Detroit (AP) — China will soon see a massive expansion of electric vehicle battery swapping, as global battery maker CATL said Wednesday it is investing heavily in stations there next year. Battery swapping is not new — but it's had a challenging journey. Adoption of electric vehicles has varied in regions across the globe over the past several years, and that doesn't always bode well for building new infrastructure. While the technology could do well in China, it's uncertain whether it could work in other countries. What is battery swapping? Battery swapping allows EV drivers to pull into a station on a low battery and receive a swapped, fully-charged battery within minutes. An EV has to be equipped with the right technology to receive a swap — and not many models around the world currently have it. Automakers have to buy into the idea, and EV adoption among consumers also has to grow, so that investing in new infrastructure seems worthwhile. Consumers also have to be comfortable not owning their battery. Why could it work in China? China is much further along in adopting EVs than other countries. Not only is it the world's largest auto market, but in July, the country hit a milestone with 50% of new sales electric — and it accounts for most of this year's global EV sales. China supports EV growth through government subsidies and mandates. So it makes more sense for companies to invest in unique EV infrastructure there because that's more likely to be needed. What other attempts at battery swapping have occurred? The most notable example might be Israeli startup Better Place, which tried its hand at swapping in 2007. But the company shut down a few years later after investing a lot of money and coming up against roadblocks with logistics. EV adoption was especially low at the time. Could it work in the United States? Europe? Startup Ample, for example, has a modular battery swapping station that it says can complete a swap in 5 minutes. That’s important as charging time remains a point of concern for prospective EV buyers. Even the fastest fast chargers could take at least 15 minutes for a decent charge. But in the U.S., pure EVs only accounted for 8% of new vehicle sales as of November. Meanwhile Nio, a rival Chinese EV brand, has about 60 swap stations in northern Europe, and the EV adoption is higher there than the U.S., but the same challenges remain. Different automakers put different batteries in their various EV models, so a station would need all of those available if the industry didn't agree to a standardized battery, and not all of those models are out yet in volume. This is something that really needs scale. Swapping could help with EV cost — currently a barrier to adoption for many — because a driver wouldn’t necessarily own the most expensive part of an EV: the battery. Greg Less, director of the University of Michigan Battery Lab, said with proper framing and education, people might like the idea of battery swapping. To him, it's not unlike buying a propane-fueled grill and purchasing a refilled tank every so often. But it would require a rethinking of car ownership. "Where I could see it working is if we went entirely away from vehicle ownership and we went to a use-on-demand model," Less added. “I don’t think we’re there yet.” What vehicle uses might be b est for swapping? Battery swapping might make most sense for ride-sharing or other fleet vehicles. Drivers of buses, taxis, Uber or Lyft vehicles want to spend as much time on the road as possible, transporting customers and making money. If battery swapping can shorten the time needed to charge EVs, that makes driving one less disruptive to their business. ___ Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn . Reach her at [email protected] . ___ Read more of AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org . Alexa St. John, The Associated PressThe Duke of York has said he “ceased all contact” with the businessman accused of being a Chinese spy when concerns were first raised about him. Andrew met the individual through “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, a statement from his office said. The businessman – known only as H6 – lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. He brought a case to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) after then-home secretary Suella Braverman said he should be excluded from the UK in March 2023. H6 was described as a “close confidante” of The Duke. Judges were told that in a briefing for the home secretary in July 2023, officials claimed H6 had been in a position to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials “that could be leveraged for political interference purposes”. They also said that H6 had downplayed his relationship with the Chinese state, which combined with his relationship with Andrew, 64, represented a threat to national security. A statement from Andrew’s office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty’s Government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. “The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. “He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.” At a hearing in July, the specialist tribunal heard that the businessman was told by an adviser to Andrew that he could act on the duke’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China, and that H6 had been invited to Andrew’s birthday party in 2020. A letter referencing the birthday party from the adviser, Dominic Hampshire, was discovered on H6’s devices when he was stopped at a port in November 2021. In a ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith and Sir Stewart Eldon, dismissed the challenge. 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Iowa cornerback Jermari Harris has opted out of the remainder of the 2024 season in order to prepare for the NFL draft, according to a report by 247Sports.com . The 6-foot-1 sixth-year senior from Chicago has recorded 27 tackles, three interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups in 10 games for the Hawkeyes this season. That includes a pick-6 in a 38-21 win over Troy earlier this season. Iowa (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) plays at Maryland on Saturday before closing out its regular season at home against Nebraska on Nov. 29. The Hawkeyes are already bowl eligible, so Harris is likely opting out of three games in total. After missing the entire 2022 season due to an ankle injury, Harris was suspended for two games of the following season for his involvement in the gambling investigation into Iowa athletics. He later emerged as the Hawkeyes' top cornerback, earning the team's comeback player of the year award after compiling 42 tackles, one interception and eight pass breakups. Harris will finish his college career with 105 tackles and eight interceptions. --Field Level MediaAfter Iranian arrest tied to U.S. military murders, town advances sanctuary policiesAmazon has a wide selection of luxury beauty gifts – from internet-famous makeup products to popular fragrances. (iStock) Amazon will offer exclusive deals across all categories during its Black Friday Week deals event. From Nov. 21 through Dec. 2, shoppers can score significant savings, with new deals dropping as often as every five minutes. Customers should check frequently until Cyber Monday to find the latest discounts to check off their holiday shopping lists. It's a great time to take advantage of low prices on holiday gifts. The online retailer has a selection of luxury beauty gifts – from internet-famous makeup products to popular fragrances – these picks are sure to wow anyone on your list. Sign up for a Prime membership during the holiday season (and beyond!) to enjoy fast, free delivery access to invite-only deals and the option to Buy With Prime . Most purchases can be delivered to your door in 24 hours if you're an Amazon Prime member . You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your holiday shopping today. Here are 12 luxury beauty picks you can save big on this Black Friday: Ralph Lauren Romance women's perfume: on sale for $47.60 Original price: $68 Try this classic fragrance. (Amazon) This iconic Ralph Lauren fragrance has intense floral notes, woody undertones and hints of citrus. It is the perfect scent to celebrate the beauty and luminous intensity of femininity. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better: on sale for $32.90 Original price: $47 This buildable, medium coverage foundation minimizes the appearance of pores. (Amazon) This buildable, medium-coverage foundation minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections while delivering all-day hydration and wear with a naturally radiant finish. It is suitable for all skin types and infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract and vitamins E and B5. 15 CLEANING ESSENTIALS TO HELP YOUR HOME SPARKLE THIS HOLIDAY Lancôme Lash Idôle mascara: on sale for $21 Original price: $30 For extra long lashes, try this mascara. (Amazon) Get amazingly long lashes with Lancome's curved mascara wand, which lasts up to 24 hours. The gel formula, which is lightweight, will leave your lashes feathery soft, and prevent flaking or smudging. 5 OF THE COZIEST SLIPPERS YOU CAN WEAR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE Ralph Lauren - Beyond Romance: on sale for $91 Original price: $130 This beautiful Ralph Lauren fragrance has a spicy yet romantic scent. (Amazon) Add this beautiful Ralph Lauren fragrance to your collection for a scent of sweet raspberry coulis and luscious black vanilla mingled with fresh rose centifolia. This fragrance has a spicy yet romantic floral scent that is long-lasting. TATCHA The Dewy Skin Cream: on sale for $54.72 Original price: $72 Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream is a rich anti-aging moisturizer. (Amazon) Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream is a rich moisturizer with anti-aging properties. The moisturizer includes antioxidant-packed Japanese purple rice to hydrate the skin and leave a healthy glow. It's amazing for reviving dry skin but can be used on normal skin for those who prefer a richer texture. Kiehl's Buttermask For Lips: on sale for $19.60 Original price: $28 Get buttery soft lips overnight with this mask. (Amazon) This lip treatment is designed to provide intense hydration and nourishment to your lips while you sleep. It glides smoothly and treats your lips with a luxurious layer of moisture. 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Bath Bomb Gift Set: on sale for $28.79 Original price: $35.99 These bath bombs are handcrafted in small batches. (Amazon) Treat yourself or someone on your gift list to these bath bombs, handcrafted in small batches, to ensure premium quality. They are made from natural and organic essential oils, shea butter, Epsom salt, cocoa butter and other 100% clean, premium ingredients. Anthony Shave Gel for Sensitive Skin: on sale for $49.60 Original price: $62 You get a pack of three Anthony Shave Gels in this set. (Amazon) This set includes a pack of three Anthony Shave Gels . This gel is expertly crafted for sensitive skin and offers a non-detergent, non-foaming solution that delivers a smooth and comfortable shaving experience. The transparent gel allows you to see every detail during your shave without worrying about irritation caused by common foaming agents. Ralph Lauren Women's Eau de Toilette: on sale for $57 Original price: $95 This is an easy-to-wear scent. (Amazon) Ralph Lauren Women's Eau de Toilette is a lightly scented perfume, also known as aromatic waters. The floral fragrance is described as energetic, playful and invigorating. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals Ralph Lauren Polo Black for men: on sale for $73.50 Original price: $105 Try this sophisticated fragrance from Ralph Lauren. (Amazon) This sophisticated fragrance from Ralph Lauren is a bold fusion of iced mango, silver armoise and patchouli noir. It is suitable for a variety of occasions, including black-tie events, date nights, formal gatherings and professional settings. Nora Colomer is a personal finance writer for Fox Business' Strategic Initiatives team.NEW YORK — U.S. stock indexes got back to climbing on Wednesday after appeared to clear the way for more help for from . The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to break its in nearly a month and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, lagged the market with a dip of 99 points, or 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that Wednesday’s inflation data will allow the Fed to deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. Traders are betting on a nearly 99% probability of that, according to data from CME Group, up from 89% a day before. If they’re correct, it would be a third straight cut by the Fed after it from a two-decade high. It’s hoping to support a after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower rates would give a boost to the economy and to prices for investments, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. “The data have given the Fed the ‘all clear’ for next week, and today’s inflation data keep a January cut in active discussion,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an , with the latest coming last week. The biggest boosts for the index on Wednesday came from Nvidia and other Big Tech stocks. Their massive growth has made them Wall Street’s biggest stars for years, though other kinds of stocks have recently been catching up somewhat amid hopes for the broader U.S. economy. Tesla jumped 5.9% to finish above $420 at $424.77. It’s a level that Elon Musk made famous in a 2018 tweet when he said he had secured funding to take Tesla private at . Stitch Fix soared 44.3% after the company that sends clothes to your door reported a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also gave financial forecasts for the current quarter that were better than expected, including for revenue. GE Vernova rallied 5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500. The energy company that spun out of General Electric said it would pay a 25 cent dividend every three months, and it approved a plan to send up to another $6 billion to its shareholders by buying back its own stock. On the losing end of Wall Street, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment tumbled 20.1% after reporting a worse loss for the latest quarter than expected. It also said CEO Chris Morris has resigned, and the board has been working with an executive-search firm for the last few months to find its next permanent leader. Albertsons fell 1.5% after filing a lawsuit against Kroger, saying it didn’t do enough for their proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement to win regulatory clearance. Albertsons said it’s seeking billions of dollars in damages from Kroger, whose stock rose 1%. A day earlier, in Oregon and Washington nixed the supermarket giants’ merger. The grocers contended a combination could have helped them compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon, but critics said it would hurt competition. After terminating the merger agreement with Kroger, Albertsons said it plans to boost its dividend 25% and increased the size of its program to buy back its own stock. 0.8% after cutting some of its financial forecasts for the full year of 2024, including for how much profit it expects to make off each $1 of revenue. All told, the S&P 500 rose 49.28 points to 6,084.19. The Dow dipped 99.27 to 44,148.56, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 347.65 to 20,034.89. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.23% late Tuesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, edged up to 4.15% from 4.14%. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was an outlier and slipped 0.8% as Chinese leaders convened an in Beijing that is expected to set economic policies and growth targets for the coming year. South Korea’s Kospi rose 1%, up for a second straight day as it climbs back following where its president briefly declared martial law. AP Writers Matt Ott and Zimo Zhong contributed.
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San Jose Sharks winger Luke Kunin is on pace to set a new single-season career high in goals scored. He is in his second season as an alternate captain and plays the type of north-south game coach Ryan Warsofsky appreciates. Those qualities will also likely make Kunin, a pending unrestricted free agent, an attractive trade target among playoff-contending teams early next year. Kunin scored twice and had 16:31 in ice time for the Sharks on Tuesday in their 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Going into Thursday’s date with his hometown St. Louis Blues, Kunin, after 31 games, is now tied for fourth on the team with eight goals, more than halfway past his career high of 15 set during the 2019-2020 season when he played in 63 games with the Minnesota Wild. Now, it’s a matter of whether the Sharks want to try to sign Kunin to a contract extension past this season or trade him for future assets as they did with goalie Mackenzie Blackwood on Monday. Blackwood was traded to the Colorado Avalanche as part of a deal that netted goalie and pending UFA Alexandar Georgiev, 25-year-old forward Nikolai Kovalenko, and two draft picks. After the deal, Sharks general manager Mike Grier said Blackwood likely “played his way out of here” with the season he was having. That means the average annual value of Blackwood’s next contract will probably be significantly higher than the $2.35 million on his current deal. The rebuilding Sharks are only willing to commit so much money to the goaltending position as Yaroslav Askarov’s two-year, $4 million contract kicks in next season. “I hope he gets what he’s looking for,” Grier said of Blackwood. “But I think he kind of played his way out of probably the ballpark figure of what we were looking for, especially with (Askarov) coming up as well.” It’s fair to suggest that Kunin, who turned 27 on Dec. 4, will be looking for a bump from his current AAV of $2.75 million and perhaps some term beyond one or two years on his next contract. He also must decide whether he wants to remain with the rebuilding Sharks, who appear to be at least a couple of years away from being serious playoff contenders. With Kunin a pending restricted free agent in June, he and the Sharks came to terms on a one-year, $2.75 million deal that took him to UFA status. He has 12 points this season and is sixth among Sharks forwards in average time on ice (15:05). Like he will with other pending UFAs before the March 7 trade deadline, Grier must decide whether Kunin fits in with the Sharks in their current state or whether it makes more sense to ship him and collect a future asset. The Sharks’ other pending UFAs are goalies Georgiev and Vitek Vanecek, forwards Mikael Granlund and Nico Sturm, and defensemen Cody Ceci and Jan Rutta. Those players, too, must decide whether to stay or move on. Regardless, Kunin, who sustained a torn right ACL in Dec. 2022 in his first season with the Sharks, appears to be helping his value with his improved skating and production. Kunin had 11 goals and 18 points in 77 games last season. “I think he’s been solid,” Warsofsky said after Tuesday’s loss. “We’re seeing a guy that’s skating more, first and foremost, gets to the inside of the ice, kind of the heart and soul of our team, really. He gives you everything he’s got. To get rewarded with two goals is nice.” MUKHAMADULLIN TO PLAY: Warsofsky said Wednesday in St. Louis that defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin would play against the Blues as the Sharks play the final game of a six-game road trip. After Tuesday’s game, the Sharks announced that Mukhamadullin had been recalled from the AHL and that defenseman Jack Thompson and forward Ethan Cardwell had been loaned back to the Barracuda. Mukhamadullin had six assists in 14 games with the Barracuda this season after the Sharks assigned him to the AHL on Oct. 22. His most recent game was on Dec. 8, when he had two assists in the Barracuda’s 2-1 win over Coachella Valley. Mukhamadullin, acquired from New Jersey in Feb. 2023 as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Timo Meier to the Devils, played in three games with the Sharks last season – all in January – and averaged over 21 minutes of ice time per game and had one assist. The Sharks have lost three straight and are 2-3-0 on the trip that began close to two weeks ago with wins over the Seattle Kraken and Washington Capitals. PULLI OUT: The Sharks on Wednesday placed defenseman Valtteri Pulli on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his NHL contract. “Valtteri requested to play in Europe and we mutually agreed to terminate his contract,” Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will said in a statement. “We want to thank Valtteri for his contributions to the organization and wish him all the best.” Pulli, 23, was signed to a two-year, two-way contract by the Sharks in May 2023 after he played three seasons with TPS Turku of the Finnish League. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound Pulli never played for the Sharks, but had 10 points in 59 games for the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL last season. Pulli was healthy again this season but only dressed for two Barracuda games, both in October. He had one assist in an Oct. 19 game against the Iowa Wild.Thinglass Intro & Thesis Update I began covering Dell Technologies Inc. ( NYSE: DELL ) stock on September 26, 2024 , "Strong Buy," believing that Dell's ISG growth was going to rise due to higher revenue share leading to rapid earnings Hold On! Can't find the equity research you've been looking for? Now you can get access to the latest and highest-quality analysis of recent Wall Street buying and selling ideas with just one subscription to Beyond the Wall Investing ! There is a free trial and a special discount of 10% for you. Join us today! Beyond the Wall Investing Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of DELL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Ministers said an extra £15 million will be made available for supply chain businesses and workers affected by changes at Tata’s Port Talbot site in south Wales. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the move means a fund to support businesses across Wales heavily reliant on Tata steel will be increased to £30 million. She also announced that more businesses will be able to apply for the funds, and the value of individual grants is increasing to up to £250,000 for businesses to invest in equipment, property, technology. The Government said there has been “significant demand” on the existing funding, with almost 40 businesses employing 2,000 people having begun the application process. Grants worth millions of pounds are expected to be released in the new year. The increase in funding is in anticipation of more people leaving Tata in early 2025 through the company’s voluntary redundancy scheme. Ms Stevens said: “This Government is acting decisively to support workers and businesses in Port Talbot. “We are doubling the funding available to businesses and workers and widening access to grants to ensure we support as many people as possible. “In just four months we have announced more than £40 million in investment. We said we would back workers and businesses affected by the transition at Port Talbot and we are doing exactly that. “While this remains a very difficult time for Tata workers, their families and the community, we are determined to support workers and businesses in our Welsh steel industry, whatever happens.”As China deploys the most warships around Taiwan in its largest maritime operation in three decades, scrutiny of the potential military operations Xi Jinping envisions is long overdue. This second part of a two-part series , based on the Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute’s new edited conference volume, “ Chinese Amphibious Warfare: Prospects for a Cross-Strait Invasion ,” distills key findings from the book regarding scenario factors and policy recommendations, and highlights areas of ongoing research. A comprehensive net assessment of the cross-strait military balance is beyond the scope of our unclassified project. We instead focused on China’s amphibious-related developments and identify key dynamics and trends. Part 4, “Scenario Factors,” therefore considers specific elements vital to the success of a Taiwan invasion. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is laser-focused on accounting for all relevant variables, but retains considerable challenges and shortcomings even as it builds and deploys forces at a rate unprecedented in the postwar era. A large-scale amphibious invasion is one of the most complex, difficult military operations of all. It is extremely challenging to achieve. Success hinges on comprehensive planning, complex command and control architectures, massive force employment, and precise synchronization. It can be thwarted by factors ranging from inclement weather to enemy countermeasures to unexpected contingencies. There is no better acknowledgment of these inherent uncertainties than the “ In case of failure ” message drafted by U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 5, 1944, the day before the monumentally successful D-Day Invasion. As Lieutenant General Charles Hooper – formerly a U.S. defense attaché in Beijing – points out in his foreword to our volume, the last major opposed amphibious landing was the U.S. assault on Inchon, South Korea in 1950. Beijing is now contemplating one of history’s most ambitious amphibious operations, including the largest-ever civilian ship mobilization – greatly exceeding the Dunkirk evacuation in ship numbers and the Falklands War in tonnage. China lacks experience operating under wartime conditions at that scale. Its airborne forces, for example, have historically had a regime preservation role – as seen in suppressing the 1967 Wuhan uprising during the Cultural Revolution and in the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre. Under a variety of scenarios, Beijing might have to send some forces on a one-way mission. Envisioning a PRC Invasion As John Culver underscores, China is pursuing an “all of regime” approach to “unifying” Taiwan, but has not yet built – let alone integrated operationally and trained with – the complement of smaller amphibious vessels required to provide sufficient traditional sealift for a cross-strait amphibious operation. Meanwhile, the PLA Navy Marine Corps (PLANMC) is not optimizing itself for an amphibious invasion of Taiwan, but rather for a range of operations that might address China’s interests in the South China Sea, across the region, and even around the world. Later in our volume, Sam Tangredi describes this trajectory as “trading places” with the U.S. Marine Corps, which is controversially shifting from its previous full spectrum of traditional global operations to a more PRC-focused subset. On the other hand, China’s determination and progress are formidable. It is rapidly improving in key areas. William Fox and Roderick Lee assess that PRC strategists regard air and sea supremacy as preconditions for a successful Joint Island Landing Campaign. Through a painstaking cataloging of sensors available for such an operation in the near term, they assess that China’s military likely has moderate confidence in its ability to seize and maintain control of the air and high confidence in its ability to achieve localized sea control. But key PRC sensors are far less numerous than key PRC shooters, and hence a logical single-point-failure target for limited U.S. and allied fires. PLA logistics support would critically undergird any successful invasion; three chapters probe that vital subject. Kevin McCauley examines the assessments of PRC military experts themselves, particularly through an authoritative internal-circulation volume from the PLA’s logistics research center. Contributing PLA authors documented manifold weaknesses, particularly insufficient transportation capabilities and war reserves. While these have doubtless improved since the study’s publication in 2017, a successful invasion would require far greater preparations. Many analysts contend that China would focus its invasion on a limited number of large beaches on Taiwan’s main island, where Taiwan could prepare defenses pre-conflict. In keeping with CMSI’s commitment to considering diverse, creative perspectives, Ian Easton challenges the conventional wisdom that China’s military would assault Taiwan only over the beach in a limited number of prime locations. He instead considers the possibility that the PLA might seek to avoid logistics bottlenecks and exposure by centering its amphibious assaults around Taiwanese ports, which is where he believes the majority of invading forces would likely disembark. Easton evaluates specific Taiwanese ports in relation to PLA requirements to establish lodgments with at least one working port. J. Michael Dahm bookends Lonnie Henley’s consideration of militia and commercial vessels as providers of logistics over the shore with an in-depth study of related civil-military integration exercises. Despite clear progress, he assesses, China’s commercial fleet is not yet ready to furnish the requisite logistics support under realistic conditions. In sum, our findings will shock the greatest of optimists with how little margin is left in this perilous situation, yet inspire even the most hardened pessimists with evidence that deterring an invasion of Taiwan is still completely feasible. Possible U.S. Responses While our volume focuses on offering dispassionate analysis over making policy recommendations, given the stakes at hand we felt duty bound to offer some targeted suggestions. Admiral Michael McDevitt anchors the concluding section – Part 5, “Implications” – in its operational context by considering in detail how a PRC attempt to invade Taiwan might play out, and how the United States and key allies such as Japan might respond. He offers recommendations for how the U.S. Navy should proceed if tasked by the National Command Authorities to help Taiwan frustrate a PRC invasion attempt. Heretofore, the saving grace has been that Taiwan enjoys formidable defensive geography, and that a large-scale amphibious invasion is one of the most difficult military operations to accomplish. Taiwan’s most fundamental advantage is that its geophysical defenses offer formidable protection and a firm foundation for further fortification. The “moated” Taiwan Strait, tides, currents, weather, mudflats, and coastal terrain and infrastructure make an amphibious invasion especially challenging. Imperial Japan built resolutely on these endowments to deter the United States from launching Operation Causeway as its ultimate island hop to wrap up World War II in the Pacific, a feat my colleague Ian Easton elucidates with fresh archival sources in a new CMSI China Maritime Report . Similarly, in a recent article , Dr. Scott Savitz of RAND explains how Chinese forces repulsed France’s attempted invasion of Taiwan in 1884–85 during the Sino-French War. Many lessons linger, but time is running short. Under Xi’s concerted directives, China’s military is reforming relentlessly, bringing critical new capabilities to bear, and training tirelessly to improve its wherewithal to execute the operations on which it is laser-focused. For the United States to relentlessly prioritize safeguarding Taiwan in these critical times, Taiwan must relentlessly prioritize its defense where it matters most . In our concluding chapter, based on principles of physics and operational realities, former CMSI researcher Gabriel Collins and I outline six concrete areas that Taiwan should prioritize above all else, including legacy systems: air defense, mines, antiship missiles and munitions, coastal artillery, information warfare, and critical infrastructure resilience. The situation is critical, and time is running out. A Blockade Scenario China’s latest in a series of Taiwan-focused military pressure exercises suggested that the types of operations for which the PLA is preparing include a significant maritime component. Increasingly, I believe that the most likely/worst consequence PRC military operations against Taiwan might be a blockade/quarantine campaign. It will be particularly dangerous if Xi comes to believe this sort of operation has reasonable prospects for success. Such an approach may tempt him as a lowest-barrier-to-entry “way-to-have-it-all.” What might make this option attractive? From a PRC perspective, a blockade/quarantine could employ China’s numerically superlative world-leading sea forces and supporting assets and infrastructure to best advantage. It could draw on political-legal arguments, messaging, and information operations, in which the Chinese Communist Party has long been maximally invested and has deepest experience. It is scalable and could preserve greatest ambiguity and flexibility, at least in the early stages, and it could impose the burden of escalation on U.S. forces (and those of allies and partners that joined them). Finally, whereas a Joint Island Landing Campaign would target Taiwan’s most dedicated, professional frontline forces, and a Joint Firepower Strike Campaign would likely target key military and political nodes precisely, a Joint Blockade Campaign would target Taiwan’s true Achilles’ Heel: the resilience and resolve of its society writ large under protracted stress and discord. Taiwan has complex social fissures and factions, including cohorts of postmodernist youth and elderly Sinophiles. Conclusion War represents the highest of stakes, and no one can confidently predict how events might unfold. Outcomes would hinge on the specific circumstances of the moment and unpredictable factors such as chance, weather conditions, leadership decisions, intelligence, and the combat capabilities of each side in what would undoubtedly be their greatest crisis and defining challenge. Missing the operational forest for the technical trees could generate grave miscalculations. While we can pinpoint the essential variables involved, we lack the key to conclusively decipher the mysteries of an uncertain future. This book, therefore, provides readers with a framework to critically analyze a Taiwan invasion scenario and draw their own conclusions about what might transpire under what conditions. What is clear is that Beijing recognizes the inherent difficulty of a cross-strait invasion and is rapidly building combat power and capabilities that make such an action ever more feasible. However, the outcome would hinge on so many variables that it would be irresponsible to speculate beyond the parameters we offer. One thing we did not cover in the conference and volume (because we did not know about them yet) is the proliferation in the commercial sector of what Conor Kennedy now terms “ deck cargo ships ” in his related research. These simple but practical platforms may partially substitute for the purpose-built small amphibious vessels (Landing Ship, Tank and Landing Ship, Medium vessels) that Jennifer Rice covers in her chapter. Along with the large roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) vessels that Lonnie Henley and Michael Dahm discuss, these smaller but very numerous payload-delivery workhorses could very significantly augment any amphibious effort. They might contribute to mitigating the need for the greatly increased amphibious shipbuilding which would otherwise be required to support an operation of this magnitude. Another particular area to watch moving forward is that China is increasingly exercising cross-strait capabilities at an ever-larger scale – as seen in the ongoing military drills . This represents an enormous dedication of resources, which suggests just how seriously PRC leadership views the issue. Joint exercises are growing larger and more complex every year. It is, however, important to note that large-scale amphibious operations are exceeding difficult to execute successfully under even the most benign and permissive conditions. The defender gets a vote, and this is not a static problem but rather a very dynamic one, which Taiwan and its security partners have an opportunity to influence through wise investments in specific capabilities as well as proper, thorough preparation and resolve. CMSI will endeavor to offer research-based insights regarding these and other critical areas while there is still time to deter disaster. Stay tuned ! This second part of a two-part series offered larger implications from the penultimate and concluding sections of “ Chinese Amphibious Warfare ,” as well as showcased areas of continuing related research. Part 1 summarizes key findings from this CMSI volume’s earlier sections: China’s amphibious history and doctrine, its current joint force, and its supporting enablers.
Muhiber Ali, 25, of Warwick Road was stopped by police at 10.15pm on November 13, 2022 in Giltspur Street. His car was flagged by the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for a disqualified driver and licence revocation. During the stop officers noticed that Ali was "extremely nervous", prompting a search of his vehicle. The car was flagged to police by the automatic number plate recognition system technology (Image: City of London Police) The search produced quantities of Class A, B and C drugs, including cocaine, MDMA and Ketamine. Further evidence from a mobile phone revealed that the 25-year-old had been supplying drugs. He has been sentenced to 31 months' imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to supply Class A drugs. Ali also pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to supply Class B drugs, which resulted in a ten-month sentence. He was issued a further four month sentence for possession with the intent to supply Class C drugs. READ MORE: Investigation launched in Rainham after injured child critical in hospital These sentences will be served concurrently with his 31-month sentence. Det Cons Westall said: “City of London Police officers are proactively targeting offenders and we are taking action to disrupt and pursue those involved in the supply of Class A drugs on the streets of London. “This sentencing should send a message to those involved in drug dealing, you will be arrested, charged and sent to prison.”
DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck was carried off on a stretcher with what seemed to be a severe ankle injury near the end of his team's loss to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. It leaves last season's Champions League runner-up without any fit central defenders. Schlotterbeck headed narrowly over the bar in the last action of the game as Dortmund lost 3-2 to Barcelona. He landed heavily and appeared to be in severe pain. The referee blew for full time while Schlotterbeck was being treated and he was later carried off on a stretcher, covering his face with his hands. Coach Nuri Sahin said Schlotterbeck was “obviously in low spirits” after the injury. “I'm waiting for the diagnosis and then we'll see, but I've watched the footage, too, and it doesn't look so good,” he told broadcaster DAZN. Dortmund already had to partner Schlotterbeck with midfielder Emre Can in the center of defense for the game because of injuries to Niklas Süle, who is with an ankle injury, and Waldemar Anton, who has not played since Nov. 30 with a reported muscle tear. Dortmund is sixth in the Bundesliga and plays Hoffenheim on Sunday before facing Wolfsburg on Dec. 22 in its last game before the winter break. AP soccer:
Bucs waive DL Earnest Brown, LB Antonio Grier
FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in JanuaryJun 2, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Joel Dahmen hits his tee shot at the fourth hole during the final round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports/ File Photo Joel Dahmen has handled the pressure of closing out a PGA Tour victory, but even that didn't equate to the emotional weight he felt standing over a 5 1/2-foot putt in Georgia on Friday. Miss it, and Dahmen was assured of missing out on fully exempt status on the PGA Tour for 2025. Make it, and he would get to live to fight another weekend. The 37-year-old steadied his hands to drain the putt and make the cut on the number at 1-under par at The RSM Classic on Sea Island, Ga. Dahmen enters the weekend projected to finish 126th in the FedEx Cup Fall standings -- only the top 125 earn fully exempt status for next year. "It was a great putt. I was very nervous," he admitted after the round. "But there's still work to do. It wasn't the game-winner, it was like the half-court shot to get us like at halftime. But without that and the way I played today, I wouldn't have anything this weekend. "I'm hoping I play great this weekend and I hit 36 greens and I just kind of plod my way around and it's super easy, but that's not the way golf is. Really proud of myself today, but there's still work to do." Nothing has come easy this season for the winner of the 2021 Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship. Ranked as high as 58th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Dahmen has plummeted as low as 240th this year while posting a lone Top 10 finish against 10 missed cuts in 28 events. This week marks No. 29, including all eight during the FedEx Fall swing as Dahmen has attempted to improve his FedEx Cup ranking. He finished T14 in Mexico two weeks ago, but hasn't managed better than a T40 in the other six. That included a missed cut in Bermuda last week, which ratcheted the pressure up that much more. "You can't get away from anything. The room's a little more quiet around you. Like a pitcher throwing a no-hitter this week, it's a little different," Dahmen said. "Once I missed the cut in Bermuda last week, stress has been high. "You lay in bed, try to go to sleep, but it's like you're sleeping on the lead of a major every night. That's kind of what it feels like, but a little more stressful than that." Dahmen's chances of securing exempt status appeared bleak after opening with a 73 on Thursday. He fell to 2 over with an opening bogey on No. 1, then managed three birdies over his next 15 holes to set up the all-important putt on 18. When the putt dropped, Dahmen hugged his wife, Lona, and playing partner Mark Hubbard said the all the drama during a Friday round in November caused him to "stress drink." "I'm sorry for them, I'm sorry that they're feeling the way I'm feeling," Dahmen said. "I know my wife has been stressed. I have a lot of great people around me and so it's hard on them, but it's just because they love me and they care about me. "I mean, job's not done. ... We have two more steps to go." If Dahmen doesn't improve his standing at least one spot by the end of the weekend, he will still retain conditional status in the Nos. 126-150 category. Either way, Dahmen -- who gained "every man" fame along with caddie Gino Bonnali in the Netflix documentary "Full Swing" -- said his professional golf story is far from done. "I still got more to write this weekend, for sure, but without having the opportunity to play this weekend, my story would be a lot shorter this year," he said. "What happens this weekend, my story's still not done. I have a lot left in me and I'm going to give my all. "But this weekend's big, for sure." --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowNuclear Power Market Share Expected to Reach $44.71 billion by 2029 12-20-2024 07:14 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire The global nuclear power market share is expected to grow from estimated $38.84 billion in 2024 to $44.71 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period. The global Nuclear Power Market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/nuclear-power-market-90078787.html?utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral ] Share is expected to grow from estimated USD 38.84 billion in 2024 to USD 44.71 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period. The major factors driving the market growth of the nuclear power market include various driving factors such as many governments view nuclear power as a strategic constituent of their energy policy, and provide subsidies, tax incentives, or direct investment to build up nuclear projects. For example, some countries like China, Russia, and France have long-term plans to expand their nuclear power capacity. In addition, governments also set regulatory frameworks that ensure the safe development of nuclear energy. Similarly, Volatile and rising prices of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal also make nuclear energy even more appealing as a cost-competitive alternative. Since fuel is needed in only small amounts in nuclear plants, uranium price volatility does not significantly affect the general energy costs. Regional Analysis The Asia-Pacific region is a significant factor for the nuclear power market due to rapid industrialization, energy demand increase, and government initiatives under the goals of decarbonization. Among the countries, China, India, and South Korea have been leaders by investing massive amounts in developing new nuclear plants and advanced reactor technologies. China is dominant in terms of the ambitious energy strategy and large-scale reactor deployment. Furthermore, supportive policies and technological innovations foster growth. The region's push toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combined with factors such as urbanization and economic growth, promotes the adoption of nuclear power and makes the Asia-Pacific region the world's largest-growing nuclear energy market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=90078787 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=90078787&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=paidpr ] Power Generation by application Power generation application is expected to account largest market share during the forecast period. Nuclear power plants produce enormous amounts of electricity uninterruptedly and thus are the choice option for increased energy production based on increasing urbanization, industrialization, and technological development. Their baseload capability to produce stability and reliability in power is essential, especially in emerging economies where electricity