demo fortune gems 2
PS5 and Xbox Series X Bundles: Best OffersTrump asks US Supreme Court to pause law threatening TikTok ban
By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There’s going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he’s pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl, Trump posted. Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation , while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would counter the move with tariffs on U.S. products. House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” “The economy department is preparing it,” Sheinbaum said. “If there are tariffs, Mexico would increase tariffs, it is a technical task about what would also benefit Mexico,” she said, suggesting her country would impose targeted import duties on U.S. goods in sensitive areas. Related Articles House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans’ coming control of both the House and Senate. “This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November’s election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world’s second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump’s tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they were ultimately somewhat modest. Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared to the overall economy. America’s gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump’s tariffs — if they’re imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices, just as many companies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 boosted food and energy costs and gave several major companies the space to raise prices, according to their own earnings calls with investors. But what Trump didn’t really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City.
Sinn Fein was accused of “ignoring” the role 3,000 Troubles deaths had in damaging community relations in Northern Ireland in a memo sent to a direct rule minister in 2003. Declassified files show the note to former MP John Spellar also said the republican party had ignored the “visceral component of sectarianism” in responding to a new government good relations strategy. Mr Spellar, then a Northern Ireland Office minister, had launched a consultation on the “A Shared Future” document, an attempt to address community divisions, segregation and sectarianism in the region at a time when the devolved powersharing institutions were suspended. A file at the Public Record Office in Belfast shows that OFMDFM official Chris Stewart wrote to the minister in July about a response to the document from Sinn Fein representative Bairbre de Brun. Mr Stewart told Mr Spellar that Ms de Brun’s letter had been critical of the document and was clearly intended to “mark your card”. He said among a number of points raised by de Brun was that “the promotion of equality is the key to improving community relations”. His memo adds: “Sinn Fein is clearly seeking to position or align the issue of community relations within its equality and human rights agenda. “This general Sinn Fein position has resulted in a simplistic analysis of community relations, which is flawed in its description of the causes and necessary policy response. “There is of course, no doubt that a lack of equality has been a contributing factor to poor community relations. “However, Sinn Fein ignores the many other factors, not least the violent conflict that resulted in over 3,000 deaths. “Sinn Fein also portrays poor community relations (for nationalists) as being a purely rational response to the political situation. “This ignores the more visceral component of sectarianism, which is all too prevalent in both communities.” Mr Stewart continues: “To suggest, as Sinn Fein does, that the promotion of equality should be the key component of good relations policy is to ignore the key message in A Shared Future, that indirect approaches alone are insufficient to deal with sectarianism and the abnormal relationship between sections of the Northern Ireland community.” The official recommended the minister invite representatives of Sinn Fein to a meeting to discuss the policy. The file also contains a note about Mr Spellar’s meeting with DUP representatives Maurice Morrow and Peter Weir the following month to discuss the document. The note says: “Morrow said he had no problem with sharing the future and suggested that the first step to that would be an election to decide who spoke for whom – though he was quick to say he didn’t want politics to dominate the meeting.” It adds: “Weir said that the biggest step towards improving community relations would be the creation of a political environment that had the broad support of both unionism and nationalism, and the GFA (Good Friday Agreement) could not create that environment.”Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next
