wow 888
Slovakia Threatens Ukraine With Power Cuts if Gas Flows HaltNo. 22 Xavier faces South Carolina St., eyes rebound from lone lossIn its edition of 100 years ago this week, the Darlington & Stockton Times suggested they plump for "the beauty of the umbrella". The umbrella had, of course, been around since time immemorial – the Oxford English Dictionary says that the first use of the Latin word meaning "shade" in the English language was in 1611 – but advances in materials and folding technology meant that 100 years ago, it was affordable to all, and there was quite an industry of "umbrella doctors" keeping them well serviced and watertight. From a postcard advertising the "smart, stylish and sophisticated... Chris Lloyd
No. 22 Xavier faces South Carolina St., eyes rebound from lone lossWangaratta ace adopts softly-softly approach after second knee surgeryBig News: This country officially abolished flagpoling for work and study permit? understand what it means
Rajasthan United beat Namdhari 3-1 with comeback win; Dempo overcome Lajong
If you’re ready to have more fun, connect with friends and break out of your comfort zone in 2025, immersive experiences are the way to go. These creative activities blend entertainment, art and technology into unforgettable nights out. Immersive nightlife goes beyond the conventional dance floor or cocktail bar, integrating interactive storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and multisensory elements to create environments where guests become part of the experience. Think of it as stepping into a live-action movie, an art installation, or a futuristic game. From AI-enhanced light shows to rooms where walls respond to your movements, the goal is to engage every sense and leave patrons awestruck. These experiences often incorporate elements of escapism, transporting attendees to entirely new worlds. Whether it’s a speakeasy hidden inside a labyrinthine puzzle or a nightclub designed as a space station, immersive nightlife challenges the imagination while delivering high-energy fun. One of the most popular types of immersive nightlife experiences is escape rooms, which have been growing in popularity in the U.S. over the past 10 years. These interactive adventures challenge groups to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and work together to “escape” within a set time limit. Modern escape rooms often incorporate high-tech elements like projection mapping, augmented reality, and even live actors to elevate the experience. Themes range from solving a heist to surviving a zombie apocalypse, making every visit unique. Escape rooms have become their own industry, with chains like Escapology – whose locations include Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside counties – as well as highly creative smaller operations like Wizards & Wires Escape Games in Riverside, Unlocked in Costa Mesa and Lara’s Labyrinth in San Diego For nightlife enthusiasts, late-night escape room events with added theatrical elements or themed cocktails are a fresh twist on traditional social outings. Virtual reality (VR) lounges are another thrilling addition to the immersive nightlife scene. These venues offer cutting-edge VR experiences where guests can dive into fantastical worlds, compete in multiplayer games, or even participate in interactive storytelling. With high-resolution headsets and motion-tracking technology, these lounges allow patrons to fully immerse themselves in otherworldly adventures.Many VR lounges pair these experiences with trendy bar menus, creating a social hub where guests can relax, compare scores, and extend the fun after their virtual escapades. Popular SoCal VR hotspots include Los Virtuality in Los Angeles, Sandbox VR in Woodland Hills and The GRID in Oceanside. Interactive art museums and installations bring a creative flair to immersive nightlife. These spaces invite visitors to become part of the artwork itself, using touch, sound, and motion to activate exhibits. Picture walking through rooms that react to your presence with cascading lights, evolving soundscapes, or transformative projections. Some venues even host nighttime events with live music, themed cocktails, and exclusive access to exhibits, creating a blend of culture and entertainment that’s perfect for a night out. These art-driven experiences are not only visually stunning but also provide a unique way to explore creativity while socializing. A great example is WNDR Museum in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter where you can take in over 15 installations of awe-inspiring immersive art. The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.Ohio State, Michigan players involved in postgame scuffle
Fairchild Gold Announces Corporate UpdatesSeveral political figures have joined the Awam Pakistan party in Rawalpindi. According to sources, a prominent landowner and head of the influential Chaudhary family, Chaudhary Inam Zafar, ended his 40-year association with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He, along with his family and allies, has joined the Awam Pakistan party under the leadership of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The political switch follows an earlier defection of the same sort. Sources further said the shift has changed Rawalpindi's political landscape. Additionally, ten female leaders and councillors, previously affiliated with PML-N, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have also announced their allegiance to the Awam Pakistan party. The women leaders include Zahida Parveen and councillors Saeeda Begum, Maira Begum, Rizwana Bibi, and Arshi Begum. The political switch follows an earlier defection by Chaudhary Sarfraz Afzal, another key figure from the Chaudhary family, to the Awam Pakistan party. These leaders revealed plans to organise a city convention in January, where several other significant PML-N personalities are expected to join the party. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our
