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By LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump taps his attorney Alina Habba to serve as counselor to the president But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.
Jeremy Clarkson has backpedalled on his previous comments about why he bought his farm, saying he thought it would be a “better PR story if I said I bought it to avoid paying tax”. The TV presenter and journalist defied doctors’ orders by joining thousands of farmers in London on Tuesday to protest against agricultural inheritance tax changes. The 64-year-old, who fronts Prime Video’s Clarkson’s Farm, which documents the trials of farming on his land in Oxfordshire, wrote in a post on the Top Gear website in 2010: “I have bought a farm. There are many sensible reasons for this: Land is a better investment than any bank can offer. The government doesn’t get any of my money when I die. And the price of the food that I grow can only go up.” Clarkson also told the Times in 2021 that avoiding inheritance tax was “the critical thing” in his decision to buy land. Addressing the claim in a new interview with The Times, the former Top Gear presenter said: “I never did admit why I really bought it.” The fan of game bird shooting added: “I wanted to have a shoot – I was very naive. I just thought it would be a better PR story if I said I bought it to avoid paying tax.” Clarkson was among the thousands who took to the streets this week to protest over the changes in the recent Budget to impose inheritance tax on farms worth more than £1 million and he addressed the crowds at the march in central London. He told the newspaper he is not happy to be the public face of the movement, saying: “It should be led by farmers.” The presenter said he does not consider himself a farmer because there are “so many basic jobs” which he cannot do, but he feels his role is to “report on farming”. Earlier this month, it was confirmed Clarkson’s Farm, which has attracted huge attention to his Diddly Squat farm shop, had been renewed for a fifth series. Asked whether the issue behind the tax protest is that rural poverty is hidden, Clarkson agreed and said his programme was not helping to address the situation. “One of the problems we have on the show is we’re not showing the poverty either, because obviously on Diddly Squat there isn’t any poverty”, he said. “But trust me, there is absolute poverty. I’m surrounded by farmers. I’m not going out for dinner with James Dyson. “It’s people with 200 acres, 400 acres. Way past Rachel Reeves’s threshold. They are f*****.” The newspaper columnist also presents Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? on ITV. The Grand Tour, his motoring show with former Top Gear colleagues Richard Hammond and James May, ended in September. Discussing whether he might move into politics, Clarkson said: “I’d be a terrible political leader, hopeless. “I’m a journalist at heart, I prefer throwing rocks at people than having them thrown at me.” However, he said he would be “100% behind any escalation” after the farmers’ march. Clarkson revealed last month he had undergone a heart procedure to have stents fitted after experiencing a “sudden deterioration” in his health which brought on symptoms of being “clammy”, a “tightness” in his chest and “pins and needles” in his left arm. He said in a Sunday Times column that one of his arteries was “completely blocked and the second of three was heading that way” and doctors said he was perhaps “days away” from becoming very ill. Asked if he is thinking about retiring, the Doncaster-born celebrity said: “Probably not. It depends when you die, I always think. “You’d be surprised, us Northerners are made of strong stuff.”Christmas is almost upon on us. This beautiful holiday dominates our December every year. But how do we get the most out of it? How do we prepare ourselves for it? First, pause and reflect. December is very busy for most people. There can be travel or house guests, there are presents to buy and extra events to attend. Make sure that you take a little time in these final days leading up to Christmas to stop and be still. Read the gospel accounts of the arrival of Jesus found in Matthew 1:18-2:18 and Luke 2:1-12. One way I connect with the text is to pick various characters and try to put myself in their shoes and experience the story from their perspective. One might pretend to be Joseph. Imagine the confusion and feelings of deep betrayal when Mary shares that she is pregnant. Explore the disbelief at her claims to be a virgin who will be giving birth to the long-awaited Messiah. And then trying to navigate getting out of this marriage and yet not causing Mary, who you still love, to be stoned for adultery. And realizing after God sends an angel that Mary is telling the truth. Experience the sorrow at not believing her; the attempts at repair in this relationship that you now value again with this virtuous woman that you now want to marry wholeheartedly. Then explore the anger at the Romans for making you take a long, hard trip with a massively pregnant Mary so you can register