4th Test: Jaiswal, Pant keeps India afloat in chase of 340
Germany's CDU, currently favorites to lead the next German government, wants to cut unemployment benefits for Ukrainian war refugees, on the grounds that it discourages them from finding work. Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) — currently leading in polls ahead of the election on February 23 next year — want to cut welfare benefits and get more of the country's 5.5 million long-term unemployed into the labor market. They are also openly questioning whether Ukrainians should receive the standard unemployment benefit, called Bürgergeld ("citizens' income") rather than the lower asylum-seeker benefits. Following Russia's full-fledged invasion of Ukraine , refugees arriving in Germany and were subject to an EU Council Directive for temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons for whom the regular asylum procedures do not apply. They were granted temporary residency status and entitled to full social welfare benefits. The CSU's Stephan Stracke, social policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU's parliamentary group, told DW that while anyone fleeing "war and violence" had a right to protection, "This does not mean, however, that there must be an automatic entitlement to the citizen's income in Germany." Instead, Stracke said, newly arrived Ukrainian war refugees should receive asylum-seeker benefits "at first." Political row breaks out in Germany over Ukrainian refugees To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Integration into the job market Germany is currently home to around 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees, around 530,000 of whom are classified by the Federal Employment Agency as eligible to work and entitled to citizens' income (as of May 2024). That means they receive an unemployment benefit of up to €563 ($596) per month plus their rent and heating costs paid by the state. There is an extra allowance for children, staggered by age, and around 360,000 of the Ukrainian refugees in Germany are children. Stracke's proposal — for Ukrainians to receive the standard asylum seekers' benefit instead — would mean that Ukrainians would receive only €460 per month. The CDU's move is part of a general planned overhaul of the Bürgergeld system if they get into power, which will include tougher sanctions for refusing work and more mandatory visits to the authorities. The tougher comments on Ukrainian refugees are not new among German conservatives: Two years ago, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who is predicted to head Germany's next government questioned the Ukranians' need for protection: "We are now experiencing a form of social tourism among these refugees: to Germany, back to Ukraine, to Germany, back to Ukraine," Merz told the Bild TV outlet in 2022 , triggering widespread outrage. Ukrainians across Europe In a newly updated study, the German Institute for Employment Research (IAB) found that Germany was struggling to integrate Ukrainians into the job market, at least compared with other countries — but also that the situation was improving: Only 27% of Ukrainians in Germany had found work as of March this year, compared to 57% in Lithuania and 53% in Denmark (though that was still ahead of Ukrainians in Norway, Spain, and Finland, where only around 20% had found work). — and finding childcare and schooling has become increasingly difficult. According to Germany's right-wing parties, like the CDU and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) , the high number of refugees living off social welfare is partly down to the amount of money they receive. "Germany has obviously not been particularly successful in getting Ukrainian refugees into work so far," said Stracke. "Other European countries are doing much better. That is why we in Germany have to give more weight to the principle of supporting and challenging people to find work." Getting qualifications recognized But the IAB study also shows that the proportion of Ukrainians in work is steadily rising in all the European countries — and that there is little evidence to show that there is a correlation with the amount of state help they receive. More significant factors than benefits, the IAB said, were language barriers and demand for labor in the low-wage sector, where it is easier to find work. Iryna Shulikina, executive director at the Berlin-based NGO Vitsche, which supports Ukrainian refugees in Germany, said Ukrainians encounter several obstacles to finding work in Germany, most notably getting through the bureaucratic process. According to the IAB, some 72% of Ukrainian refugees have either a university degree or a vocational qualification — more than other refugees or the German working population in general. "When they come here, they face the difficulties of getting their diplomas approved here," Shulikina said. To name one example: Though Germany faces a shortage of medical workers, Shulikina said she had spoken to Ukrainian medical workers who needed two and a half years to get to the stage where