As we prepare for Cyber Monday, this may be your last chance to score on Black Friday tech sales still available. If you've been eyeing one of the new Apple Watches, you're in luck, as this is one of the only times of the year for such steep discounts on all the Apple Watch models. Also: Best Black Friday deals 2024: 170+ sales live now featuring some of the lowest prices ever Although Apple products don't frequently see discounts, Cyber Week is a great time to save between 10-25% on select devices, including Apple watches . Apple's Watch SE (2nd Gen), Series 10, and Series 9 are down to the lowest prices we've ever seen. I cover Apple Watches at nearly every sale event with ZDNET, so rest assured, I've tracked the best deals throughout this year. Plus, I've gone hands-on with many watch accessories, like watch bands , chargers, and more. Here are the best Black Friday Apple Watch deals you can still shop, including on some of the most popular models. Our favorite Apple Watch deals for Black Friday 2024 Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm : $329 (save $70 at Walmart): Apple's newest Watch Series 10 is already seeing savings at Walmart. You can save $70 on the GPS 42mm model in three sports band colors for the first time. The larger GPS 46mm model is also on sale for $359 (save $40) in two sport band colors. Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 46mm : $359 (save $70): If you prefer a larger watch face, the new Watch Series 10 46mm GPS model is also on sale for $70 off at Amazon. Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 41mm : $280 (save $119 at Amazon): Right now, you can save $100+ on select Watch Series 9 models at Amazon, like the Midnight Sport Loop. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm : $149 (save $100 at Walmart): One of the best deals on the Watch SE (2nd Gen) , which is still the latest base model available, is at Walmart. For the first time in the sport band iterations, it's currently $100 off. The GPS 44mm model is $100 off for $179 . Also: This rare Apple Watch Series 9 lowest-price-ever deal is back for Black Friday Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm Current price: $329 Original price: $399 Right now, you can snag Apple's newest Watch Series 10 for $70 off at Walmart for the first time. Snag the 42mm GPS sport band model now. Plus, there are savings on other color options as well. Amazon has similar offers on the Watch Series 10. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm Current price: $149 Original price: $249 Walmart and Amazon have the best deal right now on Apple's latest base model SE (2nd Gen), which just dropped $20 lower than the lowest price we've ever seen. Snag one for only $149. This watch is GPS supported and comes in either a 40mm or 44mm size, thought the 44mm will cost more. Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular 49mm Current price: $680 Original price: $799 Best Buy is offering over $100 of savings on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS+ Cellular 49mm with the ocean band in blue or white. Best Black Friday Apple Watch Series 8, 9, & 10 deals Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm : $329 (save $70 at Amazon): Similar to Walmart's offer, Amazon sells select Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm models for $70 off. Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 41mm : $280 (save $119 at Amazon): You can save $100+ on select models like the Midnight Sport Loop now at Amazon. Apple Watch Series 8 GPS 41mm, Refurbished : $229 (save $18 at Amazon): At this point, the Series 8 is two models outdated, but it's still a great option. Plus, the Series 8 is the only Apple watch still available with the blood oxygen sensor feature. Snag a refurbished model at Amazon. Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm : $329 (save $70 at Best Buy): The Series 10 features integrated GPS, 64GB of internal storage, and is water resistant up to 164 feet. Best Black Friday Apple Watch SE & SE (2nd Gen) deals Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 40mm : $149 (save $100 at Amazon): If Amazon is your preferred retailer, you can score the same deal on the Watch SE (2nd Gen) in several sport loop iterations. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS 44mm : $179 (save $100 at Walmart): The larger face 44mm Watch SE (2nd Gen) is also on sale at Walmart in several colors. Best Black Friday Apple Watch Ultra & Ultra 2 deals Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular 49mm : $760 (save $39 at Amazon): Amazon has select models of the Watch Ultra 2 discounted by almost $100, including the indigo alpine loop. Apple Watch Ultra GPS+ Cellular 49mm, Refurbished : Various models of the Apple Watch Ultra are on sale for $80 off at Best Buy. These are refurbished models verified by Best Buy's Geek Squad. Best Black Friday Apple Watch accessory deals Apple Watch USB-C Fast Charger : $24 (save $5 at Amazon): Fast charge your Apple Watch Series 7 or later. Belkin 3-1 Wireless Charging Stand : $96 (save $24 at Amazon): Belkin's MagSafe 3-1 charger is perfect for charging your Apple ecosystem at once, and right now, it's 20% off. Nomad Sport Apple Watch Band : $45 (save $15 at Nomad): Nomad makes some of ZDNET's favorite tech accessories, and right now you can save 25% on the classic sport band . AirPods Pro 2 : $154 (save $95 at Amazon): You can now use your AirPods with your Apple Watch, and this is a great deal on one of our favorite AirPod models. Anker MagGo 3-1 Wireless Charger : $82 (save $28 at Amazon): Apple fans will love this versatile Qi2 charging station to boost your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at the same time, and it easily folds up for travel. ESR Portable Apple Watch Charger : $37 (save $9 at ESR): This portable Apple Watch charger can fit inside your pocket and is perfect for frequent travel or to keep as a backup. Use code BF24CM to get 20% off. Best alternative Black Friday fitness wearable deals Oura Ring Gen 3 : $249 (save $50 at Amazon): Right now you can save up to $50 on several finishes of the Oura Ring 3 , one of ZDNET's top-tested smart rings. RingConn Smart Ring : $169 (save $110 at RingConn or Amazon): If the Oura ring is a bit too pricey for you, RingConn's smart ring is another ZDNET-approved pick . Expert Matthew Miller likes its great battery life, intuitive app, and that it has no subscription. Fitbit Charge 6 : $100 (save $60 at Amazon): ZDNET expert Matthew Miller says the Fitbit Charge 6 is one of the best fitness wearables on the market thanks to its powerful features in a sleek form factor. It's almost 40% off right now, too. Whoop 4.0 + 12 month subscription : $199 (save $40 at Amazon): The Whoop band is worn by everyday people and extreme athletes alike, and when ZDNET editor Sabrina Ortiz tested it, she was impressed with its AI-powered fitness coaching, biometric data, and more. Fitbit Ace LTE for Kids : $161 (save $79 at Amazon): If you're shopping for a kiddo on your list, consider that an Apple Watch may not be needed, especially for younger children. ZDNET kid tech expert Maria Diaz loves the Fitbit Ace for its feature-rich, kid-friendly platform that is easy to navigate. FAQs ZDNET's tested top pick for the best Apple watch is the flagship Apple Watch Ultra 2, which athletes and product testers have lauded as the best Apple Watch ever made thanks to its rugged durability, large and bright display, long battery life, water resistance, and more. Yes, your Apple Watch, as long as it is a Series 6 or newer, can track your AFib, or irregular heartbeat. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently awarded medical device development tool (MDDT) status to the Apple Watch's atrial fibrillation (AFib) history tracker. The feature is the first piece of digital health technology to earn MDDT status, the FDA said in a statement. Also: Your Apple Watch's AFib history could soon be used in clinical studies Both the new Watch Series 10 and last year's Series 9 are great watches, and ultimately, what's the better buy for you will come down to preference. We've already put these watches head to head, and think the main reasons you may choose to splurge on the newer Series 10 model really come down to these four factors: A lighter build and improved display, sleep apnea features, new finishes, and of course, price. Also: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model? Black Friday is a great time to snag savings on popular health and wellness trackers, and both the Apple Watch and the Oura Ring certainly make the cut. However, there are a few key differences between to two, and ZDNET health and wellness tech expert Nina Raemont recommends the Oura Ring for those looking for detailed sleep tracking, amongst other things. Apple Watches are great options for activity tracking and easy compatibility if you own an iPhone. The Oura Ring Gen 3 Horizon is on sale for up to $100 off at Amazon, too. Also: Oura Ring vs. Apple Watch: Which health tracker should you buy? Apple has a lengthy lineup of its flagship tech wearable, with several iterations over the last few years. The newest watch release comes in the Apple Watch Series 10 , which was released in September 2024 . The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) remains the most up-to-date base model, released in 2023, and the Ultra 2 the newest feature-packed option, released in 2023 and re-released in new finishes in 2024. With multiple models available, both old and new, you'll be sure to find a watch that fits your needs and your price point. The Apple Watch models are not the only options for smartwatches, despite their popularity. ZDNET has tested dozens of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers (also on sale ahead of Black Friday ) so you can scope more alternative deals, including the Fitbit Versa 4, Fitbit Luxe, Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, and more. Also: The best Black Friday smartwatch and fitness tracker deals 2024: Early sales live now Similar to turning in an older cell phone to receive monetary credit towards purchasing a newer or more updated version, Apple and other major retailers often have options to "trade-in" other devices, like Apple watches. When participating in a trade-in offer, you are providing your previously used item to the retailer in exchange for a predetermined amount of cashback that can be directly applied to your next item purchase of the same product. Eligible trade-in items and the cashback offered for each product are decided by each individual retailer and are often determined by factors such as age, condition, and functionality of the item being presented