consumption keeps rising. Since the energy generation from wind and sun is intermittent, a high output by nuclear power ensures constant energy generation while reducing dependence on fossil fuel as energy needs expand more globally. Large nuclear reactor, by capacity Large reactors generate a lot of electricity, hence achieving economies of scale. Their high output helps to cover increasing energy demand in a much better way that brings the economies in the long term. The plants become favorites because they provide a constant and stable power supply for big industrial sectors and urban centers. Moreover, Large nuclear reactors create stable baseload power, hence stabilizing the grid, primarily because of the growing integration of renewables in countries. This helps ensure a stable, consistent supply of energy, and, as such, large reactors are capable of supplying a long power system demanding a constant generation of electricity. Key Players Some of the major players in the Nuclear Power Market are The State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM (Russia), EDF (France), MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. (Japan), AtkinsRealis (Canada), Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. (US), Rolls-Royce plc (UK), NuScale Power, LLC. (US), China National Nuclear Corporation (China), Holtec International (US), ULTRA SAFE NUCLEAR (US), and Seaborg Technologies (Denmark) Among others. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=90078787 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=90078787&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=paidpr ] The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom The State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (Russia), is one of the diversified corporations involved in all stages of the nuclear production chain. The company specializes in nuclear energy, nuclear plants, nuclear reactors & services, nuclear power generation, uranium enrichment, innovation, nuclear fuel, nuclear equipment, nuclear engineering, electricity trading, nuclear decommissioning, radioactive waste management, and nuclear fuel cycle. its business segments include uranium exploration and mining, nuclear fuel fabrication, nuclear power plant design and construction, power generation, and radioactive waste management. With over 400 organizations, including research institutes and a unique fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, ROSATOM is Russia's largest power generation company and a major player in global nuclear technology markets. The corporation also engages in innovative projects, such as wind power and nuclear medicine, and leads the Proryv (Breakthrough) Project, which aims to close the nuclear fuel cycle and enhance clean energy production. Westinghouse Electric Company LLC Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. (US) is one of the leading service providers and product suppliers in the nuclear power industry, specializing in nuclear power, plant upgrades, nuclear fuel, new plant, and outage services. Westinghouse Electric Company LLC provides products, solutions, and services including mission-critical nuclear fuel, maintenance services, engineering solutions, instrumentation and control systems, and manufactured components. It also offers services related to the decontamination, decommissioning, and remediation of power plant sites as well as technologies, equipment, and engineering and design services for new power plants. Westinghouse Electric Company LLC offers small modular reactors such as integral pressurized water reactors and microreactors. The company played a pivotal role in the nuclear era by building the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor in Shippingport, Pennsylvania. For more information, Inquire Now [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=90078787&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr]! About MarketsandMarkets Trademark : MarketsandMarkets Trademark has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets Trademark is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore Trademark (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets Trademark .com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets Trademark INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: newsletter@marketsandmarkets.com [mailto:newsletter@marketsandmarkets.com] Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=nuclear-power-market-share-expected-to-reach-4471-billion-by-2029 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/nuclear-power-market-90078787.html This release was published on openPR.
By MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.
All’s fair in love and football for Cade York and Zoë Dale . York, an NFL kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Dale, who is a cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys , have been an item since summer 2024 despite their different football allegiances. “[Our teams] are playing on Monday, and I was like, ‘Well, Zoë, I will see you at home no matter what,’” York told reporters in December 2024. “It’s pretty cool. ... She’s going to be rooting for me. It’s gonna be great. She already told me [during] second quarter and fourth quarter is when she’s on the visitor’s side, so I’ll have to sneak her a couple smiles.” The Bengals and the Cowboys faced off at the Texas team’s home stadium on December 9, 2024. It was York’s first game for the Bengals after he was elevated from the practice squad roster. During the game, he even scored a field goal. “Praise God,” Dale was heard saying from her perch on the sidelines. After York’s team won the game, he ran over to the sidelines to reunite with Dale for a victory kiss. York was initially drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2022 and traded to the Washington Commanders two years later. After playing one game with the Commanders, he was waived in September 2024 before being signed by the Bengals. Dale, for her part, first made the DCC squad in July 2023. In 2024, she successfully auditioned for her second year with the team. (The cheer squad is notably the subject of Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders docuseries.) Keep scrolling for Dale and York’s full relationship timeline: York and Dale made their romance Instagram official in her monthly recap post. In the sweet snap, York wrapped his arms around Dale outside Tex-Mex eatery Marty B’s. Dale celebrated her 22nd birthday with York by her side. You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News “Happy birthday to my girl! Love you and so thankful God has put you in my life,” he gushed via Instagram on October 18. Dale and York jointly shared footage from the Bengals vs. Cowboys game, captioning it with a Bible verse from Romans 5:3-5. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope,” the caption read. “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”It’s the $1,000 question: Should you buy your own router or rent one from your internet service provider? Most ISPs charge between $10 and $15 monthly for equipment -- you should be able to see the fee on your ISP's broadband nutrition label -- while you can generally get a modem and router for less than $200. Buying your own internet equipment usually pays for itself in the first year, but it often comes with some additional headaches. I’ve been writing about the internet for six years, and for all six of them, I’ve carried around a shameful secret: I’ve a rented a router from Xfinity for most of that time. Even though I've always advised readers to buy their own equipment, my rented modem and router worked fine, even if I’d known in the back of my mind that it was a waste of money. Locating local internet providers Then I took a look through my old bills and added up a number that prompted me to reconsider: $873. That's how much I've spent on Xfinity's equipment fees over those six years. With the money I've spent renting Xfinity equipment, I could've bought the