they could work: Applying for work, getting their documents and qualifications approved, doing the necessary tests, learning the language. "It's a real challenge," she said. Talk about sending Ukrainians back plays into Putin’s hands: Fabian Funke, German MP To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Election puts pressure on refugees Whether a likely CDU-led government will succeed in changing conditions for Ukrainian refugees will depend also on its coalition partners: The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are less inclined to crack down on social welfare recipients, while leading members of the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) , have already expressed their support for recategorizing Ukrainian war refugees — even though the party's parliamentary group declined to state an official position to DW for this article. Shulikina put the current political debate on the issue of Bürgergeld down to election campaigning and did not accept the argument that the citizens' income was keeping Ukrainian refugees at home. "All the people I know who are refugees and have anything to do with the Job Center are doing everything possible to end this relationship," she said. "It's very humiliating and annoying. You are very dependent, and you are not perceived as an equal part of society — you're asked about every cent you spend and how and when. I don't believe there are a lot of people who enjoy getting Bürgergeld." Lyudmyla Mlosch, chairperson of the Central Council of Ukrainians in Germany (ZVUD), said many Ukrainians she knows in Germany don't want to be here at all. "I know a lot of people here who are dreaming of going home, but they have no home — they've lost everything," said Mlosch. "Of course they need support." But Mlosch did admit that some Ukrainians are more desperate than others: Those from the regions in the east that are under almost continual bombardment from Russia are more in need of state help, for example, as are older or sick people, or people who have no savings. "They don't need to all be put in the same bracket. But younger people who can work, they could have their money reduced, I could admit that," she said. Edited by Rina Goldenberg While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter Berlin Briefing.
In its efforts to facilitate innovation and driving digital transformation, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has launched a campaign called ‘Digital Transformation: A New Reality’ under its Government Digital Transformation Programme – Tahawul. The initiative highlights the extensive range of digital services provided by government entities, emphasising their role in improving efficiency, enhancing public services and elevating the quality of life for citizens and residents. Running for a month and a half, the campaign seeks to deepen public understanding of digital transformation while building trust by showcasing key achievements and successes. It aims to demonstrate the convenience and efficiency of digital solutions, encouraging adoption of these as the primary channel for accessing government services and enhancing user satisfaction. The campaign underscores the transformative potential of digital platforms in simplifying government procedures, improving productivity and boosting efficiency. For businesses, the shift to digital offers numerous benefits, including increased agility, better planning and cost savings by reducing reliance on traditional paper-based processes. The convenience of remote transactions is also highlighted, showcasing how these save time and effort by eliminating the need for physical visits. Aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, the campaign seeks to promote public awareness on advanced digital technologies and encourage adoption of these across society. Tahawul will leverage a variety of platforms to market the campaign, including social media, traditional and modern media outlets, and billboard advertisements. The ‘Digital Transformation: A New Reality’ campaign underscores Tahawul’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and accelerating progress across all sectors. Future campaigns will continue to spotlight other digital services offered by government entities, reaffirming the centrality of digital transformation as a cornerstone of Oman’s sustainable development journey.Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time. "NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix" begins with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Where will the games be available? Netflix's 282.3 million subscribers in over 190 countries will be able to stream the games, marking the first time one outlet has distributed an NFL game globally. Netflix will have the games available in five languages — English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. The games will also air on CBS affiliates in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Houston. NFL policy dictates that games on cable or being exclusively streamed must also be on an over-the-air station in the competing teams' markets. It will also be available on mobile devices in the U.S. for those who have NFL+. Why is the NFL putting Christmas Day games on a streaming platform? The biggest reason is money. The league is getting $150 million from Netflix for the two games this season. It also continues the NFL's moves into streaming — Thursday night games are in their third season on Amazon Prime Video and the "Sunday Ticket" package moved to YouTube TV last year. But Christmas is on a Wednesday when games usually aren't played. That's true, but the league wasn't about to give up Christmas after seeing the ratings. Last year's three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million. The Chiefs, Steelers, Ravens and Texans played on Saturday, giving them the same turnaround they would have if they played on Sunday and then Thursday. What is at stake for the teams playing? All four have clinched playoff spots in the AFC, but seeding remains up for grabs. Kansas City (14-1) can clinch the top seed — which would mean a first-round bye and home field throughout the playoffs — with a win over the Steelers. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are tied atop the AFC North at 10-5, with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker due to a better conference record. Houston (9-6) has wrapped up the AFC South and holds the fourth seed. Has Netflix fixed its streaming problems from the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight? Netflix hopes so. Brandon Riegg, Netflix's vice president of nonfiction series and sports, said the system was stress tested, and then some, during the Nov. 14 bout, along with internet service providers reporting they were also overwhelmed by the surge that occurred before and during the fight. The bout peaked at 65 million concurrent streams, including 38 million concurrent streams in the United States. According to the website Down Detector, nearly 85,000 viewers logged problems with outages or streaming leading up to and during the fight. Could there be the same number streaming the games that there were during the fight? Possible? Yes. Likely? No. The largest audience for a streamed-exclusive NFL game was 23 million on Peacock for last season's AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs. Nielsen will measure the ratings for the Christmas Day games, with early numbers expected late afternoon on Thursday. When could there be surge in demand on Wednesday? It will probably be at kickoff for both games, but especially around 5:45 p.m. EST. That would be near halftime of the Ravens-Texans game, and when Beyoncé will be performing. What other celebrities will appear? Mariah Carey will kick off the day with a taped performance of "All I Want for Christmas is You." There is no word if Taylor Swift will make the trip to Pittsburgh to watch her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift has been spending time in Kansas City since she wrapped up her Eras Tour two weeks ago. How many Christmas games will Netflix carry in the next two seasons? The NFL will have at least two games on Dec. 25 in 2025 and '26, with Netflix slated to have at least one each year. Amazon Prime Video will have a night game with Christmas on a Thursday next year. Does Netflix have an interest in other sports? Netflix's worldwide partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment will begin on Jan. 6 when "Monday Night Raw" moves to the streaming service. On Friday, Netflix secured the U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup.New law could help California renters facing eviction stay in their homes
Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, blasted PTI’s political decline, saying Bushra Bibi’s statement laid bare the party’s internal chaos, where members are battling for control in a fractured leadership. He emphasized that Pakistan’s strong relations with Saudi Arabia remain unaffected, with recent agreements serving as proof that such statements won’t alter these vital ties. He condemned PTI for accusing the same countries from which they’ve accepted gifts, calling it a glaring example of their political bankruptcy. Reconciliation, he said, is Pakistan’s strength-not a weakness-and protests must operate within the bounds of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024. Barrister Chaudhry issued a stark warning: any attempt to disrupt Islamabad will be met with the same response as actions against anti-state elements. Referring to the 9th May incidents, he vowed that PTI’s new attempt to sabotage the Belarus President’s visit would fail, just as their disruption of the SCO summit did. He assured that full accountability for 9th May would follow, including blocking the IDs and passports of the responsible individuals.Location Analytics Tools Market to grow by USD 17.79 Billion from 2024-2028, driven by rising awareness of location-enabled services and AI trends - TechnavioARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott is the quarterback of the near future for the Dallas Cowboys. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones will have to decide soon whether he feels the same about coach Mike McCarthy. Cooper Rush is making a good case to stay as Prescott's backup. If Rush can help pull an upset in either of the final two games at Philadelphia on Sunday or home against Washington, he'll have a winning record in three different seasons filling in for Dallas' injured star QB. It was 1-0 in 2021 when Prescott had a calf strain, 4-1 a year later after Prescott broke a thumb in a season-opening loss and now 4-3 following a season-ending hamstring tear for the three-time Pro Bowler. Rush, who is a free agent after the season, helped keep a playoff season on track in 2022. He couldn't do that again this season, losing the first two starts to cap a five-game losing streak that was too much for Dallas to overcome in pursuit of a fourth consecutive postseason trip for the defending NFC East champions. The Cowboys (7-8) were eliminated a few hours before kickoff against Tampa Bay on Sunday night. They won anyway, the 26-24 victory costing the Buccaneers control of their playoff fate. Rush had a career high for passing yards in a half with 226 before the break, and the defense made the big plays late when the offense couldn't run out the clock. A week earlier, Rush threw a career-best three touchdown passes in a 30-14 victory over Carolina. “I think you’ve just seen a man take full advantage of his opportunities,” McCarthy said. “And what I love about Cooper is, you look at his performance, it’s improved every week because he’s always prepared properly. He’s an ace in the quarterback room, as far as getting ready each and every week even when he wasn’t the starter.” Last year, Dallas traded for Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick by San Francisco in 2021, to play behind Prescott and Rush and give the Cowboys another consideration for the future. There's been plenty of talk about the Cowboys seeing what they have in a young QB who flamed out quickly with the 49ers. Lance's contract is up after the season as well. Dallas has been steadfast in believing Rush was the best option to win now, and made winning a priority even as the playoff hopes faded. Now, it appears whatever future Lance has will be elsewhere. Like any QB, Rush would love a chance to start full time. He's also 31 and knows a good situation when he sees one, even if the Cowboys did at one point give up on him by going with Andy Dalton as the backup in 2020. Rush returned later in that pandemic-altered season, and is about to finish an uninterrupted four-season run behind Prescott. “This is ball,” Rush said. “This is what you do. You get paid to do it. I don’t think people need much more motivation.” What's working WR CeeDee Lamb simply won't let an injured right shoulder sideline him this season. He has at least 100 yards receiving in the first half of the past two games and has surpassed 100 catches for the third time in his five seasons. Only two other receivers have done the latter. What needs help The Dallas run game was finally stuffed after a lengthy stretch of helping control games. McCarthy half-expected it against the usually stout rushing defense of the Bucs. The Cowboys had 31 yards rushing, their fewest in a win in almost four decades. Stock up K Brandon Aubrey had two 58-yard field goals and another from 53 against Tampa. He and Houston's Ka'imi Fairbairn are in an intriguing duel for an NFL record. Aubrey has 14 field goals of at least 50 yards to 13 for Fairbairn this season. Whichever kicker finishes with more will have the record, unless they end up sharing it. Stock down Rookie LT Tyler Guyton might be better off watching the final two games as long as veteran Chuma Edoga stays healthy. They rotated early, but Guyton ended up getting just seven snaps. Guyton has been battling a variety of injuries this season. Injuries LB Eric Kendricks couldn't go because of a calf injury, opening the door for Nick Vigil to play a season-high 69 snaps and lead the Cowboys with 10 tackles. It had been six weeks since Vigil played any defensive snaps. Key number 10 — Star edge rusher Micah Parsons needs half a sack to reach double digits in each of his first four seasons. He would be the fifth player to do it. The other four are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Next steps Rush is 9-2 as a starter against teams other than Philadelphia. He's 0-2 against the Eagles, including a 34-6 loss in his first start after Prescott's injury this season. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Schuyler Dixon, The Associated Press
