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unicorn fish Hiring was led by healthcare and social assistance as well as leisure and hospitality and government. Retail trade cut the most jobs in a year, while durable goods manufacturing jobs jumped by 26,000 upon the conclusion of the Boeing Co. strike. Tyler Olson/Dreamstime/TNS WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. hiring picked up in November and the unemployment rate increased, pointing to a moderating labor market rather than one that’s significantly deteriorating. Nonfarm payrolls rose 227,000 last month following an upwardly revised 36,000 gain in October — a month constrained by storms and strikes — according to Bureau of Labor Statistics figures released Friday. Smoothing out volatility, payrolls growth over the past three months averaged 173,000 — a step down from the robust pace seen earlier this year. The unemployment rate, which edged higher to 4.2%, indicating cooling demand for workers, with long-term joblessness at the highest in almost three years. Traders interpreted it as confirming the case for another Federal Reserve interest-rate cut when policymakers meet later this month. The figures, after accounting for payrolls swings related to a Boeing Co. strike and hurricanes, support the Fed’s view that the job market remains solid yet no longer a big source of inflation. While price pressures have remained elevated in recent months, officials have begun reducing interest rates to give the economy a nudge and ensure hiring is sustained. Chair Jerome Powell said earlier this week that the central bank’s decision to start rate cuts with a half-point move in September was meant to send a “strong signal” of the Fed’s intention to support the labor market. Policymakers reverted to their usual quarter-point reduction at November’s meeting, and several have suggested it may soon be time to pause cuts as the economy proves resilient. “The muted rebound in payrolls in November after October’s hurricanes and strikes implies that the underlying trend has continued to deteriorate,” said Samuel Tombs, chief U.S. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. That bolsters the case for the Fed to cut rates again, he said. Treasury yields slid and the S&P 500 opened higher. Traders upped bets on a Fed rate cut later this month. Officials will also see the latest data on consumer and producer prices, as well as retail sales, before the conclusion of their Dec. 17-18 meeting. October’s job report was particularly weak because of two severe hurricanes, when more than 500,000 people said they couldn’t work because of the weather. In November, just 56,000 reported that as an issue. Hiring last month was led by health care and social assistance as well as leisure and hospitality and government. Retail trade cut the most jobs in a year, while transportation equipment manufacturing jobs jumped by 32,000 upon the conclusion of the Boeing strike. The participation rate — the share of the population that is working or looking for work — fell to 62.5%, the lowest since May. The rate for workers ages 25-54, also known as prime-age workers, was little changed. The jobs report is composed of two surveys. While the main payrolls number comes from a survey of businesses, the household survey that produces the jobless rate has its own measure of employment. That’s fallen by more than 700,000 in the last two months, the most since the onset of the pandemic. The unemployment rate moved up amid more permanent job losses compared to temporary layoffs. There were also more people who voluntarily quit as well as joined the labor force but couldn’t immediately find work. It’s taking longer for unemployed Americans to find work — the number of people unemployed for at least 27 weeks jumped to the highest in nearly three years. While layoffs are generally low, companies like Cargill Inc. and General Motors Co. have recently announced plans to reduce headcount. Average hourly earnings rose 4% from a year ago for a second month, the BLS said. Wage growth for production and nonsupervisory employees, who comprise a majority of the workforce, advanced 0.3% from October. Earnings growth has largely eased amid a substantial pool of available workers and waning demand for new hires, allowing many employers to pull back on incentives to attract talent. Other BLS data this week showed job openings picked up in October while layoffs eased, suggesting demand for workers is stabilizing. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how President-elect Donald Trump’s economic agenda — particularly plans for mass deportations and punitive tariffs — will impact the labor market. His appointees are also looking to slash the federal bureaucracy. That could impact government hiring, which has driven much of the broader recovery from the pandemic.

CANCUN, Mexico (AP) — Sam Hines Jr. scored 17 points as SE Louisiana beat North Dakota 76-60 on Wednesday. Hines also had five rebounds for the Lions (3-4). Brody Rowbury added 13 points while going 3 of 9 and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line while they also had eight rebounds. Jakevion Buckley shot 4 of 8 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points. The Fightin' Hawks (3-4) were led by Amar Kuljuhovic, who posted 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Treysen Eaglestaff added 13 points for North Dakota. Dariyus Woodson also recorded 11 points and two blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .CHESAPEAKE — Oscar Smith stood at a crossroads. After taking a 14-7 lead with 31 seconds left in a challenging first half, the Tigers saw Colonial Forge march downfield and get to the 2-yard line with 3 seconds left. The Eagles decided to go for it and try to tie the game instead of kicking a field goal. Forge quarterback Brock Brimhall took the snap and plunged forward. Zaire Ziglar and the Tigers’ defense stiffened. When the bodies were moved, the ball hadn’t crossed the goal line and momentum was squarely on Oscar Smith’s side. The Tigers built on the half’s final play and outscored the Eagles 28-0 in the second half en route to a 42-7 victory in a VHSL Class 6 state semifinal at Oscar Smith High School. The Tigers will face James Madison in the title game at 5 p.m. Saturday at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. “It was huge,” Oscar Smith head coach Chris Scott said. “Zaire played an unbelievable game, the whole game, and makes that play right there ... I couldn’t say enough about him or his performance today. It was a big stop and it allowed us to carry the momentum and have a big second half.” The Tigers pounced after halftime. After forcing a three-and-out, Oscar Smith drove 50 yards and scored on a 3-yard run by Brandon Nesbit. “Our coaches just told us not to get our heads down,” Nesbit said. “They told us to keep going and we knew we were playing a bit sluggish and playing down to their level. So we knew at halftime we had to come out and play Oscar Smith football and we did.” Forge tried to respond with a long drive, moving from its 20 and into Oscar Smith territory, but the two teams saw drives stall around midfield before Oscar Smith forced a turnover, setting the Tigers up at the Forge 40. Nesbit was the offense on the Tigers’ drive, moving Oscar Smith to the 11 before running in for his second touchdown and a 28-7 lead. Forge, finding itself down big, went to the air, but couldn’t get a first down. Oscar Smith took over at its 41 and struck fast. On first down, Lonnie Andrews hit Alvin Jones for a 41-yard touchdown and the Tigers led 35-7 with 11:21 left. The Eagles were able to get their offense moving again, but once it got to midfield, the Tigers stiffened. Decorey Cassell sacked Brimhall after the Eagles made it to the 49-yard line and Forge couldn’t recover. After taking over on downs, the Tigers put the nail in the coffin with an 11-play drove that ended with an Andrews pass to Charles McGlown. The score could have been worse. Oscar Smith had a touchdown waved off by a holding penalty and Nebit fumbled inside the 10-yard line. The Tigers in the fourth quarter had a punt return for a touchdown called back because of a penalty. “You could start to feel that little bit of frustration because we were moving the ball and moving the ball, but because of a call or a big-time play from their guy stopped the drive and we just didn’t finish it,” Scott said, noting that the coaches made some adjustments at halftime. “We came out with a mission mindset to complete and finish the game.” Now, it’s on to the state title game for the Tigers — their first since 2021. “It feels good, man, real good,” Nesbit said. “I’ve never been to state before, so it feels real good. We just have to finish this last one.” For Scott, it’s all about delivering a victory for the Oscar Smith community. “It feels unbelievable,” Scott said. “I know how important it is to this community. I know how important it is to those young men and how hard they’ve worked on the field and off the field, so we’re going to do everything we can to make sure they deliver this week.”Lawmakers are concerned about background checks of Trump's Cabinet picks as red flags surface

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SHAMED ref David Coote won’t appeal the decision to sack him, it emerged last night. Referees’ body the PGMOL gave him the boot this month after a probe into videos of him snorting white powder and a foul-mouthed rant about ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp . Sources last night said the 42-year-old Premier League official had decided to accept his sacking - rather than fight to keep his old job, the Daily Mail reported. The PGMOL - Professional Game Match Officials Board - showed Coote the door after examining evidence provided by The Sun. We exclusively revealed a film of him snorting what appears to be cocaine during the Euros in Germany this summer . In the eight-second WhatsApp clip, he was wide-eyed as he used a rolled-up US banknote to snort a four-inch line of the substance in his Uefa-funded hotel room. The previous day, the official had acted as a VAR for France's quarter-final shootout win over Portugal. Days before that exposé, footage emerged on social media showing him calling former Liverpool boss Klopp a “German c***”. Coote had also tried to arrange a drugs party during Tottenham’s win over Manchester City on October 30 . He was the fourth official for the Carabao Cup clash. Official body PGMOL said the ref - also subject of a separate betting probe - was sacked after his actions were found to be in breach of contract. In a statement, they said: “David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable. "Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.” Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since the video emerged. Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse. Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings. First video First man : "What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?" Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Erm Liverpool were s***." First man : "What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?" Second man (allegedly Coote) : "C***, absolute c***." First man : "Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?" Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown. "Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me - and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant. "So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner." First man : "James Milner, he gets on with James Milner." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "You can see me there with mask on." First man : "Mask on, obviously." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart." First man : "We have to social distance." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me." First man : "Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers." Second video Second man (allegedly Coote) : "Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously." First man : He’s a Premier League referee, let's not f***ing ruin his career. "Like let's face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend." Second man (allegedly Coote) : "So, yeah." First man : "So lets not ruin his career."GSA Capital Partners LLP Acquires Shares of 3,345 The Southern Company (NYSE:SO)Blooket is an engaging educational platform that aims to make this process fun and competitive. 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Topic: Teacher Engagement for Staff Using Blooket in the Classroom Educators can use the same kind of system to increase class participation — for example, by linking quiz performance to rewards. Gamifying aspects of the learning experience, such as by awarding students with “points” or “tokens” for completing assignments, can incentivize them to engage with the learning material more deeply. Not only does this strategy positively reinforce behaviors, but it also adds an educational aspect to a fun game experience which motivates students to play blooket. In order to use Blooket effectively in the classroom, teachers should first learn about the features the platform offers. Teachers can help create a seamless experience for learners, and they need to know how to create a quiz, game modes, and how to facilitate plays. 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WASHINGTON — As senators prepare to consider President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his Cabinet, they will likely be doing so without a well-established staple of the confirmation process: an FBI background check. The Trump transition team so far has not signed the requisite agreements with the White House or Justice Department to allow the FBI to screen his personnel choices , both for the process of obtaining security clearances and meeting the Senate's usual standards for nominations. That means the Senate could be asked to vote on Trump's picks without the usual rigorous background checking meant to uncover personal problems, criminal histories or other red flags that would raise questions about a nominee's suitability for the job. There already are questions about problematic issues related to a number of the people Trump wants in his administration. "There are very real liabilities on the security side if you don't get this right," said Dan Meyer, a Washington lawyer at the Tully Rinckey law firm who specializes in background checks, security clearances and federal employment law. President-elect Donald Trump arrives Tuesday before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Boca Chica, Texas. At issue is a memorandum of understanding under which a president — or in this case, an incoming one — submits requests for name and background checks and the FBI commits to flagging any adverse information uncovered during the process. That document has not yet been signed, with the Trump transition team relying instead on internal campaign aides, allied groups and law firms on the outside to support the personnel effort. Trump regards FBI leadership with suspicion, in part because of the Russian election interference investigation that shadowed his first term and more recently because of FBI investigations into his hoarding of classified documents and his efforts to undo the results of the 2020 election that led to his indictment last year. A Justice Department spokesperson said Wednesday that discussions were ongoing with the Trump transition team about signing the memo. Last week, the department said it was "committed to ensuring an orderly and effective transition" to the next administration. "We are prepared to deliver briefings to the transition team on our operations and responsibilities, and we stand ready to process requests for security clearances for those who will need access to national security information," its statement said. For those appointees whose jobs involve a security clearance, a background check would be required. However, once Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2025, he could simply order that people be given a security clearance, as he was reported to have done for son-in-law Jared Kushner during his first term. "The president is the head of the personnel security system," Meyer said. "The director of national intelligence is his executive agent for that. The president could issue an executive order and he could change the security system in two seconds. It's all his." Lawmakers are complaining about what they see as insufficient screening of the picks they're being asked to consider. Two Democratic House members, Don Beyer of Virginia and Ted Lieu of California, introduced a bill Tuesday that would codify the FBI's role in the background check process for political appointees of the president. The issue is of particular relevance given the eyebrow-raising backgrounds of some of Trump's picks. Trump's choice for attorney general, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, faced a Justice Department sex trafficking investigation into allegations involving underage girls that ended with no federal charges against him. There was also a House Ethics inquiry into whether Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct — allegations he denies. Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration Thursday after those issues cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. Pete Hegseth walks to an elevator Dec. 15, 2016, for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York. Pete Hegseth, picked for defense secretary, was accused of sexual assault in 2017 after a speaking appearance at a Republican women's event in Monterey, California, but was not charged after a police investigation. His lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, described the sexual encounter as consensual and confirmed that Hegseth paid the woman a sum as part of a confidential settlement. Hegseth did so to head off a threatened lawsuit, according to Parlatore, who said his client was the victim of "blackmail." Democrats signaled their interest in rigorous exploration of potential problem areas. "If there's a cursory background check, like we call 20 people — that's not going to be appropriate," said Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, current chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He will be the committee's top Democrat next year, as Republicans regain the majority, when it takes up Hegseth's nomination. The selection of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence alarmed U.S. intelligence analysts who point to her past criticism of Ukraine, comments supportive of Russia and secret meetings with Syrian President Bashar Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran. Tulsi Gabbard speaks Oct. 27 before then-Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Senate has a responsibility to closely examine Gabbard and should not approve the confirmation just because Republicans feel a loyalty to Trump, said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., his party's ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee. "The Republican senator who votes to confirm Matt Gaetz or Robert Kennedy or Tulsi Gabbard will be remembered by history as somebody who completely gave up their responsibility to Donald Trump," Himes said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Ruben Amorim is joining a Man Utd in chaos... the mess behind the scenes will make him wish he never left SportingCHESAPEAKE — Oscar Smith stood at a crossroads. After taking a 14-7 lead with 31 seconds left in a challenging first half, the Tigers saw Colonial Forge march downfield and get to the 2-yard line with 3 seconds left. The Eagles decided to go for it and try to tie the game instead of kicking a field goal. Forge quarterback Brock Brimhall took the snap and plunged forward. Zaire Ziglar and the Tigers’ defense stiffened. When the bodies were moved, the ball hadn’t crossed the goal line and momentum was squarely on Oscar Smith’s side. The Tigers built on the half’s final play and outscored the Eagles 28-0 in the second half en route to a 42-7 victory in a VHSL Class 6 state semifinal at Oscar Smith High School. The Tigers will face James Madison in the title game at 5 p.m. Saturday at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. “It was huge,” Oscar Smith head coach Chris Scott said. “Zaire played an unbelievable game, the whole game, and makes that play right there ... I couldn’t say enough about him or his performance today. It was a big stop and it allowed us to carry the momentum and have a big second half.” The Tigers pounced after halftime. After forcing a three-and-out, Oscar Smith drove 50 yards and scored on a 3-yard run by Brandon Nesbit. “Our coaches just told us not to get our heads down,” Nesbit said. “They told us to keep going and we knew we were playing a bit sluggish and playing down to their level. So we knew at halftime we had to come out and play Oscar Smith football and we did.” Forge tried to respond with a long drive, moving from its 20 and into Oscar Smith territory, but the two teams saw drives stall around midfield before Oscar Smith forced a turnover, setting the Tigers up at the Forge 40. Nesbit was the offense on the Tigers’ drive, moving Oscar Smith to the 11 before running in for his second touchdown and a 28-7 lead. Forge, finding itself down big, went to the air, but couldn’t get a first down. Oscar Smith took over at its 41 and struck fast. On first down, Lonnie Andrews hit Alvin Jones for a 41-yard touchdown and the Tigers led 35-7 with 11:21 left. The Eagles were able to get their offense moving again, but once it got to midfield, the Tigers stiffened. Decorey Cassell sacked Brimhall after the Eagles made it to the 49-yard line and Forge couldn’t recover. After taking over on downs, the Tigers put the nail in the coffin with an 11-play drove that ended with an Andrews pass to Charles McGlown. The score could have been worse. Oscar Smith had a touchdown waved off by a holding penalty and Nebit fumbled inside the 10-yard line. The Tigers in the fourth quarter had a punt return for a touchdown called back because of a penalty. “You could start to feel that little bit of frustration because we were moving the ball and moving the ball, but because of a call or a big-time play from their guy stopped the drive and we just didn’t finish it,” Scott said, noting that the coaches made some adjustments at halftime. “We came out with a mission mindset to complete and finish the game.” Now, it’s on to the state title game for the Tigers — their first since 2021. “It feels good, man, real good,” Nesbit said. “I’ve never been to state before, so it feels real good. We just have to finish this last one.” For Scott, it’s all about delivering a victory for the Oscar Smith community. “It feels unbelievable,” Scott said. “I know how important it is to this community. I know how important it is to those young men and how hard they’ve worked on the field and off the field, so we’re going to do everything we can to make sure they deliver this week.” Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular 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 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. 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Greeley City Council voted Tuesday to deny a pay raise for future council members and mayor. They decided to keep the current salary of $12,600 for council members and $18,000 for the mayor. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.Polls close in Ghana's general election in the shadow of the worst economic crisis in a generation

Relief, defiance, anger: Families and advocates react to Biden's death row commutations

FORT THOMAS, Ky. — The Cooper at Highlands football regular-season showdown had plenty on the line in late September. And yet Cooper’s three-point win doesn’t compare to what’s at stake this Friday night in a Class 5A state semifinal in Union. “It’s a big moment, big game,” Highlands junior quarterback Mario Litmer said. “Obviously they got us once this season so really hoping to get them back.” Undefeated Cooper (13-0) plays host to its fourth consecutive postseason game when it goes against District 6 rival Highlands (11-2) at 7 p.m. Friday. The winner advances to play South Warren (12-1) or Bowling Green (11-2) in the Class 5A state final at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Kroger Field in Lexington. This is the second straight season that Cooper and Highlands will meet in the state semifinals. Cooper was a Class 5A state runner-up in 2023. Cooper coach Randy Borchers admits that the Bluebirds should’ve won the regular-season matchup this season. He had an inkling the teams could face each other again in a state semifinal. Although both teams aren’t dwelling on the regular season or the 2023 state semifinal. Cooper is ranked No. 1 in the Class 5A state poll, while Highlands is No. 4. “Our kind of philosophy is we’re 0-0 and we want to go 1-0 with a win,” Borchers said. Highlands and Cooper coaches are complimentary of the opposing program. There is a deal of mutual respect. And there is no doubt the teams will be ready to compete Friday night. “Two really good football teams with playmakers,” Borchers said. The Jaguars are led by several players including junior quarterback Cam O’Hara, who has thrown for 3,070 yards and 45 touchdowns. Junior running back Keegan Maher has rushed for 1,433 yards and 22 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Isaiah Johnson has 56 receptions for 1,089 yards and 22 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jaiden Combs has 40 receptions for 815 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior tight end/defensive end Austin Alexander has 37 receptions for 615 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also has 10 sacks on defense. Defensively, junior safety Ryker Campbell has a team-high 91 tackles (75 solo) and a team-high six interceptions. Borchers likes the fact that the Jaguars have reduced the number of penalties since earlier this season. “Randy (Borchers) has done a fabulous job over there,” Highlands coach Bob Sphire said. “That group can really, really play. Hopefully it’s a great game.” Highlands has won seven consecutive games since the 24-21 loss to visiting Cooper Sept. 28. Litmer has thrown for 2,528 yards and 31 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Adam Surrey has 54 receptions for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jackson Arnold has 51 receptions for 827 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, senior linebacker Thomas Hicks has a team-high 95 tackles. Sophomore defensive back Gabe Williams has a team-high five interceptions. If recent history is any indication, Friday’s game should be very close on the scoreboard. “We’re trying to get to the state championship and win it,” Arnold said. “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing. We’ve got one goal and we’re trying to get there.”\ SIGN UP: Subscribe to our high school sports newsletterMurad advises IBA graduates to lead with empathy, integrity, social responsibility Sindh Chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, as patron of the IBA Karachi, presided over its convocation ceremony on Saturday, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2024. Addressing the gathering, he said true leadership extends beyond personal success. Shah congratulated the graduating class and commended their hard work, resilience, and dedication. “Today, we celebrate your academic accomplishments and the perseverance that brought you here and this moment is a testament to your talent and the support of your families,” he stated. The CM also highlighted a historic milestone that the IBA Karachi would achieve next year, marking 70 years of excellence in education, leadership, and innovation. “Seventy years of nurturing talent and shaping leaders is a legacy few institutions can claim,” he said and added that this milestone reflected the dedication and vision of the IBA’s faculty, administration, and students. Moreover, the commitment of the IBA Karachi to academic excellence was a focal point of the event. With 67 per cent of its faculty holding PhD degrees, the institute continues to foster a rigorous academic environment and produce graduates prepared to navigate the challenges of an evolving global landscape. He emphasised the critical role of institutions like the IBA Karachi in shaping the nation’s future. “As graduates, you must embrace advancements in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation,” he said and added that Pakistan’s vibrant youth and its growing technological ecosystem hold immense potential to contribute meaningfully on the global stage. The influential alumni network of the IBA Karachi, consisting of over 18,000 individuals, was also recognised as a significant asset. Alumni have made notable contributions across various sectors and serve as role models for the graduating class. In his closing remarks, CM Shah encouraged graduates to lead with empathy, integrity, and social responsibility. “True leadership extends beyond personal success. The knowledge and skills you have gained here should be used to create positive change and uphold the highest standards of integrity,” he said. The convocation marked a proud moment for graduates and their families as they prepared to embark on new journeys. The event also set the stage for IBA Karachi’s upcoming 70th-anniversary celebrations, reflecting on its rich legacy and continued impact on education and leadership in Pakistan. Executive Director IBA Dr Akbar Zaidi thanked the CM for his valuable time in attending the event. Clad in a convocation robe, the chief minister presented medals and degrees to the position holders. He applauded the graduating students on achieving this remarkable milestone which is a testament to their dedication and perseverance. Dr Zaidi stated, “Today is particularly special as we celebrate the largest graduating class in IBA’s history.” He added, “This day also marks the beginning of a momentous year as we look forward to celebrating IBA’s 70th Anniversary—a testament to our legacy of excellence and transformation.” At the convocation held at the main campus, 1,353 graduates were conferred degrees in several disciplines. The graduating batch included 990 graduates from six undergraduate programmes, 362 graduates from 11 postgraduate programmes, and one PhD graduate. The convocation ceremony featured the position holders in various degree programmes, who were awarded medals, shields, and merit certificates. Rowing Champion, Syeda Manahil Hussain (Class of 2024), was awarded the 'Excellence in Sports’ Award.

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people convicted in the slayings of police and military officers, as well as federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev , and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move weeks before the president-elect takes office. Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner, Bryan Hurst, was killed by an inmate whose death sentence was commuted, said the killer's execution "would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House. But Hurst’s widow, Marissa Gibson, called Biden's move distressing and a "complete dismissal and undermining of the federal justice system,” in a statement to The Columbus Dispatch . Tim Timmerman, whose daughter, Rachel, was thrown into a Michigan lake in 1997 to keep her from testifying in a rape trial, said Biden's decision to commute the killer's sentence offered families “only pain.” "Where’s the justice in just giving him a prison bed to die comfortably in?” Timmerman said on WOOD-TV. Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a 2017 South Carolina bank robbery, called the commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post. “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” Corey Groves, whose mother, Kim Groves, was murdered in a 1994 plot by a New Orleans police officer after she filed a complaint against him, said the family has been living with the “nightmare” of her killer for three decades. “I have always wanted him to spend the rest of his life in prison and have to wake up every morning and think about what he did when he took our mother from us," Groves said in a statement through his attorney. Families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church have long had a broad range of opinions on Roof's punishment. Many forgave him, but some say they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Risher, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out federal death row. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Risher said in a statement. Risher, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, said during a Zoom news conference that families “are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come.” Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director, said Biden was giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of their political motivations to kill. “When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Biden had faced pressure from advocacy organizations to commute federal death sentences, and several praised him for taking action in his final month in office. Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden has shown "the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.” Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, criticized the move — and argued its moral ground was shaky given the three exceptions. “Once again, Democrats side with depraved criminals over their victims, public order, and common decency,” Cotton wrote on X. “Democrats can’t even defend Biden’s outrageous decision as some kind of principled, across-the-board opposition to the death penalty since he didn’t commute the three most politically toxic cases.” Two men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder, who is Black, was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” But Ed Dowd Jr., the U.S. attorney in St. Louis at the time of the robbery and now a private attorney, criticized Biden's move. “This case was a message to people who wanted to go out and shoot people for the hell of it, that you’re going to get the death penalty,” Dowd said. Now, "Biden is sending a message that you can do whatever you want and you won’t get the death penalty.” This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Rev. Sharon Risher's name. Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri; Stephen Smith in New Orleans, and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed.

Opinion | The British Empire Didn’t End Slavery, It Reinvented It

SE Louisiana earns 76-60 win over North Dakota