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services offered by fc188 EAST LANSING, Mich. — The sight was a common one for Andrew Kolpacki. For many a Sunday, he would watch NFL games on TV and see quarterbacks putting their hands on their helmets, desperately trying to hear the play call from the sideline or booth as tens of thousands of fans screamed at the tops of their lungs. When the NCAA's playing rules oversight committee this past spring approved the use of coach-to-player helmet communications in games for the 2024 season, Kolpacki, Michigan State's head football equipment manager, knew the Spartans' QBs and linebackers were going to have a problem. "There had to be some sort of solution," he said. As it turns out, there was. And it was right across the street. Kolpacki reached out to Tamara Reid Bush, a mechanical engineering professor who not only heads the school's Biomechanical Design Research Laboratory but also is a football season ticket-holder. Kolpacki "showed me some photos and said that other teams had just put duct tape inside the (earhole), and he asked me, 'Do you think we can do anything better than duct tape,?" Bush said. "And I said, 'Oh, absolutely.'" Bush and Rylie DuBois, a sophomore biosystems engineering major and undergraduate research assistant at the lab, set out to produce earhole inserts made from polylactic acid, a bio-based plastic, using a 3D printer. Part of the challenge was accounting for the earhole sizes and shapes that vary depending on helmet style. Once the season got underway with a Friday night home game against Florida Atlantic on Aug. 30, the helmets of starting quarterback Aidan Chiles and linebacker Jordan Turner were outfitted with the inserts, which helped mitigate crowd noise. DuBois attended the game, sitting in the student section. "I felt such a strong sense of accomplishment and pride," DuBois said. "And I told all my friends around me about how I designed what they were wearing on the field." All told, Bush and DuBois have produced around 180 sets of the inserts, a number that grew in part due to the variety of helmet designs and colors that are available to be worn by Spartan players any given Saturday. Plus, the engineering folks have been fine-tuning their design throughout the season. Dozens of Bowl Subdivision programs are doing something similar. In many cases, they're getting 3D-printed earhole covers from XO Armor Technologies, which provides on-site, on-demand 3D printing of athletic wearables. The Auburn, Alabama-based company has donated its version of the earhole covers to the equipment managers of programs ranging from Georgia and Clemson to Boise State and Arizona State in the hope the schools would consider doing business with XO Armor in the future, said Jeff Klosterman, vice president of business development. XO Armor first was approached by the Houston Texans at the end of last season about creating something to assist quarterback C.J. Stroud in better hearing play calls delivered to his helmet during road games. XO Armor worked on a solution and had completed one when it received another inquiry: Ohio State, which had heard Michigan State was moving forward with helmet inserts, wondered if XO Armor had anything in the works. "We kind of just did this as a one-off favor to the Texans and honestly didn't forecast it becoming our viral moment in college football," Klosterman said. "We've now got about 60 teams across college football and the NFL wearing our sound-deadening earhole covers every weekend." The rules state that only one player for each team is permitted to be in communication with coaches while on the field. For the Spartans, it's typically Chiles on offense and Turner on defense. Turner prefers to have an insert in both earholes, but Chiles has asked that the insert be used in only one on his helmet. Chiles "likes to be able to feel like he has some sort of outward exposure," Kolpacki said. Exposure is something the sophomore signal-caller from Long Beach, California, had in away games against Michigan and Oregon this season. Michigan Stadium welcomed 110,000-plus fans for the Oct. 26 matchup between the in-state rivals. And while just under 60,000 packed Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, for the Ducks' 31-10 win over Michigan State three weeks earlier, it was plenty loud. "The Big Ten has some pretty impressive venues," Kolpacki said. "It can be just deafening," he said. "That's what those fans are there for is to create havoc and make it difficult for coaches to get a play call off." Something that is a bit easier to handle thanks to Bush and her team. She called the inserts a "win-win-win" for everyone. "It's exciting for me to work with athletics and the football team," she said. "I think it's really exciting for our students as well to take what they've learned and develop and design something and see it being used and executed." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Incarnate Word beats East Texas A&M 38-24 to finish undefeated in conference playNone

REDMOND, Ore., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON) (“Expion360” or the “Company”), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage solutions, announced today the resignation of Greg Aydelott, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective December 31, 2024, due to family health concerns. Mr. Aydelott intends to remain available to the Company on an ongoing basis as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition. The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Schaffner, as interim Chief Financial Officer, and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, effective December 31, 2024, and is conducting a search process to identify a new CFO. Mr. Schaffner previously served as the CFO of Expion360 from March 2021 through January 2023. “On behalf of our Board of Directors, leadership team and employees, I would like to thank Greg for his outstanding service and commitment over the past three years," said