HUMBOLDT, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man was convicted Thursday of killing two men and wounding a third in a shooting at a high school basketball game three years ago. Jadon Hardiman, 21, was found guilty in Gibson County of charges including second-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses, district attorney Frederick Agee said in a statement. He faces up to 76 years in prison at sentencing in April. Hardiman, of Jackson, attended a basketball game between Humboldt and North Side high schools on Nov. 30, 2021. Then 18, Hardiman entered the Humboldt gymnasium's crowded concession area and pulled a semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun, prosecutors said. He fired three shots at Justin Pankey, a 21-year-old former Humboldt basketball player. Pankey was hit one time and died within seconds, Agee said. A second bullet hit Xavier Clifton, a former North Side student and basketball player, who was standing in the concession line. Clifton was shot in the neck and paralyzed. He died in March 2022. A third shot struck another man in the back of the head. He survived. “Many people were placed in fear of imminent bodily injury by Hardiman’s shooting, as shown by video footage of their fleeing into the gym, into bathrooms, and other areas of the school,” Agee said. Hardiman ran away and drove to Jackson, disposing of the murder weapon along the way, the district attorney said. The U.S. Marshals Service contacted his family, and he was arrested the next day. Agee said the shooting "frightened every adult, student, and child present, who were only there to support their team and enjoy a good game.” Hardiman's lawyer did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
TEHRAN: Tehran has formally protested the arrests of two Iranians in Italy and the United States accused of transferring sensitive US technology to Iran, local media reported. US prosecutors on Monday charged Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi with “conspiring to export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran in violation of US export control and sanctions laws”, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice. The statement added that the illegally exported technology was used in a January drone attack that killed three US servicemen in Jordan. Iran denied any involvement in the attack, dismissing the claims as “baseless accusations.” “We consider both the cruel and unilateral US sanctions against Iran and these arrests to be contrary to all international laws and standards,” foreign ministry official Vahid Jalalzadeh told the Tasnim news agency late on Saturday. Jalalzadeh said the ministry had “invited” the Italian charg d’affaires and the Swiss ambassador to Tehran — who represents US interests there — to “declare its protests to the arrests”. Abedininajafabadi, 38, was arrested on Monday in Italy by Italian authorities at the request of the United States, the US Department of Justice said. It identified Sadeghi as a 42-year-old dual US-Iranian national who was arrested in the United States. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Samsung Heavy Industries is a super-sized ethanol carrier (VLEC) worth 742.2 billion won with ship owners in Asia. It announced on the 26th that it has signed a construction contract for three ships. Ships will be delivered to ship owners sequentially by December 2027. Including this contract, Samsung Heavy Industries recorded a cumulative order of about 7.3 billion dollars (36 vessels in total) this year. This represents 75% of the $9.7 billion annual target. Among them, eco-friendly fuel ships such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia, and ethane account for 86% (31 vessels) of all contracted ships. An official from Samsung Heavy Industries said, “The number of orders for eco-friendly fuel-powered ships to reduce greenhouse gas is steadily increasing,” adding, “As we have strengths in eco-friendly technology development, we will actively respond to changes in the market environment.” In November, Samsung Heavy Industries signed a construction contract worth a total of 1.985 trillion won with ship owners in Asia, including four 16,000 TEU (1 TEU is 1 20-foot container). These ships are scheduled to be delivered to the shipowner by December 2027. Source: Maeil Business NewpaperTrump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Pajamas are an oft-overlooked part of the wardrobe. The boxers you've had since high school and the t-shirts you've acquired from family vacations and concerts over the years may be comfy enough, but we're confident you can do better. The best pajamas elevate the every night, and with the holidays around the corner they're a great gift for just about anyone on your list. Especially considering the plethora of Black Friday deals on cozy pajama sets we've already found. Tommy John: Take 40% off everything with code BF40 Eberjey: Save 25% on select pajamas Lunya: Save on all items from this page Cozy Earth: Get 30% off select pajamas Lake : Take 25% off most items and 50% off select items MeUndies: Get 50% off sitewide Tommy John Tommy John is one of our most recommended brands for its basics that always deliver on quality, comfort, and functionality. The brand obsesses over every detail of every piece it makes and is surely one of the most innovative in intimates with its unique, lightweight, and breathable fabrics. If you've never experienced the joy of donning Tommy John, now's a great time. From November 27 to December 3, Tommy John is offering 40% off everything. That means you can snag favorites like the Women's Dowxntime Pajama Set and Men's Second Skin Sleep Set for 40% off. Just make sure you use the code BF40 . The whole site is on sale, so find even more Tommy John deals here . A classic and cozy pajama set gets the Tommy John treatment with the soft and breathable Downtime fabric, made from a blend of acrylic, spandex, and micro modal. This soft and slouchy tee and short set are made for lounging. The shorts have a drawcord waist for the perfect fit and even have pockets to hold your naptime essentials. This set features Tommy John’s iconic Second Skin fabric, a spandex-micro modal blend that’s stretchy, luxuriously soft, and never pills. If you don’t want the whole set, you can buy each piece separately too. The Downtime Collection pieces are all made with a lightweight, breathable, and supersmooth fabric. Beyond supreme comfort, this set has a well-tailored