Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?
CHICAGO (AP) — As Donald Trump’s Cabinet begins to take shape, those on both sides of the abortion debate are watching closely for clues about how his picks might affect reproductive rights policy in the president-elect’s second term . Trump’s cabinet picks offer a preview of how his administration could handle abortion after he repeatedly flip-flopped on the issue on the campaign trail. He attempted to distance himself from anti-abortion allies by deferring to states on abortion policy, even while boasting about nominating three Supreme Court justices who helped strike down the constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for half a century. In an NBC News interview that aired Sunday, Trump said he doesn't plan to restrict medication abortion but also seemed to leave the door open, saying “things change.” “Things do change, but I don't think it's going to change at all,” he said. The early lineup of his new administration , including nominations to lead health agencies, the Justice Department and event the Department of Veterans Affairs, has garnered mixed — but generally positive — reactions from anti-abortion groups. Abortion law experts said Trump's decision to include fewer candidates with deep ties to the anti-abortion movement could indicate that abortion will not be a priority for Trump's administration. “It almost seems to suggest that President Trump might be focusing his administration in other directions," said Greer Donley, an associate law professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Karen Stone, vice president of public policy at Planned Parenthood Action Fund , said while many of the nominees have “extensive records against reproductive health care,” some do not. She cautioned against making assumptions based on Trump's initial cabinet selections. Still, many abortion rights groups are wary, in part because many of the nominees hold strong anti-abortion views even if they do not have direct ties to anti-abortion activists. They're concerned that an administration filled with top-level officials who are personally opposed to abortion could take steps to restrict access to the procedure and funding. After Trump’s ambiguity about abortion during his campaign, "there’s still a lot we don’t know about what policy is going to look like," said Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law. That approach may be revealed as the staffs within key departments are announced. Trump announced he would nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which anti-abortion forces have long targeted as central to curtailing abortion rights nationwide. Yet Kennedy shifted on the issue during his own presidential campaign. In campaign videos, Kennedy said he supports abortion access until viability , which doctors say is sometime after 21 weeks, although there is no defined timeframe. But he also said “every abortion is a tragedy” and argued for a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a stance he quickly walked back. The head of Health and Human Services oversees Title X funding for a host of family planning services and has sweeping authority over agencies that directly affect abortion access, including the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The role is especially vital amid legal battles over a federal law known as EMTALA, which President Joe Biden’s administration has argued requires emergency abortion access nationwide, and FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Mini Timmaraju, president of the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, called Kennedy an “unfit, unqualified extremist who cannot be trusted to protect the health, safety and reproductive freedom of American families.” His potential nomination also has caused waves in the anti-abortion movement. Former Vice President Mike Pence , a staunch abortion opponent, urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said the group had its own concerns about Kennedy. “There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary," she said. Fox News correspondent Marty Makary is Trump’s pick to lead the FDA, which plays a critical role in access to medication abortion and contraception. Abortion rights groups have accused him of sharing misinformation about abortion on air. Russell Vought , a staunch anti-abortion conservative, has been nominated for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought was a key architect of Project 2025 , a right-wing blueprint for running the federal government. Among other actions to limit reproductive rights, it calls for eliminating access to medication abortion nationwide, cutting Medicaid funding for abortion and restricting access to contraceptive care, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUD’s. Despite distancing himself from the conservative manifesto on the campaign trail, Trump is stocking his administration with people who played central roles in developing Project 2025. Trump acknowledged that drafters of the report would be part of his incoming administration during the Sunday interview with NBC News, saying “Many of those things I happen to agree with.” “These cabinet appointments all confirm that Project 2025 was in fact the blueprint all along, and the alarm we saw about it was warranted,” said Amy Williams Navarro, director of government relations for Reproductive Freedom for All. Dr. Mehmet Oz , Trump’s choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a former television talk show host who has been accused of hawking dubious medical treatments and products. He voiced contradictory abortion views during his failed Senate run in 2022. Oz has described himself as “strongly pro-life, praised the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade , claimed “life starts at conception” and referred to abortion as “murder.” But he also has echoed Trump’s states-rights approach, arguing the federal government should not be involved in abortion decisions. “I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves,” he said during a Senate debate two years ago. An array of reproductive rights groups opposed his Senate run. As CMS administrator, Oz would be in a key position to determine Medicaid coverage for family planning services and investigate potential EMTALA violations. As Florida’s attorney general, Pam Bondi defended abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. Now she’s Trump’s choice for attorney general . Her nomination is being celebrated by abortion opponents but denounced by abortion rights groups concerned she may revive the Comstock Act , an anti-vice law passed by Congress in 1873 that, among other things, bans mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion. An anti-abortion and anti-vaccine former Florida congressman, David Weldon, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects and monitors abortion data across the country. Former Republican congressman Doug Collins is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs amid a political battle over abortion access and funding for troops and veterans. Collins voted consistently to restrict funding and access to abortion and celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “This is a team that the pro-life movement can work with," said Kristin Hawkins, president of the national anti-abortion organization Students for Life. ___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here . The AP is solely responsible for all content. Christine Fernando, The Associated PressBridgeline Announces Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2024
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As we enter 2025 in a couple of days, we all know that the tech world is gearing up for major changes that will shake things up and affect our daily lives and how we run our businesses. These technological advancements are not just about making things faster or more connected; they also have much to do with big global challenges like climate change and cybersecurity. Artificial intelligence is on the verge of a significant transformation by 2025. For example, instead of relying solely on centralized servers, AI will start processing information from local devices like smartphones and gadgets. This shift will make everything run even faster. Scientists also say that we’ll see more agentic AI — autonomous systems that can make decisions on the ir own. Imagine AI optimizing supply chains based on real-time data, for example. Sustainability, which has taken the limelight these past years, will move even closer to center stage, driving more companies to focus on innovations that reduce environmental impact. We’ll also be seeing new waste management technologies and circular business models — where products are designed for reuse or recycling — as organizations aim for net-zero commitments. Additionally, AI will be used to drive the networks that optimize the distribution of energy across grids. It’s a marriage of renewable energy sources and smart technology, helping businesses to significantly lower their carbon footprints while boosting operational efficiency. In the world of quantum computing, actual applications across various fields will be seen this 2025, revolutionizing areas like drug discovery, climate modeling, and cybersecurity. As more organizations invest in quantum research and development, we might see significant advancements that change how we approach problem solving in science, finance, and logistics, among others. The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to explode this coming year owing to 5G connectivity. The number of interconnected devices — from smart home gadgets to industrial sensors — is projected to reach billions! This allows businesses to gather vast amounts of real-time data from their operations, leading to better decision-making and greater efficiency. In smart cities, IoT applications will help manage traffic more effectively using real-time data analysis. Ambient computing envisions a world where digital devices seamlessly blend into our daily lives, operating quietly in the background without us having to think about them. Devices equipped with sensors and AI will understand our preferences automatically. In the world of work,, ambient computing could streamline workflows by anticipating needs. This trend will enhance user experiences and reduce the mental load of managing multiple devices or apps. As we embrace these exciting advancements on the horizon for 2025, we must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the potential risks associated with these innovations. While the benefits are immense, they also bring challenges that require careful consideration. For instance, as AI systems become more autonomous, we must ensure robust ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks are in place to prevent misuse and protect privacy. Similarly, with the rapid expansion of IoT devices, security measures must be strengthened to safeguard sensitive data from cyber threats. As we move toward a more sustainable future, we should also be mindful of the environmental impact of new technologies and prioritize circular economy practices to minimize waste. While we harness the power of technological advancements, we must make sure to safeguard our society and environment at the same time. Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II received his Law degree from Ateneo de Manila University in 1994. He is currently engaged in the General Practice of Law through the firm he established, Jose M. Rojas Law Office. Prior to getting his Law degree, Atty. Rojas graduated Cum Laude in Economics and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts. He used to chair the Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) and, more recently, used to sit as Vice-Chairman and General Manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Atty. Rojas is an opinion columnist for the Business Mirror and Pilipino Mirror, and 2014 awardee of People Asia’s “Men Who Matter.” He is a member of the Saturday Group of artists and is married to Atty. Patricia A.O. Bunye.Nextracker to Present at the Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech & Utilities Conference
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.
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Q&A: Colorectal cancer patients are getting younger. Early screenings can helpWith Australia proposing a ban on social media access for children under 16 years of age to protect their mental health and well-being, NT KURIOCITY seeks Gen Z’s opinions on this decision This idea recognises that social media can have both good and bad effects on young people. Limiting access might reduce problems like cyberbullying, sleep issues, harmful content, addiction, and poor focus. However, enforcing such a ban would be difficult. It could also affect education, as technology plays a big role in learning, and it might make it harder for some kids to access important information. Instead of a full ban, better solutions could include adding age-appropriate features, teaching online safety, regulating platforms, and encouraging parents to guide their kids. A balanced approach can keep children safe while allowing them to use social media in a positive way.” – Rachel Merwyn, Candolim While there are valid concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, a complete ban may be too severe. Despite the good intentions behind the proposal, it could be overly restrictive. Completely depriving children of social media may prevent them from developing essential digital skills in an increasingly connected society. Also, social media offers educational and social benefits. A more balanced approach, such as age-specific platforms and parental controls, could be a better solution. In today’s world, basic business ideas and start-ups are often closely tied to social media.” – Akruti Naik, Vasco Reducing social media use at a young age can help reduce problems like cyberbullying, pressure to look a certain way, and spending too much time on screens. This step could help children grow up healthier and build better relationships with others.” – Warren Daniel Da Costa, Verna Social media often exposes young users to cyberbullying, unrealistic standards, and addictive behaviours, all of which can harm their emotional development. By restricting access, children can focus on building real-life relationships, pursuing hobbies, and developing critical thinking skills. This move encourages a balanced upbringing and reduces youngsters’ dependency on virtual validation. While implementing such a restriction may pose challenges, the long-term benefits for children’s psychological growth make this decision a positive and necessary intervention.” – Kruti Chavan, Vasco Social media has both advantages and disadvantages, but its negative influence on the current generation is increasingly evident. It often promotes an environment of comparison and judgment, which can harm mental health. This is particularly apparent among the younger generation, who adopt slang and change their behaviour to follow trends. Also, they are vulnerable to online predators and need protection. It is disheartening to see how social media has eroded children’s innocence and taken away their childhood. I believe the limit of 16 could be slightly lowered. However, I support this law as it gives young people the chance to fully experience their childhood.” – Zeba Shaikh, Merces Banning social media access for children under the age of 16 is a positive step. Today’s children are exposed to an overwhelming amount of short-form content, which often leads to reduced attention spans and distractions in their daily lives. Restricting social media usage could help them focus better, develop healthier cognitive skills, and engage more meaningfully with their surroundings. While some might argue against imposing such restrictions, I believe this measure would greatly benefit their mental well-being and overall development.” – Aashutosh Prabhu, Mapusa Australia’s plan to ban social media for children under 16 has serious downsides, even though it seems protective. For older teens, this ban could stop them from exploring opportunities in business, creativity, and education. Keeping them away from modern technology would limit their chances to learn and grow. Also, some tech-savvy kids might find ways to get around the ban, which could lead them to unsafe or unregulated websites. A better solution would be to create safer online spaces and teach kids how to use the internet responsibly.” – Tanvi Tulshidas Kankonkar, Sancoale
Movie Review: Brave, mesmerizing Amy Adams triumphs over frustratingly odd script in ‘Nightbitch’BATON ROUGE, La. — Mikaylah Williams scored a season-high 32 points, including a game-tying jumper with 4.3 seconds left that sent the game to overtime, and No. 5 LSU remained unbeaten with a 94-88 comeback win over Stanford on Thursday night. Williams also scored six of the Tigers’ 14 overtime points, including a shot-clock-beating 3-pointer with 38 seconds that was the dagger. Reserve guard Kailyn Gilbert had 25 points (five in overtime) for LSU (10-0), and Flau’Jae Johnson contributed 21 points before fouling out with 1:05 left in overtime. Stanford (7-2), which led for almost 381⁄2 minutes, was led by Nunu Agara, who had 29 points and 13 rebounds. Brooke Demetre added 19 points, Elena Bosgana 16 and Jzaniya Harriel 15. Takeaways Stanford: The Cardinal stayed in a 2-3 