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U.S. stocks climbed after market superstar Nvidia and another round of companies said they’re making even fatter profits than expected. The S&P 500 pulled 0.5% higher Thursday after flipping between modest gains and losses several times in the morning. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up less than 0.1%. Banks, smaller companies and other areas of the stock market that tend to do best when the economy is strong helped lead the way, while bitcoin briefly broke above $99,000. Crude oil, meanwhile, continued to rise. Treasury yields edged higher in the bond market. On Thursday: The S&P 500 rose 31.60 points, or 0.5%, to 5,948.71. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 461.88 points, or 1.1%, to 43,870.35. The Nasdaq composite rose 6.28 points, or less than 0.1%, to 18,972.42. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 38.48 points, or 1.7%, to 2,364.02. For the week: The S&P 500 is up 78.09 points, or 1.3%. The Dow is up 425.36 points, or 1%. The Nasdaq is up 292.30 points, or 1.6%. The Russell 2000 is up 60.18 points, or 2.6%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,178.88 points, or 24.7%. The Dow is up 6,180.81 points, or 16.4%. The Nasdaq is up 3,961.07 points, or 26.4%. The Russell 2000 is up 336.94 points, or 16.6%.
Jonah Goldberg Among elites across the ideological spectrum, there's one point of unifying agreement: Americans are bitterly divided. What if that's wrong? What if elites are the ones who are bitterly divided while most Americans are fairly unified? History rarely lines up perfectly with the calendar (the "sixties" didn't really start until the decade was almost over). But politically, the 21st century neatly began in 2000, when the election ended in a tie and the color coding of electoral maps became enshrined as a kind of permanent tribal color war of "red vs. blue." Elite understanding of politics has been stuck in this framework ever since. Politicians and voters have leaned into this alleged political reality, making it seem all the more real in the process. I loathe the phrase "perception is reality," but in politics it has the reifying power of self-fulfilling prophecy. Like rival noble families in medieval Europe, elites have been vying for power and dominance on the arrogant assumption that their subjects share their concern for who rules rather than what the rulers can deliver. Political cartoonists from across country draw up something special for the holiday In 2018, the group More in Common published a massive report on the "hidden tribes" of American politics. The wealthiest and whitest groups were "devoted conservatives" (6%) and "progressive activists" (8%). These tribes dominate the media, the parties and higher education, and they dictate the competing narratives of red vs. blue, particularly on cable news and social media. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Americans resided in, or were adjacent to, the "exhausted majority." These people, however, "have no narrative," as David Brooks wrote at the time. "They have no coherent philosophic worldview to organize their thinking and compel action." Lacking a narrative might seem like a very postmodern problem, but in a postmodern elite culture, postmodern problems are real problems. It's worth noting that red vs. blue America didn't emerge ex nihilo. The 1990s were a time when the economy and government seemed to be working, at home and abroad. As a result, elites leaned into the narcissism of small differences to gain political and cultural advantage. They remain obsessed with competing, often apocalyptic, narratives. That leaves out most Americans. The gladiatorial combatants of cable news, editorial pages and academia, and their superfan spectators, can afford these fights. Members of the exhausted majority are more interested in mere competence. I think that's the hidden unity elites are missing. This is why we keep throwing incumbent parties out of power: They get elected promising competence but get derailed -- or seduced -- by fan service to, or trolling of, the elites who dominate the national conversation. There's a difference between competence and expertise. One of the most profound political changes in recent years has been the separation of notions of credentialed expertise from real-world competence. This isn't a new theme in American life, but the pandemic and the lurch toward identity politics amplified distrust of experts in unprecedented ways. This is a particular problem for the left because it is far more invested in credentialism than the right. Indeed, some progressives are suddenly realizing they invested too much in the authority of experts and too little in the ability of experts to provide what people want from government, such as affordable housing, decent education and low crime. The New York Times' Ezra Klein says he's tired of defending the authority of government institutions. Rather, "I want them to work." One of the reasons progressives find Trump so offensive is his absolute inability to speak the language of expertise -- which is full of coded elite shibboleths. But Trump veritably shouts the language of competence. I don't mean he is actually competent at governing. But he is effectively blunt about calling leaders, experts and elites -- of both parties -- stupid, ineffective, weak and incompetent. He lost in 2020 because voters didn't believe he was actually good at governing. He won in 2024 because the exhausted majority concluded the Biden administration was bad at it. Nostalgia for the low-inflation pre-pandemic economy was enough to convince voters that Trumpian drama is the tolerable price to pay for a good economy. About 3 out of 4 Americans who experienced "severe hardship" because of inflation voted for Trump. The genius of Trump's most effective ad -- "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you" -- was that it was simultaneously culture-war red meat and an argument that Harris was more concerned about boutique elite concerns than everyday ones. If Trump can actually deliver competent government, he could make the Republican Party the majority party for a generation. For myriad reasons, that's an if so big it's visible from space. But the opportunity is there -- and has been there all along. Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch: thedispatch.com . Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!Having macroeconomic and financial system stability being restored, the focus should shift towards enhancing growth prospects that are both inclusive and sustainable 2024 is a year to be remembered in Sri Lanka’s economic journey since many challenges faced by the country have significantly eased. Sri Lanka is returning to normal after recurring economic shocks since 2019, including the Easter Sunday attack, the pandemic, and the economic crisis. The global economy also exhibited economic resilience amidst multiple challenges, with a soft landing compared to what was feared. Meanwhile, geopolitical conditions became unfavourable. Let’s dive deeper into these. In 2024, Sri Lanka made notable progress in restoring macroeconomic and financial system stability. Following a selective debt-standstill announcement in 2022, external debt restructuring negotiations were concluded in 2024. Subsequently, the country exited the restricted default status it had experienced over two and a half years. Further, the sovereign rating was upgraded by several notches, thus reducing the country’s risk premium substantially. The Extend Fund Facility of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continued successfully and the Executive Board's approval for the second review and staff-level agreement for the third review were reached in 2024. These developments, along with political stability built on a stronger mandate, helped ease market conditions and enhance bullish market sentiments during the latter part of the year. The key macroeconomic indicators improved compared to alarming levels that prevailed in recent years. Inflationary pressures eased notably, and the country recorded temporary deflation after several years. This allowed the easing of monetary conditions further during the year to support credit expansion and economic activity. Moreover, economic growth recovered at a faster pace, facilitated by low interest rates, improved economic sentiments, reviving domestic and external demand, and a lower statistical base of growth in 2023. Importantly, persistent imbalances in the fiscal sector were largely adjusted through fiscal consolidation measures and improved fiscal discipline. Buffers of foreign reserves to withstand external shocks were improved, supported by continuous forex purchases by the Central Bank. Meanwhile, reflecting the external current account surplus supported by increased net inflows of forex and positive market sentiments, exchange rate appreciation continued in 2024 as well. These improvements on the external front alongside the need to increase fiscal revenue prompted the Government to consider the relaxation of remaining import restrictions by the end of the year. In addition to the improvements on the macroeconomic front, the financial sector resilience also improved, and any financial sector catastrophe was avoided decisively. Key financial soundness indicators, including capital adequacy, credit quality, liquidity, and profitability, have shown improvement in the year. Completion of the restructuring of foreign currency debt held by the banks reduced the uncertainties and risks to the banks. Prominently, the legal framework governing the banking system was further strengthened to enhance the soundness of the banking sector, including the areas of governance, related party transactions, large exposure, and ownership. Money market and financial market performances were enhanced, and the stock market reached new heights. Nevertheless, the scarring effect of the prolonged economic hardships on the people and businesses remains. Targeted policy measures to support the most vulnerable segment of the population and businesses would offer temporary relief for survival. Nevertheless, improving inclusive economic growth prospects would be a lasting solution to this problem. Global economic prospects revived, even amidst tighter disinflationary policies of central banks and continued stiff financial conditions. However, global growth over the medium term is projected to hover below the averages recorded before the pandemic. Inflation in many countries returned closer to the targeted levels, after spikes observed during 2022-2023. This disinflation record without leading to global recession is commendable, thanks to the synchronised monetary policy measures and eased global supply. Subsequently, consistent reduction in inflation and anchored inflation expectations facilitated transition towards broad-based monetary policy easing. In 2024, major advanced countries, including the USA, UK, and European Union, began to reduce policy interest rates, after maintaining tighter monetary stance in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, prices of key commodities, such as crude oil, LP gas, coal, and agricultural products, exhibited less volatility and