Mr. Schaffner. "He has made significant contributions to Expion360’s success, including managing our growth, strengthening our balance sheet, enhancing our planning and budgeting process, and overseeing investments in new technologies and batteries.” “This has been an incredible journey with talented people, and it has been a privilege to help lead this passionate team,” said Mr. Aydelott. “I look forward to following the success of Expion360 for years to come.” About Expion360 Expion360 is an industry leader in premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and accessories for recreational vehicles and marine applications, with residential and industrial applications under development. On December 19, 2023, the Company announced its entrance into the home energy storage market with the introduction of two premium LiFePO4 battery storage systems that enable residential and small business customers to create their own stable micro-energy grid and lessen the impact of increasing power fluctuations and outages. The Company’s lithium-ion batteries feature half the weight of standard lead-acid batteries while delivering three times the power and ten times the number of charging cycles. Expion360 batteries also feature better construction and reliability compared to other lithium-ion batteries on the market due to their superior design and quality materials. Specially reinforced, fiberglass-infused, premium ABS and solid mechanical connections help provide top performance and safety. With Expion360 batteries, adventurers can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places on Earth even longer. The Company is headquartered in Redmond, Oregon. Expion360 lithium-ion batteries are available today through more than 300 dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers, and OEMs across the country. To learn more about the Company, visit expion360.com . Forward-Looking Statements and Safe Harbor Notice This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are "forward-looking statements" and should be evaluated as such. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking words such as "projected," "expect," "possibility,” “believe,” “aim,” “goal,” “plan,” and "anticipate," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing and impact of the executive transition, including Mr. Aydelott’s continuing role as a consultant to the Company, and the Company’s ability to build on its momentum and achieve its financial and strategic objectives. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements predicted, assumed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Company Contact: Brian Schaffner, CEO 541-797-6714 Email Contact External Investor Relations: Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President MZ Group - MZ North America 949-491-8235 XPON@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.usNEW YORK (AP) — There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories.

UCSI hosts ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative for children’s care centreFlexible Asset Allocation Preferred Choice: Future Capital Group's Diversified Investment Solutions 12-20-2024 09:24 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Headlineplus In the face of an increasingly complex international financial market, Future Capital Group (FCG) focuses on comprehensive investment management services to help clients achieve asset appreciation. The group is dedicated to providing flexible and personalized solutions in diversified asset fields to address the challenges and changes of global markets. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/431a4ccdb943b13346b7aa82e651922e.jpg In terms of investment management in the U.S. and Hong Kong stock markets, Future Capital Group leverages its professional team's deep market insights and extensive experience to create tailored investment portfolios for clients. The group not only swiftly captures market trends but also flexibly adjusts strategies based on market dynamics, helping clients maintain an edge in the highly competitive capital markets and achieve stable returns. In the ETF fund sector, Future Capital Group continuously introduces innovative investment products. Using transparent and efficient index-based investment tools, it offers clients diversified asset allocation options. These products balance investors' risk preferences and return objectives, enabling them to explore more opportunities in the global market. For example, one of FCG's ETF funds achieved an average annual return of XX% over the past three years, making it a favored financial tool among many investors. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/2cab2dd57fa2a26113c1458e22f685a9.jpg Future Capital Group focuses not only on optimizing existing services but also on exploring new investment fields and market opportunities. By integrating resources, innovative technologies, and a global perspective, FCG has built a comprehensive investment management ecosystem to help clients navigate challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-changing market environment. Whether it's U.S. stocks, Hong Kong stocks, or ETF funds, Future Capital Group always prioritizes client needs, aiming to provide efficient and transparent asset management solutions. As an international financial asset management institution, FCG will continue to deepen its market presence, driving wealth growth and capital value enhancement for clients worldwide. Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Media Contact Company Name: Future Capital Group Ltd. Contact Person: Sophia Chen Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=flexible-asset-allocation-preferred-choice-future-capital-groups-diversified-investment-solutions ] Address:8974 Main Street City: Denver State: Colorado Country: United States Website: https://headlineplus.com/flexible-asset-allocation-preferred-choice-future-capital-groups-diversified-investment-solutions/ This release was published on openPR.

PlayersTV Acquires Cloud Media Center, Integrates Sports-AI Ad Technology to Surpass 1B Monthly Impressions

Medical Case Management Market Projected to Reach USD 12.3 Billion by 2034, Growing at a CAGR of 6.1% | TMRAs we near the end of November, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The time is ticking and if you haven’t started your Christmas shopping list, we are here to help you. While have rounded up some of the best beauty advent calendars you can get right now to surprise someone with a daily treat in the lead up to December 25, for your fitness fanatic friend (or yourself), luxe activewear and self-care items are the ultimate gift. Whether it’s a pair of leggings to help them kickstart - or continue - their love affair with the gym or a wellness journal to help keep their mind clear, or a massage gun as an investment buy, there’s always a fit for every budget. From gifts that are perfect stocking fillers to dream pressies, we have rounded up just a few fitness and wellness gifts your other half, best friend, mum, dad will love - especially with a myriad of Black Friday deals in our midst. READ MORE: From Taylor Swift to sparkling crystals - three last minute advent calendars you can still snap up today READ MORE: Shoppers hail £24 serum for 'keeping my face smooth' after 20% discount Coming from two people passionate about health and fitness, we have tried and tested a number of these items and know full well that they're pretty epic pressie. With that in mind, take a peek at our festive fitness and wellbeing recommendations this Christmas. Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28” , £88 - it’s a classic and a bestseller and there’s a reason why - the buttery soft Nuu fabric is so weightless that it doesn’t roll down the waist and the clever stitching at the gusset avoids the embarrassing ‘camel-toe’ situation. It’s designed for yoga but many have also worn it as a base layer for extra cold weather, the leggings don’t bulk up and there’s no way that people can tell you’re wearing two pants. Some might complain about they have "way too much fabric gathered at the bottom" but the Align leggings are available in other lengths - 23”, 25”, 28” and 31”. Other than the classics, their Christmas collection includes a cosy, snuggly Wunder Puff Cropped Jacket (£228) in cream-coloured textured fleece that is a dream outerwear for wintry weather. The cinchable hem and close-fitting interior cuffs trap the heat and block out the cold while the 550-fill-power goose down insulates for high-warmth for all occasions. There's no need to wear thick sweater and a thin top like the Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt , £68, will do because the jacket is described by shoppers as "it's like wearing a cloud". For gents, a trustworthy mid layer like the Smooth Space Quarter Zip , £118, is smart enough to wear as an easy Friday office uniform or an casual weekend look. Both Nomad Beige and Black are great colours for this season. The material is soft and kind to skin and even if you sweat a bit, the modal-blend fabric dries any patches quickly. Theragun Massage guns are helpful in relaxing tensions in muscles whether you are to wind down from a workout or to de-stress and reduce soreness from daily chores. Therabody's Theragun caters to beginners as well as professional athletes. If you are not how active your giftee is, the Theragun Relief would be the best option as it's made for everyday massage for everybody. With Black Friday discounts, the Theragun Relief is now reduced from £125 to £99 . The distinctive triangle grip makes it easier to reach different parts of body compared to other brands and you can choose between three massage speeds with LED indicators. Writer Tiffany used it to soothe neck and shoulder tension and she said: "The wider Dampener attachment hits a broader area when I want a quick few-minutes treatment. The one-button control is easy to use: short press to change speeds and long press to turn on or off." For professionals, you can grab Theragun Pro at discount too, it's now down from ££499 to £399. The device has been fully redesigned with visually-guided, built-in routines and a quieter motors. Fabletics active wear Going to the gym and working up a sweat is a helluva lot easier when your outfit is both supportive and stylish. It'll leave you feeling fabulous and thus ready for a hefty workout - while looking cute. Even better if your active wear matches. And one set I'm simply obsessed with since getting is the Fabletics Oasis Twist Medium Impact Sports Bra , £59, and matching 7/8 length leggings, £64 in the colour Merlot (a deep burgundy red). With a fashion forward approach, you can count of Fabletics to deliver an active-wear set that is both functional and pretty. The medium support bra features a lovely twist detail at the front that makes it look bikini-esque at first glance. Offering ample support for small and larger chest-sizes, the bra is flattering and can handle most activities from pilates to spin. I will say, while the bra (which has removable cups) gently lifts, shapes and holds you in place gracefully, I wouldn't do a high energy HIIT workout because it personally didn't provide me with enough support (it is medium, so I'll give it that). Had I the ability to tighten the criss-cross straps at the back, maybe it could have. For that I'd probably reach for the Faye high impact sports bra. But on a whole this sports bra not only makes me feel confident but I know that I'm not going to have any embarrassing wardrobe mishaps mid-workout. The leggings, however, can handle anything. The Define PowerHold High-Waisted 7/8 Leggings have a thick waistband that smooths, flattens and hugs your waist and stomach in - super flattering. The material is thick so you can squat without fear of your knickers being on show and the material is buttery soft. Perhaps the most important detail is that they can withstand any activity with no rolling down in sight. Costing £64, they're ideal for runners, gym bunnies and Pilates queens and even athleisure-wear brunch enthusiasts who just love a good legging. If you want to stay cosy at home, their Oasis PureLuxe High-Waisted Pocketed Kick Flare Leggings are absolutely the most comfortable ones to wear for all-day lounging. The £84 a pair comes with external pockets, which are perfect for phone and earbuds. The V-neck sweatshirt , £84, is a dreamy top to compliment the leggings, the fleece lining with added sweat-wicking and anti-odour tech that you'll never want to take it off. The front is slightly cropped with a drape at the back, which gives more movement. BetterMe Pilates ring equipment When you feel like you've mastered the standard floor mat Pilates, your next challenge is incorporation toning equipment to test your fitness and core strength even further and one brand whose Pilates gear is not on top quality and pretty too is BetterMe. While you can get yourself a cute new pink mat for £54 here , fire up those biceps, triceps, glutes and core with a toning ring (£51). Coming in four different colours, this ring helps target and tone muscles as it can add resistance without the need for additional weights. If you want to challenge yourself further, add some weight to your Pilates flow with the brand's adjustable weight bands which have a weight of 1lb and can be attached to your wrists or ankles to spice up any workout. Easy to wear and travel friendly, they're great for if you're wanting to go a quick workout on the go, or simple tone up while sitting at your desk. Take a look at the brand's equipment here. Gymshark leggings It's always a good feeling wearing a new kit, not does it make you look stylish, it also improves your performance. As runners' favourite, Gymshark's compression leggings are known for quality at an affordable price. The Vital Seamless Leggings moulds your physique while 'decorative' yet actually breathable mesh dots pattern keep you cool, also not to mention the subtle shading contours that give off an illusion of a butt lift. Priced at £45, shoppers can choose from 11 colours including timeless classics and seasonal bright hues. For mens, their Apex Seamless Shirt , £38, is a distraction-free workout top that gives a second skin feel. As compression clothes raises temperature in a runner's muscles, it also helps with better blood flow and you are less likely to spasm and strain. Columbia hiking jacket Living in the UK, you'll know that one necessity - especially if you enjoy the odd hike every now and again - is a water proof jacket, such as this Inner Limits III Waterproof Jacket from Columbia , currently on sale for £80. A jacket that is described as being able to 'do it all', it can seemingly protect you from the rain and wind and is ideal for walks up a mountain or on a mental health walk around the block to release tension and stress. Fitted with Omni-technology to keep the water out, the coat - which comes in an array of colours, my our favourite is the 'Juicy, Spice' orange and burgundy - features an adjustable storm hood, interior security pocket - for all your precious belongings - zippered hand pockets, adjustable cuffs and a draw cord at the hem. For men, the new Landroamer Hooded Puffer Jacket, £210 , is a thick jacket in urban lifestyle but with zippered dual-entry hand pockets and also a handy D-ring to keep essentials close while on the move. It's available in three colours (white, black and khaki) and sizes between small and extra-extra large. TRINIDa Sleep Candles Getting a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can do for your mental wellbeing and energy levels. But switching off a busy brain at night doesn't always come easy. There are a handful of tools out there you can use to help create a safe and tranquil setting in which to drift off from sunset clocks and meditation apps to lotions. One which I received last year as a present that helped transform my night time routine wa s a set of candles filled with essential oils which you can light when you're getting ready for bed to promote a calm setting, reduce anxiety and help you get a good sleep. The TRINIDa Sleep Candles cost £11.99 on Amazon and have been 'professionally curated to help to relax and prepare for good night sleep and fresh awake'. Containing the likes of lavender, geranium and patchouli for one and lavendar, chamomile and ylang ylang for the other, the two candles - which focus on generating a good sleep and deep sleep - will help relax the mind and body and aid in creating a setting which can give you the best night's sleep you've had in a long while. Of course, it goes without saying that you must blow them out before you actually fall asleep, but the essential oils will remain lingering in the air as you slumber. Papier's wellness journal The wellness industry has boomed in the last few years, with journaling become more and more popular. And while some may see it as a trend, the power that writing your thoughts, worries, feelings, hopes, desires and more on paper for you to see, is stellar. Stationary brand Papier offers an array of different journals, tailored to what you may be needing. From gratitude to wellness to sleep, the pages inside this aesthetically pleasing (you can pick which colour you want it in and can even personalise it with your name) allow you to indulge in a big old brain dump, release you of tension, worries and more. As described on the website, the brand's Wellness Journal helps you 'Make time for yourself' and is to be used as follows: "Start and end each day with a fresh mindset, set intentions and take note of the things that make you feel good. Inside, there are 12-weeks of pages for reflecting on your mindful goals, habits, meals, water intake, sleep and the things you’re grateful for." As well as spaces for you to write, the journal includes useful articles written by wellness experts as well as a weekly and monthly check-in taking into consideration six wellness pillars Get yours here. New Balance Running trainers For the runners in your life, a new pair of trainers in which they can jog, sprint and embark on a marathon is always going to be a good pressie. And one brand that does comfortable trainers extremely well is New Balance , whose Fresh Foam x 860V14 shoes have been praised for being highly reliable as well as long lasting - as one happy runner shared: "Perfect Fit! I’ve worn the NB 860 model for the past 20+ years for 1/2 marathons and as nursing shoes . I’ve never been disappointed." They even commented: "Highly recommend for over-pronation." Alongside a lovely and bright orange and blue design, the Fresh Foam X 860v14 combines innovative, performance enhancing Stability Plane technology with underfoot cushioning for maximum comfort and support. Get them here. While they're a little bit more of an expensive gift at £140, they're an investment your giftee will be forever grateful for. Yogi Bare yoga mat and equipment If you practice yoga on a daily basis or want to get into the full body and soul experience, having a good quality (eco-friendly is a plus) yoga mat that lasts is always going to help you jump out of bed in the morning for a physical and mental stretch. And the brand Yogi Bare, whose products focus on helping you get the best out of your yoga practice, is an incredible place to stock up on the equipment needed. Its mats - many of which sell out rapidly - are designed with comfort, stability as well as aesthetic in mind (ie, they're both pretty and functional). Made from natural rubber, the surface has professional grade grip to ensure you don't slip and slide around, while the Ever Grip Paws mats have a thickness of 4mm for maximum comfort. Designed for 'practicality', the mats have an anti-sweat stain surface too, so the design (regardless of how maximalist or minimal it is) won't be ruined. As someone who has two of these mats (in a limited edition Teddy Mat pink cloud design and its tropical leaf iteration ), I can attest the quality is unreal. Regardless of how sweaty you get during your yoga, pilates or even HIIT workout on the mat, the grip is strong - the sweatier you get, the more grip you'll have. It's magic. I even take them on holiday with me as they're lightweight and easy to pack. While many of its mat designs can be found on Healf available for pre-order here (after selling out), the brand's Liverpool FC edition is available on Amazon for £89 here. You can push your flexibility and progress further with the brand's stunning cosmic Yoga Wheel here for £26.49 , or indulge in some acupuncture with the brand's acupressure pillow to alleviate stress, tension and discomfort. Get it here for £23.49. Take a look at Yogi Bare's yoga offerings here. Fitness watch Nobody's want a watch that simply tells the time these days - unless you've got a nice event to go to, of course. But with so many smart watches on the market at the moment, if you're a bit of a fitness fanatic, you'll want one which can - at least - help monitor your activity, steps, heart-rate, blood oxygen, stress, calories, sleep and even your menstrual cycle. Lucky for you, FITBIT's Versa 4 Smart Watch - Pink Sand & Copper Rose is currently on sale at Curry's for £129 from £179 and covers all those bases. Compatible with both iOS and Android, the battery life is six whole days (with an extra day added on within just twelve minutes). Plus, it's water resistant and can even track when you go swimming - how clever. It can also be used as a smart-watch, with the ability to receive calls and messages and even access your smart-wallet. One point of contention for some shoppers, however, was that the strap was a tad uncomfortable, with one shopper stating: "The strap it comes with is very uncomfortable. Had to buy a different strap." Another said it was: More of a fitness tracker than a smart watch. Spot on for what it can do. Has all the functions I require form a fitness watch." Get it here. If you want more of a smart-watch fitness-tracker hybrid, you can't go wrong with an Apple Watch - see the latest model here , or if you don't mind an older model, you can bag yourself the Apple Watch SE on Argos for £209. REEBOK While we are going head over heels with sweat-wicking tops and stretchy leggings, let's not forget the layer we wear closest to skin. Activewear brand Reebok's Suki Bonded Briefs , which comes in a pack of three for £26, are perfect to match with your buttery soft leggings. The seamless design provide ultimate comfort without showing the panty lines and the moisture-wicking technology keep you dry throughout the workout. You can also get the Amina Bonded Bralette , £24, to wear as a set. It's designed for everyday wear as well as low impact fitness - they are made from soft, stretchy materials that maintain their shape even after multiple washes. Mind Cards On the days you don't feel like to get your body moving, mind cards can be helpful with stress relief and boost emotional wellbeing. LSW London's mind cards collection, £14.99 for a set of 45 cards, include different themes like New Mum Edition and The Affirmations to cultivate a positive mindset. They are short phrases to encourage gratitude, self-care and reflection, which are a powerful tool for creating calm, balance, and positivity in everyday life. Whether you're seeking personal growth, relaxation, or emotional support, LSW Mind Cards make self-care easy and achievable.