defensive zone, hoping LSU’s impatience would lead to quick outside shots from a team with just two legit 3-point shooters. The Tigers managed to stay within striking distance by scoring off turnovers, including one that allowed Williams hit the tying jumper with 4.3 seconds left. LSU: The Tigers hadn’t played a team this season as big, strong, disciplined and fundamentally sound as Stanford and it showed. LSU didn’t have the speed to contain Stanford’s starting front line, which combined for 64 points and 21 rebounds. Key moment The Tigers were clinging to an 88-86 lead in overtime with the shot clock winding down when Williams hit a deep 3-pointer with 38 seconds left. LSU guard Kailyn Gilbert (16) celebrates with guard Shayeann Day-Wilson (50) after their overtime victory over Stanford in an NCAA basketball game Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Baton Rouge, La. Credit: AP/Matthew Hinton Key stat LSU has won two of its last four games despite trailing by double digits. Up next Stanford plays at California on Dec. 13 in its first Atlantic Coast Conference game, and LSU plays Grambling on Sunday afternoon in Bossier City.
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(The Center Square) – The House is set to vote on the compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act which authorizes nearly $900 billion to support U.S. military service members, infrastructure, and defense capabilities during the 2025 fiscal year. The 1,813-page document released Saturday by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees outlines U.S. defense policy priorities and their costs for 2025. Most of the proposed funds, $849.9 billion out of the $895.2 billion topline, would go to programs within the Department of Defense. Though the result of a bipartisan compromise, some provisions remain a point of contention, including a Republican addition that prohibits the military’s health program from covering any gender dysphoria treatments on minors that could "result in sterilization.” Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith, D-Wash., has urged House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to “abandon” the provision and allow the House to bring forward a bill that “doesn’t attack the transgender community.” Johnson has argued that the current NDAA will “restore our focus on military lethality and to end the radical woke ideology being imposed on our military.” If the legislation passes, junior enlisted service members would receive a historic 14.5% pay raise and all other service members a 4.5% basic pay raise. The NDAA plan would also address multiple quality of life issues for service members, highlighted in a September report from the Government Accountability Office that revealed unsanitary and rundown living conditions for military personnel. It authorizes $2.7 billion to improve housing conditions, build more housing, and increase oversight. It also increases healthcare access and childcare services for military members by cutting red tape and approving $176 million for the construction of new childcare centers and $110 million for the construction of new schools. “Funding our military is one of Congress' most important responsibilities,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority Chairman, Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said on X. “Our brave men and women in uniform and their spouses allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. They deserve every benefit in this bill.” The legislation authorizes hundreds of billions in defense-related infrastructure and technology investments, including approximately $17.5 billion for military base or industrial construction projects; $33.5 billion to build seven battle force ships; and more than $161 billion for innovation and technology research and related programs. Nearly $16 billion would go to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, funding new technologies like hypersonic weapons and AI to deter the Chinese Communist Party and mitigate espionage and cybersecurity risks. Anti-terrorism initiatives in the Middle East and overseas U.S. military construction projects countering North Korea and Russia would also receive funding, as well as a U.S.-Israel missile defense program and the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. “We remain determined to confront increasingly hostile threats from Communist China, Russia, and Iran, and this legislation provides our military with the tools they need to deter our enemies,” Johnson said in a statement. “The safety and security of the American people is top priority, and this bill ensures our military has the resources and capabilities needed to remain the most powerful force in the world.” U.S. border security receives a relatively small portion of funds from the NDAA, with $90 million authorized for the construction of a new command and control facility at the U.S.-Mexico border and a $10 million increase in funding for the DOD’s counternarcotics activities. The House Rules Committee is set to vote Monday afternoon on advancing the measure to the House floor, where it can pass with a majority vote. The Senate must vote on it by the end of the month for it to take effect.