fit that will make him look and feel great. Eberjey Years ago women's lingerie was made more with the male gaze– and less with woman's comfort– in mind. Eberjey was founded to fix that by creating pieces that put women's comfort first, without sacrificing on style. It started with the Gisele Pajamas, which have become iconic and inspired many pajama sets since. Since its inception, Eberjey has expanded its luxury loungewear collection to include new silhouettes, as well as pieces for men and children. No matter what style you choose you can always expect soft-as-butter fabric, flattering fits, and quality that lasts a lifetime in your wardrobe. Eberjey pieces are pricey, but we believe well worth the splurge, especially now as tons of items on their site are 25% off for Black Friday . Just make sure you add the items to your cart to see the discount. The iconic pajamas that look as good as they feel. The Gisele Short Set drapes beautifully, is supremely soft, and comes in 15 fun colorways. Put down your boyfriend’s sleepshirt and go for this feminine take on the classic instead. The Tencel Modal fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and silky-smooth on skin. All the luxury of a silk pajama set, with the ease of machine washability. It comes in 15 funky patterns that make bedtime more fun like stripes, florals, and batik. This short and T-shirt set is made of a temperature-regulating fabric to keep him cool, making it a great pick for hot sleepers and summer nights. Lunya You've probably seen Lunya on social media, where it's garnered a cult-like following for its collection of gorgeous, washable silk PJs. It's one of our favorite places to get silk pajamas , but the brand makes great lounge and sleep wares in a variety of fabrics like pima cotton, flannel, wool, and terry. From November 27 to December 3, Lunya is offering discounts on select items. Find that, and many more steep savings, at Lunya this Black Friday . This robe is so buttery-soft, once you put it on you’ll never want to take it off. Luxury, laidback, throw it in the wash – who said you couldn’t have it all? Made in our iconic Washable Silk fabric for that 'cool side of the pillow' feel all night long, her durable shell buttons stay in place no matter your sleeping position. High-rise pant with cozy elastic waistband, and a stylish tapered leg – lounging looks good on you. Lake LAKE wants to make the little moments of our day worthy of celebration with pieces that make even the mundane, like brushing your teeth or having your morning coffee, feel special. And their pajamas, which are so cute and comfortable, are sure to elevate your sleep– and whatever comes before and after. This Black Friday, LAKE is giving us something more to celebrate. Everything on their site is 25% off like the iconic Women's Pima Shorts Set. Select items will be up to 50% off. Find all of these great deals at LAKE this Black Friday . Can’t decide between pajama pants and shorts? This set includes a ribbed crewneck, cotton pants, and shorts, so you have everything you need for a cozy night whether it’s hot or cold out. A scoop neck, short sleeve top and dolphin hem, elastic waistband shorts are the perfect pair for a luxurious night of sleep. Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Black Friday deals .
Share Tweet Share Share Email As the global population continues to grow and consumption patterns rise, the pressure on natural resources becomes increasingly unsustainable. To address these challenges, the transition to a sustainable economy has emerged as a vital priority. Waste and circular economy finance have become key enablers in this transformation, offering tools and strategies to minimize waste, enhance resource efficiency, and secure long-term economic stability. Thus, Through the lens of finance, we can unlock innovative solutions that pave the way toward a more resilient future . Understanding Waste and the Circular Economy Waste management and circular economy principles are closely intertwined. Traditional linear economic models rely on a “take-make-dispose” approach, which results in significant resource depletion and waste generation. Conversely, the circular economy aims to retain resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value and then recovering and regenerating materials at the end of their lifecycle. Core Principles of the Circular Economy Design for Longevity: Products are designed with durability, repairability, and longevity in mind. Reuse and Recycling: Resources are reused and recycled to reduce dependency on virgin materials. Resource Optimization: Efficient use of resources minimizes waste generation. Turning Waste into Value: Waste is transformed into resources, energy, or products. Finance plays a crucial role in accelerating these principles by funding innovative projects, supporting sustainable businesses, and influencing policy changes. The Role of Finance in Supporting the Circular Economy Driving Innovation Through Investment Investing in research and development is essential for advancing circular economy technologies. Financial institutions, venture capitalists, and impact investors can identify and support startups working on groundbreaking solutions, such as biodegradable materials, modular products, or advanced recycling technologies. For instance, companies creating bio-based packaging or modular electronics often require financial backing to scale their operations. By funding these innovations, investors not only promote sustainability but also tap into emerging profitable markets. Leveraging Green Bonds and Sustainability Loans Green bonds and sustainability-linked loans are among the most effective tools for financing circular economy projects. These financial instruments channel capital toward initiatives that align with environmental and sustainability objectives, including waste management systems, renewable energy projects, and resource-efficient manufacturing processes. Hence, By linking loan terms to sustainability performance metrics, businesses are incentivized to adopt circular economy practices. At the same time, green bonds attract environmentally conscious investors, fostering a mutually beneficial arrangement. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as Catalysts Collaboration between governments and private entities can significantly enhance the scale and efficiency of circular economy projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) combine the strengths of public sector support with private sector innovation, enabling the development of initiatives such as waste-to-energy plants, recycling infrastructure, and urban composting programs. Moreover, PPPs can reduce financial risks for private investors, making circular economy projects more appealing and accessible. Overcoming Challenges in Financing Circular Economy Initiatives Despite its potential, financing the circular economy faces several hurdles. Addressing these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of waste reduction and resource efficiency. High Initial Investment Costs Adopting circular systems often requires substantial upfront investments. Building infrastructure for recycling, remanufacturing, and renewable energy production can be prohibitively expensive for many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises . Limited Awareness Among Stakeholders A lack of understanding about circular economy principles and their financial benefits can deter investment. Without widespread awareness, potential investors may fail to recognize the opportunities that this sector offers. Inconsistent Policies and Regulations Fragmented regulations across different regions complicate the implementation of circular economy projects. Harmonized policies, alongside targeted incentives, are needed to create an environment conducive to investment and innovation. Challenges in Measuring Impact Demonstrating the environmental and economic impacts of circular economy projects can be difficult. Transparent reporting and standardized metrics are essential to build trust and confidence among stakeholders. Financial Tools for Supporting the Circular Economy To overcome these obstacles, a variety of financial tools and mechanisms have been developed to support waste management and circular economy initiatives. Circular Economy Investment Funds Specialized investment funds focus on businesses and projects that adhere to circular economy principles. By pooling capital from diverse investors, these funds mitigate risks and amplify impact. Monetizing Carbon Credits Circular practices often lead to reduced carbon emissions. In addition, Businesses can generate additional revenue streams by trading carbon credits associated with these reductions, further incentivizing circular strategies. Crowdfunding Platforms Crowdfunding democratizes access to finance by enabling individual investors to support innovative circular economy projects. Additionally, it raises public awareness and garners community support for sustainable initiatives. Impact Investing Impact investors prioritize projects that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits alongside financial returns. Circular economy initiatives align perfectly with this approach, offering significant impacts and profitability. Insurance Products for Circular Projects Insurance solutions tailored to circular economy projects can mitigate risks associated with innovative technologies or business models. For example, insurers can provide coverage for equipment failures in recycling facilities, reducing financial uncertainties. Real-World Success Stories Several organizations have successfully leveraged financial tools to implement circular economy practices, setting a precedent for others to follow. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The foundation collaborates with businesses, governments, and academic institutions to accelerate the global shift toward a circular economy. Through initiatives like the Circular Economy 100 program, the foundation explores innovative financing models and fosters collaboration among stakeholders. Ikea’s Circular Commitment Ikea aims to become fully circular by 2030. The company has made significant investments in renewable energy, product longevity, and recycling initiatives, demonstrating the financial viability of circular practices. Waste Management Innovations Companies like TerraCycle and Veolia have embraced circular approaches, transforming waste into valuable resources. Using advanced technologies, these firms recycle materials that were previously considered non-recyclable, showcasing the economic and environmental benefits of circular systems. Paving the Way Forward To fully realize the potential of waste and circular economy finance, collaboration among stakeholders is essential. Governments, financial institutions, businesses, and consumers must join forces to create an enabling environment for circular practices. Recommendations for Policy Support Tax Incentives: Encourage the use of recycled materials by reducing taxes on their production and consumption. Subsidizing Innovation: Provide grants or subsidies for research and development in circular economy technologies. Streamlined Regulations: Establish consistent and clear policies to guide circular economy initiatives. Capacity