A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. San Jose State will "continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms," the university said in a statement, confirming that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. “We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week." The conference did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The players filed a notice for emergency appeal with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Crews said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a loss in league standings. He also refused a request to re-seed the tournament without the forfeited losses. The judge said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 -– making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her reported identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a major election year. Crews' ruling also said injunctions are meant to prevent harm, but in this case, he argued, the harm has already occurred. The games have been forfeited, the tournament has been seeded, the teams have made travel plans and the participants have confirmed they're playing. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. Colorado State is seeded first and San Jose State, second. The teams split their regular-season matches and both get byes into Friday's semifinals. The conference tournament winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. San Jose State coach Todd Kress, whose team has not competed in the national tournament since 2001, has said his team has been getting “messages of hate” and that has taken a toll on his players. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official conference standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without elaborating. Nevada did not qualify for the conference tournament. The nine current players and others now suing the Mountain West Conference, the California State University Board of Trustees and others include San Jose State senior setter and co-captain Brooke Slusser. The teammate Slusser says is transgender hits the volleyball with more force than others on the team, raising fear during practices of suffering concussions from a head hit, the complaint says. The Independent Council on Women’s Sports is funding a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. Both lawsuits claim the landmark 1972 federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX prohibits transgender women in women’s sports. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded education; Slusser is a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Several circuit courts have used a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to conclude that discriminating against someone based on their transgender status or sexual orientation is sex-based discrimination, Crews wrote. That means case law does not prove the “likelihood of success” needed to grant an injunction. An NCAA policy that subjects transgender participation to the rules of sports governing bodies took effect this academic year. USA Volleyball says a trans woman must suppress testosterone for 12 months before competing. The NCAA has not flagged any issues with San Jose State. The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the team cancellations, citing fairness in women’s sports. President-elect Donald Trump likewise has spoken out against allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. Crews was a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in January. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Thryv added new reporting capabilities to its small business software platform. The new Thryv Reporting Center provides key business metrics in a visual format and can be accessed on mobile devices, the company said in a Friday (Dec. 27) press release . The reporting capabilities offer small businesses “a quick, easy and accurate look at their performance so they can make the best decisions based on trusted data,” Thryv Chief Product Officer Rees Johnson said in the release. “With Thryv Reporting Center, small businesses can access charts and graphs that provide a clear view of how they can best resource their business and provide their customers with exactly what they want.” The new tool offers clients five built-in reports as well as the ability to build their own customized reports, according to the release. The out-of-box reports provide a review of the sales process, a visual depiction of the customer journey, a measurement of team performance, identification of peak or high traffic times, and a picture of the performance of SMS and email marketing campaigns, per the release. “All reports are mobile-accessible so business owners can make timely decisions wherever they are,” the release said. The Thryv Reporting Center is the latest of several additions the company has made to its platform. In November, the firm added Thryv AI Review Response , which aggregates reviews from more than 24 popular review sites and instantly generates three responses to each review, allowing the small business to select the best one, request more options, adjust the reply they choose and then post the reply. In October, Thryv Holdings announced the closing of its acquisition of Keap , a provider of customer relationship management and marketing automation for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), saying it will integrate automation features into the Thryv platform. Thryv also added a Social Media Management Tool to its platform in October, saying it provides one view in which a small business can manage and grow its presence on social media channels. SMBs are increasingly adopting digital payment options to address key pain points like cost, complexity and scalability, according to the PYMNTS Intelligence report “ SMB Growth: SMBs Push for Integrated B2B Payment Systems to Streamline Operations .” For all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter .Social Security tackles overpayment ‘injustices,’ but problems remainNo. 25 Illinois rebounds in big way, blasts UMES 87-40It's beginning to look like another record for holiday travel

WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors moved Monday to dismiss the criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump that accused him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election and to abandon the classified documents case against him, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. The decision by special counsel Jack Smith, who had fiercely sought to hold Trump criminally accountable for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election, represented the end of the federal effort against the former president following his election victory this month despite the election-related cases and multiple other unrelated criminal charges against him and is headed back to the White House. FILE - Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to the media about an indictment of former President Donald Trump, Aug. 1, 2023, at an office of the Department of Justice in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) The decision, revealed in court filings, also amounts to a predictable but nonetheless stunning conclusion to criminal cases that had been seen as the most perilous of the multiple legal threats Trump has faced. It reflects the practical consequences of Trump’s victory, ensuring he enters office free from scrutiny over his hoarding of top secret documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Smith’s team emphasized that the move to abandon the prosecutions, in federal courts in Washington and Florida, was not a reflection of their view on the merits of the cases but rather a reflection of their commitment to longstanding department policy. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” the prosecutors wrote in Monday’s court filing in the election interference case. The decision was expected after Smith's team began assessing how to wind down both the 2020 election interference case and the separate classified documents case in the wake of Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. The Justice Department believes Trump can no longer be tried in accordance with longstanding policy that says sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted. Trump has cast both cases as politically motivated, and had vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) The 2020 election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing the Republican as he vied to reclaim the White House. But it quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of using “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. ___ Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. to serve as his pick to lead the . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this story. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.UCSI hosts ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative for children’s care centreOlympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has pleaded guilty to driving recklessly before the death of his wife and fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins. Mr Dennis made the shock admission at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, almost a year on from the date of the horrific event. The police allege Mr Dennis was behind the wheel of a dark grey Volkswagen Amarok when Ms Hoskins was struck on December 30, 2023 about 8pm outside their leafy home in Adelaide’s inner-north. Ms Hoskins, 32, suffered serious injuries in the incident and paramedics took her to Royal Adelaide Hospital for further treatment. She died at the hospital. Police arrested Mr Dennis that weekend and charged him with cause death by dangerous driving and aggravated driving without due care. Those charges were dropped on Tuesday and replaced with a single new charge of aggravated creating likelihood of harm. Mr Dennis admitted to driving a motor vehicle without lawful excuse when Ms Hoskins was on or in close proximity to the vehicle, knowing that act was likely to cause harm to another and being recklessly indifferent to whether such harm was caused. The clean-cut Olympic medallist, dressed in a sharp suit, stood quietly in the dock before Magistrate Justin Wickens and said “guilty” as the charge was read out to him. The maximum penalty for the offence is seven years in prison. Jane Abbey KC, appearing for Mr Dennis, told the court her client was not being held responsible for Ms Hoskins’ death. “There was no intention of Mr Dennis to harm his wife and this charge does not charge him with responsibility for her death,” she said. Mr Dennis will now face sentencing at the District Court. His next appearance in court is booked for January 24 and he remains on bail. The athlete’s change of fortune has been swift and shocking. Just three years ago, he stood on a podium in Tokyo and celebrated his place in sporting history as an individual Olympic medallist. He first achieved fame at the 2012 London Olympics, nabbing a silver medal in the 4000m team pursuit on the cycling track. At Brazil in 2016, he finished in fifth place in the individual time trial, but perhaps his crowning achievement is his bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics on July 28, 2021. In memorable scenes at the Fuji International Speedway, he clinched the medal with a time of 56:08.09. Speaking at the time, Mr Dennis said he had done “everything possible” to take home the gold. “Obviously would’ve been great to get the gold but I’ve done everything possible to be in this position and I was just beaten by two better guys on the day, so can be proud of everything myself and the team have achieved,” he said. In 2017, he became engaged to Ms Hoskins, a fellow Olympian. Ms Hoskins competed in the London and Rio Olympics in track cycling. She only just missed out on a medal in London, finishing fourth in the 3000m team pursuit category. In Rio, she finished fifth position in the 4000m team pursuit. In 2018, the pair married, and would settle into a home in up-market Medindie with their two children. In 2022, Mr Dennis won a gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the UK. In 2023, he retired from cycling, thanking Ms Hoskins for her support in a heartfelt post to social media. “Thank you Melissa Dennis for supporting me throughout my entire professional career, all while raising two of the best kids I could ever ask for,” he said. Melissa’s father Peter, mother Amanda and sister Jessica released a statement on January 2 expressing their heartache at her death. “Words cannot convey our grief, sadness and the tragic circumstances of Melissa’s passing,” Mr Hoskins wrote on behalf of the family. “Myself, Amanda, Jess and families are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened. “Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, her children have lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life.” Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell the world-class cyclist at a public service in Adelaide on February 24. Originally published as Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis pleads guilty to new charge after wife Melissa Hoskins death

JD Martin is awarded new territory beginning December 1st, 2024. CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JD Martin is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Dialight , the global leader in industrial LED lighting technology, into North and South Carolina . This growth strengthens JD Martin's commitment to delivering industry-leading lighting solutions across the Southeast. JD Martin has been a trusted partner for Dialight in multiple territories, and this latest expansion enables the company to extend its reach, bringing Dialight's innovative and energy-efficient LED lighting products to distributors, contractors, and end users in these rapidly growing markets. "We are excited to expand our partnership with Dialigh t into the Carolinas," said Lance Holmes , JD Martin RVP of the Carolinas and Virginia . " Dialight's unmatched LED lighting solutions align perfectly with the needs of our customers in these regions who are prioritizing safety, energy efficiency, and operational reliability. We look forward to continuing to drive value and growth for our partners." Dialight's industrial and hazardous location lighting solutions are renowned for their durability, sustainability, and performance in even the most challenging environments. By combining JD Martin's proven market expertise with Dialight's cutting-edge technology, businesses across the Carolinas will benefit from exceptional service and product availability. To learn more about Dialight's industrial LED lighting products, visit www.dialight.com . About JD Martin JD Martin is a premier electrical manufacturer representative agency, serving 17 states with an extensive portfolio of solutions, including lighting, wire, cable, and EV infrastructure products. With a strong focus on customer service and expertise, JD Martin partners with industry leaders to deliver innovative electrical solutions to distributors, contractors, and end users. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jd-martin-expands-representation-of-dialight-into-north-and-south-carolina-302337510.html SOURCE JD Martin Co.

First-ever athlete and fan-owned network boasts 2,200 Fan Owners and 70+ superstar athlete investors and partners by the likes of Chris Paul , Travis Kelce , Dwayne Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard , Natasha Cloud , Alysha Clark , Carmelo Anthony , and many more LOS ANGELES , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayersTV , the first athlete and fan-owned media company, today announced the acquisition of Cloud Media Center , an AI-driven sports adtech and media distribution company. This strategic year-end move boosts PlayersTV's reach to a total of 500 million monthly ad impressions, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in athlete-driven lifestyle entertainment while broadening its ability to connect with advertiser and inventory networks. PlayersTV empowers athletes to control their narratives while giving brands access to engagement opportunities with an expansive global audience. It is known for its groundbreaking athlete-fan ownership model, supported by more than 70 high-profile athlete investors and partners across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB, and a community of more than 2,200 Fan Owners (shareholders in the company). The network features high-profile athletes, including Travis Kelce , Chris Paul , Damian Lillard , Dwyane Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Carmelo Anthony , Allen Iverson , Natasha Cloud , Kyrie Irving, Ken Griffey, Jr. , Vernon Davis , Austin Ekeler , DeAndre Jordan , CJ McCollum, AJ Andrews, Angel McCoughtry , Alysha Clark , and more. PlayersTV currently reaches more than 300 million households via OTT and CTV via DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . Its proprietary ad network called Players360 generates an additional 500 million monthly ad impressions. Through the acquisition of Cloud Media Center, PlayersTV now owns technologies responsible for more than 1 billion combined monthly ad impressions. "This is a transformative moment for PlayersTV and the future of sports media," said Deron Guidrey , co-founder of PlayersTV. "The acquisition of Cloud Media Center catapults us into a new era of innovation, expanding our reach to an astounding 500 million monthly ad impressions. With cutting-edge AI technology now at the core of our operations, we are setting the gold standard for athlete-driven media, revolutionizing how athletes connect with fans and how brands engage with audiences worldwide. This is more than an acquisition, it's a declaration of our vision to lead the global sports media industry." PlayersTV Co-founder Collin Castellaw added, "This acquisition is a monumental step forward for our organization. By integrating Cloud Media Center's AI-driven tech we're significantly expanding our reach while revolutionizing how athletes and sports content is created, distributed and consumed. This is an exciting time for our company and the future of athlete media and sports media." Cloud Media Center's innovative platform brings state-of-the-art AI technology to PlayersTV, enabling more precise audience targeting, dynamic content distribution, and scalable adtech. With this acquisition, PlayersTV is poised to deliver highly personalized and impactful content experiences, meeting the growing demand for athlete-centered stories and authentic fan connections. About PlayersTV PlayersTV is the first-ever athlete-owned media network and content provider. As the premier athlete lifestyle content destination, PlayersTV empowers athletes to own their stories while engaging fans with authentic and meaningful connections, bridging the worlds of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. PlayersTV's 24/7 channel can be found on DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . See more at https://playerstv.com/ . About Cloud Media Center Cloud Media Center (CMC), based in Ponte Vedra, FL , sells digital advertising inventory through a cloud-based, analytically driven distribution platform that seamlessly connects advertisers with content providers and publishers. The result maximizes collaboration — unleashing next-level ad campaign synergies. CMC's next-gen platform and best-in-class dashboards — built by next-generation premier developers — provide AI-based microtargeting on the frontend, and real-time, easy-to-understand analytics on the back end. Content producers, advertisers, and publishers will have all the tools and data needed to optimize campaigns — and do it with speed and granular accuracy. Visit the CMC website at https://cloudmc.us/ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/playerstv-acquires-cloud-media-center-integrates-sports-ai-ad-technology-to-surpass-1b-monthly-impressions-302337699.html SOURCE PlayersTV