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Director of National Intelligence (DNI) designee Tulsi Gabbard began her charm offensive with key senators on Monday — and got a boost from hundreds of veterans while seeking to allay concerns about her views on Syria in the wake of the Assad regime’s collapse . More than 250 veterans — including current members of Congress and former federal officials — signed an open letter endorsing her for the DNI position to coordinate between the government’s 17 intelligence agencies. “While most Americans know Tulsi as a fearless and principled Congresswoman who stood up to entrenched political systems, we know her as a fellow veteran — one whose worldview was forged through the crucible of serving in combat zones and a lifelong devotion to service,” the veterans wrote in the letter published Monday. Prominent veterans such as Reps. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.); Brian Mast (R-Fla.), who is set to helm the House Foreign Affairs Committee; former acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller and others had signed the letter, which was first reported by Fox News . “Tulsi’s life exemplifies a rare blend of selflessness, courage, and leadership — qualities desperately needed to reform and strengthen our intelligence community,” the letter added. Despite an onslaught from Democrats and media pundits, Gabbard, 43, was “hitting the ground running better than [Pete] Hegseth” in responding to detractors, one Senate GOP aide observed to The Post, while adding that both are expected to have the necessary votes for confirmation. Only four Republicans in the upper chamber would have to join with every Democrat and independent to tank a nominee. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a veteran who had expressed skepticism about Hegseth being tapped as Pentagon boss, praised Gabbard as a “strong and proven leader” following their meeting earlier Monday. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who is generally one of the more hawkish voices within the Senate GOP, declared Monday that “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees.” There’s also been some speculation that Gabbard could get some support from across the aisle, including from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Politico reported . Last month, when President-elect Donald Trump unveiled Gabbard as his pick for the DNI post, he quickly ignited controversy over her track record on Syria. While serving in the House, Gabbard had met with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in early 2017 during a trip to the war-torn country . Assad was toppled Saturday evening, elevating the issue as Gabbard jockeys to lock down support in the upper chamber. At the time of her meeting with Assad, Gabbard stressed the need for dialogue between the two countries, and subsequently castigated US strikes on Syria under the Trump administration in response to alleged chemical weapon deployments there. Gabbard also openly questioned the legitimacy of allegations from the intelligence community that the former Assad regime was responsible for the chemical attack. All this has led to criticisms from figures like former National Security Adviser John Bolton who have characterized her as an Assad apologist. However, she has also denounced Assad as a “brutal dictator.” In comments that were recently resurfaced about the fracas, Sanders posted on X in October 2019: “Tulsi Gabbard has put her life on the line to defend this country. People can disagree on issues, but it is outrageous for anyone to suggest that Tulsi is a foreign asset.” Gabbard smiled and ignored questions from reporters while on Capitol Hill Monday regarding her track record on Syria. She is widely expected to be framing her encounter with Assad in the context of her opposition to so-called “endless wars,” something that was at the forefront of her failed 2020 bid in the Democratic primary for president. In October, she revealed that she had shifted her party affiliation to Republican at a Trump rally in Greensboro, NC, after having endorsed the 45th president two months before. Several Republicans previously indicated that they have a great number of questions for Gabbard. “We’ll have lots of questions. She met with Bashar Assad. We’ll want to know what the purpose was,” Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) told CNN last month after Gabbard was announced as Trump’s pick. But so far no one in the Senate GOP Conference has publicly opposed her. Potential swing votes such as outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), as well as Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), have been largely tight-lipped on her selection. Overall, many of her skeptics such as House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio), who will not have to vote to confirm her, have refrained being too critical towards her. “I obviously differ a great deal in a number of areas with both her judgment and her background and experience, but what I do trust is the Senate process,” Turner told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

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Appoints Current Dana Director R. Bruce McDonald as Chairman and CEO Announces Plan to Sell Off-Highway Business Initiates $200 Million Cost Reduction Plan Confirms 2024 Full-Year Guidance Ranges for Sales, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow MAUMEE, Ohio , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) today announced the appointment of R. Bruce McDonald , a member of the Dana Board of Directors, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. McDonald's appointment follows the retirement of James Kamsickas as Chief Executive Officer and his departure from the Board. Mr. Kamsickas will remain as an advisor to the Company through March 2025 to support the transition. The Board has retained a leading executive search firm to identify the Company's next permanent CEO. Keith Wandell , Dana's Lead Independent Director, said, "Jim is an exceptional leader with more than 18 years as a CEO in the industry. He led Dana through one of the industry's most challenging periods while successfully building a high-performance culture, enabling a world-class manufacturing company and assembling a portfolio of leading products and technologies. The Board and Jim agreed that now is the right time to transition the leadership of Dana, and we thank Jim for his many contributions over his nine years leading the Company and wish him all the best." Mr. Kamsickas said, "I am proud of the work the Dana team has done over the past decade to grow revenues and successfully enhance the technology to serve all mobility markets no matter what type of propulsion they may use. It has been an honor to lead this talented global team during that time and I am confident the Company is well positioned for the future." Mr. Wandell continued, "We continue to have confidence in the long-term opportunity in the mobility industry, however it is undergoing a significant transformation, including protracted cost pressures and demand uncertainty. To address these challenges and deliver more value to customers and shareholders, Dana is taking action to streamline the business, unlock the value of its Off-Highway business and further reduce costs. Bruce is an experienced public company CEO in our industry with significant M&A expertise, and we are confident that he is the right person to oversee this transformation while the Board conducts a search for a permanent successor." Plan to Sell Off-Highway Business Dana today also announced it has engaged financial advisors Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC to sell its Off-Highway business, which the Board believes will unlock substantial value for shareholders. The Off-Highway business provides drive and motion systems for heavy-duty vehicles in markets such as agriculture, materials handling, mining, construction and forestry. A sale will position Dana with a streamlined go-to-market approach focused on serving its light and commercial vehicle customers, with traditional and electrified products that are largely shared across the remaining portfolio. Proceeds from a potential sale will enable Dana to strengthen its balance sheet through substantially reduced leverage, and to return capital to shareholders. While the Company and its advisors believe there is strong interest in the Off-Highway business, there can be no assurance that the sale process for Off-Highway will result in a transaction. There is no timeframe for the conclusion of the process, and the Company does not intend to comment further regarding this matter unless and until further disclosure is determined to be appropriate. Cost Reduction Actions While Dana continues to improve its profitability in a challenging operating environment, the Company announced further actions to support sustained long-term profitability and enhanced cash flow generation. This includes substantial reductions in selling, general & administrative costs across all the Company's businesses and engineering expenses to match current industry dynamics, including the ongoing delay in the adoption of electric vehicles. The Company expects to deliver annualized savings of approximately $200 million by 2026. Furthermore, the Company plans to reduce capital spending to reflect the revised market demand for electric vehicles. Bruce McDonald , Chief Executive Officer said, "Dana is committed to a strategy that accelerates value creation and has taken action to flex its cost structure and generate efficiencies by leveraging its core strengths through current market conditions. It is clear that further actions are needed, and I am confident that the new incremental cost reductions, paired with the benefits of a potential Off-Highway sale, will enhance shareholder value. Following the Off-Highway business sale, we believe Dana will have an adjusted EBITDA margin and free cash flow margin in excess of current levels." Mr. McDonald continued, "Dana is differentiated by leading technology innovation and a track record of continuous improvement. My conviction in our businesses, the team and the opportunities to capitalize on the EV transition over the long term remain strong. I look forward to stepping into my new role as CEO at such an important time for Dana and will work diligently alongside the Board and management team to deliver on these actions and drive value for Dana shareholders." Reaffirms 2024 Full-Year Guidance Ranges Dana is also reaffirming its previously announced guidance ranges for sales of $10.2 to $10.4 billion , Adjusted EBITDA of $855 to $895 million and free cash flow of $90 to $110 million for full year 2024, as outlined in the Company's third quarter 2024 earnings announcement on October 30, 2024 . About R. Bruce McDonald R. Bruce McDonald is a senior executive with over 30 years of experience in the automotive and manufacturing industries and significant expertise. Mr. McDonald has been a member of the Dana Board of Directors since 2014. He is also the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Adient plc., a global mobility supplier. He previously served as executive vice president and vice chairman of Johnson Controls, Inc., a global manufacturer of automotive, power and building solutions from 2014 to 2016. Mr. McDonald also served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Johnson Controls from 2005 to September 2014 . Before joining Johnson Controls as vice president and corporate controller in 2001, he was vice president for finance at TRW Automotive. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of the Board, Mr. McDonald served on Dana's Audit Committee and as chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and projections contained in this news release are, by their nature, forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates, and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Dana's Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss important risk factors that could affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of this date. Dana does not undertake any obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason. About Dana Incorporated Dana is a leader in the design and manufacture of highly efficient propulsion and energy-management solutions that power vehicles and machines in all mobility markets across the globe. The company is shaping sustainable progress through its conventional and clean-energy solutions that support nearly every vehicle manufacturer with drive and motion systems; electrodynamic technologies, including software and controls; and thermal, sealing, and digital solutions. Based in Maumee, Ohio , USA, the company reported sales of $10.6 billion in 2023 with 42,000 people in 31 countries across six continents. With a history dating to 1904, Dana was named among the "World's Most Ethical Companies" for 2023 and 2024 by Ethisphere and as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies 2023" by Newsweek. The company is driven by a high-performance culture that focuses on valuing others, inspiring innovation, growing responsibly, and winning together, earning it global recognition as a top employer. Learn more at dana.com . Craig Barber , +1-419-699-4990, craig.barber@dana.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dana-announces-leadership-transition-and-actions-to-accelerate-value-creation-302315797.html SOURCE Dana IncorporatedN.B. municipal by-elections show feast or famine on candidates amid challenging political times

ASP Isotopes Inc. Shareholder Notice: Robbins LLP Reminds Investors of the ASPI Securities ...Judge to hear arguments on whether Google's advertising tech constitutes a monopoly ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The Justice Department and Google are set to make closing arguments in a trial alleging Google’s online advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. The arguments in federal court Monday in northern Virginia come as Google is already facing a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine. The Justice Department says it will seek the breakup of Google to remedy its search engine monopoly. The case focuses not on the search engine but on technology that matches online advertisers to consumers on the internet. A judge is expected to rule by the end of the year. ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel DALLAS (AP) — The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday — most of them by car. Thanksgiving Day falling so late this year has altered traditional travel patterns. At airports, the Transportation Security Administration says it could screen a record number of U.S. air travelers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration says a shortage of air traffic controllers could cause flight delays. Transportation analytics company INRIX says roads could be congested on Monday with both commuters and returning holiday travelers. Macy’s says employee hid up to $154 million in expenses, delaying Q3 earnings Macy’s says it’s delaying the release of its fiscal third-quarter earnings results after it discovered an up to $154 million accounting-related issue. The company did provide some preliminary results for its third quarter, including that net sales fell 2.4% to $4.74 billion. It anticipates reporting its full third-quarter financial results by Dec. 11. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Workers at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport have gone on strike during a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services authorized the work stoppage in North Carolina that started Monday morning. Union spokesperson Sean Keady says the strike is expected to last 24 hours. The companies contract with American Airlines to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. Airport officials say this holiday travel season is expected to be the busiest on record. The companies have acknowledged the seriousness of a strike during the holiday travel season. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. ‘Buy now, pay later’ is more popular than ever. It can cost more than you think NEW YORK (AP) — More shoppers are using ‘buy now, pay later’ plans heading into Black Friday and the holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. Experts say the short-term loans can lead consumers to overextend themselves and warn that those who use credit cards for the service face higher interest expenses. The data firm Adobe Analytics predicts shoppers will spend 11.4% more this holiday season using buy now, pay later than they did a year ago. Commerce Department to reduce Intel's funding on semiconductors LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Biden administration plans on reducing part of Intel’s $8.5 billion in federal funding for computer chip plants around the country, according to three people familiar with the grant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. The reduction is largely a byproduct of the $3 billion that Intel is also receiving to provide computer chips to the military. President Joe Biden announced the agreement to provide Intel with up to $8.5 billion in direct funding and $11 billion in loans in March. The changes to Intel’s funding are not related to the company’s financial record or milestones. Stock market today: Wall Street rises near records as Treasury yields ease NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are rising near records and adding to last week’s gains. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Monday and was just below its all-time high set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 395 points to its own record set on Friday, while the Nasdaq composite was 0.1% higher. Treasury yields also eased in the bond market after President-elect Donald Trump said he wants Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager, to be his Treasury Secretary. Bessent has advocated for reducing the U.S. government’s deficit, which could soothe some worries that had been building on Wall Street. Judge in Alex Jones' bankruptcy case to hear arguments on The Onion's bid for Infowars A federal judge in Texas is set to hold a hearing on whether the satirical news outlet The Onion made a valid bid for the Infowars platforms of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who alleges a bankruptcy auction was marred by fraud and collusion. The hearing is set for Monday afternoon. It's not clear how soon the bankruptcy judge will rule. He could allow The Onion to move forward with its purchase, order a new auction or even name the only other bidder as the winner. Jones filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits by families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut.

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Investigator finds Colorado voter system passwords were not intentionally posted onlineLAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Some people highlight the negative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and try to undermine its importance. Earlier, we used to give commands to computers and robots. But, the advancement in science and technology has enabled us to produce robots and machines that do not require our commands to function. AI is one such technology, enabling robots to make decisions on their own without human intervention. It is worth mentioning that all the things which were once beyond our imagination, are now a part of our daily lives. Similarly, AI is bound to be a significant tool in our lives. Some experts and scientists believe that it may become as important as a ventilator for a patient. The opponents of AI technology argue that it has deprived humans of a number of job opportunities. This may well be true. However, if we analyse the situation closely and on a wider scale, we will realise that the problem of unemployment is actually decreasing with the birth of new branches in the industrial sector. Hence, AI is not a threat or a curse; it is a great gift of science that aims at making our lives easier. Many writers and philosophers believe that human beings would suffer a lot and would become slaves of these robots in the future, but researchers do not agree with such an opinion. They are very clear that humans are developing these robots, and they know what to do and how to use them to their benefit. Just like every lock has a key, every working robot is controlled with algorithms. The human control over robots, as it exists today, is complete. MIAN FARHAN MAHMOOD LAHORE Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );SGTC’s Lane Parton receives the SkillsUSA – Aerotek 2025 “Make Your Mark” scholarshipBlame it on the food and drink?

The loss of ITV's independence would be a blow to creative Britain, says ALEX BRUMMERBig Ten slate features Indiana-Ohio State showdown and Penn State-Minnesota matchup Things to watch this week in the Big Ten Conference: No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP ) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1, No. 2 CFP), Saturday, noon ET (Fox) This marks the 98th matchup between these two teams, but it's only the fourth time both teams have been ranked. Although Indiana is unbeaten, its soft schedule means the Hoosiers aren't assured of making the 12-team field if they lose this game. The only team with a winning record that Indiana has beaten is Washington (6-5). Ohio State needs a win to have a realistic shot at a rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 straight times since the Hoosiers posted back-to-back victories in 1987-88. No. 4 Penn State (9-1, 6-1, No. 4 CFP) at Minnesota (6-4, 4-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS) This is likely Penn State's biggest obstacle on its way to a potential playoff berth. The Nittany Lions' lone remaining regular-season game is a Nov. 30 home matchup with Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Minnesota has had an extra week to prepare this game since its 26-19 loss at Rutgers on Nov. 9, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Penn State and Minnesota have split their last four meetings, with the home team winning each time. Penn State DE Abdul Carter has multiple tackles for loss in each of his last three games. He ranks second among all Bowl Subdivision players in tackles for loss (17 1⁄2). Southern California RB Woody Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards in a 28-20 win over Nebraska. Marks has six 100-yard rushing performances this season. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is the first Scarlet Knight to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Ray Rice did it three straight years from 2005-07. Monangai has run for 1,028 yards this season and rushed for 1,262 yards last year. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a sack and had a game-clinching interception as the top-ranked Ducks won 16-13 at Wisconsin last week. He has 8 1⁄2 sacks this season to rank second in the Big Ten. Four of the top seven Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in passer rating are from the Big Ten. Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is second, Ohio State's Will Howard is third, Penn State's Drew Allar is fifth and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is seventh. ... Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has thrown 18 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. The only Power Four quarterback with a better touchdown/interception ratio while throwing at least 10 touchdown passes is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who has 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. ... Rutgers' three Big Ten wins matches its largest total since joining the league in 2014. Rutgers also had three conference wins in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. A victory Saturday over No. 24 Illinois would give Rutgers three straight Big Ten wins for the first time. ... Washington's 31-19 win over UCLA was its 20th straight home victory, representing its second-longest such streak in school history. The Huskies won 45 straight home games from 1908-17. ... Wisconsin heads to Nebraska this week having won its last 10 matchups with the Cornhuskers. Penn State justifiably is favored on the road against Minnesota, but Bet MGM's 12 1⁄2-point spread seems way too big. Expect this game to have a single-digit margin.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:42 p.m. EST

Saudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's riseSpecial counsel moves to dismiss election interference and classified documents cases against TrumpWASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold a former president accountable while he ran for another term. In court filings, Smith’s team emphasized that the move to abandon their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in one of their filings. Smith’s team said it left intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will re-enter the White House free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters’ violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The separate case involving classified documents was widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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US authorities on Tuesday charged the man suspected of gunning down a health insurance CEO in New York earlier this month with murder, including a charge of second-degree murder "as an act of terrorism." Mangione, 26, is accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on December 4, triggering a nationwide manhunt that ended last week when he was spotted at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. The former data engineer remains jailed in that state as he fights efforts to extradite him to New York to face charges there over the killing, which brought into focus widespread public anger against the US health care system. Mangione "is charged with one count of murder in the first degree and two counts of murder in the second degree, including one count of murder in the second degree as an act of terrorism," said Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg said the terrorism charge was included because the shooting met the prerequisites for such a determination under New York law. "In its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror and we've seen that reaction," he said. "This was not an ordinary killing." The maximum penalty for the murder charges Mangione faces is life in prison without parole, Bragg said. The suspect was also charged with several crimes related to his possession of a weapon, which authorities said was a 3D-printed "ghost gun." "We allege he... took out a nine-millimeter 3D-printed ghost gun equipped with a 3D-printed suppressor and shot (Thompson) once in the back and once in the leg," said Bragg. "These weapons are increasingly proliferating throughout New York City and the entire country. Evolving technology will only make this problem worse," he said. "Last year, over 80 ghost guns and ghost gun parts were recovered in Manhattan alone." In the wake of Thompson's killing, many social media users have lionized Mangione, with some even calling for further killings of other CEOs. Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, criticized members of the public who had praised the murder. "In the nearly two weeks since Mr Thompson's killing, we have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder," said Tisch. Mangione is due in Pennsylvania court on Thursday for a hearing on his extradition to New York. Police say a "life-changing, life-altering" back injury may have motivated Mangione, although they added that there was "no indication" that he was ever a client of UnitedHealthcare. When he was arrested, Mangione had a three-page handwritten text criticizing the US health care system. Police have said that Mangione's fingerprints matched those found near the crime scene, and that shell casings match the gun found on him when he was arrested. Bragg said that the suspect traveled to New York on November 24 with the intention of murdering Thompson. On December 4, he is alleged to have waited "for nearly an hour" outside the hotel where Thompson was shot early that morning. "This was a frightening, well planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation," said district attorney Bragg. bur-aha/mdNick Saban may have thought he retired from college football early this year, but now his name is being suggested as the “obvious choice” to head a new alliance if football leaves the NCAA. Saban is the best candidate to become the new commissioner of college football, at least according to Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin. “I think one of the most important things we can do is, let’s get a commissioner of college football that is waking up every single morning and going to bed every single night making decisions that’s in the best interest of college football,” Franklin told ESPN on Sunday. “I think Nick Saban would be the obvious choice if we made that decision. Now, Nick will probably call me tonight and say, ‘Don’t do this,’ but I think he’s the obvious choice, right?” he added. Talk of college football separating from the NCAA and creating a new organization to govern itself has been ongoing for years. But it seems to be getting more serious lately. Franklin went on to talk about some of the issues facing college football. God forbid we talk about academics, right?” Franklin continued. “That used to be every conversation started with academics and that’s becoming less and less. Maybe I’m old school, and maybe I’m a traditionalist, but I still believe in the model. Rather than just say this is a problem, I thought I would throw out a few recommendations, but I think one of the most important things we can do is let’s get a commissioner of college football.” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said that one of the biggest problems coaches have is the transfer portal, which can deplete them of players even during the bowl season. “I feel so awful for our kids and kids around the country,” Lashlee told ESPN on Tuesday. “There’s no other sport at all that has free agency in the season. It’s sad. It’s terrible. You hear the story about their backup quarterback saying, ‘I don’t have a choice.’ That’s wrong. That’s unacceptable. That’s not OK. He shouldn’t have to make that decision.'” “The real easy thing is you don’t have a transfer portal in December. That’s the real easy answer, and it solves all the problems. Why in the world would we put kids in a position where they’ve got to decide, ‘Do I transfer or play in the playoff? Do I transfer or play my bowl game?...’ People are bombarding our roster, trying to pick people off our roster, and we’re trying to focus on the playoff. So, yeah, it’s real easy – don’t have a transfer portal in December. Go to the spring.” Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHustonRestoring Milan’s Duomo: Ancient statues reborn through craftsmanship and adoption

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip) doubtful vs. Browns on Sunday

LOS ANGELES , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sports and recreational injuries send more than 3.5 million Americans to the hospital emergency room each year according to the National Safety Council. The problem is much greater in collegiate sports, where NCAA injury incident reports reached 1.3 million in 2022. Beyond soft tissue damage, these injuries include life-altering Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears and Traumatic Brain Injuries. To reduce the occurrence and impact of sports-related injuries, CLR Neurosthenics today launched CLR Advantage TM , a groundbreaking solution that employs interactive software and a wearable, wireless sensor network to collect real-time neurophysiological data while athletes perform pre-programmed physical exercises, cognitive tests, reaction games and position drills. This data is then used to instantly generate reports that reveal hidden deficiencies, indicate player readiness, and guide training routines for injury prevention, performance optimization and rehabilitation. Designed by a team of leading sports neurophysiologists and biometric engineers, patent-pending CLR Advantage TM utilizes FDA-approved qEEG brain wave sensors and physiological monitors to capture a continuous stream of high-resolution data, including cortical power, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration rate, trapezoidal tension, galvanic skin response and peripheral temperature. The solution then employs NASA technology to process biometric signals and report on neurophysiological capabilities, including brain connectivity, power, activation and symmetry during various physical tasks and mental exercises. CLR Advantage TM finally correlates event-marked physiologic data to reinforce neurologic observations. For example, data may indicate certain risk in an athlete that exhibits an elevated heart rate, neurologic asymmetry and qEEG inhibition during a single-leg balance exercise. CLR Advantage TM recently completed a two-year clinical trial with 177 NCAA Division I athletes at the University of Cincinnati . Performed in partnership with Select Medical at the University's Sports Medicine Department, the study compared the neurophysiological performance of healthy athletes with those suffering from ACL injuries. Results from the study, which continues to assess injured athletes through various stages of rehabilitation, were published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy . To supplement ongoing research, CLR Advantage TM is currently employed by the NFL Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) to study ACL injury propensity through assessments that include a variety of dynamic force exercises. "For the first time, we now have a better understanding of exactly how the brain is impacted by an acute injury," said Robert Mangine, Senior Athletic Director of Sports Medicine at the University of Cincinnati and Residency Director for NovaCare Rehabilitation. "CLR Advantage TM allows us to look at brain activity as athletes progress through the rehabilitation, then use that data and musculoskeletal measures to determine a safe return to play." The Microsoft Azure cloud-powered CLR Advantage TM platform provides an end-to-end, HIPAA-compliant solution for operators to organize teams, create athlete profiles, schedule appointments, conduct assessments, monitor live biometric data, and generate comprehensive analytic reports. Offered on a subscription basis, the solution is available for demonstration at CLR Neurosthenics' Los Angeles Assessment Center. https://clradvantage.com/ For additional information contact: Mark O'Bryan (424) 256-7264 mark.obryan@clradvantage.com 1 https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/144/5/e20192759/38190/Soccer-Injuries-in-Children-and-Adolescents 2 https://perma.cc/9EG6-6TBJ ; Robert L. Parisien et. al., Implementation of an Injury Prevention Program in NCAA Division I Athletics Reduces Injury-Related Health Care Costs. 9 Orthopedic J. of Sports Med. (2023). https://ijspt.org/task-driven-neurophysiological-qeeg-baseline-performance-capabilities-in-healthy-uninjured-division-i-college-athletes/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clr-neurosthenics-launches-neurophysiological-assessment-platform-to-help-prevent-sports-injuries-optimize-performance-and-improve-rehabilitation-302334112.html SOURCE CLR Neurosthenics

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slot machine online real money Legislation to make it easier to change a person’s name moving through SpringfieldDENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Big Ten slate features Indiana-Ohio State showdown and Penn State-Minnesota matchup Things to watch this week in the Big Ten Conference: No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP ) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1, No. 2 CFP), Saturday, noon ET (Fox) This marks the 98th matchup between these two teams, but it's only the fourth time both teams have been ranked. Although Indiana is unbeaten, its soft schedule means the Hoosiers aren't assured of making the 12-team field if they lose this game. The only team with a winning record that Indiana has beaten is Washington (6-5). Ohio State needs a win to have a realistic shot at a rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 straight times since the Hoosiers posted back-to-back victories in 1987-88. No. 4 Penn State (9-1, 6-1, No. 4 CFP) at Minnesota (6-4, 4-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS) This is likely Penn State's biggest obstacle on its way to a potential playoff berth. The Nittany Lions' lone remaining regular-season game is a Nov. 30 home matchup with Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Minnesota has had an extra week to prepare this game since its 26-19 loss at Rutgers on Nov. 9, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Penn State and Minnesota have split their last four meetings, with the home team winning each time. Penn State DE Abdul Carter has multiple tackles for loss in each of his last three games. He ranks second among all Bowl Subdivision players in tackles for loss (17 1⁄2). Southern California RB Woody Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards in a 28-20 win over Nebraska. Marks has six 100-yard rushing performances this season. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is the first Scarlet Knight to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Ray Rice did it three straight years from 2005-07. Monangai has run for 1,028 yards this season and rushed for 1,262 yards last year. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a sack and had a game-clinching interception as the top-ranked Ducks won 16-13 at Wisconsin last week. He has 8 1⁄2 sacks this season to rank second in the Big Ten. Four of the top seven Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in passer rating are from the Big Ten. Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is second, Ohio State's Will Howard is third, Penn State's Drew Allar is fifth and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is seventh. ... Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has thrown 18 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. The only Power Four quarterback with a better touchdown/interception ratio while throwing at least 10 touchdown passes is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who has 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. ... Rutgers' three Big Ten wins matches its largest total since joining the league in 2014. Rutgers also had three conference wins in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. A victory Saturday over No. 24 Illinois would give Rutgers three straight Big Ten wins for the first time. ... Washington's 31-19 win over UCLA was its 20th straight home victory, representing its second-longest such streak in school history. The Huskies won 45 straight home games from 1908-17. ... Wisconsin heads to Nebraska this week having won its last 10 matchups with the Cornhuskers. Penn State justifiably is favored on the road against Minnesota, but Bet MGM's 12 1⁄2-point spread seems way too big. Expect this game to have a single-digit margin. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

As the crypto market ushers in a new year, investors are keeping a close eye on promising projects like Lightchain AI, Internet Computer (ICP), and Solana (SOL). Leading the conversation is the Lightchain AI Presale , which is already making waves with its groundbreaking AI-focused blockchain ecosystem. Meanwhile, Internet Computer (ICP) continues to push boundaries in decentralized web solutions, and Solana (SOL) holds its position as a top choice for high-performance blockchain applications. In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s the right time to buy, sell, or hold these standout altcoins, helping you craft a smart investment strategy in today’s ever-evolving market. Lightchain AI- Analyzing Its Potential and Market Trends Lightchain AI (LCAI) is a new kind of digital money that mixes smart machines with the block chain tech, wanting to change how apps work and how groups are run. Its special Proof of Intelligence (PoI) way gives rewards to parts for doing useful smart machine tasks which help͏s make the network better and last longer. Also, the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) offers a setting just for doing smart machine jobs making it easier and bigger for decentralized apps. Right now, in the early sale stage, LCAI coins cost $0.004, with $5.1 million collected, showing good trust from the market. Experts think there is a lot of growth likely, with some guesses saying it could go up to $2 by 2025; this means big gains for first buyers. Lightchain AI's aim on real world uses in areas like health care, money, and supply chain manage put it as a flexible player in market. Its promise to free governance make sure the platform grows with community needs, helping clear sight and togetherness. Lightchain AI's fresh way and smart plan make it a good choice for people who want to mix up their investments in the changing world of digital money. Internet Computer (ICP)- Is It a Buy, Sell, or Hold? Internet Computer (ICP) is a Layer-1 blockchain developed by the DFINITY Foundation, aiming to decentralize the internet by enabling backend software hosting and transforming it into a global, decentralized computer. As of December 2024, ICP is trading at approximately $10.31, reflecting a significant decline from its all-time high of $750.73 in May 2021. Analysts project a gradual price increase, with forecasts suggesting a potential rise to around $16.37 by the end of 2024 and up to $26.40 by 2025. Given the current market conditions and future projections, investors might consider holding ICP, monitoring its development and adoption within the blockchain ecosystem. Solana (SOL)- Evaluating Its Position in the Altcoin Market Solana (SOL) is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain renowned for its rapid transaction speeds and low fees, making it a formidable competitor to Ethereum. As of December 2024, SOL is trading at approximately $189.41, reflecting a significant appreciation over the past year. In November 2024, Solana reached an all-time high of $260, driven by increased adoption and a surge in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) activities on its platform. Despite facing challenges, including network outages and regulatory scrutiny, Solana has demonstrated resilience, maintaining a strong developer community and expanding its ecosystem. Analysts remain optimistic about Solana's future, citing its technological advancements and growing user base as key factors that could drive further growth. Investors should monitor Solana's development trajectory and market dynamics to make informed decisions regarding its potential in the altcoin market. So, Lightchain AI, Internet Computer (ICP), and Solana (SOL) continue to be viable options for investors looking to tap into the potential of promising altcoins. Lightchain AI presale is already underway, while ICP and SOL remain stable choices for long-term investments. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

CHS Inc stock hits 52-week low at $28.75 amid market shiftsOTTAWA — Canada is considering supplying the RCMP and border agency with more resources including drones, helicopters and personnel in case of a "surge" at the border, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Tuesday in response to Donald Trump's threat to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports into the U.S. The president-elect threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports unless action is taken to stem the flow of both migrants and illegal drugs crossing the border. "As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before," Trump said on Truth Social on Monday night. LeBlanc said his office has been working with finance officials, the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency "for months" to see what is needed and feasible. The minister added that Canada shares many of the same concerns as the Americans when it comes to illegal migration, and drugs and other contraband making its way across the border. LeBlanc said Canadian agencies work collaboratively with their U.S. counterparts. "For decades, this collaborative work happening literally daily with American authorities and Canadian authorities has allowed us to keep both countries safe, including dealing with some of the real challenges around the opioid crisis," LeBlanc said. Immigration Minister Marc Miller was asked on Tuesday about deploying more officers to oversee the New York-Vermont border area, which sees the highest rates of illegal crossings from Canada into the United States. He cautioned that there is no comparison to the flow of migrants entering the U.S. from Mexico. "It's the equivalent on a yearly basis with a significant weekend at the Mexico border. At the same time, it's not something I want to not take seriously, because it is serious," Miller said. "We have a job to not make our problems the Americans' problems and they have a job not to make their problems ours." U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows its officers recorded nearly 200,000 encounters at the northern border between October 2023 and September 2024. The same period in 2022 saw more than 109,000 encounters and there were around 32,000 in 2020. The term "encounters" includes apprehensions, people who are deemed inadmissible and those who are expelled from the U.S. Between October 2023 and September 2024, U.S. officials recorded more than two million encounters at the Mexican border. The two prior years also saw more than 2 million encounters each at the southern border. Chief border patrol agent Robert Garcia said last month on X that agents in the Swanton Sector, which covers Vermont's border with Quebec, apprehended more than 19,000 people from 97 countries in the last year — more than the last 17 years combined. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it also seized nearly 5,000 kilograms of illegal drugs at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024. That included 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl. Comparatively, border agents seized nearly 125,000 kilograms of narcotics at the border with Mexico, including almost 10,000 kilograms of fentanyl. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially fatal dose. Cannabis is by far the most commonly seized drug coming from Canada, accounting for almost 60 per cent of total seizures. From Mexico it's methamphetamine, accounting for about 57 per cent of seizures at the southern border. Drug seizures coming from Canada to the U.S. are down significantly from the prior two years, according to border patrol data: about 25,000 kilograms of narcotics were seized between October 2022 and September 2023, down from about 27,200 kilograms in the year before. Both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet called on the Trudeau government to ensure the border is secure on Tuesday. Poilievre focused on government data that was raised at the immigration committee on Monday that said 4.9 million people will have their Canadian visas expire by the end of December 2025. In question period Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the "overwhelming majority" of people leave when their visas expire and there are measures in the immigration system to deal with cases where that does not happen. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she is open to talks with the Trump administration on the tariff issue, but said drugs were a "public health and consumption" issue in the U.S. She added most of the weapons entering Mexico are smuggled in through the U.S. In recent months the RCMP have announced two significant operations with ties to Mexican drug cartels. This includes the arrest of three men in Surrey, B.C., earlier this month, who police say are connected to an organized crime group with ties to Mexican drug cartels. Police seized "multiple kilos" of illicit drugs, and said the accused were allegedly "planning large-scale distribution" of drugs out of Surrey. In October, the RCMP, FBI and other policing partners arrested nine Canadians in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. The accused are alleged to have ties to a Mexico cartel-linked criminal network. Charges include murder, conspiracy to commit murder and drug trafficking. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press David Baxter, The Canadian Press

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Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingSoren’s aced the politics, it is governance he needs to improve Will Hemant Soren turn out to be a cat with nine political lives? Jharkhand has returned him to office, a rare CM on bail. Soren’s had a tumultuous stint since his 2019 win – among the first CMs to get private sector help to fly back his state’s migrants to Ranchi, using Twitter to have three-way conversations with migrant groups and destination-state CMs. By Sep 2022, he was forced into a waiting game over EC’s opinion on Soren’s “disqualifi cation” in connection with an office-of-profit case. By Jan 2024, he was in ED custody, arrested in a PMLA case. Soren’s a nonconformist CM and won again on the strength of his party’s politics, and a state tradition of resistance. Jharkhand’s CMship has always been torrid – since 2000, seven politicians have served as CM 13 times, and there’ve been three central rule periods. Soren must use some of his political savvy and administrative calibre to improve people’s lives. Jharkhand still has 30% of its population multidimensionally poor. It has among the country’s worst electricity crises despite it being home to over 140 coal mines and seven thermal plants – almost all power is sent outside the state. Its per capita income, among India’s lowest, is almost 300% less than Goa’s, the richest on per capita income. The problem with Jharkhand, and to a lesser extent twin state Chhattisgarh, is that the very issues that crippled the state at inception endure – progress is painfully slow as much on education and health as in jobs, or income generation. Smaller states were carved out ostensibly to better manage their governance. But that’s been proved otherwise. Jharkhand’s miners – 7.5L formally employed and 30L informal workers – are trapped in their work with no improvement in circumstance. Companies are rich, netas are rich, the people and the govt poor. The two tribal land laws that protect Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana regions ensure no land transfer. But protection of tribal autonomy cannot mean a state failing the people. For, tribals do not even have the money for input costs of farming their land. Surely, schemes to support agriculture by tribals are a no-brainer. Cooperatives among tribal communities have been mooted for self-sufficiency. The Supreme Court has said legislative power to tax mineral rights vests with the states, that royalty paid on minerals was not a tax. But, question is, will the state spend funds thus generated on its people?

CNN Let a Conservative Join Its Network: He's Tearing Them to Pieces

DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothesCam Carter scored LSU's first eight points and finished with a game-high 23 and LSU raced to a 37-8 lead on its way to a 110-45 victory against outmanned Mississippi Valley State on Sunday in Baton Rouge, La. Vyctorius Miller added 20 points and Jordan Sears and Daimion Collins scored 15 each for the Tigers (11-2), who led 55-13 at halftime. It was their final game before opening Southeastern Conference play against visiting Vanderbilt on Saturday. LSU, which defeated Mississippi Valley 106-60 last season, shot 65.7 percent (46 of 70) from the floor. The Delta Devils (2-11) had no player score in double figures. The closest was Alvin Stredic with eight points. Mississippi Valley State remained winless against Division I opponents and have an average margin of defeat of 44.2 points heading into their Southwestern Athletic Conference opener at Alabama State on Jan. 4. Stredic's field goal tied the score at two before Carter made a tie-breaking 3-pointer to give LSU the lead for good. Carter made another 3-pointer during a 7-0 run that increased the lead to 12-4. Another field goal by Stredic ended that run before Carter and Sears each made a 3-pointer and the Tigers pushed the lead to 20-6. Stredic made another field goal, giving him six of his team's first eight points, before Carter made a 3-pointer and another basket to help fuel a 17-0 run that enabled LSU to build the 37-8 bulge. Johnathan Pace made a field goal to stop the run, but Sears and Curtis Givens III each made a 3-pointer to complete a 10-0 run that expanded the lead to 47-10. Jair Horton answered with the Delta Devils' only 3-pointer of the half before Miller and Sears each scored four points and the Tigers led by 42 at the break. Carter (16 points) and Sears (10) combined to score twice as many points as Mississippi Valley State in the half. Carter made 6-of-10 3-pointers and Sears made 4 of 8. --Field Level Media

A Connecticut couple has been charged in Minnesota with being part of a shoplifting ring suspected of stealing around $1 million in goods across the country from the upscale athletic wear retailer Lululemon. Jadion Anthony Richards, 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, 45, both of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged this month with one felony count of organized retail theft. Both went free last week after posting bail bonds of $100,000 for him and $30,000 for her, court records show. They're due back in Ramsey County District Court in St. Paul on Dec. 16. According to the criminal complaints, a Lululemon investigator had been tracking the pair even before police first confronted them on Nov. 14 at a store in suburban Roseville. The investigator told police the couple were responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses across the country, the complaints said. They would steal items and make fraudulent returns, it said. Police found suitcases containing more than $50,000 worth of Lululemon clothing when they searched the couple's hotel room in Bloomington, the complaint said. RELATED STORY | Florida social media influencer arrested for stealing from Target According to the investigator, they were also suspected in thefts from Lululemon stores in Colorado, Utah, New York and Connecticut, the complaint said. Within Minnesota, they were also accused of thefts at stores in Minneapolis and the suburbs of Woodbury, Edina and Minnetonka. The investigator said the two were part of a group that would usually travel to a city and hit Lululemon stores there for two days, return to the East Coast to exchange the items without receipts for new items, take back the new items with the return receipts for credit card refunds, then head back out to commit more thefts, the complaint said. In at least some of the thefts, it said, Richards would enter the store first and buy one or two cheap items. He'd then return to the sales floor where, with help from Lawes-Richards, they would remove a security sensor from another item and put it on one of the items he had just purchased. Lawes-Richards and another woman would then conceal leggings under their clothing. They would then leave together. When the security sensors at the door went off, he would offer staff the bag with the items he had bought, while the women would keep walking out, fooling the staff into thinking it was his sensor that had set off the alarm, the complaint said. Richards' attorney declined to comment. Lawes-Richards' public defender did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday. "This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable," Tristen Shields, Lululemon's vice president of asset protection, said in a statement. "We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industrywide issue." The two are being prosecuted under a state law enacted last year that seeks to crack down on organized retail theft. One of its chief authors, Sen. Ron Latz, of St. Louis Park, said 34 states already had organized retail crime laws on their books. "I am glad to see it is working as intended to bring down criminal operations," Latz said in a statement. "This type of theft harms retailers in myriad ways, including lost economic activity, job loss, and threats to worker safety when crime goes unaddressed. It also harms consumers through rising costs and compromised products being resold online." Two Minnesota women were also charged under the new law in August. They were accused of targeting a Lululemon store in Minneapolis.Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (REFI) to Issue Quarterly Dividend of $0.47 on January 13th

When the Hero World Challenge takes place in the Bahamas at the start of December, tournament host Tiger Woods will not be part of the field. Still recovering from his latest surgery on his back in September, Woods had the option of joining the 20-player field in the December 5-8 exhibition event, but announced on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) he would not do so. "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge," Woods wrote on social media, going on to announce Justin Thomas, Jason Day of Australia and Nick Dunlap as exemptions into the field. The 15-time major champion played in the tournament at Albany Golf Club last year and finished 18th of 20. Woods' sixth back surgery was done to repair a nerve impingement in his lower back, about two months after his last competitive start at The Open. "The surgery went smoothly, and I'm hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season," Woods said in a statement at the time. "I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf." It is unclear when Woods will compete again. He has played the PNC Championship, a family team event, with his son Charlie each December for the past four years.After another close loss, No. 14 Gonzaga opens WCC play at Pepperdine"Virat Will Play For Some Time. Rohit...": Shastri Drops Huge BombshellThe Detroit Tigers captured the imaginations of underdog fans everywhere with their stunning run to — and in — the 2024 American League playoffs. Before falling to the Cleveland Guardians in the Division Series, the Tigers shocked the defending AL champion Houston Astros in the Wild Card round. Detroit has long been rumored to be in pursuit of Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman. However, Brandon Wile sees the team taking a different path in signing outfielder Teoscar Hernandez away from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernandez leaped up the wish list of several Major League Baseball teams after a sterling 2024 with the World Series champion. Now a free agent after playing last season on a one-year, $23.5 million contract, the nine-year Major League Baseball veteran is a hot commodity on the open market. Hernandez hit .272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBI with Los Angeles, further bolstering his already splendid career numbers. The two-time Silver Slugger Award winner smacked three home runs for the Dodgers in 16 postseason games this past October, logging 12 RBI and scoring eight runs in helping Los Angeles to its first full-season world title since 1988. Spotrac calculates Hernandez's market value to bring him a three-year contract over $71 million, but a bidding war for his services could push the numbers even higher to acquire the 32-year-old. Hernandez is far from a flash in the pan. He patrolled the outfield over six seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, hitting 129 home runs with 369 RBI and a .263 batting average for "Canada's Team." After the 2022 season, he was dealt to the Seattle Mariners with one year remaining on his contract. After putting up a solid season in the Emerald City, he signed a one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Dodgers last January. The youthful Tigers are in dire need of solid bats and veteran leadership. The team remains fairly flush with cash as it tries to lock up staff ace and American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. In today's market, signing Hernandez to anchor the outfield could prove to be a very prudent bit of business. More MLB: Could White Sox land future 1st baseman in blockbuster trade?

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However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.In the days following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , people online have discussed the state of American health care, particularly its high costs. In a handwritten document expressing his views, the suspected shooter, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, claimed that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world, but ranks number 42 in life expectancy, multiple media outlets reported. Some on social media repeated the claim or made posts comparing the high costs of the U.S. healthcare system to the nation’s lower life expectancy. THE QUESTION Does the U.S. have the most expensive health care system in the world? THE SOURCES World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Expenditure data Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker THE ANSWER Yes, the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world. WHAT WE FOUND A country’s health care costs are typically measured by adding up all health care spending for people, governments, organizations and businesses, and dividing that by the total number of people in the country. The figure includes spending on personal health care, such as drugs and hospital visits, as well as collective care, such as public health services and health administration. The U.S. health care system is more expensive per person than any other country’s health care system, both in raw dollar amounts and when spending is adjusted to account for the cost of living in each country. This finding is consistent across data from multiple international organizations. In 2021, the most recent year for which the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Expenditure database published numbers for all countries, the U.S. spent just over $12,000 on health care per person. The only other country that spent more than $10,000 was Switzerland, which spent nearly $10,900 per person. However, when adjusted for the cost of goods in each country, the spending gap is even larger. Switzerland, which still spent the second most, spent about $9,000 on health care per person in 2021. The U.S., on the other hand, spent about $12,000 per person. Looking at another dataset, in 2022, the U.S. spent nearly $12,600 on health care per person, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) , an international organization made up of about 40 wealthy member countries. The OECD collects data on its member countries. The OECD country that spent the next most on health care per person, when adjusted for the cost of goods in that country, was still Switzerland. It spent just over $8,000 per person, according to the OECD’s data. Wealthy countries do tend to spend more money on health care per person than lower income countries, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker , a partnership between two public health non-profit organizations. But Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, Luxembourg and Norway are all wealthier per person than the U.S. is and spend significantly less on health care per person, according to the Health System Tracker. Ireland spends less than half of what the U.S. does on health care per person. Life expectancy and health outcomes When it comes to how the U.S. ranks for life expectancy and health outcomes, it’s true that the U.S. is behind dozens of other countries, although several international organizations don’t place the U.S. exactly at number 42. A CIA World Factbook estimate for 2024 ranked the U.S. 35th in life expectancy once territories are excluded. The WHO ranked the U.S. 45th in the world, excluding territories, in life expectancy in 2021, the most recent year for which the WHO has data for all countries. WHO data from 2019 shows that the U.S. was 40th in life expectancy prior to the pandemic. The U.S. experienced a bigger drop in life expectancy than other similarly wealthy countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Health System Tracker , which is run by the nonprofits The Peterson Center on Healthcare and KFF. The Health System Tracker explains this is because the pandemic increased mortality and premature death rates in the U.S. by more than it did in most peer countries, making the U.S. fall further behind in life expectancy.

by Dr Neals J Chitan Grenada is frequently thought of as a leader in the Caribbean region when it comes to revolutions, and I am proud to join the list of greats who had the courage to start revolutionary movements here in Grenada, and in other nations of the region. However, this one is not an armed confrontational coup that topples governments and changes the trajectory of politics, but indeed, one that topples the people’s aggression, anger and revenge factors and breathes respect across our nation. With our return to the Caribbean as international crime reduction interventionists, our work has had a profound impact on thousands of lives in 10 island nations. From Jamaica in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south, we have created a behavioural revolution in the minds of thousands of students, youth, adults and prisoners over the past 5 years, and we thank the Cabinet of Grenada for the opportunity and mandate to create that same revolution here at home. Although we were set to join local crime-fighting stakeholders in St Lucia on 15 May 2024 and again respond with the second phase of “Project STOP ‘n’ THINK,” with Grenada in the pangs of gun violence, we were sought by Minister Gloria Thomas and then Permanent Secretary Naomi Jeremiah of Ministry of Social and Community Development to engage our Canadian copyrighted flagship crime reduction programme “Project STOP ‘n’ THINK” as an antidote. On 27 May 2024, the Cabinet of Grenada considered and ratified their decision through Cabinet Conclusion #354 to roll out a “Project STOP ‘n’ THINK” community intervention programme across 7 communities on mainland Grenada with immediate effect. Unfortunately, although our high winds of social change began blowing across 8 communities in June 2024 preparing for a 1 July 2024 launch, Hurricane Beryl chose that exact date to blow her devastating winds across the northern parts of Grenada, devastating up to 95% of the sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. As Behaviour Modification Specialists our focus was immediately changed from crime fighting to trauma intervention joining the ministry’s psychosocial team to support our people of the sister isles in July and August. As a result, “Project STOP ‘n’ THINK” (PSAT) Crime Reduction Train made its first stop in the community of Telescope, St Andrew on Sunday, 1 September 2024, starting a weekly community cycle of crime reduction and community empowerment for the next 3 months. On Mondays, we headed to River Sallee, St Patrick, on Tuesdays into Gouyave, St John, on Wednesdays to Victoria, St Mark, on Thursdays to Carenage and Four Roads, on Fridays to Corinth, St David with our final stop on Saturdays at Mont Tout, St George. This exciting weekly journey saw 247 individuals attending our PSAT programme as they were immersed in a 3-dimensional life-changing experience. Beginning with the first four high-impact sessions of our copyrighted pedagogical social skill curriculum, we led participants through Self-Discovery and Self-Affirmation. Then moving on to the second 4 sessions we continued the journey taking them to Self-Control and Self-Regulation and finally ended with the last four powerful sessions of Self-Achievement and Self-Motivation, a journey embellished by laughter, excitement but deep soul-searching and life-changing concepts. Indeed, on Sunday, 1 December 2024, hurricane winds of social change came blowing across Grenada, igniting a social revolution as 201 “Project STOP ‘n’ THINK 2024” graduates (75% males) walked across the elegant halls of the Grenada Olympic House, to receive their Canadian Social Skill and Crime Reduction Certificates, thus creating revolutionary history once again in the Spice Isle!! We commend those who came out to celebrate and bring congratulatory remarks and encouragement to our PSAT Graduates. Among these were Minister Gloria Thomas, PS Petal Rush, Chief Magistrate Francine Foster, Magistrate Sabina Gibbs, QC Ruggles Ferguson of the Grenada Bar Association, ASP Richards-Coordinator of Community Policing (RGPF), Keynote Speaker Pastor Dave King, and Dale Neptune (NEWLO). However, the most impactful response was done by a self-proclaimed gunman Stephen (Shorty) Cyrus of the Carenage (the uncle of the late Wangy) who took to the microphone dressed in his official STOP & THINK T-Shirt, and for over 15 minutes spoke of the impact of the sessions on his life and his passionate plea to the young men graduating to STOP and THINK before killing or be killed, while causing grief and hurt to their moms and communities. In a voice impact message sent to me, Cyrus (Shorty) commented “Doc, you are excellent in changing the mind, and you are starting a revolution of good men across Grenada.” Yep!! That’s what it is!! A REVOLUTION OF GOOD MEN!! I am blessed to be the leader of the ‘Project STOP ‘n’ THINK” REVOLUTION in Grenada for 2024 and look forward to doing it bigger and better in 2025. As we say goodbye to 2024 and celebrate the joy and peace that the first Christmas was meant to bring to our world, I too want to STOP and THINK and say thanks to the Bryden & Minors and the National Lotteries Authority for partnering with “Project STOP ‘n’ THINK 2024” and look forward to more corporate citizens coming on board ‘Project STOP ‘n’ THINK-2025” God bless Grenada and Merry Christmas to all!! Dr Neals Chitan is an International Social Skill Consultant and Crime Reduction Specialist who holds a PhD in Social and Behavioural Sciences and currently works in Grenada. He is the President/Founder of Motiv-8 For Change International a Toronto-based Social Skill Agency and can be reached from North America at 647-692-6330 and locally 473-416-8377 or at [email protected]“Let us not count our lives by the days we live, but by the good deeds we do for humanity.” – Henry Sy, Sr. In its commitment to uplift lives and drive social good nationwide, the SM Group, through SM Foundation, turned over the newly rehabilitated San Jose District Health Center in Tacloban City. This marks SM Foundation’s 211th Wellness Center. “Each health center we revitalize represents more than a facility—it’s a source of hope, healing, and dignity for the communities we serve,” Connie Angeles, SM Foundation’s Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs said, The San Jose District Health Center serves around 43,575 residents of Tacloban City, offering a wide range of health services including family planning, prenatal and postnatal care, birthing, child care, TB DOTS, minor consultations, maintenance medication provision, and adolescent wellness consultations. A renewed facility for better healthcare Established in 2010, the district health center sustained severe damage in 2013 during Typhoon Yolanda, which destroyed its structure, medical equipment, medicines, and records. Recognizing its vital role in the community, SM Foundation stepped in to rehabilitate the facility to meet modern healthcare standards. The renovated center is now equipped with key upgrades such as a dedicated breastfeeding area, an adolescent consultation space, a well-stocked pharmacy, delivery and recovery rooms, a nurse’s station with on-duty quarters, PWD-friendly toilets, and sustainable features like a rainwater catchment system and air-cleaning paints that enhance indoor air quality while promoting environmental sustainability. Further supporting its operations, SM Foundation also provided laptops to digitize patient records, enabling online consultations for residents in remote areas, improving data management, and streamlining administrative processes. These efforts also facilitate the enrollment of patients in PhilHealth Konsulta benefits. A legacy of health and hope The rehabilitation of the San Jose District Health Center coincided with the periodic maintenance of the Tacloban City Hospital and the 11th anniversary of Savemore’s presence in the city. This initiative is part of SM Group’s long-standing commitment in supporting the government’s efforts in strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure. Following the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the SM Foundation spearheaded the rebuilding of the Tacloban City Hospital, aligning with government efforts to restore critical medical facilities. The renovation of the San Jose District Health Center continues this legacy, providing enhanced access to quality healthcare and ensuring a brighter future for Tacloban’s residents. With its modernized facilities and upgraded systems, the San Jose District Health Center stands as a symbol of resilience and SM Foundation’s dedication to building healthier, more empowered communities.

49ers GM John Lynch says Brock Purdy status ‘tenuous’ after MRI on shoulder injuryEuropean buyout firm Permira is debuting its first deal in the $1 trillion US collateralized loan obligation market, as deals near an issuance record. The investment firm priced the $430.6 million deal on Friday, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. CLOs, the largest buyers of leveraged loans, repackage this debt into securities of varying risk and size. The offering, arranged by JPMorgan Chase & Co., is part of Permira’s effort to grow its footprint in the US through such vehicles, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. A representative for Permira declined to comment. Funds are issuing CLOs at near record levels, with almost $183 billion worth of deals in the US so far this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That’s partly because risk premiums on CLO debt started tightening last year, kicking off a surge in transactions known as resets, which give managers of the debt more time to freely buy and sell loans. These funds are also catching up from late 2022 and 2023, when a drop in bond sales led to a slowdown in new vehicles. Permira also priced a roughly €400 million European CLO on Friday, the person said, marking its fifth such deal so far this year. It also has a warehouse open for European leveraged loans, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Founded in 2008, Permira’s credit platform manages about €17 billion of assets. Its CLO strategy is run by its co-head of Permira Credit, Ariadna Stefanuscu. The firm is one of a few trying to push into the US market for CLOs and other structured deals. Hedge fund Arini and Sona Asset Management, both mostly based out of Europe, have hired staff either focused on US leveraged loans or CLO bonds this past year. In the US, hedge fund Chatham Asset Management also recently launched a CLO platform to dive into the market. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in January

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Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after they say a Pennsylvania McDonald's worker alerted authorities to a customer who resembled the suspected gunman. The suspect, identified by police as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, had a gun believed to be the one used in Wednesday’s attack on Brian Thompson , as well as writings expressing anger at corporate America, police said. Here are some of the latest developments in the investigation: Mangione was taken into custody at around 9:15 a.m. after police received a tip that he was eating at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 85 miles (137 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh, police said. Mangione was being held in Pennsylvania on gun charges and will eventually be extradited to New York to face charges in connection with Thompson’s death , said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. In addition to a three-page, handwritten document that suggests he harbored “ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said Mangione also had a ghost gun, a type of weapon that can be assembled at home and is difficult to trace. Officers questioned Mangione, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. Officers also found a sound suppressor, or silencer, “consistent with the weapon used in the murder,” the commissioner said. He had clothing and a mask similar to those worn by the shooter and a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting, Tisch said. Kenny said Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and that his last known address is in Honolulu. Mangione, who was valedictorian of his Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press on Monday. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts also suggest that he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. Some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent people, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have had children attend the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things,” according to a post on the school website. He praised their collective inventiveness and pioneering mindset. Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis parent company Take-Two Interactive said Monday it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, according to the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company. “While we generally don’t comment on personnel matters, we confirm that Luigi Mangione has not been an employee of our company since 2023,” TrueCar CEO Jantoon Reigersman said by email. Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. Luigi Mangione is one of 37 grandchildren of Nick Mangione, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione's grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes ranging from Catholic organizations to colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker's office confirmed Monday. Police said the person who killed Thompson left a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5:41 a.m. on Wednesday. Just 11 minutes later, he was seen on surveillance video walking back and forth in front of the New York Hilton Midtown, wearing a distinctive backpack. At 6:44 a.m., he shot Thompson at a side entrance to the hotel, fled on foot, then climbed aboard a bicycle and within four minutes had entered Central Park. Another security camera recorded the gunman leaving the park near the American Museum of Natural History at 6:56 a.m. still on the bicycle but without the backpack. After getting in a taxi, he headed north to a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, arriving at around 7:30 a.m. From there, the trail of video evidence runs cold. Police have not located video of the suspect exiting the building, leading them to believe he likely took a bus out of town. Police said they are still investigating the path the suspect took to Pennsylvania. “This just happened this morning," Kenny said. "We’ll be working, backtracking his steps from New York to Altoona, Pennsylvania,” Kenny said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore, Matt O'Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, and Cedar Attanasio in New York contributed to this report.

Learning a new language has never been easier. We rely on technology so much these days, so why not use it to pick up a new skill? If learning a new language has been on your to-do list, this list covers some of the best apps and services to help you get started, whether your desired language is widely spoken or more exotic. Good to know : check out the best free online translation tools to make sense of a foreign language. Price : Free with premium options Platforms : Web , Android , iOS Easily the most popular language-learning app out there, Duolingo has set the tone for many other programs with its exercise-based lessons, light gamification, and freemium learning model. It’s the best place to get started with an online language-learning app, as it’s easy to dive in to see how well it works for you without having to worry about trials or subscriptions. I’ve been using this app for over a year now, and I’ve acquired a pretty large vocabulary so far, just by using the free version. Duolingo has a large selection of languages, ranging from the ever-popular Spanish to the fictional Klingon, and all of the core content is freely accessible. You can also learn two languages at the same time. Although the constant repetition can feel monotonous at times, it remains an effective technique for solidifying what you’ve learned. Duolingo does have a reputation for slightly odd sentences, though, so be prepared to learn phrases like, “The cows enjoy watching funny movies” in Spanish. Price : Free with premium options Platforms : Web , Android , iOS Busuu is an app structured in the same way as Duolingo. It follows the same chapter structure for lessons and includes daily challenges and streaks to keep you engaged. But Busuu has fewer languages and feels a bit more like a traditional language-learning course, putting you through several structured units, with specific grammar and vocabulary focuses. The app’s approach to lessons is very different, however. Each unit includes short videos that allow you to listen to real people speaking the language in natural contexts. Afterward, answer questions to test your understanding of the content. What makes this app particularly valuable for me is its emphasis on speaking practice. You can have live chats with AI about everyday topics, like ordering food or discussing hobbies. With Busuu, you can review errors and strengthen your weaker spots through flash and translation exercises. While the app is mostly free to use, occasional ads may appear to unlock certain features. Premium users gain access to additional perks, such as detailed grammar explanations. Price : Free with premium options Platforms : Web , Android , iOS Another giant in the world of language-learning apps, Memrise takes a similar approach to Busuu, featuring lessons with videos of people actually talking in the language you’re learning. It’s a great way to beef up your vocabulary, learn a new alphabet, or get comfortable using phrases. I’m a big fan of the app’s interface – it’s incredibly user-friendly and has a gamified feel that makes learning enjoyable. It comes with a few unique language options, such as Incelandic, Persian, and Welsh (South). It’s also great for those looking to learn Asian languages, like Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, or Indonesian. With Memrise, you can chat in real time with AI and immerse yourself in life-like conversations and practice scenarios. Paying for a premium account will get you features like chatbots for grammar, role-play, etc., videos, additional exercises, and personalized learning that adapts to your progress. Tip : ever wanted to learn Morse code ? Check these websites that can help you with that. Price : Free with premium options Platforms : Web , Android , iOS Not a fan of exercise-based language apps? Rather than a series of vocabulary and grammar exercises, LingQ is structured around stories and articles that you read and translate at the same time. What I like best about this app is that it asks you about your favorite topics, to serve up stories that you actually want to read. If you don’t know a word when viewing a story, tap it to see the definition and have it added it to your study list. In the Web version, you can install the LingQ extension that can transform any YouTube/Netflix video into a text-based lesson. Although the selection of languages is more limited, it does include some unique options, like Catalan and Cantonese. You can learn multiple languages at the same time, too. The app is free to use just briefly, after which you will have to upgrade to a paid tier to keep using it. Price : Free with premium options Platforms : Android , iOS Beelinguapp shares similarities with LingQ but goes a step further. Its primary focus is on text-based learning, as reading is one of the most effective ways to immerse yourself in a new language. I believe this app is great if you’ve found you made some progress in your learning but are not yet ready to jump into reading full-fledged novels. Beelinguapp offers access to short and long stories, as well as news articles from areas you’re interested in. You have a pretty great selection of topics, too. The app displays both the text in your native language and the language you’re trying to learn. You can have the app read out the text for you and modify the text size or speed to suit your preferences. As you progress through the stories, you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen your understanding with interactive games of vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening. Unsurprisingly, this is a paid app, so if you want to be able to access all its features in full, you’ll need to upgrade. Price : Free with premium features Platforms : Web , Android , iOS Prefer learning with a tutor’s help? Babbel has you covered with its extensive lineup of live classes, led by knowledgeable tutors eager to assist with your questions. While some classes are free, the majority require a premium subscription. The same applies to lessons: after completing the introductory one, you’ll be prompted to upgrade right away. Beyond tutor support, the app boasts a user-friendly interface, opportunities to hone your speaking skills, and access to podcast episodes and audio tracks. Naturally, Babbel includes options for reviewing the material you’ve already covered. If you decide to subscribe, you’ll gain access to some entertaining language games as well. Price : Free with premium options Platforms : Web , Android , iOS LingoPie offers an approach to language learning that you might have used in your youth. I, for example, picked up quite a bit of Italian by watching TV shows and cartoons on Italian channels when I was young. With LingoPie, you can select a language you wish to learn, and start watching videos in that language. Of course, LingoPie puts a few tools at your disposal to facilitate learning, such as subtitles in both your native tongue and the language you’re learning and the ability to slow the video feed down to your level of comprehension. Even better, LingoPie lets you learn through music. The app breaks down songs’ lyrics, helping you finally understand what your favorite artists are singing about. There’s also a kids section. For those who prefer to use LingoPie on PC, you can also install a Chrome extension and access Netflix powered by Lingopie. The app has some features that aren’t accessible in the free version, such as flashcards, and you only get 10 minutes of watch time per day. Tip : take a look at the reasons you need to learn Linux . Price : Free with premium features Platforms : Android , iOS Drops is a unique language-learning app that uses pictograms to introduce new vocabulary. Its gamified design makes it engaging and a great choice for children. Many exercises in Drops involve matching terms to pictograms, but there are also mini-games, like spotting words in a grid of letters. If you’re feeling competitive, the app’s multiplayer feature lets you challenge others learning the same language – a rare option I haven’t seen in other apps. Like the other language apps mentioned here, Drops has a premium tier. Upgrading may be necessary for quicker progress, given the long waits between lessons in the free plan. The paid version also grants access to challenges and comprehensive progress review tools. If you’re comfortable with the languages you know but want to expand your skills in another direction, learn how to cook with these apps . If you want your child to learn something new, programming with Scratch is an interesting option. Image credit: Unsplash . All screenshots by Alexandra Arici. Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.Pfizer Declares First-Quarter 2025 Dividend

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Supreme Court will take up a challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions standards WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it will take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California’s nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. The justices agreed Friday to hear an appeal filed by fuel producers who object to a waiver granted to California in 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency during Joe Biden’s presidency. The waiver allows California to set more stringent emissions limits than the national standard. The case won’t be argued until the spring, when the Trump administration is certain to take a more industry-friendly approach to the issue. Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases DETROIT (AP) — Elon Musk says the Securities and Exchange Commission wants him to pay a penalty or face charges involving what he disclosed — or failed to disclose — about his purchases of Twitter stock before he bought the social media platform in 2022. In a letter, Musk’s lawyer Alex Spiro tells the outgoing SEC chairman, Gary Gensler, that the commission’s demand for a monetary payment is a “misguided scheme” that won’t intimidate Musk. The letter also alleges that the commission reopened an investigation this week into Neuralink, Musk’s computer-to-human brain interface company. The SEC has not released the letter. Nor would it comment on it or confirm whether it has issued such a demand to Musk. Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn't install more automated systems WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is offering his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. He posted on social media Thursday that he met with union leaders and that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. He wrote that the “amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. The Maritime Alliance says the technology will improve worker safety and strengthen our supply chains, among other things. IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes. The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and best avoid an artificial intelligence ‘dictatorship’ is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing conversion into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. OpenAI is filing its response Friday. OpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year and sketched out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing's monetary policy. Analysts said the broad-brush plans from the annual Central Economic Work Conference were more of a recap of current policy than ambitious new initiatives at a time when the outlook is clouded by the President-elect Donald Trump's threats to sharply raise tariffs once he takes office. The ruling Communist Party did commit to raising China's deficit and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth. Here's a look at China's main priorities and their potential implications. Stock market today: Wall Street ends mixed after a bumpy week Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. Next Week: Retail sales, Fed policy update, existing home sales The Commerce Department releases its monthly snapshot of U.S. retail sales Tuesday. Federal Reserve officials wrap up a two-day meeting and issue an interest rate policy update Wednesday. The National Association of Realtors issues its latest update on U.S. home sales Thursday.THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the 13-month war in Gaza. The warrants said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. The action by the International Criminal Court came as the death toll from Israel’s campaign in Gaza passed 44,000 people, according to local health authorities, who say more than half of those killed were women and children. Their count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. Experts say hunger has become widespread across Gaza and may have reached famine levels in the north of the territory, which is under siege by Israeli troops. Israel says it has been working hard to improve entry of aid, though the trickle of supplies into Gaza remains near the lowest levels of the war. Netanyahu condemned the warrant against him, saying Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions” by the court. In a statement released by his office, he said: “There is nothing more just than the war that Israel has been waging in Gaza.” Gallant, in a statement, said the decision "sets a dangerous precedent against the right to self-defense and moral warfare and encourages murderous terrorism.” The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice. The decision turns Netanyahu and the others into internationally wanted suspects, putting them at risk of arrest when they travel abroad and potentially further isolating them . Israel and its top ally, the United States, are not members of the court. But others of Israel's allies, including some of its close European friends, are put in an awkward position. Several, including France, welcomed the court's decision and signaled they might arrest Netanyahu if he visited. The move “represents the most dramatic step yet in the court’s involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas," said Anthony Dworkin, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Israeli leaders, politicians and officials across the spectrum denounced the warrants and the ICC. The new defense minister, Israel Katz, who replaced Gallant earlier this month, said Thursday’s decision is “a moral disgrace, entirely tainted by antisemitism, and drags the international judicial system to an unprecedented low.” Human rights groups applauded the move. The warrants against both sides “break through the perception that certain individuals are beyond the reach of the law,” the associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah, said in a statement. The decision came six months after ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the warrants. The court issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas’ armed wing, over the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered Israel’s offensive in Gaza. It said it found reasonable grounds to believe Deif was involved in murder, rape, torture and the taking of hostages amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the Hamas-led attack, militants stormed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and taking some 250 others hostage. Around 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, around a third of them believed to be dead. Khan withdrew requests for warrants for two other senior Hamas figures, Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh , who have both since been killed. Israel says it also killed Deif in an airstrike, but Hamas has never confirmed his death. The warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant were issued by a three-judge panel in a unanimous decision. The panel said there were reasonable grounds to believe that both men bear responsibility for the war crime of starvation and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. The judges said the lack of food, water, electricity, fuel and specific medical supplies created conditions “calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza,” including the deaths of children due to malnutrition and dehydration. They also found that by preventing hospital supplies and medicine from getting into Gaza, doctors were forced to operate, including performing amputations, without anesthesia or with unsafe means of sedation that led to “great suffering.” Israeli diplomatic officials said the government is lobbying the international community to speak out against the warrants and is considering an appeal to the court. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal decision on how the government will proceed. Despite the warrants, none of the suspects is likely to face judges in The Hague anytime soon. Member countries are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that. For example, Russian President Vladimir Putin, wanted on an ICC warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, recently visited Mongolia, a member state in the court but also a Russian ally. He was not arrested. Still, the threat of arrest now complicates any travel abroad by Netanyahu and Gallant. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the warrants are binding on all 27 members countries of the European Union. France signaled it could arrest Netanyahu if he came to its territory. Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called it a “complex legal issue” but said France supports the court’s actions. “Combating impunity is our priority,” he said. “Our response will align with these principles.” Hamas in a statement welcomed the warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant but made no mention of the one against Deif. Israel’s opposition leaders fiercely criticized the ICC’s move. Benny Gantz, a retired general and political rival to Netanyahu, said it showed “moral blindness” and was a “shameful stain of historic proportion that will never be forgotten.” Israel’s campaign has caused heavy destruction across Gaza and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive. Two days after Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, Gallant announced a total seal on Gaza, vowing not to let in food, fuel or other supplies. Under U.S. pressure, Israel began allowing a trickle of humanitarian aid to enter a few weeks later. Israel now says it puts no limit on the supplies permitted into Gaza, and it blames the U.N. distribution system. But Israel's official figures show the amount of aid it has let in has plunged since the beginning of October. The U.N has blamed Israeli military restrictions, along with widespread lawlessness that has led to theft of aid shipments. The case at the ICC is separate from another legal battle Israel is waging at the top U.N. court, the International Court of Justice, in which South Africa accuses Israel of genocide , an allegation Israeli leaders staunchly deny. Lawyers for Israel argued in court that the war in Gaza was a legitimate defense of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide. Associated Press journalists Raf Casert in Brussels, Mike Corder in The Hague and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

slot machine winners Don recommends 4Rs framework for nation’s teacher, education developmentUS Senate rejects Biden labor board nominee, teeing up Republican controlIt now feels like Nvidia investors will soon reap in some awesome benefits in the coming months, when Donald Trump assumes the role of US President after Joe Biden's tenure. This is majorly because of the fact that Trump is considered to be pro-market and some of his economic policies, although reportedly inflationary, may bringing in a bulkload of money for the US Treasury, if reports are to be believed. Trump planning to give trade relaxations to Nvidia? Meanwhile, Trump has announced that he will soon be replacing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan with Andrew Ferguson once he comes to power. This announcement has made Nvidia investors absolutely ecstatic, as the reigning chairman had a rather orthodox approach to various trade practices, including mergers and acquisitions . One of the latest example of such a action was blocking a $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, which disturbed the markets slightly. Will the new FTC chairman's focus be on Big Tech scrutiny? However, the FTC chairman's major focus has been on Big Tech companies like Nvidia, and now since Khan is going to leave the position to someone of Trump's choosing, it could be possible that Nvidia could get some major relaxation, owing to their surreal surge in the US stock market , that has looped in millions of investors from the country. Even though Ferguson, the potentially new chair, also has a thing for Big Tech companies, the approach could be somewhat different from Khan's as there are certain ways each Chairman may react once at the table. FAQs: Is Nvidia's stock going to grow further? Yes, after Nvidia's decision of introducing AI-reliant GPUs , it's stock has gone through the roof, and is now growing at a phenomenal pace in the previous months. Has the Nvidia stock crashed in the past few days? No, the Nvidia stock has not crashed in the last few days, and has instead been on a great run for the past two years. 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Walmart’s DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump’s election victoryLONDRES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--déc. 17, 2024-- euNetworks Group Limited (« euNetworks »), une société européenne d’infrastructures de bande passante critique, annonce ce jour avoir ouvert au marché sa nouvelle super autoroute en fibre optique reliant Paris et Lille. Il s’agit de la première phase d’un système avancé plus vaste en fibre optique qui reliera directement Amsterdam et offrira également une option supplémentaire de connectivité régionale au réseau longue distance de euNetworks à travers la Belgique et vers Bruxelles . Ce communiqué de presse contient des éléments multimédias. Voir le communiqué complet ici : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217718636/fr/ Kevin Dean, Interim CEO of euNetworks (Photo: Business Wire) La diversité accrue de cette nouvelle liaison Paris-Lille, associée au déploiement de la dernière technologie de fibre optique et à l’attention permanente que porte euNetworks à la réduction des émissions de carbone sur l’ensemble de son empreinte, a permis d’offrir aux clients un réseau de routes réellement unique. Pourquoi la nouvelle super autoroute est-elle différente? Diversité accrue du réseau : la super autoroute évite les goulots d’étranglement de la bande passante à l’approche de Paris dans les zones de la Petite Couronne et de Saint-Denis et offre ainsi aux clients de ces zones une diversité d’itinéraires vers Francfort, Bruxelles, Marseille et Londres. Sites d’amplificateurs en ligne (ILA) moins nombreux et plus économes en énergie : le dernier type de fibre déployé permet un espacement optimal et plus long entre les sites ILA, d’où la réduction de leur nombre de quatre à trois permettant à son tour de rationaliser la construction du réseau et de réduire la consommation d’énergie, à la fois pendant la construction et maintenant, pour l’exploitation. Conception mettant l’accent sur la durabilité : équipés de systèmes de refroidissement très économes en énergie, les nouveaux ILA réduisent la demande d’énergie à long terme et diminuent encore l’empreinte carbone de l’itinéraire. Connectivité longue distance étendue vers la Belgique : euNetworks exploite un réseau de 1 660 km de de fibre optique déployé de manière unique à travers la Belgique et vers Bruxelles ; il s’agit du plus récent réseau métropolitain d’euNetworks. Cette dernière livraison fait suite à l’annonce par euNetworks de l’ouverture d’une nouvelle autoroute Francfort-Paris en octobre. En établissant cette nouvelle infrastructure vitale, euNetworks poursuit son engagement à fournir aux régions la prochaine génération de bande passante indispensable pour répondre aux demandes de bande passante des clients d’aujourd’hui et à la demande exponentielle de bande passante que la technologie entraînera à l’avenir. Le nouveau système « Super Highway » de réseaux longue distance de euNetworks est le seul nouveau système moderne de réseau en fibre optique en service actuellement à connecter tous les centres de données de Francfort, Londres, Amsterdam, Paris et Dublin (FLAP-D). La Société propose également une connexion continue vers le reste de l’Europe sur les réseaux de fibre optique qu’elle possède et exploite. Kevin Dean, PDG par intérim d’euNetworks, a déclaré : « La livraison en quelques semaines de notre cinquième super autoroute et de notre troisième nouvelle super autoroute est une réalisation fantastique à mettre au compte de notre équipe. euNetworks a construit, possède et exploite un système de réseau qui est au cœur de l’infrastructure critique exigée par certains des plus grands utilisateurs mondiaux de bande passante en Europe. » Kevin Dean a ajouté : « L’itinéraire Paris-Lille est la phase initiale d’une nouvelle super autoroute qui prolongera notre réseau de super autoroutes jusqu’à Amsterdam. Cette livraison offre à la région FLAP-D une nouvelle route clé ; comme nos autres nouvelles routes, elle est innovante dans sa conception et sa construction et donne au marché une nouvelle et importante capacité de liaison en fibre de centre de données à centre de données. Je suis enthousiasmé par les nouvelles possibilités que cela nous donne d’aider nos clients, et par les investissements supplémentaires potentiels dans les infrastructures en Europe que nous explorons collectivement. » euNetworks construit et investit dans des réseaux de fibre optique urbains et longue distance pour connecter les principaux centres et hubs de données européens. La Société possède et exploite des réseaux de fibre optique dans 18 villes ainsi qu’un réseau longue distance très différencié qui s’étend sur 46 100 kilomètres à travers 17 pays. Grand spécialiste du secteur, euNetworks continue de croître et d’ investir en partenariat avec ses clients, en favorisant les nouvelles technologies et en approfondissant ses réseaux de fibre uniques en Europe. Ces investissements alimentent la croissance de la Société. À propos d’euNetworks euNetworks est une entreprise spécialisée dans les infrastructures de bande passante critique, qui possède et exploite 18 réseaux métropolitains basés sur la fibre optique, reliés par un réseau interurbain à haute capacité couvrant 53 villes dans 17 pays à travers l'Europe. L'entreprise est leader sur le marché de la connectivité des centres de données, connectant aujourd'hui plus de 545 centres directement. euNetworks est également un fournisseur de premier plan en matière de connectivité cloud et propose un portefeuille ciblé de services métropolitains et longue distance, notamment la fibre optique noire, les longueurs d'onde et l'Ethernet. Les clients des secteurs de la vente en gros, de la finance, des contenus, des médias, de la téléphonie mobile, des centres de données et des entreprises bénéficient de l'inventaire unique d'euNetworks en matière de fibres et de conduits, qui sont conçus pour répondre à leurs besoins en matière de large bande passante. La société fournit des services en s’engageant activement en faveur du développement durable et se concentre sur son objectif d’émissions nettes de carbone, de gestion de la chaîne d’approvisionnement respectueuse de l’environnement et de collaboration entre la communauté et l’industrie pour relever les défis environnementaux à venir. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur eunetworks.com . Le texte du communiqué issu d’une traduction ne doit d’aucune manière être considéré comme officiel. La seule version du communiqué qui fasse foi est celle du communiqué dans sa langue d’origine. La traduction devra toujours être confrontée au texte source, qui fera jurisprudence. Consultez la version source sur businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217718636/fr/ CONTACT: Hannah Britt|Directrice du marketing|euNetworks hannah.britt@eunetworks.come-mail |+44 7717 896 446 tél. mobile KEYWORD: EUROPE UNITED KINGDOM NETHERLANDS FRANCE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DATA MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY TELECOMMUNICATIONS MOBILE/WIRELESS NETWORKS INTERNET CARRIERS AND SERVICES SOURCE: euNetworks Group Limited Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/17/2024 02:12 PM/DISC: 12/17/2024 02:13 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217718636/fr

Putting AI in aid( MENAFN - GetNews) Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for Homes and Businesses in Ontario Bur Oak Resources is a leader in renewable energy solutions, offering cutting-edge, sustainable energy solutions for homes, businesses, and rural properties. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon footprints, the company is at the forefront of providing off-grid systems, wind turbine installations, and other eco-friendly technologies that make Ontario's energy future cleaner and more efficient. As Ontario continues to embrace sustainable energy solutions, Bur Oak Resources is helping to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly power sources. Their team specializes in developing and installing off-grid systems and wind energy solutions, allowing homeowners and businesses to generate and store their power. This move toward renewable energy is critical as the province aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a resilient energy grid for the future. Bur Oak Resources is particularly well-known for its expertise in off grid systems Ontario . These systems are designed to provide complete energy independence to homeowners and businesses that are located far from the main power grid. Whether a remote cottage or a rural farm, off-grid solutions ensure a reliable and renewable energy supply using solar, wind, or hybrid systems. The company's experienced team works closely with clients to design and install customized off-grid systems that meet their energy needs and environmental goals. This ensures that Ontario residents can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy, regardless of their location. "We are committed to providing Ontarians with the tools and technology they need to reduce their environmental impact while increasing energy independence," said the spokesperson at Bur Oak Resources. "Our off-grid systems are a perfect example of how renewable energy solutions can empower people to take control of their energy needs, no matter where they live." One of the key offerings from Bur Oak Resources is the installation of Ontario wind turbines , a sustainable solution that harnesses the power of the wind to generate electricity. With the province's vast and diverse landscape, wind turbines are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking to generate clean energy. Bur Oak Resources specializes in residential and commercial wind turbine installations, offering turnkey solutions, including site assessments, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Bur Oak Resources is a trusted provider of Ontario renewable energy solutions, committed to delivering sustainable, cost-effective, and innovative systems to meet the energy needs of homes and businesses. With a focus on off-grid systems, Ontario wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies, Bur Oak Resources helps clients take control of their energy use while reducing their environmental impact. The company's expert team offers full-service solutions, including energy audits, system design, installation, and maintenance, ensuring each project is tailored to the client's needs. MENAFN17122024003238003268ID1109004775 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.White Florida woman sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting Black neighbor in lengthy dispute

Gaetz’s withdrawal from attorney general consideration a good move, Ryan, Molinaro say

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Libra Daily Horoscope Today, November 27, 2024 predicts scholarly successThe National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a public alert warning Nigerians about a cybersecurity threat involving the use of Spotify to promote malicious activities. The agency, in a public notice issued on Tuesday, disclosed that threat actors are exploiting the popular music streaming platform to advertise game hacks, pirated software, and spam links that could expose users to cyber threats. According to NITDA, cybercriminals embed malicious promotions in playlist names and podcast descriptions on Spotify, explaining that these promotions are used to advertise game hacks for popular video games such as Fortnite, GTA, Apex, and Roblox. Additionally. They also promote pirated software (commonly referred to as ‘cracks’), spam links, and other malicious sites. This abuse is said to leverage Spotify’s web player results to improve the search engine visibility of these harmful websites, putting unsuspecting users at risk of malware, scams, and other cyber threats. NITDA warned that the exploitation of Spotify could lead to exposure to scams and phishing attacks, downloading of malware that can compromise user devices and Loss of personal and financial data through interactions with malicious websites. To manage the risks, NITDA advised users to exercise Caution with suspicious playlists and podcasts and avoid engaging with playlists or podcasts that feature unusual or suspicious text in their descriptions. It also warned users not to click Unknown Links, and also ensure the Spotify app is updated to the latest version to minimise vulnerabilities. The agency further advised Spotify users in Nigeria to remain vigilant and adhere to cybersecurity best practices to safeguard their personal information and devices. According to the agency, the websites posing as OpenAI’s popular AI, ChatGPT, are tricking users into downloading malicious files or software to their devices.

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Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Conference title games a chance at a banner, bragging rights and, for some, a season-wrecking loss

Transaction Unifies Two Leaders in Decentralization, Rumble CEO Retains Controlling Stake Strategic Investment Results in Mission-Aligned Investor and Supporter Rumble Will Use $250 Million of Proceeds to Further Solidify Balance Sheet and Accelerate Growth Initiatives Remaining Proceeds Will Be Used to Fund Self Tender Offer for up to 70 Million of Rumble's Class A Common Stock to Provide Liquidity to Stockholders at Same Price as Tether Investment LONGBOAT KEY, Fla., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rumble (NASDAQ:RUM) ("Rumble” or the "Company”), the video-sharing platform and cloud services provider, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement for a strategic investment of $775 million from Tether ($USDT) ("Tether”), the largest company in the digital assets industry and the most widely used dollar stablecoin across the world with more than 350 million users. Over the last few years, Tether has become one of the most recognized symbols for financial inclusion. The Company will use $250 million of the proceeds to support growth initiatives and the remaining proceeds to fund a self tender offer for up to 70 million of its Class A Common Stock, at the same price ($7.50 per share) as Tether's investment. Following the completion of the transaction, Chris Pavlovski, Rumble's Chairman and CEO, will retain his controlling stake in the Company. Chris Pavlovski stated, "I could not be more excited about this collaboration with Tether for a number of reasons. First, many people may not realize the incredibly strong connection between the cryptocurrency and free speech communities, which is rooted in a passion for freedom, transparency, and decentralization. Second, the immediate commitment of adding $250 million in cash to our balance sheet not only confirms the level of support and commitment to a collaboration between our companies, it also fuels our growth initiatives. And, third, this transaction provides an immediate liquidity event for all of our stockholders who elect to participate in the self tender offer. I truly believe Tether is the perfect partner that can put a rocket pack on the back of Rumble as we prepare for our next phase of growth.” Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, added, "Tether's investment in Rumble reflects our shared values of decentralization, independence, transparency, and the fundamental right to free expression. In today's world, legacy media has increasingly eroded trust, creating an opportunity for platforms like Rumble to offer a credible, uncensored alternative. This collaboration aligns with our long-standing commitment to empowering technologies that promote freedom and challenge centralized systems, as demonstrated through our recent collaborations and initiatives. Rumble's dedication to fostering open communication and innovation makes them an ideal ally as we continue building the infrastructure for a more decentralized, inclusive future. Lastly, beyond our initial shareholder stake, Tether intends to drive towards a meaningful advertising, cloud, and crypto payment solutions relationship with Rumble.” Transaction Details Advisors Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is acting as placement agent and dealer manager for Rumble. Oppenheimer & Co. is serving as capital markets advisor to Rumble, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as legal counsel to Rumble. McDermott Will & Emery LLP is serving as legal counsel to Tether. DLA Piper LLP (US) is serving as legal counsel to Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. ABOUT RUMBLE Rumble is a high-growth video platform and cloud services provider that is creating an independent infrastructure. Rumble's mission is to restore the internet to its roots by making it free and open once again. For more information, visit: corp.rumble.com. ABOUT TETHER Tether is a pioneer in the field of stablecoin technology, driven by an aim to revolutionize the global financial landscape. With a mission to provide accessible and efficient financial, communication, artificial intelligence, and energy infrastructure. Tether enables greater financial inclusion, and communication resilience, fosters economic growth, and empowers individuals and businesses alike. As the creator of the largest, most transparent, and liquid stablecoin in the industry, Tether is dedicated to building sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the benefit of underserved communities. By leveraging cutting-edge blockchain and peer-to-peer technology, it is committed to bridging the gap between traditional financial systems and the potential of decentralized finance. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and include, for example, statements regarding our expectations or beliefs regarding our proposed transaction with Tether, the use of the proceeds therefrom and the acceleration of our expansion into cryptocurrency. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "targets," "expects," "endeavors," "forecasts," "well underway," "could," "will," "may," "future," "likely," "on track to deliver," "on a trajectory," "continues to," "looks forward to," "is primed to," "plans," "projects," "assumes," "should" or other similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially from future results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are based on our current beliefs and expectations of our management as of the date of this release. These statements are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include uncertainties as to the timing of the transactions; uncertainties as to the percentage of shares of Rumble stock tendered in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transactions may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transactions; the risk that we may be unable to derive additional benefits from the relationship with Tether, including increased advertising revenue, cloud revenue, and expansion into cryptocurrency payments; the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with the transactions may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; risks inherent with our increasing affiliation with crypto assets, including volatility; as well as regulatory and reputational risks; the risks of implementing a new treasury diversification strategy; our ability to grow and manage future growth profitably over time, maintain relationships with customers, compete within our industry and retain key employees; the possibility that we may be adversely impacted by economic, business, and/or competitive factors; our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects; our recent and rapid growth may not be indicative of future performance; we may not continue to grow or maintain our active user base, and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability; risks relating to our ability to attract new advertisers, or the potential loss of existing advertisers or the reduction of or failure by existing advertisers to maintain or increase their advertising budgets; Rumble Cloud, our recently launched cloud services business, may not achieve success and, as a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected; negative media campaigns may adversely impact our financial performance, results of operations, and relationships with our business partners, including content creators and advertisers; spam activity, including inauthentic and fraudulent user activity, if undetected, may contribute, from time to time, to some amount of overstatement of our performance indicators; we collect, store, and process large amounts of user video content and personal information of our users and subscribers and, if our security measures are breached, our sites and applications may be perceived as not being secure, traffic and advertisers may curtail or stop viewing our content or using our services, our business and operating results could be harmed, and we could face governmental investigations and legal claims from users and subscribers; we may fail to comply with applicable privacy laws; we are subject to cybersecurity risks and interruptions or failures in our information technology systems and, notwithstanding our efforts to enhance our protection from such risks, a cyber incident could occur and result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss; we may be found to have infringed on the intellectual property of others, which could expose us to substantial losses or restrict our operations; we may face liability for hosting a variety of tortious or unlawful materials uploaded by third parties, notwithstanding the liability protections of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996; we may face negative publicity for removing, or declining to remove, certain content, regardless of whether such content violated any law; paid endorsements by our content creators may expose us to regulatory risk, liability, and compliance costs, and, as a result, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; our traffic growth, engagement, and monetization depend upon effective operation within and compatibility with operating systems, networks, devices, web browsers and standards, including mobile operating systems, networks, and standards that we do not control; our business depends on continued and unimpeded access to our content and services on the internet and, if we or those who engage with our content experience disruptions in internet service, or if internet service providers are able to block, degrade or charge for access to our content and services, we could incur additional expenses and the loss of traffic and advertisers; we face significant market competition, and if we are unable to compete effectively with our competitors for traffic and advertising spend, our business and operating results could be harmed; we rely on data from third parties to calculate certain of our performance metrics and real or perceived inaccuracies in such metrics may harm our reputation and negatively affect our business; changes to our existing content and services could fail to attract traffic and advertisers or fail to generate revenue; we derive the majority of our revenue from advertising and the failure to attract new advertisers, the loss of existing advertisers, or the reduction of or failure by existing advertisers to maintain or increase their advertising budgets would adversely affect our business; we depend on third-party vendors, including internet service providers, advertising networks, and data centers, to provide core services; hosting and delivery costs may increase unexpectedly; we have offered and intend to continue to offer incentives, including economic incentives, to content creators to join our platform, and these arrangements may involve fixed payment obligations that are not contingent on actual revenue or performance metrics generated by the applicable content creator but rather are based on our modeled financial projections for that creator, which if not satisfied may adversely impact our financial performance, results of operations and liquidity; we may be unable to develop or maintain effective internal controls; potential diversion of management's attention and consumption of resources as a result of acquisitions of other companies and success in integrating and otherwise achieving the benefits of recent and potential acquisitions; we may fail to maintain adequate operational and financial resources or raise additional capital or generate sufficient cash flows; changes in tax rates, changes in tax treatment of companies engaged in e-commerce, the adoption of new tax legislation, or exposure to additional tax liabilities may adversely impact our financial results; compliance obligations imposed by new privacy laws, laws regulating social media platforms and online speech in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, or industry practices may adversely affect our business; and those additional risks, uncertainties and factors described in more detail under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC”). We do not intend, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the issuance of this release to reflect any future events or circumstances. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Rumble on Social Media Investors and others should note that we announce material financial and operational information to our investors using our investor relations website (investors.rumble.com), press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. We also intend to use certain social media accounts as a means of disclosing information about us and our services and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD: the @rumblevideo X (formerly Twitter) account (x.com/rumblevideo), the @gamingonrumble X (formerly Twitter) account (x.com/gamingonrumble), the @rumble TRUTH Social account (truthsocial.com/@rumble), the @chrispavlovski X (formerly Twitter) account (x.com/chrispavlovski), and the @chris TRUTH Social account (truthsocial.com/@chris), which Chris Pavlovski, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, also uses as a means for personal communications and observations. The information we post through these social media channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these social media channels in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. The social media channels that we intend to use as a means of disclosing the information described above may be updated from time to time as listed on our investor relations website. Important Information and Where to Find It The tender offer described in this press release has not yet commenced, and this press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of Rumble common stock or any other securities. On the commencement date of the tender offer, a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and related documents, will be filed with the SEC by Rumble. The offer to purchase shares of Rumble Class A Common Stock will only be made pursuant to the offer to purchase, the letter of transmittal and related documents filed as a part of the Schedule TO. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT REGARDING THE OFFER, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of these statements (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by directing such requests to the Information Agent for the tender offer which will be named in the tender offer statement. Copies of Rumble's filings with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at Rumble's investor relations website (investors.rumble.com) or by contacting investor relations at [email protected] . Certain Information Regarding Participants Rumble and its directors, executive officers and other members of its management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of Rumble's stockholders in connection with the proposed transactions. Information concerning the interests of Rumble's participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different from those of Rumble's stockholders generally, will be set forth in materials to be filed by Rumble with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge (when available) from the sources indicated above. For investor inquiries, please contact: Rumble IR Shannon Devine MZ Group, MZ North America 203-741-8811 [email protected] Rumble PR [email protected] Tether Contact [email protected]

What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?Homeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey, lawmaker saysThis week, the United States Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on four entities and three vessels involved in the trade of Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals, which generate billions of dollars’ worth of revenue for the Iranian regime. This revenue supports Iran’s nuclear program, its development and proliferation of provocative ballistic missiles, and financing of terrorist proxy groups such as Hizballah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Vessels transporting Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals frequently use methods of obfuscation and deception to mask this trade, posing a significant danger to the maritime industry. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of State is taking action against four entities in multiple jurisdictions involved in the movement of Iranian petroleum. “Iran’s continues to rely on its shadowy network of vessels, companies, and facilitators to finance the development of its nuclear program, the proliferation of its weapons systems, and support to its proxies,” said Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. “The United States is committed to targeting Iran’s key revenue streams that fund its destabilizing activities.” Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which provides authority to the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to identify and impose sanctions on key sectors of Iran’s economy. On October 11, 2024, the Secretary of the Treasury identified the petroleum and petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy as subject to sanctions pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 13902. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has released sanctions guidance for the maritime industry to aid in identifying new or common fact patterns that may be indicative of sanctions evasion, addressing common counterparty due diligence issues, and implementing best practices to promote sanctions compliance. The Iranian petroleum sector relies on various maritime industry partners to support its illicit oil trade, which generates financial resources used to support its malign activities, including missile development, financing of terrorist proxy networks, and its nuclear program. The dark fleet transporting Iranian oil tends to consist of older, poorly maintained vessels operating outside of standard maritime regulations which, when combined with other deceptive shipping practices, also creates a dangerous operating environment that can pose serious risk to other shipping activities. Marshall Islands-registered Journey Investment Company is the registered owner of the Djibouti-flagged crude oil tanker MS ENOLA (IMO: 9251951), which has been involved in the illicit transfer of Iranian oil for several years. The MS ENOLA recently received millions of barrels of Iranian oil in a ship-to-ship transfer from sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company tanker DINO I (IMO: 9569671), formerly known as the INFINITY. The MS ENOLA has continued to use deceptive practices to help obfuscate its illicit activity, including turning off its automated identification system (AIS). Liberia- and Greece-registered Rose Shipping Limited is the manager and operator of the MS ENOLA, the San Marino-flagged MS ANGIA(IMO: 9246281), and the Panama-flagged MS MELENIA (IMO: 9302023). Like the MS ENOLA, the MS ANGIA has been involved in illicit Iranian oil shipments dating back several years. Marshall Islands-registered Passada Maritime Limitedis the registered owner of the MS ANGIA. Journey Investment Company, Rose Shipping Limited, and Passada Maritime Limited are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy. The MS ENOLA is being identified as property in which Journey Investment Company has an interest. The MS ANGIA and the MS MELENIA are being identified as property in which Rose Shipping Limited has an interest. In early 2024, Hong Kong-based Master Joint Co., Limited was used by U.S.-sanctioned Iranian trader Triliance Petrochemical Company to coordinate the sale of Iranian petrochemicals. Master Joint Co., Limited is being designated for operating in the petroleum and petrochemical sectors of the Iranian economy. Triliance Petrochemical Company was designated pursuant to E.O 13846 on January 23, 2020, for, on or after November 5, 2018, having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, the National Iranian Oil Company. The U.S. Department of State is also taking action against a number of entities in multiple jurisdictions involved in the illicit movement of Iranian petroleum. Seychelles-based Shiny Sails Shipping Ltd, India-based Atlantic Navigation OPC Private Limited, Suriname-based Galaxy Management NV, and Hong Kong-based Brecalin Hong Kong Co Ltd are all being designated pursuant to E.O. 13846 for having knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran. The Cameroon-flagged vessel AVITAL (IMO: 9246279) is being identified as property in which Shiny Sails Shipping Ltd has an interest. The Panama-flagged vessel VIGOR (IMO: 9262156) is being identified as property in which Galaxy Management NV has an interest. The Barbados-flagged vessels PROGRESS V (IMO: 9316701) and SCORPIUS (IMO: 9264893), along with the Panama-flagged vessels TASCA (IMO: 9313149) and ELIZA II (IMO: 9418078) are being identified as property in which Brecalin Hong Kong Ltd has an interest. As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13902. In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the individuals and entities designated today may themselves be exposed to sanctions or subject to an enforcement action. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. Source: US Department of Treasury

Rumble Announces $775 Million Strategic Investment from Tether

At least two people were killed and more than 60 injured after a car drove at high speed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, German officials said on December 20. The car plowed into the market in what authorities suspect was an intentional act in the city in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. “This is a terrible event, particularly now in the days before Christmas," Saxony-Anhalt Governor Reiner Haseloff said. The driver of the car was arrested. Haseloff told reporters that the suspect is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who first came to Germany in 2006. He had not been on law enforcement's radar as a known Islamist, security sources told the dpa news agency. "From what we currently know he was a lone attacker, so we don't think there is any further danger for the city," Haseloff said. Haseloff said the two people confirmed dead were an adult and a toddler, and he couldn’t rule out further deaths. Police evacuated the area as they suspected there could be a bomb still in the car that was driven into the market. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he plans to visit the city on December 21. “The reports from Magdeburg suggest something terrible is to come. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours,” Scholz said on X. French President Emmanuel Macron also reacted on X. “Deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany this evening. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their loved ones and families. France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity,” he said . Magdeburg, a city of about 240,000 residents west of Berlin, is the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt. The suspected attack came eight years after an Islamic extremist plowed into a Christmas market in Berlin. killing 13 people and injuring dozens more. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said in its final report on the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia that numerous issues “negatively impacted" the elections and eroded public trust. The OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) issued the final report on December 20. The OSCE said shortly after the October 26 elections that it had recorded instances of vote-buying, double-voting, physical violence, and intimidation. The final report reiterates the organization's concerns and offers recommendations to improve elections in Georgia. “Numerous issues noted in our final report negatively impacted the integrity of these elections and eroded public trust in the process,” said Eoghan Murphy, who headed the ODIHR’s 2024 election observation mission to Georgia. Murphy urged authorities in Georgia to urgently address all concerns about the elections, which gave the ruling Georgian Dream party more than 54 percent of the vote, enough to maintain control of the government. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze acknowledged that the final report contains "critical remarks," including on the suppression of votes. "In 76 percent of the polling stations where it observed, OSCE/ODIHR did not identify any irregularities at all," he said at a briefing, adding that in other cases there were "isolated irregularities" that were identified. "These were related to incorrect ballot entry, improper arrangement of the polling station, so-called leaks, video recording, etc." According to Kobakhidze, the Georgian Dream government is ready to cooperate with the OSCE to implement its recommendations. The report refers to the passage of a "foreign agents" law modeled on a similar Russian law, earlier in the year, saying the election took place amid “serious concerns about the impact of recently adopted legislation on fundamental freedoms and civil society.” The law, which mandates that organizations receiving significant foreign funding register as “foreign agents,” took effect on August 1, sparking significant backlash from international and domestic actors. The final report also cites pressure on voters and election day practices that “compromised the ability of some voters to cast their vote without fear of retribution.” In addition, there was an overall lack of response to complaints in the post-election period, the report said, saying the ODIHR “found that cases were not considered sufficiently, limiting legal remedies.” The report reiterates the negative impact of the “polarized and instrumentalized media” and limited campaign finance oversight. It notes that candidates were generally able to campaign freely, and candidates across 18 party lists competed, but a "significant imbalance in financial resources contributed to the uneven playing field.” Demonstrators began gathering in central Tbilisi soon after the elections as criticism mounted over voting irregularities. The protests intensified after Kobakhidze announced that Tbilisi was suspending until 2028 talks with Brussels on Georgia's bid to join the European Union. The ODIHR notes that some protests were violently dispersed, resulting in numerous arrests and allegations of brutality toward protesters and journalists. The ODIHR said that the suppression of protests by force and numerous arrests “caused grave concerns about compliance with international commitments to freedom of peaceful assembly.” Poland has summoned Hungary's ambassador over Budapest's decision to grant political asylum to a Polish opposition politician who is wanted for alleged corruption during his tenure in Poland's previous government. Warsaw was outraged by Hungary's decision to grant political asylum to Marcin Romanowski. The decision, announced the Hungarian prime minister's office on December 19, accused the Polish government of persecuting its political opponents. Poland called the move a "hostile act" that runs counter to the principle of loyal cooperation among members of the European Union. "In response to this action, the Hungarian ambassador to Poland will be summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, where he will receive an official protest note," the ministry said on December 20. The ministry also said that if Hungary fails to comply with its EU obligations, Poland will ask the European Commission to respond. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government says it has opened the door for prosecutors to investigate suspected wrongdoings committed during the tenure of the nationalist Law and Justice party, which ruled the country for eight years until 2023 and which have been covered up. Tusk said he was dismayed by Hungary's decision to shelter a man being sought on suspicions of defrauding the state of millions of zlotys. “I did not expect corrupt politicians escaping justice would be able to choose between [Belarusian authoritarian leader Alyaksandr] Lukashenka and [Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor] Orban,” Tusk said on December 20. His reference to Lukashenka was apparently linked to the case of a Polish judge who fled to Belarus. Romanowski was detained during the investigation but released in July. He denies the charges against him. Through his lawyer he has argued that he is the victim of political retribution by Tusk's government. Gergely Gulyas, head of Orban's office, said the decision of the Hungarian authorities was in line with both domestic and European Union legislation. He said Romanowski's arrest raised serious concerns about fair treatment and political bias in Polish judicial proceedings. Polish opposition lawmakers, including Romanowski, accused Tusk's government of conducting a politically motivated witch-hunt against them. Romanowski told Polish broadcaster TV Republika that he thinks the fact that Hungary has granted him asylum confirms that "we are dealing with political persecution in Poland." Prosecutors and judges in Poland are politically controlled, he said. A spokesman for the European Commission declined to comment on the specific case but emphasized that EU member states are obligated to enforce European arrest warrants. Stefan de Keersmaecker said at a briefing in Brussels on December 20 that the obligation means that Hungary should send Romanowski back to Poland to face justice. The spokesman added that all EU member states maintain a high level of protection for fundamental rights and freedoms, making them all safe countries for asylum seekers. But an asylum application from a national of another EU member state can only be accepted under exceptional circumstances. The Georgian government has pledged to amend its controversial "foreign agents" law following discussions with the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset. Berset announced at a press briefing in Tbilisi on December 20, wrapping up a three-day visit, that a working group including Georgian representatives, the Council of Europe, and the Venice Commission will be formed to draft necessary changes to the legislation. "The government of Georgia promised to modify the content of the 'Foreign Influence Transparency' law. This working group will determine the specific changes required. I hope similar collaborative processes can extend to other areas, such as equality, anti-discrimination, electoral reform, and reforms in penitentiary and probation systems," Berset said. The law, modeled on a similar Russian law, mandates that organizations receiving significant foreign funding register as "foreign agents." Passed by the Georgian parliament in May despite a presidential veto, it came into force on August 1, sparking significant backlash from international and domestic actors. Georgian NGOs began appearing on the "foreign agent" registry in October, raising concerns about their ability to operate freely. Critics, including the European Union, have warned that the law could derail Georgia's aspirations for EU membership. While Moscow praised the Georgian government for adopting the law, Western countries, including the United States and Britain, condemned it as a tool for undermining democracy. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, however, reiterated Georgia's openness to discussions about the law. "If anyone proves there's something harmful in this legislation, we're ready to address it and work with relevant structures of the Council of Europe," Kobakhidze said. Berset's visit comes amid heightened political tensions in Georgia, marked by public polarization, high-level violence, and allegations of electoral misconduct. Addressing the situation, Berset emphasized: "Georgia is at a critical juncture. The country is filled with political tension, polarized public debate, and high levels of violence," adding that the country "deserves stability and democracy." "I am not here to legitimize elections; that is the responsibility of other competent institutions," Berset said, stressing that his primary goal was "to support Georgia and its people." He also said that resolving the political crisis depends on "upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law." During his visit, Berset held multiple meetings with government officials, including Kobakhidze, Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and opposition representatives. His visit is seen as an effort to mediate amid deep divisions within Georgian society. On December 19, the United States imposed sanctions on Georgia's Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and Special Tasks Department Deputy Director Mirza Kezevadze under the Global Magnitsky Act. Hours earlier, Britain had sanctioned Gomelauri and four other senior officials. These sanctions reflect growing Western dissatisfaction with Georgia's political trajectory. Despite this, Kobakhidze assured that the government would "compensate any losses" incurred by sanctioned individuals and announced plans to award honors to the Interior Ministry's leadership following the presidential poll in February 2025 and inauguration of Georgia's next president, whose legitimacy is contested by the opposition and the current President Salome Zurabishvili. Georgia's "foreign agents" law has become a focal point in the country's strained relations with the West. The government's decision last month to delay European Union accession talks until 2028 also sparked protests in the country and criticism in the West. Moreover, economic hardship and the threat of backsliding from the Euro-Atlantic course have created a sense of urgency and fertile ground for unrest. International partners are apprehensive that Georgia's adoption of tactics similar to those used by Moscow could undermine its democratic progress and EU aspirations. Russia's top Islamic body has approved a religious edict that allows Muslim men to practice polygamy, which contradicts Russian law that prohibits individuals from entering multiple registered marriages simultaneously. The Council of Islamic Clerics of Russia's Spiritual Administration of Muslims (DUM), issued a fatwa on December 18 that allows a Muslim male to enter up to four marriages at the same time as long as certain conditions are met. Russia's Family Code explicitly prohibits a person from entering a registered marriage with someone who is already married. But it comes as the Russian authorities are grappling with a dire demographic situation amid a population decline exacerbated by emigration, low birthrates, and high mortality. While the full text of the fatwa has yet to be published, reports from Russian news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti revealed key provisions in it that allow Muslim men to enter into multiple religious marriages. The fatwa stipulates that a man can engage in polygamy only if he ensures equitable treatment for all wives. This includes equal material provision, separate housing for each wife, and spending equal time with them according to an agreed schedule. If a man cannot meet these requirements, he is prohibited from entering multiple religious marriages unless a bride "voluntarily waives" her rights to them. Other circumstances under which polygamy is permitted by the DUM include cases where the first wife cannot conceive due to health issues, lack of desire, or age; in situations of "sexual incompatibility" between spouses; or when a man wishes to provide social and financial support to a single woman and her children. The DUM has acknowledged that women in purely religious marriages lack legal protections, which critics argue may leave women in polygamous religious marriages vulnerable. The conditions for such a marriage, they say, place a significant burden of proof on religious institutions or individuals to ensure compliance. How these provisions align with Russia's secular legal framework and broader societal norms is yet to be determined. Russian officials have yet to comment on the fatwah. The government, however, has been looking for ways to spur Russians to have more children as the declining population ages, a problem worsened by the Kremlin's war in Ukraine, which experts say has seen hundreds of thousands of Russian men die. The Russian government has actively promoted policies to encourage women to have more children, with financial incentives for larger families and efforts to discourage abortions. The Russian Orthodox Church has been assisting the government to promote such policies. Ukraine launched a deadly missile attack on the Russian region of Kursk on December 20, just hours after Russia carried out a massive air assault on Kyiv during rush hour that killed one person and damaged a historic cathedral and other buildings in the capital, including six embassies. Russia's Investigative Committee said an unspecified number of people were killed in the attack on Kursk involving U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets on the town of Rylsk. According to Mash Telegram channel , at least five people have been killed, and 26 others injured. The attack has destroyed several critical pieces of social infrastructure, including a pedagogical college, a cultural center, and a school. The attack came shortly after Russian launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other regions around Ukraine. The whole of Ukraine was under a general air-raid alert for several hours as Russia launched eight missiles -- including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles -- on Kyiv alone, Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, reported . Ukrainian cities and infrastructure continue to sustain regular Russian drone and missile strikes while outgunned and outmanned Ukrainian forces are facing difficulties in staving off Russia's increasingly rapid advance in the east. One person was killed by a strike in Kyiv's Holosiyiv district, while eyewitnesses reported several blasts in the city. The U.S. State Department condemned the missile attack, which damaged a building hosting several diplomatic missions. "Any attack against diplomats or diplomatic facilities anywhere is unacceptable," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on X. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko separately reported that falling debris from downed Russian drones fell on four of the capital's districts -- Holosiyiv, Solomyansk, Shevchenkivsk, and Dniprovsk -- wounding at least two people. Kyiv restaurateur Nadir Ahundov voiced his outrage at the Russian strike that completely destroyed his restaurant. "These subhuman [Russians], to drop such bombs on residential buildings," Ahundov told RFE/RL. "I put my heart, my soul into [creating] this," he said, pointing to the trees outside the restaurnat. "These trees were small when I planted them. Look at them now -- those monsters knocked them down." In Kherson, a 60-year-old man was killed in a Russian strike and two others, including an 86-year-old man, were wounded, regional Governor Roman Mrochko reported on Telegram. Late on December 19, a Russian missile struck and badly damaged a two-story apartment building in the southeastern city of Kryviy Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hometown, wounding five people, including two pulled alive from under the rubble, officials said. The attack also crippled the power supply in parts of the city of 600,000 and damaged a hospital, regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said. In a statement on Telegram, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that the strikes on December 20 were "in response" to Ukrainian attacks on Russian targets using Western-supplied weapons. The latest wave of attacks from both sides came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested at his highly choreographed annual press conference a "high-tech duel" over Kyiv to prove that Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik, cannot be shot down by Western-supplied air defenses. "It would be interesting for us.... Let's conduct this experiment, this technological duel, and see the results. I think it would be useful for both us and the Americans," Putin said. In reaction, Zelenskiy posted a message on X calling Putin a "dumbass." "People are dying, and he thinks it’s 'interesting'... Dumbass," Zelenskiy wrote. The United States and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions on Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri and other senior officials in the ministry in response to their alleged role in a violent crackdown on journalists, opposition figures, and anti-government protesters. The United States also imposed sanctions on Mirza Kezevadze, deputy head of the special forces department in the Georgian Interior Ministry, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement on December 19. The Treasury Department said it was taking the action in coordination with Britain, which on December 19 imposed sanctions on Gomelauri and four other officials of the Interior Ministry for alleged human rights violations. A U.S. Treasury Department official said the reasons cited by the two governments for imposing the sanctions were similar. “In the wake of Georgia’s election, key officials in the Ministry of Internal Affairs engaged in a severe and vicious crackdown against their own people, including the intentional targeting of journalists and use of violence,” Acting Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said in the statement. Any assets owned by Gomelauri and Kezevadze in U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, making their business operations more difficult, the Treasury Department statement said. In addition to Gomelauri, Britain imposed sanctions on deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, Sulkhan Tamazashvili, Zviad Kharazishvili, and Mileri Lagazauri, according to a U.K. government statement. Thousands demonstrated in Tbilisi again on the night of December 19. It was the 22nd consecutive day of protests against the government's decision to effectively halt the country's EU accession talks. The protesters have questioned the legitimacy of the victory of the Georgian Dream party in the election that took place at the end of October. The demonstrations intensified after Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Tbilisi was suspending until 2028 talks with Brussels on Georgia's bid to join the European Union. “Security forces from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Special Task Department responded to protests with disproportionate violence to suppress dissent and discourage protesters,” the U.S. Treasury Department’s statement said. Georgia's pro-Europe president, Salome Zurabishvili, has said the October 26 election was rigged with the help of Moscow and has vowed not to leave office even when her successor -- selected by what protesters say is an illegitimate parliament -- is scheduled to be sworn in on December 29. Zurabishvili has condemned the "brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media," comparing the crackdown to "Russian-style repression." Demonstrations have repeatedly been violently broken up, activists have been detained, and opposition politicians and media representatives attacked. Georgia received EU candidate status in December 2023, and according to surveys, a majority of Georgians support EU membership. Kobakhidze has refused to back down and threatened to punish political opponents, whom he accuses of being behind violence that has occurred at the protests. Georgia’s relations with Brussels soured with the adoption of a Russian-style "foreign agent" law that critics say threatens media and civil society groups by accusing them of "serving" outside powers. One lawmaker was killed and another injured in a shooting at the de facto parliament in Georgia's Abkhazia, a breakaway region supported by Russia. According to local media reports, Adgur Kharazia and Kan Kvarchia, lawmakers operating under the self-proclaimed government, were meeting on December 19 over a proposal to ban the mining of cryptocurrency when a disagreement boiled over. Kharazia, a former mayor of the region's capital, Sukhumi, has a history of violent incidents and reportedly pulled out a firearm and began shooting. Vakhtang Golandzia, a fellow lawmaker who was trying to intervene, was fatally shot. Kvarchia was shot in the arm and taken to hospital. The Health Ministry confirmed the incident while acting Interior Minister Robert Kiut said in a statement that "Kharazia managed to flee the scene and police are searching for him. A special investigative group has been sent to detain him." The shooting comes weeks after Abkhazia's parliament rejected a controversial investment deal with Russia on December 3. The shooting also underlines the region's instability, with presidential elections scheduled for February 2025. The agreement, signed in Moscow on October 30, was widely criticized as 'exploitative' by opposition figures and civil society groups who felt it would grant undue economic advantages to Russian investors while undermining Abkhazia's sovereignty. The political aftermath of the deal also provoked mass protests, forcing the de facto leader, Aslan Bzhania, to resign on November 19. He was replaced by acting leader Badra Gunba, yet the region remains in a state of political instability. The December 19 shooting further indicated the deep division within Abkhazia's leadership and the uncertainty within its political climate. Kvarchia, the injured legislator, has actively opposed the now-shelved Russian investment agreement. In the parliamentary session on December 3, he said the deal was "enslaving for Abkhazia." He accused the executive branch of trying to push the agreement through despite a public outcry. His opposition to the current administration's move has made him one of the key figures in the opposition movement that successfully rallied public dissent against the current administration's policies. Kharazia has a controversial history. In 2020, he was detained for allegedly causing grievous bodily harm and illegally possessing firearms after reportedly injuring an administrative official. His involvement in the December 19 shooting has once again raised questions about accountability within Abkhazia's separatist leadership and broader security mechanisms. The incident has piled on the pressure on acting leader Badra Gunba, who held an emergency meeting following the shooting. Gunba has already been under pressure from opposition groups demanding accountability for the mishandling of the Russian investment deal. The protests that led to Bzhania's resignation underlined deep-seated discontent with Abkhazia's governance and fragile dependence on Russia. The political crisis in Abkhazia reflects a struggle in the region to balance its reliance on Moscow for economic and military support with growing public unease about over-dependence on Moscow. While Russia recognized Abkhazia's independence after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, most international community still views the region as part of Georgia. A court in Romania has accepted an appeal filed by controversial Internet influencer Andrew Tate and his brother and sent his case on human trafficking and other charges back to prosecutors. The Bucharest Court of Appeals said on on December 19 that it found "irregularities" in the indictment issued by the Prosecutor-General's Office. The prosecutors can now bring forth new evidence to back up their charges or amend the existing ones. The ruling is a blow to Romania's anti-organized crime prosecuting unit DIICOT, which filed charges against Tate, his brother Tristan Tate, and two Romanian women after they were arrested in December 2022 on suspicion of human trafficking. They were formally indicted last year, and the Bucharest Tribunal ruled earlier this year that a trial could start but did not set a date. All four deny the charges. Andrew Tate, 38, and Tristen Tate, 36, are dual British-U.S. citizens and former kickboxers. Andrew Tate has amassed more than 10 million followers on the social media platform X but has been kicked off other platforms, including Facebook and TikTok over accusations of posting hate speech and misogynistic comments. Eugen Vidineac, one of the Tate brothers’ lawyers, said the decision was “a significant legal victory” that “rightly determined that there is insufficient basis to proceed with the case.” Mateea Petrescu, a spokeswoman for Andrew Tate, said the court's review "revealed significant procedural flaws and raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigative process, further undermining the credibility of the prosecution’s case.” Andrew Tate complained bitterly about the case in a statement issued after the ruling. "They’ve had years to build their case -- years to tear apart my life, target everyone I know, and even subpoena the mother of my child," Tate said. "And yet, they have nothing." DIICOT has not commented on the ruling. The Bucharest Court of Appeal judges said in their decision that they had identified problems in "the manner of presenting the factual situation and describing the constitutive elements in the case" against the two female suspects. The judges also said Andrew Tate's right to a defense was violated in the way he was informed of the accusation of human trafficking regarding one of the alleged victims. Andrew Tate in August was placed under house arrest and Tristan Tate under judicial control for 30 days after they were interrogated by Romanian anti-corruption prosecutors as part of an investigation into new allegations against them. During the criminal investigation, prosecutors said they identified seven women who were sexually exploited "forcibly, in order to obtain significant financial benefits" for the defendants from people who accessed content on social media. Prosecutors accused the Tate brothers of recruiting their victims using the so-called "lover boy" method, seducing them and claiming to want a relationship or marriage. The victims were then taken to properties outside Bucharest, where they were sexually exploited through physical violence and psychological intimidation as they were forced to produce pornographic content, the prosecutors said. Romanian investigators carried out the interrogations and fresh searches at the brothers’ residences as part of the investigation into the new charges. DIICOT said at the time that the new accusations included charges of forming an organized crime group, trafficking of minors, a sexual act with a minor, influencing statements, and money laundering. The brothers said through a spokesperson that the fresh accusations were “not fully clarified." They have been barred from leaving Romania as the proceedings against them continue but are set to be extradited to Britain once their case in Romania concludes. They face further allegations of rape and human trafficking in Britain, where a court ruled on December 18 that police can seize more than 2.6 million pounds ($3.3 million) to cover years of unpaid taxes. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring of the Westminster Magistrates’ Court said what appeared to be a “complex financial matrix” was actually a “straightforward cheat of the revenue.” Andrew Tate said in a statement that the ruling “is not justice” and claimed it was a “coordinated attack on anyone who dares to challenge the system.” The Tate brothers have stated that they do not want to be extradited from Romania, which they said they consider their home. A court in Moscow charged Uzbek citizen Ahmat Qurbanov on December 19 with terrorism and other charges in the high-profile killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who headed Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces. In addition to terrorism, Qurbanov has been charged with murder and the illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. Qurbanov, born in 1995, has been accused of detonating a self-made explosive device concealed in a scooter parked near a residential building in Moscow on December 17. The blast killed Kirillov and his assistant. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) detained Qurbanov shortly after the attack in cooperation with the Interior Ministry and the Investigative Committee. Investigators claimed Qurbanov was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services. The Russian authorities released a video in which a man speaking poor Russian introduced himself as Ahmad Qurbanov from Uzbekistan and "confessed" to having committed the attack. The circumstances in which the video was recorded remain unknown. During the court hearing on December 19, Qurbanov requested a translator due to his limited command of the Russian language. The Uzbek Embassy in Moscow has been actively involved in the case. It commented on Qurbanov's arrest on Telegram, saying that it was in contact with Russian law enforcement agencies. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev discussed cooperation in the fight against terrorism in a phone call on December 19, the Kremlin said. Mirziyoev expressed his condolences for the death of Kirillov and his assistant, according to the Kremlin. The FSB said in a statement on December 18 that the suspect had been recruited and trained by Ukraine's special services and promised money to carry out the attack. While there has been no formal claim of responsibility for the killing, a source at Ukraine's SBU security service told RFE/RL that the blast was the result of a special operation by the Ukrainian agency. Ukraine had accused Kirillov of being responsible for the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops. Moscow has denied the accusation. Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev has praised the Czech Republic after it adopted a resolution recognizing the deportation of Crimean Tatars by Soviet authorities in 1944 as genocide. In a December 18 vote, 70 of 74 senators supported the resolution, making the Czech Republic the seventh country to recognize the genocide, joining Canada, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. "This decision morally supports Crimean Tatars and Ukraine and encourages other countries to follow suit," Mustafa Dzhemilev, the national leader of the Crimean Tatar people and a member of Ukraine's parliament, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service in an interview after the vote. Eighty years ago, over three days from May 18 to May 20, 1944, Soviet security forces rounded up at least 200,000 Tatars on the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and brutally sent them into exile in Central Asia. Tens of thousands died during the deportation and under the harsh conditions of their first years in exile. Soviet demographers in 1949 estimated there had been nearly 45,000 “excess deaths” among Crimean Tatars in the previous five years, while Crimean Tatar sources put the losses far higher. Dzhemilev said the recognition means even more than usual for Crimean Tatars since it comes while Russia occupies Crimea -- it illegally annexed the peninsula in 2014 -- and continues its ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched almost three years ago. "This is a really important event, especially for the Crimean Tatars, who are currently under occupation. This is moral support for them. And at the same time, this is moral support for Ukraine, which is currently in a state of war with our not very good neighbor," Dzhemilev said. Dzhemilev noted the Czech government's readiness to use its influence to urge other countries to pass similar resolutions, especially those in Russia's traditional sphere of influence. The deportation of the Crimean Tatars -- like those of several other Soviet ethnic populations around the same time -- was ordered by dictator Josef Stalin and overseen by notorious secret police head Lavrenty Beria. It was followed by a campaign of de-Tatarization in Crimea, during which the culture of the Turkic, Muslim people was virtually wiped out on the peninsula. Although most of the persecuted ethnic groups were allowed to return to their homelands after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev condemned the population transfers in 1956, Crimean Tatars were not. Only in the late 1980s, after more than four decades of exile, did the Soviet government condemn the deportation as a crime and lift the ban on their return. With Crimea occupied again, Dzhemilev said he understands Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's recent statement that Kyiv currently lacks the military strength to retake Crimea by force. Still, he hopes European countries such as Germany and France will convince the United States, which will see an administration change in January when President-elect Donald Trump moves into the White House, to continue its support for Ukraine in repelling Russian forces, including from Crimea. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is nearing its primary goal in the war against Ukraine and challenged the United States to a missile "duel" involving Russia's new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile. Speaking at an annual news conference used in large part to show his control over almost every aspect of Russia's political and economic spheres, Putin boasted about the country's economy, glossing over the impact of severe sanctions imposed by the West for the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine . The tightly controlled question-and-answer session on December 19, a live broadcast on state TV that lasted almost 4 1/2 hours, focused on domestic issues at the start before turning to foreign policy, namely the war in Ukraine. Putin, in power for almost a quarter of a century, said Russian forces were advancing along the front line of Ukraine and were moving toward achieving their primary goals . He didn't specify what he meant, but previously he has said peace will be possible after the "denazification, demilitarization, and a neutral status" of Ukraine. Russia has falsely claimed Ukraine is run by "radical nationalist" and neo-Nazi groups. Later in the broadcast, Putin said he was ready for "negotiations and compromises" in possible peace talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and that he had no conditions for starting such talks. Putin has previously ruled out making any major territorial concessions to end the war, while it has also insisted Kyiv abandon its ambitions to join the NATO military alliance. "Soon, those Ukrainians who want to fight will run out, in my opinion. Soon there will be no one left who wants to fight," he said. "We are ready, but the other side needs to be ready for both negotiations and compromises." However, Putin also admitted he could not say when Russia would regain full control of the western region of Kursk, where Ukraine launched a shock offensive in August and still occupies territory. "We will absolutely kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," Putin said. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on December 19 that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had spoken by phone the day before with his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, about the conflict in Ukraine. The ministry said Lavrov "explained in detail the Russian position on the settlement of the situation" and outlined Putin's conditions. Well-known military analyst Michael Kofman at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said on a podcast earlier this month that he was skeptical that Russia would agree to an early cease-fire and suspected that Moscow could try to tie up the United States in "envoy diplomacy" for months. "I'm sure they'll be happy to schedule a summit in Geneva or perhaps some other place in Europe, all the while intending to make gains on the battlefield. And they've done this before," said Kofman. Kofman added that if Ukraine can maintain its front lines and prevent a breakthrough over the next several months, Russia's negotiating hand will weaken as military resources and economic problems become more acute. Russia has been trending toward authoritarianism since the beginning of Putin's tenure. But since an election in 2018, that trend has been more firmly entrenched than ever. The already marginalized opposition has been crushed. Earlier this year, Aleksei Navalny, Putin's most prominent critic, died while in a Siberian prison. A raft of constitutional amendments imposed in 2020 enabled Putin to seek two additional six-year terms, the first of which he secured with a landslide victory in March in balloting the international community called a "sham" and not "free and fair." The 72-year-old Putin, who is set to surpass Soviet dictator Josef Stalin’s nearly 30-year reign by the end of his new term to become the longest-serving Russian leader in more than two centuries, could conceivably hold power until 2036. Putin struck a defiant tone when the subject of weaponry came up during the broadcast. In an apparent trolling of Washington, he suggested a "21th-century high-tech duel." "Let them determine some target for destruction, say in Kyiv: Concentrate all their air defense and missile defense forces there, and we will strike there with Oreshniks and see what happens," he said. "We are ready for such an experiment, but is the other side ready?" Russia launched the so-called Oreshnik ballistic missile against Ukraine on November 21 in a strike targeting the city of Dnipro. Putin said at the time it was part of Moscow's response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil with U.S.-supplied ATACMS and British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. Analysts have voiced skepticism about the Oreshnik, saying the launching of the new intermediate-range missile was as much about political messaging as it was about military might. Putin has been raising the specter of a nuclear strike since long before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and analysts said the Russian leader chose the Oreshnik to send a different signal to Washington. "It's the kind of signaling you engage in when you can't, in fact, escalate in the way you've been threatening," Ruth Deyermond, senior lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, wrote on X of the November 21 missile strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that only transatlantic unity could eventually stop the war in Ukraine and lead to peace amid a change of administrations in the United States. Zelenskiy met on December 19 with EU leaders in Brussels to seek fresh support amid concerns that President-elect Donald Trump could pull U.S. support for Kyiv after he returns to the White House next month. Addressing the EU leaders, Zelenskiy welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to deploy troops to Ukraine following an eventual cease-fire. "We support France’s initiative for a military contingent in Ukraine as part of these guarantees and call on other partners to join this effort, it will help bring the war to an end," he told the closed-door meeting, according to a text posted on his website. It is "crucial for Europe to make a significant contribution to security guarantees," he said. "We all understand that in January, President Trump will intensify efforts to end the war. It’s up to us whether Europe supports him with a strong, united voice," he told the EU leaders, according to the text. Zelenskiy said Ukraine would ultimately need more protection through membership in the NATO military alliance. NATO has said Ukraine will join its ranks one day but it has not set a date or formally invited Ukraine to join. "It is impossible to discuss this only with European leaders, because for us, the real guarantees in any case - today or in the future - are NATO," he told reporters. "On the way to NATO, we want security guarantees while we are not in NATO. And we can discuss such guarantees separately with both the U.S. and Europe," he said. The meeting came as Ukrainian cities and infrastructure continue to sustain regular Russian drone and missile strikes while outgunned and outmanned Ukrainian forces are facing increasing difficulties in staving off Russia's increasingly rapid advance in the east. The EU leaders and Zelenskiy are to reaffirm their "unwavering commitment" to supporting Ukraine "for as long as it takes," according to draft conclusions seen by Reuters. "Russia must not prevail," the EU draft conclusions say. The bloc's leaders also stress that no decision must be made on Ukraine's fate without Kyiv's involvement. Zelenskiy on December 18 met in Brussels with NATO chief Mark Rutte and a group of European leaders who seek to develop their own plans if Trump, who has pledged to bring a swift end to the conflict, pulls support or forces Kyiv to make concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a cease-fire. Organized by Rutte, the meeting involves officials from Germany, Poland, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the European Union's main institutions. The key topic of Zelenskiy's meeting with Rutte was security guarantees, Zelenskiy's office said. "It is very important to use these two days in Brussels to meet with all our partners and have the same, and very importantly, not divided -- the same -- common European position on how to secure Ukraine, how to strengthen our people and, of course, make our army stronger," Zelenskiy said, according to a statement released by his office. Strengthening Ukrainian air defense especially ahead of the winter was a key topic during Zelenskiy's meeting with Rutte, according to the statement from Zelenskiy's office. Rutte said Kyiv's allies should focus on ramping up arms supplies to ensure that Ukraine is in a position of strength. Meanwhile, Russia attacked Ukrainian regions with 85 drones early on December 19, the Ukrainian Air Force said, adding that 45 drones were shot down while the other 40 were derailed by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems that jammed their navigation systems. The air force said the attack targeted 10 Ukrainian regions -- Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskiy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, and Mykolayiv. Russia also launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and an Kh-59/69 guided missile during the attack, the air force said. The missile strikes damaged private homes and apartment buildings in the Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions, with no casualties or injuries reported. In the Kharkiv region, three people were killed in the village of Shevchenkove, said Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synyehubov. Two women, aged 67 and 65, and a 33-year-old man, were killed, Synyehubov said. One woman was injured and hospitalized as a result of the Russian shelling of Dvorichnaya, he added. The Ukrainian General Staff separately said that it struck an oil refinery in Russia's Rostov region. "Damage was inflicted to the infrastructure and production facilities of Novoshakhtinsk Oil Products Plant located in the Rostov Region of the Russian Federation," the General Staff said in a statement, adding that the refinery supplied Russia's military. Rostov's acting governor Yury Slyusar said that the region "suffered a massive attack" using 30 drones and three missiles. Russia's Rostov region has repeatedly been targeted by Ukraine. Separately, Russian officials said Ukraine struck Russia with at least 13 missiles and 84 drones. In recent months, Ukraine has increased the number of drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and fuel depots that work for Moscow's military. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met in Brussels on December 18 with NATO chief Mark Rutte and several European leaders to discuss war strategy amid concerns that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could pull U.S. support for Kyiv after he returns to the White House next month. The meeting came as European leaders seek to develop their own plans if Trump, who has pledged to bring a swift end to the conflict, pulls support or forces Kyiv to make concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a cease-fire. The key topic of Zelenskiy's meeting with Rutte was security guarantees, Zelenskiy's office said . "It is very important to use these two days in Brussels to meet with all our partners and have the same, and very importantly, not divided -- the same -- common European position on how to secure Ukraine, how to strengthen our people and, of course, make our army stronger," Zelenskiy said, according to a statement released by his office. Zelenskiy said earlier on X that he and French President Emmanuel Macron had a "detailed one-on-one discussion" that focused on priorities to further strengthen Ukraine’s position. "We continued working on President Macron’s initiative regarding the presence of forces in Ukraine that could contribute to stabilizing the path to peace," Zelenskiy said in an apparent reference to a discussion of boots on the ground raised recently during a meeting between Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters ahead of the meeting that the priority of the meeting was to secure the "sovereignty of Ukraine and that it will not be forced to submit to a dictated peace." He said any discussion of boots on the ground would be premature. Rutte said Kyiv's allies should focus on ramping up arms supplies to ensure that Ukraine is in a position of strength. Strengthening Ukrainian air defense especially ahead of the winter was a key topic during Zelenskiy's meeting with Rutte, according to the statement from Zelenskiy's office. "We have to do everything we can now to make sure that when it comes to air defense, when it comes to other weapons systems, we are doing everything we can to provide everything we can," Rutte said. Zelenskiy was expected to again plead for more air-defense systems to try to help stave off Russian barrages against Ukraine's power grid. Organized by Rutte, the meeting involves officials from Germany, Poland, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the European Union's main institutions. Among the potential topics are possible security guarantees offered to Ukraine in the event of a cease-fire and how a cease-fire could be monitored, with one option being an international peacekeeping force. NATO members have rebuffed Kyiv's calls for an invitation to join the alliance right away, sparking speculation that sending peacekeepers could be an alternative. Rutte also said he wants to discuss military aid, especially air defense, with Zelenskiy, saying Ukraine needs 19 extra air-defense systems to protect the country's energy infrastructure from Russian bombardment. Earlier on December 18, Rutte announced that a new NATO command in the German city of Wiesbaden has taken up its work to coordinate Western military aid for Ukraine. "The NATO command in Wiesbaden for security assistance and training for Ukraine is now up and running," Rutte told reporters at NATO's headquarters in Brussels. Dubbed NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), the command takes over coordination of the aid from the United States in a move widely seen as aiming to safeguard the support mechanism against Trump. NSATU is set to have around 700 personnel, including troops stationed at NATO's military headquarters in Belgium and at logistics hubs in Poland and Romania. Russia has condemned increases in Western military aid to Ukraine as risking a wider war. The U.K. and U.S. governments on December 18 said the comments of Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev following the assassination of a high-ranking Russian general by Ukrainian security services were irresponsible and yet another sign of Moscow's desperation. Medvedev, reacting to an editorial in the London-based Times newspaper that called the December 17 killing of a high-ranking Russian officer "a legitimate act of defense by a threatened nation," said Moscow should apply the same logic. Medvedev accused NATO and officials from countries allied with Ukraine in its battle to repel invading Russian troops of being participants in the conflict, making them "legitimate military targets." The U.S. State Department told RFE/RL that Medvedev's comments amounted to more irresponsible rhetoric from the Kremlin and reiterated that the United States and NATO do not seek a military conflict with Russia. "The Kremlin's aggression against Ukraine is the most significant and direct threat to Europe's security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. It is the Kremlin that started this war, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin could end it today," the State Department's press office said in a statement e-mailed to RFE/RL. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told a briefing on December 17 that Washington had no connection to the killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces (RKhBZ), or any prior knowledge of it. The U.K. Foreign Office said the comments were "just another example of Putin’s propaganda machine," while a spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was quoted as saying Medvedev's comments were "simply the latest in a stream of desperate rhetoric" to come out of Putin's government. "Unlike in Russia, a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy and we take any threats made by Russia incredibly seriously," the spokesman added, according to The Times. "Our newspapers represent the best of British values: freedom, democracy and independent thinking," he said. "I stand with The Times." In its article, The Times said the assassination was "a discriminate strike against an aggressor" and that it underlines the need for Western governments to give Ukraine "all support it needs to fight a just war of self-defense." "All officials of NATO countries involved in decisions about military assistance to...Ukraine are participating in hybrid or conventional warfare against Russia.... And all these individuals can and should be considered legitimate military targets for the Russian state. And for all Russian patriots." Medvedev wrote in response. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told RFE/RL on December 18 that "Russia is always threatening. And it is meant to scare us, so what we see is the threats we have heard before." Speaking in Brussels before a meeting of EU leaders to discuss the war, she said: "I think the only response we can have is not to be afraid." The man nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia also weighed in on the killing, telling Fox News that it was "not a good idea" in his opinion. "There are rules of warfare and there are certain things you don't do," said Retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg. "When you are killing [officers] in their hometown it's kind of like you kind of extended it and I don't think it's really smart to do." Kirillov and his assistant were killed by a bomb concealed in a scooter outside the entrance of a Moscow building early on December 17. Kirillov is one of a number of Russian officers and pro-war figures to be killed in Russia and in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. His death came a week after a senior official from a Russian company that develops cruise missiles used by Moscow in the war was reportedly shot dead just outside the capital. Medvedev's rhetoric draws from the Kremlin's long-term narrative of blaming Western "forces" for anti-Russian actions worldwide and acts of sabotage and "terrorism" on Russian territory. Russian investigators termed the killing a "terrorist" attack and immediately attributed it to Ukrainian intelligence. On December 18, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had detained a suspect -- a 29-year-old unnamed Uzbek national -- in the case. Medvedev also threatened retribution against journalists from The Times, ominously warning that the newspaper could be included in those "legitimate military targets," adding that "in London, many things happen...be careful." That warning appears to be a thinly veiled reference to the radiation poisoning of former FSB officer and Kremlin critic Aleksandr Litvinenko in London in 2006, and the attempted assassination of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in the British city of Salisbury with a deadly nerve agent in 2018. Russia accused Kyiv of "terrorism" after authorities said they had detained an Uzbek citizen who confessed to planting an explosive device that killed a high-ranking Russian officer on the instruction of Ukrainian intelligence. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces (RKhBZ), and his assistant were killed by a bomb concealed in a scooter outside the entrance of a Moscow building early on December 17. The speed of the arrest of the unnamed suspect led some analysts to question whether the 29-year-old Central Asian was a scapegoat, while unconfirmed reports swirled that police were ratcheting up raids on migrants. "The special services have a clear interest in showing their superiors the result of their work, that a successful investigation has taken place, and so on. It's not the first time we've seen this. It's hard to judge right now how accurate this [arrest] is," political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin told Current Time. While no individual or group officially claimed responsibility for the killing, a source at Ukraine's SBU security service told RFE/RL that the blast was the result of a special operation by the SBU. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said in a statement on December 18 that the unnamed suspect had been recruited and trained by Ukraine's special services and promised money to carry out the attack. The FSB said the suspect, on instructions from Ukraine, "arrived in Moscow, received a high-power homemade explosive device, and placed it on an electric scooter, which he parked near the entrance to the house of Kirillov." The Kremlin has not commented on the FSB statement, which said the suspect activated the bomb when Kirillov and his assistant were coming out of the building. The accused man had been given $100,000 for the murder as well as residency in a European country, the statement said, adding that the suspect faces life in prison for his alleged crime. "The Ukrainian special services officers involved in organizing the terrorist attack will be found and will receive the punishment they deserve," the FSB said. The FSB did not present any evidence along with its statement, and some analysts questioned the speed of the response. One woman from Kyrgyzstan told RFE/RL in Moscow that she expects a backlash for migrants from Central Asia. "The situation is difficult," the woman said. "I think the position of Central Asian migrants will only worsen after this event. Street inspections will likely intensify." The woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because she was afraid to reveal her identity, recalled that events after the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in March there were many raids and deportations of Central Asians from Russia and it's possible this could happen again, she said. Russian investigators said the assault in which 144 people were killed was carried out by four men, all Tajik nationals. The Kyrgyz woman who spoke with RFE/RL said that she believes Uzbeks in Russia will continue to have a difficult time. "Migration laws in Russia are already being tightened. Things will get worse for them regardless," she said, noting that new laws will come into effect on January 1 and "everything will become even harder." Kirillov, 54, is the highest-level Russian military officer to be killed in an apparent assassination since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His death came a day after the SBU reported that Ukrainian prosecutors had filed a charge against him, accusing him of being responsible for the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops during the war started by Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The SBU has said Russian forces have used chemical weapons almost 5,000 times during the war in Ukraine under Kirillov's leadership. The claim could not be independently verified. The RKhBZ are special forces who operate under conditions of radioactive, chemical, and biological contamination. Kirillov is one of a number of Russian officers and pro-war figures to be killed in Russia and in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. His death came a week after a senior official from a Russian company that develops cruise missiles used by Moscow in the war was reportedly shot dead just outside the capital. Viktor Yahun, the former deputy head of the SBU, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service in an interview that with some 20 million people in Russia having Ukrainian origins, "you can find a percentage who are ready to sincerely work for Ukraine. That's why there are so many agents over there." Kirillov was seen in footage that was central to an RFE/RL Russian Service investigation that revealed details about a restricted facility outside Moscow. The site is linked to a U.S. assertion that Russia maintains an offensive biological weapons program in violation of the UN Biological Weapons Convention. Former President Dmitry Medvedev, now a senior Russian security official, told a meeting shown on state TV that NATO and Ukraine's Western allies were behind the attack because of their support for Kyiv throughout Moscow's full-scale invasion of its neighbor. "These individuals can and should be considered a legitimate military target," he said. NATO officials have not commented publicly on Medvedev's remarks, but Kaja Kallas, the top EU diplomat, told reporters in Brussels that "Russia is always threatening." "And it is meant to scare us, so what we see is the threats we have heard before, so I think the only response we can have is not to be afraid,” she added. Security analyst Yuri Fedorov told Current Time he expects that Russia "will certainly try to retaliate, so it is very possible that there will be attempts by the Russian agents to kill high Ukrainian military and/or security services officers." "The attacks on Russian generals could have a political and psychological effect, but they cannot seriously impede Russia’s military effort: people like General Kirillov are not the irreplaceable figures who cannot be substituted." Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili challenged the European Union to do more to support pro-EU protesters and press the ruling Moscow-friendly Georgian Dream party to hold new elections following its unilateral decision to postpone negotiations with the 27-member bloc. Protesters , who have seen their street protests met with heavy handed police tactics, have also called for fresh elections in almost daily rallies following allegations of electoral fraud during the October parliamentary poll whose results the opposition has refused to recognize amid accusations that Georgian Dream rigged the vote to cling to power. In power since 2012, Georgian Dream was founded by Russia-friendly billionaire and ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. Pro-European Zurabishvili, who has sided with the protesters, told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg on December 18, that the elections must be repeated since they were marred by fraud, violence, and Russian influence. “Europe needs to find the leverage to act. If Europe cannot exert leverage on a country of 3.7 million, how can it expect to compete with the giants of the 21st century?” she said, while also accusing Georgian Dream of spending the equivalent of some $214 million in what she called "black money" to sway the election in its favor. "Intimidation, the use of administrative resources, Russian-style propaganda...In addition, 'black money' was used in large quantities. There were no police during the elections. I personally witnessed violence in various districts and tried to contact the minister of internal affairs, but I could not get through," Zurabishvili added. Georgia received EU candidate status in December last year but ties with Brussels have been tense in recent months following the adoption in May of a controversial "foreign agent" law. Critics say the legislation threatens media outlets and civil society groups and mirrors a similar Russian law used by the Kremlin to stifle political opponents and civil society. After the ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory in an election on October 26, protests restarted and intensified after the government said it was suspending talks with Brussels on Tbilisi's bid to join the EU, Georgia’s biggest donor, biggest economic market, and home to the South Caucasus country’s biggest diaspora until 2028. EU foreign ministers on December 16 agreed to slap visa restrictions on some Georgian officials, but Moscow-friendly Hungary and Slovakia blocked a proposed package of sanctions against leading Georgian officials for the violent crackdown on protesters. “If we are honest, Europe so far has not fully lived (up) to the moment. Europe has, so far, met the challenge halfway,” she said. “Where Georgians have been fighting day and night, Europeans have been slow to wake up and slow to react.” Zurabishvili is due to be replaced by a Georgian Dream-friendly ex-soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili, who was appointed as Georgia’s new president by parliament last week. Meanwhile, Council of Europe chief Alain Berset arrived in Georgia on a four-day visit on December 18. Berset said in a statement that his visit aims to verify whether the conditions for continued cooperation between the continental human rights watchdog and the Georgian government are still being met after riot police used excessive violence against peaceful protesters. Security forces have cracked down on demonstrators for more than three weeks, detaining dozens and injuring scores of people who accuse the government of moving Georgia away from the EU and closer to Russia. "As a member state of the Council of Europe since 1999, Georgia is bound to respect its fundamental commitments: democracy, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law," Berset said in a statement released ahead of the visit. "In the current tense and worrying context, the Council of Europe calls on all parties to avoid any escalation of tensions. It urges the authorities to refrain from the disproportionate use of force and to respect fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression and assembly," Berset said, adding, "These principles are essential to guarantee the country's stability and to meet the expectations of the Georgian people." During his visit to Georgia, Berset is set to meet with representatives of the government, the opposition, and civil society organizations. Russia's Rosatom is selling its stakes in uranium deposits in Kazakhstan to Chinese-owned companies as the Central Asian nation looks to avoid any international sanctions against Russian-linked assets and a sign of China's growing influence in the region. Kazatomprom, the world's largest producer of uranium, said Uranium One Group -- a unit of Rosatom -- had sold its 49.98 percent stake in the Zarechnoye mine in the Turkistan region to Astana Mining Company, which is owned by China's State Nuclear Uranium Resources Development Company. Kazatomprom maintains its 49.99 percent stake in the venture. Kazatomprom chief Meirzhan Yussupov told The Financial Times in September that sanctions imposed on Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine made it difficult to sell uranium to Western buyers. The U.S. State Department condemned the 10-year sentence handed down by Iranian authorities against Reza Valizadeh , a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and former journalist for RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "We strongly condemn this sentencing and call for his immediate release and the release of all political prisoners in Iran," a spokesperson told Radio Farda on December 17. "The Iranian government has repeatedly suppressed press freedom through threats, intimidation, detentions, forced confessions, and the use of violence against journalists in Iran," the spokesperson added. According to court documents sent to the journalist's lawyer on December 10 and subsequently reviewed by RFE/RL, Valizadeh was sentenced by Tehran's Revolutionary Court on charges of "collaborating with a hostile government." In addition to the prison term, Valizadeh was banned for two years from living in Tehran and adjacent provinces, from leaving the country, and from joining political or social organizations following the completion of his sentence. Valizadeh resigned from Radio Farda in November 2022 after a decade of work. He returned to Iran in early 2024 to visit his family but was arrested on September 22. His two court sessions, held on November 20 and December 7, reportedly lacked a prosecution representative, with the judge assuming that role. Sources close to the journalist claim he fell into a "security trap" despite receiving unofficial assurances from Iranian security officials that he would not face legal troubles upon returning to Iran. The State Department earlier condemned Valizadeh's detention, calling it "unjust" and inconsistent with international legal standards. Press freedom organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, urged Iranian authorities to release Valizadeh immediately. RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus also called for Valizadeh to be released, saying the charges against him, his conviction, and sentence were unjust. "Time and again, the Iranian regime has attempted to spread its malign influence around the world, trampling on human rights at every opportunity," Capus said in a statement. "Clearly, this regime feels threatened by the forces of freedom, including independent journalism." Iran is routinely accused of arresting dual nationals and Western citizens on false charges to use them to pressure Western countries. In September 2023, Iran released five Americans jailed in Iran in a prisoner swap. Valizadeh is the first U.S. citizen known to have been arrested since that deal. Iran is also among the most repressive countries in terms of freedom of the press. Reporters Without Borders ranked Iran 176th out of 180 countries in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index. The Paris-based media watchdog says Iran is now also one of the world’s biggest jailers of journalists. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it disrupted what it described as the "biggest network" of Russian spies operating within the country who were allegedly collecting intelligence on ally-donated F-16 fighter jets, among other military targets. The December 17 announcement underlines what Ukraine describes as Russia's constant spying efforts as it continues to repel Russia's ongoing invasion launched in February 2022. The SBU claimed its military counterintelligence division neutralized the alleged spy network working for Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) across five Ukrainian regions. In a coordinated operation, the SBU identified 12 Russian agents and informants, including former Ukrainian soldiers who deserted their positions and were later allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence while on the run from law enforcement. The group operated across Ukraine's key regions -- Zaporizhzhya, Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolayiv, and Odesa -- under the leadership of a GRU-appointed handler based in the Dnipropetrovsk region, the SBU said. The group's leader allegedly used forged documents, including fake credentials, to conceal his identity. According to the SBU, the agents were tasked with high-value intelligence missions crucial to the Russian military strategy. These included pinpointing the locations of Ukrainian air-defense systems and secret military airfields where F-16 fighter jets might be stationed and locating Ukrainian companies involved in the production of electronic warfare systems used to counter Russian drones. The SBU reported that the network's operators often used personal contacts, including Ukrainian soldiers in the frontline area, to unwittingly extract sensitive information from them. The focus on F-16 fighter jets underscores Russia's strategic concerns, the agency noted, as Ukraine's acquisition of these Western-supplied jets represents a potential major impact in the nearly 3-year-old conflict. The advanced aircraft bolster Ukraine's air capabilities, posing a significant threat to Russian operations. For Moscow, gaining intelligence on their potential deployment locations is critical to preemptively countering their use. The SBU has officially indicted the prominent members of the spy network with state treason and the unauthorized disclosure of military information about the movement and location of Ukrainian forces. Other participants in the operation may face further charges from law enforcement officials. The suspects face prison terms of up to eight years if convicted. Russian lawmakers have approved a bill that restricts how so-called foreign agents can access their income inside the country as the government continues to clamp down on political opponents amid the war in Ukraine. The State Duma, Russia's lower chamber of parliament, approved in its second and third readings a bill targeting "foreign agents," a controversial designation that stigmatizes those who receive it with a Soviet-era connotation and restricts their ability to exercise free speech. The bill limits a so-called foreign agent's access to various forms of income sourced domestically, including proceeds from property sales, royalties for creative work, or investment returns by requiring all proceeds be placed in special blocked bank accounts. Such funds would become available only in the event of the individual's foreign agent status being officially lifted -- a development critics say is all but impossible. Human rights groups and international observers have denounced the legislation as another move in Russia's authoritarian squeeze. Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, justified the move, however, describing it as a way to defend national interests. "Those who betray our country will not enrich themselves at the expense of its citizens. Funds earned in Russia must not be used against it," Volodin stated on Telegram. The law passed unanimously in the State Duma and now goes to the Federation Council, parliament's upper house, before going to President Vladimir Putin for a signature -- both of which are seen as a formality. The designation of foreign agent carries Soviet-era overtones of espionage and betrayal and has become the hallmark of the Kremlin's efforts to muzzle dissent. First introduced in 2012, the term has been applied to NGOs, independent journalists, opposition politicians, activists, and cultural figures accused of receiving foreign funding or engaging in activities perceived as politically hostile. The number of so-called foreign agents has increased to about 500 and includes prominent cultural and creative figures, most of whom had to flee Russia and are currently staying abroad. The new law significantly enhances controls from which the already highly restricted designees have to suffer, including among other demands such requirements as compulsory disclaimers on everything they say or write publicly and even file activity and detailed financial reports regularly. Later, other amendments banned advertisement collaborations with alleged foreign agents and significantly stiffened penalties, sending some to trials for noncompliance with the law. The new legislation represents a new phase in the campaign by the Kremlin to choke off the voices of its opponents. Royalties and earnings from intellectual property became an essential lifeline for musicians, authors, and artists whom the government placed on the list. Critics say the new measures will economically paralyze people whose work or public statements challenge government narratives. The move could also exacerbate the cultural brain drain in Russia since the beginning of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. KYIV -- Moscow's forces, bolstered by North Korean troops , have intensified their offensive against Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region, as Kyiv's outnumbered soldiers attempted to resist the onslaught there and elsewhere on December 17. "For the third day, the enemy has been conducting intensive offensive operations on the territory of the Kursk region, actively using units of the North Korean Army," said General Oleksandr Syrskiy, Ukraine's top military commander, in an address broadcast online. Pyongyang’s decision to send troops to Russia appears to have come at a high cost so far. Ukrainian and U.S. officials on December 16 said North Korean troops have been fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk and that some have been killed or injured. On December 17, a senior U.S. military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told news agencies that North Korean forces have suffered "several hundred" casualties in the Kursk fighting -- from lower-level troops to those "very near to the top." "These are not battle-hardened troops. They haven't been in combat before," the official added. RFE/RL has not been able to independently verify the claims. Russia has not commented on the reports. Syrskiy said the situation all along the front line "remains difficult" after Russian troops had seized "the strategic initiative" in recent weeks. He said Russian forces were continuing their drive to capture the strategic Donetsk city of Pokrovsk , which appears to be mostly deserted by civilians. Local military commanders in the region said defense forces were "holding back the onslaught," although the overall situation in the Donetsk city -- with a prewar population of about 65,000 -- appeared perilous, according to many Ukrainian officials. Over recent months, Russia has pressed its manpower advantage to push back against Ukraine's shock incursion into its Kursk region in August and to gain territory in eastern Ukraine, prompting Ukrainian officials to increase pleas to Western partners for additional military aid. Elsewhere, Ukraine's SBU security service said it had uncovered a "large-scale network" of agents working for Russian military intelligence that had attempted to collect information on Ukraine's supply of Western-supplied F-16 warplanes, which are based at secret sites throughout the country. "As a result of the special operation, 12 Russian agents and their informants were exposed. Some of them are deserters who voluntarily left the units of the armed forces of Ukraine, and when they were hiding from justice, they were recruited by the Russian special service," the security office said. On the political front, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Lviv, vowing his support for Ukraine's NATO membership hopes, while Zelenskiy urged Western allies to "urgently strengthen Ukraine" with additional aid. On December 16, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump told a news conference that Zelenskiy and Russia's Vladimir Putin must be prepared to "make a deal" to end the "horrible" war in Ukraine. "He should be prepared to make a deal, that’s all," Trump said of Zelenskiy during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Putin must also "make a deal," Trump then added. "Got to be a deal. Too many people being killed," he said. Trump, who takes office on January 20, said he would speak with Zelenskiy and Putin on ways to end the war, but he did not answer directly when asked if Ukraine would be forced to cede territory to Russia. President Joe Biden's administration has attempted to speed deliveries of aid to Kyiv ahead of the return to the White House of Trump, who has criticized the amount of assistance Biden has provided to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, in Tallinn, Estonia, leaders of the 10-nation Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) on December 17 vowed continued support for Ukraine. "We reiterate that Ukraine’s victory is vital to all our security and the preservation of rules-based international order," a joint statement read . "We call on all third countries, including [North Korea], Belarus, Iran, and China, which are directly or indirectly enabling Russia’s aggression, to cease offering the support Moscow requires to prolong the war and the suffering of the Ukrainian people." The statement is signed by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.Advertisers who want to know how many people Nielsen counted watching “60 Minutes” or “Yellowstone” on TV networks owned by Paramount Global may have to work a little harder to understand what all the information means. In a memo sent Friday to executives at major ad-buying agencies, John Halley, president of Paramount’s ad sales efforts, said Paramount ratings data may be more difficult to understand after a new product update by the measurement giant. The two sides have been at odds since October 1, when Paramount revealed it would not renew its deal with Nielsen , citing pricing increases and the easier availability of other measurement technology. “Paramount will continue to provide Nielsen with the first party schedule and program information they require to accurately measure our viewership, including live events, as we always have. To be clear, Nielsen will be in possession of the relevant data but will be suppressing your access to that data,” Halley said in his memo. “This decision was made by Nielsen and will affect the value and utility of your Nielsen data and tool licenses.” Nielsen said it continues to make Paramount data available to clients, albeit not in the same way as in the recent past. “All of our clients continue to have a full view of the marketplace, as Nielsen continues to measure Paramount networks and streaming services. However, we have removed Paramount data from transactional files. We have made this data available in good faith over the past three months, even without Paramount as a client,” Nielsen said in a statement. “Removing this transactional data is a necessary step to safeguard the investments of our paying partners. We remain open to future collaboration with Paramount under fair terms. We are engaged with select clients who are impacted and we’re guiding them through this update.” Paramount has been relying on data from VideoAmp, one of a growing number of rivals to Nielsen, to help advertisers track the number of people who watch programming across Paramount’s portfolio of media assets. And yet, there has been some cause for debate. VideoAmp measures of audience for shows such as “Yellowstone” have in certain cases been higher than what Nielsen has counted. Nielsen’s tabulation remains the industry standard, and has the backing of industry monitor the Media Rating Council, though VideoAmp has been adopted by many major media organizations and media buying agencies. At issue is a long-running complaint from TV networks that Nielsen isn’t measuring the many different audiences for their programming as well as it should , even as Nielsen continues to put forward new technology and concepts. As smartphones, mobile tablets and broadband-connected TVs gain more consumer acceptance, audiences are increasingly able to stream their TV favorites in on-demand fashion, making the task of counting them exponentially more difficult. TV networks have long based their advertising rates on Nielsen’s measure of linear TV audiences, which have slipped as consumers embraced Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming and on-demand options. An industry consortium that counts Paramount, NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery and others as members has given its backing to both VideoAmp and Comscore, another measurement competitor. At the same time, Paramount is under extreme pressure to cut costs. The company is about to be acquired by Skydance Media, and its current management team has already begun working to trim $500 million from its operating structure. Skydance Media has articulated a plan under which it would reduce costs by another $1.5 billion. In the memo, Paramount’s Halley vowed to continue to keep buyers and advertisers informed. “We will continue to send you stewardship, plans, etc., in terms of alternative currency, and will work with your teams to provide holistic supply looks at the market, in terms of that data, for use in your upfront planning,” he said. “We understand this is disruptive. We will bear as much of the operational burden as possible, and will continue to strive to be the best partners in the market.”

The large mysterious drones reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks appear to avoid detection by traditional methods, like helicopters and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. The Morris County Republican was among several state and local lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the spate of sightings that range from the New York City area through New Jersey, westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. The devices do not appear to be being flown by hobbyists, Fantasia wrote. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month and have raised growing concern among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility; and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists. The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once. Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to threaten public safety. The FBI has been investigating and has asked residents to share any videos, photos or other information they may have. Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, U.S. Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones. However, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Wednesday that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary.” Many municipal lawmakers have called for more restrictions on who is entitled to fly the unmanned devices. At least one state lawmaker proposed a temporary ban on drone flights in the state. “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated," Murphy said earlier this week. A spokesman for the Democratic governor said he did not attend Wednesday's meeting. Republican Assemblyman Erik Peterson, whose district includes parts of the state where the drones have been reported, said he also attended Wednesday's meeting at a state police facility in West Trenton. The session lasted for about 90 minutes. Peterson said DHS officials were generous with their time, but appeared dismissive of some concerns, saying not all the sightings reported have been confirmed to involve drones. So who or what is behind the flying objects? Where are they coming from? What are they doing? “My understanding is they have no clue,” Peterson said. A message seeking comment was left with the Department of Homeland Security. Most of the drones have been spotted along coastal areas and some were recently reported flying over a large reservoir in Clinton. Sightings also have been reported in neighboring states. James Edwards, of Succasunna, New Jersey, said he has seen a few drones flying over his neighborhood since last month. “It raises concern mainly because there's so much that's unknown,” Edwards said Wednesday. “There are lots of people spouting off about various conspiracies that they believe are in play here, but that only adds fuel to the fire unnecessarily. We need to wait and see what is really happening here, not let fear of the unknown overtake us." —— AP reporters Mike Catalini in Morrisville, Pennsylvania; and Wayne Parry in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, contributed to this report.Liberal MP Bridget Archer crosses floor, joins Greens and Independents as social media ban passes first hurdle

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TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Doré Copper Mining Corp. (" Doré Copper ") (TSXV: DCMC; OTCQB: DRCMF; FRA: DCM) today announced that it has filed and is in the process of mailing the management information circular (the " Circular ") and related materials for the special meeting (the " Meeting ") of shareholders of Doré Copper (" Doré Copper Shareholders ") to be held December 16, 2024. At the Meeting, Doré Copper Shareholders will be asked to consider and vote on a special resolution (the " Arrangement Resolution ") approving a statutory plan of arrangement (the " Plan of Arrangement ") pursuant to Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the " Arrangement "), subject to the terms and conditions of an arrangement agreement dated October 14, 2024 (the " Arrangement Agreement ") entered into among Doré Copper, Cygnus Metals Limited (" Cygnus ") and 1505901 B.C. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cygnus, all as more particularly described in the Circular. The board of directors of Doré Copper (the " Doré Copper Board ") and the special committee of independent directors established by the Doré Copper Board (the " Special Committee ") have unanimously determined that the Arrangement is in the best interests of Doré Copper and that the Arrangement is fair to the Doré Copper Shareholders. The Special Committee and the Doré Copper Board reviewed and considered a significant amount of information and considered a number of factors relating to the Arrangement, with the benefit of advice from Doré Copper's management, and the financial and legal advisors of the Special Committee and the Doré Copper Board. The Special Committee unanimously recommended that the Doré Copper Board recommend to Doré Copper Shareholders that they vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution. The Doré Copper Board unanimously recommends that Doré Copper Shareholders vote FOR the Arrangement Resolution. See pages 33 to 36 of the Circular for a detailed description of the " Reasons for the Arrangement ". In accordance with the interim order granted by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) on November 12, 2024, providing for the calling and holding of the Meeting and other procedural matters relating to the Arrangement, the Arrangement can only proceed if, among other conditions, it receives the approval of not less than two-thirds (662⁄3%) of the votes cast on the Arrangement Resolution by Doré Copper Shareholders in person or by proxy at the Meeting and not less than a majority (50% + 1) of the votes cast on the Arrangement Resolution by Doré Copper Shareholders in person or by proxy at the Meeting excluding the votes cast by certain interested or related parties or joint actors of Doré Copper in accordance with the minority approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions . Under the Arrangement Agreement, the parties have agreed to effect the Arrangement, pursuant to which Cygnus will indirectly acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Doré Copper (" Doré Copper Shares "), and Doré Copper Shareholders will be entitled to receive, for each Doré Copper Share held immediately prior to the effective time of the Arrangement (the " Effective Time "), 1.8297 fully paid ordinary shares (the " Consideration ") in the capital of Cygnus (each one whole share, a " Cygnus Share "). As a result of, and immediately following the completion of, the Arrangement, Doré Copper will be an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Cygnus and the former Doré Copper Shareholders will be entitled to receive the Consideration for each Doré Copper Share previously held by them immediately prior to the Effective Time (subject to rounding, as provided for in the Plan of Arrangement). Cygnus has applied for its Cygnus Shares to be listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSXV "). It is a condition of closing that Cygnus shall have received conditional listing approval from the TSXV to list the Cygnus Shares on the TSXV. Listing of the Cygnus Shares on the TSXV will be subject to Cygnus receiving approval from, and fulfilling all of the minimum listing requirements of, the TSXV. Meeting and Circular The Meeting of the Doré Copper Shareholders will be held at the offices of Bennett Jones LLP located at One First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Suite 3400, Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1A4 on December 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (Toronto time). Doré Copper Shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 13, 2024 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting. Doré Copper Shareholders are urged to vote before the proxy deadline of 12:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on December 12, 2024. The Circular provides important information on the Arrangement and related matters, including the background of the Arrangement, the rationale for the recommendations made by the Special Committee and the Doré Copper Board, and voting procedures. Doré Copper Shareholders are urged to read the Circular and its appendices carefully and in their entirety. The Circular is being mailed to Doré Copper Shareholders in compliance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Circular is available under Doré Copper's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Doré Copper's website at www.dorecopper.com . Impact of Canada Post Labour Strike Due to the ongoing Canada Post labour strike, it is possible that Doré Copper Shareholders may experience a delay in receiving the Circular and related materials in respect of the Meeting. Doré Copper Shareholders are encouraged to access the Circular and related materials electronically as noted above. Registered holders of Doré Copper Shares experiencing a delay in receiving the Circular and related materials may contact Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-800-564-6253 to obtain their individual control numbers in order to vote their Doré Copper Shares. Registered holders of Doré Copper Shares are encouraged to vote their Doré Copper Shares via the internet at www.investorvote.com or via telephone at 1-866-732-VOTE (8683). Registered holders of Doré Copper Shares are also encouraged to complete and return letters of transmittal by hand or by courier to ensure the appropriate documents are received in a timely manner. Beneficial holders of Doré Copper Shares experiencing a delay in receiving the Circular and related materials should contact their broker or other intermediary for assistance in obtaining their individual control numbers in order to vote their Doré Copper Shares. Beneficial holders of Doré Copper Shares are encouraged to vote their Doré Copper Shares via the internet at www.proxyvote.com or via telephone at 1-800-474-7493 (English) or 1-800-474-7501 (French). It is recommended that any physical forms of proxy or voting instruction forms be delivered via courier to ensure that they are received in a timely manner. Registered holders of Doré Copper Shares who wish to exercise their dissent rights in connection with the Arrangement are also cautioned to deliver their written objection to Doré Copper by mail using a method other than Canada Post or by facsimile transmission in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Circular to ensure that they are received in a timely manner. Other Matters Agreement with SOQUEM Further to its news release dated July 3, 2024, on July 2, 2024, Doré Copper issued 1,190,476 Doré Copper Shares to SOQUEM at a deemed price of $0.105 per Doré Copper Share in connection with its acquisition of a 56.41% interest in a group of contiguous claims located immediately north and east of its flagship high-grade Corner Bay copper project in the Chibougamau mining camp. About Doré Copper Mining Corp. Doré Copper Mining Corp. aims to be the next copper producer in Québec with an initial production target of +50 million pounds of copper equivalent annually by implementing a hub-and-spoke operation model with multiple high-grade copper-gold assets feeding its centralized Copper Rand mill 1 . Doré Copper has delivered its PEA in May 2022 and is proceeding with a feasibility study. Doré Copper has consolidated a large land package in the prolific Lac Doré/Chibougamau and Joe Mann mining camps that has historically produced 1.6 billion pounds of copper and 4.4 million ounces of gold. 2 The land package includes 13 former producing mines, deposits and resource target areas within a 60-kilometer radius of Doré Copper’s Copper Rand Mill. About Cygnus Metals Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5) is an emerging exploration company focused on advancing the Pontax Lithium Project (earning up to 70%), the Auclair Lithium Project and the Sakami Lithium Project in the world class James Bay lithium district in Québec, Canada. In addition, Cygnus has REE and base metal projects at Bencubbin and Snake Rock in Western Australia. The Cygnus Board of Directors and Technical Management team have a proven track record of substantial exploration success and creating wealth for shareholders and all stakeholders in recent years. Cygnus’ tenements range from early-stage exploration areas through to advanced drill-ready targets. For further information about Doré Copper, please contact: Visit: www.dorecopper.com Facebook: Doré Copper Mining LinkedIn: Doré Copper Mining Corp. Twitter: @DoreCopper Instagram: @DoreCopperMining Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “expect”, “potential”, “project”, “target”, “schedule”, “budget” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the proposed Arrangement and the terms thereof, the completion of the Arrangement, including receipt of all necessary court, shareholder and regulatory approvals and timing thereof, the listing of the Cygnus Shares on the TSXV, and the plans, operations and prospects of Doré Copper and its properties are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the ability to obtain approvals in respect of the Arrangement and to consummate the Arrangement, the ability to obtain approvals for the listing of the Cygnus Shares on the TSXV, integration risks, actual results of current and future exploration activities, benefit of certain technology usage, the ability of prior successes and track record to determine future results, changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, future prices of metals, uninsured risks, risks relating to estimated costs, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required regulatory approvals, health emergencies, pandemics and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Doré Copper with securities regulators. Although Doré Copper has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Doré Copper disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1 Technical report titled “Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Chibougamau Hub-and-Spoke Complex, Québec, Canada” dated June 15, 2022, in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). The Technical Report was prepared by BBA Inc. with several consulting firms contributing to sections of the study, including SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. and WSP Inc. 2 Sources for historic production figures: Economic Geology, v. 107, pp. 963–989 - Structural and Stratigraphic Controls on Magmatic, Volcanogenic, and Shear Zone-Hosted Mineralization in the Chapais-Chibougamau Mining Camp, Northeastern Abitibi, Canada by François Leclerc et al. (Lac Dore/Chibougamau mining camp) and NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Joe Mann Property dated January 11, 2016 by Geologica Groupe-Conseil Inc. for Jessie Ressources Inc. (Joe Mann mine).

It’s a daunting reality for Democrats: Republican Donald Trump's support has grown broadly since he last sought the presidency. In his defeat of Democrat Kamala Harris , Trump won a bigger percentage of the vote in each one of the 50 states, and Washington, D.C., than he did four years ago. He won more actual votes than in 2020 in 40 states, according to an Associated Press analysis. Certainly, Harris’ more than 7 million vote decline from President Joe Biden’s 2020 total was a factor in her loss, especially in swing-state metropolitan areas that have been the party’s winning electoral strongholds. But, despite national turnout that was lower than in the high-enthusiasm 2020 election, Trump received 2.5 million more votes than he did four years ago. He swept the seven most competitive states to win a convincing Electoral College victory, becoming the first Republican nominee in 20 years to win a majority of the popular vote. Trump cut into places where Harris needed to overperform to win a close election. Now Democrats are weighing how to regain traction ahead of the midterm elections in two years, when control of Congress will again be up for grabs and dozens of governors elected. There were some notable pieces to how Trump's victory came together: Though Trump improved across the map, his gains were particularly noteworthy in urban counties home to the cities of Detroit, Milwaukee and Philadelphia, electoral engines that stalled for Harris in industrial swing states Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Harris fell more than 50,000 votes — and 5 percentage points — short of Biden's total in Wayne County, Michigan, which makes up the lion's share of the Detroit metro area. She was almost 36,000 votes off Biden's mark in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and about 1,000 short in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. It wasn't only Harris' shortfall that helped Trump carry the states, a trio that Democrats had collectively carried in six of the seven previous elections before Nov. 5. Trump added to his 2020 totals in all three metro counties, netting more than 24,000 votes in Wayne County, more than 11,000 in Philadelphia County and almost 4,000 in Milwaukee County. It’s not yet possible to determine whether Harris fell short of Biden’s performance because Biden voters stayed home or switched their vote to Trump — or how some combination of the two produced the rightward drift evident in each of these states. Harris advertised heavily and campaigned regularly in each, and made Milwaukee County her first stop as a candidate with a rally in July. These swings alone were not the difference in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, but her weaker performance than Biden across the three metros helped Trump, who held on to big 2020 margins in the three states' broad rural areas and improved or held steady in populous suburbs. Trump's team and outside groups supporting him knew from their data that he was making inroads with Black voters, particularly Black men younger than 50, more concentrated in these urban areas that have been key to Democratic victories. When James Blair, Trump's political director, saw results coming in from Philadelphia on election night, he knew Trump had cut into the more predominantly Black precincts, a gain that would echo in Wayne and Milwaukee counties. “The data made clear there was an opportunity there,” Blair said. AP VoteCast, a nationwide survey of more than 120,000 voters, found Trump won a larger share of Black and Latino voters than he did in 2020, and most notably among men under age 45. Democrats won Senate races in Michigan and Wisconsin but lost in Pennsylvania. In 2026, they will be defending governorships in all three states and a Senate seat in Michigan. Despite the burst of enthusiasm Harris' candidacy created among the Democratic base when she entered the race in July, she ended up receiving fewer votes than Biden in three of the seven states where she campaigned almost exclusively. In Arizona, she received about 90,000 fewer votes than Biden. She received about 67,000 fewer in Michigan and 39,000 fewer in Pennsylvania. In four others — Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin — Harris won more votes than Biden did. But Trump's support grew by more — in some states, significantly more. That dynamic is glaring in Georgia, where Harris received almost 73,000 more votes than Biden did when he very narrowly carried the state. But Trump added more than 200,000 to his 2020 total, en route to winning Georgia by roughly 2 percentage points. In Wisconsin, Trump's team reacted to slippage it saw in GOP-leaning counties in suburban Milwaukee by targeting once-Democratic-leaning, working-class areas, where Trump made notable gains. In the three largest suburban Milwaukee counties — Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha — which have formed the backbone of GOP victories for decades, Harris performed better than Biden did in 2020. She also gained more votes than Trump gained over 2020, though he still won the counties. That made Trump's focus on Rock County, a blue-collar area in south central Wisconsin, critical. Trump received 3,084 more votes in Rock County, home of the former automotive manufacturing city of Janesville, than he did in 2020, while Harris underperformed Biden's 2020 total by seven votes. That helped Trump offset Harris' improvement in Milwaukee's suburbs. The focus speaks to the strength Trump has had and continued to grow with middle-income, non-college educated voters, the Trump campaign's senior data analyst Tim Saler said. “If you're going to have to lean into working-class voters, they are particularly strong in Wisconsin,” Saler said. “We saw huge shifts from 2020 to 2024 in our favor.” Of the seven most competitive states, Arizona saw the smallest increase in the number of votes cast in the presidential contest — slightly more than 4,000 votes, in a state with more than 3.3 million ballots cast. That was despite nearly 30 campaign visits to Arizona by Trump, Harris and their running mates and more than $432 million spent on advertising by the campaigns and allied outside groups, according to the ad-monitoring firm AdImpact. Arizona, alone of the seven swing states, saw Harris fall short of Biden across small, midsize and large counties. In the other six states, she was able to hold on in at least one of these categories. Even more telling, it is also the only swing state where Trump improved his margin in every single county. While turnout in Maricopa County, Arizona's most populous as the home to Phoenix, dipped slightly from 2020 — by 14,199 votes, a tiny change in a county where more than 2 million people voted — Trump gained almost 56,000 more votes than four years ago. Meanwhile, Harris fell more than 60,000 votes short of Biden's total, contributing to a shift significant enough to swing the county and state to Trump, who lost Arizona by fewer than 11,000 votes in 2020. The biggest leaps to the right weren't taking place exclusively among Republican-leaning counties, but also among the most Democratic-leaning counties in the states. Michigan's Wayne County swung 9 points toward Trump, tying the more Republican-leaning Antrim County for the largest movement in the state. AP VoteCast found that voters were most likely to say the economy was the most important issue facing the country in 2024, followed by immigration. Trump supporters were more motivated by economic issues and immigration than Harris', the survey showed. “It’s still all about the economy," said North Carolina Democratic strategist Morgan Jackson, a senior adviser to Democrat Josh Stein, who won North Carolina’s governorship on Nov. 5 as Trump also carried the state. “Democrats have to embrace an economic message that actually works for real people and talk about it in the kind of terms that people get, rather than giving them a dissertation of economic policy,” he said. Governor’s elections in 2026 give Democrats a chance to test their understanding and messaging on the issue, said Democratic pollster Margie Omero, whose firm has advised Wisconsin’s Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in the past and winning Arizona Senate candidate Ruben Gallego this year. “So there’s an opportunity to really make sure people, who governors have a connection to, are feeling some specificity and clarity with the Democratic economic message,” Omero said.Thousands rally after Georgian PM vows 'no negotiations' with pro-EU opposition

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By Tom Hals and Jonathan Stempel WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) -A Delaware judge ruled on Monday that Tesla CEO Elon Musk still is not entitled to receive a $56 billion compensation package despite shareholders of the electric vehicle company voting to reinstate it. The ruling by the judge, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the Court of Chancery, follows her January decision that called the pay package excessive and rescinded it, surprising investors, and cast uncertainty over Musk's future at the world's most valuable carmaker. Musk did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Tesla has said in court filings that the judge should recognize a subsequent June vote by its shareholders in favor of the pay package for Musk, the company's driving force who is responsible for many of its advances, and reinstate his compensation. McCormick said Tesla’s board was not entitled to hit “reset” to restore Musk’s pay package. “Were the court to condone the practice of allowing defeated parties to create new facts for the purpose of revising judgments, lawsuits would become interminable,” she said in her 101-page opinion. She also said Tesla made multiple material misstatements in its proxy statement regarding the vote, and could not claim the vote was a “cure-all” to justify restoring Musk’s pay. “Taken together,” the problems with Tesla’s arguments “pack a powerful punch,” she wrote. Tesla shares fell 1.4% in after hours trade, after the ruling. McCormick also ordered Tesla to pay the attorneys who brought the case $345 million, well short of the $6 billion they initially requested. She said the fee could be paid in cash or Tesla stock. “We are pleased with Chancellor McCormick’s ruling, which declined Tesla’s invitation to inject continued uncertainty into Court proceedings," said a statement from Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann, one of the three law firms for the plaintiff. The law firm also said it looked forward to defending the court's opinion if Musk and Tesla appealed. Musk and Tesla can appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court as soon as McCormick enters a final order, which could come as soon as this week. The appeal could take a year to play out. After the January ruling, Tesla shareholders flooded the court with thousands of letters arguing that rescinding Musk's pay increased the possibility he would leave Tesla or develop some products like artificial intelligence at ventures other than Tesla. Attorneys for shareholder Richard Tornetta, who sued in 2018 to challenge Musk's compensation package, had argued that Delaware law does not permit a company to use a ratification vote to essentially overturn the ruling from a trial. McCormick in January found that Musk improperly controlled the 2018 board process to negotiate the pay package. The board had said that Musk deserved the package because he hit all the ambitious targets on market value, revenue and profitability. But the judge criticized Tesla's board as "beholden" to Musk, saying the compensation plan was proposed by a board whose members had conflicts of interest due to close personal and financial ties to him. After the January ruling, Musk criticized the judge on his social media platform X and encouraged other companies to follow the lead of Tesla and reincorporate in Texas from Delaware, although it is unclear if any companies did so. The judge in her January ruling called the pay package the "biggest compensation plan ever - an unfathomable sum." It was 33 times larger than the next biggest executive compensation package, which was Musk's 2012 pay plan. As of Monday, the pay package was worth $101.4 billion, according to Equilar, a compensation consulting firm. Musk's 2018 pay package gave him stock grants worth around 1% of Tesla's equity each time the company achieved one of 12 tranches of escalating operational and financial goals. Musk did not receive any guaranteed salary. Tornetta argued that shareholders were not told how easily the goals would be achieved when they voted on the package. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Bill Berkrot)Mereo BioPharma: Setrusumab Chugs Along With Possible Inflection PointsNone

slot machine demo To me, even the upper echelons of the UK stock market continue to offer pockets of what I see as deep value. So, I have been looking for once popular blue-chip shares to buy that have seen their valuations tumble. I reckon that could help me build wealth and, perhaps, even retire early! Hard times versus out of time But let me be clear here. I am not looking just for any old FTSE 100 share that has seen its share price stumble. After all, a share may fall for good reason, such as a decline in long-term demand for what it sells. Just look at some of the original constituents of the FTSE 100 index 40 years ago. From Hawker Siddely to English China Clays, some names now belong in the business graveyard. So, I am looking for blue-chip shares that have fallen out of fashion – but I think may still have their best days ahead of them. One share to consider buying One example of such a share I think investors should consider buying is ( ). Since the start of 2024, the FTSE 100 discount retailer has been heavily discounted itself. The share price has fallen 39% over that period, meaning it now stands 9% below where it was five years ago. Why? One clear explanation is weakening profitability. The company’s interim results released earlier this month spelled this out in detail. Revenue grew 3.7% compared to the prior year. But operating profit was down 14.6%. Pre-tax profit tumbled 23.8%. crashed 49.2%. Clearly, B&M management has its work cut out. The interim results announcement was chipper and I would have appreciated more candour on why recent performance has been so disappointing in some ways. I see further risks, including rising container shipping costs hurting B&M’s heavily import-focussed business. Still, I think the company looks cheap to buy at its current share price. It has a proven formula and a unique position in the high street. A weak economy could help push up customer demand. B&M’s European expansion continues apace, potentially offering lots of white space and also economies of scale. Looking to the future An example of a fallen FTSE 100 share I have bought this year is ( ). The share sells for 21% less now than it did five years ago. That reflects a number of concerns, including a planned reduction in the annual growth rate for dividends and falling earnings. Any severe economic downturn could be a further risk to earnings, if policyholders start to pull out funds. Still, the FTSE 100 share continues to plan annual dividend increases – and . If I could compound my diversified portfolio at that level over the next couple of decades and keep making sizeable regular contributions, hopefully I could build a nest egg that lets me retire early even if only by a couple of years.As the release date for "Final Destination 6" draws near, fans are counting down the days until they can once again experience the thrill of facing death head-on in this adrenaline-pumping horror franchise. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series or a newcomer looking for a scare, "Final Destination 6" promises to deliver a spine-chilling, pulse-pounding experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.EFFINGHAM — In 1986 Patricia “Pat” Parker and Janet Normandeau left the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and purchased Snow Farm in Effingham. In the ensuing years, they immersed themselves in the life of their farm and the Effingham community. They restored the farm, gardened and raised ducks, geese and sheep. They entertained, made countless friends, and brought the community closer together by starting up the “Coffee Break,” a weekly social gathering held at either the Effingham Historical Society or the old town hall. They also co-wrote a weekly column for the Northern Light newspaper called “Scratchin’ ‘Round Effingham” by “A Couple of Ol’ Hens.” The column ran for many years, providing town news and whimsical commentary, and ensuring that the two would always be remembered in town as the “Ol’ Hens.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Slusncoin Exchange Reaches 6 Million Core Customers, Nominated As A Leading Candidate For The “Most Valuable Financial Entity”Rico vs. Levi Rico Verhoeven is al meer dan tien jaar het alfamannetje van het kickboksen. Er wordt vaak geroepen dat het niet meer de tijd van de K1 is, en dat klopt, maar de knakker versloeg ze allemaal: Zimmerman, Gerges, Hari, Aerts, Ben Saddik, Osaro en Rigters ook al. En als die divisie zo zwak is: waar is dan de rest om die riem eventjes op te halen? Rico wordt er in ieder geval multimiljonair mee. Vanavond staat de volgende kroonprins klaar om de troon over te nemen: Levi Rigters. 2.02 meter en 112 kilo aan geweld. Verloor al een keertje van Rico, van een toernooi. Levi werd aanvankelijk door de ring geslagen, hoekte Rico desalniettemin neer met een spinning backfist uit de hel, maar hield het daarna toch niet meer vol. Die partij toonde meteen de zwakte én de kracht van Rico. Hij is niet onfeilbaar - dat is bij zwaargewichten waar het in één klap voorbij kan zijn ook moeilijk - maar hij staat áltijd weer op. De laatste keer dat hij dat niet deed: in 2012, tegen Zimmerman, toen hij nog een Ricootje met babyvet op z'n wangen was. Rigters (wiens vader vorige week is overleden) is een stuk jonger, topfit, onvoorspelbaar, lenig en dynamisch, z'n trappen en knieën doen wat denken aan Remy Bonjasky in diens beste tijd, maar het is echt maar de vraag of hij over genoeg wapens beschikt om de tactische machine van Verhoeven te doen haperen. Als Rico (35) wint zal hij voor de fans nog 1x moeten vechten voor hij lekker kutfilms kan gaan maken in Hollywood: nog één keer tegen Jamal Ben Saddik, 's werelds enige cycloop met twee ogen. PS. Ook op de kaart, de strijd in het lichtzwaargewicht: Tarik Khbabez tegen Donegi Abena Caceres sloopt Touré

ITV I'm A Celebrity fans make major Maura Higgins prediction as lies continue

MONTREAL, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — announces some updates about the Company and takes this opportunity to thank its shareholders, partners and suppliers for their trust throughout 2024 and wishes them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025. The Company announces that it has received all its results related to the summer and fall 2024 exploration campaigns on the Mirabelli SM and Maqua SM properties. These do not reveal any significant grades in the metals and minerals initially sought. Management announces that exploration work will not be continued on these properties. The Company also announces that it no longer intends to continue exploration related to Lithium and will focus on the gold potential of its properties, in particular, the now 100% owned and which contains numerous gold showings. Mosaic announces that it has received formal notification from Castlebar Capital Corporation that it is abandoning the option agreement to acquire 100% of the Lichen property ( ). Mosaic is regaining control of this property which consists of 282 claims covering a total area of 15,622 hectares and is located approximately 100 km west of the Chibougamau mining camp. The property is underlain by volcanic rocks of the Obatogamau Formation intersected by intermediate stocks and plutons. The volcanic belt parallels two known gold-bearing volcanic belts, the Bachelor Lake gold zone to the west and the Osisko-Windfall gold zone to the south. The Nelligan and Monster Lake gold projects are located at the eastern end of the volcanic belt. The Company also announces that it has received formal notification from Panther Minerals Inc. (formerly Lithium Lion Metals Inc.) that the latter is abandoning the option agreement to acquire 100% of the 113 North property ( ). Mosaic is regaining control of this property which is located in the southeastern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt and comprises 59 cells totaling 3,010 hectares within a 6- to 12-kilometre-wide band of volcano-sedimentary rocks located between the Josselin and Montgay granodiorite-tonalite batholiths. The volcanic rocks in this group have felsic, intermediate and mafic compositions and are cut by dunite, gabbro and diorite dykes. Iron formations (sulphides and oxides) and clastic sedimentary rocks, such as greywackes and schists, are also present. Gold, copper, nickel, platinum and palladium occurrences have been discovered in this geological environment near the project. The scientific and technical information of Mosaic Minerals Corporation included in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Laverdière, P.Geo, Vice-President Exploration of Mosaic Minerals and qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 respecting information concerning mining projects (“Regulation 43-101”). Mosaic Minerals Corp. is a Canadian mining exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE: MOC) focusing on the exploration of critical minerals such as Nickel in the province of Quebec. Source: M. Jonathan Hamel President & CEO This release contains certain “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the Arrangement. Forward-looking information reflects the Company’s current internal expectations or beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “projects”, “potential”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “budget” or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. Assumptions upon which such forward-looking information is based includes, among others, that the conditions to closing of the Arrangement will be satisfied and that the Arrangement will be completed on the terms set out in the definitive agreement. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company, and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct or accurate. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted herein include, without limitation: that the remaining conditions to the Arrangement will not be satisfied; that the business prospects and opportunities of the Company will not proceed as anticipated; changes in the global prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as diesel, aluminum and electricity); changes in U.S. dollar and other currency exchange rates, interest rates or gold lease rates; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; the level of liquidity and capital resources; access to capital markets, financing and interest rates; mining tax regimes; ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; legislative, political or economic developments in the jurisdictions in which the Company carries on business; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment; employee relations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of exploration and development; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business. Risks and unknowns inherent in all projects include the inaccuracy of estimated reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries, capital and operating costs of such projects, and the future prices for the relevant minerals. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY US NEWS WIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE TITLES DESCRIBED HEREIN.

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At the heart of this technological marvel lies Google's quantum chip "Willow", which has been specifically designed to tackle complex calculations that were previously deemed impossible. One of the most remarkable feats achieved by "Willow" is its ability to complete a supercomputing calculation equivalent to a staggering "10 to the 25th power" years in just five minutes.Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it 'absurd'Ronan O'Gara lays down challenge to players following home defeat to Vannes

In conclusion, the parallels between the current Mbappe and Barcelona's record signing of Philippe Coutinho highlight the unpredictable nature of football and the risks involved in big-money transfers. While Coutinho's move to Barcelona may not have panned out as expected, Mbappe's meteoric rise to stardom has justified the hefty price tag attached to his transfer. Both players serve as reminders of the highs and lows that come with being a top-level footballer, and their journeys continue to captivate fans and inspire the next generation of aspiring players.In conclusion, the exclusion of Messi and Ronaldo from the 2022 FIFA FIFPro Men's World XI marks the end of a remarkable era in football history. While their absence may be a surprise to many, it also signals a new chapter in the sport, where fresh faces and talents are given the opportunity to shine and make their mark on the global stage. Messi and Ronaldo may no longer be the kings of the football world, but their legacy will endure for generations to come, shaping the future of the sport and inspiring countless players to reach for greatness.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday he would work to end the "inconvenient" custom of moving clocks forward one hour every spring, which he said was imposing an unnecessary financial burden on the United States. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn't! Daylight Saving Time (DST) is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation," Trump posted on his website, Truth Social. DST was adopted by the federal government during World War I but was unpopular with farmers rushing to get produce to morning markets, and was quickly abolished. Many states experimented with their own versions but it wasn't reintroduced nationwide until 1967. The Democratic-controlled US Senate advanced a bill in 2022 that, like Trump's plan, would bring an end to the twice-yearly changing of clocks, in favor of a "new, permanent standard time." But The Sunshine Protection Act called for the opposite switch -- moving permanently to DST rather than eliminating it -- to usher in brighter evenings, and fewer journeys home in the dark for school children and office workers. The bill never made it to President Joe Biden's desk, as it was not taken up in the Republican-led House. It had been introduced in 2021 by a Republican, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who is about to join the incoming Trump administration as secretary of state. He said studies had shown a permanent DST could benefit the economy. Either way, changing to one permanent time would put an end to Americans pushing their clocks forward in the spring, then setting them back an hour in the fall. Colloquially the practice is referred to as "springing" forward and "falling" back. The clamor has increased in recent years to make DST permanent especially among politicians and lobbyists from the Northeast, where frigid conditions are normal in the early winter mornings. "It's really straightforward. Cutting back on the sun during the fall and winter is a drain on the American people and does little to nothing to help them," Rubio said in a statement ahead of the vote. "It's time we retire this tired tradition." Rubio said the United States sees an increase in heart attacks and road accidents in the week that follows the changing of the clocks. Any changes would be unlikely to affect Hawaii and most of Arizona, the Navajo Nation, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, which do not spring forward in summer. ft/nroSouth Korean ruling party boycotts vote on impeaching presidentAs they set out on their quest, our heroes encounter challenges and obstacles that test their courage and resolve. From treacherous landscapes to formidable foes, they navigate the twists and turns of their journey with unwavering determination. The Three Stars Monitor's crystal-clear imagery brings the world of "The Lion King: Mufasa Chronicles" to life in vivid detail, immersing audiences in a realm of magic and wonder.As the world continues to grapple with the legacy of authoritarian leaders in exile, the case of Bashar al-Assad serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in ensuring justice and accountability for past atrocities. Only time will tell what fate awaits him as he navigates the uncertain waters of exile in Russia.

As the countdown to TGA begins, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a groundbreaking moment in gaming history. With Pala: The Mythical Beast at the forefront of this exciting event, fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling and unforgettable experience that will redefine the fantasy RPG genre for years to come.In addition to silicon photonics I/O, NVIDIA is also exploring the integration of 3D vertical stack DRAM memory in their AI accelerators. This innovative approach to memory architecture involves stacking multiple layers of DRAM cells vertically, allowing for increased memory density and bandwidth in a smaller footprint. By incorporating 3D vertical stack DRAM memory into their AI accelerators, NVIDIA aims to enhance the overall performance and efficiency of AI workloads, enabling faster data access and processing speeds for complex AI algorithms and models.

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