stabilised at a lower level, due to an improvement in demand-supply mismatches. The US dollar strengthened against its major rivals, as measured by the US dollar index. Several political developments unfolded this year with many countries electing new political administrations. Shifting major policy priorities in global superpowers, particularly the USA, could shape the global geoeconomic and social dynamics in the period ahead. In general, fiscal performance worsened globally in 2024 and fiscal sustainability concerns have resurfaced. Global public debt widened in 2024 and is set to increase further in the coming years. Even though it is mainly driven by the USA and China, increasing public debt is becoming a widespread issue. Moreover, fiscal vulnerabilities are emerging further, prompting warnings from multilateral agencies on the high likelihood of sovereign distress in many countries. From a medium-term perspective, pursuing fiscal adjustment through fiscal consolidation, building fiscal buffers along with enhancing fiscal governance would help mitigate the lingering effects of debt unsustainability and the need for painful one-time fiscal adjustments. The time is conducive now, as easing global monetary conditions creates space for countries to absorb the impact of fiscal tightening. On the financial front, the near-term risks to global financial stability remain muted, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and easing monetary conditions. However, the possible spillovers of growing economic and geopolitical uncertainties on economic sectors and financial system cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, social indicators, including poverty reduction, gender equality, and female labour force participation, did not show any significant progress during the year, and thus requiring continuous global attention. Sri Lanka has once again demonstrated its resilience by emerging from the deepest economic crisis in record time. This was possible through decisive policy measures involving multiple stakeholders and international partners. However, it is essential not to become complacent and to continue prioritising structural reforms. Sri Lankans have now fully understood the cost and implications of persistent economic imbalances and macroeconomic instability. Any step forward should be taken cautiously to circumvent backtracking from the strong reform agenda. Having macroeconomic and financial system stability being restored, the focus should shift towards enhancing growth prospects that are both inclusive and sustainable. Reforms aimed at addressing remaining structural economic issues and vulnerabilities should continue in the same spirit. Since the global environment is becoming ever more unpredictable, Sri Lanka should build buffers in its external, fiscal, financial, and monetary sectors to withstand externally driven shocks with minimal adjustment cost. Additionally, Sri Lanka needs to adapt to global megatrends, such as climate change, geoeconomic fragmentation, the adoption of artificial intelligence, and the aging population. Such preparation will empower Sri Lanka to navigate the evolving global landscape effectively in the years to come.
Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate
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The story so far: Seven guests join Reverend Daniel Clement, his mother Audrey and brother Theo for Christmas lunch. But the day's festivities take a shocking turn during a game of charades when one of their visitors falls to the floor... and doesn't get up. Now, in the second and final part of the Mail's electrifying serialisation, questions swirl over his sudden death – as suspicion falls on Audrey's special bread sauce... Daniel said: 'Alex, see where that ambulance has got to.' 'There's a strike, remember, and it's Christmas Day. You couldn't pick a worse day to have a heart attack.' Daniel winced, and instinctively looked to see if Jane, Victor's wife, had heard, but she wasn't in the drawing room. Her cousin, Lord Bernard de Floures, had taken her out to the kitchen, for he thought it no seemlier for a wife to witness a husband's death than a father the birth of a child. Miss March and Honoria had gone with them to make tea and be reassuring and to see that Jane did not help herself to another stiffening tot. A top-secret family recipe, that VERY amorous kiss under the mistletoe - and a dead guest. So who's the killer? Read the second part of our thrilling Christmas mystery to find out... Audrey, with help from Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo, kept the effort up for half an hour before the ambulance arrived, blue lights flashing. The ambulance crew knew Neil from his professional life as a policeman and spoke to him as professionals do, without the softening gloss applied to white-faced relatives surrounding a body. For Victor was now a body, his life extinct almost as soon as he fell. Neil took it upon himself to carry the news to his widow. 'I am sorry to have to tell you...' 'I know,' said Jane, 'he's dead. We all know.' 'Jane, how awful, I'm so sorry,' said Audrey. Honoria had started to wash up, making herself useful at this most testing time, but Neil came and stopped her. 'Please don't wash anything up, Honoria.' 'I am capable of... Rev Richard ColesLudhiana: Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University ( Gadvasu ), in collaboration with the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) Punjab Chapter, celebrated National Milk Day with great fanfare. The event honoured Dr Verghese Kurien , the ‘Father of the White Revolution’, by organising a seminar on ‘Transformative Role of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Dairying ’. Experts highlighted the remarkable journey of dairy development in Punjab, transforming from a milk-deficit state to a frontrunner in dairy production, and its contribution to the national economy. Dr JPS Gill, vice-chancellor of Gadvasu and chief guest, elaborated on the importance of the livestock sector in the agrarian economy, which contributes around 39% of Punjab’s total agricultural GDP. With only 2.16% of the national bovine population, Punjab contributes around 6.40% (13.40 MT) of milk annually to the national milk pool. TNN We also published the following articles recently Cow milk vs Almond Milk: Nutrition and benefits decoded Cow's milk and almond milk are both popular choices, but they differ in nutritional value. Cow's milk is a powerhouse of protein, calcium, and vitamins, while almond milk is lower in calories and often fortified with nutrients. Soaking walnuts in water vs soaking in milk: Which is healthier? Soaking walnuts enhances their nutritional value by reducing phytic acid and improving digestibility. While water is the traditional soaking method, milk adds a creamy texture and boosts protein and calcium content. Water is ideal for calorie control and those with lactose intolerance, while milk caters to individuals seeking extra nutrients and a richer flavor. Minor boy assaulted for stealing packet of milk In a shocking incident that sparked outrage on social media, a young boy in Guwahati was severely beaten by a group of individuals for allegedly stealing a packet of milk. The disturbing video, filmed by a bystander, showed the boy being brutally attacked with sticks and even a key.
Fast Attack Craft Market 2024 Opportunity Assessment, Production Analysis, Growth Rate And Forecast To 2033 11-23-2024 01:38 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: The Business Research Company Fast Attack Craft Market Share The Business Research Company recently released a comprehensive report on the Global Fast Attack Craft Market Size and Trends Analysis with Forecast 2024-2033. This latest market research report offers a wealth of valuable insights and data, including global market size, regional shares, and competitor market share. Additionally, it covers current trends, future opportunities, and essential data for success in the industry. According to The Business Research Company's, The fast attack craft market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.22 billion in 2023 to $5.6 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to maritime security concerns, geopolitical tensions, protection of exclusive economic zones (eez), combatting asymmetric threats, modernization of naval fleets. The fast attack craft market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.16 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to emerging naval threats, continued regional tensions, focus on coastal defense, upgradation programs, naval force projection. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of composite materials, integration of next-generation sensors, focus on multi-mission capabilities, collaboration and joint development programs, sustainability and fuel efficiency initiatives. Get The Complete Scope Of The Report @ https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/fast-attack-craft-global-market-report Market Drivers and Trends: A rise in maritime security is expected to propel the growth of the fast attack craft market going forward. Maritime security refers to protecting vessels and providing safety from crimes at sea. A fast attack vessel helps in maritime security in the areas from which ships and maritime operations need protection, including terrorism, robbery, piracy, and illegal trafficking of goods and people. For instance, in June 2023, according to the International Chamber of Commerce, a France-based organization, there was a rise in the number of piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships, with 65 recorded in the first half of 2023 compared to 58 incidents during the corresponding period in 2022. Therefore, a rise in maritime security is driving the growth of the fast attack craft market. Product innovation is the key trend gaining popularity in the fast-attack craft market. Major companies operating in the fast-attack craft market are developing innovative products and high-quality attack crafts to sustain their position in the market. For instance, North Sea Boats, an Indonesia-based boat-building company, launched KRI Golok, a stealth trimaran fast attack craft, for the Indonesian Navy. The fast attack craft (FAC) is a trimaran with a modern Wave Piercing design. The greater beam provides inherent stability and allows the vessel to cut through waves rather than climb up and over them. This combination of characteristics decreases pitching and rolling, resulting in a stable weapons platform and allowing the vessel to maintain greater average speeds in unfavorable weather comfortably and safely. It includes stealth design elements that reduce detection by decreasing Radar, Infrared, Acoustic, and Magnetic signatures. Key Benefits for Stakeholders: • Comprehensive Market Insights: Stakeholders gain access to detailed market statistics, trends, and analyses that help them understand the current and future landscape of their industry. • Informed Decision-Making: The reports provide crucial data that support strategic decisions, reducing risks and enhancing business planning. • Competitive Advantage: With in-depth competitor analysis and market share information, stakeholders can identify