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Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes Sunday and the Jacksonville Jaguars earned a season sweep of the visiting Tennessee Titans with a 20-13 victory. Jones connected on 15 of 22 passes for 174 yards, finding Parker Washington and rookie Bryan Thomas Jr. for scores, as Jacksonville (4-12) left Tennessee (3-13) behind in the AFC South cellar. Cam Little booted field goals of 48 and 44 yards. Mason Rudolph hit 19 of 31 attempts for 193 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Titans, which dropped their fifth consecutive game. Tyjae Spears rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries, playing in place of Tony Pollard (flu/ankle). Jones' 11-yard scoring strike to Thomas with 7:05 left in the game gave the Jaguars a 20-10 lead but Tennessee responded with Matthew Wright's 28-yard field goal at the 2:02 mark. After getting a three-and-out, the Titans had a chance to force overtime and reached the Jacksonville 26. But Rudolph's fourth-down pass intended for Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was knocked down at the goal line with nine seconds left. The pregame storyline concerned which team could benefit most from a loss. Both entered a game behind the New York Giants for the potential No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft. Jacksonville initiated scoring on the game's opening drive, needing to drive only 38 yards on nine plays to set up Little for his first field goal at the 10:46 mark. The Jaguars got into the end zone for the first time with 8:59 left in the half on Jones' 2-yard touchdown pass to Washington, coming five plays after Rudolph tossed a tipped-ball interception. Little's second field goal upped the margin to 13-0 with 2:02 remaining before Tennessee pieced together a two-minute drive that set up Wright for a 39-yard field goal as time expired, making it 13-3 at halftime. The Titans started the second half with their best drive of the game, chewing up 85 yards and eight minutes before Rudolph hit Nick Vannett with an 8-yard strike to cut the margin to 13-10. --Field Level MediaSurpassing Mario: Crosby breaks Lemieux record in win over Islanders
Short Interest in G. Willi-Food International Ltd. (NASDAQ:WILC) Expands By 102.3%By Ross Cristantiello Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a top advisor to President-elect Donald Trump , used his social media platform this week to attack Massachusetts officials over immigration policy. As Trump and his allies ramp up preparations for what they say will be mass deportations of immigrants without legal status, Massachusetts leaders like Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reaffirmed their commitments to existing laws that dictate how local law enforcement can cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Musk inserted himself into the local debate by responding to recent news releases from ICE’s Boston office regarding the arrests of three foreign nationals who had been accused of raping children. He said that so-called “sanctuary cities” were “protecting child rapists,” and called for any politician doing so to be “recalled immediately.” Why are “sanctuary” cities protecting child rapists? Unconscionable. Any politician who does so should be recalled immediately. https://t.co/GGhVB4sfm5 Musk recently defended former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Trump’s first pick for attorney general , who had previously been investigated on suspicion of sex trafficking an underage girl. Gaetz denied those allegations. Massachusetts officials like Healey have been clear that they are not against deporting undocumented immigrants connected to serious crimes like rape and murder. In the wake of Trump’s victory, Healey said that State Police would not help federal agents carry out mass deportations. “Violent criminals should be deported, and they are,” Healey recently told The Boston Globe . “I do not, however, support efforts to round up millions of families who’ve lived here a long time, people who are gainfully employed, and many who have kids here. I don’t think it’s humane or smart economically, and it will crater some of our major industries across the country.” Trump recently said he would use the military to carry out mass deportations. A spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police also told the Globe that enforcing federal immigration law is “not a mission” of the agency, and that troopers are actually prevented from enforcement operations that only rely on federal immigration detainers . These detainers are requests from ICE that ask law enforcement agencies to notify the agency as early as possible before removable noncitizens are released. Detainers also ask law enforcement to hold the noncitizen for up to an additional 48 hours. But ICE detainers are not mandatory, and local law enforcement has to choose whether or not to cooperate. Most ICE detainers are not supported by probable cause, according to ACLU Massachusetts . In 2017, a federal court of appeals actually ruled that the Fourth Amendment requires detainers be supported by probable cause. Law enforcement agencies that hold people on unconstitutional detainers can be found liable. One of the reports Musk was responding to concerned Guatemalan national Mynor Stiven De Paz-Munoz, who was charged with child rape in Great Barrington. De Paz-Munoz, who entered the U.S. in 2020, was released by U.S. Border Patrol with a notice to appear before a judge, according to ICE . He was arrested by Great Barrington police for the alleged rape of a child and other related charges in February of this year, and ICE lodged an immigration detainer with the Great Barrington Police Department. According to ICE, that detainer was “ignored” and De Paz-Munoz was released on bail before federal agents could detain him. He was eventually arrested by ICE in Great Barrington earlier this month. The charges are pending against him in Berkshire County Superior Court, and he remains in ICE custody. In another recent release, ICE announced the arrest of Billy Erney Buitrago-Bustos. Buitrago-Bustos is a Colombian national who was admitted to the U.S. in 2016 and failed to depart on the terms of his visa, authorities said. Great Barrington police arrested him on charges of child rape in October 2023, and ICE lodged a detainer. He was arraigned and ordered held without bail. The Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction in Pittsfield honored the immigration detainer and released Buitrago-Bustos into ICE custody earlier this month, the agency said. The third report Musk was responding to concerned Alexandre Romao De Oliveira, a Brazilian national who had been convicted of child rape in his home country in 2022 and sentenced to 14 years in prison. But Romao De Oliveira fled to the U.S. later that year and was released from Department of Homeland Security custody with a notice to appear before a judge. He was arrested earlier this week by ICE agents in Methuen. When Trump takes office, more clashes between his administration and Massachusetts leaders appear likely. Already, Wu and Trump’s incoming “border czar” Tom Homan have traded barbs. When asked about Trump’s plans, Wu said that Boston’s resources and personnel, including local police, are not expected to cooperate with federal agents attempting to detain migrants that have not “been part of serious criminal activity.” She cited an existing ordinance that bars local police from holding immigrants for deportation unless there has been a criminal warrant issued for their arrest. Homan said Wu was “ not very smart ” and warned her not to cross a “clear line.” In a response, Wu pointed to Boston’s recent track record of improving public safety . “They can say whatever they want about me, but our public safety record speaks for itself: Boston is the safest major city in America. Our homicide rates are among the lowest of any city nationally, and gun violence has been at an all-time historic low over the last two years here in Boston,” Wu said in a statement. “This is no coincidence—it’s a reflection of the trust between our residents and our public safety officials, and a result of our daily focus on community policing and coordinating city services,” the mayor continued. “We will continue to focus on that work and have no intention of rolling out the welcome mat for them.” Ross Cristantiello Ross Cristantiello, a general assignment news reporter for Boston.com since 2022, covers local politics, crime, the environment, and more. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.
As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below* This week on It's a Big Deal, Dani Beckstrom, and Ryan Fields are rounding up the best cozy products on sale, from blankets and fuzzy slippers. Shop these limited-time savings ow before you miss your chance. Note: Prices are subject to change after publication. The brand is offering 25% off sitewide on apparel, bath products, bedding and more. Shop now before this deal expires. These anti-skid slippers are warm and cozy, and perfect for wear both indoors or for a quick trip outdoors. They're avaoalble in various colors and sizes, and are currently up to 35% off. These microwavable stuffed animals will keep you feeling warm and cozy and are great to help soothe aches or pains - plus they're lavender scented for the ultimate relaxation. Get them now up to 30% off. We've included a few adorable options below, so shop soon before stocks sell out. 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It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.By ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. Is it a plan in motion or more rhetoric? On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Death row inmates are mostly sentenced by states Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Could rape now be punishable by death? Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. What were the cases highlighted by Trump? One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.Former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene is transferring to Michigan with one year of eligibility remaining. Confirming earlier reports, Keene posted an image of himself in a Wolverines uniform on social media on Monday. Keene passed for 2,892 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2024. Fresno State opened the season with a 30-10 loss at Michigan on Aug. 31, with Keene throwing for 235 yards with one touchdown and two picks. Including two seasons at UCF (2021-22), Keene has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 8,245 yards with 65 TDs and 28 interceptions in 39 games. Keene's competition for the starting job at Michigan includes incoming freshman Bryce Underwood, the 247Sports Composite's No. 1 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class. --Field Level Media
