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winph 99 New York Jets respond to claims Aaron Rodgers could be shut down By JACK BEZANTS Published: 17:23 EST, 25 November 2024 | Updated: 17:23 EST, 25 November 2024 e-mail View comments The New York Jets are not planning on shutting Aaron Rodgers down this week, despite reports that both the quarterback and the team themselves want to part ways. Interim head coach Jeff Ulrich addressed the speculation surrounding Rodgers at a press conference on Monday, with the team returning to practice after a bye week. 'All I can say - and you'd have to ask Aaron if he's fully healthy - but he's better off today than he's been as of late,' Ulrich said about Rodgers playing this weekend. 'So he's definitely feeling healthier than he has for probably the last month, and a healthy Aaron Rodgers is the Aaron Rodgers we all love. So, excited about what that looks like.' Ulrich also denied recent reports that Rodgers, 40, had refused to undergo scans to determine exactly how injured he is. 'That's news to me,' Ulrich said. The New York Jets are not planning on shutting Aaron Rodgers down this week The Jets' hopes of reaching the postseason hang by a thread with their record at 3-8 going into Sunday's showdown against Seattle. They have lost seven of their last eight games. Last week, general manager Joe Douglas was also fired by the Jets - following head coach Robert Saleh out of the exit door in what has been a rocky season. The Seahawks, meanwhile, lead NFC West on 6-5, but in a division where last-place San Francisco 49ers are 5-6. They beat Arizona Cardinals 16-6 on Sunday. New York Jets Aaron Rodgers Share or comment on this article: New York Jets respond to claims Aaron Rodgers could be shut down e-mail Add comment"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.Stockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. Nerve-repair company Renerve is set to make its ASX debut today Renerve is developing products for repair and replacement of damaged peripheral nerves It becomes only the second nerve-repair company on the ASX, after Orthocell When Renerve (ASX:RNV) makes its initial public offering (IPO) on the ASX at 12pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, it will join Orthocell (ASX:OCC) as one of only two nerve-repair companies to be listed on the local bourse. Having undertaken a $750k pre-IPO raise in September, the company has raised $7 million at 20 cents/share when it hits the ASX. US companies dominate the nerve-repair market with Axogen (Nasdaq:AXGN) along with Integra Lifesciences Holdings (Nasdaq:IART) both prominent. CEO Dr Julian Chick told Stockhead that Renerve was developing porcine collagen-based products to repair and regenerate damaged peripheral nerves and related soft tissue. Peripheral nerves are the network of nerves outside the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body. He said they make us walk, run, jump and eat, and they tend to get damaged quite a lot. The company’s trademarked Nervalign was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022 and has been launched in the US market. It is a cuff to prevent scarring and inflammation when a nerve is being fixed. “It is used for no better term like a Band-Aid, to protect a nerve that has been severed and repaired,” Chick said. He said Nervalign products have been specifically designed to protect the nerve for two to four months and then get naturally absorbed, so avoiding need for further surgery and potential risk of longer-term issues. Next in Renerve’s development pipeline is a nerve conduit designed to guide nerves to grow in a straight path, preventing branching, tree-like growth, where a small portion of damaged nerve has been removed. It is intended for small gaps of approximately one centimetre with Renerve planning to submit an FDA approval application for the conduit in 2025 via the 510(k) predicate device pathway. "It comes basically as a straw, which is used to bridge small gaps," Chick explained. "Nerves are great in the sense they will regrow and regenerate, but the downside is that when they do that, they have a propensity to branch and create nerves that are going to nowhere. "The purpose of the conduit is to provide a protective environment for that nerve to repair itself." The company also has a Nervalign replacement nerve, for when there is a need to replace the nerve specifically. "The idea is to have a portfolio of products which will give the surgeon multiple options that they may require depending on the type of injury and damage," Chick said. Experienced team targeting $1.6 billion market Renerve was founded in 2017 by Chick, chief scientific officer Dr David Rhodes and Royal Melbourne Hospital neurosurgeon Dr Alex Adamides. With a PhD in neuromuscular physiology, Chick has been involved in 16 start-ups and has launched four tissue products in the US. Rhodes has a PhD in biochemistry and more than 20 years’ experience in healthcare and biotechnology industries, including developing technologies through to market approval. Chick is also the chairman of pot play Cann Group (ASX:CAN) and co-founded erectile dysfunction company LTR Pharma (ASX:LTP) , where he is an independent non-executive director. Renerve is targeting an estimated peripheral nerve-repair market of US$1.6 billion per annum, which is growing at ~17% per annum. "A lot of that is driven by the need to look after nerves," Chick said. "More surgeons are training in nerve repair and there are better products coming to market. "In the US, there are an estimated 900,000 nerve traumas per annum." Orthocell sees strong growth The only other nerve repair company listed on the ASX, Perth-based Orthocell is the maker of nerve-repair product Remplir, which is approved and reimbursed in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The product is a collagen wrap designed to enhance the effectiveness of nerve-repair surgeries. Remplir is placed around damaged or repaired peripheral nerves during surgery for protection from surrounding tissue, reducing the risk of scarring or adhesion. It aims to support healing by creating an environment conducive to nerve regeneration, while maintaining healing and ensuring proper regrowth and functional restoration. Orthocell’s regulatory and growth strategy for Remplir continues to progress. The company is undertaking a US market authorisation study and is due to submit a US 510(k) application with the FDA in December with approval expected by late Q1 CY25. The approval of Remplir in Australia and New Zealand has resulted in record revenue growth for the company over the last two quarters. With sales expected in Singapore from early 2025 and pending approvals in other jurisdictions, further growth for Orthocell is anticipated. The OCC share price has risen more than 62% YTD. Note: While Renerve and Orthocell are Stockhead advertisers, the companies did not sponsor this article. Originally published as Renerve all set to become only the second nerve-repair stock on the ASX More related stories Stockhead Trump’s tariffs hits ASX, but EML jumps 24pc The ASX has dropped on Tuesday following Trump’s tariff announcement, but EML Payments surged after reporting strong Q1 results. Read more Stockhead Two biotech IPOs test strength of market Two new biotech companies – Vitrafy and Renerve – listed today, breaking an eight-month drought of life sciences IPOs on the ASX. Read more

Trump names Pam Bondi as his pick for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws from consideration

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants organization got exactly what it deserved in getting blown out by Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Giants were embarrassed in Sunday's 30-7 loss , taunted by Mayfield after a touchdown run just before halftime. And then they saw their fans walk out on them again when the Bucs extended their lead to 30-0 and sent New York (2-9) to its sixth straight loss. The losing streak is the longest for the Giants since 2019, when they dropped a franchise-record nine straight games to finish 4-12. That led to the firing of coach Pat Shurmur after two seasons. Third-year coach Brian Daboll is clearly in trouble, with the Giants guaranteed a second straight losing season. They were 6-11 in a 2023 season that featured a lot of injuries. Daboll, who denies he has lost the team, isn't the only one whose job is in jeopardy. General manager Joe Schoen is on the hot seat and so is this entire franchise, which is celebrating its 100th year. It's one thing to lose. It's quite another to give up, and that's what the organization did when it decided to bench Daniel Jones a week ago and then release him on Friday after the 27-year-old asked co-owner John Mara to let him walk away. While he wasn't playing well, Jones was the Giants' best quarterback. He gave them more a of chance to win than either Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock. Removing him from the picture was all but certain to make the Giants worse, even if it was a good business decision. If Jones was hurt and unable the pass his physical before the 2025 season, the team would have been on the hook for a $23 million cap hit. The problem is the players care about now. By getting rid of Jones and elevating DeVito to the starting role, the front office was telling the team it didn't care about winning with seven games left in the season. So the players gave a lackluster effort. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence called the team soft. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers said he was sick of losing. Left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said he saw a lack of effort by some players. What they all were saying was they were angry at being betrayed. Money is never more important than winning, and the Giants made that mistake. At this point in the season? Nothing. The offense once again. The Giants have scored a league-low 163 points, including only 60 in six games at MetLife Stadium, where they are winless this season. They have scored in double figures at home twice. Daboll's team has been held scoreless in the first half in three of 11 games and it has been held without a first-half touchdown seven times. Daboll said he will continue to call the offensive plays. S Tyler Nubin. The rookie has had a team-high 12 tackles in each of the last two games. His 81 tackles for the season are just two behind team leader Bobby Okereke. RB Tyrone Tracy. The rookie leads Giants running backs with 587 yards on 116 carries — a 5.1-yard average for the fifth-round pick. But holding onto the ball has been a big issue. Tracy's fumble in overtime cost New York a chance to win in Germany against Carolina. He also lost the ball in the third quarter at the Bucs 5-yard line with New York down 23-0. It earned him a seat on the bench. LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe) left Sunday's game in the first quarter. Chris Hubbard filled in at tackle and the Giants luckily got back DL Kayvon Thibodeaux this past week after he missed five games with a broken wrist. DeVito was banged up but Daboll expects him to start against the Cowboys. 10 — The Giants have gone 10 consecutive games without an interception, tying the NFL record held by the 1976-77 San Francisco 49ers and the 2017 Oakland — now Las Vegas — Raiders. The Giants and Raiders now share the single-season mark. A national showcase on Thanksgiving Day for the NFC-worst Giants at Dallas. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

By Leah Nylen and Jaewon Kang | Bloomberg A judge blocked Kroger Co.’s $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons Cos. , finding the takeover would lessen competition for US grocery shoppers, in a ruling that marks a likely death knell for the deal. In a decision filed in Oregon federal court Tuesday, US District Judge Adrienne Nelson found in favor of the US Federal Trade Commission. The agency had argued that the proposed tie-up violates US antitrust law and that a division of hundreds of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc. wouldn’t do enough to replace the lost competition. Also see: Biggest question from Kroger-Albertsons trial: What’s a grocery store? “There is ample evidence that the division is not sufficient in scale to adequately compete with the merged firm and is structured in a way that will significantly disadvantage C&S as a competitor,” Nelson wrote. “The deficiencies in the disvestiture scope and structure create a risk that some or all of the divested stores will lose sales or close, as has happened in past C&S acquisitions.” Nelson’s decision is a major victory for the FTC and its outgoing Chair Lina Khan, who came under harsh criticism from conservatives and business groups for stepped-up antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration. “Today’s win protects competition in the grocery market, which will prevent prices from rising even more,” said FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar. “This statement makes it clear that strong, reality-based antitrust enforcement delivers real results for consumers, workers, and small businesses.” Also see: Albertsons would have shed these 63 California stores A C&S Wholesale spokesperson said the company is disappointed by the court’s decision and that it looks forward to seeing how Kroger and Albertsons will determine the next steps of the proposed deal. Kroger and Albertsons didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Attorneys for the companies have said the acquisition would probably be called off if the judge ruled against the deal. Kroger shares jumped as much as 6.1% in New York trading on Tuesday, extending earlier gains. Albertsons slumped as much as 10%. Specific Market Nelson agreed with the FTC that supermarkets constitute a specific market, countering the companies’ argument that the market extends to online retailers like Amazon.com Inc. “Supermarkets are distinct from other grocery retailers,” Nelson wrote. “Supermarkets offer a larger selection of fresh and non-perishable items, a one-stop shopping experience that appeals to a particular consumer’s preference to meet all their grocery needs in one location, and a customer service focus with deli, bakery, meat, and other specialized departments.” The ruling marks a disappointing end to a two-year odyssey by Kroger and Albertsons, which sought to become a bigger player with a more substantial national footprint to better compete against larger, non-unionized rivals including Walmart Inc. Kroger and Albertsons agreed to combine in October 2022 in what would have been the biggest US grocery deal in history, bringing together more than 4,000 stores across 48 states and Washington, DC. Kroger will likely turn its focus back to improving and investing in its existing network of about 2,750 stores. Albertsons, on the other hand, could emerge again as a deal target, but is expected in the near term to invest in its roughly 2,270 stores and technology. The proposed deal has been a political hot potato, drawing pushback from elected officials, union groups and consumer advocacy firms. The companies vowed to spend $1 billion to cut prices, $1.3 billion to improve store conditions and $1 billion to raise worker wages and benefits following the deal. The FTC has increased antitrust enforcement under the Biden administration, though the results in court have been mixed. The FTC lost a challenge to Microsoft Corp.’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. and won against Illumina Inc. over its purchase of startup Grail and against Tapestry Inc.’s planned $8.5 billion acquisition of Capri Holdings Inc. The companies and the agency fought their case in court for three weeks over the summer in Oregon, as grocery inflation came back into the political spotlight ahead of the US presidential election. Grocery inflation hit a four-decade high in 2022 due to higher costs of labor, transportation and ingredients. Price increases have moderated and are expected to stay within historical ranges, though many American shoppers still say expensive groceries continue to squeeze their ability to spend. The FTC argued that the deal would harm consumers by eliminating competition on prices and quality, making the combined entity less likely to improve its services by offering flexible hours and pickup services. It said the grocers would have more leverage over workers, which would slow wage growth and worsen benefits, and that the proposed divestiture would be inadequate. The agency tried to depict Kroger and Albertsons as the most direct competitors. It said the deal would combine the two largest “traditional supermarkets” in a market that includes Walmart and Target, but does not include Amazon, Costco, Aldi and dollar stores. The companies argued that such a definition is “antiquated” and no longer describes how people shop and pointed to various changes they have made in response to newer threats. The grocers also said joining forces would help them increase market share and improve technology to compete with Amazon, Walmart and other companies. The case is Federal Trade Commission v. Kroger Co., 24-cv-00347, US District Court, District of Oregon (Portland). 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People from across the political spectrum mourned former President Jimmy Carter upon news of his death. The Georgia Democrat and noted humanitarian’s son James E. Carter III announced that his father had passed away while surrounded by family in his birthplace of Plains, Georgia, on Sunday. He was 100 years old. His son, known as Chip Carter, wrote, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love.” In a statement from the White House, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden remembered Carter as a “dear friend” who changed the world. “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,” it began. Remarking on Carter’s “compassion and moral clarity,” the Bidens noted how the Nobel Prize winner “worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us.” “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe,” the statement went on. Calling Carter “a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” the Bidens also shared their admiration for the president’s 77-year marriage with his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023. “The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism,” the president and first lady said. President-elect Donald Trump paid tribute to Carter in a post on Truth Social, where he wrote about the weight of the presidential office. “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” he shared. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” Trump went on. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” Former President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary Clinton celebrated Carter’s life in a joint statement where they gave “thanks for his long, good life.” “Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others-until the very end,” it continued, noting his commitment to civil rights, protecting the environment, international diplomacy and supporting vulnerable Americans through his post-presidential work with Habitat for Humanity. “He worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the Clintons’ tribute said. In his own statement, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote that Carter “personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.” Hillary's and my statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter: pic.twitter.com/SOgqTZUdi6 “From his legacy as President, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality,” the statement read. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) honored Carter as someone who “lived a truly American dream,” serving his country “during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad.” A statement from McConnell’s office described Carter as “a devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia” whose career in public service started when he “volunteered to serve his country in uniform.” “He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean,” the Kentucky Republican wrote. “He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.” McConnell went on to say that despite the tumult of Carter’s 1977 to 1981 term in the Oval Office, “his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable.” Remarking on Carter’s deep faith, he added how “Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.” Sad to learn about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. I join all Americans in saluting President Carter’s lifetime of service—first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States.... House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) paid tribute to the former president in a post on X, where he wrote that he was “sad to learn” of Carter’s death. “I join all Americans in saluting President Carter’s lifetime of service — first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States,” his post continued, adding how Carter “set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity.” At 100, Carter was the longest-living U.S. president in the nation’s history. Born in 1924, he witnessed the tenure of 17 other presidents throughout his lifetime. On Jan. 20, Donald Trump will reclaim the most powerful seat in our nation's government. HuffPost will continue to fearlessly report on the new administration — but we need your help. We believe vital information during this unprecedented time should be free for everyone. With your support, we can provide critical news without paywalls. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Carter is survived by sons James E. Carter III, Jack Carter, Jeff Carter and daughter Amy, as well as his 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks, according to The Carter Center. Related From Our Partner

State, national officials remember Jimmy Carter

Security cameras captured video of a University of Mississippi student leaving his campus apartment twice on the morning he was last seen alive, University Police Department Capt. Jane Mahan testified Wednesday in the trial of the man accused of killing the student. Jimmy “Jay” Lee, 20, was a gay man well known in the LGBTQ+ community at Ole Miss and in Oxford, where the university is located. He vanished July 8, 2022. Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr., 24, of Grenada, Mississippi, is charged with capital murder in Lee’s death, and his trial began Tuesday in Oxford. Herrington has maintained his innocence. Police said cellphone history showed conversations between Herrington and Lee on the morning Lee disappeared. Jurors on Wednesday were shown video clips of Lee leaving his own apartment shortly after 4 a.m., wearing a robe and slippers. The clips showed him returning about 40 minutes later and leaving again just before 6 a.m. When he left the last time, he was looking at his cellphone. A friend of Lee, Khalid Fears, testified Tuesday that he had a video chat with Lee while Lee left the apartment around 6 a.m. that day. Lee said he was going back to see a man he had seen hours earlier, Fears testified. Mahan testified Wednesday about the timeline of the video clips showing Lee at the campus apartment. She said campus police started searching for Lee after his mother, Stephanie Lee, called later that day to request a welfare check on her son after he didn’t respond to multiple messages. Jay Lee’s apartment had an electronic key card, and Mahan testified that police contacted the campus housing department to put an alert on his card, which would automatically send police an email if the card were used. An assistant district attorney, Gwen Agho, asked Mahan if Lee ever returned to his apartment after he was recorded leaving that morning. “Not that I’ve ever been notified of, no,” Mahan said. Lee and Herrington saw each other twice during the hours before Lee disappeared, Agho said during opening arguments Tuesday. She said the men had sexual contact during their first meeting, and Lee was upset when he left Herrington’s apartment. Herrington invited Lee back — and before Lee arrived, Herrington searched online for how long it takes to strangle someone, Agho said. Herrington “was not openly in the LGBTQ community,” she said. A witness, Kizziah Carter, testified Wednesday that he was driving home from work at about 7:30 that morning and saw Herrington jogging along a road in Oxford. Carter said he knew Herrington and honked to greet him, and Carter flagged him down to ask for a ride. The road was near an apartment complex where Lee’s car was found later in the day. Carter said he drove Herrington to Herrington’s apartment in another complex. Surveillance video also recorded Herrington running from where Lee’s car was found, and he was later seen picking up a shovel and wheelbarrow at his parents’ house, authorities said. Lee’s body has not been found. In October, a judge declared him dead at the request of Lee’s parents. Lee’s active presence on social media fell silent after July 8, 2022, and no transactions have appeared on his credit card since then, prosecutors said. Herrington was arrested two weeks after Lee vanished, then released five months later on a $250,000 bond. A grand jury indicted him in March 2023. Herrington’s attorney, Kevin Horan, told jurors Tuesday that prosecutors have “zero” proof that Lee was killed or that any crime happened. Both Herrington and Lee had graduated from the University of Mississippi. Lee was pursuing a master’s degree. He was known for his creative expression through fashion and makeup and often performed in drag shows in Oxford, according to a support group called Justice for Jay Lee. Prosecutors have announced they do not intend to pursue the death penalty, meaning Herrington could get a life sentence if convicted. Mississippi law defines capital murder as a killing committed along with another felony — in this case, kidnapping.

Gibson Energy Announces Contract Extension at Gateway, Sanctioning of the Gateway Dredging Project and $200 million in 2025 Growth Capital & Share Buybacks

FILE PHOTO: Jul 13, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward (8) walks off the field during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo The Los Angeles Dodgers named former Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward as their first-base coach. Woodward replaces Clayton McCullough, who was named the Miami Marlins manager earlier this month. A native of the Los Angeles area, Woodward was the Rangers' manager from 2019 into the 2022 season before he was dismissed after compiling a 211-287 record. He was an adviser to the Dodgers' player-development staff last season and was the Los Angeles third-base coach from 2016-18. The 48-year-old played 12 seasons in the major leagues, batting .239 with 33 home runs and 191 RBIs over 659 games for five teams, including his first six seasons (1999-2004) with the Toronto Blue Jays before returning to Toronto in 2011. --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowTweet Facebook Mail More than a dozen domestic flights have been cancelled in Melbourne due to heavy fog blanketing large parts of the city. A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said the fog was "continuing to impact operations", but stressed there were minimal delays. Drivers have also been warned of "dangerous" road conditions, with reduced visibility affecting those in the northern and western suburbs. READ MORE:  Famous department store says worker hid up to $236 million in expenses Heavy fog blocks Melbourne's skyline. (Nine) The State Emergency Service (SES) has advised drivers to reduce speed, maintain a greater distance between the cars in front of them and turn on their headlights. Melbourne Airport advised delays could lengthen if the fog persists into the morning. There have been 29 domestic cancellations this morning. "Passengers are advised to check with their airline for updates on individual flights," the spokesperson said. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

Trump Raced To Pick Many Cabinet Posts. He Took More Time To Settle On A Treasury Secretary.None

(The Center Square) – State and national officials lauded former President Jimmy Carter for his public service after learning of his death Sunday afternoon at the age of 100. President Joe Biden said an official state funeral would be held for Carter in Washington. "He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism," Biden said. "We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism." President-elect Donald Trump urged everyone to keep the Carter family in their thoughts and prayers. "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," Trump said in a statement released from his campaign. "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." Former president Bill Clinton gave Carter and his wife Rosalynn the Medal of Freedom in 1999. "From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn's devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity--he worked tirelessly for a fairer, better world," Clinton and his wife Hillary said in a statement. More from this section Former president George W. Bush hailed Carter as a man of deeply held convictions. "President Carter dignified the office," Bush said on social media. "And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." Carter served as Georgia's governor from 1971-1975 before becoming president. Under his leadership, the European and Japanese state trade offices were launched, as well as the Georgia Film Commission," Gov. Brian Kemp said. "He and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter's support of the civil rights movement in the place of its birth is also remembered with deep appreciation." Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said Carter exemplified what it meant to be a public servant. "I had the honor of meeting him and his wife, and I will never forget that day," Jones said. "They were kind, wonderful, accepting and exactly what they portrayed every day, two people devoted to lifting up those in their community who needed help the most. President Carter's legacy will live on in the numerous nonprofits, charities and organizations Rosalynn, his family and him started."Trump says he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be agriculture secretary

Senator Abaribe welcomes arrest of Simon EkpaNorway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has sold all of its shares in Israel's Bezeq, which provides telecommunications services to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The decision, announced late on Tuesday, comes after the fund's ethics watchdog, the Council on Ethics, adopted a new, tougher interpretation of ethics standards for businesses that aid Israel's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. The $1.8-trillion fund has been an international leader in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment field. It owns 1.5 per cent of the world's listed shares across 8,700 companies, and its size gives it influence. It is the latest decision by a European financial entity to cut back links to Israeli companies or those with ties to the country, as pressure mounts from foreign governments to end the war in Gaza. Bezeq, Israel's largest telecom group, declined to comment. Analysis With Hamas losing grip on Gaza, lawlessness becomes one more threat to civilians International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli defence minister "The company, through its physical presence and provision of telecom services to Israeli settlements in the West Bank, is helping to facilitate the maintenance and expansion of these settlements, which are illegal under international law," the sovereign wealth fund's watchdog said in its recommendation to divest. "By doing so the company is itself contributing to the violation of international law." The Council on Ethics said it noted that the company had said it was providing telecom services to Palestinian areas in the West Bank, but that did not outweigh the fact that it was also providing services to Israeli settlements. The watchdog for Norway's sovereign wealth fund makes recommendations to the board of the country's central bank, shown in Oslo, which has the final say on divestments. (Victoria Klesty/Reuters) The watchdog makes recommendations to the board of the Norwegian central bank, which has the final say on divestments. The advice on Bezeq was the first recommendation to divest since the watchdog toughened its policy in August. More decisions are expected. Divestment's impact 'negligible' The fund has now sold all of its stock in the company. Before that, it had cut its stake during the first half of 2024, owning 0.76 per cent of the company's shares valued at $23.7 million at the end of June, down from a holding of 2.2 per cent at the start of the year, fund data showed. Sources close to the company said the divestment's impact was "negligible" as it amounted to just 0.7 per cent of the shares and that the decision was clearly a "political decision." He was an IDF officer but now he says he'd rather go to jail than participate in the Gaza war His daughter, two others were crushed to death waiting in line to buy bread in central Gaza They said Bezeq was allowed to provide telecom services to Jewish settlements in Area C under the 1994 Oslo Accords — which also called for the Palestinian Authority to set up its own telecom network to Palestinian areas. "Bezeq is operating according to the Oslo agreements, so it's a political decision," one source said. "Of all the companies to choose [to divest] from, Bezeq should have been the last." A car is parked next to the Israeli wall in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, in December 2023. Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, the wealth fund's Council on Ethics had been investigating whether more companies fall outside its permitted investment guidelines. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters) In May, Norway recognized Palestine as a state, alongside Spain and Ireland. Norway served as a facilitator in the 1992-93 talks between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization that led to the Oslo Accords in 1993. Area C, which comprises about 60 per cent of the West Bank, is under full Israeli control and contains most Israeli settlements. Israeli policies 'conflict with international law': watchdog The Council on Ethics said it was aware of this but that "the situation in the area has developed in the opposite direction to that presumed by the Oslo Accords." "The settlements are constantly being expanded, Palestinians are constantly being driven from their homes and land areas are de facto being annexed," it told Reuters, citing its recommendation. "Qualified discrimination and violent abuse of the Palestinian population in Area C is also taking place." The fund watchdog's new definition of ethical breaches is partly based on an International Court of Justice finding in July that "the occupation itself, Israel's settlement policy and the way Israel uses the natural resources in the areas are in conflict with international law," according to an Aug. 30 letter it addressed to the Finance Ministry. Trucks carrying aid into Gaza are being violently ransacked. Here's what we know Israeli defence minister threatens to expand Lebanon war if Hezbollah ceasefire collapses Since Israel's war in Gaza began in October 2023, after the militant group Hamas led an attack into southern Israel, the council had been investigating whether more companies fall outside its permitted investment guidelines. Before the announcement to divest, the fund had divested from nine companies operating in the West Bank. Their operations include building roads and homes in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and providing surveillance systems for an Israeli wall around the West Bank.