for trade-in. Apple recently decided to even bump up the amount they offer for trade-ins as well, too. Also: Apple is paying more for your used Apple watches Black Friday always falls the day after Thanksgiving in the US. This year, Black Friday happened on Nov. 29, 2024. Cyber Monday is the Monday following Thanksgiving weekend and the end of the "Cyber 5" savings week. This year, Cyber Monday falls on Dec. 2, 2024. For the most part, yes. While we've seen plenty of offers on Apple watches throughout this year, including most recently during October Prime Day, Apple products don't frequently see major discounts, especially on newer products. For the most part, you can expect 10-20% in savings on Apple watches, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday create the best environment for these covetable wearables to be on sale for the largest margin and at as many retailers as possible (both online and in-person). Last year, we saw some of the first major discounts on the Watch Series 9 ahead of the 2023 holiday shopping season, so you may be able to score savings on the newest Watch Series 10 this year. We'll keep you posted. Also: The best Black Friday Apple deals 2024: Early sales available now Semantics, mostly. Black Friday traditionally refers to the day of savings that follows Thanksgiving, which at one point was an in-store-only event. Over the years, Black Friday sales have expanded and lengthened to include online retailers, hence "Cyber Week" and "Cyber Monday." Cyber Monday refers to the Monday following Thanksgiving weekend, and originally referred to online savings on lots of products. These days, both Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer similar savings in-store and online. Each holiday season, we carefully select the range of products we focus our coverage on, so we can be sure we're bringing you the best deals and the most information on products we're experts on. ZDNET also only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. You can find Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals pretty much anywhere (that means in-store and online). Popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Macy's, and more will all be offering holiday savings online and in their brick-and-mortar stores. ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category: Black Friday TV deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday laptop deals Black Friday gaming PC deals Black Friday smartwatch and fitness tracker deals Black Friday Amazon deals Black Friday Best Buy deals Black Friday Walmart deals Black Friday Sam's Club deals Black Friday Apple deals Black Friday iPad deals Black Friday AirPods deals Black Friday Apple Watch deals Black Friday Kindle deals Black Friday streaming deals Black Friday soundbar and speaker deals Black Friday robot vacuum deals Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals Black Friday PlayStation deals And more Black Friday deals: Black Friday deals under $25 Black Friday deals under $100 Black Friday Samsung deals Black Friday Verizon deals Black Friday headphone deals Black Friday tablet deals Black Friday monitor deals Black Friday gaming deals Black Friday security camera deals Black Friday storage and SSD deals Black Friday portable power station deals Black Friday VPN deals Black Friday Chromebook deals Black Friday HP deals Black Friday Dell deals Black Friday Roku deals Black Friday Roborock deals Best Black Friday deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday TV deals Black Friday laptop dealsFrank Lampard is one of the greatest goalscoring midfielders in football history , having amassed 267 goals over his club career, 211 of which came during his 13-year spell with west London club Chelsea . Whilst the majority of his playing career was spent playing in the Premier League , starting out as a teenager with West Ham United , before playing a season - his final in the English top flight - with Manchester City during the 2014/15 campaign, Lampard was also an established member of the England national team that was considered the 'Golden Generation'. But whilst on duty representing the Three Lions in 2007, he was met with a flurry of boos on a few occasions, which left his teammates 'dumbstruck' , just two years after England fans had voted him as their player of the year. England Fans Booed Their Star Midfielder Despite being considered one of the greatest English footballers of all time , and scoring almost 30 times in over 100 appearances for his country - an impressive return for a midfielder - Lampard's international career wasn't always rosy. In fact, after being part of the England team under Sven-Goran Eriksson that was eliminated on penalties at the quarter-final stage of the 2006 World Cup , the Chelsea star was subject to a ring of boos under the lights of the newly-opened Wembley Stadium in 2007 when he was introduced as a substitute against Estonia in their Euro 2008 qualifier with 20 minutes remaining on the clock. After the match, which England won 3-0 , Lampard's teammates were quick to jump to his support, with midfielder Gareth Barry bewildered by the response from Three Lions fans to Lampard's introduction, with him labelling it as 'wrong'. It's always harsh for any player to get booed, especially someone like Frank with what he's achieved and what he's done for his club and his country. So it was very wrong. Frank's experienced enough and a good-enough player to come through it. Joe Cole , who was then teammates with Lampard at Chelsea, also spoke on record at his disbelief at his club and country teammate receiving such a negative reaction from the fans, noting how England fans had voted the midfielder as their player of the year just a few seasons prior in both 2004 and 2005. I don't really know what to say because, for me, Frank has been one of England's most consistent players over the years. It's not nice to hear one of your mates getting that, because he's a top player. For me, he's one of the best players in the world and doesn't deserve it. I don't understand it. He was voted England's player of the year and rightly so because he was brilliant. It's something that should not happen, and you've just got to keep on going. Frank Lampard - Career Statistics Statistic Club Country Appearances 896 106 Goals 267 29 Assists 172 12 Frustrations Mounted on ‘Golden Generation’ After receiving boos during multiple games in 2007, Lampard himself spoke out about this , and believed it was as a result of the expectations that he would have got onto the scoresheet during the World Cup the previous year. He would also express how it was a 'bit upsetting' for him personally, though he accepted it as part of playing at the highest level for his country. It's part of playing for England, I suppose. This time last year, I had just won their player of the year twice on the spin - that's just how English football is. It's not helpful to the team or the players, and it can be a bit upsetting, but you have to be big enough to take it, and I've got no problem with it - I've had much worse when I've gone back to West Ham. I know I was expected to score at the World Cup, it didn't happen, and I'm fighting to get back in there knocking in the goals again. An argument can be made that England fans were growing more disappointed with the results of their supposed 'Golden Generation' having been knocked out in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 by Portugal on penalties - a game in which Lampard had scored the equaliser in extra time - and then were eliminated in 2006 via yet another penalty shootout against Portugal. Following the events in 2007, Lampard would go on to be part of the squad that failed to qualify for Euro 2008. Furthermore, in the 2010 World Cup, England were eliminated by Germany in the round of 16 after a 4-1 defeat, a match in which Lampard's infamous strike that clearly crossed the line was disallowed by the referee. Who knows what the final scoreline would have been had the goal been given, which would have seen the game tied at 2-2. Nonetheless, the 'Golden Generation' would fail to progress past the quarter-final stages in major tournaments, with Lampard hanging up his international boots in 2014. His 106th, and final, international appearance came in the 2014 World Cup group stages, where he captained the side to a 0-0 draw as they were eliminated after finishing bottom of the group. All statistics via Transfermarkt and FBRef - correct as of 26/11/2024. He claimed that appearing in French GQ gave him "as much pleasure as signing for United".
Lynne Roberts wasn't looking to leave as Utah women's basketball coach. Then she got a call from LASir Keir Starmer will set out a “plan for change” with milestones set in key policy areas to achieve the targets laid out in Labour’s manifesto, Downing Street has said. The Prime Minister will this week kick off what he has called the “next phase” of Government, as he announces the markers for his “missions” that Number 10 say will allow the public to hold Sir Keir and his team to account on their promises and will be reached by the end of the Parliament. The milestones will run alongside public sector reform, Downing Street said. This will include a focus on reforming Whitehall, spearheaded by the as-yet-unannounced new chief civil servant the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet ministers, so it is geared towards the delivery of Labour’s missions, according to Number 10. The same focus will also influence decisions for next year’s spending review, it has been suggested. Writing in The Sun on Sunday, the Prime Minister compared “focusing the machinery of government” to “turning an oil tanker” and said that “acceptance of managed decline” has “seeped into parts of Whitehall”. “The British people aren’t fools. They know a ruthless focus on priorities is essential,” he wrote. The Sunday Times reported that one of the milestones would focus on early education, with the aim to raise the number of children who are ready for school, educationally and socially. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said that “it’s estimated that more than a million school days worth of teacher time each year is spent dealing with” children who are not prepared for school. Labour’s missions, as laid out in their July election manifesto, focus on economic growth, energy security and cleaner energy, the NHS, childcare and education systems, as well as crime and criminal justice. Ahead of revealing the details, Sir Keir said in a statement: “This plan for change is the most ambitious yet honest programme for government in a generation. “Mission-led government does not mean picking milestones because they are easy or will happen anyway – it means relentlessly driving real improvements in the lives of working people. “We are already fixing the foundations and have kicked-started our first steps for change, stabilising the economy, setting up a new Border Security Command, and investing £22 billion in an NHS that is fit for the future. “Our plan for change is the next phase of delivering this Government’s mission. “Some may oppose what we are doing and no doubt there will be obstacles along the way, but this Government was elected on mandate of change and our plan reflects the priorities of working people. “Given the unprecedented challenges we have inherited we will not achieve this by simply doing more of the same, which is why investment comes alongside a programme of innovation and reform.” The so-called “missions” outlined in Labour’s election manifesto focused on five key policy areas: kickstart economic growth; make Britain a clean energy superpower; take back our streets; break down barriers to opportunity; and build an NHS fit for the future. 🚨 New polling with Keir Starmer has seen an 8 point drop in his net approval rating after a significant uptick in the number disapproving of his performance. 22% approve of his performance vs. 54% who disapprove. This gives Starmer a net rating of -32%. — Opinium (@OpiniumResearch) The announcement comes after a first five months in office that has seen anger over Budget proposals and reports of tension in Number 10. Polling for The Observer newspaper by Opinium indicates that more than half of the public disapprove of the Prime Minister’s performance. According to the survey of approximately 2,000 adults, 54% of people disapprove of his performance, compared with 22% who approve, leaving him with a net rating of -32%.
Got Money Goals for the New Year? Stay on Track With These Tips
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Donald Trump assigned a singular mission in nominating the governor of oil-rich North Dakota to lead an agency that oversees a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore: “Drill baby drill.” That dictate from the president-elect’s announcement of Burgum for Secretary of Interior sets the stage for a reignition of the over public lands and waters that helped define Trump’s first term, with environmentalists worried about already pledging their opposition. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his family’s farm. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Public lands experts said his experience as a popular who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt suggests a willingness to collaborate, as opposed to dismantling from within the agency he is tasked with leading. That could help smooth his confirmation and clear the way for the incoming administration to move quickly to open more public lands to development and commercial use. “Burgum strikes me as a credible nominee who could do a credible job as Interior secretary,” said John Leshy, who served as Interior’s solicitor under former President Bill Clinton. “He’s not a right-wing radical on public lands,” added Leshy, professor emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of the country’s land with a mandate that spans from wildlife conservation and recreation to natural resource extraction and fulfilling treaty obligations with Native American tribes. Most of those lands are in the West, where frictions with private landowners and state officials are commonplace and have sometimes mushroomed into violent confrontations with right-wing groups that reject federal jurisdiction. Burgum if confirmed would be faced with a pending U.S. Supreme Court action from Utah that seeks to over Interior Department lands. North Dakota’s attorney general has supported the lawsuit, but Burgum’s office declined to say if he backs Utah’s claims. U.S. Justice Department attorneys on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject Utah’s lawsuit. They said Utah in 1894 agreed to give up its right to the lands at issue when it became a state. Trump’s narrow focus on fossil fuels is a replay from his 2016 campaign — although minus coal mining, a that he failed to revive in his first term. Trump repeatedly hailed oil as “liquid gold” on the campaign trail this year and largely omitted any mention of coal. About 26% of U.S. oil comes from federal lands and offshore waters overseen by Interior. Production continues to hit record levels under President Joe Biden despite claims by Trump that the Democrat hindered drilling. But industry representatives and their Republican allies say volumes could be further boosted. They want Burgum and the Interior Department to ramp up oil and gas sales from federal lands, in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The oil industry also hopes Trump’s government efficiency initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk can dramatically reduce environmental reviews. Biden’s administration reduced the frequency and size of lease sales, and it restored environmental rules that were . The Democrat as a candidate in 2020 promised further restrictions on drilling to help combat global warming, but he struck a deal for the 2022 climate bill that to be held before renewable energy leases can be sold. “Oil and gas brings billions of dollars of revenue in, but you don’t get that if you don’t have leasing,” said Erik Milito with the National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore industries including oil and wind. Trump has vowed to energy projects. But Milito said he was hopeful that with Burgum in place it would be “green lights ahead for everything, not just oil and gas.” It is unclear if Burgum would revive some of the most controversial steps taken at the agency during Trump’s first term, including relocating senior officials out of Washington, D.C., dismantling parts of the Endangered Species Act and shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah designated