opportunities to outperform their competition. • Tailored Solutions: The Business Research Company offers customized reports that address specific needs, ensuring stakeholders receive relevant and actionable insights. • Global Perspective: The reports cover various regions and markets, providing a broad view that helps stakeholders expand and operate successfully on a global scale. Ready to Dive into Something Exciting? Get Your Free Exclusive Sample of Our Research Report @ https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=10674&type=smp Major Key Players of the Market: BAE Systems plc;Fr. Lurssen Werft GmbH;Navantia SA;CMN Group;China Shipbuilding And Offshore International Co. Ltd.;Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd.;Damen Holding B.V.;Fincantieri S.p.A.;Goa Shipyard Limited;Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Holdings Co. Ltd.;Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.;Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co. Ltd.;Fassmer GmbH and Co. KG;Kangnam Corporation;L&T Shipbuilding Limited;Northrop Grumman Corporation;Austal Limited;Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc.;Lockheed Martin Corporation;General Dynamics Corporation;Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn. Bhd.;COTECMAR;EDGE PJSC Group;Israel Shipyards Ltd.;Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.;Kawasaki Heavy Industries;Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited;Swiftships LLC;ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems;United Shipbuilding Corporation;Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited;Thales Group Fast Attack Craft Market 2024 Key Insights: • The fast attack craft market will grow to $7.16 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. • Maritime Security Surge Propels Fast Attack Craft Market Growth • Innovative Advancements In The Fast Attack Craft Market • Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the fast-attack craft market in 2023 We Offer Customized Report, Click @ https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/Customise?id=10674&type=smp Contact Us: The Business Research Company Europe: +44 207 1930 708 Asia: +91 88972 63534 Americas: +1 315 623 0293 Email: info@tbrc.info Follow Us On: LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/the-business-research-company Twitter: https://twitter.com/tbrc_info Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessResearchCompany YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24_fI0rV8cR5DxlCpgmyFQ Blog: https://blog.tbrc.info/ Healthcare Blog: https://healthcareresearchreports.com/ Global Market Model: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/global-market-model Learn More About The Business Research Company The Business Research Company ( www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com ) is a leading market intelligence firm renowned for its expertise in company, market, and consumer research. With a global presence, TBRC's consultants specialize in diverse industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, chemicals, and technology, providing unparalleled insights and strategic guidance to clients worldwide. This release was published on openPR.India readies for 400 million pilgrims at mammoth Kumbh Mela festival
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LARAMIE -- This year University of Wyoming Extension employees received state, regional and national honors from professional associations in their fields. These outstanding staff members were recognized at an annual UW Extension conference in Sheridan earlier this month. Chance Marshall of Fremont County received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA). This award is given to an exceptional educator who has served extension for over 10 years, created effective programming and actively worked to improve extension. Marshall joined UW Extension as a Fremont County educator in 2014. “Chance has shown impeccable leadership and exceptional programming on artificial insemination in cattle and other livestock,” said Jeremiah Vardiman, past president of the Wyoming Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA). Jaycie Arndt earned the Achievement Award from the NACAA, which is given to an outstanding educator who has been with the association for less than 10 years. Arndt joined extension in 2020 and currently works as coordinator of the Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE) and an assistant research scientist at the Sheridan Research and Extension Center. “As a newer educator in our association, she shows a very high quality of work, especially leading a statewide organization like IMAGINE,” said Vardiman. He highlights Arndt’s ability to connect with her community. 4-H educators earn state, regional, national honors Several UW Extension employees were recognized by the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP). Awards are given to NAE4-HYDP members who are leaders in their communities and create innovative youth programming. Emily Haver, Carbon County 4-H educator, received the state Excellence in Natural Resources/Environmental Education Award for revitalizing the Carbon County 4-H summer camp. She also earned the state and regional Jim Kahler Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Awards for creating an after-school maker camp. Former Teton County 4-H educator Glenn Owings won the Achievement in Service Award, which recognizes an employee who has been a member of NAE4-HDP for 3-7 years. Laramie County 4-H educator Kristi Nagy won the Distinguished Service Award, awarded to those who have been members of NAE4-HYDP for 7-14 years. Erin Persche, who joined Weston County Extension as a 4-H educator in 2022, was named the 2024 Wyoming Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (WAE4-HYDP) Rookie of the Year. This award recognizes an exceptional 4-H educator who has been a member of UW Extension for less than three years. Persche also received the state and regional Individual Periodical Publication Awards for the Weston County monthly 4-H newsletter. In addition, she won the state and regional Individual Social Media Package Awards for her “This Week in Weston County 4-H” weekly Facebook updates. Finally, Persche earned the state, regional and national Individual Promotional Piece Awards for a postcard that boosted re-enrollments in Weston County 4-H. Campbell County 4-H educator Makala Riley received state and regional recognition for a book club she created for 4-H volunteers. Riley also earned several accolades for her work on the Campbell County 4-H newsletter, including state and regional honors for her personal column introducing the newsletter. Riley, fellow Campbell County 4-H educator Kim Fry and Campbell County administrative assistant Treasure Boller received the state and regional Team Periodical Publication Awards for the newsletter as a whole. UW Extension’s Food, Fun, 4-H Program won the state Team Educational Package Award. This innovative program, created by UW Extension educators Kellie Chichester of Niobrara County, Joddee Jacobsen of Natrona County, Mary Louise Wood of Park County and Erin Persche of Weston County, encourages youth to cook with their families. Finally, Emily Swinyer of Sheridan County earned state and regional Individual Educational Package Awards for organizing and leading a childcare and babysitting course for older 4-H’rs . About the University of Wyoming Extension The University of Wyoming Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the state’s 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, Extension upholds the university’s land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages. UW Extension staff help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call 307-766-5124.The MCU Young Avengers Assembled, But Is It Marvel Canon?
Columbia, a perennial football loser, wins Ivy League title for first time since 1961
Would new PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva beat UFC legend Valentina Shevchenko if they fought in 2025? | Sporting NewsJonah Goldberg Among elites across the ideological spectrum, there's one point of unifying agreement: Americans are bitterly divided. What if that's wrong? What if elites are the ones who are bitterly divided while most Americans are fairly unified? History rarely lines up perfectly with the calendar (the "sixties" didn't really start until the decade was almost over). But politically, the 21st century neatly began in 2000, when the election ended in a tie and the color coding of electoral maps became enshrined as a kind of permanent tribal color war of "red vs. blue." Elite understanding of politics has been stuck in this framework ever since. Politicians and voters have leaned into this alleged political reality, making it seem all the more real in the process. I loathe the phrase "perception is reality," but in politics it has the reifying power of self-fulfilling prophecy. Like rival noble families in medieval Europe, elites have been vying for power and dominance on the arrogant assumption that their subjects share their concern for who rules rather than what the rulers can deliver. Political cartoonists from across country draw up something special for the holiday In 2018, the group More in Common published a massive report on the "hidden tribes" of American politics. The wealthiest and whitest groups were "devoted conservatives" (6%) and "progressive activists" (8%). These tribes dominate the media, the parties and higher education, and they dictate the competing narratives of red vs. blue, particularly on cable news and social media. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Americans resided in, or were adjacent to, the "exhausted majority." These people, however, "have no narrative," as David Brooks wrote at the time. "They have no coherent philosophic worldview to organize their thinking and compel action." Lacking a narrative might seem like a very postmodern problem, but in a postmodern elite culture, postmodern problems are real problems. It's worth noting that red vs. blue America didn't emerge ex nihilo. The 1990s were a time when the economy and government seemed to be working, at home and abroad. As a result, elites leaned into the narcissism of small differences to gain political and cultural advantage. They remain obsessed with competing, often apocalyptic, narratives. That leaves out most Americans. The gladiatorial combatants of cable news, editorial pages and academia, and their superfan spectators, can afford these fights. Members of the exhausted majority are more interested in mere competence. I think that's the hidden unity elites are missing. This is why we keep throwing incumbent parties out of power: They get elected promising competence but get derailed -- or seduced -- by fan service to, or trolling of, the elites who dominate the national conversation. There's a difference between competence and expertise. One of the most profound political changes in recent years has been the separation of notions of credentialed expertise from real-world competence. This isn't a new theme in American life, but the pandemic and the lurch toward identity politics amplified distrust of experts in unprecedented ways. This is a particular problem for the left because it is far more invested in credentialism than the right. Indeed, some progressives are suddenly realizing they invested too much in the authority of experts and too little in the ability of experts to provide what people want from government, such as affordable housing, decent education and low crime. The New York Times' Ezra Klein says he's tired of defending the authority of government institutions. Rather, "I want them to work." One of the reasons progressives find Trump so offensive is his absolute inability to speak the language of expertise -- which is full of coded elite shibboleths. But Trump veritably shouts the language of competence. I don't mean he is actually competent at governing. But he is effectively blunt about calling leaders, experts and elites -- of both parties -- stupid, ineffective, weak and incompetent. He lost in 2020 because voters didn't believe he was actually good at governing. He won in 2024 because the exhausted majority concluded the Biden administration was bad at it. Nostalgia for the low-inflation pre-pandemic economy was enough to convince voters that Trumpian drama is the tolerable price to pay for a good economy. About 3 out of 4 Americans who experienced "severe hardship" because of inflation voted for Trump. The genius of Trump's most effective ad -- "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you" -- was that it was simultaneously culture-war red meat and an argument that Harris was more concerned about boutique elite concerns than everyday ones. If Trump can actually deliver competent government, he could make the Republican Party the majority party for a generation. For myriad reasons, that's an if so big it's visible from space. But the opportunity is there -- and has been there all along. Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch: thedispatch.com . Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!Approval of Texas' Bible-infused curriculum will likely depend on Abbott appointee
, known for his ventures like , , and the rebranding of Twitter to "X," has now surfaced as a surprising favorite to potentially take over the ownership of an team. According to Bovada's latest betting odds, Musk holds the second-best odds to replace as the owner of the . Johnson has been at the helm of the Jets since 2000, but amid a disastrous 2024 season, The Jets, valued at , entered the season with high hopes, especially with leading the charge. However, what was expected to be a promising year has spiraled into disappointment, with the team . Fans' frustrations have increasingly been directed at Johnson, who has faced mounting criticism. While Johnson hasn't expressed any intention to sell the team, the possibility remains open if an irresistible offer comes along. And if anyone can make such an offer, it's Elon Musk, with his Musk's potential involvement in NFL ownership has sparked intrigue and debate. Known for his unconventional ideas and polarizing presence, Musk's ownership of the Jets could bring a significant shake-up to the franchise. " ," an article notes, though opinions on Musk's suitability as owner may vary widely among fans. Is Elon Musk the answer to ownership woes? Adding to Musk's already packed plate are his recent political and governmental endeavors. After 's 2024 presidential victory, Musk was named co-leader of the alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. Despite his many responsibilities, Musk seems undeterred by the idea of taking on more challenges. After all, as a billionaire with a flair for bold moves, he's no stranger to expanding his empire. The prospect of Musk owning a big-market team like the Jets has captivated imaginations. With their last playoff appearance in 2010 and a history of being a "non-stop circus," the Jets could see a . Whether fans are ready for such a dramatic change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Musk as the Jets' owner would be "can't-miss content."Marcos, Cabinet combing through budget
Recreational Boats Market to Grow by USD 6.28 Billion (2024-2028) Rising Boating Activities Driving Revenue, Report on AI-Driven Market Transformation - TechnavioRight now, Best Buy is selling the 256GB 15-inch MacBook Air (M2) for $255 off. Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 is no longer the latest ultraportable from the company, but it's still a formidable laptop one year later. The larger screen and lighter form factor make it a compelling device for content creators, designers, and more. Still, the absence of extra ports is felt, with just two USB-C and one 3.5mm headphone jack available on the laptop. For the longest time, Apple's MacBook lineup was in a bit of disarray. Choosing the right model primarily boiled down to budget and display preference. But if you wanted a larger screen, you'd have to pay up for a Pro model, even if the extra power and ports were unnecessary. For most user applications, it's overkill. Also: The 2-in-1 laptop I recommend most is not a Lenovo or Dell (and it's cheaper than ever) That's why the 15-inch MacBook Air changes everything and has made my job so much easier. Apple's large-screen MacBook is ultraportable, will satisfy anyone's content-consuming heart, and somehow costs just $100 more than its smaller, older predecessor . Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023) Apple's MacBook takes the best of the 13-inch M2 Air and enlarges it. With a better speaker system, better performance, and a relatively accessible price tag, it's one of the easiest laptops to justify buying. While the M2 model featured in this article is no longer the newest offering from Apple -- there's now an M3 variant in town -- it looks nearly identical to its successor, has the same 18-hour battery life rating, and is only missing two features (dual-monitor support and Wi-Fi 6E), chipsets aside. That said, for less money, the M2 MacBook Air may still be the best laptop for you. Here's why. To keep it simple, besides the larger chassis and some upgrades under the hood, the 15-inch MacBook Air is the same system as 2022's 13-inch model. We named the latter ZDNET's Product of the Year for its competency, portability, and price, and you're getting the same value propositions this time around. Also: The best MacBook accessories of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed The design of the MacBook is sleek and modern, with elements like flat edges, the camera notch, and MagSafe charging that have trickled down from Apple's higher-end laptops. What wasn't carried over was the extra ports and slots for HDMI and SD cards. (You won't get those aspects on the new M3 model either.) Comparing the port selection between the 15-inch MacBook Air (left) and the 16-inch MacBook Pro (right). I get it: This is a MacBook Air, not a MacBook Pro. But something just feels off about having more real estate yet the same amount of ports as the previous, smaller model. For reference, the count is two left-aligned USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right. An additional USB-C on the right side is all I really ask for. That way, charging the MacBook doesn't always feel like a game of tug-of-war with my outlet. The MagSafe charging port, along with the only two USB-C ports, is found on the left side of the laptop. My review unit came in Starlight, which shimmers in gold and silver hues and doesn't retain fingerprints like the FBI agent that is the Midnight variant. Altogether, this is one of the better-looking 15-inch laptops I've used and is a testament to Apple's maturity when it comes to the MacBook's industrial design. While the 15-inch MacBook Air is relatively lightweight (2.7 pounds) compared to other big-screen laptops, I wouldn't go as far as to say that it's unnoticeable when tucked in a backpack. That was the case with the 13-inch Air that I lugged around at CES, but not with this model. Still, it's a nice middle ground and induces less back pain than the 16-inch MacBook Pro typically found in my everyday carry. I have no problem recommending this to students, hybrid workers, and coffee shop dwellers, which I don't often say about 15-inch laptops. The 15-inch MacBook Air still has a backlit keyboard with function keys. And the trackpad is larger than ever. To round out the design differences, the 15-inch MacBook Air features a six-speaker sound system compared to last year's four-speaker. Audio still fires up from the keyboard, not the sides, but the upgrade is definitely noticeable. Instead of having to crank up the MacBook's volume to the max, which I often found myself doing with the 13-inch when watching movies or playing music in the kitchen, the 15-inch at 75% volume is adequate. Also: MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: How to decide which model to buy If we want to get into the nitty-gritty, I still prefer the fuller, more bass-heavy audio produced by the MacBook Pro's speakers, but for a $600-$800 price gap, I can live with the MacBook Air's version. As far as day-to-day performance goes, the MacBook Air, powered by an M2 chip, 8-core CPU, and now 10-core GPU by default, handled my usual spectrum of multi-window browsing, conference calls, photo and video editing, and constant media streaming gracefully. The lack of cooling fans means the Air is near-silent, even when it's cranking out graphics and uploading/downloading large video files. The MacBook Air's display ramps up to 500 nits of brightness, which is just enough in most well-lit environments. The laptop is capable of 4K exports on Adobe Premiere Pro and editing RAW files on Adobe Photoshop, but anything more intense, such as 3D modeling and animating, will likely push the Air to its limit. At that point, the MacBook Pro , Mac Studio , and Mac Pro has your name on it. Or, the M3-powered MacBook Air may be more suitable for your needs. Also: How Apple's chip transition yielded such an oddly configured Mac Pro What I found myself missing when testing the MacBook Air was the 120Hz ProMotion display from the Pro line. All it took was an hour or two before my eyes adapted to the slower, less smooth 60Hz panel, but the larger 15-inch display didn't make the transition easy. In fact, it made the difference more apparent. ZDNET's buying advice All that is to say, the 15-inch MacBook Air faces the same criticisms as the older 13-inch model , like the lack of utility ports and a slower refresh rate display. And for those reasons, it's not the laptop for me. But everything else about it is as good as the current $1,050 price point gets. My parents, who favor the larger, more vivid viewing experience, will love it. My partner, a teacher who spends hours a day sifting through spreadsheets, will love it. And my younger cousin, an undergraduate who's always on his feet and writing research papers, will love it. This is the MacBook most people have been waiting for and is the one that most people should buy. One of the best QLED TVs I've tested isn't made by Samsung or Hisense (and it's $500 off) I finally found a wireless Android Auto adapter that's reliable, functional, and affordable This is the most bizarre portable power station I've tested - and it actually works One of the best cheap soundbars I've tested performs as well as models twice its price