Building and Awareness Educating stakeholders about the economic and environmental benefits of the circular economy is critical. Workshops, training programs, and public awareness campaigns can help bridge knowledge gaps and foster adoption. Leveraging Technological Advancements Investing in advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence for waste sorting or blockchain for supply chain transparency, can significantly enhance the efficiency of circular systems and reduce costs. Conclusion Waste and circular economy finance represent transformative tools for building a sustainable future. By embracing innovative financial instruments, fostering public-private partnerships, and addressing existing challenges, we can accelerate the global transition to a circular economy. Furthermore, Beyond environmental benefits, this transition offers opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life. Additionally, As stakeholders work collaboratively to implement these principles, the vision of a resilient and sustainable economy moves closer to reality . Related Items: Sustainable Economy , Waste & Circular Economy Finance Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsArticle content The losses keep piling up for the Toronto Blue Jays. On the field, there were 88 of them during a disastrous and disheartening 2024 to cap off a colossal two-year plunge into the basement of the American League East. Off the field, there was another spectacular swing and miss on a generational free agent, losing out on Juan Soto a year after a similar much-hyped failure in a bid to land Shohei Ohtani. And up next, perhaps the biggest misfire yet for the front office braintrust of general manager Ross Atkins and team president Mark Shapiro, which is truly saying something if it ends up happening. If the Jays let Vlad Guerrero Jr., get to free agency 11 months from now — which seems more like a certainty by the day — the current iteration of the franchise may never recover. Sure, after losing out to Soto — who signed that epic 15-year, $765-million US deal with the New York Mets on Sunday — the Jays can regroup and make re-signing Guerrero a priority. But even if the team did re-sign its star first baseman, who is about to enter his age 26 season, Vladdy would be a fool to accept nothing but an insanely rich offer. And Vlad Guerrero Jr. is no fool. As one of the top young hitters anywhere, he’s well-regarded by superstars around the game and loves being in their company. And watching the frenzy in which owners are spending on free agents these days, he knows it will soon be his turn. The indifference by the Jays to let it get to this point — mixed in with a losing visit to an arbitration hearing a year ago — is as baffling as it is blundering. By shopping at the very top of the market the past two off-seasons while presumably ignoring Guerrero, the Toronto front office is now at acute risk of letting the player long seen as the face of a winning franchise get away for nothing. Think about it: Owner Rogers Communications was reportedly willing to bid more than $1 billion Canadian in its futile bid for Soto while saving the Guerrero business for later. How can it not insultingly erode whatever loyalty Vladdy might have for the team and a city he professes to love? There’s never been any doubt that he will be handsomely paid, but with each passing day, there’s less guarantee it will be by the only big league franchise he’s ever known. Guerrero’s payday isn’t likely to be in the Soto stratosphere, but let’s start the projections with eight figures (likely with a five as the first digit) and a minimum of 10 years. If Jays management had any hope of extending Guerrero before his free-agent showcase season, good luck with that now. Guerrero knows the money is coming, whether it’s from Toronto or a long list of suitors that would woo him a year from now. He also must know that a bet-on-himself season as Soto just did, will be the way to go. Given the tenor of negotiations with the Jays and the money other stars are getting, why would he do otherwise? On one hand, the team’s public stance on Guerrero has been muted. (To be fair, there’s little transparency about much from Atkins, who prefers a vague answer to just about anything regarding his team, so we really don’t know how much the franchise values its star slugger.) On the other, it’s certainly well-known that, for two off-seasons now, the Jays have helped drive up the price for both Ohtani and now Soto after being armed to discharge obscene amounts of Rogers cash. What good is it, though, if you have clearance to spend the dough but can’t get what you want for it? To be fair, now that the Soto deal has mercifully been completed, the doors to free agency 2025 should swing wide open at the winter meetings down in Dallas. Fittingly, Jays fans must be bracing themselves for the next round of well-placed rumours that the team is “in” on (name players X, Y and Z here.) Trouble is, there are plenty of other big-spending teams out there willing to do the same and those players will want to land with franchises that are proven winners, or at least look that way. That, of course, circles back to Guerrero, a player widely regarded as a superstar and the home-grown Toronto talent that the team promised it would build World Series contenders around. With his future uncertain, the attractiveness for other big names to come to Toronto lessens noticeably, especially given the overall dearth of organizational talent. For his part, Guerrero has enthusiastically, and regularly, stated that he would love to be a Blue Jay for life. He might even mean it. But for it to happen, he’s going to get paid and he’s not going to accept a home-town discount. Instead, he continues to see his market grow stronger and the prospect of heading to free agency that much more enticing. So what does all of this mean for the Jays front office now? Unlike last year, when the non-Ohtani options were meek and the returns pitiful in terms of high-end impact, Atkins needs to strike big. Being “in” on the big guns is getting old in a hurry and giving the Jays an unflattering reputation in the marketplace. And each failure to significantly improve the roster via free agency or trade exposes another weakness. In the early days of their tenure, Atkins and Shapiro promised they’d be a successful draft-and-develop team. How has that worked out for them? Worse, they are now in danger of losing one of the true development success stories that remains. rlongley@postmedia.com X: @longleysunsport
Mayor Ken Sim announced Thursday that abolition of the elected Vancouver park board and bringing parks and recreation under the control of city council will lead to $70 million in savings over the next decade. In what the mayor described as a streamlining of services, the transition is expected to achieve further savings once a new governance model is established, including millions of dollars in infrastructure project costs. “And these are conservative estimates,” Sim told reporters at city hall Thursday. A city staff report that goes before council Nov. 27 estimated savings of $1.5 million to $3 million per year alone on “position savings,” which staff at a technical briefing prior to the news conference said will see park board staff fill city vacancies. "Our goal is not to have any staff layoffs," said deputy city manager Sandra Singh, adding that staff continues to meet with unions representing park board workers. Savings of $1.8 million to $3.3 million per year were identified under a category called “early operational integration opportunities.” For example, staff who currently support the elected park board could move into the city clerk’s office. Arts and culture, communications and marketing and social policy were some of the other areas identified as amalgamating to avoid duplication of services. The report estimated, so far, that 10 to 20 positions could be affected by duplication. Abolishing the seven-member elected board would translate to a savings of $280,000 per year, or $2.8 million over 10 years, said the report, which gave no indication when the park commissioners would be phased out. The hurdle for Sim since he announced in December 2023 that he wanted to abolish the board has been getting the provincial government to make the necessary amendments to the Vancouver Charter. Premier David Eby initially committed to honouring the mayor’s request — which was supported by the seven councillors belonging to his ABC Vancouver party — but suggested during the recent election campaign that it wasn’t a priority. “It's very unlikely this would be a priority for the province before the next municipal election [in 2026], and they've got a lot of work ahead of them,” Eby told an audience at an all-candidates’ meeting Oct. 12 at St. James Community Square. Glacier Media contacted the provincial government Thursday for an update on Vancouver’s request. Municipal affairs now falls under Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon’s portfolio. “We have received the City of Vancouver’s transition report, and we are reviewing it," Kahlon said in an emailed statement. “We have been that clear our top priority will be to deliver on the priorities of British Columbians. That includes the costs of daily life, strengthening healthcare, and building safe communities in a strong economy.” Asked about Eby’s position, Sim said he wouldn’t comment on private conversations he has had with the premier but added that his office had “an incredible working relationship” with the premier’s office. Brennan Bastyovanszky, chair of the park board, was at city hall Thursday to hear what Sim and city staff told reporters about the transition. Bastyovanszky was a member of ABC Vancouver until Sim announced he wanted to abolish the board. He told reporters after the news conference that he didn’t believe the numbers staff provided regarding savings, calling them “dubious.” He also questioned how city councillors could add parks and recreation to their duties, when they already put in long hours. “The amount of workload that the councillors would take on equates to an extra two days of work a week, on top of a full-time job,” Bastyovanszky said. “I don't see how the council is going to be able to manage that. It's going to remove access to elected officials and decision-makers.” Added Bastyovanszky: “This is a centralization of power that does not benefit the people in Vancouver. It erodes the trust in democracy.” The mayor said the transition will allow the city to legally designate 89 acres of land as permanent parkland, including sections of Stanley Park. Sim said the land would be protected, accessible and sustainable for generations to come. Beyond saving money and securing more green space, the transition is about improving how the city gets things done, said Sim, who was joined on a podium by First Nations leaders, city councillors and members of the transition team. “Right now, we are seeing significant delays in critical projects that impact our city — sewer upgrades, green infrastructure, streets, public spaces — they're being delayed, in some cases, by up to two years,” he said, noting a recent pump station project saw costs increase by $2 million because of extended negotiations with the park board. [email protected] X/@Howellings
Declassified files show the note to former MP John Spellar also said the republican party had ignored the “visceral component of sectarianism” in responding to a new government good relations strategy. Mr Spellar, then a Northern Ireland Office minister, had launched a consultation on the “A Shared Future” document, an attempt to address community divisions, segregation and sectarianism in the region at a time when the devolved powersharing institutions were suspended. A file at the Public Record Office in Belfast shows that OFMDFM official Chris Stewart wrote to the minister in July about a response to the document from Sinn Fein representative Bairbre de Brun. Mr Stewart told Mr Spellar that Ms de Brun’s letter had been critical of the document and was clearly intended to “mark your card”. He said among a number of points raised by de Brun was that “the promotion of equality is the key to improving community relations”. His memo adds: “Sinn Fein is clearly seeking to position or align the issue of community relations within its equality and human rights agenda. “This general Sinn Fein position has resulted in a simplistic analysis of community relations, which is flawed in its description of the causes and necessary policy response. “There is of course, no doubt that a lack of equality has been a contributing factor to poor community relations. “However, Sinn Fein ignores the many other factors, not least the violent conflict that resulted in over 3,000 deaths. “Sinn Fein also portrays poor community relations (for nationalists) as being a purely rational response to the political situation. “This ignores the more visceral component of sectarianism, which is all too prevalent in both communities.” Mr Stewart continues: “To suggest, as Sinn Fein does, that the promotion of equality should be the key component of good relations policy is to ignore the key message in A Shared Future, that indirect approaches alone are insufficient to deal with sectarianism and the abnormal relationship between sections of the Northern Ireland community.” The official recommended the minister invite representatives of Sinn Fein to a meeting to discuss the policy. The file also contains a note about Mr Spellar’s meeting with DUP representatives Maurice Morrow and Peter Weir the following month to discuss the document. The note says: “Morrow said he had no problem with sharing the future and suggested that the first step to that would be an election to decide who spoke for whom – though he was quick to say he didn’t want politics to dominate the meeting.” It adds: “Weir said that the biggest step towards improving community relations would be the creation of a political environment that had the broad support of both unionism and nationalism, and the GFA (Good Friday Agreement) could not create that environment.”
Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and bots
Austin Retina Associates opens new San Marcos clinicHUMBOLDT, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man was convicted Thursday of killing two men and wounding a third in a shooting at a high school basketball game three years ago. Jadon Hardiman, 21, was found guilty in Gibson County of charges including second-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses, district attorney Frederick Agee said in a statement. He faces up to 76 years in prison at sentencing in April. Hardiman, of Jackson, attended a basketball game between Humboldt and North Side high schools on Nov. 30, 2021. Then 18, Hardiman entered the Humboldt gymnasium's crowded concession area and pulled a semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun, prosecutors said. He fired three shots at Justin Pankey, a 21-year-old former Humboldt basketball player. Pankey was hit one time and died within seconds, Agee said. A second bullet hit Xavier Clifton, a former North Side student and basketball player, who was standing in the concession line. Clifton was shot in the neck and paralyzed. He died in March 2022. A third shot struck another man in the back of the head. He survived. “Many people were placed in fear of imminent bodily injury by Hardiman’s shooting, as shown by video footage of their fleeing into the gym, into bathrooms, and other areas of the school,” Agee said. Hardiman ran away and drove to Jackson, disposing of the murder weapon along the way, the district attorney said. The U.S. Marshals Service contacted his family, and he was arrested the next day. Agee said the shooting "frightened every adult, student, and child present, who were only there to support their team and enjoy a good game.” Hardiman's lawyer did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
US President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his January 20 inauguration if it is not sold by its Chinese owner ByteDance. "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution." Trump was fiercely opposed to TikTok during his 2017-21 first term, and tried in vain to ban the video app on national security grounds. The Republican voiced concerns -- echoed by political rivals -- that the Chinese government might tap into US TikTok users' data or manipulate what they see on the platform. US officials had also voiced alarm over the popularity of the video-sharing app with young people, alleging that its parent company is subservient to Beijing and that the app is used to spread propaganda, claims denied by the company and the Chinese government. Trump called for a US company to buy TikTok, with the government sharing in the sale price, and his successor Joe Biden went one stage further -- signing a law to ban the app for the same reasons. Trump has now, however, reversed course. "Now (that) I'm thinking about it, I'm for TikTok, because you need competition," he recently told Bloomberg. "If you don't have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram -- and that's, you know, that's Zuckerberg." Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and part of his Meta tech empire, was among the social media networks that banned Trump after attacks by his supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The ban was driven by concerns that he would use the platform to promote more violence. Those bans on major social media platforms were later lifted. In the brief filed on Friday, Trump's lawyer made it clear the president-elect did not take a position on the legal merits of the current case. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," John Sauer wrote in the amicus curiae -- or "friend of the court" -- brief. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming Administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case." ft/aha
Healthy habits for 2025: Time to take stockNASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Javon Small scored five of his 31 points in overtime and Tucker DeVries added key free throws late in regulation and finished with 16 points as West Virginia beat No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in the Battle 4 Atlantis on Wednesday. Small's layup with under 2 minutes left in OT gave West Virginia a 79-75 lead. After a Gonzaga miss, Sencire Harris hit two free throws to make it a six-point lead. With 27.1 seconds left, Harris made a steal and scored on a dunk for an eight-point lead, putting the game out of reach. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Beauty enthusiasts, listen up. You can snag the coveted Olaplex haircare duo for a limited time at a discounted price. Normally priced at £43, it's currently available for 25% off, saving you £10. The Olaplex Smooth Style Icons Hair Duo, worth £56, comprises the bestselling leave-in bond repair treatment and bonding oil, promising to smooth, nourish, and protect your locks while delivering a "radiant-looking shine." This set is a must-have if you're struggling with heat or colour damage. Head to Lookfantastic to grab this duo before the offer disappears. READ MORE: Kate Middleton adds stylish bow accessory to worn-before red look that's perfect for Christmas READ MORE: Shoppers can get a Lancome beauty set worth £350 for £90 thanks to Lookfantastic lesser-known deal (Image: Lookfantastic) The iconic pair features the Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Leave-In Treatment, powered by the brand's innovative Bond Building Technology, reports the Mirror. This leave-in...Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli appear to be on their last legs in Test match after failing with the bat once again in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG on Day 5. Published: December 30, 2024 8:52 AM IST By Edited by India captain Rohit Sharma and former skipper Virat Kohli have carried the Indian batting on their shoulders for more than a decade now. But the two superstars from India appear to be on their last legs in the longest format of the game. Monday could be the final time that the world has seen both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Test cricket. At least that will be the case at one of the best grounds in the world – Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). But if Indian selectors and possibly head coach Gautam Gambhir have their say, it would be from international Test cricket as well. We have already seen legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin walking away from Test cricket after their drawn third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane earlier this month. If India go on to lose the fourth Test at the MCG on Monday and fail to qualify for the World Test Championships (WTC) 2025 final next year at Lord’s, both Rohit and Kohli could have played their final games in Test cricket. Rohit has had a disastrous 2024 in Test cricket, scoring only 164 runs at an average of 11 and things didn’t get better on the final day of the Boxing Day Test on Monday. The Indian skipper was dismissed for 9 off 40 balls and has only 31 runs in 5 innings so far in this series after missing the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child. Kohli’s woes of balls outside the off stump continued as he fell for just 5 off 29 balls, chasing another wide ball off Mitchell Starc to depart just before lunch on Day 5. WATCH Virat Kohli’s dismissals in India vs Australia 2024 series so far HERE... Edged and caught behind the wicket, all of Virat Kohli’s dismissals this series have had a common theme — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) Former India skipper Kohli now has only 167 runs in 7 innings, with 100 of those coming in one innings – the second innings at Perth last month. While former India head coach Ravi Shastri might believe that Kohli has got a few years left in him as a Test batter, the patience of Indian selectors might be running thin. According to a report from PTI news agency, Indian chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Melbourne right now and it is possible that they will have a conversation about Rohit’s future in Test cricket soon. The report added that Rohit will step down if India fail to qualify for the WTC final in this cycle. At lunch on the fifth day, India were struggling at 33 for 3 in 26.1 overs, still needing another 307 runs to win this Test or survive 60 overs to draw this game. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . Topics