by former President Barack Obama. Officials under Biden spent much of the past four years reversing Trump’s moves. They restored the Utah monuments and rescinded numerous Trump regulations. Onshore oil and gas lease sales plummeted — from more than a million acres sold annually under Trump and other previous administrations, to just 91,712 acres (37,115 hectares) sold last year — while many wind and solar projects advanced. Developing energy leases takes years, and oil companies control millions of acres that remain untapped. Biden’s administration also elevated the in public lands decisions, adopting a rule putting it more on par with oil and gas development. They proposed withdrawing parcels of land in six states from potential future mining to protect a struggling bird species, North Dakota is among Republican states that challenged the Biden administration’s public lands rule. The states said in a June lawsuit that officials acting to prevent climate change have turned laws meant to facilitate development into policies that obstruct drilling, livestock grazing and other uses. Oil production boomed over the past two decades in North Dakota thanks in large part to better drilling techniques. Burgum has been an industry champion and last year signed a repeal of the state’s — a price-based tax hike industry leaders removing. Burgum’s office declined an interview request. In a statement after his nomination, Burgum echoed Trump’s call for U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The 68-year-old governor also said the Interior post offered an opportunity to improve government relations with developers, tribes, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts “with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.” Related Articles Under current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the agency put greater emphasis on working collaboratively with tribes, including their own . Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico, also advanced an initiative to solve criminal cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and helped lead a nationwide reckoning over that culminated in a formal public apology from Biden. Burgum has worked with tribes in his state, including on oil development. Badlands Conservation Alliance director Shannon Straight in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Burgum has also been a big supporter of tourism in North Dakota and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Yet Straight said that hasn’t translated into additional protections for land in the state. “Theodore Roosevelt had a conservation ethic, and we talk and hold that up as a beautiful standard to live by,” he said. “We haven’t seen it as much on the ground. ... We need to recognize the landscape is only going to be as good as some additional protections.” Burgum has been a cheerleader of the planned in Medora, North Dakota.Top row left to right: Adam Osman, Sean Fitzpatrick, Bridget Sakousky, bottom row: Tanja Hollander, Axel Hollenbeck, Theresa Clark, John Noyes Daryn Slover/Sun Journal LEWISTON — As Mainers get ready to ring in a new year next week, Sun Journal asked Lewiston residents how they felt about New Year’s Eve celebrations. Is it all hype, or the best party ever? For Bridget Sakousky, the celebration is more about enjoying the company of her loved ones. “I think the parties are overhyped, sure, but it’s nice to hang out with people and socialize. I’m at the stage where I’m not wanting to go out, but hanging out with people at someone’s house, or my house, is nice and fun,” Sakousky said. “Hanging out with people I care about, eating good food, and not having to drive afterwards” matter the most to Sakousky. Axel Hollenbeck said parties can be too much sometimes. To Hollenbeck, New Year’s Eve is no exception. “All the parties I go to are really overstimulating in my opinion because there’ll be like 20 or more people,” Hollenbeck said. Hollenbeck plans next-day sleepovers with friends to recover. “I might have a sleepover with my friend, just that I can calm down,” Hollenbeck said. Hollenbeck said that some of the hype surrounding New Year’s Eve is justified because of all the party and holiday food. “Food is my favorite thing ever,” Hollenbeck added. Sean Fitzpatrick likes to take it easy these days. “I have two small kids, a 9- and a 13-year-old, so we don’t really go out,” Fitzpatrick said. Fitzpatrick said he misses the anticipation of ringing in the new year with crowds and doing “the countdown thing,” sometimes, but he’d rather be home with family and in bed before midnight. Does he miss the partying? “On the whole, not so much. I’m a little bit older, so I like to go to bed early, too,” Fitzpatrick said. John Noyes said he believes that a new year always deserves a party. “I believe everybody should celebrate. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed,” Noyes said. “Every day, you should be grateful and look for changes for the better.” For Tanja Hollander, reflection is a must as she wraps up another year. “I, in my old age, am happy to spend the night alone, reflecting, and getting an early start the next day,” Hollander said. Theresa Clark said she is all for celebrations, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve. “That’s where you get all the gifts and love and enjoy it with your family,” Clark said. This will be Adam Osman’s first New Year’s celebration in Lewiston since his arrival from Chad. Osman said he prefers small parties with friends. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous