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Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said Monday that guard Scoot Henderson could return this week while center Robert Williams III won’t make the team’s trip to Los Angeles to face the Clippers. Henderson underwent an MRI on Sunday that revealed a contusion in his left quad that caused him to miss several games over the past two weeks. “He’s feeling pretty good,” Billups said following Monday’s practice. “He will probably need a couple of days.” That means Henderson will miss Tuesday night’s game at the LA Clippers (13-9) but could be available for Friday night’s home game against the Utah Jazz (4-17). Billups said Wiliams remains in concussion protocol and will not make the trip to Los Angeles. The Blazers (8-13) lost 137-131 to Dallas (13-8) on Sunday night. -- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
Exploring Blooket: The Ultimate Game-Based Learning Platform
TEHRAN – At the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, The Iranian foreign ministry’s director general of international legal affairs, Ali Mousavi, has denounced unilateral Westen sanctions for obstructing countries' ability to meet their climate change commitments. Addressing the ICJ's deliberations on an advisory opinion regarding governments' climate obligations, Mousavi highlighted Iran's vulnerability to climate change despite its relatively low emissions. He emphasized the importance of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDRRC), and international cooperation in addressing the crisis. Mousavi criticized developed nations for imposing unilateral coercive measures that impede technology transfer and financial support essential for climate mitigation efforts in developing countries. He urged the ICJ to recognize these restrictions as violations of international cooperation principles. "Developed countries must take the lead in reducing emissions and supporting developing nations through financial resources, technology transfer, and capacity building," Mousavi said, citing the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement as key frameworks. He stressed the significance of the CBDRRC principle, which assigns differentiated obligations based on historical emissions and current capacities. Mousavi argued that developed nations' leadership should include financial contributions, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives for developing countries. "Without access to technology and resources, developing countries cannot effectively participate in global climate mitigation efforts," Mousavi told the court. He criticized trade policies like the carbon border adjustment mechanism, calling them disproportionate measures that unfairly burden developing economies.Timothée Chalamet Surprises Football Fans With ‘College Gameday’ Picks
Just because your family flees their home doesn’t mean the usual griefs of adolescence give you a pass. Years in a refugee camp don’t lessen the heartbreaks of youth. Walking for miles through hostile territory, dodging bandits, won’t make school any easier when you finally get there. You can reach your goal, America, and yet feel out of place and alone. And then your father, whom you adore, dies. “My family had to move from Syria and go to Jordan when I was 4 years old because of the civil war,” said Sebba Saad Allah, 16, standing before assembled classmates, teachers and community members Wednesday evening at Sullivan High School. “I was raised in Jordan for six years with my parents and my two brothers ... In 2019, I moved to the U.S. with my family and I was very unsure if I wanted to be here or not. I wasn’t ready for new beginnings ... It was a hard year for my family and I ... I started learning English and helped my family, translating. When I was only 11 years old, COVID hits, and I stopped my education because I didn’t know how to use technology to study; 2022, I was back to school, but it was the most challenging year for me because I lost one of the most important people in my life. I lost my father because of cancer. A truly remarkable person for my family and I, who touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. I miss listening to him saying the prayers before we break our fast...” Here the sophomore started crying. People clapped, encouragingly, calling out, “You’ve got this!” Enfolding teens as they struggle to be who they are and become who they will be, moving from strangers in a strange land to seasoned Americans, has long been a specialty at Sullivan, in Rogers Park, famous as Chicago’s immigrant high school. Two-thirds of Sullivan’s 724 students are refugees, immigrants or enrolled in their “English Learners” program. As many as 10% live in unstable housing situations. Add to that an ever more threatening political climate. The event Sebba Saad Allah was speaking at was Sullivan High School’s 8th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, begun in 2016 after Donald Trump was first elected president on a wave of xenophobia. This year feels even more ominous. “There is a fear,” said Evelyn Levin, the English language program teacher at Sullivan. “There’s a lot that is unknown right now. There have been a number of students who just dropped out. There’s no way of tracking them to see if they’re still living in shelters.” More parents are reluctant to tell the school where they live. “Being listed in any sort of database is frightening to them,” Levin said. The school is trying to be proactive, to simultaneously assuage student fears while preparing them for whatever might occur next month — Trump has promised to begin deporting immigrants, including legal citizens, “on Day One.” “We have given students and families information about legal services that are available,” Levin said. “There was a legal clinic here right before Thanksgiving break.” As winter arrives, difficulties mount. “We have kids living on the train,” said STLS advocate Cindra Hart. “I’ve got kids living on the street. When it first got cold outside, I had to get coats, boots, hats, gloves.” How? “I’m begging,” she said, adding that gift cards, such as from McDonald’s, are helpful for impoverished students trying to get through Christmas break. “I need to be able to feed a kid while they’re gone from me for two weeks, because I know they’re going to eat while they’re here.” Hart said the city’s aid to her students was abruptly shut off. “All of a sudden they stopped,” she said. “They stopped . The city bum-rushed me. A whole bunch of kids who need stuff. The need is so great.” Anyone inclined to help Sullivan students is encouraged to contact the school’s clerk/treasurer, Bianca Rivera at barivera6@cps.edu. Not that the Thanksgiving event was grim. There was traditional turkey and trimmings, plus pizza and international dishes, contributed by local restaurants. The evening began with greetings were from half a dozen students in half a dozen languages, including Swahili, French, Turkish and Dari, an Afghan language, and Dinka, a language of South Sudan. Levin, who came to Sullivan this year from a West Side elementary school, spoke about how the immigrants here helped her see the city through fresh eyes — how one day she fought her way through a snow squall to get to Sullivan, only to find her students crowded around the window, transfixed. They had never seen snow. That said, the sense of festivity was muted compared with past years. “It’s a different kind of celebration this year,” said Michael Glasser, president of the Friends of Sullivan, the alumni group hosting the celebration. “We want to teach the kids the beauty of this American holiday ...” The good news is that Sullivan High School is in Chicago, a city in Illinois, where elected officials have no intention of rolling over in the face of whatever is to come from Washington. “Let me just say, anybody who goes after the students of Sullivan High School and the 9th congressional district will have to come through me,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Sullivan class of ’62. “We’re going to fight back. The entire community is going to be there to protect these students and protect their families. We are a diverse community, in the city of Chicago and in Illinois, and proud of it. That’s what the United States of America is about. A country of opportunity, not throwing people out. Not scaring them. I pledge that I will be there every step of the way to make sure these families are protected. We’re ready for the challenge and ready for the fight. I understand the fear, and I want them to feel brave and strong. We are ready to push back.”
Georgia loses QB Carson Beck (arm) during SEC title game
"As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It's an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we're committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level." The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. "We're excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. "Together, we're assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world." Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. "The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team," Michael Andretti posted on social media. "I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!" The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti's dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years, and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA. The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they've already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti's application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1's current grid. "General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. "Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024," F1 said in a statement. "Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. "With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1."‘Farce’: Aus act in near-empty room slammed
Montgomery's 21 lead Southern Miss past Alabama State 81-64LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. "As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It's an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we're committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level." The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. "We're excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. "Together, we're assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world." Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. "The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team," Michael Andretti posted on social media. "I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!" The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti's dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years, and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA. The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they've already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti's application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1's current grid. "General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. "Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024," F1 said in a statement. "Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. "With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1." Get local news delivered to your inbox!ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — In a season that began with many questions and lowered expectations, it was apt watching Bills quarterback Josh Allen join coach Sean McDermott lay on the cold, wet sideline to make snow angels in celebrating Buffalo’s earliest clinching of a division title in team history. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — In a season that began with many questions and lowered expectations, it was apt watching Bills quarterback Josh Allen join coach Sean McDermott lay on the cold, wet sideline to make snow angels in celebrating Buffalo’s earliest clinching of a division title in team history. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — In a season that began with many questions and lowered expectations, it was apt watching Bills quarterback Josh Allen join coach Sean McDermott lay on the cold, wet sideline to make snow angels in celebrating Buffalo’s earliest clinching of a division title in team history. That Allen took part was no surprise. The newly engaged 28-year-old has maintained the happy-go-lucky approach he brought with him to Buffalo as a raw-talented athlete in 2018, while gradually blossoming into one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. For McDermott, it was a pleasant surprise to see the usually reserved eight-year coach finally let his hair down — figuratively, because the few jokes he does make are usually about being bald. With his latest do-it-all three-TD outing — one rushing, one receiving and, the coup de grace, being credited with receiving his own pass for a score off a lateral from Amari Cooper — in a 35-10 win over San Francisco on Sunday night, Allen continued making his strongest NFL MVP case. What’s also becoming apparent is how much McDermott deserves consideration for coach of the year honors. Without the two, the Bills (10-2) wouldn’t be in this position in becoming just the eighth NFL team — and first since Indianapolis in 2009 — to clinch a division title with at least five games remaining in their schedule. It’s reflective of how the two have grown together in what, on the outside, could be perceived as an odd couple relationship between an offensive-minded, swashbuckling quarterback and a defensive-minded coach, too often knocked for being too conservative. Perhaps, it’s Allen’s boyish nature that has brought out the risk-taker in McDermott, who has carried over the aggressive approach he takes to defense by placing trust in his quarterback. It’s become apparent in everything the Bills have accomplished so far in having at least 10 wins through 12 games for just the fifth time in team history, and first since 1991, when Buffalo was led by eventual Hall of Famers in coach Marv Levy and quarterback Jim Kelly. Buffalo has won seven straight since consecutive losses to Baltimore and Houston. And the Bills have scored 30 or more points in six straight outings, matching the team record set in 2004. Allen is doing more with less on an offense that was supposed to be hampered following the offseason departures of receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis and center Mitch Morse. The Bills are more balanced in leaning on their running attack, while Allen has also curtailed his turnover-prone ways. He’s lost two fumbles and thrown just five interceptions after being picked off a career-worst 18 times last season. Meantime, McDermott has taken a different approach to fourth down situations. The Bills have converted 13 of 15 fourth down attempts after going 9 of 16 last season and 7 of 13 in 2022. The most fourth down attempts during McDermott’s tenure came in 2021, when Buffalo converted just 11 of 22. This is but an example of the bond the quarterback and coach have built in a shared objective of overcoming past playoff failures. Clinching a division title is but one step, with the Bills now focused on catching the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), whom they’ve beaten already, for the AFC’s top seed. In calling it the team’s next goal, McDermott went off script from his usual game-at-a-time message by noting the importance of celebrating a division-clinching win, if only for one day. “Being 50 years old and 20-plus years in this league, I’ve learned to try and enjoy the moments,” McDermott said. “And this is a moment, right?” It certainly was. What’s working Turnover differential. Buffalo’s defense forced three fumbles, including one at its goal line, while the offense didn’t commit a giveaway. The Bills upped their league-leading turnover differential entering Monday to plus-17. What needs help Run defense. Though the conditions were snowy and slick, the Bills allowed 119 yards rushing in the first half before the 49ers were forced to start passing the ball once the score became lopsided. Buffalo particularly struggled in stopping Christian McCaffrey, who had 53 yards on seven carries before leaving the game with a potential season-ending knee injury. Stock up LB Matt Milano was in on five tackles while playing 37 of 48 defensive snaps in his first outing in nearly 14 months after being sidelined by a broken right leg and torn left biceps. Stock down CB Kaiir Elam, the 2022 first-round pick was a healthy inactive for a second straight outing, and still having difficulty finding a regular role. Injuries None reported. Key number Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 9-0 — The Bills’ home record going back to last season, marking their second-longest run in team history. Next steps Hit the road for two outings, starting with a trip to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement Advertisement
VANCOUVER, BC , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan), world leading independent containership lessor, has signed an agreement to equip its fleet with the OneWeb advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite offering from KVH Industries. This marks the next step in Seaspan's drive to deliver shore-like internet connectivity at sea, supporting its digital transformation strategy and augmenting its fleet's existing LEO services. As an early adopter of LEO technologies, Seaspan is the first major owner/operator of containerships to partner with KVH for its OneWeb solution. Seaspan's OneWeb rollout will further strengthen the fleet's data connectivity infrastructure, enabling Seaspan to leverage advanced technologies and high bandwidth-demanding applications, including solutions such as cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) technology that were previously unsuitable for maritime use. "Our partnership with KVH for OneWeb services aligns with our strategy of providing a best-in-class communication experience across our fleet," said Garret Wong , Seaspan's Vice President of Information Technology. "This initiative brings us closer to realizing shore-like connectivity at sea while enhancing efficiency, safety, and seafarer welfare." Adrian Alb, Senior Manager of IT Operations at Seaspan, added "LEO satellite technologies have set a new benchmark for vessel communications, offering high-bandwidth, low latency, and reliability far beyond traditional marine satellite solutions. This collaboration with KVH aligns with our goal of enhancing provider diversity and minimizing geographical blackout zones, further bolstering the robustness of our satellite communications infrastructure." Chad Impey , Senior Vice President for Global Sales at KVH, commented, "We are proud to support Seaspan with the planned deployment of OneWeb service and hardware as part of our integrated KVH ONE multi-orbit, multi-channel network solution." With the integration of OneWeb LEO technology from KVH Industries, Seaspan continues to demonstrate its commitment to adopting cutting edge technologies enabling its fleet to meet the demands of modern maritime operations. About Seaspan Corporation Seaspan is the world's leading maritime asset-owner and operator focussed on long-term, fixed-rate leases to the world's most prominent shipping lines. As of September 30, 2024 , Seaspan's operating fleet consisted of 218 vessels, pro forma for undelivered newbuilds including PCTCs, with a total fleet capacity of approximately 2.3 million TEU on a fully delivered basis. For more information, visit seaspancorp.com. About KVH Industries, Inc. KVH Industries, Inc. is a global leader in maritime and mobile connectivity delivered via the KVH ONE® network. The company, founded in 1982, is based in Middletown, RI , with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI , and more than a dozen offices around the globe. KVH provides connectivity solutions for commercial maritime, leisure marine, military/government, and land mobile applications on vessels and vehicles, including the TracNetTM, TracPhone®, and TracVision product lines, the KVH ONE OpenNet Program for non-KVH antennas, AgilePlans® Connectivity as a Service (CaaS), and the KVH Link crew wellbeing content service. KVH Industries, Inc., has used, registered, or applied to register its trademarks in the USA and other countries around the world, including but not limited to the following marks: KVH, KVH ONE, TracVision, TracPhone, TracNet, and AgilePlans. Other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. SOURCE Seaspan Corporation
McLean & Company, one of the world's leading HR research and advisory firms, is pleased to share the highly anticipated preview of the HR Trends Report 2025, set to be published in January 2025, to help equip HR leaders with the data and insights needed to ensure their organizations are prepared to thrive in the future of work. TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2024 /CNW/ - In a time marked by economic and political shifts, evolving technology, and a growing need for human-centric work practices, HR leaders are being called on by their organizations to rethink priorities and approaches. According to the new HR Trends Report 2025 preview from global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company , HR teams are increasingly challenged to develop internal talent pipelines, retain employees, and manage labor costs as organizations navigate continued economic pressures and a labor market where skilled talent is both scarce and expensive. The comprehensive preview of the full report – which is set to be published on January 7, 2025 – has been released in advance of the new year as HR teams and their organizations plan for the top organizational priorities for HR in 2025. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.Ukraine must be in strong position for negotiations, Starmer says
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — While Gov. Ron DeSantis is a top contender to be nominated as defense secretary under President-elect Donald Trump, people around the two men see obstacles that could keep Trump from offering the job, and DeSantis from accepting it. The Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau spoke to 11 political insiders close to both DeSantis and Trump for this story. The potential hurdles are both personal and political. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. "As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It's an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we're committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level." The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. "We're excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. "Together, we're assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world." Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. "The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team," Michael Andretti posted on social media. "I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!" The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti's dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years, and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA. The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they've already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti's application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1's current grid. "General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. "Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024," F1 said in a statement. "Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. "With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The right frame can freeze a moment in time, creating meaning for the masses from a fist pump over a bloodied ear , a bridge crumbled by a ship , towns shredded by nature , and a victory sealed with an on-field kiss . In 2024, photographers across the U.S. captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election , to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The gallery from The Associated Press illustrates a new chapter of political history — the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump , the moment President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run again , the campaign sprint by Vice President Kamala Harris in Biden’s place, and the raw emotion from voters during a grueling contest ultimately won by Trump . Hurricanes whipped through the country with devastating imagery, leaving a path of wreckage and death from Florida to Appalachia . After Hurricane Helene , Lake Lure in North Carolina was shown in a jarring photo covered in shards of debris thick enough to hide the surface of the water. Hurricane Milton ripped apart the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The scale of destruction experienced in some corners of the country in 2024 was hard to capture and might have been harder to fathom. That was the case when a container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and crumple around the vessel, killing construction workers on the bridge. As flames torched the landscape in California , another image captured firefighters and sheriff’s deputies pushing a vintage car away from a burning home. Elsewhere in California , one photo is aglow with bright orange flames, broken up only by the subtle features of an animal running through them. But hope also persevered in the face of devastation. In Helene’s aftermath , an image from Crystal River, Florida, shows Dustin Holmes holding hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, as they sloshed through floodwaters with her 4- and 7-year-old children to return to their flooded home. And in Manasota Key, Florida, a family was lit up by the glow of flashlights as they walked to check on their home damaged by Milton. Other photos from 2024 also grabbed the darkness and shadows to emphasize light: among them, a rocket liftoff and a total solar eclipse . And, yes, eclipse glasses were back in style for a shared moment of skygazing. But many other photos delivered a blast of color, from the spectrum of the northern lights across a Maine sky to a crew of workers wading into the deep-red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog . And, once again, Taylor Swift captured the country’s attention, even as a part of the crowd. She rushed down from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship , en route to another Super Bowl win.
Black Friday deals are live and folks are snapping up everything from TVs to kitchen appliances, and while antivirus software might not be the first (or even the third) thing you think to buy during this week it absolutely should be. Firstly, everyone needs to invest in some strong protection for all their home tech devices and antivirus software is a non-negotiable. You never, ever want to wait until it is too late to realize that you should have protected your home PC or Mac with strong antivirus software. Secondly, there are some truly amazing sales going on right now for some of the best antivirus software solutions that we've tested and reviewed. The deals listed below are up to 85% off on some of our favorite antivirus security suites and will cover your laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones and sometimes, all the devices for an entire household. It is definitely worth adding antivirus deals to your Black Friday shopping list. While you're at it, keep your eyes open for all the other amazing Black Friday deals that are going strong all week from home security cameras and video doorbells to laptops and accessories. Quick Links Best Black Friday antivirus deals
More than 72 million people are expected to shop during Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation . The end-of-year shopping surge provides a major boost for retailers. "The last six weeks of the year makes a big difference," said Brian Miller, owner of Geppetto's Toys in San Diego. "It can make or break your year as a retailer." Retailers already got a major bump from Black Friday spending. Consumers spent a record $10.8 billion online on Friday, according to Adobe Analytics . That's up more than 10% from last year. "It's not only bonanza for the shoppers, but it's bonanza for the stores," said Professor Alan Gin of the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business. "People have just gotten a misconception of what was happening. Yes, prices are up, but in this recent time period here, what we've seen is that wages have risen faster than prices have increased. So, people's real incomes have gone up." Last month, consumer confidence hit its highest level in more than a year, according to the Conference Board, a nonprofit that tracks business and consumer sentiment. RELATED STORY | 'Essentially, I just gifted a scammer $100': Gift card draining costing shoppers and retailers Americans are paying with plastic for a lot of their shopping. According to a survey from the National Retail Federation, 39% of shoppers said they plan to use credit cards for their holiday spending. More than one in four shoppers say they plan to take on some debt during the holidays — either by carrying a credit card balance or using a buy now, pay later service, according to Bankrate . American credit card debt hit a record $1.17 trillion in the third quarter of this year. Experts say setting a budget and sticking to it can help people from overspending and taking on debt during the holidays.Article content Things got heated between Bill Maher and Neil deGrasse Tyson as the two butted heads over their differing stances on transgender athletes in women’s sports, Scientific American magazine, and the Democrats’ loss in the election. Recommended Videos Maher kicked off Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher by asking deGrasse Tyson about the recent departure of Scientific American ’ s editor Laura Helmuth, who stepped down after posting a string of attacks on social media about President-elect Donald Trump. “It sure didn’t sound scientific. It didn’t sound like the person I would want to be running Scientific American. It was a rant on Twitter,” Maher said. In part, Helmuth posted: “You know, ‘I apologize to younger voters that my Gen-X is so full of f***ing fascists.” “OK. I’m not for cancelling people on either side, but here’s what I think is the scandal,” the host said. “This is in Scientific American less than a year ago: ‘Inequity between male and female athletes as a result, not of inherent biological differences between the sexes, but of biases in how they are treated in sports.’” Maher ranted: “That’s nuts. And it sure ain’t scientific. And it’s in Scientific American . And that’s why the Democrats lost the election.” Why the Democrats lost the election. pic.twitter.com/wu0K83JgsC Maher was referencing an article published on Nov. 1, 2023, titled “The Theory That Men Evolved to Hunt and Women Evolved to Gather Is Wrong” which explored the biological differences in males and females. Tyson laughed at Maher for linking transgender issues to Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the presidential election. “Bill, every 20 minutes on your platform, you come up with another reason why the Democrats lost. You already have the answer. They lost the election,” deGrasse Tyson laughed before Maher interrupted him. The host noted that deGrasse Tyson doesn’t watch his show, so he doesn’t know what Maher says in each episode. “Engage with the idea here,” Maher said. “What I’m asking is Scientific American is saying basically that the reason why a WNBA team can’t beat the Lakers is because of societal bias.” The famed astrophysicist tried to deflect, but Maher continued on the offensive. RECOMMENDED VIDEO “I think a year ago, women still couldn’t beat men in basketball or any other sport, and it wasn’t because of society. You don’t see a problem here?” Maher asked before posing deGrasse Tyson another question: “Why can’t you just say this is not scientific and that Scientific American should do better?” Tyson countered, “Well, does she still have her job?” referring to Helmuth, to which Maher shouted, “Not because of this! I said the scandal is not her tweet... you don’t see a problem here?” Tyson responded: “Long distance swimming, women might actually have the advantage, you look into that.” A baffled Maher replied, “Well, I’m going to file you under ‘part of the problem.’”Global Ground Handling Systems Market Set For 8.7% Growth, Reaching $8.09 Billion By 2028
North Carolina could overhaul how language arts is taught in what’s being billed as a better way to teach students how to become successful readers. The state Department of Public Instruction recently released for public comment the first draft of new K-12 English/language arts standards. It includes what DPI says are a number of major changes, including reducing how many standards are taught and revising English IV offerings for high school seniors. “These are pretty major changes and there could be some major impacts across the state,” said Kristi Day, director of DPI’s Office of Academic Standards. “When those surveys go out today or tomorrow, we really want to hear from the field because we want to know how does this impact them? How does this impact their students and their teaching?” DPI staff briefed the State Board of Education on the proposed new standards this week. The standards will go through at least two more drafts before being voted on next year by the state board. School districts set their own curriculum based on the standards adopted by the state. This will be the first major revision since the current language arts standards were adopted in 2017. The current standards replaced the controversial Common Core-based standards. Here’s a look at some of the major changes in the proposed standards: In what Day told the state board was a “mic drop” she said the number of standards would be cut in half. Standards are defined by DPI as “what is it that students need to know and be able to do.” For instance, kindergarten and first grade currently have a combined 139 standards students are expected to learn. It would drop to 79 in the new draft. Language arts teachers are currently expected to teach a total of 205 standards in grades 6 through 8. But the new draft only has 69 standards for middle school. Also as part of the shift, there will no longer be standards for each individual grade level. Instead, standards are proposed to be grouped by “grade bands” with multiple grades: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-11 and 12th grade. The reduction in standards is part of what DPI said staff was their effort to reimagine how language arts is taught. DPI says the changes align with the phonics-based “science of reading” training that the state’s elementary school teachers have been taught to use. Day repeatedly told state board members they’re not lowering expectations for students. Instead, she said teachers would now be able to go into more detail covering each standard. “I want to be very clear it’s not a watering down of standards,” Day said. “We’re not reducing to reduce. “We really looked at how to integrate and how to bring those standards to a place where teachers could do more with less and they could have deeper conversations, deeper tasks, thoughtful types of assignments so they can really dive in deeper so they can master these standards across more than just one year.” For instance one of the proposed K-1 standards is to “determine the central message, lesson, and main topic of texts using key details.” Students would now be expected to be taught that standard in both grade levels. It’s part of a teaching method called “spiraling.” Teachers across the different grade levels in each band would revisit topics multiple times to build on what students previously learned about the standard. DPI staff gave multiple examples to the state board of why they said the current standards need to be changed. DPI provides teachers with pacing guides. But it’s become “death by pacing guides” as teachers rush to cover all the standards, according to Amy Rhyne, senior director of DPI’s Office of Early Learning. “That really drives the rush, if you will, of what’s happening around mastery and what it looks like,” Rhyne told the state board. “That competes with our overarching goal of what does it look like for a student to be a successful long-term reader rather than teaching the minimal pieces to a test.” Rhyne compared it to expecting someone to know how to ride a bicycle by having them spend three days holding the handle bars, four days practicing balancing and five days of practicing pedaling in place. “We have to rethink and redesign what that looks like, which is where we’re working together on how to be more innovative and think differently about how we are teaching children to read rather than checking off skills and standards,” Rhyne told the state board. Students must complete four English courses to graduate from high school. But DPI staff said the options for seniors are limited in English IV, which is a traditional literature course that might not appeal to all students. “Why not think of a different option for English IV?” said Sneha Shah Coltrane, DPI’s senior director of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education. “We know that is not going to be an easy shift. But in all the other content areas, we have significant choices. “A child can take Excel instead of Math IV. In science, they have so many options, in social studies so many options. But we don’t when it comes to senior English.” What’s proposed in the new standards is offering three different English IV sections: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), arts and literature. The current English IV course would be retained as the literature section. Shah Coltrane said that offering different types of English IV courses could make them more relevant to seniors and decrease absenteeism. ”Our initial feedback has been very positive, but it as well has been very scary for some teachers,” Shah Coltrane told the state board. ©2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Poquoson’s Carter Jones, Lafayette’s Baum Hogge are sophomore stars in state semis Naval Academy can continue using race in admissions, federal judge rules Naval Academy can continue using race in admissions, federal judge rules Amber Alert canceled for 3 children last seen at Augusta County bus stop Amber Alert canceled for 3 children last seen at Augusta County bus stop Digging resumes in the search for a woman in a Pennsylvania sinkhole Digging resumes in the search for a woman in a Pennsylvania sinkhole Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the U.S. Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the U.S. An appeals court ruled there were issues with a man’s sentencing. Then the Norfolk judge increased it. An appeals court ruled there were issues with a man’s sentencing. Then the Norfolk judge increased it. Trending Nationally Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass MAGA influencer Nick Fuentes charged with battery of woman he maced: report ‘America’s Got Talent’ comedian Kabir ‘Kabeezy’ Singh dead at 39 Police may search a vehicle based on the smell of raw cannabis, Illinois Supreme Court rules ‘Oppenheimer’ actor Emma Dumont comes out as transmasculine, changes nameNoneLabour plans to make spiking a specific offence and has laid out plans for venue staff to be trained in relation to spiking, with a pilot to begin within weeks before a wider rollout next year. Ms Davies-Jones, asked about why it was worthwhile to make spiking a new offence when it is already illegal, said: “Spiking is a crime already. “A lot of people don’t realise that it is a crime already, which is part of the problem.” She said there were around 6,000 reports of spiking last year but that because it is an underreported crime, it is not clear how big of a problem it is. 'Legislation won't fix this on its own...this is about a culture shift' @SophyRidgeSky challenges Minister for Victims @AlexDaviesJones on the govt plan to change the spiking law even though it is already a criminal offence. #PoliticsHub https://t.co/GlTNastFii 📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/Zb65c6KnOM — Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge (@SkyPoliticsHub) November 25, 2024 “Part of the problem we’ve got is around the data collection, so you don’t know if you’ve been spiked with a drink, a needle, a vape, for example,” she told Politics Hub on Sky News. Modernising the offence and giving police the tools to get accurate data allows a clearer picture of where, how and how often spiking is happening, she said. It is about “clarifying it, modernising it, making sure that people know exactly what this is...the law isn’t quite, it isn’t up to date. “It isn’t modern enough.” Sir Keir Starmer earlier said he hopes the change will give people “the confidence to come forward”, in a meeting of police bosses, transport figures and hospitality executives in Downing Street. Spiking will be made a criminal offence. My government was elected to take back our streets, central to this mission is making sure women and girls can feel safe at night. Perpetrators of spiking will feel the full force of the law. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 25, 2024 Ms Davies-Jones and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were among the attendees at the round-table discussion on Monday morning. Labour pledged in its manifesto to introduce a new offence for spiking, but there was no detail in the King’s Speech this year about a specific crime, though it promised to ensure an improved police response to cases. According to information published by the Metropolitan Police, spiking offences are currently covered by more than one law, but most come under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Sir Keir told the meeting: “There are a number of measures that we are setting out this morning – we want to talk it through with you. “The first is to make spiking a specific offence so that it counts, it’s reported.” He said that such a measure would mean that it “enables everybody to have the confidence to come forward” and also “it allows perpetrators to know that it’s a specific offence”. Detailing the training scheme, he went on: “We’re beginning the piloting of training for staff in venues.” He said the scheme would be “partly to spot what’s happening, but also to know what to do in the event that there is an incident in a venue”. “That will start in December with a pilot then it will be rolled out from March of next year,” Sir Keir added. He also said that the “final” point of discussion for the morning was “police indexing – (the) way that we count it across different police forces”. Sir Keir added: “At the moment it’s quite hard to get your arms around the pure numbers.” Plain clothes officers are being deployed in areas around bars and clubs to spot predatory behaviour. The text-to-report number, 61016, that allows women to contact British Transport Police to report harassment on the train, is due to be relaunched. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Spiking is a disturbing and serious crime which can have a damaging and long-lasting impact on victims. “That’s why today we are taking decisive action to prevent this devastating crime and to crack down on perpetrators, by introducing a new criminal offence for spiking and launching specialist training for thousands of bar staff nationwide. “People shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their drinks on a night out. “These changes are about giving victims greater confidence to come forward, and ensuring that there is a robust response from the police whenever these appalling crimes take place.”There is no problem with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visiting Hawaii, Guam, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau as tensions between the United States and China continue to brew, according to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) delegate to the US Congressman Gregorio Sablan. "Look, Taiwan's president is visiting countries in the region that support Taiwan. I don't find anything wrong with that. The United States is part of that. We support Taiwan," he said. Before heading to Guam, Lai already visited Hawaii, Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu, and also has plans to a make a final stopover to Palau. Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, and Palau are three Pacific Island countries that are among 12 other governments that recognise Taiwan diplomatically. "Taiwan's three allies and US stops we are making stopovers share the same universal values with Taiwan which is democracy, freedom, and human rights," Lai said while addressing CNMI and Guam stakeholders during a luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Guam. "We are all partners working together to contribute to the peace and stability of the world. That is why every person I have met during the trip whether it was a handshake or a hug, we encouraged each other I felt deeply connected to them," he said. Lai added visiting the Marianas, as well as Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshalls, in a way, also reconnects Taiwan to their fellow Austronesian brethren in the Pacific. "This is my first official overseas trip since my inauguration on May 20, we are making a trip to our diplomatic allies. "The three Pacific allies we're visiting and the places we are making stopovers at share the same Austronesian roots with Taiwan, so we are one big family. Everywhere I go during this trip, I feel deeply connected to the local people." CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios, who flew to Guam to attend the luncheon along with members of the CNMI Leguislature, expressed his gratitude that he was invited to join the historic occasion. "It is indeed an honor for us to join Governor Lou Guerrero in honoring President Lai to the Mariana Islands. We share a distinct identity with the people of Guam with the only difference being politically," he said. "But we are all Americans. We share a distinct common value with Taiwan. That is democracy, friendship, cultural similarities, changes and we look forward to an enduring relationship despite the geopolitical environment we now live in. We continue to support Taiwan in making sure that our democracy across the region continues and endures." Leon Guerrero said the theme of Lai's Pacific trip, "Smart and Sustainable Developments for a Prosperous Austronesian Region," is one that deeply aligns with the goals and vision of her own people." "Like you, we recognise the importance of innovations and sustainability as key drivers of prosperity, particularly for island nations whose livelihoods are intertwined with the health of our environment and the strength of our communities. She said as small islands navigating a vast and complex world, "our strength lies in unity." "Like a school of fish moving in synchronized harmony, we are more resilient and agile when we work together. Together we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities propelling our region toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. "As leaders, we are entrusted with the responsibility to uplift our people. To provide quality of life to our people, to empower our communities and ensure that progress is inclusive and enduring," she said. During the Guam luncheon, the CNMI Legislature also handed Lai a commemorative Senate and House resolution. It read that Lai has been a steadfast advocate for peace, stability, and democracy in the Indo-Pacific region, and a champion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and his strong advocacy for democratic values and human rights aligns with the CNMI's own commitment to these principles. "The CNMI and Taiwan share a deep and enduring friendship built on shared values of democracy, freedom, and economic prosperity and the CNMI recognizes the important role that Taiwan plays in the global economy, particularly in the areas of technology. manufacturing. and healthcare," the resolution stated. It added that the CNMI reaffirms her strong support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCO).