By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Republican senators pushed back on Sunday against criticism from Democrats that , Donald Trump’s pick to lead , is “compromised” by and , as a congresswoman, with Syria’s president, a close ally of the Kremlin and Iran. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and veteran of combat missions in Iraq, said she had concerns about Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s choice to be . “I think she’s compromised,” Duckworth said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” citing Gabbard’s 2017 trip to Syria, where she held talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Gabbard was a Democratic House member from Hawaii at the time. “The U.S. intelligence community has identified her as having troubling relationships with America’s foes. And so my worry is that she couldn’t pass a background check,” Duckworth said. Gabbard, who said last month she is joining the Republican Party, has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades. She was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait and, according to the Hawaii National Guard, a Combat Medical Badge in 2005 for “participation in combat operations under enemy hostile fire in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.” Duckworth’s comments drew immediate backlash from Republicans. “For her to say ridiculous and outright dangerous words like that is wrong,” Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, said on CNN, challenging Duckworth to retract her words. “That’s the most dangerous thing she could say — is that a United States lieutenant colonel in the United States Army is compromised and is an asset of Russia.” In recent days, other Democrats have accused Gabbard without evidence of being a “Russian asset.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, has claimed, without offering details, that Gabbard is in Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s pocket.” Mullin and others say the criticism from Democrats is rooted in the fact that Gabbard left their party and has become a Trump ally. Democrats say they worry that Gabbard’s selection as national intelligence chief endangers ties with allies and gives Russia a win. Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat just elected to the Senate, said he would not describe Gabbard as a Russian asset, but said she had “very questionable judgment.” “The problem is if our foreign allies don’t trust the head of our intelligence agencies, they’ll stop sharing information with us,” Schiff said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Gabbard in 2022 endorsed one of Russia’s justifications for : the existence of working on some of the world’s nastiest pathogens. The labs are part of an international effort to control outbreaks and stop bioweapons, but Moscow claimed Ukraine was using them to create deadly bioweapons. Gabbard said she just voiced concerns about protecting the labs. Gabbard also has suggested that Russia had legitimate security concerns in deciding to invade Ukraine, given its desire to join NATO. Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri said he thought it was “totally ridiculous” that Gabbard was being cast as a Russian asset for having different political views. “It’s insulting. It’s a slur, quite frankly. There’s no evidence that she’s a asset of another country,” he said on NBC. Sen. James Lankford, another Oklahoma Republican, acknowledged having “lots of questions” for Gabbard as the Senate considers her nomination to lead the intelligence services. Lankford said on NBC that he wants to ask Gabbard about her meeting with Assad and some of her past comments about Russia. “We want to know what the purpose was and what the direction for that was. As a member of Congress, we want to get a chance to talk about past comments that she’s made and get them into full context,” Lankford said.Botafogo wins first Libertadores in Argentina to crown South American football season
Magro Brothers named best overall at 2024 International Business AwardsMovies playing in Southeast Michigan, new releases Dec. 25Retailers coax Black Friday shoppers into stores with big discounts and giveaways NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers in the U.S. have used giveaways and bigger-than expected discounts to reward shoppers who ventured out on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving still reigns for now as the unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season even if it’s lost some luster. Analysts reported seeing the biggest crowds at stores that offered real savings. They say many shoppers are being cautious with their discretionary spending despite the easing of inflation. Stores are even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there are five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Online sales figures from Thanksgiving Day gave retailers a reason to remain hopeful for a lucrative end to the year. Trump and Republicans in Congress eye an ambitious 100-day agenda, starting with tax cuts WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans swept to power on Election Day and now control the House, the Senate and the White House, with plans for an ambitious 100-day agenda come January. Their to-do list includes extending tax breaks, cutting social programs, building the border wall to stop immigration and rolling back President Joe Biden's green energy policies. Atop that list is a plan to renew some $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts that were a signature domestic achievement of Republican Donald Trump’s first term as president. It's an issue that may define his return to the White House. The ruble's in a slump. For the Kremlin, that's a two-edged sword Russia’s ruble is sagging against other currencies, complicating the Kremlin’s efforts to keep consumer inflation under control with one hand even as it overheats the economy with spending on the war against Ukraine with the other. Over time a weaker ruble could mean higher prices for imports from China, Russia's main trade partner these days. President Vladimir Putin says things are under control. One wild card is sanctions against a key Russian bank that have disrupted foreign trade payments. If Russia finds a workaround for that, the ruble could regain some of its recent losses. Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — While retailers hope to go big this holiday season, customers may notice that the catalogs arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were scaled down to save on postage and paper. Some gift purveyors are sending out postcards. In a sign of the times, the American Catalog Mailers Association rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, industry experts say catalogs help retailers cut through the noise and still hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs. Massachusetts lawmakers push for an effort to ban all tobacco sales over time BOSTON (AP) — A handful of Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping to persuade their colleagues to support a proposal that would make the state the first to adopt a ban meant to eliminate the use of tobacco products over time. Other locations have weighed similar “generational tobacco bans.” The bans phase out the use of tobacco products based not just on a person's age but on birth year. Lawmakers plan to file the proposal next year. If approved, the bill would set a date and ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after that date forever, eventually banning all sales. Vietnam approves $67 billion high-speed railway project between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam has approved the construction of a high-speed railway connecting the capital Hanoi in the north with the financial capital of Ho Chi Minh in the south. It is expected to cost $67 billion and will stretch 1,541 kilometers (957 miles). The new train is expected to travel at speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph), reducing the journey from the current 30 hours to just five hours. The decision was taken by Vietnam’s National Assembly on Saturday. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and Vietnam hopes that the first trains will start operating by 2035. But the country has been beleaguered by delays to its previous infrastructure projects. Inflation rose to 2.3% in Europe. That won't stop the central bank from cutting interest rates FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Inflation in the 20 countries that use the euro currency rose in November — but that likely won’t stop the European Central Bank from cutting interest rates as the prospect of new U.S. tariffs from the incoming Trump administration adds to the gloom over weak growth. The European Union’s harmonized index of consumer prices rose 2.3 percent, up from 2.0% in October, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat. However, worries about growth mean the Dec. 12 ECB meeting is not about whether to cut rates, but by how much. Market buzz says there could be a larger than usual half-point cut in the benchmark rate, currently 3.25%. Stock market today: S&P 500 and Dow post gains and close out best month of 2024 NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks closed with solid gains as Wall Street put the finishing touches on one of its best months of the year. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 188 points, or 0.4%. The Nasdaq added 0.8%. Friday was an abbreviated trading day, with stocks closing at 1 p.m. ET and the bond market an hour later. Investors were looking to see how much shoppers are willing to spend on gifts for the holidays. Black Friday unofficially kicked off the holiday shopping season, although retailers had been offering early deals for weeks. Macy’s and Best Buy each gained around 2%. From T-shirts to thongs, how indie film merchandise became a hot commodity LOS ANGELES (AP) — Merchandise is nothing new. But in recent years, movie-inspired streetwear has exploded in popularity among film buffs, thanks in part to viral marketing campaigns put on by independent film studios. Take the hourslong line for one-day-only “Anora” pop-up in Los Angeles, for instance. Clothes are promoted as trendy and in limited supply and are often made in collaboration with popular brands. The experience of watching movies has become a less collective one in recent years. For many fans, repping their favorite films in public is a way to combat that. Santa's annual train visit delivers hope and magic to one corner of coal country ON BOARD THE SANTA TRAIN (AP) — Since 1943, the people of Appalachian Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee have looked forward to Santa’s arrival. Not in a sleigh on their rooftops, but on a train. At each stop of the CSX Santa Train there are dozens to hundreds of people. Many crowd around the back, where Santa and his helpers toss stuffed animals. Meanwhile groups of volunteer “elves” fan out with gifts, making sure every child goes home with something. Many of the children who line the tracks on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, waiting for Santa, are the third, fourth or fifth generation to do so. Sandra Owens has been coming for 43 years and now brings her grandchildren. She says, “The faces of the kids, that’s what makes me happy. You can’t see anything better.”
ESPN — Toledo vs. Pittsburgh at Ford Field (Detroit, MI) ESPN — Kansas State vs. Rutgers at Chase Field (Phoenix, AZ) ESPN — Bowling Green vs. Arkansas State at Hancock Whitney Stadium (Mobile, AL) NHLN — Sweden U20 at Slovakia U20 NHLN — Germany U20 at USA U20 NHLN — Switzerland U20 at Czech Republic U20 NHLN — Canada U20 at Finland U20 NBA TV — Oklahoma City at Indiana NBA TV — Utah at Portland USA — Premier League: Everton vs. Manchester City CBSSN — League One: Blackpool vs. Wrexham USA — Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United USA — Premier League: Manchester United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers CBSSN — Scottish Premiership: Rangers F.C. vs. St. Mirren USA — Premier League: Leicester City vs. Liverpool TENNIS — Mixed Coverage: Center Court Live The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV .
China is sharpening its electronic warfare blades against the US Navy, targeting critical sensors and radars to disrupt the Americans’ high-tech battle networks in a race for all-domain battlefield dominance. This month, the South China Morning Post that China’s People’s Liberation Army has unveiled a detailed list of US naval targets, including radars and sensors, for potential electronic warfare attacks against US aircraft carrier strike groups. SCMP says this “kill list,” published in the latest issue of Defense Industry Conversion in China, highlights the PLA’s strategy for disrupting the US Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system, a critical component of the fleet’s air defense and early warning network. According to SCMP, Mo Jiaqian, an electronic countermeasures expert with the PLA’s 92728 Unit, authored the report and outlined how the CEC’s reliance on wireless communication links makes it vulnerable to electronic interference. SCMP says key targets mentioned in the report include the AN/SPY-1 phased array radar on Aegis ships and the E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft. SCMP says the PLA aims to exploit these weaknesses to access the US military network and disrupt operations. It mentions that this development underscores the growing technological rivalry between China and the US, with China leveraging its advanced electronic devices for military applications. The report says the US has responded with sanctions on Chinese enterprises, inadvertently accelerating China’s military-civilian integration. Interfering with wireless communication links and exploiting them to access adversary networks shows the increasing convergence of electronic and cyber warfare. In an August 2019 report, the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) that the convergence of cyberspace operations and electronic warfare reflects a shift in military doctrine as both disciplines aim to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum. While the report notes that cyberspace operations and electronic warfare are historically distinct, technological advances have blurred their boundaries, enabling cross-functional capabilities. It points out that while cyberspace operations traditionally employ software to disrupt or control networked systems, electronic warfare uses electromagnetic energy to jam, intercept or manipulate communications. However, the report says modern operations increasingly see cyberspace operations and electronic warfare as supporting each other, such as transmitting computer code via radio frequencies to compromise adversary networks. For example, it mentions that the US EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, initially designed to jam enemy communications, now transmits malicious code to wireless devices. This multi-domain approach to attacking networks underscores the development of multi-domain operation (MDO) “kill chains”—the process of detecting, identifying, and engaging military targets. Such chains may herald a new arms race between the US and China. In the 2020 , , Christian Brose argues that the evolving race to develop kill chains marks a seismic shift in military strategy. Brose says that, unlike traditional arms races focused on hardware like battleships or nuclear weapons, this competition centers on cognitive superiority and decision-making speed. He mentions that the US and China are racing to master technologies such as AI, quantum computing and advanced sensors that can accelerate and automate the kill chain. The goal, Brose says, is to close the kill chain faster than the adversary while disrupting their ability to do the same. Brose argues that this arms race is not just about weapons but about controlling the flow of information — turning human intent into battlefield action with unprecedented speed. In line with the multi-domain kill chain arms race, Asia Times in February 2024 that the US Department of Defense (DoD) had achieved a significant milestone with the initial readiness of the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) system, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at enhancing military interoperability and AI integration across all warfare domains. This development marks a crucial step in the US DoD’s strategy to outmaneuver technologically advanced adversaries such as China. The CJADC2 system connects sensors from all armed forces branches into a unified network, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making. The US fiscal 2024 budget allocates USD 1.4 billion for CJADC2, underscoring its transformative potential. The system’s AI-driven capabilities enable rapid collection, analysis, and dissemination of battlefield information, allowing for swift identification and targeting of threats. This evolution builds on the older Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) concept, emphasizing interoperability with allies and partners. The initiative aims to create an information-fluent force capable of dominating networks and executing precise strikes from diverse locations. In response to the US CJADC2 concept, Asia Times in April 2024 that China developed its Multi-Domain Precision Warfare (MDPW) concept that integrates advanced technologies such as AI, quantum computing and big data into its military strategy to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in US operational systems. China’s MDPW strategy leverages a comprehensive C4ISR network to coordinate precise strikes across various domains, including cyber and space, to disrupt and dismantle the US military’s command and control infrastructure, thereby gaining a strategic advantage. However, these MDO concepts might become the latest military intellectual boondoggle, promising much while based on faulty assumptions. In a January 2024 War on the Rocks , Davis Ellison and Tim Swejis argue that MDO, while innovative, faces significant challenges in practical implementation. They point out that the primary criticisms include the lack of a clear theory of success, technological immaturity and vague threat descriptions. They highlight that MDO often relies on optimistic assumptions about technological capabilities, such as assured connectivity and rapid data processing, which are not yet fully realized. Additionally, they mention that the concept’s broad and sometimes ambiguous language leads to confusion and inconsistency across different military branches and allied nations. Ellison and Swejis argue that the absence of specific adversary identification further complicates the development of effective MDO strategies. They also point out that MDO’s emphasis on speed and precision may overlook the complexities of real-world combat, where attrition and the fog of war remain significant factors. They also question MDO’s integration within existing political and military structures, with concerns about inter-service rivalry and the feasibility of whole-of-government approaches. Ultimately, Ellison and Swejis warn that without addressing these issues, MDO risks becoming another overhyped military concept that fails to deliver on its promises, potentially diverting attention and resources from more pressing strategic and operational challenges.None
Sen. Mitch McConnell said Thursday he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader. The Kentucky Republican revealed he will assume the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. The role dovetails with his constant message that America needs a bulked-up military to deter threats from adversaries such as Russia, Iran and China. The transition comes as McConnell is ending his role as the longest-serving Senate leader in history, just as Republicans prepare to take majority control of the chamber after big gains in this month's election. Republicans elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune , a top deputy to McConnell, as the next Senate majority leader. McConnell, 82, said Thursday he will assume the subcommittee chairmanship at a critical time. “America’s national security interests face the gravest array of threats since the Second World War," the senator said in a statement. “At this critical moment, a new Senate Republican majority has a responsibility to secure the future of U.S. leadership and primacy.” McConnell frequently evokes Ronald Reagan’s mantra of “peace through strength” when discussing foreign policy risks and how the U.S. should respond. McConnell's stance could clash with President-elect Donald Trump’s “America First” doctrine on foreign affairs. McConnell worked with Trump on a tax cuts package and the appointment of conservative judges — including three justices to the nine-member Supreme Court — during Trump's first term as president. Fighting back against isolationism within his own party, McConnell has championed sending weapons and other aid to Ukraine as it fends off Russia’s invasion. McConnell said Thursday he's also set to become chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, which is often a more low-key panel at the center of big issues, both at the Capitol and in the country. The committee oversees the administration of the Senate side of the building, including during inaugurations. But it also puts McConnnell at the center of weighty topics, namely federal elections and voting rights as well as the procedures of the Senate, including the debate around the filibuster. McConnell said the committee will have important work in the coming two years. “Defending the Senate as an institution and protecting the right to political speech in our elections remain among my longest-standing priorities,” he said. There had been considerable speculation about what roles McConnell would take after stepping down as Republican leader. He has two years left in his current Senate term and has not signaled whether he will run for reelection in Kentucky in 2026. McConnell has been a prolific appropriator for the Bluegrass State, a role he’s well positioned to continue.China's getting a big electric car battery swapping boost in 2025. Would that work across the globe?
Eagles seek 7th straight win while Rams try to keep pace in crowded NFC West raceFOX45: Baltimore City’s ‘fiscal sponsorship’ network allows nonprofits to shield their financesGlobal Times: China's long, profound pursuit of peace embedded in Hehe culture By Wang Qiang
The stock market surged by more than 20% in 2024, surprising most strategists. Growth-focused mutual fund managers excelled, driven by investments in technology firms. They remain optimistic for 2025, despite concerns over valuations and tariff impacts. This year's 25% stock-market surge surprised most strategists , though a handful of fund managers seemed to know what was coming. An analysis of the top-performing mutual funds of 2024 found that, unsurprisingly, growth-minded managers fared best again this year. Artificial intelligence remained all the rage, as investors poured money into mega-cap technology companies like Nvidia and Alphabet that are at the forefront of this movement. Other Magnificent Seven stalwarts like Tesla and Meta outperformed in a friendly backdrop for stocks marked by solid economic growth, robust corporate profits, and falling inflation and interest rates. Wall Street is generally bullish about 2025 , especially since President-elect Trump has promised to cut taxes and remove regulations. But some market veterans are antsy , given Trump's tariff proposals and their potential impact on global trade, growth, and inflation. Before moving into the new year, it's worth bidding adieu to 2024 by seeing which fund managers notched the best returns and learning from the investing strategies that made them money. Below are 10 of the best-performing funds in markets and analyses of what helped them succeed, according to research and interviews done by Business Insider's investing team. The list is based on The Wall Street Journal's fund screener, excludes leveraged funds, and reflects performance as of December 17.How bad is Edmonton Oilers goaltending just now? You don't want to know
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Pro and cons for shoppers from Kroger-Albertsons’ failed merger explained by experts as fears grow over rising pricesNabors Industries Ltd. ( NYSE:NBR – Get Free Report ) shares hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as $52.75 and last traded at $53.53, with a volume of 32242 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $53.77. Analysts Set New Price Targets NBR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup boosted their price target on Nabors Industries from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, October 31st. Evercore ISI cut their target price on Nabors Industries from $94.00 to $85.00 and set an “in-line” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Nabors Industries from $110.00 to $88.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 16th. Susquehanna decreased their price objective on Nabors Industries from $79.00 to $77.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued a “sector perform” rating and set a $102.00 target price on shares of Nabors Industries in a report on Wednesday, October 16th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $97.00. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Nabors Industries Nabors Industries Price Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of NBR. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 1.5% in the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 206,041 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $13,286,000 after acquiring an additional 3,054 shares during the period. Barclays PLC increased its stake in Nabors Industries by 60.8% during the third quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 112,318 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock worth $7,241,000 after acquiring an additional 42,483 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP bought a new position in Nabors Industries in the 3rd quarter worth about $220,000. Centiva Capital LP bought a new position in Nabors Industries in the third quarter worth approximately $531,000. Finally, Atom Investors LP purchased a new position in shares of Nabors Industries during the third quarter valued at $332,000. Institutional investors own 81.92% of the company’s stock. About Nabors Industries ( Get Free Report ) Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: U.S. Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running services, including casing and tubing running, and torque monitoring; managed pressure drilling services; and drilling-bit steering systems and rig instrumentation software. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nabors Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nabors Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .