North East shop worker began messaging underage girl he served in discount store
Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference and classified documents cases against TrumpRadical Jaguar rebrand and new logo sparks ire online NEW YORK (AP) — A promotional video for a rebrand of British luxury car brand Jaguar is being criticized online for showing models in brightly colored outfits — and no car. The rebrand, which includes a new logo, is slated to launch Dec. 2 during Miami Art Week, when the company will unveil a new electric model. But Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India’s Tata Motors Ltd., has been promoting it online. The Jaguar brand is in the middle of a transition to going all-electric. “Copy Nothing,” marketing materials read. “We’re here to delete the ordinary. To go bold. To copy nothing.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.
All Blacks legend TJ Perenara has come clean on his decision to use his final haka for New Zealand to make a big statement on the nation’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill. The 89-cap player, who represented New Zealand for the final time in the match after signing a three-year deal with Japanese rugby team Black Rams Tokyo, led the haka for the 64th time before the All Blacks’ 29-11 win over Italy on the weekend. Watch selected NRL, AFL, SSN games plus every F1 qualifying session and race live in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Perenara launched into an impassioned haka, stating: “toitū te mana o te whenua, toitū te mana motuhake, toitū te tiriti o Waitangi.” That translates to “forever the strength of the land, forever the strength of independence, forever the Treaty of Waitangi.” The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and brought peace between the Maori and European settlers and established New Zealand as a colony. February 6, the anniversary of the signing, is known as Waitangi Day and is New Zealand’s national day. But the right-libertarian ACT Party, who are part of a coalition with the National Party and New Zealand First to form government, have tabled the Treaty Principles Bill, which aims to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The bill aims to offer New Zealanders a binding referendum seeking to more narrowly define the treaty’s principles in legal documents, with ACT leader David Seymour telling parliament it would address a situation where Maori are “afforded different rights than other New Zealanders”. Critics say the real aim is to unravel education and other programs for Maori citizens. Mr Seymour said the bill was a good thing and would be a “democratisation of the Treaty”. Maori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi previously accused the government of “waging war on our existence as Maori and on the fabric of this nation” and compared ACT Party to the KKK. The bill has been controversial to say the least with an estimated 42,000 demonstrators marching on the nation’s capital of Wellington to protest the bill. The bill is expected to fail, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon allowing the bill to come to parliament as part of the parties’ coalition deal, but his party is believed to be unlikely to vote for its passage. Mr Luxon recently called the bill “divisive” and there was “no need for it”, while the opposition Labour Party called it “a waste of money” with “no support from any other party in parliament”. Speaking after the match against Italy, Perenara said the first line he had spoken had meant “this haka is for everyone in Aotearoa”, revealing his intent was to unite the country back home. “We’ve been away from home and seen the unity and the unification of our people back home, all people of Aotearoa and paying homage to us as people, and showing unification together as one,” Perenara said. “And like we, countries go through tough times. People go through tough times, families go through tough times. “And for us to pay homage to the unification of all of us is something that wanted to do and that we wanted to do, which was important.” However, questions were also asked after the Waitangi chant was kept off the All Blacks social media accounts. See in the video player above. The Aoteroa Liberation League tweeted: “All Blacks are erasing the beginning of this haka where TJ says “toitū te mana o te whenua, toitū te mana motuhake, toitū Te Tiriti o Waitangi” – a great example of how corporations are happy to commercialise te ao Māori while erasing Māori political aspirations.” Perenara said he didn’t intend the haka to be political or divisive. “Stand and pay respect to our whenua (country), which is our whenua, mana motuhake, which is our sovereignty, everyone’s sovereignty,” Perenara explained. “Te Tiriti o Waitangi, stand tall, stand proud and stand on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. So uniting us all as people. “I know some people might see or try and make it political or divisive, but for us, unity and being together is important, especially as Maori.” All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett said the team were aware and supportive of Perenara’s plan. “As the leader, they get the opportunity to say something,” Barrett explained. “He said he was going to lead, and say a wee mihi. It was a message of unity, and that’s what he said.” All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Perenara had discussed his haka plan before the match. “TJ when he got the right to call (the haka), there’s a part of it at the start he gets in his own words to call it,” Robertson told reporters. “And he’s decided to say that and he has done it with the aspect of unity. It’s his right to say that.” “He said it’s sign of unity. Everyone is across it. He gets his chance to call that and the rest of the team gets to do the haka.” But the move has been criticised as well with Mr Seymour questioning why Perenara was against the bill. “I congratulate TJ on his long All Blacks career and wish him well in Japan,” Mr Seymour said. “I hope he reads the bill at treaty.nz. It says that we all have nga tikanga katoa rite tahi – the same rights and duties. And all New Zealanders have tino rangatiratanga, the right to self-determine, not only Māori. “The challenge for people who oppose this bill is to explain why they are so opposed to those basic principles of equal rights.”Calls for government to legalise 'natural Valium' after King's encounter with ceremonial calming drink during trip to SamoaKeller: Jimmy Carter was a great American
WISA Technologies Stock Jumps On CompuSystems Acquisition Amid Rebranding: Retail Turns BullishStock market today: Wall Street edges back from its records as bitcoin briefly pops above $100,000
As an investor, especially one with a healthy level of risk tolerance, it’s natural to be intrigued by artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. It’s a new phenomenon in the market, and considering the meteoric growth of companies like , it can also be highly profitable. However, there are risks involved. Choosing a safe AI stock can be challenging if you need help understanding the underlying technology, business model, and, by extension, its prospects. One way to balance out the risks is to diversify, and instead of pouring all the capital (that you have set aside for this purpose) into one AI stock, divert some of it to a more trusted growth stock. You can do that without going out of the tech sector. An AI stock Calling ( ) an AI stock might be a bit of a stretch because that’s not its primary focus. Their original forte is customer experience (CX), but since it heavily leverages data and, to an extent, algorithms and solutions that fall under AI, we put it in this category. They also offer a range of AI solutions and services, including chatbots, and have their own enterprise-grade generative AI engine called Fuel iX. Ironically, despite having a significant amount of AI DNA at its core, Telus Digital is in a perpetual phase. Apart from a few disparate bullish phases, the stock has mostly gone down and is currently trading at a massive 88% discount from its price at the inception. However, the company is still afloat, and insiders have trust in its prospects, as evidenced by its director’s recent purchase of 100,000 stock in the company. While it’s not a traditional vote of confidence, the parent company, , still has massive holdings in Telus Digital, and we might even say that it has helped keep the stock afloat. A conventional tech stock If you are looking for a traditional tech stock that may offer consistent returns and have an impressive performance track record, ( ) is arguably a top pick. The stock is constantly reaching new heights, and even though its current pace is a fraction of its long-term annualized growth, it’s still among the top growth stocks in Canada. The stock rose by about 220% in the last five years. It pays dividends as well, but the yield is tiny — 0.12% at the time of writing this. The stock is quite dangerously overvalued. However, its compelling and consistent performance undermines these danger signals. The stock has pushed through unfavourable conditions in the past as well, and unless something fundamental to the company changes, it may keep outperforming the general market, even the vibrant tech sector, in the future. Foolish takeaway The two offer two completely different types of growth opportunities. Constellation Software offers tried and tested growth, while Telus Digital offers the early bird advantage, assuming the stock would take off. Both stocks carry different types of risks as well. Another significant fall or period of slump might crush the confidence of Telus Digital investors. In contrast, the main risk with Constellation Software is slow or no growth.Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expresses confidence in struggling kicker Jake MoodyLocal government offices and services will adjust their schedules this week for the Thanksgiving holiday: * The Gage County Courthouse will be closed Thursday and Friday. * Beatrice city offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. * No regular postal deliveries on Thursday. * Midwest Area Refuse Solutions will adjust its pickup days. For both Beatrice and out-of-town residential routes, Thursday's regular collections will take place on Wednesday. Friday's regular collections will take place on Monday. Have containers at the curb by 6 a.m. to ensure collection. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”(The Center Square) – Hurricane Helene, Donald Trump and a swelling population were intriguing North Carolina storylines in 2024 as The Center Square delivered news and information. Two dozen of them are gathered here, though the list is not a ranking, does not attempt to define “the most” of anything including republications by news partners. Rather, it is a collection of interesting, important and useful news and information delivered by The Center Square news wire service. Here’s 24 from 2024. • U.S. Census Bureau estimates have pushed the population to 11.1 million . • Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, among the matriarchs of the state's Democrats, will begin work next month with a sixth different governor. She is 79 years young and on track to have 32 consecutive years in the office. Marshall told The Center Square in a one-on-one interview in September , “It’s historic, and it’s also astonishing to me because I didn’t grow up dreaming that I would be even a lawyer, let alone running a major office in government. I didn’t dream big enough for myself.” • Actions of Carolina fraternity brothers with the American flag on the famed Polk Place campus quad drew the praise of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and led to a joint session of Congress rising for a standing ovation and chanting, “USA! USA! USA!” The April actions amid a protest about the war between Hamas and Israel also led to a guest spot at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. • First bet was the Legislature approving sports wagering. Through the first 265 days, North Carolina is averaging a gain of $372,177 per day on the $98,627,032 total. • VinFast, in line to be a recipient of $1.2 billion in taxpayer money through incentives, failed this summer to start production of its $4 billion plant in Moncure . It’s bleeding money, too, with a third-quarter net loss of $550 million – a tad less than half of the $1.15 billion Mega Millions jackpot drawing on Friday night. • North Carolina is expected to remain a destination for abortions in the South following two decisions in a federal case litigating new state law. Overall, most of the law enacted Dec. 1, 2023, in the wake of Roe v. Wade being reversed in June 2022 is in place. Included are no abortions after 12 weeks, down from 20, except in cases of rape, incest, or “life-limiting anomalies." • Well beyond the halcyon days of the Bible Belt, faith still matters in eastern North Carolina. Speaking to The Center Square at a Trump rally in Rocky Mount, 1st Congressional District candidate and retired Army Col. Laurie Buckhout said, “Faith matters in this state. Faith matters in this district, more than a whole lot of people think.” And, she says, not of the old Bible Belt way. “It did get shook,” she says of the moniker, “and it came to have a not great conversation. Now, it’s a loving, accepting positive environment. It’s a wide environment. I see it all over the state.” • Agriculture, North Carolina’s No. 1 industry forever, topped $111.1 billion in economic impact in 2024 with No. 1 in production rankings nationally for sweet potatoes, tobacco, and poultry and eggs. Growth since coming out of the COVID-19 era in 2022 is $18 billion. • The school choice waiting list of about 55,000 was wiped clean when lawmakers appropriated $463 million to the Opportunity Scholarship program. • The state’s 100 sheriffs, according to a new law, are to hold suspects believed to have illegally entered or be illegally living in the United States. The detainer is up to 48 hours, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement is to be notified . • With a ruling from Judge Melissa Owens Lassiter at the Office of Administrative Hearings, Aetna is in and BlueCross BlueShield is out as the State Health Plan. • Charlotte City Council approved allocation of $650 million to the stadium project of NFL Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and his companies. He’s the 94th richest person on the planet at an estimated $20.6 billion net worth and owns the stadium used by his Panthers, his Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer, and his Tepper Sports & Entertainment. • Kylee Alons, a two-time national champion and 31-time All-American for N.C. State, is among 16 collegiate athletes, including 12-time All-American Riley Gaines, suing the NCAA for letting men who say they are women compete against them and use the same locker rooms. • Payton McNabb, the volleyball player from Hiawassee Dam High School in the mountains injured in 2022 by a boy saying he was a girl so he could play, continued to lead the national fight to protect women’s spaces alongside notable figures such as Gaines and Paula Scanlan. The Independent Women’s Forum coalition and its Our Bodies Our Sports “Take Back Title IX” Bus Tour, of which she was a part of, was vandalized while making a stop in Chapel Hill. By year’s end, the Biden administration had withdrawn changes to Title IX in a true national grassroots movement victory. • In one of the two biggest legislative wins of the last 15 years for the fight against human trafficking, lawmakers made solicitation of prostitution a felony . Enactment was Dec. 1. • Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, 72, won a sixth term last month . North Carolina was more blue than purple in the 1990s when he felt Democrats were hostile to tobacco production and he left the party to be a Republican. • Gov. Roy Cooper, 67, was a strong consideration for the Democrats’ presidential ticket, ultimately saying he would support Harris but not be her running mate . He remains with a perfect election record, unbeaten in 13 – three for North Carolina House of Representatives, four in the state Senate, four four-year terms for attorney general, and two four-year terms for governor. There's a watch for his decision related to the U.S. Senate seat race in 2026. • Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson held a modest polling lead as late as May against Democrat Josh Stein in the governor’s race. The summer swoon of the Republican went to unthinkable depths – losing by 14 points on Election Day – in part ignited by a Sept. 19 report from CNN. • AI & Politics ’24, led by Lee Rainie and Jason Husser at Elon University, in May said 78% believe it is likely artificial intelligence will be abused to impact the outcome of the presidential race. • Between July 22 and Sept. 12, seven lawsuits were filed against the State Board of Elections that includes Democrats Alan Hirsch, its chairman, Jeff Carmon and Siobhan Millen; and Republicans Stacy Eggers and Kevin Lewis; and Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell. • Hurricane Helene killed 103 in the state, 232 across seven states, and caused an estimated $53 billion in damage to the state. Arguably, it is the state’s worst natural disaster. • Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, as well as their vice president picks and for Harris presidents present and past, were regular visitors ahead of Election Day . Trump’s win kept intact a pattern now 60 years old. • Average household spending in North Carolina is $1,017 more per month today to buy the same goods and services as it was in 2021 according to a July report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 22% cumulative inflation. • Fifty-nine positions were eliminated and 131 realigned after the University of North Carolina System changed a diversity policy that ensures “equality of all persons and viewpoints.” Total reported savings are $17.1 million and total redirected savings are $16.2 million.
Trump gave Interior nominee one directive for a half-billion acres of US land: ‘Drill.’
If you are looking for ASX dividend stocks to buy, then it could be worth listening to what Bell Potter is saying about the three in this article. They have been named on the broker's Australian equities panel for December, which are the stocks it believes offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term. Here's what it is saying: ( ) The first ASX dividend stock that has been named on the broker's Australian equities panel is Eagers Automotive. It is the leading player in the automotive retail market in Australia, with a market share of greater than 10%. Bell Potter believes that it is well-positioned to pay big dividends thanks to a combination of revenue growth and margin expansion. It said: APE should continue to grow revenue via a mix of inorganic and organic growth. The company is also looking to drive margin expansion by buying existing dealership properties (to reduce rent), increasing penetration in finance and insurance (F&I) (higher margin) and through productivity initiatives (technology). Together, management are expecting ~200bps of margin improvement from these initiatives, which would be extremely material (pre-COVID margins of 2.9%). Bell Potter expects a fully franked 5.8% in FY 2025. ( ) Another ASX dividend stock that could be a buy according to Bell Potter is retail giant JB Hi-Fi. The broker believes that JB Hi-Fi could be a big winner from the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. It said: JBH is well positioned to benefit from an upgrade cycle of consumer electronics, specifically mobile phones and personal computers (PC), driven by AI enhancements. We see incremental revenue growth to JBH from the AI-driven upgrade cycle, where we estimate that the AI opportunity could add up to ~12% to the company's topline mid-long-term and presents significant upside to JBH's highly efficient earnings base. Its analysts expect this to underpin a fully franked 2.9% dividend yield in FY 2025. ( ) Bell Potter also has this youth fashion retailer's shares on its Australian equities panel this month. The broker likes Universal Store due to its attractive valuation and positive growth outlook. It explains: Universal Store Holdings is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. UNI will continue to increase store numbers over the next few years, supporting earnings growth of 12% p.a. over (FY25-27). Valuation looks attractive, trading on a fwd P/E of ~14x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~25%) that is executing on its rollout strategy. Bell Potter is forecasting a fully franked 3.9% dividend yield in FY 2025.
It was the spring of 1991, and St. John’s had just lost to eventual champion Duke in a regional final of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Lou Carnesecca invited the several newspaper writers who covered the team to a season-ending lunch at Dante Restaurant, his longtime hangout near campus. Why not? It seemed like a nice gesture. So this then-30-year-old reporter told his editor he would be gone for a bit and set out from Newsday’s Queens office. Six hours later . . . I left the restaurant with a better sense of what a casual lunch with Carnesecca entailed, and with a quintessential New York experience. Rather than the small table of sportswriters I envisioned, there were long ones that filled the restaurant with several dozen of Looie’s closest friends. Menus? Um, no. Just rounds of Italian food as chosen by the chef, and even more rounds of red wine bottles. Scenes from an Italian restaurant on Union Turnpike, hosted by Lou Carnesecca, complete with heartburn and a hangover. Why bring this up now? Because it is one way among many of illustrating the life and times of Carnesecca, who died Saturday at age 99. To call him old school would be an understatement. The guy was born in 1925, two years before television. His father, Alfredo, ran a grocery store in East Harlem. Carnesecca lived his entire life in and around New York City other than during his service in World War II and evolved only grudgingly. He was a character who reveled in being a character, most of it genuine, some of it shtick and all of it memorable. And as much as he was a New Yorker out of central casting himself, he knew almost every other famous New Yorker in the sports world of the middle-to-late 20th century. And non-New Yorkers, too. Basketball was his bailiwick, though. St. John's basketball coach Lou Carnesecca, center, flanked, by players from left, Ron Steward, Chris Mullin and Bill Wennington, laugh as they hold the trophy for winning the Holiday Festival College Basketball tournament, December 29, 1984 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Credit: AP/G. PAUL BURNETT In an interview with Newsday late in 2023, two weeks before his 99th birthday, he was able to offer firsthand opinions on iconic coaches the likes of Joe Lapchick, John Wooden, Frank McGuire, Adolph Rupp, Nat Holman, Ben Carnevale, Clair Bee and, yes, Rick Pitino. Like others with images so colorful they threatened to overshadow their accomplishments – Yogi Berra comes to mind – it was easy to forget Carnesecca knew basketball in general, knew recruiting the streets of New York City in particular and was no one’s pushover. Most famously, he made the transition from the ancient days of Eastern college basketball’s loose affiliations to become a towering figure in the early Big East. The pinnacle came in 1985, when he led St. John’s to the Final Four before it fell to mighty Georgetown. The rivalry between St. John’s and Georgetown that season was and remains one of the highlights in New York City’s long love affair with college basketball. And it cemented New York’s long love affair with Carnesecca. The feeling was mutual, to understate things. Lou Carnesecca coaches his St. John's team from the sidelines during their game against Niagara on Nov. 23, 1991. Credit: AP/Mark Lennihan Carnesecca never did leave his hometown. Why would he? He lived out his final years in Queens, still sharp and witty. When St. John’s hired Pitino, an old Big East rival, as its coach in 2023, the then-98-year-old showed up at the introductory news conference. “Lou built a legendary program – legendary – and we will get back to those days by exemplifying everything that he taught,” Pitino said, pointing to Carnesecca. As he left the event that day, the old man said, “This is a great day, a great day.” Carnesecca loved all the attention he got in one of his first public outings since the COVID-19 pandemic. People were his lifeblood, and he could kibitz and zing one-liners with the best of them, from recruits to fans to reporters. Asked on the cusp of turning 99 what kept him going, he said, “It must be the olive oil.” Recalling when he denied his father’s wish that he become a doctor, he said, “I thank God in his infinite wisdom. He knew I would have caused more deaths than the bubonic plague.” Journalists usually must approach modern coaching stars through protective public relations folks. How did one get an audience with Carnesecca? By showing up unannounced at his office and asking his secretary, “Is Coach around?” (He was the only coach I called “Coach” in 40 years of sportswriting.) Privately, Carnesecca had a tough side that he could and would aim at those who crossed him. But his public face never wavered, and his famously raspy voice and accent said it all. He was a New Yorker, troo and troo. Next round is on me, Coach. No menu required. Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.Penn State wins trademark case over retailer's use of vintage logos, images
Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine US dollar WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is threatening 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.. Trump says he wants a commitment from the bloc that it will not create a new currency or otherwise try to undermine the U.S. dollar. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words are a worrying sign of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Young men swung to the right for Trump after a campaign dominated by masculine appeals WASHINGTON (AP) — Young men shifted toward Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election in a change from recent years, when most young male voters backed the Democratic candidate. Young white men already supported him in 2020 and shifted slightly farther right this time. Young Latino men were about evenly split between the two candidates. Most young Black men backed Democrat Kamala Harris, though about a third supported Trump. Trump's campaign for the Oval Office was dominated by appeals to traditional masculinity, conveyed in appearances in nontraditional media. His campaign believed that tactic would boost his support among men who otherwise do not pay attention to political media. After entering Aleppo, Syrian insurgents advance to a nearby province. Assad says he'll defeat them BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have taken over most of Aleppo, establishing positions in the country’s largest city and controlling its airport before expanding their shock offensive to a nearby province. They faced little to no resistance from government troops Saturday, according to fighters and activists. Thousands of fighters also moved on, facing almost no defense from government forces. They seized towns and villages in northern Hama, a province where they had a presence before being expelled by government troops in 2016. They claimed to have entered the city of Hama. In his first public comments since the offensive began, President Bashar Assad said Syria will continue to “defend its stability and territorial integrity against terrorists and their supporters.” An Israeli strike in Gaza kills World Central Kitchen workers. Israel says 1 was an Oct. 7 attacker DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in the Gaza Strip killed five people including employees of World Central Kitchen. The charity says it is “urgently seeking more details” Saturday after Israel’s military said it targeted a World Central Kitchen worker who had been part of the Hamas attack that sparked the war. The charity says it is “heartbroken” and adds that it had no knowledge anyone in the car had alleged ties to the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. It says it is pausing operations in Gaza. It paused them earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Also on Saturday, Hamas released a new hostage video of Israeli-American Edan Alexander. Lebanese fishermen hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. Heavy snow blankets parts of the US during busy holiday travel weekend BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snowfall of the season is blanketing towns in upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania as the hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend winds down. Numbing cold and heavy snow could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. A state of emergency has been declared for parts of New York, making it problematic for Thanksgiving travelers. This week’s blast of frigid Arctic air also brought bitterly cold temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below average to the Northern Plains. Cold air is expected to move over the eastern third of the U.S. by Monday with temperatures about 10 degrees below average. Southwest Airlines says it is ending cabin service earlier to reduce chance of injury Southwest Airlines is ending its cabin service earlier starting next month. Beginning on Dec. 4, a company spokesperson says flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet. The company says it's making the changes to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries. For passengers, that means they will need to return their seats to an upright position or do other pre-landing procedures earlier than before. While turbulence-related fatalities are quite rare, injuries have piled up over the years. What to know about the plastic pollution crisis as treaty talks conclude in South Korea BUSAN, South Korea (AP) — The world’s nations will wrap up negotiating a treaty this weekend to address the global crisis of plastic pollution. The world produces more than 400 million tons of new plastic yearly. That could climb about 70% by 2040 without policy changes. China was by far the biggest exporter of plastic products in 2023, followed by Germany and the United States. Less than 10% of plastics are recycled. Many plastics are used for packaging. Every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature.
WEBER STATE 68, PEPPERDINE 53Former Iowa star Kate Martin and reigning WNBA champion Kayla Thornton will headline the Golden State Valkyries' inaugural roster. The Valkyries are selected one player each from 11 teams during the Golden State Expansion draft on Dec. 6. The full results of the expansion draft are below. 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft Results The Valkyries did not select a player from the Seattle Storm. The Valkyries were able to choose one player left unprotected by each of the 12 established WNBA teams. Each club had until Nov. 25 to submit a list of six protected players who could not be selected by the Valkyries. The Valkyries were permitted to make trades with clubs, involving agreements to select or avoid exposed players, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 5. A club's protected list could include any six players whose rights were held by the franchise, including those designated as core players. Coring a player gives them a one-year max contract and allows a team exclusive negotiating rights the following season. Golden State was limited to drafting one player set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season. The franchise was not allowed to draft any pending UFA who had previously been cored for at least two seasons. The expansion draft is being managed by general manager Ohemaa Nyanin, who formerly worked as assistant GM for the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty. Nyanin said ahead of the draft in December that the Valkyries would focus on building a team with a strong defensive identity (h/t Andscape's Sean Hurd .) The Valkyries are not limited by position in the initial expansion draft. The franchise can address further positional needs when free agency begins in February, or during the 2025 WNBA Draft in April. Golden State heads into the draft with three picks, including the No. 5 selection. The launch of the WNBA's 13th franchise was announced in October 2023. The team is owned by Golden State Warriors governors Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, and like their NBA counterparts will play home games in San Francisco's Chase Center. The Valkyries will be coached in their inaugural season by former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach Natalie Nakase. She worked with the Aces during their back-to-back championship runs in 2022 and 2023. The Golden State expansion draft marked the WNBA's first since the Atlanta Dream joined the league in 2008 and will be followed by two more in the near future. Franchises in Toronto and Portland are preparing to join the league ahead of the 2026 season.Doha: The registration for the 16th edition of Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2025) came to a close today, December 26. Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, the festival will take place from January 1 to February 1, 2025, at Marmi area in Sealine. The final day of registration was held at Qatari Al Gannas Association headquarters in Katara Cultural Village, with strong participation from falconers across Qatar and GCC countries. Chairman of the Marmi Festival, Muteb Al Qahtani, explained in a statement that the number of participants in each competition will be determined individually, followed by a draw, and results will be published and shared with participants. He also mentioned that the date for Young Falconer Championship would be announced later, but registration will take place on-site. Al Qahtani revealed that generous prizes have been allocated for the festivals winners, supported by the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM). The winner of Al-Muzayen competition in "Al-Hor Ashqar" category will receive QR 700,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 500,000, and third-place winner will receive QR 300,000. For "Al-Hor Adham and Black" category, the first-place winner will receive QR 400,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 300,000, and the third-place winner will receive QR 200,000. In Haddad Al-Tahaddi competition, the qualifier will win a cash prize of QR 100,000, along with two Lexus cars for the final, and a QR 100,000 prize for the winner of the final. The winner of Al-Talaa competition will take home QR 300,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 200,000, and the third-place winner will earn QR 100,000. In the local Al Daou competition across seven rounds, the first-place winner will receive QR 200,000, the second-place winner will receive QR 100,000, and the third-place winner will receive QR 50,000. For the international Al Daou competition, the first-place winner will receive QR 100,000, the second-place winner will get QR 70,000, and the third-place winner will be awarded QR 50,000. The winner of Elite Race will receive QR 300,000, with the second-place winner taking QR 200,000, and the third-place winner receiving QR 100,000. In Saluki Racing competition, the first-place winner in each category will receive QR 100,000, the second-place winner will take QR 70,000, and the third-place winner will receive QR 50,000. As for Young Falconer Championship, the first-place winner will be awarded QR 25,000, the second-place winner will get QR 20,000, the third-place winner will receive QAR 15,000, the fourth-place winner will take QR 10,000, and the fifth-place winner will earn QR 8,000.
Reading time 1 min The cocoa industry in Haiti is one of the few bright spots in an economy that's suffocating amid gang violence and political instability. Exports of fermented cocoa to Europe are having a significant impact for small Haitian producers, and helping to create jobs. Carys Garland reports from the Paris Chocolate Show. Also in the show: we speak to Tony's Chocolonely, a chocolate company that has pioneered efforts to expose exploitation and child labour in the cocoa industry. Joke Aerts, Director of Credible Sourcing at... Kate MOODY , Farah BOUCHERAK , Carys GARLANDAt least 65 million tune in for Netflix NFL Christmas Day games. NBA holiday ratings also skyrocket
The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is dead at age 100
KILLINGTON — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin said she suffered an abrasion on her left hip and that something “stabbed” her when she crashed during her second run of a World Cup giant slalom race Saturday, doing a flip and sliding into the protective fencing. Shiffrin stayed down on the edge of the course for quite some time as the ski patrol attended to her. She was taken off the hill on a sled and waved to the cheering crowd before going to a clinic for evaluation. “Not really too much cause for concern at this point, I just can’t move,” she said later in a video posted on social media . “I have a pretty good abrasion and something stabbed me. ... I’m so sorry to scare everybody. It looks like all scans so far are clear.” She plans to skip the slalom race Sunday, writing on Instagram she will be “cheering from the sideline.” The 29-year-old was leading after the first run of the GS and charging for her 100th World Cup win. She was within sight of the finish line, five gates onto Killington’s steep finish pitch, when she an outside edge. She hit a gate and did a somersault before sliding into another gate. The fencing slowed her momentum as she came to an abrupt stop. Reigning Olympic GS champion Sara Hector of Sweden won in a combined time of 1 minute, 53.08 seconds. Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia was second and Swiss racer Camille Rast took third. The Americans saw Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien finish fifth and sixth. “It’s just so sad, of course, to see Mikaela crash like that and skiing so well,” Hector said on the broadcast after her win. “It breaks my heart and everybody else here.” The crash was a surprise for everyone. Shiffrin rarely DNFs — ski racing parlance for “did not finish.” In 274 World Cup starts, she DNF’d only 18 times. The last time she DNF’d in GS was January 2018. Shiffrin also has not suffered any devastating injuries. In her 14-year career, she has rehabbed only two on-hill injuries: a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee in December 2015 and a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee after a downhill crash in January 2024. Neither knee injury required surgery, and both times, Shiffrin was back to racing within two months. Saturday was shaping up to be a banner day for Shiffrin, who skied flawlessly in the first run and held a 0.32-second lead as she chased after her 100th World Cup win. Shiffrin, who grew up in both New Hampshire and Colorado and sharpened her skills at nearby Burke Mountain Academy, has long been a fan favorite. Shiffrin is driven not so much by wins but by arcing the perfect run. She has shattered so many records along the way. She passed Lindsey Vonn’s women’s mark of 82 World Cup victories on Jan. 24, 2023, during a giant slalom in Kronplatz, Italy. That March, Shiffrin broke Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark’s Alpine mark for most World Cup wins when she captured her 87th career race. To date, she has earned five overall World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals — along with a silver — and seven world championships. In other FIS Alpine World Cup news, the Tremblant World Cup — two women’s giant slaloms at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant scheduled for next weekend — were canceled. Killington got 21 inches of snow on Thanksgiving Day, but Tremblant — five hours north of Killington — had to cancel its races because of a lack of snow.The Canada Games Centre has closed both of its rinks due to an issue with one of the facility’s ice plant compressors. “The decision has been made to cancel all ice bookings as well as any drop-in ice activities with the exception of the Arctic Edge Skating Club’s Gold Nugget Competition,” read a Dec. 6 press release. “Impacted user groups have been notified directly by Facility Bookings staff.” Darrell Peters is the operations supervisor at the Canada Games Centre. He told the News that one of the rink’s three compressors went out of commission on Wednesday, Dec. 4. “An instrument panel that’s on the compressor is not working, it’s dead. So that compressor is no longer working,” he said. The warm conditions that Whitehorse has been experiencing have complicated the matter further: Peters said operations cannot keep up with the flooding of the ice. He said the operations have not been flooding after every period of hockey since Dec. 4 because the ice wasn’t setting quickly enough. “So what’s happening is our ice is getting slimmer and slimmer,” he said. The ice is usually maintained at an inch-and-three-quarters to two inches, but the ice level is now down to an inch-and-a-quarter. “It’ll keep getting lower, and then we’ll lose our lines on the ice, and then it’s a problem,” said Peters. Arctic Edge will be able to use the ice due to the nature of their sport compared with hockey, as well as the fact the rink only needs to be flooded every few hours with figure-skating as opposed to after every period with hockey, Peters said. It is also due to the fact that Arctic Edge is running their test program. “That’s why we’re shutting everything down, so that they have good quality ice still, on the ATCO ice, for them to do the testing program.” Peters said that their technicians will be arriving from Edmonton on Monday, Dec. 9 with the replacement parts. “I expect them to be working on it Tuesday morning and hopefully be running by lunchtime on Tuesday, if everything works out,” Peters said.