most advanced router CNET's ever tested and then bought another as a backup. I could've doubled the internet speed I was getting. I could've booked a flight to Oslo. I was finally ready to enter the world of modem-and-router ownership. Locating local internet providers As satisfied as I was with my Xfinity gear, owning your own equipment is almost always the better option. You'll often get better performance -- my upload speeds increased by more than 2,000% -- and as I say, it'll usually pay for itself within the first year or two. The average internet bill in the US comes in at $63 per month -- and that's before you add the extra taxes and fees. Some of these are unavoidable, but equipment rental fees don't fall into that category. You might be perfectly content to pay a bit extra for the convenience of not having to buy and set up your own equipment. But if you're looking to save money in the long run, and are comfortable purchasing and managing your own gear, it's a far better deal to shell out for your own router and modem. (You may also be able to take advantage of any low-income discounts available in your state .) Here's what I've learned about making the switch from rented equipment to my own, and here's how you can make a similar change as painless as possible. How to choose the right modem and router The best internet is the internet you never notice, and I can't remember the last time my connection went out or I saw a buffering wheel in my home. And this is all with a device from 2017 that Xfinity describes as an "old Wireless Gateway with limited speeds and functionality." This goes to show how much the type of internet user you are has to do with what kind of equipment you need. I live in a 750-square-foot apartment, and my internet needs are mostly limited to video calls and TV streaming. If you live in a larger home with multiple floors, the same router likely won't cut it. Similarly, activities like online gaming hinge on split-second reactions. If this instantaneous responsiveness is important to you, it's probably worth investing in a gaming router that minimizes lag. Wi-Fi routers run the gamut from entry-level models like the TP-Link AC1200 for $31 to ultra-advanced mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi 970 Series for $1,445 . To test each Wi-Fi router , CNET runs three speed tests in five different rooms in our testing facility, logging results for download speed, upload speed and latency. That process is repeated six times, accounting for variations in network performance at different times of the day. After consulting our picks for the best wireless router s, I decided to go with our budget pick: the TP-Link Archer AX21 , of which my colleague and router connoisseur Ry Crist wrote, "It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup." I get only 200Mbps through my Xfinity plan, so the 700Mbps the TP-Link hits at close range is more than enough juice and only costs $85. A cable modem like the Hitron CODA connects your home to your internet provider through a coaxial cable. Depending on what type of internet you have, you may need to purchase a cable modem in addition to your router. Some ISPs, like Spectrum , include the modem for free but charge extra for a router. The main thing to look for in a modem is compatibility. Your internet provider will have a page on their website that lists all the models that it works with, and you shouldn't stray from this. You may also have a choice between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 ; the newer standard provides faster speeds, but DOCSIS 3.1 modems are typically more expensive. Other things to consider are the modem's speed limits -- make sure they're equal to or above your internet plan -- and the number of Ethernet ports. Xfinity doesn't provide a free modem, so I had to buy one in addition to a Wi-Fi router. I opted for the Hitron CODA Modem -- a DOCSIS 3.1 model that's one of the cheapest Xfinity-compatible models I could find for $100. It supports download speeds up to only 867Mbps, but that's still far more than my Xfinity plan. How to set up your new modem and router Ordering the equipment is the easy part; the ordeal of setting up third-party equipment is what keeps many customers on the hook for years. The process is largely the same whether you're starting service fresh with a new provider or swapping out old equipment. Here's everything you'll need to do. The modem is the piece of equipment that brings the internet to your home through a coaxial cable connected to your internet provider's network. Before it can work, ISPs need to tie your specific modem to your account. If you're replacing old equipment, they will also turn this off as they activate the new modem. ISPs do this by logging your MAC (media access control) number, which can be found on the bottom of the modem. You can typically do this through your internet provider's app, in a live chat or by calling a customer service number. After your new modem's MAC address is registered with your ISP, you'll be prompted to connect your modem to the cable outlet in your wall and plug it into a power outlet. You may have to wait up to 5 minutes, and your modem's lights will tell you when it's receiving the internet signal. Once the indicator lights are on, you're ready to set up your wireless router. This TP-Link router offers wireless access to your modem's connection with the web (hence the antennas). Each Wi-Fi router has its own setup process, so you'll want to follow the instructions provided. In the case of the TP-Link Archer AX21, that meant unplugging the power to the modem, connecting the modem to the router's WAN port via an Ethernet cable , powering on the modem and then plugging the router into a power outlet. From there, I set up my new network through the TP-Link app. That's the short version. There's a lot more to consider when setting up a wireless router, including choosing the optimal location , setting up parental controls and protecting your privacy . For my purposes, though, I was ready to start testing out my new internet connection. Speed comparison: Which setup is fastest? I wanted to see how my new modem and router would compare with my old equipment, so I ran speed tests before and after I was connected: one from my desk next to the router and one from the furthest corner of my apartment (regrettably, the bathroom). My old modem and router returned 164/5Mbps speeds from my desk and 143/5Mbps from the bathroom -- not bad for an internet plan that advertises 200/10Mbps speeds. But the speeds with my new equipment were eye-popping: 237/118Mbps at both my desk and my bathroom. I didn't just save money by purchasing my own equipment -- I'm actually getting a significant speed boost too. I have no idea why my new equipment picked up 10 times the upload speeds of my old one. I subscribe to Xfinity's Connect More plan, which is supposed to get only 10Mbps upload speeds. In 2022, Xfinity announced that it was increasing upload speeds on my plan to 100Mbps -- but only for customers who pay for its $25-per-month xFi Complete equipment. Apparently, I'm reaping those same benefits with my new modem and router. My best guess is that the upgrade from a DOCSIS 3.0 to a 3.1 modem is the main reason for the jump in upload speeds. How to save yourself some headaches I eventually got my modem and router set up properly, but I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Here's what I would do differently: The bottom line It's no fun to set up a new modem and router, but is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only are my internet speeds dramatically improved, but I'm paying significantly less for them. I'm saving $15 per month on equipment, and somewhere along the line, an Xfinity agent bumped my plan price down for the next year. My monthly bill is going from $78.54 to $50. That's far more than I expected to save, and my new equipment will pay itself off within the first six months. My only regret is that I didn't make the leap sooner.