The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Landin Hacker scored 21 points as Bellarmine beat NAIA-member Brescia 94-66 on Saturday. Hacker finished 7 of 11 from 3-point range for the Knights (3-7). Ben Johnson scored 17 points while going 6 of 13 (5 for 12 from 3-point range) and added six assists. Dylan Branson shot 5 of 7 from the field and 2 for 3 from the line to finish with 12 points, while adding 10 rebounds. Damian Garcia led the way for the Bearcats with 27 points. Gonzalo Luque added nine points, eight rebounds and five assists for Brescia. John Seanz also had eight points and two steals. Both teams next play Saturday. Bellarmine hosts Ball State and Brescia goes on the road to play Cleveland State. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s public justification of his decision to pardon his son — accusing the Justice Department of political targeting — threatens to undermine the image he carefully cultivated through decades in politics as an honest broker whose principal loyalty was to protecting the sanctity of critical U.S. institutions. Biden’s 180-degree turn on pardoning his son led Republicans to accuse the president of lying to the public ahead of the election only to reverse course after the political stakes disappeared. The White House provided scant justification for the reversal, offering merely that Biden changed his mind after “wrestling” with the decision over a Thanksgiving holiday spent partly with his son. The blanket pardon spanning a decade of possible criminal activity also offered ammunition to critics who have long questioned whether Hunter Biden engaged in illicit lobbying or foreign dealings, including while his father served as vice president. While no evidence of such crimes has been made public, immunity from those possible charges was central to a plea deal that collapsed last year. Beyond tarnishing a legacy already badly bruised by his withdrawal from the presidential race and President-elect Donald Trump’s subsequent victory, Biden’s justification has fanned concerns, even among allies, that his move will be seized upon by the incoming administration to overhaul the federal government and dispense with longstanding norms protecting the independence of the criminal justice system. Implicit in his explanation was the suggestion that prosecutions, even under his leadership, had been politicized, a point that incoming Trump officials have used to justify planned overhauls at the Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and intelligence agencies. “President Biden’s decision put personal interest ahead of duty and further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all,” Senator Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, said Monday. ‘What he believed’ The widening fallout left White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the back foot Monday, as she struggled with questions about the implications of Biden’s statement. “Two things could be true — the president does believe in the justice system, and the Department of Justice, and he also believes that his son was singled out politically,” Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One as Biden flew to Africa. “They would continue to go after his son. That’s what he believed.” The decision to ultimately pardon Hunter was hardly shocking given the tragedy that has gripped Biden and his family throughout his career, and the emphasis the president has placed on protecting those bonds no matter the cost. Biden’s first wife and daughter perished in a traffic accident just weeks after he was first elected to the Senate, and his eldest son, Beau, died of cancer during his tenure as vice president. Beau’s death rocked the family, and Hunter has pointed to the loss in explaining his spiral into drug and alcohol addiction. In justifying the pardon, Biden said he believed “raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.” It’s a dramatic reversal for Biden, who staked so much of his presidency and his campaigns against Trump on faith in institutions. It’s also a major concession for a Washington hand who wanted to be president all of his adult life, and who cast his presidency as a moment to take the heat down in politics. Paired with Trump’s comeback, the pardon of Hunter was a tacit admission he fell short at one of his main presidential objectives. The intervention offers political cover for Trump to widely issue clemency decisions. Trump has regularly mused about pardoning or commuting sentences of all those convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, and immediately raised the issue in response to Biden’s move. “Does the pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 hostages,” he wrote on Truth Social, referring as he regularly does to the convicted riot participants as hostages. “Such an abuse and a miscarriage of justice!” Trump in waiting Trump is readying to reshape the system in his own way, including with his plan to appoint loyalist Kash Patel as director of the FBI. Patel, like Trump, is an outspoken critic of certain federal agencies, pledging to dismantle key tenets of the “deep state.” Trump also nominated another loyalist, Pam Bondi, as attorney general after his initial pick, Matt Gaetz, bowed out. The pardon is a focal point in the frenzied final year of Biden’s presidency — one that began with him running again before stepping aside amid slumping polls and mounting pressure. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign then largely sidelined him, and operatives have lamented that his unpopularity, and Harris’ hesitance to criticize him, was a core challenge for her, ultimately helping Trump. Biden has steered away from the public eye since Trump’s victory, keeping a modest profile. He announced the pardon on the eve of his trip to Africa, guaranteeing that Jean-Pierre’s confrontation with reporters would remain off camera. Biden is not expected to hold a press conference during his time in Africa. While the administration is racing to wrap up some projects, preparing a new round of Ukraine aid and signaling new funding for the Lobito corridor infrastructure project that’s a hallmark of this week’s trip, Trump is operating as president-in-waiting, holding meetings at his Mar-a-Lago club and pressuring foreign leaders on his priorities. Biden had repeatedly publicly ruled out intervening in his son’s case and the White House offered no new evidence for the change beyond his growing belief that opponents would continue to target his son. The administration cast it as a case of him changing his mind, rather than lying. Jean-Pierre pointed to the collapse of a plea agreement as evidence of a double standard, and repeatedly said the case would have been handled differently if the defendant were not the president’s son. “The president believed enough is enough. And the president took action. And he also believes that they tried to break his son in order to break him,” she said. (With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse.) ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.The stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn, the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack on a cold but sunny day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote on X. “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, Vonn wound up 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’"