Today's fortune: Dec. 25, 2024 Published: 25 Dec. 2024, 07:00 Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune. Check the year of your birth for today’s prediction. Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 (Nov. 25 on the lunar calendar) Rat Wealth: average Health: average Love: jealous Lucky direction: east 1936: Aim for a balanced and moderate lifestyle. 1948: Too many responsibilities may lead to instability. 1960: Stay neutral in conflicts and maintain composure. 1972: Navigate tricky situations with care and fairness. 1984: Act promptly to stay ahead. 1996: Embrace your unique qualities. Ox Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: north 1937: You may encounter cheerful and surprising moments. 1949: Positive events might uplift your home environment. 1961: Financial opportunities could come your way. 1973: Gains may outweigh losses. 1985: Efforts are likely to yield favorable results. 1997: Beneficial or profitable activities may arise. Tiger Wealth: fair Health: good Love: romantic Lucky direction: east 1938: A desire to show love and care fills your heart. 1950: Cherish the loved ones who are close to you. 1962: Appreciate your partner. 1974: People or things might resonate deeply with you. 1986: Enjoy meaningful conversations with loved ones. 1998: Recharge your emotional energy with heartfelt moments. Rabbit Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: southwest 1939: Feel rejuvenated, forget about age or time. 1951: A refreshing, cheerful day awaits. 1963: Take action — the doors will open. 1975: Dreams have the potential to come true. 1987: Expect favorable financial connections. 1999: A glimmer of hope may arise in career or studies. Dragon Wealth: spending Health: cautious Love: conflicted Lucky direction: north 1940: There are unnecessary concerns about the world. 1952: Avoid acting out of emotion or obligation. 1964: When in doubt, seek solace in reflection or prayer. 1976: Hold back from saying something you might regret. 1988: Don’t let minor irritations disrupt your day. 2000: Avoid wandering out late without purpose. Snake Wealth: spending Health: average Love: social Lucky direction: north 1941: Be cautious of overly friendly individuals. 1953: Explore spiritual or classic teachings for wisdom. 1965: Relationships often serve practical needs. 1977: You may hear news about relatives. 1989: Balance cost-effectiveness with personal preferences. 2001: Avoid unnecessary meetings or gatherings. Horse Wealth: average Health: cautious Love: strained Lucky direction: west 1942: People’s lives share more similarities than differences. 1954: What’s frustrating to see might be intriguing in absence. 1966: Don’t dwell on past mistakes or regrets. 1978: Spend the day resting at home for peace of mind. 1990: Sometimes taking a small loss is better in the long run. 2002: Recognize the difference between dreams and reality. Sheep Wealth: fair Health: good Love: happy Lucky direction: east 1943: Letting go of old burdens creates room for new blessings. 1955: Prayer or reflection may soothe your mind. 1967: Happiness begins with a positive mindset. 1979: Today is the best day — embrace it fully. 1991: Both your body and spirit may feel renewed with joy. 2003: Small, certain joys await you today. Monkey Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1944: Let your children handle their affairs independently. 1956: Revisit nostalgic childhood memories. 1968: You may give or receive a meaningful gift. 1980: Prioritize practicality over extravagance in gift-giving. 1992: A well-placed compliment can inspire greatness. 2004: Extend or receive help — kindness is reciprocated. Rooster Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1945: You might receive filial gratitude or enjoy treats. 1957: Giving generously may bring future blessings. 1969: Mutual support fosters better living. 1981: Take time off work to focus on family. 1993: Choose warm, comfortable attire over style. 2005: Music can bring joy — listen to your favorite tunes. Dog Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: west 1946: It’s okay to boast about your children or achievements. 1958: Take pride in the life you’ve built. 1970: You may find joy in unexpected ways today. 1982: Send heartfelt messages or calls to loved ones. 1994: Enjoy quality time with friends or a romantic date. 2006: Approach challenges with self-confidence. Pig Wealth: excellent Health: strong Love: united Lucky direction: north 1935: Small streams create mighty rivers. 1947: Family gatherings bring warmth and connection. 1959: A bustling household indicates positive energy. 1971: Great things require collective effort. 1983: Today may feel filled with happiness and contentment. 1995: Heartfelt connections will foster harmony. 2007: Build strong relationships.
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