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The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Miller had 24 points in SMU’s 98-82 victory over Longwood on Sunday. Miller also added five rebounds and seven assists for the Mustangs (11-2). Yohan Traore added 20 points while going 7 of 10 from the floor, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and 4 for 4 from the free-throw line while and grabbed 11 rebounds. Matt Cross shot 6 for 10 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 19 points. The Mustangs prolonged their winning streak to seven games. The Lancers (11-4) were led in scoring by Elijah Tucker, who finished with 20 points and six rebounds. Longwood also got 19 points and 11 assists from Colby Garland. Emanuel Richards had 12 points. SMU took the lead as time expired in the first half on a jumper by Chuck Harris and did not give it up. Traore led their team in scoring with 15 points in the first half to help put them up 45-43 at the break. SMU pulled away with an 18-2 run in the second half to extend a nine-point lead to 25 points. They outscored Longwood by 14 points in the final half, as Miller led the way with a team-high 13 second-half points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .ITV Emmerdale viewers say 'too far' as April Windsor 'learns lesson'
MSSC Scheme: Good news! Women are getting 7.50% interest on their deposits hereNEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party headed for a victory Saturday in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state. Polling in the two states are seen as a test of Modi's popularity after his party returned to power in June national elections but was forced to form a coalition government with help from regional partners. India’s Election Commission said Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies have already won 183 of 288 seats and were leading in another 48 seats in Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state and home to the country's financial and entertainment capital, Mumbai. The opposition Congress party and its allies have won 50 of 81 seats and were leading in another four seats in eastern Jharkhand state, according to the commission. It said vote counting was nearing completion and final results were expected later on Saturday. Modi's BJP and a Hindu nationalist ally currently rule Maharashtra, where Hindus constitute nearly 80% and Muslims 11.5% of its 126 million people. An opposition alliance, including the Congress party, is in power in eastern Jharkhand state. The BJP has used slogans such as, “If you divide, then you will die,” and “If we are united, then we are safe,” to attract majority Hindu votes. The opposition accused it of trying to polarize voters along Hindu-Muslim religious lines. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi from Congress party, the 52-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, is set to make her debut in Parliament after winning the race against a Communist Party candidate by a huge margin of over 400,000 votes in the Wayanad seat in southern Kerala state. She contested a special election after her brother Rahul, who was elected in two constituencies in June, had to vacate one. Her mother Sonia Gandhi is already in Parliament. The BJP had hoped to attract women with a plan that provides 1,500 rupees ($18) a month to over 20 million women in the 21-65 age group whose annual family income is less than 250,000 rupees ($3,010). The Congress party promised women double that amount and free transportation in government buses. The opposition also hoped to capitalize on the simmering disaffection with high youth unemployment, inflation and low crop prices during the BJP’s rule. In September, Congress was able to secure votes in India’s insurgency-wracked Jammu and Kashmir after a 10-year gap. But Modi’s BJP regained momentum in October and won the Haryana state election even though pollsters had predicted an easy victory for Congress. Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.Shares of United Parcel Service Inc. 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This was the stock's fifth consecutive day of losses.
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, assured the international community that his administration will continue prioritising the welfare of the poor and most vulnerable even as the economic reforms bear fruit. Tinubu stated this in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, paid him a courtesy call on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Thursday titled, ‘We shall continue to prioritise social investment programmes, President Tinubu tells IMF Managing Director.’ While acknowledging that the reforms had weakened Nigerians’ purchasing power, Tinubu said his administration would continue to provide social safety nets to cushion the unintended consequences. Congratulating the IMF Chief on her election for a second term in office, President Tinubu appreciated her support in implementing the reforms, calling for more institutional backing for stability and sustainable growth. “We have started seeing positive results from our reforms, and the Nigerian people now understand the need for them, but we have to reduce the hardship resulting from the implementation,” he told Georgieva. He emphasised the critical need for educational access, saying, “We have too many children out of school, and we know that education is a way out of hunger and poverty. That is why we are designing ways and incentives to keep these children in school, and we need your support for these kids who want to stay in school.” The President also stressed that substantial resources must be invested to stimulate the much-needed infrastructural development in the country. He further noted that Nigeria is working on tax reforms to stimulate the economy further. “We are engaging stakeholders and sensitising Nigerians to expand the economy’s tax base for inclusive developmental growth. “We are doing this without necessarily increasing the taxes on our people who have already given a lot. We will require your support on this,” he told the IMF chief. Related News Tinubu determined to end insecurity in Southeast – Defence minister ACF suspends chairman for criticising Tinubu’s policies IMF praises Nigeria's economic reforms, pledges support In her remarks, Georgieva expressed a desire to visit Nigeria and commended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators. She assured the President of further support in diversifying the Nigerian economy. The IMF helmswoman lauded the social investment programmes as a way of cushioning the effects on the most vulnerable and promised the assistance of the body in this regard. Contrary to popular perception, she said that the IMF is focused on developing vulnerable societies and devoting substantial resources to emerging economies. The managing director also expressed the Fund’s readiness to offer technical support for the budgeting process, adding that it will assist Nigeria in achieving the best possible results from loans. Georgieva said the world had suffered some shocks from the pandemic that caused damage to world economies. Over the last two years, the IMF has injected about $1 trillion into the world economy. While the developed countries managed the shocks better, the developing nations did not do so, she noted. She said the IMF is working with developing countries to build resilient institutions to manage future global economic shocks better. She stressed that it is the right of every country to benefit from the Fund after a critical analysis of its priorities. The IMF Managing Director informed President Tinubu that the organisation’s Executive Board has approved the 3rd Chair for Sub-Sahara Africa, enhancing the African voice. She congratulated Nigeria on hosting the IMF’s African Caucus meeting in Abuja in August. Georgieva also advocated for deepening regional economic ties, ensuring the IMF is ready to support this process.
76ers center Joel Embiid sidelined due to swelling in his left knee and will miss two games PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers say center Joel Embiid is managing swelling in his left knee and will miss a second consecutive game Sunday. The Sixers issued a statement on the condition of the 2023 NBA MVP at halftime of Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets, saying the decision to sideline Embiid was made along with the team’s medical staff. Embiid was ruled out prior to Friday’s game against the Nets due to what the team described as left knee injury maintenance. The Sixers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Austin Hays, Kyle Finnegan, Brendan Rodgers and Jordan Romano among 62 new free agents NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Austin Hays, right-hander Kyle Finnegan and second baseman Brendan Rodgers were among 62 players who became free agents when their teams failed to offer 2025 contracts. Right-hander Jordan Romano, left-hander Patrick Sandoval and outfielders Michael Tauchman and Ramón Laureano also were among the players cut loose, many of whom would have been eligible for salary arbitration. Washington cut right-hander Tanner Rainey, its last remaining player from the 2019 World Series champions. Finnegan and Hays are former All-Stars. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Russell puts Mercedes on pole at Las Vegas and Verstappen nips Norris in championship battle LAS VEGAS (AP) — George Russell put Mercedes on the pole for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in an upset over teammate Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was fastest in the first two practice sessions with Russell fastest in Friday night’s third and final session. But come qualifying, Hamilton made two mistakes in the final group and wound up a distant 10th. Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc seemed to sweep the front row until Russell’s late lap pushed Sainz to second. Pierre Gasly slid into third, and Leclerc wound up fourth. Championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull qualified fifth for Saturday night's race. Verstappen needs only to score three points more than challenger Lando Norris to win his fourth straight world championship. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. Chase Elliott named NASCAR's most popular driver for 7th straight season CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh straight year. He was announced Friday at NASCAR's annual season-ending awards ceremony. It's the only major NASCAR award determined solely by the vote of race fans. Elliott beat out Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, per results released by the National Motorsports Press Association. Bill Elliott, Chase's father who is nicknamed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” was named NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 16 times before removing his name from the ballot. Either an Elliott or Earnhardt has won NASCAR’s most popular driver award for 34 consecutive years. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn’t improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. Lawyer says ex-Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller met with NCAA for hours amid gambling probe PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A lawyer for former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller says the 22-year-old sat for a long interview with the NCAA amid an investigation into unusual gambling activity. But neither the lawyer nor federal law enforcement officials on Friday would confirm reports that a federal probe is now under way. Lawyer Jason Bologna says Miller cooperated because he hopes to play again. Miller was released last month after transferring to Virginia Tech. Temple President John Fry says the Philadelphia school has not been asked for any information from federal law enforcement officials.Musk's millions for Trump make him biggest US political donor
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "dateCreated": "2024-12-30T00:48:44+02:00", "datePublished": "2024-12-30T00:48:44+02:00", "dateModified": "2024-12-30T00:48:43+02:00", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22925/opinions/editorial/come-2025-kinshasa-must-act-in-good-faith-for-peace-to-return", "headline": "Come 2025, Kinshasa must act in good faith for peace to return", "description": "The year 2024 will most likely leave eastern DR Congo as volatile as it found it, if not worse: a conflict zone. This year offered a number of...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22925/opinions/editorial/come-2025-kinshasa-must-act-in-good-faith-for-peace-to-return" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/30/67516.jpeg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/30/67516.jpeg" }, "articleBody": "The year 2024 will most likely leave eastern DR Congo as volatile as it found it, if not worse: a conflict zone. This year offered a number of opportunities to bring an end to the conflict in eastern DR Congo, particularly in North Kivu province. These included seven back-to-back tripartite ministerial meetings held in Luanda, Angola. As the conflict also affected bilateral relations between Rwanda and DR Congo, the Luanda meetings, mediated by Angola, brought together Rwandan and Congolese foreign ministers to find a way out of the diplomatic tiff between the two countries. ALSO READ: Rwanda calls for ‘serious actions’ on FDLR as Luanda summit is postponed However, like in 2023, this year the government in Kinshasa manifested little to no political will to end the crisis. At first, Kinshasa was reluctant to sign an agreement that would chart the path to the neutralisation of the genocidal FDLR militia, even after intelligence experts from Rwanda, DR Congo and Angola had recommended it. When the FDLR issue was, on paper, addressed along with the issue of the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, Kinshasa put up another hurdle by refusing to negotiate with the M23 rebels. This culminated in the last-minute cancellation of the proposed summit of Presidents of Rwanda, DR Congo and Angola, who would sign an agreement on peace on December 15. ALSO READ: Dialogue with M23: The impasse in Luanda talks The Luanda process sought to address the three issues of contention in the conflict: the FDLR, Rwanda’s defensive measures and the M23 rebellion. While the proposal for an agreement had been discussed at the high-level meetings between the three countries since at least August, on December 14, during the seventh ministerial meeting, the Congolese side acted against the nod it had given to proposed negotiation with M23 rebels. This put the African Union-backed Luanda process in limbo. Peace and stability in DR Congo means stability in the region. Therefore, if the Congolese leadership sincerely wants peace to reign, it must take responsibility in the conflict. This will require Kinshasa to boost its political will in pursuit of peace and to act in good faith during negotiations. The only missing link to have headway in as regards achieving a peaceful DR Congo and the Great Lakes Region by extension is for Kinshasa to show goodwill and faith other than constant prevarication.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "The New Times" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }
As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House next month, businesses worldwide are bracing for a worsening US-China trade war. While electric vehicle (EV) makers were impacted by trade disputes during Trump's first term, Tesla — and owner Elon Musk — could potentially benefit this time. Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher in Chinese industrial policy at Princeton University, told the ABC's Asia News Week that Mr Musk was "uniquely positioned" to mediate between the two superpowers. However, questions remain about how long the Trump-Musk bromance can last and whether the billionaire's strong links to both countries could see the kingmaker end up becoming a "pawn". 'First buddy' to Trump and Li Following Trump's victory, Mr Musk, who reportedly donated hundreds of millions to the Republicans, has become a key confidant of the president-elect. He's been involved in everything from Trump's phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to suggesting future cabinet picks. Meanwhile, he enjoys a friendly relationship with China, particularly Premier Li Qiang. Dr Chan says Mr Musk "often touts his close relationship" with top officials. While Mr Musk jokes about being Trump's "first buddy" , car industry analyst Lei Xing said the billionaire could also be considered "pro-China". "He's the 'first buddy' to Donald Trump, and he's also maybe the 'first buddy' to Li Qiang," he told the ABC. "Expect Elon to straddle both sides, and both men, and get what he wants." China is Tesla's biggest market outside the US, with sales comparable to those in America, and the car maker has enjoyed favourable treatment in the country not afforded to other foreign businesses. In particular, Shanghai is pivotal to the company's success, with half of its global shipments coming out of the port city. "You cannot overstate the significance of Shanghai to Tesla," Mr Xing emphasised. "Without Shanghai, there's no Tesla today." Trade war set to impact EVs EVs, along with lithium batteries and solar panels, are the "New Three" that Chinese President Xi Jinping believes will be the major drivers of the country's growth. Government subsidies worth billions have been invested in China's supply chains to boost manufacturing capacity, including for a significant export market. Other nations have expressed concern that China's subsidies give its car makers an unfair advantage and are harming their own domestic industries. In May, the Biden administration imposed a 100 per cent tariff — a tax paid by importers — on Chinese EVs, and the EU followed with tariffs up to 45 per cent. Dr Chan said the EV tariffs were worth watching closely over the next few years as the industry lay at the intersection of two key issues. "It's economically significant and you have a lot of jobs tied to that," he said. He said the second issue was the contest between the two superpowers on tech advances. "If EVs are really going to be the future ... is that something that the US is willing to let China dominate?" he asked. Tesla could benefit from Trump policies In late November, Trump announced he would impose at least a 10 per cent tariff on all goods coming from China . But even if the trade war worsens, Mr Musk is in a position to influence policy and push for carve-outs to lower import costs of his businesses' China-made parts. As revealed in a new research paper , politically connected companies were more likely to receive exemptions from China-related tariffs during Mr Trump's first term. Dr Chan predicted Mr Musk could "facilitate communication between the Chinese and the American sides" and "find areas of overlap or compromise" between the two countries. Trump has also promised to eliminate a $US7,500 ($11,600) EV tax credit — an idea for which Mr Musk has expressed support. Mr Xing said in the short term, that would bad for Mr Musk's company but in the long term, it could be positive. "It will make it more difficult for Tesla's competitors, especially in the US market, to really dent Tesla's market share," the EV analyst said. In pole position to influence regulations Trump's return to power comes as Tesla's competitors are chipping away at its global EV dominance . Mr Musk is betting the future of his company on autonomous driving technology, which Tesla brands Full Self-Driving (FSD), which is yet to receive full regulatory approval in the US. But some appear to believe his position in the Trump administration could help him influence regulations directly. Tesla stock surged amid reports Trump's transition team were seeking to develop rules for self-driving cars. While Tesla is a leader in autonomous driving in North America, it faces much stiffer competition in China and a lack of regulatory approval there as well. However, Mr Xing said he expected Mr Musk to go to China and get permission soon, saying it was "only a matter of time". Dr Chan, though, said approval remained "an open question". "One might wonder whether this could be a bargaining point or a leverage point later on in negotiations that involve tariffs and the broader trade war," the expert said. Will the Trump bromance last? In the past, Elon Musk has been somewhat of a political chameleon, shifting his support and stances. He was previously more aligned with, and voted for, the Democrats. The billionaire sat on White House advisory councils during Trump's first administration but left after the US withdrew from the Paris climate accord . In 2022, Trump called him a "bullshit artist" while Mr Musk told the former president to "sail into the sunset". In a post on his Truth Social platform , Trump derided Mr Musk's businesses as "electric cars that don't drive long enough, driverless cars that crash, or rocketships to nowhere". They later reconciled but the two men could again clash on issues like climate change or "big tech". Mr Musk has a history of challenging authorities — particularly in Western nations. He has referred to himself as the "Chief Troll Officer" of X. "With his persona and Trump's persona, I'm not sure whether this [close relationship] will continue to last for the full four years," Mr Xing said. "In the short term, it looks like that they're both using each other as pawns — the DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency], and Tesla using [Trump] fast-tracking some of what [Musk] wants, including 'robotaxis', or regulatory policies. "It's a delicate balance, with two men having so much ego." For now, China seems comfortable with Mr Musk's proximity to president-elect Trump. In an editorial, state media offered lavish praise for the so-called "Tesla effect" as a testament to China's openness for business, while days later they dismissed Trump's 10 per cent tariff proposal as "nonsense". However, Tesla's geopolitical situation was not going to remain comfortable indefinitely, according to Dr Chan. "There is the possibility that as a kind of retaliation — or as a way to exercise pressure over the US side — Tesla could become potentially a pawn in the broader trade dispute," he said. Watch the full episode of Asia News Week on ABC iview or YouTube . ABC