A version of this story appeared in CNN’s What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here . President-elect Donald Trump is still putting together his Cabinet for his second term, and many other government positions will open up when he takes the oath of office in January. But there’s a growing expectation that he will quickly make at least one new vacancy by firing FBI Director Christopher Wray. There would be some circularity in that particular personnel move since it was Trump who hired Wray, a Republican, by nominating him to a 10-year term in 2017. That said, Trump has never shied away from firing someone he once backed. FBI directors get those 10-year terms as the result of a post-Watergate law that was in response to J. Edgar Hoover’s much-too-long and controlling 48-year leadership of the FBI. The term length is supposed to inoculate the director from political pressure. But it never works out that way. If Trump fires Wray, he’d be first president to fire 2 FBI directors Trump famously fired then-FBI Director James Comey months after taking office for his first term in 2017. Comey was also a Republican, although he was nominated to the position by Democratic President Barack Obama. (Comey later said in 2018 that he “can’t be associated with” the Republican Party due to Trump’s influence on the GOP.) Presidents before Trump pushed FBI directors out In 1993, Bill Clinton fired then-FBI Director William Sessions after an internal ethics report emerged during the prior year’s presidential campaign. It included questions about a $10,000 fence installed around the director’s home and flights he had taken, among other issues. Earlier, Jimmy Carter suggested during the 1976 presidential campaign that he would have fired then-FBI Director Clarence Kelley over revelations about window drapery valances improperly installed at his home, among other things. Carter did not immediately fire Kelley when he took the White House, but Kelley was ultimately forced to resign, according to Douglas Charles, a history professor at Penn State University, who noted that the drapery scandal “today seems like very small fry stuff.” But at the time, it would have tested the new law, which Congress passed in 1976, for Carter to fire Kelley. “There certainly was the question, can any president fire an FBI director when there’s a legislated 10-year term,” Charles said. While that question has clearly been answered now, those previous firings were about ethics and personal failings. Trump’s are about policy differences, including over the role of the Justice Department overall. Why did Trump fire Comey? The stated reasons for Comey’s firing, laid out in a memo prepared for Trump’s Justice Department, were contradictory. Comey was criticized both for not prosecuting Hillary Clinton over her treatment of classified material and then for releasing “derogatory” information about Clinton at a press conference. The real reason Comey was fired, as Trump admitted to NBC News at the time, was Comey’s investigation into ties between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. Then Trump’s troubles cascaded In the furor that followed Comey’s firing, it was the author of the Justice Department memo recommending Comey’s firing, then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed a special counsel to follow up on the Russia investigation. Rosenstein appointed the special counsel because Trump’s attorney general, Jeff Sessions, had recused himself from any investigation related to Trump’s 2016 campaign. Sessions did so because he had failed during Senate confirmation hearings to disclose preelection contacts he had with Russia’s ambassador to the US at the time. Enter another former FBI director Who did Rosenstein pick as special counsel to lead that Russia investigation? Robert S. Mueller III, who happened to be the former FBI director. Mueller was widely respected and had taken charge of the FBI days before the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Congress passed a special law to extend his term by two years during the Obama administration. Anyone who remembers Trump’s first term can recall that speculation about the Russia investigation sucked up much of the oxygen in Washington and led to the prosecution of several of Trump’s top 2016 campaign aides, including campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who Trump later pardoned. Trump has complained that the investigation was part of a “deep state” effort to undermine him. Unintended consequences The cooperation by Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen with Mueller’s investigation is what led to revelations about hush money payments for which Trump was convicted in New York earlier this year. Trump’s sentencing for his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records has been delayed indefinitely after his election win. What the Mueller report concluded The release of Mueller’s report was slow-walked by Trump’s second attorney general, Bill Barr, who gave the impression that Mueller’s report exonerated Trump. It did not. Mueller was constrained by Justice Department rules that bar the prosecution of a sitting president. When the full report was released in April 2019, Mueller said there was not enough evidence to prove collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russians. It also specifically did not exonerate Trump. “While this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him,” the report said . It also concluded that while Trump’s campaign in 2016 expected help from Russia, it didn’t conspire with Russia. That gets forgotten after years of Trump referring to Mueller’s investigation as the “Russia hoax.” There are things that helped generate the Mueller investigation, notably the discredited Steele dossier , that will forever anger Trump. Trump targeted FBI officials There were also related scandals, such as the release of anti-Trump texts by an FBI agent at the time, Peter Strzok, who initially played a role in Mueller’s inquiry, and Lisa Page, who was then an FBI attorney with whom Strzok was having an affair. The FBI agreed in July of this year to pay $2 million to Strzok and Page to compensate for the release of those text messages. Another FBI official, Andrew McCabe, who served briefly as acting director after Trump fired Comey, was fired by Sessions days before his retirement. McCabe, now a CNN contributor, ultimately won back his pension in court . Trump turned on Wray Wray was overwhelmingly confirmed to succeed Comey in August 2017 in part by promising during confirmation hearings to maintain independence from the White House. Trump, meanwhile, prizes loyalty. Even while Trump was still president in 2020 , he had already turned on Wray, in part because he felt Wray was not cooperating with special counsel John Durham – who was appointed by Barr, Sessions’ replacement, to investigate the Mueller investigation. All of that adds up to why Trump wants loyalists at the Department of Justice, including the FBI. Douglas said that about 100 years ago, in the wake of the Teapot Dome scandal that exposed corruption within the federal government, there was talk in the Senate of taking the Department of Justice, including the FBI, completely out of politics and making it and all of its employees an independent part of the civil service. Trump wants to go in the opposite direction today and bring the FBI more under the control of the president.Avior Wealth Management LLC Sells 205 Shares of Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META)Albanian opposition lawmakers and their supporters blocked the capital’s main streets for hours Tuesday accusing the government of corruption and demanding it be replaced by a technocratic caretaker Cabinet until 2025 parliamentary elections. Hundreds of activists blocked traffic at Tirana’s main intersections accusing the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Edi Rama of corruption, manipulating earlier elections and usurping the powers of the judiciary. Led by lawmakers, opposition supporters – some coming from other cities – were involved in sporadic clashes with anti-riot police trying to clear the streets. Others sat down in the street or tried to push police officers away. “Rama go away,” was a call repeated by protesters in many places. Hundreds of police officers were deployed to protect government buildings and keep streets clear for traffic and preserve order. They used water guns mounted on trucks to keep protesters away from City Hall and Wilson Square, and tear gas in at least in one case. The conservative Democratic Party and its supporters in an opposition coalition also have been holding protests over the arrests of their leader Sali Berisha and former President Ilir Meta in separate corruption cases, saying the charges are politically motivated. [AP]
In conclusion, the potential signing of the Premier League Golden Boot winner represents a significant coup for Barcelona, signaling their ambition to once again dominate the European football landscape. With Coach Xavi at the helm and a new wave of talent set to grace the Camp Nou, the future looks bright for Barcelona as they aim to restore their legacy of greatness. The stage is set, the fans are ready - here comes Barcelona!
CLINTON, S.C. (AP) — Quante Jennings rushed for 190 yards and a tiebreaking touchdown as Presbyterian beat Butler 30-20 in a regular-season finale on Saturday. Collin Hurst threw for 172 yards and two scores and ran for another for the Blue Hose (6-6, 4-4 Pioneer League). Reagan Andrew threw for three touchdowns and was intercepted once for the Bulldogs (9-3, 5-3). Jennings' 50-yard rush led to Hurst's 17-yard touchdown pass to Worth Warner to tie the game at 20 midway through the third quarter. Presbyterian's next possession began on the Butler 30 after a short punt from deep in Bulldogs territory, and five plays later Jennings scored from 10 yards out. Peter Lipscombe made it a 10-point lead with a field goal with 2:15 to go after a 15-play, 89-yard drive that took over 10 minutes. About a minute later, Andrew threw a 42-yard score to Ethan Loss but the Blue Hose recovered the onside kick. The Blue Hose defeated a ranked FCS team — Butler (9-3, 5-3) is No. 23 in the coaches poll — for the first time in its Division I history that began in 2007. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
Overall, the Central Government's clear tone for 2025 is to prioritize stability in the real estate market while providing stronger support and guidance to ensure its healthy development. By implementing a combination of regulatory measures, support for affordable housing, improvements in market transparency, and comprehensive urban planning, the government aims to create a more resilient and sustainable real estate sector that can contribute to the long-term prosperity of the country. Moreover, Taobao Global's focus on enhancing the shopping experience for international customers has been another contributing factor to its growth. The platform offers multiple language options, convenient payment methods, and reliable shipping services to ensure a seamless and hassle-free shopping experience. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and convenience, Taobao Global has been able to build trust and loyalty among its global user base.
Title: How Huang Renxun Leads the World's Highest Market Value Company with a Flattened Organizational Structure Driving InnovationOver the past few months, two big waves of Apple Intelligence features have debuted via iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2 . While some have speculated Apple is planning paid AI services in the future, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook recently said that charging has never even been discussed. Here’s why. Apple views AI as being ‘sort of like multitouch’ Steven Levy at WIRED interviewed Tim Cook recently about AI and more. One key quote has stuck with me since that interview was published earlier this month. Levy : Some companies charge for AI-enhanced services. Did you consider that? Cook : We never talked about charging for it. We view it sort of like multitouch, which enabled the smartphone revolution and the modern tablet. Straight from the CEO himself, Apple reportedly ‘never talked about’ charging for AI. His reasoning is interesting, positioning AI as a sort of fundamental new technology akin to multitouch and more. But it also highlights a big difference between Apple and its AI competitors. That difference, I think, points to an even more important reason why monetization wasn’t on the table for Apple. Hardware remains Apple’s big business, bankrolling everything else the company does When multitouch debuted on the first iPhone, it was technically a free feature, yes. But it was inseparably tied to what was then a very expensive new product. Apple Intelligence is very similar. Apple isn’t charging for AI, but you also can’t use Apple Intelligence unless you first buy a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac . Unlike the vast majority of other AI players, Apple has built its primary business around hardware. The company does have an ever-growing services business, but the bulk of its revenue is still tied to hardware . And within that hardware bucket, nothing compares to Apple’s iPhone revenue. So yes, Apple Intelligence is technically free as part of iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2. But that’s only because Apple first sold you an iPhone. And Tim Cook knows that very well. Apple can give AI away, at no extra charge, because it’s doing just fine selling us all new iPhones. What do you think of Tim Cook’s statement? Let us know in the comments. Anker 100W charging brick for fast charging 6.6ft USB-C cable for longer reach AirPods Pro 2 (currently only $189, down from $249) MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone HomeKit smart plug 4-pack
In addition to wearing appropriate clothing, it is essential for individuals to keep their homes warm and cozy. Using heating systems, such as radiators, electric heaters, or even traditional methods like hot water bottles or heated blankets, can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. It is also important to seal any drafts or leaks in windows, doors, or walls to prevent cold air from entering the living spaces.The unprecedented incident at the Zhengzhou bathhouse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in public spaces. Ensuring proper sanitation practices and regular inspections are crucial to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting the well-being of individuals.Fort scores 27 in Samford's 97-90 victory over Alabama A&M
A2Z Smart Tech stock soars to 52-week high of $6.7 amid growthLarry Wilson: Mr. Schiff goes to Washington, againLiu Dameili's rise to fame was meteoric, as her charming personality and beauty hacks resonated with millions of followers on various social media platforms. Her unique style and honest approach to skincare and makeup routines made her a beloved figure in the online beauty community. However, behind the glamorous facade, Liu Dameili struggled with self-image issues and societal expectations that often come with being in the spotlight.
As Messi prepares to make his comeback, all eyes will be on him to deliver a stellar performance and inspire his teammates to victory. His unmatched ability to create scoring opportunities and change the course of a match in an instant has made him a formidable force on the field, and his return is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Barcelona's campaign.Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Each week Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include: Airports ready for holiday crowds. Starting a small business is hard. Exiting can be even harder, but planning early is the key. McDonald's to expand US value menu as fast food chains battle for bargain seekers. Has a waltz written by composer Frederic Chopin been discovered in an NYC museum. The 'super year' of elections has been super bad for incumbents as voters punish them in droves. Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations. Donald Trump's latest branded venture is guitars that cost up to $10,000. Should women be allowed to fight on the front lines Trump’s defense pick reignites the debate. Texas offers Trump land on US-Mexico border for potential mass deportations. About 20% of Americans regularly get their news from influencers on social media, report says. Betty White Forever New stamp will honor the much-beloved Golden Girls actor. Forget driverless cars. One company wants autonomous helicopters to spray crops and fight fires. Volunteers came back to nonprofits in 2023, after the pandemic tanked participation. New Hampshire shelter faces enor-mouse problem after man surrenders nearly 1,000 rodents. NFL issues security alert to teams and the players' union following recent burglaries. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins. WNBA corporate sponsorship deals are growing. But not every athlete is getting their due. Today he is a high school football player. Soon he'll be a Buddhist lama in the Himalayas. Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest. $344 for a coffee Scottish farm is selling UK's most expensive cup. Texas weighs Bible-related curriculum for public schools, placement of the Ten Commandments in classrooms faces a legal roadblock, and Ohio religious schools may so. —The Associated Press Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Theme music The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX
“I’m proud of how hard these kids played. I’m proud of what they all had to overcome. And I’m proud of them for getting to this state title game." Pelham football coach Justin Hufft
One of the most striking features of the NIO ET9's interior is the use of high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. From the premium leather upholstery to the sleek metal accents, every element of the interior exudes elegance and sophistication. The spacious cabin is thoughtfully designed to provide both comfort and convenience for passengers, with ample legroom and ergonomic seating arrangements.Autonomous Underwater Gliders Market Growth: From US$ 1.7 Billion in 2023 to US$ 4.7 Billion by 2034 | TMRAs we witness the end of an era with the absence of Messi and Ronaldo from the annual best XI, it is a reminder of the transient nature of greatness in football. While the two legends may no longer be dominating the headlines in the same way as before, their legacies will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.
The US Department of Commerce on Friday announced its awards for Samsung, Texas Instruments and Amkor Technology under the CHIPS Incentives Program, which come to more than $6.75 billion altogether. The program is meant to help expand domestic semiconductor production. Samsung was awarded up to $4.745 billion in direct funding — a smaller amount than the preliminary award of up to $6.4 billion that was announced earlier this year — while Texas Instruments was granted up to $1.61 billion and Amkor up to $407 million. Samsung plans to invest $37 billion over the next few years to ramp up chip development and production in the US, the DOC said. The company will expand its operations in Texas to include two new production facilities and a site for research and development. It also plans to expand an existing facility in Austin. Texas Instruments is working to build three new facilities — two in Texas and one in Utah — which it’s said it will invest over $18 billion in through 2029. Amkor is planning a $2 billion investment to create an advanced packaging and test facility in Peoria, Arizona. According to Reuters , it’ll be the country’s largest facility of its kind. The Commerce Department says the awards will be doled out as the companies complete certain project milestones. It expects the funding to support the creation of thousands of jobs per project.Furthermore, concerns about the reliability and durability of the Xiaopeng G9 remain a key consideration for prospective buyers. While the vehicle's impressive specifications and features may initially attract attention, the real test lies in its performance and longevity over time. Without a track record of proven reliability and quality assurance, it can be challenging to trust in the G9 as a long-term investment.