for even more taxes. Then the terror of delivering baby Jesus, for there was no OBGYN to be found. Then enjoy the surprise of shepherds showing up to greet the messiah. And eventually feel the fear as you must flee with your family before King Herod’s soldiers descend on Bethlehem and massacre all the baby boys attempting to kill Jesus. Sit back and enjoy the wonder of how God protected your family. The Christmas story is a tapestry of strong emotions crashing into one another. Pause and, maybe for the first time, actually feel the story of Christmas. Second, consider and commit to the actual message of Christmas. Christmas is not sentimentality, hope in our fellow man, or even generic generosity; there is a specific theological content to it. Christmas is the story of the incarnation. The story of God the Son, who is eternal, and part of the Holy Trinity being sent by God the Father to take on flesh and become Jesus who is both fully human and fully divine — one person, two natures. This is a stunning descent where God the Son strips off the prerogatives of deity to live fully as a human. He lives that way sinlessly for a little over three decades and offers his perfect life as a sacrifice to satisfy our sin debt to our holy creator. He predicts and on the third day walks out of his grave to prove that he is who he says he is: not just a teacher, leader or prophet but God himself. This is the message of Christmas: despite our sin and rebellion against our creator God has made a way for us to be reconciled; to be part of his family. Enjoy the eggnog. Put up the stockings, attend the Christmas parties, but do more than enjoy the feel-good side effects of Christmas — grab ahold of the actual message. One of the best summaries of the Christmas message is John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” As you open your gifts this Christmas, I encourage you not to leave the greatest present unwrapped — the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the midst of the laughter, travel, and parties, don’t miss the point. Merry Christmas!
How Luke Littler mania turned darts into UK’s hottest ticket... where huge stars queue up to cheer on a car salesmanVancouver-based has secured a $16.2-million CAD Series A round as it develops new applications for its image-capturing drone pilot network. The round was led by New York City-based return investor Blockchange Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on blockchain technologies. BetaKit has reached out to Spexi for more details on the round but did not hear back by publication time. Founded in 2017, Spexi operates a blockchain-based “fly-to-earn” network of drone pilots that take high-resolution aerial imagery meant to help prepare and respond to disasters, enable smart cities, remotely inspect infrastructure, or monitor natural resources. The startup claims the imagery on its platform is cheaper, higher quality, and more frequently updated than satellite or aerial photography. Spexi looks to incentivize drone pilots to join its platform and collect imagery from standardized 24-acre hexagons, dubbed “Spexigons,” with cash rewards and “reputation points.” The reputation system rewards users who upload the results of their flights, while detracting from those that fail, operate in an unsafe manner, or otherwise harm the health of Spexi’s network. Spexi says points can be used to reserve Spexigona and that “users with a strong reputation are intended to have a much better chance of earning in the future.” This leads to Spexi’s long-term goal: a , built on providing its drone pilots with a native crypto utility token, called SPEXI, that can be used or consumed to reserve Spexigons for preferential capture periods or credits for data processing. Spexi says it intends to distribute SPEXI tokens at some point in the future, but are currently “pending regulatory approval or clarity,” and that it does not guarantee that reputation points will make every user eligible for tokens. The startup previously raised a $7.8 million CAD ($5.5 million USD) in 2022, led by Blockchange with participation from Protocol Labs, InDro Robotics, and Dapper Labs. Spexi said it raised its latest Series A funding as it develops applications for autonomous systems, smart infrastructure, gaming, and AI. “With our ability to scale rapidly and deliver superior data with near zero emissions, I am proud that we are not only supporting essential government and emergency response services at a fraction of the usual cost, but also driving the future of AI and metaverse powered technologies across industries globally,” Spexi CEO Bill Lakeland said in a statement. BetaKit reached out to Lakeland and Spexi to clarify if the claim that Spexi emits “near zero emissions” factors in its use of and , both of which are energy-intensive and produce carbon emissions with negative environmental impacts. Spexi claims that, since its inception, it has facilitated more than 50,000 drone missions that produced over 3.7 million aerial images across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, Spexi was a $1-million contract from the Government of Canada to capture Earth imagery in order to improve emergency preparedness and responses to wildfires.It's been a busy few weeks for Fortnite . We've had the big Juice WRLD concert , the launch of a new Chapter , the return to the old-school with Fortnite OG , the release of the Doom 2099 skin , and now a big new update. Fortnite update 33.10 has a December 10 release date on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Android and Nintendo Switch. The update will be accompanied by a period of server downtime, which begins at 9am GMT UK time. Considering the size of the update and amount of new content on offer, expect the downtime to run until around midday. The news was announced by Epic Games on X, alongside a preview about what to expect. "Sharpen your blades!" reads an Epic tweet. "Downtime for v33.10 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand." As you can see from the tweet above, matchmaking will be disabled at around 8.30am UK time, so make sure you're already in a game beforehand. In terms of what fans can expect, update 33.10 is shaping up to be one of the biggest updates ever. First up is the release of a brand new first-person shooter mode featuring 5v5 battles with ranked and unranked modes. Titled Fortnite Ballistic, the new mode is described as a tactical game mode where teamwork is key, it will launch with the Skyline 10 map. Epic explains more: "Ballistic is launching with the Skyline 10 map, a starting set of weapons, and a limited number of items. Adjustments will be made beyond launch based on player feedback, in addition to major updates such as new maps, weapons, and features." The game is a no-build mode where all presets from your Locker will carry over. It supports existing skins and items, except for Pickaxes, Contrails, Instruments, Vehicles and Jam Tracks. With Christmas coming soon, fans can also expect to find out more about this year's Winterfest event, which will include new rewards and festive decorations. Elsewhere, Fortnite is getting a new Text Chat update, which will expand its availability to all islands. We'll also get a look at the next wave of Fortnite crossovers, including a closer look at the Hatsune Miku skins and items. LEGO Fortnite is also getting a big update. Now known as LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, version 33.10 will introduce the Storm Chasers update, which tasks players with finding the Storm Chaser Village. That's on top of the release of LEGO Fortnite Brick Life, which is a new social role-playing experience which takes place in an ever-evolving city. Epic explains more: "Gather your friends (and make new ones!) as you explore vibrant locales, like sunset-drenched beaches and the mysterious Mourndale Academy, alongside 31 other players. "Become the ultimate socialite and hang out in restaurants, house parties, and rooftop clubs." Daily Express will be back with the full list of new items and features when the update launches on December 10. Text chat is getting a glow up! ?????? With tomorrow’s update, text chat is redesigned and available across all Fortnite islands. Read all the deets here https://t.co/28u7yzW0YC pic.twitter.com/lnFzsuBcoI Fortnite update 33.10 early patch notes... NEW CONTENT • Fortnite Ballistic mode - 5v5 Tactical shooter played in first-person perspective • LEGO Fortnite Brick Life - New Social role-play experience • LEGO Fortnite Odyssey - New name for LEGO Fortnite. Campaign kicks off with pursuit of Storm Chaser Village • Fortnite new Text Chat Experience - Creators can choose to include text chat in their islands so players can socialise and strategise. BUG FIXES • Low-resolution textures on Nintendo Switch - We’re looking into a fix for low-resolution textures on Nintendo Switch. • If used on a slope, Sprites may slide down and not heal the players. - Sprites may slide down or float if placed on a hill/slope, leaving their effect behind. • Missing rewards in LEGO Pass (LEGO FORTNITE) - For some players who have completed the LEGO Pass, it is displayed that they still need to obtain certain rewards in the pass. The missing rewards will be granted in the next update. • Vehicles may remain idle at the start of the race. (ROCKET RACING) - When in Ranked races, players' vehicles might remain idle at the start line while they can still navigate through the menus and interact with camera controls. • Painted styles' icons do not display the corresponding Ranked reward style (ROCKET RACING) - The icons for the painted styles of the I-Mod and Wellsian Wheels, Futurist Trail and Boost only display the default style for each item. • Player 2, 3 or 4 unable to take control as Player 1 (FORTNITE FESTIVAL) - When players try to take control in the Lobby by holding the “Take Control” button, screen may turn fully black, and the button may not respond. This will cause the inability to change any Settings or Locker items. • Jam Track preview continues to play outside the Music Library (FORTNITE FESTIVAL) - While in Backstage, players who select a Jam Track and then quickly close the Music Library may hear the preview load in late and continue playing.
SEC rushing leader Dylan Sampson of Tennessee declares for NFL draftWinning record is goal for ETSU football team
ALBANY 67, KANSAS CITY 65
Fulham continued their impressive start to the Premier League season with a fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers Alex Iwobi, who has been an ever-present for the Cottagers, was in on the action from the referee’s whistle The versatile Nigerian midfielder scored a brilliant long-range goal for Fulham in the Premier League encounter CHECK OUT: Learn at Your Own Pace! Our Flexible Online Course allows you to fit copywriting skills development around your busy schedule. Enroll Now! Alex Iwobi showcased his impressive form once again, netting a stunning goal for Fulham in their Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The versatile midfielder, who had faced criticism from fans of the Nigerian national team, silenced his detractors with an outstanding performance for Marco Silva’s side. Deployed on the right flank, Iwobi wasted no time in silencing his critics . In the 19th minute, the 28-year-old delivered a moment of brilliance to open the scoring. Following a build-up on the left, Kenny Tete received a cross-field pass and laid it off to Iwobi. Read also Real Madrid fans praise Neymar for defending Vinicius against Rodri's Ballon d'Or comments PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! In a display of audacity and skill, the former Arsenal man unleashed a perfectly struck shot with his weaker foot that soared past goalkeeper José Sá, giving Fulham the lead in spectacular fashion. The goal, which was Iwobi’s second in four appearances for Fulham, according to data courtesy of FotMob , has not only silenced his critics but also sparked widespread admiration across social media for his exceptional display. Fans’ reaction to Iwobi’s long-range finish Fans on social media were quick to heap praise on Alex Iwobi following his stunning strike. @Inno4Chi , impressed by the midfielder's performance, wrote: “People are beginning to believe he is genetically connected to Jay Jay. They doubted before.” @Ikopima09 , celebrating Iwobi’s brilliance, commented: “Naija boy at it again 🔥👏” @Dat_Oronboy , still in disbelief, shared: Read also "How late Lagbaja instilled leadership spirit in me": ADC pays tribute “What a world-class goal from Iwobi.” @AdamDarmia , visibly thrilled, added: “What a goal there by Alex.” @a1_josh_o , while praising Iwobi and subtly trolling Rayan Aït-Nouri, quipped: “Class goal, but what is the left back doing? 😭😭” Iwobi will now aim to build on his newfound form as Fulham set their sights on securing European qualification for next season. Iwobi defends Super Eagles form Legit.ng reported that Iwobi defended his performance for the Super Eagles after football-loving Nigerians questioned his delivery in the national team. Iwobi indirectly admitted to having low numbers for the team but claimed he is not given enough freedom to operate as he is given at Premier League side Fulham. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ng
Now that he’s stepped back into the role of being a starter, Dalton Risner is working tirelessly to make sure he’s at his best for the Vikings. That could be easier said than done in the short term. After starting exclusively at left guard since entering the NFL, Risner got the start at right guard for the first time last weekend with the Vikings playing the Tennessee Titans. Though he said he was extremely grateful for the opportunity, Risner also admitted there’s a learning curve now playing a new position. Not that he’s complaining about his place on the offensive line. “It was awesome,” Risner said. “I’m really happy with how I played. A few things to clean up. I think I’ll only continue to get better.” After rewatching the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Risner for the way he competed in the trenches. “He showed some of that veteran moxie to win some downs that were some hard downs,” O’Connell said. “There are some things he’ll continue to improve with the speed and physicality of it as he finds his groove.” The biggest hurdle for Risner is getting his mind to think in reverse. He has spent so much time at left guard throughout his career that switching over to right guard has forced him out of his comfort zone. “All of it is flip-flopped,” Risner said. “It’s not an easy process.” It was made even more difficult last weekend with Risner going up against the combination of star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. “That’s about as good of a pair as we’re going to find in the NFL,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “We knew it was going to be a challenge up front with those guys. There are some things we could’ve done better from a technique perspective. We expect these guys to respond.” That includes Risner as the Vikings prepare for the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. As he gains more experience at his new position, his hope is that it becomes second nature to him at some point soon. “I don’t know how many reps it’ll be or how many games it’ll be,” Risner said. I know I’ll consistently get more and more comfortable there.” The only player listed as a non-participant on the injury report was tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle). He hasn’t practiced at all this week, so his availability for this weekend is very much up in the air.