Maha mandate shows who has inherited Thackeray legacy: Shrikant ShindeThere is optimism among Southern California defense contractors that the incoming presidential administration’s plans and policies will inject adrenaline into the local economy and generate hundreds of new jobs, especially with talk of strengthening the U.S. military. President-elect Donald Trump has publicly vowed to strengthen the country’s military by making it more efficient and through that find better ways to develop more defense products utilizing technology innovation. He has also said he will build up a larger naval fleet to compete with China. Just after winning the presidential election, Trump named Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, founder of a pharmaceutical company, as co-leaders of a government efficiency initiative focused on cutting bureaucracy and waste in government. Many smaller tech firms, some of which have relationships with Musk’s Space X and Tesla, are hopeful the initiative could give them an edge over bigger defense companies with huge budgets. “The new administration is very passionate about countering China and they recognize the ability for the U.S. to outcompete China that manufacturing is probably the most important thing to counter that threat,” said Chris Power, CEO and founder of Hadrian Automation, a company based in Torrance that runs automated factories building defense products. “We haven’t been talking about reindustrializing the country in the last 10 years. Now, the vice president, a lot of the policymakers are hellbent on figuring out how to reindustrialize the U.S., both by investing in the country and also by creating an even playing field with China.” Power, an Australian who lives in Hermosa Beach and started his company just three years ago, was among hundreds who attended the 11th annual Regean National Defense Forum held over the weekend at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The event is an opportunity for representatives of defense and technology companies to rub shoulders and exchange ideas with lawmakers, senior Department of Defense leadership, and foreign defense leaders in an environment away from the hubbub of the nation’s capital. Southern California is packed with hundreds of defense-oriented companies and continues to be a leader in military defense innovation. Commercial technology is also significant in the country’s national security approach. Because of that, the forum is also an opportunity for non-traditional companies to get a share of the spotlight and for startups like Hadrian Automation to get a chance to talk with people otherwise not in their sphere. This year’s forum, themed “Peace Through Strength in a Time of Transition,” included a day of back-to-back panel discussions. Key themes included what the new presidential administration would mean for defense, overcoming production and manufacturing constraints to build the future force, space capabilities and the space economy, modernizing defense capabilities, the next national defense strategy, and public opinion on national security after the election. During a discussion on force structure, resources and the next national defense strategy, panelists emphasized funding military needs going forward. Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, who serves on the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, pressed the importance of passing the appropriation bills that fund military spending. “We need to get these bills done and give certainty to the military that they have the resources available in the Trump administration,” he said. “I know it’s difficult in an era where we have significant national debt, but nonetheless, our national security is at risk, and we need to move forward.” The uncertainty of the government’s appropriations process makes it difficult for the defense industry, “from a development perspective and a production perspective,” said Lawrence Culp Jr., chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace. “Without that clarity, it’s very hard to keep someone at task with all these stops and starts and the policy uncertainty of late – it’s very hard.” The smaller companies further down the supply chain bear a lot of the weight of uncertainty, he added. “When you talk about the small and medium-sized businesses that are part of that supply chain, the small companies we rely on for input, one, two, three tiers away, they’re at the end of the whip and they can’t really handle that, either operationally or financially.” Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said at the forum that is where Trump needs to use his ability to generate enthusiasm among the public and make Americans aware of the nation’s dangers if it doesn’t have a strong military. “The American people really don’t understand how much of a threat we’re facing,” he said. “We have got to educate the American people on that. We haven’t had a president in the last years who has gone to the American people and gotten their support. It’s the only way you get leadership in Congress to pay attention and get the action you need.” The forum produces a survey each year on public perception of military defense, the last conducted just after the November election by a bipartisan research group. Of the 2,500 surveyed, 79% of respondents said they want the U.S. to spend more on national defense. At the same time, 61% said the military should be large enough to win two wars simultaneously; 49% said China poses the most significant threat, while 25% said Russia poses more of a threat. And, that’s where lawmakers such as Calvert think Southern California companies can have opportunities to become more successful. “Southern California is the intellectual capital of the world when it comes to national security innovation and manufacturing,” he said. “President Trump is committed to a strong military that is focused on the threats we face today and tomorrow. There’s no doubt in my mind that Southern California will continue to make a significant contribution to those important goals in the years ahead. There’s widespread agreement that we need to invest in our national security to remain the preeminent superpower in the world.” With a new administration coming in talking about cutting waste in government agencies while strengthening the country with a more targeted and effective military, local companies working with defense contractors and manufacturers are looking to the future with a hopeful eye. Brandon Tseng, a former Navy SEAL who co-founded Shield AI and attended the defense forum this year for the second time, said more government interest in smaller companies that produce military technology will help Shield AI create more jobs. The San Diego-based company, which employs 900 people, aims to protect service members and civilians with AI systems. It develops artificial intelligence-powered pilot systems, drones and technology for military operations. “I’m bullish on the defense tech ecosystem,” he said, adding that he’s excited about Trump’s inclusion in his administration of Musk, Ramaswamy and Stephen Feinberg, a private equity investor with interests in the defense industry, who Tseng calls problem-solvers. Related links “What I’m optimistic about is that you have these operators who have run companies, been in the trenches, solved problems, and know what it means to walk the walk, not just talk the talk,” Tseng said. “The administration is bullish on doing things more efficiently, more effectively; that’s what technology is about. I think you’re going to see it will be very helpful for a lot of defense tech companies.” And, it’s exactly the idea of manufacturing parts quickly and efficiently that Power, of Hadrian Automation in Torrance, believes will help reinspire U.S. manufacturing, which he believes is the basis of a strong national defense. With his company, he hopes to inspire many young, smart people to want to get back into manufacturing – but in a more modern way that uses software to improve the manufacturing process and make it more efficient and effective. “U.S. power is based on the dollar,” he said. “The dollar is based on military might, which is really based on industrial power. We shot ourselves in the foot as a country by outsourcing our industrial power to China. That took away all the manufacturing skillsets, manufacturing technology, and a lot of jobs. For the last 25 years, we’ve treated China like a partner, but they have been subsidizing aggressively their manufacturing base specifically to gut our industrial power as a country.” At the same time the general public’s interest in manufacturing has dipped, he argued, with more people in the 1980s and ’90s choosing a four-year degree as the way to a successful future and a middle class that commands relatively high wages. “If you want manufacturing in America, the only way to do it is to build software factories that give the American workforce a productivity advantage so we can scale and use a new workforce instead of a legacy,” he said. “And if we want to be cost-competitive globally and efficient, we either have to pay everyone a very small amount or give the American workforce the 10x advantage with American software engineering and robotics.” Power sees Trump’s focus on empowering industrialization as having a huge impact on jobs. He plans to open two new facilities in the next year. “The faster we scale, the more jobs we provide,” he said. “And they’re better and more exciting jobs.” Related Articles

(The Center Square) – Christians helped push President-elect Donald Trump across the finish line on Election Day, a survey found. Trump received the majority of the Christian vote, while Vice President Kamala Harris received the majority of the non-Christian vote. This is according to a report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, which surveyed 2,000 voting-age adults nationally. The election was a historic comeback for Republicans on many fronts, with Trump being the first Republican to win the popular vote vote in over two decades. Among self-identified Christians, Trump also received 56% of their votes, compared to the 60% Harris received from non-Christians. Yet, because the majority of voters still identify as Christians, Trump had a larger share of the vote. “Although Harris won a larger share of the non-Christian vote than Trump’s share of the Christian votes, Christians outnumbered non-Christian voters by more than a 5 to 2 margin – delivering the decisive Nov. 5 victory to President Trump,” the report said. “Not only did most of Trump’s votes come from Christians, but they gave him a 17 million vote cushion over Harris, which proved to be an insurmountable lead.” Christians represented 72% of the voters who turned out. The report also found that Catholics had record-high turnout, despite overall voter and Christian voter turnout being well below what it was in 2020. While voter turnout was lower than 2020 in most of the Christian subgroups polled, 70% of Catholics reported voting compared to 2020’s 67%. Voters with a “biblical worldview” also voted at a higher percentage, up to 67% in 2024 from 2020’s 64%. Just days before the election, Trump predicted that Harris would struggle with the Catholic vote on Election Day. “Kamala Harris has finally lost the Catholic vote,” he said on social media on Oct. 25. “Her and the Democrats persecution of the Catholic Church is unprecedented! Her poll numbers have dropped like a rock, both with Catholics, and otherwise.” While many politicos expressed concerns that Trump’s moderate pro-life stance would disenfranchise Christian and anti-abortion voters, it seems to have much less of an impact than expected. In fact, Trump pointed to Harris’ abortion stance as pushing Catholics toward voting for him. “Kamala is demanding late-term abortion, in months seven, eight, and nine, and even execution after birth, and people aren’t buying it – and they never will,” the former president said . The report found that 20% of Christians selected abortion as the most-consequential issue this election, with inflation (38%) and immigration (34%) receiving even higher percentages. Yet, potentially even more impactful on the election than the increase in the Catholic vote was the significant drop in non-Christian turnout, even higher than those reported in Christian subgroups. The report found that adults “associated with a faith other than Christianity” and “adults who have no religious faith” had a massive drop in turnout from 2020, dropping 12% and 9% respectively. With both of these groups historically supporting Democratic candidates, this cratering in support likely had a significant impact on Harris’ chances of winning. George Barna, who serves as the director of research at the Cultural Research Center and led the survey, said Trump’s boost with Christians was just too much for Harris. “Americans forget that two-thirds of adults in this nation consider themselves to be Christians,” Barna said . “Donald Trump, for all of his perceived and ridiculed faults, did a better job than did Kamala Harris of representing hallowed Christian characteristics such as the importance and support of family, the rule of law, limited government authority, financial responsibility, and the like.”

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