on a European arrest warrant. Political collision This decision promptly led to a political head-on clash between Poland and Hungary, whose relations have already been dire since the change of power in Poland in December 2023. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described the move as "an action contrary to the fundamental principle of loyal cooperation" as laid out in the EU treaties. He also recalled the Polish ambassador to Hungary for "indefinite consultations" and summoned the Hungarian ambassador in Warsaw to give him a protest note. This kind of diplomatic escalation is extremely rare between EU countries . Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk also compared Orban's Hungary to the regime of dictator Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus. In May 2024, a Polish judge who is under investigation for abuse of office and leaking state secrets had fled to Belarus . "I did not expect corrupt politicians escaping justice would be able to choose between [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko and Orban," Tusk said. 'Liberal rainbow coalition' The Hungarian Prime Minister had already indicated on December 19 that he would grant asylum to "Polish political refugees". In an interview with the conservative pro-government Hungarian news portal Mandiner, he also called the current Polish government a "liberal rainbow coalition" that "uses the rule of law and legal means to get even with its political opponents." Polish-Hungarian relations are "at a low point because the liberal Polish rainbow coalition is unable to distinguish between party and state politics," Orban said. In reality, however, the governing coalition of the liberal-conservative Polish Prime Minister Tusk is trying to do exactly the opposite. It wants to untangle the nexus of party and state politics that existed under the previous national-conservative government and to investigate its corruption scandals. One of the people at the center of the investigation is the former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski. Lifting immunity Between 2019 and 2023, Romanowski used to be in charge of the Justice Fund which was designed to support victims of crime. However, the public prosecutor has charged the politician with 11 criminal offenses, including membership of a criminal organization, embezzlement and manipulation in the allocation of money from the fund. The sum of the disputed funds amounts to around 112 million Polish zloty (approx. €25 million/$27.3 million). The 48-year-old MP from the former ruling and now opposition Law and Justice party (PiS) was briefly arrested in July, but was later released. As a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, he enjoyed immunity. However, this immunity was lifted by the body in October. On December 9, a court in Warsaw ordered Romanowski to be remanded in custody for three months. Only, by then, he had already gone into hiding and fled to Hungary . On December 20, Romanowski posted on social media that asylum for a member of the Polish opposition was a "strong warning signal for Tusk's regime." He said he wanted to continue working from Budapest for a "sovereign, Christian and strong Poland." His goal is to "abolish the Tusk regime." More asylum cases The affair exemplifies the severe level of problems the Tusk government faces in restoring the rule of law in Poland. Poland's judiciary, including the Constitutional Court, remain heavily dominated by PiS supporters. Moreover, also President Andrzej Duda, who is close to the PiS, continues to delay all government reforms as much as possible. This could give an idea on the problems Hungary will face after a possible change of power. Moreover, it is not the first time that a prominent corruption suspect has been granted asylum in Hungary. In 2018, the former Macedonian head of government Nikola Gruevski had fled to Hungary where he received asylum. In the more recent years, the Hungarian government has also granted temporary refuge to several politicians from the Hungarian minority in Romania. For Poland, however, the escape of a member of parliament is a precedent, comments the conservative Polish daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita. "Romanowski has asked an ally of Putin for help. It is a disgrace to be an ally of Putin's ally ," the paper writes. In Hungary, the left-wing portal Merce ran the headline "The Hungarian government is using refugee protection to save political allies." Open for more Polish politicians Both Polish and Hungarian media outlets are now speculating which PiS politician will be the next to leave for Hungary. It may well be MEP Daniel Obajtek, former head of the Polish oil company Orlen. For years, Obajtek has been involved in numerous corruption scandals. Among other charges, he is facing prosecution for manipulating Orlen tenders. Hungary's Orban vows to defy ICC's Netanyahu arrest warrant To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The speculation about Obajtek was fueled by Orban on December 22 during his annual end-of-year press conference. After a female journalist specifically asked about the former head of Orlen, Hungary's prime minister — who is known for his misogynistic remarks — said: "I don't know if we're thinking of the same man because you never know which man is in a woman's head." However, as Obajtek is a Member of the European Parliament, there is no need to deal with him, Orban said, referring to the man's immunity. The prime minister added, "Generally speaking, we have to be prepared for the fact that there will and could be more cases like this." This article was originally written in German.



The masked gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is underway. Here's the latest: Just minutes before the shooting, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage purchasing the two items from a nearby Starbucks. Both the water bottle and protein bar wrapper were later recovered from a trash can in the vicinity of the killing, according to a police spokesperson. They’ve been sent to the city’s medical examiner for expedited fingerprint testing. As the suspect remained at large Thursday afternoon, New York police were sorting through a growing number of leads coming in through a public hotline. Many have been unfounded, including a tip from a commuter who claimed to have spotted the shooter on a Long Island Rail Road train Wednesday evening. Police searched the train, but found no sign of the gunman. Members of the public have also provided police with several different names of people who bear a resemblance to the gunman — though they have yet to confirm the shooter’s identity. NYPD spokesperson Carlos Nieves urged anyone with information to contact the department “even if it seems trivial.” “We ask you to call the tip line because that little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together,” he said. Users’ reactions — and in many cases jokes — populated comment sections teeming with frustration toward health insurers broadly and UnitedHealthcare in particular. “I would be happy to help look for the shooter but vision isn’t covered under my healthcare plan,” one comment read on Instagram. “Thoughts and prior authorizations!” wrote another user. Images released by police of a person they say is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Both feature a black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semicircle. Matheus Taranto, a guest at the hostel who’s visiting from Brazil, says he saw police at the lodging Wednesday evening. He said an officer wouldn’t let him access a bathroom where he wanted to brush his teeth. “I asked why, he was like, no, nothing happened,” said Taranto, 24. He didn’t connect the dots with the shooting until later. In Minnesota, police in the Minneapolis suburb of Maple Grove, where Thompson lived, said Thursday they believe a bomb threat on Wednesday night was a hoax. Maple Grove police put out a statement Thursday saying a “suspected swatting investigation” was underway. The department said it received a report of a bomb threat directed at two addresses around 7 p.m. CT Wednesday. The Minneapolis Bomb Squad and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office assisted, but investigators found no suspicions devices or other items. “The case is considered an active investigation, while the incident appears to be a hoax. No further comments will be made at this time,” the police statement said. Police reports provided to The Associated Press by the department show that officers made contact with family members at one of the homes and were told they had seen nothing suspicious and had received no direct threats. Back in Thompson’s home state of Minnesota, authorities were investigating a bomb threat that reportedly was made against his home Wednesday night, after his death. It was first reported by TMZ. City Prosecutor Andrew Draper confirmed to The Associated Press via email Thursday that he received an email Wednesday night “regarding a bomb threat. I reported it to the Maple Grove Police Department and do not have any additional information.” Maple Grove police officials did not immediately respond to requests for details Thursday. Local ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said: “ATF was made aware of the incident in Maple Grove last night, but no ATF resources were deployed. We are unable to confirm any further details.” A local FBI spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for information on the FBI’s involvement in the investigation. The words emblazoned on the ammunition used in the shooting – “deny,” “defend” and “depose” – were written in permanent marker, according to a law enforcement official. The official wasn’t authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. — Jake Offenhartz As of Thursday morning, police were still searching for the shooter. They released new photos of a person they said is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. The images match the lobby of the HI New York City hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, including its black-and-white checkered floor and a distinctive bench in the shape of a semi-circle. An employee at the hostel said police had visited but declined to provide further information. Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the lodging, said in an emailed statement that they are cooperating with the NYPD but can’t comment due to the active investigation. According to the official who spoke to AP about the ammunition messaging, investigators are running DNA and fingerprint analysis on items found near the shooting, including a water bottle, that they believe the suspect may have discarded. Additionally, they’re looking into whether the suspect had pre-positioned a bike as part of an escape plan. Doctors and patients have become particularly frustrated with prior authorizations, which are requirements that an insurer approve surgery or care before it happens. UnitedHealthcare was named in an October report detailing how the insurer’s prior authorization denial rate for some Medicare Advantage patients has surged in recent years. The report from the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also named rivals Humana and CVS. Insurers say tactics like prior authorization are needed to limit unnecessary care and help control spiraling medical costs. Frustrations extend beyond the coverage of care. Expensive breakthrough medications to slow Alzheimer’s disease or help with obesity are frequently not covered or have coverage limits. In the U.S. health care system, patients get coverage through a mix of private insurers such as UnitedHealthcare and government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. That can prove particularly frustrating for doctors and patients because coverage often varies by insurer. Polls reflect those frustrations with the U.S. health care system in general and insurance companies in particular. About two-thirds of Americans said health insurance companies deserve “a lot of blame” for high health care costs, according to a KFF poll conducted in February . Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting — “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The three words were emblazoned on the ammunition a masked gunman used to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday. They’re similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend” — the way some attorneys describe how insurers deny services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book that was highly critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the wording or any connection between them and the common phrase. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a deepening frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. ▶ Read more about the messaging left behind by the shooter The New York Police Department released photos Thursday morning, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual pictured. Police say the person is wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. A Senate panel has been investigating how frequently three major insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, deny care to patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. It has also investigated the use of artificial intelligence in deny those claims. Medicare Advantage is the private version of Medicare, which provides health insurance to millions of older Americans. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee’s report released earlier this year found that as UnitedHealthcare relied more on its automated system to review claims denials increased for post-acute treatment, which includes nursing home or rehabilitation care. The insurer denied nearly a quarter of claims, a rate that doubled over just a two-year period from 2020 to 2022. Joseph Kenny, the NYPD chief of detectives, says the shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack. He arrived outside the hotel about five minutes before UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson did, then waited and ignored other pedestrians before he approached Thompson from behind. After the assailant began to fire, his 9 mm pistol jammed but he quickly fixed it and kept firing, Kenny said, another sign of the shooter’s professionalism. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” Kenny said. The hostels were on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and police were following a tip that the suspect may have stayed at one of the residences, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation. The official requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the ongoing search. According to an employee of Kama Central Park, two detectives arrived at the hostel at 7 a.m. Thursday with a photo of the shooter and asked staff if they recognized the man. They did not, the employee said, and the detectives left soon after. An employee at the nearby HI New York City hostel also confirmed that police had visited the location Thursday, but declined to provide further information. — Jake Offenhartz New York Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday the shooter used a silencer — something he’d never encountered in his 22 years as a police officer. “In all of my years in law enforcement I have never seen a silencer before,” Adams, a retired NYPD captain, said in an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “And so that was really something that was shocking to us all.” The masked gunman used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” a law enforcement official said Thursday. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to strategies insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny had said earlier. — Mike Balsamo, Jake Offenhartz and Michael R. Sisak The chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the nation’s largest insurers, was killed Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police described as a targeted attack by a shooter outside a hotel where the company was holding a conference. ▶ Read more about the key things to know about the fatal attack

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Democrats push possible Trump response, other state legislative matters to New YearPINK shirts, and it was nearly a case of red-faces for Wanderers as they allowed a 1-0 lead to slip late on against 10-man Cambridge United. Having edged themselves ahead in a game of precious little quality through Aaron Collins’s seventh of the season, Bolton let two points slip from their grasp with a limp final 20 minutes packed with poor decisions and errors in possession. Sulley Kaikai’s header earned the battling U’s a point and it might even have been more at the bitter end as Ian Evatt’s side looked like they were melting under the pressure. Wanderers made two changes to the side that beat Blackpool at the weekend, bringing Randell Williams in for the suspended Szabi Schon and Jay Matete for John McAtee. That also meant a change in formation, switching to the same 3-5-2 shape that finished the last game. The game started off with a flurry of chances at both ends, Dion Charles driving a right-footed effort just over the bar and then Nathan Baxter pulling off a fine save to deny Sulley Kaiai, with Gethin Jones also making a crucial block from James Brophy’s follow up. Cambridge then went close again when Liam Bennett’s far post cross was nudged towards goal by big striker Ryan Loft, Baxter again getting himself in the way. The first five minutes had hinted at an exciting contest of contrasting styles but the game quickly devolved into a scrap, with Wanderers unable to link passes together with any great accuracy. Cambridge, who were certainly happy to engage in such a tussle. Garry Monk’s side are nothing if not hard-working and organised but for the first 45 minutes they played the game exactly the way they would have wanted. Unable to get their passing game going, the frustration was clear to see for Wanderers. And George Thomason allowed his own to spill over in a tussle with Michael Morrison which saw him pick up a fifth yellow card of the season, which will mean he sits out the next league game against Mansfield Town. Evatt had pushed Matete further forward, leaving Sheehan as the solitary holding midfielder, and the Sunderland loanee had one brief sight of goal before half time. A deep ball from defence caught U’s keeper Vicente Reyes out of position, and though Collins struggled to get a shot away, the ball dropped invitingly for Matete, who could only scoop his effort over the crossbar. Wanderers had emerged a completely different proposition in the second half on Saturday and the portents were good when Charles brought a fine save out of Reyes within a minute of the restart. From the corner a familiar wrestling match developed – only this time a clear two-handed shove in the face from Jubril Okedina sent George Johnston crashing to the floor in the centre of the melee. So often these things are entertained by officials, the protagonists warned but no action taken. Referee Paul Howard clearly had a good enough view of the incident to take drastic action, though, and sent the U’s defender off the pitch. That moment proved the impetus Bolton needed. Thomason had one effort deflected wide, then put another straight at Reyes from the edge of the penalty box. Matete also pulled an inviting ball back from the right which was begging for someone to turn it towards goal, to no avail. The pressure finally told on 59 minutes, Morrison dawdling as he tried to clear the ball, Charles poking a pass for Collins, who swept his shot into the bottom corner in slow motion. Though they were a man down, Cambridge were never out of the contest at 1-0, not while Danny Andrew still had a pair of arms which could propel the ball vast distance. And Wanderers had to be careful as the home fans screamed for blood with every challenge a pink shirt dared to make. Though Mr Howard is unlikely to get a Christmas hamper in the post from Cambridge United next month, Evatt also had to tread carefully with a few of his players on a caution and the game so emotionally charged. He withdrew Thomason and brought on Jordi Osei-Tutu in an effort to exploit the gaps which could appear later in the game. Wanderers struggled to make their numerical advantage count, and though Collins had one brief chance at the near post to double the lead, the nerves started to take over as the game ticked into the final quarter. Evatt swapped his front two, bringing on Adeboyejo and McAtee, but far too much of the game was being played in their own half – or to put it more accurately, their own penalty box. Being pinned in against a team who live to wrestle, claw and scratch for every set piece was not an enjoyable watch for anyone. McAtee nearly fashioned a moment for himself on the edge of the area, weaving his way past one challenge, he then tried to curl a shot with his instep into the bottom corner, but saw it bounce off a defender and wide. That was a rare attack in the final stages, and once again Cambridge fell back on their diet of long throws and corner kicks to force an equaliser. Due credit to Kaikai, who produced a superb header after the ball came in from the right, bringing a small but vociferous crowd to a crescendo. And the decibel levels almost went up another couple of notches at the bitter end when Rossi glanced a stoppage time header just wide, following a fumble from Nathan Baxter. Only one set of supporters were happy with the end result – and they stayed behind to give the officials a piece of their mind too. But the 500-plus travelling back up to the North West were disappointed for a completely different reason.Europe is worried that Russia could attack countries beyond Ukraine. At the same time, Trump has suggested the US would be less involved in helping its NATO allies. Without US support, Europe lacks a key capability needed in a conflict with Russia, experts told BI. If President-elect Donald Trump cuts US military cooperation with Europe, its NATO allies there would lose a key capability needed to resist Russian aggression. Advertisement Europe relies heavily on the US for the use of aircraft and weaponry to target air defense systems, known as suppression of enemy air defenses, or SEAD. If a military can't execute this critical mission, its aircraft are hindered and vulnerable, unable to strike or protect, leaving its ground forces much more exposed and less effective. Advertisement "One of the most crucial things that Europe is lacking is SEAD," Tim Robinson, a military aviation specialist at the UK's Royal Aeronautical Society, told BI. He described SEAD as "a crucial role," but one Europe has let "wither the vine." Reliance on the US There are few dedicated SEAD platforms on the continent. Germany and Italy's Tornado aircraft carry the AGM-88 HARM munition for targeting radars and are equipped with the needed Emitter Location System, but those are set to be retired next year. Other NATO partners operate F-16s, which can have a SEAD role, but only US Air Force Fighting Falcons are equipped with the HARM Targeting System for better SEAD. Advertisement US allies in Europe are increasingly looking to replace older aircraft with F-35s, but only a few are also acquiring AGM-88 missiles. (These missiles are highly capable for SEAD missions and were delivered to the Ukrainian air force for this purpose, but less so for the destruction of enemy air defenses, or DEAD, missions.) "The F-35 was designed specifically to be able to operate against modern SAM systems in both the penetrating strike and SEAD/DEAD roles," Justin Bronk, an air power expert at the Royal United Services Institute, wrote early last year. Advertisement He highlighted the fifth-generation jet's advanced stealth, electronic warfare, and active and passive sensor suite for detecting enemy surface-to-air missile systems. "Despite these very impressive capabilities, simply fielding the F-35 is not sufficient as an answer to European NATO's SEAD/ DEAD problem in itself," he said. This situation has left Europe heavily dependent on the US, less than ideal amid questions about US reliability and as Russia's war in Ukraine has shown how important defeating enemy air-defense batteries is in modern conflict. Advertisement In Ukraine, neither side has been able to conduct successful SEAD operations, leaving both air forces hugely hampered and forcing ground units into grinding battles with heavy casualties. Mattias Eken, a missile defense expert at the RAND Corporation, said an important lesson from the Ukraine war has been that "air forces must be able to find, suppress, and destroy" mobile surface-to-air missiles to achieve air superiority "against even moderately equipped state opponents." An American-made Patriot air defense system fires a missile. SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images Eken added that no other Western air force except the US has significant SEAD capabilities. All other NATO forces "have limited penetrating assets, munitions stocks, and experience in operating large, mixed strike packages." Advertisement American SEAD might and a lack of European capability Retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon "Skip" Davis, who served as NATO's deputy assistant secretary-general for its defense-investment division, said "the vast majority of the SEAD aircraft, in the event of aggression, would be provided by the US." Related stories Davis told BI that the US has the stealth aircraft, including penetrating bombers, needed to locate and destroy Russian air defenses, and US aircraft have intelligence capabilities "that NATO would have great difficulty in replacing." He warned that without better SEAD capabilities or US support, NATO "would be hard-pressed to be effective in a large Russian aggression." Advertisement Warfare experts at the US Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote in April 2023 that "NATO is now wholly dependent on the United States for SEAD capabilities." A key example was the large-scale NATO air campaign over Libya in 2011, where the US provided almost all of the alliance's SEAD capabilities despite having planned to only play a supporting role in that situation. A rocket launches from a S-400 missile system at the Ashuluk military base in Southern Russia. Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images Looking ahead, Europe may not be able to count on the US. Trump has been a strong critic of NATO and, in his first term, threatened to withdraw from the military alliance if other nations didn't spend more on their defense. Advertisement European countries have dramatically increased their defense spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began , and some now spend more on defense than the US as a percentage of GDP. (Warfare experts say that's a response to Russian aggression, not Trump's pressure .) But Europe is acutely aware of Trump's threats, and military experts warn that the continent's increased expenditure is not enough to support Ukraine and prepare for Russia's threats alone. It still needs the US. Thinking about the Russian threat Russia has repeatedly threatened to attack elsewhere in Europe, and many countries have warned that it could happen in the next few years, especially if Moscow emerges victorious in Ukraine. Advertisement It's unclear if the US would or even could withdraw its support, especially for allies who already spend a lot on defense. US forces are now so integrated in Europe that, if something happens soon, "they're automatically involved" unless the US makes a major policy shift to return forces to the US, Gordon said. Europe is nevertheless taking actions to address its deficiencies, like a pan-European defense company now developing a new SPEAR-EW missile. Advertisement A Pantsir-S1 and an S-400 at a Russian base in Syria. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service "I think the penny has dropped," said Robinson, but he added that not enough was happening. "It's taking time, I think, for European capitals and maybe multinational organizations to get the momentum going." Michael Bohnert, a warfare expert at the RAND Corporation, said that it could take years to reconstitute a supply chain for necessary missiles. That means "there really aren't any good options" to cover a deficit in the short term if the US pulls back, he told BI. Robinson said Europe has an advanced industrial base, but "the difficulty is it's all fragmented." Advertisement Some cooperation has taken place, including four European nations agreeing to operate their jets as a single fleet . Jan Kallberg, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis and a fellow at the Army Cyber Institute at West Point, said "acquisition, cooperation, and collaboration are essential." He said countries should buy assets together and "operate jointly as a multinational force," especially given how large Europe is and how much land may need to be defended. Advertisement Fixing Europe's SEAD deficits will take time, during which it will be more vulnerable to attacks. But Russia has demonstrated an inability to effectively use its own assets — a flaw that could ultimately aid Europe. "Europe will lack enough SEAD capabilities for the next 10 to 15 years," said Kallberg, but "the Russian air force and air defenses can't get their intelligence, command, and control to act together, and lack resources for broad modernization." "If there is a war," he said, "it is not Europe's abilities that save the day. It is the Russian inability."

It's almost Christmas, which means it's time to play SkealLOWELL, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 11, 2024-- RevBio, Inc., announced that it has received FDA approval to expand its ongoing clinical trial to immediately fixate cranial flaps using TETRANITE ®, the company’s bone adhesive biomaterial. The company also received reimbursement coverage from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (“CMS”) for the use of TETRANITE to replace metal plates and screws. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211734903/en/ The computed tomography (CT) image on the left shows a patient who received TETRANITE® to fixate their cranial flap three months following brain surgery. On the right, a post-operative CT scan of the same patient six months following their surgery shows the conformal nature of the skull restoration and the reintegration of the flap with the surrounding bone. (Photo: Business Wire) Previously, RevBio received FDA approval to initiate a first-in-human clinical study for an initial five patients to restore cranial flaps following craniotomy procedures and to repair extradural use cases where intentional durotomies are not required. The approval of this clinical trial expansion is a result of the successful demonstration of safety in the first five patients treated with TETRANITE. The neurosurgeon investigators involved in this study will now be able to use TETRANITE in intradural use cases, such as tumor resection surgeries and other cranial procedures, which require intentional durotomies. “Metal plates and screws can produce radiographic artifacts which make it difficult to accurately interpret patient imaging following surgery. Furthermore, traditional cranial flap closure methods do not lead to the full osseous reintegration of the flap with the skull, resulting in issues with flap movement, patient pain, and the potential for post-surgical infection. Because TETRANITE eliminates radiographic artifacts and results in osseous union of bone flaps with the surrounding skull, it could become the new standard of care for cranial surgeries,” said Kevin T. Foley, MD, professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery & Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, Chairman of Semmes-Murphey Clinic, and Chairman of the Board and Medical Director for the Medical Education & Research Institute (MERI). Dr. Foley also serves as a member of the Board of Directors and Chief Medical Officer for RevBio. Furthermore, in conjunction with the clinical trial expansion, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid approved TETRANITE for medical insurance reimbursement when used to replace metal plates and screws for cranial flap fixation. Private insurance companies will also typically provide reimbursement for CMS approved products. As a result, RevBio can now charge hospitals for this product. “We are pleased to receive reimbursement approval from CMS during our IDE clinical trial,” said Grayson Allen, CFO/COO of RevBio. “This will enable RevBio to establish a price with healthcare providers, which is a very important step in the overall product commercialization process.” About RevBio, Inc. RevBio, Inc., is a clinical stage medical device company developing and commercializing TETRANITE ®, a patented, synthetic, injectable, self-setting, and osteoconductive adhesive biomaterial. This novel technology will be indicated for use in dental, cranial, and broader orthopaedic applications as well as animal health. TETRANITE is not yet approved for commercial use. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211734903/en/ CONTACT: Michael Tiedemann mtiedemann@revbio.com KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER HEALTH RESEARCH MEDICAL DEVICES CLINICAL TRIALS SCIENCE SURGERY BIOTECHNOLOGY NEUROLOGY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FDA OTHER SCIENCE HEALTH SOURCE: RevBio, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/11/2024 03:20 PM/DISC: 12/11/2024 03:20 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211734903/enUS President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. "The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "It's a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria." Asked by reporters what should happen to the deposed president, who reportedly has fled to Moscow, Biden said that "Assad should be held accountable." Biden -- set to step down in January and make way for Republican Donald Trump's return to power -- said Washington will assist Syrians in rebuilding. "We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" Syria "with a new constitution," he said. However, Biden cautioned that hardline Islamist groups within the victorious rebel alliance will be under scrutiny. "Some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human right abuses," Biden said. The United States had "taken note" of recent statements by rebels suggesting they had since moderated, he said, but cautioned: "We will assess not just their words, but their actions." Biden said Washington is "clear eyed" that the Islamic State extremist group, often known as ISIS, "will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish" itself in Syria. "We will not let that happen," he said, adding that on Sunday alone, US forces had conducted strikes against ISIS inside Syria. The US military said the strikes were conducted by warplanes against Islamic State operatives and camps. Strikes were carried out against "over 75 targets using multiple US Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s," the US Central Command said on social media. Earlier, Biden met with his national security team at the White House to discuss the crisis. Assad's reported departure comes less than two weeks after the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group challenged more than five decades of Assad family rule with a lightning rebel offensive that broke long-frozen frontlines in Syria's civil war. They announced Sunday they had taken the capital Damascus and that Assad had fled, prompting celebrations nationwide and a ransacking of Assad's luxurious home. A Kremlin source told Russian news agencies that the deposed leader was now in Moscow, along with his family. The US military has around 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq as part of the international coalition established in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State jihadist group. It has regularly struck targets in the country including those linked to Iranian-backed militias. Tehran was a major backer of Assad's government. Biden also confirmed US authorities believe the American journalist Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria in 2012, still lives. "We believe he's alive," Biden said, but the US has yet "to identify where he is." bur-sms/mlm

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore at 50: the film that marks a path not taken in Scorsese’s career

Morgan State hopes for end to recent skid with visit to MinnesotaAs 2024 winds down, the U.S. stock market has shown remarkable strength, with the S&P 500 yielding a significant return of around 25%. Technology, led by artificial intelligence (AI), has been central to this upswing, driving its bullish momentum. Despite the Federal Reserve’s hints of reduced interest cuts in 2025 causing some market ripples, there are resilient stocks poised for growth in the coming year; Nvidia, AMD, and Alphabet are standout contenders. Nvidia has emerged as a leader in the 2024 stock surge due to its impressive advancement in AI infrastructure. The company saw its revenues jump by 94% to $35.1 billion in the third fiscal quarter, fueled largely by its AI-driven data center growth. Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell systems are in high demand, ensuring continued success. Their dominance in both AI training and inference markets is bolstered by collaborations with major players like Salesforce and OpenAI, securing Nvidia’s position for strong returns in 2025. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) continues to gain traction as a key player in AI chip production. With a remarkable 122% increase in data center revenue, driven by their Instinct GPUs and EPYC CPUs, AMD is expanding its market footprint. Partnerships with tech giants such as Microsoft and Meta Platforms enhance their competitive edge. Alphabet has solidified its stake in AI technology, bolstering its earnings through diversified streams. Despite facing regulatory hurdles, Alphabet’s impact on the global search landscape remains unrivaled, with a dominant market share and ongoing innovations. Additionally, Google Cloud’s revenue growth highlights their successful AI integration, making Alphabet a promising stock to consider in the evolving tech arena. Why AI Stocks Like Nvidia, AMD, and Alphabet are Positioned for 2025 Success As 2024 draws to a close, the momentum within the U.S. stock market continues to capture investors’ attention, notably driven by the surge in technology stocks with artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront. Let’s delve deeper into the unique aspects of Nvidia, AMD, and Alphabet that set them apart as appealing investments for 2025. Nvidia’s Pioneering AI Infrastructure Nvidia has positioned itself as a leader in the AI sector with significant advancements in AI infrastructure. The company’s revenues soared by 94% to reach $35.1 billion in the third fiscal quarter of 2024. A major contributor to this growth is Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell systems, which are in high demand for their dual capabilities in AI training and inference. Collaborations with major industry players like Salesforce and OpenAI have solidified Nvidia’s status, ensuring robust potential for strong returns in 2025. Specifications and Features : Nvidia’s Blackwell systems are designed to enhance performance and efficiency within AI applications, offering significant improvements in speed and computational power, a feature that appeals to enterprises involved in complex data processing. AMD’s Expanding AI Market Footprint Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is marking its territory as a leader in AI chip production. The company saw an impressive 122% rise in data center revenue, bolstered by its Instinct GPUs and EPYC CPUs. Recent partnerships with tech heavyweights such as Microsoft and Meta Platforms further extend AMD’s market influence and competitiveness. Innovations and Compatibility : AMD continues to innovate in AI technologies, focusing on enhancing the compatibility and efficiency of its processors within diverse AI workloads, catering to both small-scale operations and large cloud providers. Alphabet’s AI Innovations and Cloud Growth Alphabet remains a powerhouse in AI technology, integrating AI into various facets of its operations to drive growth. Despite regulatory scrutiny, Alphabet’s grip on the global search market holds strong. With an emphasis on continuous innovation, Alphabet is making significant strides through Google Cloud’s revenue growth, showcasing successful AI integration. Use Cases and Trends : Google Cloud’s AI capabilities are leveraged across multiple industries, aiding businesses in data analytics, automation, and customer engagement, indicating a broader trend of AI assimilation in enterprise solutions. Market Analysis and Future Projections As 2025 approaches, the integration of AI across these companies illustrates a transformative shift in the tech market. The impressive financial performances of Nvidia, AMD, and Alphabet signal a promising future for investors aiming to capitalize on AI advancements. The trend indicates a continuous push towards optimizing AI infrastructure, enhancing product capabilities, and broadening market reach. Security Aspects and Controversies A closely watched aspect of AI growth involves data security and regulatory challenges. Companies like Alphabet face ongoing regulatory hurdles, requiring strategic navigation to ensure compliance while pursuing innovation. This underscores the need for robust AI governance frameworks to address security and ethical considerations. Predictions and Insights Experts predict continued evolution in AI technology, with these leading companies pioneering advancements that redefine industry standards. Investors should keep an eye on Nvidia, AMD, and Alphabet as they respond to technological breakthroughs and market dynamics in 2025. For more insights and detailed information on investing in AI-driven technology stocks, visit the official sites of Nvidia , AMD , and Alphabet .

If U.S. president-elect lives up to his word and imposes a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada, it would have a catastrophic impact on both sides of the border, throw an already-sputtering Canadian economy into a recession, and put the long-term future of the auto industry in this country into question, economists and trade experts say. The two countries’ economies are so intertwined — particularly in the manufacturing and energy sectors — that hitting Canada would also have a heavy impact on the U.S., argued Pedro Antunes, chief economist at the Conference Board of Canada. “This will be devastating for the Canadian economy, and devastating for the U.S. economy as well,” said Antunes. While manufacturers aren’t likely to shut down Canadian production or shift plants to the U.S. immediately, in the longer-term, they’ll likely be taking a hard look at whether they want to risk access to American consumers. “We’re going to see a deterioration of our attractiveness as an investment destination, because a lot of it is based on our access to the American economy,” said Antunes. “I think this could shut down the automotive industry in Canada.” The first impact American consumers would be likely to face is increased prices at the gas pump — particularly in the Midwest, where Canadian crude oil keeps refineries going at full-tilt, said Antunes. “There’d be an almost immediate impact on gasoline prices in the U.S., because they import a lot of Canadian crude. And we know how sensitive consumers in Canada and U.S. are to gasoline prices,” said Antunes. If the tariffs are 25 per cent across the board on all Canadian imports, the Canadian economy would shrink by 2.6 per cent, University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe estimated. “And that’s just the straight impact of the tariffs, without any of the knock-on effects, or uncertainty, so it’s almost surely an underestimate,” said Tombe. “That’s basically a recession. The typical retraction is about three per cent in a recession.” Earlier this year, Tombe had prepared a tariff impact paper for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, based on 10 per cent tariffs. After updating the numbers hastily following Trump’s Monday evening announcement on his Truth Social site, he found the potential impact to be even more grim. That 2.6 per cent drop in economic output translates into an annual loss of $78 billion for the Canadian economy, Tombe estimated. Tombe added that the tariffs would cause significant job losses, particularly in the hardest-hit sectors. “No question, there will be job losses. The tariff will result in reduced output in these heavily affected sectors, and with less production, they’re naturally going to lay off workers,” said Tombe. The U.S. market accounted for roughly 75 per cent of Canadian exports, a BMO report from economist Robert Kavcic found, making up about a quarter of Canada’s GDP. Canada sent $173 billion to the U.S. in energy exports alone last year, Kavcic’s report found, and tariffs would mean an immediate impact of higher oil and consumer gas prices in the U.S. The higher prices on goods from Canada flowing into the U.S. could depress demand for them, which could drag down an already shaky Canadian economy, Kavcic added. For the manufacturing sector, the impact of a full 25 per cent tariff would be devastating, warned Dennis Darby, CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. While it might not happen in exactly the form Trump has threatened, Darby said Canada can’t afford to take the sabre-rattling lightly. “When the incoming president says he’s going to do that on Day 1, you have to take that as credible,” said Darby. In the auto sector, supply chains are so intertwined across the border that it’s hard to believe Trump would implement tariffs across the board, argued Flavio Volpe, CEO of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. “It would be like taking a sledgehammer to his own foot,” said Volpe, who estimated that roughly half of the parts going into Canadian-made cars are sourced from U.S. producers. “We’re so integrated in the automotive industry. So there’s no way to separate the American interests from the Canadian interests here,” said Volpe. While acknowledging that Trump isn’t immune from cutting off his nose to spite his face, his first term in office shows at least some glimmer of hope for rational economic action — at least eventually, Volpe added. “He did put a national security tariff on aluminum from Quebec that U.S. defence interests need. So for a while, he taxed his own military to make a point. But I’ll remind everybody that that was also a short-term point. And that we have leverage,” said Volpe. That leverage, says Volpe, comes from desperately needed Canadian critical minerals and energy resources such as oil and gas. Both of those, said Volpe, would help the U.S. loosen its trade ties with China. “You need independence from the Chinese sphere. And that comes from the resources we have in this country,” said Volpe. “We’ll be inside the tent by the time it’s all said and done, if we put in our best efforts to demonstrate that their best interests extend to this side of the border.” Laura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders Coalition, doesn’t expect the tariffs to hit across the board. “I feel pretty confident that Canada can negotiate its way out of many of these tariffs because, for example, the U.S. imposing a tariff on Canadian oil and gas will have an immediate effect on U.S. consumers,” Dawson said. “What we know from Trump 1.0 is he does what he says. If he has a plan, he usually acts on it, but he doesn’t act on it with the magnitude that he could.” The worst case could see tit-for-tat retaliatory tariffs, a stalemate and the same politics that led to the Great Depression, Dawson warned.

The Bell Capital Cup continued Saturday with even more teams making their debut appearances. The U13 AA Karawanken Bears from Austria were on the ice at the Nepean Sportsplex early Saturday morning. The team also consists of players from Slovenia and Croatia. It was a full-day trip for the players and their parents, who came out in support, but for Skyler Furey, the trip isn't unfamiliar. Furey's parents were both born in Canada but now live in Austria where he also resides. While his parents were unable to make the trip to Ottawa, his grandfather, who lives in the city, was at the game supporting him. "It's nice to come back to Canada once in a while," Furey said. "We battled really good and it was a tough game." The Bears defeated the Cumberland Jr. Grads 5-3. A few hours later, the Greater Bay Tigers stepped onto the ice. The team consisting of players from Hong Kong, Southern China and Taiwan, got their first taste of action in the tournament. Most of the players arrived in the city days before the event due to travel times. Tigers owner Gregory Smyth says he cherishes being able to come back to Canada and see his team competing against the best. "It's an eye opener, to see how good the hockey is," Smyth said. "We're competitive too, and I think that's probably an eye opener for some of the local teams here as well because these kids can skate, shoot and pass. They did well today." Smyth says the team has enjoyed the festivities during the opening ceremonies at Hockey Fest and are treating the boys to a couple of World Junior games in the city, including Canada versus the United States on New Years Eve. More international teams also got underway today including many from the United States and the defending Division A champions from Slovenia, who played a friendly game in Rockland. The tournament runs until Dec. 31. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Magnus Carlsen quits World Rapid and Blitz Championships after refusing to change out of jeans World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen quit the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of the jeans he was wearing, according to the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care' If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well. 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Nova Scotia Muslim Society making hot meals and winter care packages for those in need For the fourth consecutive year, the Nova Scotia Islamic Society got together on Saturday to prepare warm meals and winter care packages to hand out for their community. Environment Canada forecasts mix of freezing rain and rain for parts of Maritimes Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Toronto Toronto, GTA to see ‘significant rainfall’ on Sunday Toronto and neighbouring areas are expected to see “significant rainfall” on Sunday. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for most of the Greater Toronto Area. 1 person in hospital, suspect in police custody following stabbing in Fairbank One person is in hospital, and a suspect is in custody following a stabbing in Toronto’s Fairbank neighbourhood on Saturday. One person injured, suspect charged with arson following Etobicoke apartment fire A suspect has been charged with arson after a two-alarm fire at an Etobicoke apartment complex early Saturday morning left one person with injuries. Montreal Friend of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion says his sister also injured A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Poulin has game winner as Montreal Victoire tops Minnesota Frost 3-2 for 3rd straight win Mariah Keopple and Alexandra Labelle scored their first goals of the season and the Montreal Victoire edged the Minnesota Frost 3-2 on Saturday. Here's how you can watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday during the NFL season With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Saturday this season, CTV News Montreal at Six will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App. Northern Ontario Pair of 911 calls leads to two impaired driving arrests in three hours A pair of 911 calls from concerned citizens led to two separate impaired driving charges in a single northern Ontario town within three hours. Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Windsor Community partners in Windsor propose education campaign to veer people away from payday loans In a move aimed at combatting the financial strain caused by payday loans, the City of Windsor is considering the launch of a comprehensive education campaign to promote alternative financial options. Ex-boyfriend arrested for violating bail conditions Chatham-Kent police have made an arrest after a man allegedly violated his bail conditions. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. London St. Thomas fraud victim loses nearly $100K to job scam According to police, the victim was investing money into a company that they believed they were employed by for over a month. Ending the year with above seasonal temperatures Warmer conditions are expected in the London, Ont. region this weekend, with the high forecast in the double digits. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Kitchener Minor flooding possible with snow melt, rain on way: GRCA The Waterloo Region and the city of Guelph will be wrapping up 2024 with unusually warm weather over the weekend. Stretch of Kitchener road closed after gas leak at abandoned building Kitchener Fire is investigating after a "strange odor" was reported on Courtland Avenue East Saturday. Cambridge structure fire leads to road closure Emergency Services are on scene of a Cambridge structure fire Saturday morning. Barrie Deluxe taxi goes up in flames in Barrie parking lot Some locals were quick to pull out their cellphones and capture a minivan as it went up in hot flames in a Barrie parking lot. Boxing Day bust: Police allege shopper stole from LCBO amid holiday rush While Boxing Day is known for securing the best deals, one local shopper took things too far and allegedly tried to score a deal at a free cost. County Road 56 reopens following afternoon collision County Road 56 in Essa Township was closed for an afternoon collision. Winnipeg The most-read stories on CTV Winnipeg in 2024 Historic events, community pride and significant losses dominated headlines in Manitoba in 2024. Here’s a list of the most-read stories of each month of 2024 on CTV News Winnipeg. Cross-country ski race returns to Windsor Park The Prairie Holiday Loppet made its long-awaited return to Winnipeg’s Windsor Park Saturday, with dozens of racers hitting the trails. Have you seen Genevieve? RCMP search for woman last seen on Christmas Eve Thompson RCMP are searching for a woman who went missing from Split Lake earlier this week. Calgary Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Lethbridge Police investigating suspicious death inside motel room Lethbridge Police are investigating after a body was found inside a southside motel room on Saturday. Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Edmonton Edmonton street photographer captures moments and people one frame at a time A local photographer who is passionate about capturing moments in one-hundredth of a second embraced many styles of his trade before landing on one which truly represents his mantra: street photography. 2 vehicles fall through ice at Sylvan Lake, promoting police warning RCMP issued a warning Saturday after two vehicles fell through the ice on Sylvan Lake. ESPN reports that Panthers to put Canadian Hubbard on season-ending IR It appears Canadian Chuba Hubbard's breakout 2024 season is over. Regina 'A great holiday memory': Echo Valley Provincial Park gets plenty of visitors at Skate the Park launch Families and groups of friends made use of the good weather as the new season of Skate the Park got underway at Echo Valley Provincial Park. Missing 89-year-old Moose Jaw man found dead, no foul play suspected: Police Regina police chief says new initiatives to enhance community safety will come in 2025 Looking back after one year in his new role as the chief of the Regina Police Service, Farooq Hassan Sheikh is highlighting challenges the city faces, what has worked during his tenure and what can be done to improve policing in 2025. Saskatoon The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene. Police made two arrests following a shooting in Saskatoon A swift response from Saskatoon police led to the arrest of a man and woman following a reported shooting Friday afternoon. Saskatoon fire crews battle house fire Saskatoon firefighters responded to a house fire on the 100 block of Klassen Crescent Friday afternoon. Vancouver Delta, B.C., port terminals closed after 'machinery fire' Saturday morning A large fire at the port in Delta, B.C., sent a plume of smoke into the sky Saturday morning. 2 dozen guns, 'significant amount' of foreign currency stolen in Chilliwack, RCMP say Police in Chilliwack are warning the public after as many as two dozen firearms were stolen during a break-in at a home in the city this week. New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. Vancouver Island New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. 'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it. Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client. Kelowna B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year. B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Stay Connected

NEW YORK — George Joseph Kresge Jr., who was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89. Kreskin's friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, told The Associated Press that he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey, where he spent much of his life. Galway said Kreskin had not been feeling well in recent weeks but otherwise did not provide a cause of death. FILE - George Joseph Kresge Jr., better known as "The Amazing Kreskin," poses for a portrait in Toronto on April 24, 2007. Inspired by the crime-fighting comic book character Mandrake the Magician, Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, making guest appearances on talk shows hosted by everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted his own show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books, including “Secrets of the Amazing Kreskin” and “Mental Power Is Real.” People are also reading... Although he was a talk show regular, one host wasn't amused by a Kreskin stunt. In 2002, he claimed that a UFO would appear over Las Vegas on the night of June 2, and added that he would donate $50,000 to charity if he was wrong. Hundreds of people gathered in the desert, in vain. Kreskin acknowledged to radio personality Art Bell that his prediction was a hoax, a way of proving that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks the year before had made people susceptible to manipulation. Bell called the ruse “lame, lame, lame” and banned him from his show. Galway said that Kreskin continued to make live appearances well into his 80s, and only stopped earlier this year after injuring himself in a fall. Kreskin never married and left no immediate survivors. “His career was his life. That was his marriage,” Galway said. “He was dedicated to his craft.” FILE - Mentalist George Joseph Kresge, known as "The Amazing Kreskin," attends a screening of "The Great Buck Howard" in New York on March 10, 2009. Photos: Notable deaths in 2024 Andreas Brehme Germany players celebrate after Andreas Brehme, left on ground, scores the winning goal in the World Cup soccer final match against Argentina, in the Olympic Stadium, in Rome, July 8, 1990. Andreas Brehme, who scored the only goal as West Germany beat Argentina to win the 1990 World Cup final, died Feb. 20, 2024. He was 63. AP Photo/Carlo Fumagalli, File Brian Mulroney Brian Mulroney, the former prime minister of Canada, listens during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico relationship, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mulroney died at the age of 84 on Feb. 29, 2024. Jacquelyn Martin The Rev. James Lawson Jr. The Rev. James Lawson Jr. speaks Sept. 17, 2015, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Lawson Jr., an apostle of nonviolent protest who schooled activists to withstand brutal reactions from white authorities as the Civil Rights Movement gained traction, has died, his family said Monday. He was 95. His family said Lawson died on Sunday after a short illness in Los Angeles, where he spent decades working as a pastor, labor movement organizer and university professor. Lawson was a close adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who called him “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” Lawson met King in 1957, after spending three years in India soaking up knowledge about Mohandas K. Gandhi’s independence movement. King would travel to India himself two years later, but at the time, he had only read about Gandhi in books. Mark Humphrey, Associated Press Jerry West Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Jerry West, representing the 1960 USA Olympic Team, is seen Aug. 13, 2010, during the enshrinement news conference at the Hall of Fame Museum in Springfield, Mass. Jerry West, who was selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive, and whose silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo, died June 12, the Los Angeles Clippers announced. He was 86. West, nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his late-game exploits as a player, was an NBA champion who went into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1980 and again as a member of the gold medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic Team in 2010. He will be enshrined for a third time later this year as a contributor, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called West “one of the greatest executives in sports history.” Elise Amendola, Associated Press Ron Simons Actor and director Ron Simons, seen Jan. 23, 2011, during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, died June 12. Simons turned into a formidable screen and stage producer, winning four Tony Awards and having several films selected at the Sundance Film Festival. He won Tonys for producing “Porgy and Bess,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” and “Jitney.” He also co-produced “Hughie,” with Forest Whitaker, “The Gin Game,” starring Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones, “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” an all-Black production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” the revival of "for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf" and the original work “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” He was in the films “27 Dresses” and “Mystery Team,” as well as on the small screen in “The Resident,” “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Law & Order: SVU.” Victoria Will, Associated Press Bob Schul Bob Schul of West Milton, Ohio, hits the tape Oct. 18, 1964, to win the 5,000 meter run at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Schul, the only American distance runner to win the 5,000 meters at the Olympics, died June 16. He was 86. His death was announced by Miami University in Ohio , where Schul shined on the track and was inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 1973. Schul predicted gold leading into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and followed through with his promise. On a rainy day in Japan, he finished the final lap in a blistering 54.8 seconds to sprint to the win. His white shorts were covered in mud at the finish. He was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1991. He also helped write a book called “In the Long Run.” Associated Press Willie Mays San Francisco Giants superstar Willie Mays poses for a photo during baseball spring training in 1972. Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, died June 18. He was 93. The center fielder, who began his professional career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, had been baseball’s oldest living Hall of Famer. He was voted into the Hall in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 followed only Babe Ruth on The Sporting News’ list of the game’s top stars. The Giants retired his uniform number, 24, and set their AT&T Park in San Francisco on Willie Mays Plaza. Mays died two days before a game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals to honor the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham , Alabama. Over 23 major league seasons, virtually all with the New York/San Francisco Giants but also including one in the Negro Leagues, Mays batted .301, hit 660 home runs, totaled 3,293 hits, scored more than 2,000 runs and won 12 Gold Gloves. He was Rookie of the Year in 1951, twice was named the Most Valuable Player and finished in the top 10 for the MVP 10 other times. His lightning sprint and over-the-shoulder grab of an apparent extra base hit in the 1954 World Series remains the most celebrated defensive play in baseball history. For millions in the 1950s and ’60s and after, the smiling ballplayer with the friendly, high-pitched voice was a signature athlete and showman during an era when baseball was still the signature pastime. Awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015, Mays left his fans with countless memories. But a single feat served to capture his magic — one so untoppable it was simply called “The Catch.” Associated Press Donald Sutherland Actor Donald Sutherland appears Oct. 13, 2017, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif. Sutherland, the Canadian actor whose wry, arrestingly off-kilter screen presence spanned more than half a century of films from “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” died June 20. He was 88. Kiefer Sutherland said on X he believed his father was one of the most important actors in the history of film: “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that.” The tall and gaunt Sutherland, who flashed a grin that could be sweet or diabolical, was known for offbeat characters like Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman's "M.A.S.H.," the hippie tank commander in "Kelly's Heroes" and the stoned professor in "Animal House." Before transitioning into a long career as a respected character actor, Sutherland epitomized the unpredictable, antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. He never stopped working, appearing in nearly 200 films and series. Over the decades, Sutherland showed his range in more buttoned-down — but still eccentric — roles in Robert Redford's "Ordinary People" and Oliver Stone's "JFK." More, recently, he starred in the “Hunger Games” films. A memoir, “Made Up, But Still True,” is due out in November. Chris Pizzello, Associated Press Bill Cobbs Actor Bill Cobbs, a cast member in "Get Low," arrives July 27, 2010, at the premiere of the film in Beverly Hills, Calif. Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, died June 25. He was 90. A Cleveland native, Cobbs acted in such films as “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard” and “Night at the Museum.” He made his first big-screen appearance in a fleeting role in 1974's “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." He became a lifelong actor with some 200 film and TV credits. The lion share of those came in his 50s, 60s, and 70s, as filmmakers and TV producers turned to him again and again to imbue small but pivotal parts with a wizened and worn soulfulness. Cobbs appeared on television shows including “The Sopranos," “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street” and “Good Times.” He was Whitney Houston's manager in “The Bodyguard” (1992), the mystical clock man of the Coen brothers' “The Hudsucker Proxy” (1994) and the doctor of John Sayles' “Sunshine State” (2002). He played the coach in “Air Bud” (1997), the security guard in “Night at the Museum” (2006) and the father on “The Gregory Hines Show." Cobbs rarely got the kinds of major parts that stand out and win awards. Instead, Cobbs was a familiar and memorable everyman who left an impression on audiences, regardless of screen time. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for the series “Dino Dana” in 2020. Chris Pizzello, Associated Press Kinky Friedman Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman speaks with the media Nov. 7, 2009, at his campaign headquarters in Austin, Texas. The singer, songwriter, satirist and novelist, who led the alt-country band Texas Jewboys, toured with Bob Dylan, sang with Willie Nelson, and dabbled in politics with campaigns for Texas governor and other statewide offices, died June 27. He was 79 and had suffered from Parkinson's disease. Often called “The Kinkster" and sporting sideburns, a thick mustache and cowboy hat, Friedman earned a cult following and reputation as a provocateur throughout his career across musical and literary genres. In the 1970s, his satirical country band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys wrote songs with titles such as “They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in Bed.” Friedman joined part of Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976. By the 1980s, Friedman was writing crime novels that often included a version of himself, and he wrote a column for Texas Monthly magazine in the 2000s. Friedman's run at politics brought his brand of irreverence to the serious world of public policy. In 2006, Friedman ran for governor as an independent in a five-way race that included incumbent Republican Rick Perry. Friedman launched his campaign against the backdrop of the Alamo. Eric Gay, Associated Press Martin Mull Martin Mull participates in "The Cool Kids" panel during the Fox Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour on Aug. 2, 2018, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Mull, whose droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development,” died June 28. He was 80. Mull, who was also a guitarist and painter, came to national fame with a recurring role on the Norman Lear-created satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and the starring role in its spinoff, “Fernwood Tonight." His first foray into show business was as a songwriter, penning the 1970 semi-hit “A Girl Named Johnny Cash” for singer Jane Morgan. He would combine music and comedy in an act that he brought to hip Hollywood clubs in the 1970s. Mull often played slightly sleazy, somewhat slimy and often smarmy characters as he did as Teri Garr's boss and Michael Keaton's foe in 1983's “Mr. Mom.” He played Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie adaptation of the board game “Clue,” which, like many things Mull appeared in, has become a cult classic. The 1980s also brought what many thought was his best work, “A History of White People in America,” a mockumentary that first aired on Cinemax. Mull co-created the show and starred as a “60 Minutes” style investigative reporter investigating all things milquetoast and mundane. Willard was again a co-star. In the 1990s he was best known for his recurring role on several seasons on “Roseanne,” in which he played a warmer, less sleazy boss to the title character, an openly gay man whose partner was played by Willard, who died in 2020 . Mull would later play private eye Gene Parmesan on “Arrested Development,” a cult-classic character on a cult-classic show, and would be nominated for an Emmy, his first, in 2016 for a guest run on “Veep.” Willy Sanjuan, Invision Robert Towne Screenwriter Robert Towne poses at The Regency Hotel, March 7, 2006, in New York. Towne, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer of "Shampoo," "The Last Detail" and other acclaimed films whose work on "Chinatown" became a model of the art form and helped define the jaded allure of his native Los Angeles, died Monday, July 1, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, said publicist Carri McClure. She declined to comment on any cause of death. Jim Cooper - stringer, ASSOCIATED PRESS Vic Seixas Vic Seixas of the United States backhands a volley from Denmark's Jurgen Ulrich in the first round of men's singles match at Wimbledon, England, June 27, 1967. Vic Seixas, a Wimbledon winner and tennis Hall of Famer who was the oldest living Grand Slam champion, has died July 5 at the age of 100. The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced Seixas’ death on Saturday July 6, 2024, based on confirmation from his daughter Tori. AP Photo/File James Inhofe In this June 30, 2020, file photo, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., speaks to reporters following a GOP policy meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Former Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma died July 9. He was 89. The family says in a statement that the Republican had a stroke during the July Fourth holiday and died Tuesday morning. Inhofe was a powerful fixture in state politics for decades. He doubted that climate change was caused by human activity, calling the theory “the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.” As Oklahoma’s senior U.S. senator, he was a staunch supporter of the state’s military installations. He was elected to a fifth Senate term in 2020 and stepped down in early 2023. Manuel Balce Ceneta Joe Bonsall The Oak Ridge Boys, from left, Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, Duane Allen and William Lee Golden hold their awards for Top Vocal Group and Best Album of the Year for "Ya'll Come Back Saloon", during the 14th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles, Calif., May 3, 1979. Bonsall died on July 9, 2024, from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Hendersonville, Tenn. He was 76. A Philadelphia native and resident of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Bonsall joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, which originally formed in the 1940s. He saw the band through its golden period in the '80s and beyond, which included their signature 1981 song “Elvira.” The hit marked a massive crossover moment for the group, reaching No. 1 on the country chart and No. 5 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100. The group is also known for such hits as 1982’s “Bobbie Sue." Lennox Mclendon - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS Shelley Duvall Shelley Duvall poses for photographers at the 30th Cannes Film Festival in France, May 27, 1977. Duvall, whose wide-eyed, winsome presence was a mainstay in the films of Robert Altman and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick's “The Shining,” died July 11. She was 75. Jean-Jacques Levy - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS Dr. Ruth Westheimer Dr. Ruth Westheimer holds a copy of her book "Sex for Dummies" at the International Frankfurt Book Fair 'Frankfurter Buchmesse' in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007. Westheimer, the sex therapist who became a pop icon, media star and best-selling author through her frank talk about once-taboo bedroom topics, died on July 12, 2024. She was 96. Bernd Kammerer - stringer, ASSOCIATED PRESS Richard Simmons Richard Simmons sits for a portrait in Los Angeles, June 23, 1982. Simmons, a fitness guru who urged the overweight to exercise and eat better, died July 13 at the age of 76. Simmons was a court jester of physical fitness who built a mini-empire in his trademark tank tops and short shorts by urging the overweight to exercise and eat better. Simmons was a former 268-pound teen who shared his hard-won weight loss tips as the host of the Emmy-winning daytime “Richard Simmons Show" and the “Sweatin' to the Oldies” line of exercise videos, which became a cultural phenomenon. Richard Drew - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS Jacoby Jones Former NFL receiver Jacoby Jones died July 14 at age 40. Jones' 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history. The Houston Texans were Jones’ team for the first five seasons of his career. They announced his death on Sunday. In a statement released by the NFL Players Association, his family said he died at his home in New Orleans. A cause of death was not given. Jones played from 2007-15 for the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He made several huge plays for the Ravens during their most recent Super Bowl title season, including that kick return. AP File Photo Shannen Doherty The "Beverly Hills, 90210" star whose life and career were roiled by tabloid stories, Shannen Doherty died July 13 at 53. Doherty's publicist said the actor died Saturday following years with breast cancer. Catapulted to fame as Brenda in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” she worked in big-screen films including "Mallrats" and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and in TV movies including "A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story," in which she played the "Gone with the Wind" author. Doherty co-starred with Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano in the series “Charmed” from 1998-2001; appeared in the “90210” sequel series seven years later and competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010. Peter Kramer, Associated Press James Sikking Actor James Sikking poses for a photograph at the Los Angeles gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Organization for Women, Dec. 1, 1986. Sikking, who starred as a hardened police lieutenant on “Hill Street Blues” and as the titular character's kindhearted dad on “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” died July 13 of complications from dementia, his publicist Cynthia Snyder said in a statement. He was 90. Avery - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS Pat Williams Pat Williams chats with media before the 2004 NBA draft in Orlando, Fla. Williams, a co-founder of the Orlando Magic and someone who spent more than a half-century working within the NBA, died July 17 from complications related to viral pneumonia. The team announced the death Wednesday. Williams was 84. He started his NBA career as business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968, then had stints as general manager of the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks and the 76ers — helping that franchise win a title in 1983. Williams was later involved in starting the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando. The league’s board of governors granted an expansion franchise in 1987, and the team began play in 1989. AP File Photo Lou Dobbs Lou Dobbs speaks Feb. 24, 2017, at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md. Dobbs, the conservative political pundit and veteran cable TV host who was a founding anchor for CNN and later was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade, died July 18. He was 78. His death was announced in a post on his official X account, which called him a “fighter till the very end – fighting for what mattered to him the most, God, his family and the country.” He hosted “Lou Dobbs Tonight” on Fox from 2011 to 2021, following two separate stints at CNN. No cause of death was given. Alex Brandon, Associated Press Bob Newhart Bob Newhart, center, poses with members of the cast and crew of the "Bob Newhart Show," from top left, Marcia Wallace, Bill Daily, Jack Riley, and, Suzanne Pleshette, foreground left, and Dick Martin at TV Land's 35th anniversary tribute to "The Bob Newhart Show" on Sept. 5, 2007, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Newhart has died at age 94. Jerry Digney, Newhart’s publicist, says the actor died July 18 in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. The accountant-turned-comedian gained fame with a smash album and became one of the most popular TV stars of his time. Newhart was a Chicago psychologist in “The Bob Newhart Show” in the 1970s and a Vermont innkeeper on “Newhart” in the 1980s. Both shows featured a low-key Newhart surrounded by eccentric characters. The second had a twist ending in its final show — the whole series was revealed to have been a dream by the psychologist he played in the other show. Mark J. Terrill - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS Cheng Pei-Pei Cheng Pei-pei, a Chinese-born martial arts film actor who starred in Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” died July 17 at age 78. Her family says Cheng, who had been diagnosed with a rare illness with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, passed away Wednesday at home surrounded by her loved ones. The Shanghai-born film star became a household name in Hong Kong, once dubbed the Hollywood of the Far East, for her performances in martial arts movies in the 1960s. She played Jade Fox, who uses poisoned needles, in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was released in 2000, grossed $128 million in North America and won four Oscars. Chris Pizzello - invision linkable, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP Abdul 'Duke' Fakir Abdul “Duke” Fakir holds his life time achievement award backstage at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles. The last surviving original member of the Four Tops died July 22. Abdul “Duke” Fakir was 88. He was a charter member of the Motown group along with lead singer Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. Between 1964 and 1967, the Tops had 11 top 20 hits and two No. 1′s: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and the operatic classic “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Other songs, often stories of romantic pain and longing, included “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Standing in the Shadows of Love,” “Bernadette” and “Just Ask the Lonely.” Matt Sayles, Associated Press Bernice Johnson Reagon Sculptress Elizabeth Catlett, left, then-Washington D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Dixon, center, and then-curator, division of community life, Smithsonian institution Bernice Johnson Reagon chat during the reception at the Candace awards on June 25, 1991 in New York. Reagon, a musician and scholar who used her rich, powerful contralto voice in the service of the American Civil Rights Movement and human rights struggles around the world, died on July 16, 2024, according to her daughter's social media post. She was 81. Chrystyna Czajkowsky - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS John Mayall John Mayall, the British blues musician whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a training ground for Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood and many other superstars, died July 22. He was 90. He is credited with helping develop the English take on urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues that played an important role in the blues revival of the late 1960s. A statement on Mayall's official Instagram page says he died Monday at his home in California. Though Mayall never approached the fame of some of his illustrious alumni, he was still performing in his late 80s, pounding out his version of Chicago blues. Sandro Campardo - foreign subscriber, ASSOCIATED PRESS Erica Ash Erica Ash, an actor and comedian skilled in sketch comedy who starred in the parody series “Mad TV” and “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” has died. She was 46. Her publicist and a statement by her mother, Diann, says Ash died July 28 in Los Angeles of cancer. Ash impersonated Michelle Obama and Condoleeza Rice on “Mad TV,” a Fox sketch series, and was a key performer on the Rosie O’Donnell-created series “The Big Gay Sketch Show.” Her other credits included “Scary Movie V,” “Uncle Drew” and the LeBron James-produced basketball dramedy “Survivor’s Remorse.” On the BET series “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” Ash played the ex-wife of Kevin Hart’s character. Richard Shotwell - invision linkable, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP Jack Russell Jack Russell, the lead singer of the bluesy '80s metal band Great White whose hits included “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Rock Me” and was fronting his band the night 100 people died in a 2003 nightclub fire in Rhode Island, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. He was 63. AP Photo/Jill Connelly, file Chi Chi Rodriguez Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez, a Hall of Fame golfer whose antics on the greens and inspiring life story made him among the sport’s most popular players during a long professional career, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. AP Photo/Steven Senne, File Susan Wojcicki Susan Wojcicki, the former YouTube chief executive officer and longtime Google executive, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, after suffering with non small cell lung cancer for the past two years. She was 56. AP Photo/Markus Schreiber Frank Selvy Frank Selvy, an All-America guard at Furman who scored an NCAA Division I-record 100 points in a game and later played nine NBA seasons, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. He was 91. AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain, File Wally Amos Wallace “Wally” Amos, the creator of the cookie empire that took his name and made it famous and who went on to become a children’s literacy advocate, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, from complications with dementia. He was 88. AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni, File Gena Rowlands Gena Rowlands, hailed as one of the greatest actors to ever practice the craft and a guiding light in independent cinema as a star in groundbreaking movies by her director husband, John Cassavetes, and who later charmed audiences in her son's tear-jerker “The Notebook,” died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. She was 94. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File Peter Marshall Peter Marshall, the actor and singer turned game show host who played straight man to the stars for 16 years on “The Hollywood Squares,” died. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 He was 98. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File Alain Delon Alain Delon, the internationally acclaimed French actor who embodied both the bad guy and the policeman and made hearts throb around the world, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. He was 88. Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File Phil Donahue Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre that brought success to Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and many others, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, after a long illness. He was 88. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File Al Attles Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who coached the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and spent more than six decades with the organization as a player, general manager and most recently team ambassador, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. He was 87. AP Photo/Ben Margot, File John Amos John Amos, who starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots,” died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. He was 84. Amy Sussman/Invision/AP, File James Darren James Darren, a teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film “Gidget,” died Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. He was 88. AP Photo, File James Earl Jones James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen has died. He was 93. His agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed Jones died Sept. 9 at home. Jones was a pioneering actor who eventually lent his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader. Working deep into his 80s, he won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors and was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theater was renamed in his honor. Michael Zorn - invision linkable, Michael Zorn/Invision/AP Frankie Beverly Frankie Beverly, who with his band Maze inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and lasting anthems including “Before I Let Go,” has died. He was 77. His family said in a post on the band’s website and social media accounts that Beverly died Sept. 10. In the post, which asked for privacy, the family said “he lived his life with a pure soul, as one would say, and for us, no one did it better.” The post did not say his cause of death or where he died. Beverly, whose songs include “Joy and Pain,” “Love is the Key,” and “Southern Girl,” finished his farewell “I Wanna Thank You Tour” in his hometown of Philadelphia in July. Patrick Semansky - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS Joe Schmidt Joe Schmidt, the Hall of Fame linebacker who helped the Detroit Lions win NFL championships in 1953 and 1957 and later coached the team, has died. He was 92. The Lions said family informed the team Schmidt died Sept. 11. A cause of death was not provided. One of pro football’s first great middle linebackers, Schmidt played his entire NFL career with the Lions from 1953-65. An eight-time All-Pro, he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and the college football version in 2000. Born in Pittsburgh, Schmidt played college football in his hometown at Pitt. Jose Juarez, AP File Chad McQueen Chad McQueen, an actor known for his performances in the “Karate Kid” movies and the son of the late actor and racer Steve McQueen, died Sep. 11. His lawyer confirmed his death at age 63. McQueen's family shared a statement on social media saying he lived a life “filled with love and dedication.” McQueen was a professional race car driver, like his father, and competed in the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona races. He is survived by his wife Jeanie and three children, Chase, Madison and Steven, who is an actor best known for “The Vampire Diaries.” Lionel Cironneau - stringer, ASSOCIATED PRESS Tito Jackson Tito Jackson, one of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5, died at age 70 on Sept. 15. Jackson was the third of nine children, including global superstars Michael and Janet. The Jackson 5 included brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael. They signed with Berry Gordy’s Motown empire in the 1960s. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and produced several No. 1 hits in the 1970s, including “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.” Mark Von Holden, Associated Press JD Souther John David “JD” Souther has died. He was a prolific songwriter and musician whose collaborations with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt helped shape the country-rock sound that took root in Southern California in the 1970s. Souther joined in on some of the Eagles’ biggest hits, such as “Best of My Love,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Heartache Tonight." The Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee also collaborated with James Taylor, Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt and many more. His biggest hit as a solo artist was “You’re Only Lonely.” He was about to tour with Karla Bonoff. Souther died Sept. 17 at his home in New Mexico, at 78. In this photo, JD Souther and Alison Krauss attend the Songwriters Hall of Fame 44th annual induction and awards gala on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in New York. Charles Sykes - invision linkable, Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Dan Evans Sen. Dan Evans stands with his three sons, from left, Mark, Bruce and Dan Jr., after he won the election for Washington's senate seat in Seattle, Nov. 8, 1983. Evans, a former Washington state governor and a U.S. Senator, died Sept. 20. The popular Republican was 98. He served as governor from 1965 to 1977, and he was the keynote speaker at the 1968 National Republican Convention. In 1983, Evans was appointed to served out the term of Democratic Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson after he died in office. Evans opted not to stand for election in 1988, citing the “tediousness" of the Senate. He later served as a regent at the University of Washington, where the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance bears his name. Barry Sweet - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS Mercury Morris Eugene “Mercury” Morris, who starred for the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins as part of a star-studded backfield and helped the team win two Super Bowl titles, died Sept. 21. He was 77. The team on Sunday confirmed the death of Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. In a statement, his family said his “talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.” Morris was the starting halfback and one of three go-to runners that Dolphins coach Don Shula utilized in Miami’s back-to-back title seasons of 1972 and 1973, alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns in both of those seasons. Charles Rex Arbogast, AP File John Ashton John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. He was 76. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, file Maggie Smith Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, died Sept. 27 at 89. Smith's publicist announced the news Friday. She was frequently rated the preeminent British female performer of a generation that included Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench. “Jean Brodie” brought her the Academy Award for best actress in 1969. Smith added a supporting actress Oscar for “California Suite” in 1978. Reed Saxon, Associated Press Kris Kristofferson Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and an A-list Hollywood actor, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 88. Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File Drake Hogestyn Drake Hogestyn, the “Days of Our Lives” star who appeared on the show for 38 years, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. He was 70. AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File Ron Ely Ron Ely, the tall, musclebound actor who played the title character in the 1960s NBC series “Tarzan,” died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at age 86. AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File Dikembe Mutombo Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58. AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File Frank Fritz Frank Fritz, left, part of a two-man team who drove around the U.S. looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the reality show “American Pickers,” died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 60. He's shown here with co-host Mike Wolfe at the A+E Networks 2015 Upfront in New York on April 30, 2015. Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File Pete Rose Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. He was 83. AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File Cissy Houston Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in her New Jersey home. She was 91. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File Ethel Kennedy Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, her family said. She was 96. AP Photo/Henry Burroughs, File Liam Payne Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said. He was 31. Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File Mitzi Gaynor Mitzi Gaynor, among the last survivors of the so-called golden age of the Hollywood musical, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. She was 93. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File Fernando Valenzuela Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. He was 63. AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File Jack Jones Jack Jones, a Grammy-winning crooner known for “The Love Boat” television show theme song, died, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. He was 86. AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File Phil Lesh Phil Lesh, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at age 84. AP Photo/Morry Gash, File Teri Garr Teri Garr, the quirky comedy actor who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star of such favorites as "Young Frankenstein" and "Tootsie," died Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024. She was 79. AP Photo/Mark Terrill, File Quincy Jones Quincy Jones, the multitalented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, died Sunday, Nov 3, 2024. He was 91 Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File Bobby Allison Bobby Allison, founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. He was 86. AP Photo/File Song Jae-lim Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “Queen Woo,” was found dead at his home in capital Seoul, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. He was 39. Jo Soo-jung/Newsis via AP Timothy West British actor Timothy West, who played the classic Shakespeare roles of King Lear and Macbeth and who in recent years along with his wife, Prunella Scales, enchanted millions of people with their boating exploits on Britain's waterways, died Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. He was 90. Gareth Fuller/PA via AP Bela Karolyi Bela Karolyi, the charismatic if polarizing gymnastics coach who turned young women into champions and the United States into an international power in the sport, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. He was 82. AP Photo/Susan Ragan, File Arthur Frommer Arthur Frommer, whose "Europe on 5 Dollars a Day" guidebooks revolutionized leisure travel by convincing average Americans to take budget vacations abroad, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 95. AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) Bob Love Former Chicago Bulls forward Bob Love, a three-time All-Star who spent 11 years in the NBA, died Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. He was 81. AP Photo/Fred Jewell, File Chuck Woolery Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. He was 83. Ronda Churchill/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File Barbara Taylor Bradford Barbara Taylor Bradford, a British journalist who became a publishing sensation in her 40s with the saga "A Woman of Substance" and wrote more than a dozen other novels that sold tens of millions of copies, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. She was 91. Caroll Taveras/Bradford Enterprises via AP Stay up-to-date on what's happeningRomeo Lavia injury update: Enzo Maresca on Chelsea midfielder's substitution against Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League win

2027: Political movements spread as bigwigs plot Tinubu’s ouster

One dead in Ecuador, Peru ports closed amid massive wavesNo. 5 UCLA stuns No. South Carolina, ends 43-game streakGriezmann double makes it nine wins in a row for Atletico after stunning 4-3 victory over SevillaWho is Bullying Whom? Madam: According to the federal Social Media Minimum Age legislation, children under sixteen are to be banned from social media because they are deemed “generally more vulnerable to the harms associated with the platform” such as bullying, exposure to pornography and other forms of exploitation. Though not addressed by the new law, there are physiological reasons for such vulnerability: the emotional, impetuous, “hot” limbic system is not likely to be constrained by an evaluating, “cold” pre-central cortex until the mid-twenties. Thus, lacking adult “agency” (or capacity for mature decision-making), young people are deemed vulnerable to social-media pressure and deserve protection until knowledge, wisdom and psychological strength accrue. However, there is much contradiction in politicians’ claims of protection of the vulnerable: many proclaim the very same young people who are unable to handle social media challenges, nevertheless...

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AP News Summary at 3:29 p.m. ESTNebraska plans not to get caught sleeping vs. South DakotaUS President Joe Biden on Sunday said deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad should be "held accountable" but called the nation's political upheaval a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their country. In the first full US reaction to Assad's overthrow by an Islamist-led coalition of rebel factions, Biden also warned that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the emergence of terrorist groups, announcing that US forces had just conducted fresh strikes against militants from the Islamic State organization. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.

RUTLAND, Vt., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (" Casella ”) (NASDAQ:CWST), a regional solid waste, recycling and resource management services company, today announced an offering of up to $45.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Finance Authority of Maine (the " Authority ”) Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Project) Series 2024 (the " Bonds ”) under an indenture between the Authority and the bond trustee. The Bonds will be guaranteed under a guaranty (the " Guaranty ”) by substantially all of Casella's subsidiaries (the " Guarantors ”), as required by the terms of the financing agreement between the Authority and Casella (the " Financing Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Authority will loan the proceeds of the Bonds to Casella. Casella intends to use the proceeds of the Bonds to fund the costs of certain qualifying capital projects in the State of Maine, to pay certain costs of issuance, and to refinance and repay in full on the stated maturity date of January 1, 2025 (required to be paid on January 2, 2025 under the applicable indenture) the Authority's Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Project) Series 2005 (the " 2005 Bonds ”) previously issued to finance certain project costs and costs of issuance under an indenture between the Authority and the bond trustee dated as of December 1, 2005, as amended. The exact terms and timing of the offering of the Bonds will depend upon market conditions and other factors. There can be no assurance that all approvals with respect to the Bonds will be received, that all other conditions to the issuance of the Bonds will be satisfied or that the offering will be completed. The Bonds will not be a general obligation of the Authority and will not constitute indebtedness of or a charge against the general credit of the Authority. The Bonds will not be a debt of the State of Maine or any political subdivision of the State of Maine and will be payable solely from any remarketing proceeds and from amounts received from Casella under the terms of the Financing Agreement and from the Guarantors under the Guaranty. The Bonds will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " Securities Act ”). The Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Bonds, nor shall there be any sale of the Bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This notice is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act. Safe Harbor Statement Certain matters discussed in this press release, including, among others, the statements regarding the offering of the Bonds and Casella's expectations regarding the use of proceeds of the Bonds (including to refinance the 2005 Bonds), are "forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such by the context of the statements, including words such as "believe,” "expect,” "anticipate,” "plan,” "may,” "will,” "would,” "intend,” "estimate,” "guidance” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which Casella operates and management's beliefs and assumptions. Casella cannot guarantee that the offering of the Bonds will be completed, that the Bond proceeds will be available or applied as expected or that it actually will achieve the plans, intentions, expectations or guidance disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in Casella's forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include or relate to, among other things: market conditions and Casella's ability to consummate the offering of the Bonds, the receipt of all necessary consents and the satisfaction of all other closing conditions with respect to the issuance of the Bonds, as well as additional risks and uncertainties detailed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors” in Casella's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, in Item 1A, "Risk Factors” in Casella's most recently filed Form 10-Q and in other filings that Casella periodically makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that Casella will be able to complete the offering of the Bonds on the anticipated terms, or at all. Casella undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors: Charlie Wohlhuter Director of Investor Relations (802) 772-2230 Media: Jeff Weld Vice President of Communications (802) 772-2234 http://www.casella.comsg777 co

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( MENAFN - media OutReach Newswire) SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 December 2024 - BEST Inc. Malaysia, a trailblazer in the logistics and supply chain industry, celebrates its incredible journey from its inception in 2020 to stepping into 2025 as a powerhouse of innovation and growth. In just five years, BEST Inc Malaysia has expanded its operations into five thriving business verticals, establishing itself as a cornerstone of efficiency and excellence in Malaysia's logistics ecosystem. In just five years, the company has expanded its operations into five thriving business verticals, establishing itself as a cornerstone of efficiency and excellence in Malaysia's logistics ecosystem. A Remarkable Growth Story Launched in 2020, BEST Inc. Malaysia entered the market with a vision to redefine logistics through technology-driven solutions. By 2024, the company has achieved remarkable milestones, handling 500,000 parcels daily, operating 10 strategically located hubs, and overseeing 300 stations nationwide with a dedicated fleet of 1,500 riders. Now, as BEST Inc. Malaysia enters 2025, its operations span five dynamic business verticals: MENAFN29122024003551001712ID1109040286 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the move aims to drive “real improvements” for disabled people, whom the ministers will be encouraged to engage with on a regular basis. He told the Commons: “I am very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of new lead ministers for disability in each Government department, they will represent the interests of disabled people, champion disability inclusion and accessibility within their departments. “I’m going to chair regular meetings with them and will encourage them to engage directly with disabled people and their representative organisations, as they take forward their departmental priorities. “And I look forward to this new group of lead ministers for disability together driving real improvements across Government for disabled people.” This came during an adjournment debate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concerns about “floating bus stops”, which have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement. Intervening, the MP for Torbay, who is registered blind, said: “The Government needs to ban floating bus stops.” Sir Stephen said: “I do think this issue about floating bus stops is an important issue which we need to work across Government to reflect on.” Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who led the debate, had earlier criticised the lack of accessibility for disabled people on trains. The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP said: “Our train network does not have level access, and we heard Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson from the other place make this plea back in the summer, absolutely outrageous what she was put through. “But I was absolutely shocked to find, when I had a presentation of the TransPennine route upgrade, that the rolling stock yet to be commissioned is not going to provide that level access. “It’s absolute nonsense, it’s not even in the design of that procurement, so we must do better than this.”

James Harden Refusing To Sit Out In Back-To-Back Games For Clipperssg777 today

'Move in the right direction': Chryslers on the Murray changes set outJERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. “We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave,” he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in the cities of Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, asserting they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military didn't immediately respond to questions about Tedros' post but issued a statement saying it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel’s territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively.” The strikes came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad’s regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthis' media outlet confirmed the strikes in a Telegram post, and the Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also has targeted the Houthis in Yemen in recent days. The United Nations has noted that the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014 . Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv , while other missiles and drones have been shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that the council condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying weapons to the rebels. 5 journalists killed in Gaza Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight , the territory's Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said that all were militants posing as reporters. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists were working for the local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel, which ignited the war. The Israeli military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, had confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups operate political, media and charitable operations in addition to their armed wings. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. Sobbing young men attended the funeral outside the hospital. The bodies were wrapped in shrouds, with blue press vests draped over them. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel has banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accused six of its Gaza reporters of being militants . The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Another Israeli soldier killed Separately, Israel's military said that a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza early Thursday. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation more than a year ago. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border in an attack on nearby army bases and farming communities. They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities have been women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and driven around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said that it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. ___ Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed. A previous version of this story was corrected to show that the name of the local news outlet is Al-Quds Today, not the Quds News Network. ___ Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Josef Federman And Wafaa Shurafa, The Associated Press

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The San Diego Union-Tribune’s panel of economists and business leaders reflect on the past year and share what they’re grateful for this year. Question: What are you most thankful for, economically, this Thanksgiving? Economists Caroline Freund, University of California-San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy Innovative economy: I am thankful that the U.S. economy remains the strongest and most innovative in the world. Despite the COVID shock, global conflicts and domestic polarization, the economy is growing, unemployment is low, and inflation is under control. The U.S. is leading in new technologies, such as AI and biotechnology, which will boost productivity and advance health care. But we can’t do it alone, and must continue to work with our allies and partners for a better future. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research Recognizing “it’s the economy, stupid”: What matters most in politics is the economy, which remained the top issue for voters nationwide according to exit polls. Negative views on the economy seems to have overridden bad feelings about Trump, while Harris was unable to convince voters her economic plan was different from Biden’s, which frustrated most voters. Lower rates of inflation do not mean prices are coming down but just rising more slowly. What really hurts consumers is higher compounding prices. James Hamilton, University of California-San Diego Soft landing: It’s hard for the Fed to bring inflation down without causing a recession. Many analysts were predicting a recession for 2024, and some were even saying that a recession had already started. But we’re almost through the year now and the unemployment rate remains quite low by historical standards. To be sure, there are real concerns about the economic policies and geopolitical conflicts that the new year may bring. But, right now, we have prosperity and peace. Norm Miller, University of San Diego Freedom, civility and capitalism: I recently finished reading “Patriot” by Alexi Navalny, which details the ruthlessness and corruption of autocrats like Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un and many leaders in Africa. Corruption at all levels of government inevitably undermines the benefits of free markets and diminishes the wealth of any afflicted nation. While our country is not without its flaws, and some government agencies and police actions are not always just, we are still far better off than much of the world. David Ely, San Diego State University Lower inflation rate: The rate of inflation has declined significantly since 2022 and is now approaching the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. While prices remain well above pre-COVID levels, the stress and uncertainty created by rapidly escalating prices has diminished. The central bank was sufficiently comfortable with inflation and other economic data to begin lowering its target interest rate in September. Additional cuts to its target interest rate over the next year are likely. Executives Phil Blair, Manpower Jobs: Jobs are available for whomever wants one. The San Diego economy, while not flourishing, is still able to support anyone anxious to work at a fair and reasonable pay rate. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors Prosperity: Notwithstanding a brutal national election, razor close and with an outcome that is highly unsettling to many, ours remains a nation of unquestionable prosperity. The key challenge over the months and years ahead is whether our “lived” economy can match the healthy metrics of lowered inflation, low unemployment and GDP growth, among others. I think time will cure the current economic angst, unless we meddle too much with things like tariffs and mass deportations. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates San Diego’s well-rounded economy: San Diego’s economy is robust and diverse, with vital sectors in biotechnology, health care, military, tourism and telecommunications. It is also a hotspot for innovation and startups, particularly in the biosciences. Tourism is a significant economic driver, supporting many local businesses, including ours. Add in the military, education, sports, weather, quality of life, and voila. The icing on the cake is having my family here. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth Economic foundations: I am thankful we currently live in a country with eager entrepreneurs, abundant risk-taking investors, a booming public market, historically low unemployment, and stable laws where most people have the opportunity to thrive. Frankly, I am quite concerned about how the coming chapter may impact these norms. I expect several extreme policies to have an uneven impact on industries, international trade, the protections and availability of labor, inflation, social programs and consumer confidence. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health Health care: I’m grateful for great health care in San Diego and the enormous economic value and community benefit provided by the many health care organizations, hospitals and tens of thousands of physicians, nurses, technicians and support teams providing care to our communities. We often take health care for granted, but please don’t. Many health care organizations are at risk and face shortages of physicians and other providers. Additionally, violence against health care workers is rising. I’m thankful for these heroes every day. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere A resilient U.S. economy: In a presidential election year, uncertainty and volatility can cloud the market and raise fear in investors. Despite this, we have seen low unemployment, improved consumer confidence, continued economic growth and lowered inflation. The market’s performance this year has reflected an underlying economic strength and optimism. Investors were also relieved to see a quick and decisive election outcome. ©2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.TRON, BNB Holders Diversify into Lightchain AI to Turn $100 into $10,000

James Harden Refusing To Sit Out In Back-To-Back Games For ClippersHear me out: maybe we should have just let Y2K happen?Wake Forest still experimenting ahead of Detroit Mercy game

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sg7772 Title: Discovery of Four Millennia-old Wooden Tablets with Chinese Characters Unearthed in South KoreaIn conclusion, the recent incident involving the carrying of scissors on a train underscores the complexities and challenges of maintaining safety and security in public transportation. It serves as a reminder for both railway operators and passengers to prioritize safety above all else. By working together and upholding the highest standards of security, we can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone traveling on trains.Pressure is likely to intensify in the new year for Thailand to repeal its abusive criminal defamation laws as flaws in the multiple cases against advocate-journalist Chutima Sidasathian. Many others have exposed the laws' deficiencies. Last month, reports from two international NGOs highlighted the failure of recent reforms aimed at identifying and obliterating the increasing number of SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) cases. A third well-regarded international organisation, the London-based Index on Censorship, also selected Ms Chutima from the shortlist of three for the Freedom of Expression Awards in the category of journalism. The award, announced on Nov 22 in London, went to Nasim Soltanbeygi, an Iranian journalist and human rights defender. As a journalist, Ms Chutima and an Australian colleague faced down the powerful Royal Thai Navy (RTN) a decade ago and were found to be innocent of charges of criminal defamation and computer crimes. This year, Ms Chutima has also beaten eight of the nine charges laid against her by a local elected official after her investigation exposed a banking loans scandal involving the theft of millions of baht intended as financial aid for farmers. While the local elected official said that his serial charges over Ms Chutima's Facebook posts had nothing to do with the scandal but were "personal and political", her investigation led to checks being made all over Thailand and the arrest of an elected official in another province over the disappearance of 100 million baht. The villagers who became victims of the fraud and theft had been fighting to have the scandal exposed since 2012, but law enforcement officers chose not to investigate. It wasn't until after Ms Chutima revealed what had taken place that officials reacted. Ms Chutima says Thailand should repeal the criminal defamation laws. Those who want to seek justice from libel can still lodge claims of civil defamation. "The laws could be modified so that once a civil case is decided, criminal penalties could be applied in extreme cases involving corruption or other crimes." Criminal defamation itself corrupts the judicial system. Ms Chutima says that police almost always accept criminal defamation allegations -- often without a thorough investigation -- because they see it as "their duty". A global campaign is being mounted to end the misuse of criminal defamation laws and SLAPPs against journalists, advocates and human rights defenders. Thailand, which takes a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Commission next year, is seen to be among the worst offenders. Article 19 -- London-based group advocating freedom of expression -- calculated a 50% increase in the number of criminal defamation cases filed in Thailand from 2015 to 2020, adding that the country has "seen a deluge of criminal defamation cases against individuals, raising concerns about human rights abuses, labour rights violations, corruption, or government or corporate failures". In its September report, "Solving SLAPPs: Identifying and Addressing Gaps in Thailand's Anti-SLAPP Framework", the New York-based Clooney Foundation for Justice spells out across 112 pages the case for repealing criminal defamation, or at least introducing major reforms that upgrade recent flawed anti-SLAPP modifications. "Across the world, the law is being weaponised to silence human rights defenders, activists, and media workers -- Thailand is no exception," the report begins. "Of the 36 criminal defamation SLAPPs identified in this report, [including Ms Chutima's] none were filtered out by recently introduced anti-SLAPP measures or, indeed, by pre-existing screening processes. "While none of the lawsuits identified in this report resulted in convictions, defendants were forced to spend time, money, and energy defending themselves against abusive litigation." In Thailand, more than 25,000 defamation cases have been filed since 2015, according to the recently released report "Silencing Dissent: Defamation Laws and the Fight for Free Expression in Thailand" prepared by Article 19. The group warned that the defamation law "increasingly weaponised to silence critical voices" and urges Thailand to join the global movement towards decriminalising defamation and bring its legislation in line with international human rights standards. "By undertaking comprehensive reforms, Thailand can uphold its commitment to human rights, foster a vibrant democracy, and create a more just and equitable society." The Clooney Foundation report added that Thai law is "failing to prevent judicial process from being turned against freedom of expression and assembly. As such, Thailand finds itself at a crossroads". At a three-day UN regional rights symposium in Bangkok last month, Ms Chutima spoke in a panel that addressed "Lawsuit or Lawfare? Ensuring Access to Justice in the Face of SLAPPs." "It may be that there are other solutions for other democracies, but I am convinced the criminal defamation laws need to be killed in Thailand if the country is to embrace true freedom of speech," Ms Chutima said. She has been declared a human rights defender and the cases against her earmarked as SLAPP cases after an investigation by Thailand's National Human Rights Commission. Although Ms Chutima's unpaid work as a community advocate has freed scores of undereducated and impoverished farmers from ill-judged litigation and the inference of criminal behaviour on their part, Thailand's Ministry of Justice has ruled that she is "not poor enough" to deserve financial assistance. Alan Morison is the other journalist from the online news outlet Phuketwan found not guilty of criminal defamation and computer crimes in 2015.

The woman, a young mother trying to make ends meet, had been enticed by the prospect of earning extra money while taking care of her child. The scam started innocently enough - she was asked to purchase products from a certain online platform and then write glowing reviews in exchange for substantial cashback rewards. Over time, the scammers gradually increased the amount of money she needed to invest in order to receive the promised rebates.

Wizards’ Growing Pains Seem To Know No Bounds, But Reasons For Hope Do ExistThe potential impact of a new stimulus package cannot be overstated. In addition to providing much-needed relief to businesses and individuals struggling in the current economic climate, it could also serve as a confidence booster for investors and consumers, potentially kick-starting a wave of renewed economic activity and growth.

It is important for individuals to be mindful of the following points when considering massage therapy:The first commercial batch of made-in-Canada low-carbon aviation fuel sourced from non-food grade canola and tallow has been produced and quickly purchased. Fuel retailer Parkland Corp. said Tuesday it has successfully produced about 100,000 litres of the fuel at its refinery in Burnaby, B.C. “using existing infrastructure.” Parkland senior vice-president Ferio Pugliese said it means production can easily be scaled up, but only if Canada provides the necessary conditions to create an ecosystem around the nascent commodity and its adoption across the country. “We need to do more to make low-carbon air travel a reality,” Pugliese said during the announcement in Vancouver on Tuesday. “We need a long-term Canadian solution for low-carbon, sustainable aviation fuel.” While the potential for emission reduction is massive with production in Canada is also significantly more expensive, Pugliese said. He notes that similar low-carbon fuels used in vehicles, buses and ferries have about one-eighth of the carbon content when compared to traditional fuels. Pugliese said other countries such as the United States incentivize production and use of low-carbon jet fuel, creating the necessary ecosystem to support a local industry. “Currently, the Canadian aviation industry purchases low-carbon aviation (fuel) from other countries and imports it from across the globe into Canada. That makes little sense.” Parkland began trying to develop the fuel in 2017, and the entire batch of the first production run has already been bought by Air Canada. Pugliese said the purchase of the fuel by Air Canada completes a value chain within the country that shows local development, production, sale and use of low-carbon jet fuel can be achieved to the benefit of everyone — but only if the support from government is there. “Airlines need very practical solutions, and today, right here in B.C., Parkland has created a made-in-Canada solution to a global challenge,” he said. The comments echoed that of WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech, who in 2023 said the global push for decarbonizing commercial aviation by 2050 will cause spikes in airfares unless governments intervene. Part of the challenge, von Hoensbroech said, is that alternative energy sources such as electric or hydrogen aircraft remains a long way from reality, making the sector difficult to decarbonize. In February, a pair of industry groups, including the National Airlines Council of Canada, said the country needed incentives matching that of the United States to spark production of sustainable aviation fuels. Commercial aviation giant Airbus has said that low-carbon jet fuel can reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by about 80 per cent, and development is ongoing for planes to be able to run completely on it instead of needing to mix it with conventional fuels. But Airbus also said the ecosystem for the fuel is still “in its infancy,” with just 600 million litres produced last year, making up 0.2 per cent of all aviation fuel for 2023. “Appropriate regulatory mechanisms and inventive structures still need to be put in place, and even then, there are challenges associated with the limited availability of land and biowaste,” Airbus said of the technology on its website. Airbus has said it is increasing its own use of low-carbon fuels with a goal of reaching 30 per cent of its total fuel mix by 2030.

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AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:04 p.m. EST

The annual Spring Festival Gala is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated and watched television events in China. Each year, the gala attracts millions of viewers with its vibrant performances, heartwarming stories, and star-studded lineup. As preparations for the 2022 Spring Festival Gala are in full swing, an interesting development has emerged – the inclusion of six language programs in the gala's lineup.The EU and a South American trade bloc reach a giant trade deal after 25 years of talksTrump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan

Flyers’ Matvei Michkov scores game-winning goal in overtime against BlackhawksCal staves off Sacramento State for third straight win

In addition to its remarkable speed boost, the 3DGS also excels in producing lifelike graphics with unparalleled realism. By accurately capturing and reproducing the full spectrum of light intensities and colors present in HDR scenes, the software delivers a level of visual fidelity that was previously unattainable. This level of detail and precision not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of rendered scenes but also provides a more immersive and engaging user experience.

Another area of focus for the upcoming year is regulatory reforms to enhance financial stability and mitigate risks. Policymakers may introduce new regulations or amend existing frameworks to address emerging challenges in the financial sector. This could include measures to strengthen oversight, improve transparency, and enhance risk management practices. By implementing prudent regulatory reforms, authorities aim to safeguard the stability and resilience of the financial system.With no concrete plan in mind, Liu arrived in Wuhan with only a small amount of savings and a big dream. Inspired by his girlfriend's love for ice cream, Liu decided to take a leap of faith and start his own ice cream business in the bustling city. Armed with a mobile ice cream cart, Liu set out to explore the streets of Wuhan, selling his homemade frozen treats to passersby.

For those who prefer a more interactive shopping experience, Douyin, the popular short video platform owned by Bytedance, is hosting special live-streaming events and in-app shopping features for Double 12. Influencers and content creators on Douyin are showcasing their favorite products and offering exclusive discounts to viewers, creating a dynamic shopping experience that combines entertainment with commerce. With its innovative approach to social commerce, Douyin is attracting a younger audience of digital-savvy consumers who seek personalized recommendations and authentic shopping experiences.Cal staves off Sacramento State for third straight win