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DeSantis slams California ‘farce’ vote counts boosting Democrats weeks after electionGame show host Wink Martindale is 91. Singer Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon is 88. Actor-producer-director Max Baer Junior (“The Beverly Hillbillies”) is 87. Actor Gemma Jones is 82. Bassist Bob Mosley of Moby Grape is 82. Singer-bassist Chris Hillman of The Byrds and of the Flying Burrito Brothers is 80. Singer Southside Johnny Lyon of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes is 76. Actor Jeff Bridges is 75. Actor Patricia Wettig is 73. Drummer Brian Prout of Diamond Rio is 69. Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson is 69. Bassist Bob Griffin of The BoDeans is 65. Singer Vinnie Dombroski of Sponge is 62. Actor Marisa Tomei is 60. Comedian Fred Armisen (“Portlandia,” “Saturday Night Live”) is 58. Rapper Jay-Z is 55. Actor Kevin Sussman (“Ugly Betty”) is 54. Model Tyra Banks is 51. . — Associated Press Get local news delivered to your inbox!This cult comedian is touring in March. She still has no idea what her act will be
Application for fence crossing Bitterroot River tributary withdrawn, new one expectedSAO PAULO (AP) — Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is returning to his Brazilian boyhood club Sao Paulo after 14 years, which included a long spell in Chinese soccer. Sao Paulo president Julio Casares posted photos Tuesday on his social media channels which showed him with the 33-year-old former Brazil international. Casares described the move as “a super transfer." Minutes later, Oscar thanked China's Shanghai Port, where he played for eight seasons, for his time at the Chinese Super League club. “Today I finish a cycle that marked my life forever,” he said. “I leave with my heart full of gratitude and pride for everything we achieved together.” Oscar joined Sao Paulo on a free transfer. Neither the Brazilian club nor the player disclosed the duration of their deal, but local media reports said he signed a three-year contract. Oscar is returning to a club he sued to leave for another Brazilian team, Internacional, in 2010. In 2012, Oscar joined Chelsea and won one Europa League title and two Premier League trophies at the English club. Oscar joined Shanghai in the middle of Chelsea’s 2016-17 season for a transfer fee reported to be $73 million. He won three Super League titles in China and became a fan favorite in Asia. Oscar played for Brazil at the 2014 World Cup where he scored the only goal in its 7-1 semifinal defeat to Germany, which went on to win the tournament. ___ AP soccer:
Christmas: EFCC chair, Olukoyede, affirms greater prospects for Nigeria
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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Brazil's federal police say the former right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, attempted to launch a coup in 2022 to stay in office following his relection defeat. The police indicted 36 other people, as part of what they say was a criminal conspiracy working to keep Bolsonaro in power, after he lost the 2022 election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Among the dozens allegedly part of the conspiracy are Bolsonaro's former defense minister, who was also his vice-presidential running mate, and a number of former close aides. The Federal Police report called the coup an attempt to "violently dismantle the constitutional state". The nearly 900-page report now goes to Brazil's Supreme Court to be referred to the attorney general who will decide whether to go ahead and try the former president. Shortly after Bolsonaro's left wing rival took office in 2023, on January 8th, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed the presidential palace, the Supreme Court and congress in the capital Brasilia. Former Bolsonaro administration officials also accused of involvement in the alleged plot, include Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto, ex-National Security Adviser Augusto Heleno, the head of Bolsonaro's party, Valdemar Costa Neto and the former Justice Minister Anderson Torres. On Tuesday, officials arrested four members of the military, including a top aide to Bolsonaro who they said colluded to assassinate then President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, his vice-presidential pick and a Supreme Court Justice. The plan was to spark a federal emergency that would allow Bolsonaro to declare a "state of siege" and stay in power as a caretaker government. If convicted of attempting a coup and criminal association, the former president could face years in prison. Bolsonaro has denied all charges and says he is being politically persecuted. This is a developing story and will be updated Copyright 2024 NPRDenmark boosts Greenland military spending after Trump comments
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A Democratic state senator’s errant email is shedding light on new taxes that she and her colleagues may pursue in 2025 as well as a strategy to sell them to the public. Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, sent the missive last Friday as a follow-up to discussion during a Washington state Senate Democratic Caucus retreat. But she inadvertently blasted it out to every Republican senator too. You can predict what happened next. Her email and attached PowerPoint presentation found their way onto social media. A furor followed. Conservative podcaster Brandi Kruse, a former television journalist, led the way, calling the materials “worse than getting a lump of coal in your stocking.” “Probably the worst email and ideas in state history,” wrote Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, on X. He will be the lead Republican on the House Appropriations Committee next session. Frame on Monday described the email mixup as a “very simple error.” She said her presentation was intended as an “education exercise” for her Democratic colleagues. With the state facing a multi-billion dollar shortfall, she said her role as vice chair of finance on the Senate Ways and Means Committee is to explore tax options while others try to identify savings. “I wanted to get the conversation started early. Not this early. Now, every legislator is better prepared,” she said Frame’s email says the quiet part out loud. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen have said voters’ preserving of the capital gains tax in the November election is a sign they’re comfortable with requiring super-wealthy individuals and large businesses to pay a little more. And Democratic budget writers in the two chambers have already indicated that they plan to consider all revenue options to erase a shortfall estimated between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next four-and-a-half fiscal years. They’ve just not itemized tax policies in the manner Frame did. For example, there have been private conversations on attempting a statewide version of Seattle’s JumpStart tax levied on companies with large payrolls and high-paid employees. Frame puts it atop her list. The idea is employers would pay a tax on the total compensation paid to employees making more than $168,600 annually. It would affect companies with an annual payroll of $8 million or more in Washington. A “wealth tax” is on her list as well. Last year, she proposed a 1% levy on intangible assets above $250 million such as cash, bonds and stocks. Gov. Jay Inslee last week called for a similar tax on wealth above $100 million. Frame’s PowerPoint includes a guesstimate of what might be raised if the threshold is lowered to $50 million. In addition, Frame suggests the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate could make another run at a 1% real estate transfer tax on any portion of property sales above $3.025 million. That proposal didn’t reach the finish line last session. Her roster includes a 1% surcharge on taxes paid by the state’s largest corporations, an excise tax on guns and ammunition sales, a lift of the 1% cap on annual property tax increases, and a sales tax on self-storage unit rentals. “We can fund world-class schools, affordable housing, and more by making the wealthy few pay what they owe,” reads the PowerPoint. “We have to identify the villain and the problem blocking our progress and how we can take action to solve the issue.” Pedersen said Monday he doesn’t think it’s “necessarily a bad thing” the email got out. Democrats are trying to be transparent on the pluses and minuses of different revenue options, he said, adding that there will be months of discussion “before we get to the answer.” Even so, Pedersen distanced himself from the content. “The PowerPoint contained language that Sen. Frame was trying to sell the caucus on and I’ll say that reflects Sen. Frame’s viewpoint, and that’s not necessarily the viewpoint of any other member,” he said. Frame also outlined tax relief ideas such as a renters’ credit and a property tax exemption for one’s primary residence. A margin tax for businesses is on the list too. This would allow a company to choose a major deduction — like the cost of labor — before tax is calculated on its gross receipts. In her email, Frame invited her Democratic colleagues to reach out if they had interest in sponsoring a revenue bill. “Let’s spread that tax policy love around!” she wrote.A curious moment during the Edmonton Oilers ’ recent game against the New York Rangers has fans buzzing, with Sportsnet analysts questioning what appeared to be a heated exchange between defenseman Mattias Ekholm and forward Kasperi Kapanen . It seemed clear there was an issue, but no one seemed to understand why. The incident occurred after Kapanen registered his first assist as an Oiler, contributing to a Connor McDavid goal alongside Evan Bouchard . Instead of joining in on the celebration, Ekholm seemed to pull Kapanen aside and deliver some stern words. EDM NYR G22. November 23, 2024. Connor McDavid goal. 5-1 EDM. ?: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/UtSXJQHmpq The Sportsnet panel speculated that Ekholm might have been critiquing Kapanen for a risky play leading up to the goal. Specifically, they suggested the veteran defenseman might have seen Kapanen’s pass as a high-danger move that could have backfired. While Ekholm’s body language suggested frustration, others pointed out that the moment could easily have been misinterpreted. Was Ekholm upset, or was he offering a mix of constructive criticism and encouragement? What was clear is that Ekholm didn’t look happy. At the same time, Kapanen didn’t react with a shocked look on his face or one that suggested he was returning the sternness of the exchange. What Was The Ekholm and Kapanen Talk About? Fans on social media were split. Some believed Sportsnet was reading too much into a moment that means nothing on an otherwise great play. “It’s just as likely Ekholm was congratulating Kapanen in his own intense way,” one fan noted, adding that Ekholm’s leadership style often blends tough love with genuine support. The timing of Ekholm’s actions raised eyebrows, as it seemed odd to critique a player immediately following a successful goal. The pass itself was a beauty, one that McDavid acknowledged when he pointed to both Bouchard and Kapanen after the goal. If there was an issue, it’s logical to assume it was not on that particular offensive play. Ekholm does have a reputation as a trash-talker and a vocal leader. It’s possible he was simply ensuring that Kapanen understood that a great play doesn’t negate a questionable one from a different play or earlier in the series. If he was treating it as a coachable moment, that’s not a bad thing. Regardless of the context, the incident underscores the passion and high standards Ekholm brings to the team. We may never know what that interaction with Kapanen was really about, but the idea that these two might have a beef now feels like a stretch. Knoblauch told the media on Monday that he has been happy with Kapanen and this was a player the Oilers had an interest in before they claimed him on waivers. This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.Stephen A. Smith 'closes in on huge new ESPN contract' after rejecting opening $18m-a-year offer READ MORE: Stephen A. Smith claims Trump ran for president to get back at NFL By ALEX RASKIN Published: 21:33 GMT, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 21:56 GMT, 3 December 2024 e-mail 19 shares View comments Stephen A. Smith appears to be staying with ESPN as he enters the final year of his contract. The two sides have been negotiating a new deal for months , and Variety is now reporting that a final agreement may be just weeks away. The contract could create a ‘first-look’ agreement for Smith’s other potential endeavors at the network, a source told Variety. ESPN has declined comment on the matter. Previously the Wall Street Journal reported Smith rejected an $18 million-a-year offer from ESPN. Multiple outlets have since reported he's seeking $25 million annually from ESPN as part of his next deal. The 56-year-old is already a popular podcaster and ESPN host, working on such programs as First Take and the World Wide Leader's in-studio NBA coverage. There has been some speculation he could join Inside the NBA when the popular TNT-produced show moves to ESPN next season, but network president Burke Magnus shot down that notion in an interview with Sports Illustrated . ESPN may not have been the only suitor for Smith, who has recently dipped his toe into political infotainment with appearances on Sean Hannity's Fox News show and Bill Maher's 'Club Random.' The New York native could have created his own platform, with the help of his agency, WME, according to one sports media insider. Stephen A. Smith appears to be staying with ESPN, according to a new report from Variety Read More Stephen A. Smith issues scathing verdict on Joe Biden's decision to pardon son Hunter 'I think what ESPN is up against is the possibility that WME could go out and create an architecture where Stephen A. has a podcast, a deal with this, a deal with that, whatever, and at the end of the day, it's $20 million a year,' James Andrew Miller told SI Media's Jimmy Traina in June. 'Smith currently has a podcast partnership with iHeartMedia, and recently produced a documentary for ESPN about the history of sports punditry. 'I do believe there are enough possibilities ... that Stephen A. can get outside of ESPN and even outside an exclusive deal with another network that could make him very happy and very rich,' Miller added. As Smith told Front Office Sports in September, he hopes to follow in his idol Howard Cosell's footsteps by lending his voice to ESPN's football coverage. 'I don't want to insult the legacy of the great Howard Cosell, who's somebody that I idolized. But that's what I want to do,' Smith told Front Office Sports. But unlike Cosell, who did play by play for ABC in addition to other various roles from 1953 until 1985, Smith doesn't want to be in the booth. 'When I think about the NFL, I'm not talking about being in the booth with [ESPN Monday Night Football announcers] Troy Aikman and Joe Buck,' Smith said. 'You don't mess with that chemistry; you leave that alone. But I'm unapologetic about what I want. 'I would love to be a part of Monday Night Football. I would love to work with [Monday Night Countdown's new cast including] Jason Kelce and Scott Van Pelt and Ryan Clark and my man Marcus Spears. I mean, two of those guys are on First Take every week.' Obviously the decision on what to do with Smith is up to ESPN and chairman Jimmy Pitaro. 'Of course, I believe that I can do it,' Smith told Front Office Sports. 'When you think about Howard Cosell and what he meant to the business, do I believe I have the potential to mean nearly as much? Yes, I do. So that's my opinion. It doesn't mean that opinion is shared by others. We'll find out ...' Steve Smith Share or comment on this article: Stephen A. Smith 'closes in on huge new ESPN contract' after rejecting opening $18m-a-year offer e-mail 19 shares Add comment
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal , arguing that continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that anything short of immediate dismissal would undermine the transition of power, as well as the “overwhelming national mandate" granted to Trump by voters last month. They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, would also allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” Merchan hasn’t yet set a timetable for a decision. He could decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. An outright dismissal of the New York case would further lift a legal cloud that at one point carried the prospect of derailing Trump’s political future. Last week, special counsel Jack Smith told courts that he was withdrawing both federal cases against Trump — one charging him with hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate, the other with scheming to overturn the 2020 presidential election he lost — citing longstanding Justice Department policy that shields a president from indictment while in office. The hush money case was the only one of Trump’s four criminal indictments to go to trial, resulting in a historic verdict that made him the first former president to be convicted of a crime. Prosecutors had cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office. ___ Michael R. Sisak And Jake Offenhartz, The Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Democrat Derek Tran wins election to U.S. House in California's 45th Congressional District, beating incumbent Michelle Steel.
NoneATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. People are also reading... Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams making furniture in Alexander County again Clemson, Appalachian State signees lead 12 Iredell boys basketball players to watch Statesville survives test from Franklin in high school football playoff opener Iredell County bridge to close for $1.2 replacement project Lake Norman residents voice concerns with Marshall Steam Station changes Believers bought airplane for dead preacher thinking he’d rise from grave to fly in it MerMade: Workspace opens in Statesville, caters to artists, crafters North Iredell volleyball players Flowers, Gaither named All-State With supermajority in NC House gone, Iredell's Republican lawmakers talk changes, challenges Catawba native Christina Eagle appears on season 26 of 'The Voice' Basketball transfer Patterson back home at West Iredell to 'bring in some wins' Statesville native's book offers clues to 5 hidden treasures Iredell County woman wins first $150,000 top prize in new game 16 siblings were to be separated until Cornerstone Christian Academy staff stepped up in Statesville Statesville embraces underdog role in rematch with defending champ Hickory “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!