The warnings are increasing. Infectious disease researchers, virologists, veterinarians, and occupational health specialists around the world are sounding alarms. The stories of wild birds, mammals, poultry, cattle, and other farm animals with "bird flu" (H5N1) keep coming. The real infection numbers are greater than official reports, but no one knows by how much. Meanwhile, decision-makers and other authorities seem intent on repeating the same mistakes made with COVID-19 and SARS. Now, it has spread to people. Stories of dairy and poultry workers in the U.S., with largely "mild" infections so far, seemed distant — until news broke about a case in Canada. In early November, a B.C. teen made international news fighting for their life with a mutated version of the virus. They're still in intensive care, unable to contribute information about a possible source of their infection. At her Nov. 26 update , B.C.'s public health officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry tried to reassure the public with news that an “extensive public health investigation” revealed no known source. The only possibility found before closing the investigation was two dead geese infected with a virus version that may be related to the sick teen’s. While not having to deal with a specific source might make life easier for public health leaders, it’s not at all clear how that’s good news for the rest of us. It’s a lot harder to protect yourself when you don’t know where the infections are coming from. Why worry? In B.C., the perfect storm is brewing. The wild bird migratory season is happening along the Pacific flyway. With them — like the geese that may be behind the teen's infection — comes H5N1. In the Fraser Valley, so far, 64 operations have had poultry flocks infected with H5N1 since October, and scientists have found an “unprecedented amount of environmental contamination” of area wetlands with avian flu — where it may survive for months . Worse, the mutations found in the virus that infected the teenager show it’s adapting to humans and is more likely to affect the lungs - possibly explaining why the teen became so sick. This all is happening in the midst of respiratory viral season — on top of COVID-19 that just won’t go away, no matter how determined we are to ignore it. Sluggish and opaque responses to H5N1 outbreaks in the US are provoking international concern. The highly-respected American virologist David O’Connor says, “It seems that the United States is addicted to gambling with H5N1. But if you gamble long enough, the virus may hit a jackpot.” "A jackpot for the virus would fuel a pandemic", Tulio de Oliveira, South Africa’s director of the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation, wrote in the New York Times , despairing at the lack of timely and complete sharing of information about the virus' evolution. His warning provides a frustrating echo of the un-learned lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic raised by the 2022 international Lancet Commission . Amongst other lessons, it highlighted "the lack of timely, accurate, and systematic data on infections, deaths, viral variants, health system responses, and indirect health consequences". Canadian authorities seem to be making the same gamble, unwilling to learn from their own past mistakes, or the collective wisdom of everyone from occupational health and safety experts to scientists, engineers, historians, and front-line healthcare workers. Based on initial symptoms alone, H5N1 can’t be distinguished from more familiar influenza strains, COVID-19 or the common cold. In the case of the infected BC teen, even asking about their poultry farm exposure would not have raised any alarms at their first ER visit. BC got lucky, and no H5N1 transmission occurred. The question is what happens next time? Researchers using ferrets to study an H5N1 strain isolated from a dairy farm worker found it could be transmitted via the air , as well as by direct contact and on contaminated cages and bedding material. Like the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, the seasonal flu virus and many other disease-causing microbes , H5N1 can travel in tiny aerosol particles. They float in the air like smoke for hours, travelling significant distances, riding on air currents, and sneaking through the gaps around medical masks. Through the simple act of breathing, those infected with H5N1 risk unknowingly exposing everyone in that B.C. ER waiting room, and possibly dozens of healthcare workers. Even if we didn’t have the evidence of those ferret studies, the need for a precautionary approach is clear — especially when we have non-invasive, cost-effective tools like air cleaners and N95 respirators that dramatically reduce risk of spread. Public health leaders gambled against airborne transmission in COVID, and in SARS before that - and lost both times. We cannot afford to get this wrong yet again. Beyond the harm done to individuals, every new human infection produces billions of copies of the virus. With a high mutation rate, this allows nature’s evolutionary engine to roll the dice over and over — each one giving the virus another chance to hit the pandemic jackpot. For us, the only way to win is not to play. The good news is that with a precautionary approach, it not only can be done, but it has been done. Many people are familiar with the outbreaks that occurred when SARS arrived in Toronto in 2003 — far fewer know of Vancouver’s “outbreak that didn’t happen.” When a patient returning from Hong Kong arrived at the Vancouver General Hospital ER on March 7, 2003, the emergency team applied the precautionary principle. They placed the patient in respiratory isolation, before any laboratory confirmation. In contrast, Toronto hospitals were late to initiate airborne precautions to prevent the short- and long-range spread of the SARS virus in shared air - an error that led to many more people getting infected, and more deaths. The SARS Commission was crystal clear about the lessons public health leaders needed to learn from B.C.’s success and Ontario’s failure, presciently writing... "If the Commission has one single take-home message it is the precautionary principle that (health and) safety comes first: that reasonable efforts to reduce risk need not await scientific proof... Until this precautionary principle is fully recognized, mandated and enforced in our health care system, nurses and doctors and other health workers will continue to be at risk from new infections like SARS." Justice Campbell’s inquiry into the mismanagement of SARS-CoV-1 laid out the information we needed to do better when SARS-CoV-2 came along . He explicitly specified that “...the precautionary principle that reasonable action to reduce risk, like the use of a fitted N95 respirator, need not await scientific certainty.” Backed by decades of rigorous science and real-world experience in occupational health and safety (OHS), and very specific directions in the Canadian national standard ( CAN/CSA-Z94.4 ), there is simply no ambiguity about how to handle novel respiratory diseases with any potential to transmit via aerosols. This SARS lesson was unfortunately ignored. Thus the 2022 Lancet Commission's number two COVID-19 pandemic lesson was the... "costly delays in acknowledging the crucial airborne exposure pathway of SARS-CoV-2 ... and in implementing appropriate measures at national and global levels to slow the spread of the virus." In late 2022, almost two years into the pandemic, the retiring Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization publicly regretted the WHO's failure to accept and act on airborne transmission early on as their biggest mistake that has cost an enormous number of lives . We cannot make the same error again with H5N1. At her last update, it was a relief to hear BC PHO, Dr. Henry, confirm that the B.C. teenager with H5N1 has been on airborne precautions in the ICU. Unfortunately, both Vancouver Island Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority put out clinical guidance stating that "droplet" precautions are sufficient when assessing and testing suspected bird flu patients. They are not, given that once the teen’s suspected H5N1 infection was confirmed, 60 healthcare workers had potentially already been exposed. Luckily for them and for us, this time, no one got infected. The August 2024 BC CDC version of Management of Specific Diseases, Interim H5N1 Avian Influenza Outbreak still defines “exposures of concern” as “within 2 meters to a bird, animal or other human with confirmed avian influenza A virus infection.” This fails to acknowledge that H5N1 can be spread much further through aerosol transmission, and will miss people who have been exposed. It also is counter to the precautionary principle. We do not know how rapidly H5N1 will evolve and spread — but there is a realistic possibility an H5N1 pandemic could be as bad as the COVID pandemic, or even worse. We might get lucky — but to rely on that happening is a gamble, not a strategy. No one discipline can claim to have all the answers to dealing with infectious diseases. Public health and infection control policies must be rewritten to adopt the practical, proactive, evidence-informed approaches used by OHS experts. We also need the deep understanding of engineering controls, like fresh and filtered air, along with the “societal memory” of historians and those who study human behaviour, and the lived experience of those harmed by past failures. Scientific understanding may not be able to perfectly predict the future, but it’s better than waiting until there are bodies to count before we act. So what does the precautionary principle (aka “ better safe than sorry ”) tell us we should be doing differently? First and foremost, those present in environments where there is a risk of H5N1 — especially in healthcare, or working with animals — must immediately be provided with the N95 respirators required to comply with basic health and safety standards, along with the training and policies needed to maximise their effectiveness. This is no more negotiable than protections against asbestos or toxic chemicals. The effective exemption of hospitals from workplace health and safety requirements cannot be permitted to continue. Secondly, public education and policies about transmission and contact tracing must be based on the physical realities of aerosol behaviour. There is no magic two-meter (or six foot, or 1-3 foot) boundary beyond which infectious particles somehow refuse to travel. A “potential exposure” is anyone who shared air with an infected person, who may or may not have symptoms. While the story of how those mistaken assumptions came about is entertaining, they are decades out of date - and lacked scientific justification in the first place. Thirdly, as Florence Nightingale recognized over a century and a half ago , places where diseases may be transmitted need clean air. Whether it’s SARS-CoV-2, H5N1, or something new a decade from now, if a pathogen can’t get to you, it can’t make you sick. While new technologies are being rolled out, we have effective options ready to go today, ones that are well-understood by the engineering experts who design and oversee their installation. Air filtration units — portable and fixed — provide a rapid way to remove contaminants and improve air quality in crowded spaces like hospitals, schools, other workplaces and indoor public spaces. Upgrades and new-build ventilation systems take longer to implement, but provide built-in filtration and fresh air delivery for the life of the building. Updates to legislation — an “Indoor Clean Air Act” as the one promised in New Brunswick — can help ensure the benefits are for everyone, not just the wealthy few. As a bonus, they can also remove other contaminants like wildfire smoke, dust and pollen. The best time to upgrade ventilation may have been years ago — but the second-best time is today. The history of major infectious disease outbreaks in Canada is one of missed opportunity after missed opportunity, betting against the house in nature’s casino. With growing awareness of the danger from H5N1 — and the damage already being done by long COVID — decision makers face a clear moral, scientific, and legal requirement to face the reality of airborne disease transmission, and act immediately. Enough is enough. Lyne Filiatrault, MDCM, FRCP EM (retired) Canadian Aerosol Transmission Coalition member Heather Hanwell, PhD MPH MSc Chair and Treasurer, Ontario School Safety Mark Ungrin, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute University of Calgary Co-chair, Legal Committee, Canadian COVID Society Dorothy Wigmore, MSc Occupational hygienist Canadian Aerosol Transmission CoalitionIndia Internet Governance Forum 2024 to kick off in Delhi tomorrow
Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘disappointed’ and ‘hurt’ after cutting ties with Man UtdThe U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has given Elon Musk until Monday to respond to an offer to resolve a probe into the billionaire's $44-billion takeover of Twitter in 2022, Reuters reported quoting a source. The development, which signals the investigation may be nearing a conclusion, is the latest salvo in a year-long public feud between the top U.S. markets regulator and the world's richest man, as per a Reuters report. Musk on Thursday posted on X a copy of a letter sent by his lawyer to SEC Chair Gary Gensler saying the agency had given Musk 48 hours to agree to pay a penalty to settle the probe or face civil charges, and demanding to know whether Gensler was personally behind the development. Elon Musk's Twitter Venture The SEC has been investigating whether Musk broke securities laws in 2022 when he bought stock in Twitter, which Musk subsequently renamed X, as well as statements and filings he made in relation to the deal, previous disclosures show. According to the source, the agency has been probing Musk's SEC filing disclosing his Twitter share purchases, which was at least 10 days late, and whether he intended to benefit from that delay, which some academics have estimated saved Musk over $140 million. As part of the probe, the agency had asked a federal court to compel Musk to testify after the billionaire failed to show up to agreed depositions. Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Analysis Learn Power BI with Microsoft Fabric: Complete Course By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program On Tuesday, the SEC sent Musk a settlement offer seeking a response in 48 hours, but extended the deadline to Monday after a request for more time, the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential enforcement matters. A spokesperson with the SEC's public affairs office declined to comment. Musk's lawyer did not respond immediately to calls for comment. 48-Hour Deadline The SEC commonly tries to resolve probes through settlements rather than suing a defendant, but the initial 48-hour deadline was unusually tight, legal experts told Reuters. If Musk fails to respond, the SEC will likely proceed through a "Wells" notification process, a formal step in which the SEC outlines potential charges and allows Musk to respond, the source said. The Thursday letter Musk shared on X, which was signed by his attorney Alex Spiro, said the SEC has also reopened an investigation into Musk's brain-chip startup Neuralink. Neuralink did not respond to requests for comment. The nature of that inquiry is not clear, but U.S. lawmakers and animal-rights advocates have pressed the SEC to scrutinize comments Musk has made about the safety of Neuralink's implants. SEC After Elon Musk Since 2018 The SEC first sued Musk in 2018 during President-elect Donald Trump's first term, accusing him of breaking the law when he posted on social media that he had "funding secured" to take his electric carmaker Tesla private when the SEC found he had not. Despite ultimately settling and agreeing to an unusual arrangement requiring some of his posts to be vetted by an attorney, Musk subsequently disputed the SEC's findings in that case and has over the years accused the agency of harassment - claims Spiro reiterated in his Thursday letter. A major backer of Trump, Musk in the new administration will co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency tasked with cutting government costs, potentially giving him some power over the SEC's workings. In his letter, Spiro intimated the SEC's bid to advance the probe may have been politically motivated. "We demand to know who directed these actions - whether it was you or the White House," Spiro wrote in the letter. But the source argued that failing to pursue what the SEC believes is a securities violation by Musk would in fact be the political move. FAQs What is new name of Twitter? New name of Twitter is 'X'. Who is owner of 'X'? Elon Musk is owner of 'X'. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Delhi election: AAP workers to hold 65,000 meetings in city, do ‘revri pe charcha’None
Get ready for a college football bowl season like you’ve never seen. It’s the first year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff to determine the national champion, with first-round games kicking off Friday, December 20. In the new format, the top four conference champions (Oregon, Georgia, Arizona State and Boise State) receive a first-round bye and automatic entry into the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams play in the four-game first round, with matchups held at the home stadiums of the higher-ranked participants. The “New Year’s Six” bowls serve as the quarterfinals and semifinals, with the national championship decided Monday, January 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Of course, there’s still plenty of college football postseason action through early January that doesn’t involve the national championship chase. The parade of bowl games begins Saturday, December 14, with the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. A great tradition continues in Landover, Maryland, as the Navy Midshipmen take on the Army Black Knights Saturday on CBS at 3/2c. Later on Saturday, the Heisman Trophy is presented to the season’s most outstanding player in a ceremony on ESPN at 8/7c. Finalists are Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (pictured above) and Miami QB Cam Ward. Here’s your complete lineup of College Football Playoff games and other bowl matchups: All times Eastern/Central. Friday, December 20 No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, ABC/ESPN, 8/7c Saturday, December 21 No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, noon/11a c, TNT/Max No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, 4/3c, TNT/Max No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State, 8/7c, ABC/ESPN Tuesday, December 31 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona): TBA vs. No. 3 Boise State, (ESPN) Wednesday, Jan. 1 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta): TBA vs. No. 4 Arizona State, 1/noon c, ESPN Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California): TBA vs. No. 1 Oregon, 5/4c, ESPN Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans): TBA vs. No. 2 Georgia, 8:45/7:45c, ESPN Thursday, January 9 Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 10 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Arlington, Texas): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Monday, January 20 National Championship (Atlanta): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 14 Cricket Celebration Bowl (Atlanta): Jackson State vs. South Carolina State, noon/11a c, ABC IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama): South Alabama vs. Western Michigan, 9/8c, ESPN Tuesday, December 17 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl (Frisco, Texas): Memphis vs. West Virginia, 9/8c, ESPN Wednesday, December 18 Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, Florida): Western Kentucky vs. James Madison, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN Art of Sport LA Bowl (Inglewood, California): Cal vs. UNLV, 9/8c, ESPN Thursday, December 19 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans): Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston, 7/6c, ESPN2 Friday, December 20 StaffDNA Cure Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Ohio vs. Jacksonville State, noon/11a c, ESPN Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl (Tampa, Florida): 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Monday, December 23 Myrtle Beach Bowl (Conway, South Carolina): Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA, 11a/10a c, ESPN Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, Idaho): Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 24 Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu): South Florida vs. San José State, 8/7c, ESPN Thursday, December 26 GameAbove Sports Bowl (Detroit): Pittsburgh vs. Toledo, 2/1xc, ESPN Rate Bowl (Phoenix): Rutgers vs. Kansas State, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN 68 Ventures Bowl (Mobile, Alabama): Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green, 9/8c, ESPN Friday, December 27 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, Texas): Oklahoma vs. Navy, noon/11a c, ESPN Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, Alabama): Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee): Texas Tech vs. Arkansas, 7/6c, ESPN DirecTV Holiday Bowl (San Diego): Syracuse vs. Washington State, 8/7c, Fox SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas): Texas A&M vs. USC, 10:30/9:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 28 Wasabi Fenway Bowl (Boston): UConn vs. North Carolina, 11a/10a c, ESPN Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, New York): Boston College vs. Nebraska, Noon/11a c, ABC Isleta New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, New Mexico): Louisiana vs. TCU, 2:15/1:15c, ESPN Pop-Tarts Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Iowa State vs. Miami, 3:30/2:30c, ABC Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl (Tucson, Arizona): Miami (Ohio) vs. Colorado State, 4:30/3:30c, The CW Go Bowling Military Bowl (Annapolis, Maryland): East Carolina vs. NC State, 5:45/4:45c, ESPN Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio): BYU vs. Colorado, 7:30/6:30c, ABC Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl (Shreveport, Louisiana): Marshall vs. Army, 9:15/8:15c, ESPN Monday, December 30 TransPerfect Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tennessee): Iowa vs. Missouri, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 31 ReliaQuest Bowl (Tampa, Florida): Alabama vs. Michigan, noon/11a c, ESPN Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas): Louisville vs. Washington, 2/1c, CBS Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Florida): South Carolina vs. Illinois, 3/2c, ABC Kinder’s Texas Bowl (Houston): Baylor vs. LSU, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Thursday, January 2 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida): Duke vs. Ole Miss, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 3 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl (Dallas): North Texas vs. Texas State, 4/3c, ESPN Duke’s Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, North Carolina): Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, January 4 Bahamas Bowl (Nassau, Bahamas): Buffalo vs. Liberty, 11a/10a c, ESPN2 More Headlines:Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaks: Tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra but the South Korean manufacturer doesn't seem to be dropping any hints for the details of the handset. Set to launch in early 2025, this new model in Samsung’s lineup is expected to feature enhancements designed to maintain its dominance in the smartphone market. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-9167143-2"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); ALSO READ | GTA 6's Second Trailer Is Not Being Dropped On Purpose? Here's What A Former Rockstar Games Developer Said Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaks: Price & Launch Date (Expected) According to leaks, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 series on January 23, 2025, during its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco, with the device potentially becoming available by February 6. There’s ongoing speculation about the pricing of the Ultra model, especially after the Galaxy S24 Ultra launched at $1,299. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-1253031-3"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Increased material costs and the addition of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip may lead to higher prices, although Samsung has not yet confirmed any adjustments. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaks: Battery The battery capacity is expected to remain at 5,000mAh, but the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip could lead to longer usage times. Charging speeds are anticipated to stay at 45W, similar to the S24 Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaks: Camera Upgrades Samsung is said to be prioritising advancements in its camera technology to stay competitive with brands like Apple. One of the key rumours is a significant upgrade to the ultrawide lens, potentially increasing its resolution from 12MP to 50MP. Additionally, the telephoto lens might feature "variable focal lengths" to provide smoother zooming. Although there has been speculation about the removal of the second telephoto lens, sources indicate that Samsung will maintain a four-lens configuration for the time being. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaks: Design & Display Rumours suggest that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will have subtle design changes, but it will keep the premium titanium frame introduced with the S24 Ultra. Leaks indicate a slightly larger 6.9-inch display with thinner bezels and a more rounded design for improved ergonomics. Despite these updates, Samsung is expected to continue using its M13 OLED display technology, foregoing the brighter M14 panels found in some competing devices. Color choices may include titanium, black, green, and blue, with exclusive shades such as jade and pink potentially available as well. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaks: Performance & AI Integration The Galaxy S25 Ultra, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, is set to deliver a major performance boost, with early benchmarks indicating a 40% improvement in CPU efficiency and a 42% increase in GPU performance compared to its predecessor. RAM may also be upgraded to 16GB, enhancing multitasking abilities and supporting advanced on-device AI functions. Samsung is likely to place a strong emphasis on AI enhancements with the S25 series, potentially integrating generative AI into its Bixby assistant and other features. The device will run Android 15 with One UI 7 and benefit from Samsung’s ongoing commitment to long-term software updates.OnePlus has announced a lifetime replacement program for its users against the green line issue on all models.
By JILL COLVIN NEW YORK — He’s making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders. Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve those priorities . Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada’s prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures. The incoming president has warned there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY” if, before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza . He has threatened to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by a Japanese company, warning “Buyer Beware!!!” French President Emmanuel Macron, center, poses with President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walks through the lobby of the Delta Hotel by Marriott, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Argentina’s President Javier Milei arrives to speak before President-elect Donald Trump during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives at the Elysee Palace, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) In this photo provided by the Press Service Of The President Of Ukraine on Nov. 19, 2024, from left Head of Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Head of Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Oleksandr Syrskyi listen a speech of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Press Service Of The President Of Ukraine via AP) FILE – Steve Witkoff speaks on the final night of the Republican National Convention, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) French President Emmanuel Macron, center, sits with President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) FILE – Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill, July 22, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File) FILE – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum gives a media briefing from the National Palace in Mexico City, Oct. 2, 2024, the morning after her inauguration. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File) French President Emmanuel Macron, center, poses with President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) And this weekend, Trump was returning to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. On Saturday, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron — joined at the last minute by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and had plans to see Britain’s Prince William also in Paris. Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son , Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden is attending in his place. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night . For all of Trump’s bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit. Breaking precedent The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. “Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time,” he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes.” Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration. “Right now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. He’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren’t simply introductions. He’s staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs,” Zelizer said. Foreign leader meetings Trump already has met with several foreign leaders, in addition to a long list of calls. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. Last Sunday, Trump dined with Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli prime minister. Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts. On Wednesday, several members of Trump’s team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X . That comes after Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S official familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. One president, two voices There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy. Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that, “All transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.” She added: “World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.” Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications. If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said. Leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for more a better deal. Coordination between incoming and outgoing administrations It also remains unclear how extensively the Biden administration has been kept apprised of Trump transition efforts. Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice. That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently. Still, the Biden and Trump teams have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain in held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who, like others, was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. That includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border. “I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. I’m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them,” Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview. But when it comes to immigration, Biden administration officials haven’t been entirely in the loop on discussions around how to execute on Trump’s pledge to deport millions of migrants, according to four administration officials with knowledge of the transition who spoke on condition of anonymity. That’s not terribly surprising given how differently the teams view migration. Taking credit already Trump’s team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes. “Promises Kept — And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged “immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.” Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton. Security analyst David Saucedo said that “under the pressure by Donald Trump, it appears President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is willing to increase the capture of drug traffickers and drug seizures that Washington is demanding.” Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
It’s the first year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff to determine the national champion, with first-round games kicking off Friday, December 20. In the new format, the top four conference champions (Oregon, Georgia, Arizona State and Boise State) receive a first-round bye and automatic entry into the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams play in the four-game first round, with matchups held at the home stadiums of the higher-ranked participants. The “New Year’s Six” bowls serve as the quarterfinals and semifinals, with the national championship decided Monday, January 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Of course, there’s still plenty of college football postseason action through early January that doesn’t involve the national championship chase. The parade of bowl games begins Saturday, December 14, with the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. A great tradition continues in Landover, Maryland, as the Navy Midshipmen take on the Army Black Knights Saturday on CBS at 3/2c. Later on Saturday, the Heisman Trophy is presented to the season’s most outstanding player in a ceremony on ESPN at 8/7c. Finalists are Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (pictured above) and Miami QB Cam Ward. Here’s your complete lineup of College Football Playoff games and other bowl matchups: All times Eastern/Central. Friday, December 20 No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, ABC/ESPN, 8/7c Saturday, December 21 No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, noon/11a c, TNT/Max No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, 4/3c, TNT/Max No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State, 8/7c, ABC/ESPN Tuesday, December 31 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona): TBA vs. No. 3 Boise State, (ESPN) Wednesday, Jan. 1 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta): TBA vs. No. 4 Arizona State, 1/noon c, ESPN Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California): TBA vs. No. 1 Oregon, 5/4c, ESPN Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans): TBA vs. No. 2 Georgia, 8:45/7:45c, ESPN Thursday, January 9 Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 10 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Arlington, Texas): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Monday, January 20 National Championship (Atlanta): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 14 Cricket Celebration Bowl (Atlanta): Jackson State vs. South Carolina State, noon/11a c, ABC IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama): South Alabama vs. Western Michigan, 9/8c, ESPN Tuesday, December 17 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl (Frisco, Texas): Memphis vs. West Virginia, 9/8c, ESPN Wednesday, December 18 Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, Florida): Western Kentucky vs. James Madison, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN Art of Sport LA Bowl (Inglewood, California): Cal vs. UNLV, 9/8c, ESPN Thursday, December 19 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans): Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston, 7/6c, ESPN2 Friday, December 20 StaffDNA Cure Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Ohio vs. Jacksonville State, noon/11a c, ESPN Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl (Tampa, Florida): 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Monday, December 23 Myrtle Beach Bowl (Conway, South Carolina): Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA, 11a/10a c, ESPN Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, Idaho): Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 24 Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu): South Florida vs. San José State, 8/7c, ESPN Thursday, December 26 GameAbove Sports Bowl (Detroit): Pittsburgh vs. Toledo, 2/1xc, ESPN Rate Bowl (Phoenix): Rutgers vs. Kansas State, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN 68 Ventures Bowl (Mobile, Alabama): Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green, 9/8c, ESPN Friday, December 27 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, Texas): Oklahoma vs. Navy, noon/11a c, ESPN Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, Alabama): Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee): Texas Tech vs. Arkansas, 7/6c, ESPN DirecTV Holiday Bowl (San Diego): Syracuse vs. Washington State, 8/7c, Fox SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas): Texas A&M vs. USC, 10:30/9:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 28 Wasabi Fenway Bowl (Boston): UConn vs. North Carolina, 11a/10a c, ESPN Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, New York): Boston College vs. Nebraska, Noon/11a c, ABC Isleta New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, New Mexico): Louisiana vs. TCU, 2:15/1:15c, ESPN Pop-Tarts Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Iowa State vs. Miami, 3:30/2:30c, ABC Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl (Tucson, Arizona): Miami (Ohio) vs. Colorado State, 4:30/3:30c, The CW Go Bowling Military Bowl (Annapolis, Maryland): East Carolina vs. NC State, 5:45/4:45c, ESPN Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio): BYU vs. Colorado, 7:30/6:30c, ABC Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl (Shreveport, Louisiana): Marshall vs. Army, 9:15/8:15c, ESPN Monday, December 30 TransPerfect Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tennessee): Iowa vs. Missouri, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 31 ReliaQuest Bowl (Tampa, Florida): Alabama vs. Michigan, noon/11a c, ESPN Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas): Louisville vs. Washington, 2/1c, CBS Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Florida): South Carolina vs. Illinois, 3/2c, ABC Kinder’s Texas Bowl (Houston): Baylor vs. LSU, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Thursday, January 2 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida): Duke vs. Ole Miss, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 3 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl (Dallas): North Texas vs. Texas State, 4/3c, ESPN Duke’s Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, North Carolina): Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, January 4 Bahamas Bowl (Nassau, Bahamas): Buffalo vs. Liberty, 11a/10a c, ESPN2 More Headlines:
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Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full a dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastically-arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor recalls confusion and chaos during Japanese bombing 83 years ago PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors are planning to return to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. They are each over 100 years old. They will join active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.Confidence USA Leads the Gut Health Revolution with Innovative Microbiome Research 12-03-2024 12:30 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Erase Technologies, LLC Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1733166825.jpg Confidence USA, Port Washington, NY, USA Confidence USA, a prominent name in the health and wellness industry, has been highlighted in an exclusive online article, Gut Health Revolution: Why Confidence USA Is Investing in Microbiome Research. Confidence USA, a prominent name in the health and wellness industry, has been highlighted in an exclusive online article, Gut Health Revolution: Why Confidence USA Is Investing in Microbiome Research. The feature explores the rapidly growing field of microbiome research and how Confidence USA is making strategic investments to stay at the forefront of this critical area in health science. As the importance of gut health continues to make headlines, researchers are uncovering the far-reaching impact of the gut microbiome on various aspects of well-being, including digestion, immunity, mental health, and chronic disease prevention. The article highlights that the gut microbiome is a complex community of trillions of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract, playing a crucial role in nutrient absorption, immune function, and even the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. Recognizing these vast implications, Confidence USA has made gut health a central focus of their product development. The company is dedicated to formulating natural supplements that support a balanced gut microbiome, thereby enhancing not just digestion but also holistic health outcomes. "We see gut health as the foundation of overall wellness," says Jim Chao, CEO of Confidence USA. "By investing in cutting-edge microbiome research, we can create products that offer significant benefits, from boosting immunity to improving mental well-being." A key area of interest for Confidence USA is the development of supplements containing probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain gut balance, while prebiotics serve as food for these bacteria, fostering a thriving microbiome. Postbiotics, the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation, are gaining traction for their anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. The article emphasizes how Confidence USA is committed to researching the most effective strains and delivery mechanisms to maximize the benefits of these ingredients. Another critical point discussed in the article is the impact of diet on the gut microbiome. Confidence USA is actively exploring ways to incorporate gut-friendly nutrients, like polyphenols from berries and green tea, into their supplements. By making these beneficial compounds more accessible, the company aims to help consumers maintain a diverse and balanced microbiome through convenient, science-backed products. With the nutraceutical industry rapidly evolving, Confidence USA is positioning itself as a leader in gut health research. The company's investment in understanding the microbiome reflects a broader commitment to innovation and the belief that personalized, microbiome-based therapies could revolutionize health and wellness. "We're excited about the future of gut health science and the potential it holds for transformative health solutions," says Chao. About Confidence USA Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Port Washington, NY, Confidence USA is a leader in the nutraceutical industry, offering high-quality natural supplements. The company is dedicated to improving health through products that blend traditional herbal knowledge with the latest scientific advancements. With a focus on research, sustainability, and consumer trust, Confidence USA continues to make strides in the field of health and wellness. To read the full article, click here [ https://www.apsense.com/article/824197-gut-health-revolution-why-confidence-usa-is-investing-in-microbiome.html ]. Media Contact Company Name: Confidence USA Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=confidence-usa-leads-the-gut-health-revolution-with-innovative-microbiome-research ] City: Port Washington State: NY Country: United States Website: https://www.confidenceusa.com/eshop/ This release was published on openPR.CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Ali Abdou Dibba had 19 points in Southern Illinois' 73-70 win over Southern Indiana on Saturday. Dibba added three steals for the Salukis (4-6, 0-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Jarrett Hensley added 16 points while shooting 4 for 10 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 7 of 10 from the free-throw line while he also had 11 rebounds. Kennard Davis finished 5 of 10 from the field to finish with 11 points. Stephen Olowoniyi finished with 24 points for the Screaming Eagles (4-5). Jayland Randall added 22 points and two steals for Southern Indiana. Jack Mielke finished with six points and six rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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Women get less exercise than men – and this fitness gender gap is a problem— Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. Pet owners everywhere know that Chewy has the best prices on essentials for dogs, cats, fish, reptiles and beyond. The retailer's current Cyber Monday sale has several exclusive flash offers available to help you save even more. Whether you want to stock up on dog food and treats, need to pick up a few pet-friendly stocking stuffers or are looking for the ultimate holiday gift for a pet owner in your life , we suggest shopping Chewy's limited time deals . Below, we've highlighted a few must-shop offers on Bark toys and treat, Zesty supplements, Embark DNA Testing Kits and more. Shop Chewy Cyber Monday pet deals Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test Kit Zesty Paws Skin & Coat Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement for Dogs Bark Barker's Dozen Donuts Plush 4-in-1 Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Bark Pupkin Spice Yappucino Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy, White, Medium Bark Hambone 2-in-1 Plush Exterior with Hard Core Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy, Pink More: Shop Chewy's BOGO free deals on Kong Toys, 30% off Greenies and more Kong Classic Dog Toy Kong Stuff a Ball Dog Toy More: New Chewy customers get a $20 eGift card and free shipping with their first order of $49 or more Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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BetMGM Sportsbook has deployed a first-time user promotion in anticipation of college football championship weekend in which new customers can bet and get up to $1,500 back if their first bet loses! Keep reading below if you are interested in sports betting in Pennsylvania with one of the top sportsbooks in the industry. We also have our best bet for Georgia vs. Texas. Check it out! What Is BetMGM’s Promo? If you are still unsure about the BetMGM Sportsbook welcome bonus , we will break it down further for you. New users can deposit and wager between $10 and $1,500 on any bet with -200 odds or longer that BetMGM offers on its sportsbook. If the user hits their first promotion-qualifying bet, then the promotion will be voided and they get to keep the winnings! However, if their first bet between $10 and $1,500 loses, they will receive the amount of the promotion-qualifying bet’s stake, up to $1,500, in the form of five (5) Bonus Bets that total the amount! Let’s use a quick example. If a new customer bet $1,500 on Penn State to win in the Big Ten Championship, but the Nittany Lions lost, BetMGM would credit their account with five (5) $300 Bonus Bets! It’s an incredible offer and one of the best promotions in the industry. Keep reading for more details about this BetMGM promo! BetMGM Sportsbook promo terms and conditions To qualify for BetMGM’s promotion, new users must be 21 years or older and located in a state where BetMGM is licensed to operate. The promo code PENNLIVEMGM must be used to access the offer. Qualifying bets must have odds of -200 or longer, so heavily favored bets are not allowed. Upon meeting these criteria, users can receive Bonus Bets in the form of five credits, each worth 20% of the original stake, up to a total of $1,500 . These Bonus Bets expire seven days after being issued and are non-withdrawable until played through, meaning you must use them and win to convert them into cash. Note that these are credits, not cash, and only the winnings will be available for withdrawal. Check the list of states where BetMGM operates for eligibility. Georgia vs. Texas Preview Georgia narrowly escaped a home upset to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets last week. A missed targeting call and a few other questionable flags aided the Bulldogs to an eight-overtime win. With that win, Georgia was able to secure its spot in both the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs will be in the CFP no matter what happens in the SEC Championship game. Meanwhile, Texas again handled business last week, securing its 11th win of the season. The Longhorns’ sole loss this season came at the hands of the Bulldogs, and they will now have a chance for revenge this weekend. What can we expect? Find out in our Georgia vs. Texas best bets section below! Georgia vs. Texas: Best Bet How much importance should we put on the early-season matchup between these two powerhouses when evaluating which team to back? The short answer is “not much.” Georgia raced out to a 23-0 halftime lead against the Longhorns the first time around, ultimately winning 30-15. However, despite the result of the first game, this is not a good matchup for Georgia. The Bulldogs are a pass-heavy team, ranking 19th in passing attempts per game (fifth-most among ranked teams). Unfortunately, Texas has the best pass defense in the country, sitting in second in EPA per dropback and first in opponent passing yards per game. We have seen Georgia quarterback Carson Beck occasionally compound mistakes, which could result in several interceptions throughout the game. The Longhorns’ secondary forced three interceptions in their last matchup against Beck, meaning he might still be “seeing ghosts.” On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs just let Georgia Tech massacre them on the ground, as the Yellow Jackets ran for a ridiculous 260 yards on the ground. I don’t trust Georgia’s run defense right now and Texas has the 24th-most rushing yards per game nationally over its past three outings. Best Bet: Texas Longhorns -2.5 (-115, BetMGM) Summary of BetMGM Sportsbook Promotions BetMGM is one of the best Pennsylvania betting apps because of its unbeatable first-time user promotion, favorable odds, and brand reputation. BetMGM also has a rewards points system that ties in MGM’s resorts, meaning the more you bet, the more points you will get back that can be used towards hotel stays and other MGM-specific perks. Additionally, BetMGM keeps customers engaged with ongoing boosts and promos, as customer retention is a focus of the esteemed sportsbook. If you can get past the limited betting types, BetMGM is a terrific sportsbook and definitely worth having as either a new or experienced sports bettor!
Trump's 'strategy' is to create economic uncertainty in other countries: Freeland OTTAWA — Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says with Donald Trump as president, the United States has an open strategy of creating economic uncertainty in other countries to discourage investment outside U.S. borders. Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press Dec 13, 2024 1:01 PM Dec 13, 2024 1:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland speaks with reporters in Ottawa on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Freeland says under Donald Trump as president, the United States has an open strategy of creating economic uncertainty in other countries to discourage investment outside U.S. borders. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA — Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says with Donald Trump as president, the United States has an open strategy of creating economic uncertainty in other countries to discourage investment outside U.S. borders. Freeland says the incoming Trump administration is proudly economic nationalist and Ottawa is realistic in recognizing that's the case. She says there is a global fight for capital, investment and the jobs they bring, and Canada needs to be assertive in fighting for capital. Freeland promised to elaborate on those comments in the government's fall economic statement, which is scheduled to be released on Monday. The federal and provincial governments are working out how navigate Trump's threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada when he takes office in January. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said earlier this week Ottawa is preparing retaliatory tariffs and threatened to restrict electricity exports from Ontario. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix S&P/TSX composite down more than 100 points, U.S. stock markets mixed Dec 13, 2024 1:32 PM Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit Dec 13, 2024 1:30 PM Court approves The Body Shop Canada sale, about 100 to lose jobs as some stores close Dec 13, 2024 1:21 PM Featured FlyerAP News Summary at 5:04 p.m. EST
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