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Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams‘What I earned in 1 year on X equals ten years as YouTuber’: Gad Saad's revelation sparks debate. Elon Musk responds
Californians who try to withdraw money but don’t have enough in their bank accounts won’t fall deeper into a financial hole from having to pay a fine, thanks to a new state law. The law covers instances in which banks charge customers when their withdrawals are declined instantaneously, such as at ATMs, because of insufficient funds. It takes effect Jan. 1. Assembly Bill 2017 applies to banks and credit unions that are regulated by the state; Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it in September. The bill was backed by several consumer advocacy groups, including the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition and East Bay Community Law Center, which called penalties for insufficient funds “ junk fees ” and said getting rid of them will protect financially vulnerable consumers. Tim Grayson, the bill’s author, said when he introduced it in May that it would “help prevent fee creep in the banking industry.” Grayson, a Democrat from Concord, is an incoming senator who was in the Assembly through the end of the 2024 legislative session. The Consumer Federation of America, a sponsor of the bill, said common charges for insufficient funds are $30 or more. The California Credit Union League, which at first opposed the bill and said credit unions “do not charge these types of fees,” eventually took a neutral position. But the state Department of Financial Protection & Innovation has found that many credit unions do have income from insufficient-fund charges; a 2022 state law tasked the agency with collecting data from banks and credit unions about their fees. The law by Grayson is similar to a rule by the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau — the federal watchdog agency that’s in President-elect Donald Trump’s crosshairs — that applies to federally chartered banks. In line with the growing nationwide push to eliminate junk fees , Newsom also signed another bill addressing overdraft fees: Senate Bill 1075 will limit credit-union fees for insufficient funds to $14 unless a lower federal limit is set. That becomes law in 2026. And he signed Assembly Bill 2863 , which will make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions and requires companies to get consent from their customers before charging them to renew or when a free trial ends. It goes into effect July 1.
By DAVID BAUDER Time magazine gave Donald Trump something it has never done for a Person of the Year designee: a lengthy fact-check of claims he made in an accompanying interview. Related Articles National Politics | Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’ National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg The fact-check accompanies a transcript of what the president-elect told the newsmagazine’s journalists. Described as a “12 minute read,” it calls into question 15 separate statements that Trump made. It was the second time Trump earned the Time accolade; he also won in 2016, the first year he was elected president. Time editors said it wasn’t a particularly hard choice over other finalists Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate Middleton. Time said Friday that no other Person of the Year has been fact-checked in the near-century that the magazine has annually written about the figure that has had the greatest impact on the news. But it has done the same for past interviews with the likes of Joe Biden, Netanyahu and Trump. Such corrections have been a sticking point for Trump and his team in the past, most notably when ABC News did it during his only debate with Democrat Kamala Harris this fall. There was no immediate response to a request for comment on Friday. In the piece, Time called into question statements Trump made about border security, autism and the size of a crowd at one of his rallies. When the president-elect talked about the “massive” mandate he had received from voters, Time pointed out that former President Barack Obama won more electoral votes the two times he had run for president. The magazine also questioned Trump’s claim that he would do interviews with anyone who asked during the campaign, if he had the time. The candidate rejected a request to speak to CBS’ “60 Minutes,” the magazine said. “In the final months of his campaign, Trump prioritized interviews with podcasts over mainstream media,” reporters Simmone Shah and Leslie Dickstein wrote. David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.
Trump asks Supreme Court to pause law that could ban TikTok
Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money convictionQatar tribune QNA Doha All eyes will turn to the State of Kuwait on Sunday, where the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will kick off at the summit level, as His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will participate in the summit alongside leaders of the GCC countries, and the heads of delegations. This is the 7th GCC summit held in the State of Kuwait since the establishment of the Cooperation Council on May 25, 1981. The agenda includes following up on the support and strengthening of joint Gulf action and developing mechanisms for cooperation between its countries and peoples in various sectors, especially those that concern Gulf citizens. The summit is being held in light of important regional and international developments, especially the situation in the Middle East in general, and in the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in particular, in addition to developments in Lebanon and Sudan, which requires redoubling efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation between the GCC countries in a way that supports security and regional and global stability. The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers welcomed, in its weekly meeting on Wednesday, Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries and the accompanying delegations to the summit, voicing its hope for more optimism regarding the decisions that the summit will produce, which will advance the march of the council and achieve the hopes and aspirations of the peoples of the GCC countries. In preparation for the 45th GCC Summit, the 162nd GCC Ministerial Meeting was held in Kuwait, which was chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and attended by the GCC Foreign Ministers. Reports were reviewed regarding the follow-up to the implementation of the decisions of the 44th Summit held in Doha in December 2023, and memoranda submitted by the ministerial and technical committees and the General Secretariat were discussed, as well as issues related to dialogue and strategic relations with countries and global blocs. The latest regional and international developments affecting the region were also discussed. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed the importance of the meeting as part of efforts to enhance joint Gulf cooperation and ongoing preparations to ensure the success of the upcoming summit. In his remarks to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya said that the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council will discuss several significant topics, especially political and economic ones. He noted that the session’s agenda includes strategic partnerships, cyber security, and discussing the completion of electrical and railway connections between the GCC countries. In a statement on the occasion of the Summit, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the State of Kuwait HE Ali bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud emphasized that the State of Kuwait hosting this major Gulf event reflects the importance of the deep-rooted historical relations between the GCC countries, which seek unity of purpose and common destiny, and work to enhance the path of cooperation and accelerate the wheel of progress and development in all areas to achieve the aspirations of the leaders and peoples of the GCC countries. He considered that the key challenges facing the GCC system at the present time are the geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, especially since the GCC countries are keen to achieve security and stability in the region and work to immediately stop the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip to establish the foundations of security and peace in this region, as well as work to stop the escalation between the Israeli entity and Iran so that its effects do not extend to the countries of the region. He pointed out the economic challenges that the GCC countries are working to overcome by diversifying their economies and developing their infrastructure, including roads, ports, airports, and others, in addition to the technological challenges, the challenges of enhancing cybersecurity for the GCC countries and developing renewable energy sources and alternative energies. He indicated that in light of the current regional and international atmosphere, the leaders of the GCC countries will work to adopt a unified Gulf position towards the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, and work to stop the mutual geopolitical escalation between Iran and the Israeli entity, in addition to a number of joint cooperation files that the GCC countries seek to accomplish to enhance the process of cooperation, and achieve the hopes and aspirations of the peoples and countries of the region. The final communique of the 44th GCC Summit, held in Doha, noted that the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reviewed the report of the General Secretariat regarding the progress made in implementing the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to enhance joint GCC action. This vision was endorsed by the Supreme Council in its 36th session in December 2015. The Council emphasized the complete, precise, and continuous implementation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ vision, including completing the elements of economic unity, the joint defense and security systems, coordinating positions to enhance solidarity and stability of the Council’s countries, preserving their interests, avoiding regional and international conflicts, meeting the aspirations of their citizens, enhancing their regional and international roles through unifying political stances, and developing strategic partnerships with the international community, regional and international organisations, sisterly and friendly countries. The final communique added that the Supreme Council directed the specialized bodies, ministerial and technical councils, the General Secretariat, and all Council’s agencies to redouble efforts to complete the remaining steps to implement the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ vision within a specified timeline and with meticulous follow-up. It tasked the General Secretariat with submitting a detailed report on this matter for the upcoming session of the Supreme Council, which will be held in Kuwait on Sunday. Regarding the joint Gulf action, the Council reviewed the consultations on implementing the decision of the Supreme Council in its 32nd session regarding the proposal of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to transition from the stage of cooperation to the stage of union. It directed the continuation of efforts to move from the stage of cooperation to the stage of union and tasked the ministerial council and the head of the specialized authority to complete the necessary procedures and present the outcomes to the next session of the Supreme Council. Moreover, the Council expressed its keenness on the strength and cohesion of the GCC, unity among its members, achieving more coordination, integration, and interconnection in all fields to meet the aspirations of its citizens. It reiterated the unity of its countries in facing any threat to any of them. The Supreme Council reviewed the developments in joint Gulf work, expressing satisfaction with the steps taken to achieve integration among the Council’s countries. It directed the competent bodies in the member states, the General Secretariat, ministerial and technical committees to intensify efforts to complete the requirements of the customs union, finalize the establishment of the common Gulf market according to previous decisions, and expedite achieving economic unity among the GCC countries. On Nov. 1, 2024, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi confirmed that Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, pay great attention to the economic and commercial sector. Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, directed the continuation of efforts to move from the stage of cooperation to the stage of union. They also directed the importance of accelerating the achievement of economic unity among the GCC countries and completing the necessary requirements to achieve this. This consultative meeting took place between Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the presidents of the councils of federations and chambers of the GCC countries, which was held in Doha on October 31, 2024, headed by HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani, the president of the current session, and in the presence of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry. The GCC Secretary-General viewed some statistics related to the Cooperation Council, noting that the gross domestic product (GDP) of the GCC countries in 2023 reached around USD 2.1 trillion, which puts them together among the advanced countries in terms of the size of the GDP. The total volume of intra-trade between the GCC countries in 2022 reached more than $127 billion, while the total volume of trade exchange (excluding intra-trade) between the GCC countries for the same year reached more than $1.5 trillion. Over its journey spanning more than four decades, the Cooperation Council has accomplished various historic steps that strengthen the structure of the Council and consolidate its goals and ambitions in the conscience of the people of the Gulf, including the establishment of the Gulf Common Market, which provides several benefits, including ensuring the flow of goods between countries, which leads to increased competition between Gulf institutions for the benefit of the consumer, and the establishment of a free trade zone, which is mainly characterized by exempting the industrial and agricultural products of the GCC countries and natural resources products from customs duties. This zone entered into force in March 1983, and continued for around twenty years until the end of 2002, when it was replaced by the GCC Customs Union. During its journey that entered its fifth decade, the Cooperation Council, also completed the project of the unified identity card for the GCC states (smart card), as this step contributed to facilitating the movement of citizens between member states and reducing the waiting period at the ports by through electronic gates. It also helped in the smooth movement of national workers between member states. In the context of the stations and projects of the GCC journey, the comprehensive security strategy for its member states was approved, as well as the security agreement for the GCC states. Joint military action has also received the attention of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, since its inception. Among the key achievements on this path are the approval of the GCC Joint Defense Agreement, the Council’s defense strategy, the formation of the joint Peninsula Shield Forces, and the conduct of joint military exercises. Electrical interconnection between GCC countries is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects approved by the Council. The project’s benefits include reducing the reserve required in each country, mutual coverage in the event of an emergency, surplus benefits, and reducing the cost of producing electrical energy. The GCC is a reliable economic player on the international level, as it is a huge market for exports from all over the world. Its countries also play a distinguished role in supplying global energy markets with oil and gas, which are the main drivers of the global economy and constitute about 60 percent of the energy consumed internationally. Its countries have also become a center for investment and trade in the region and are strengthening their role as a major player in the global economy through their strategic geographical location, natural resources, and reliance on strong economies. Regarding the foreign policy, the GCC worked to formulate common and unified positions on political issues of concern to its six countries in the Arab, regional, and international and to deal as one bloc with the world within the framework of the foundations and pillars based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and consideration of common interests in a way that preserves its interests and enhances its security, stability, and the prosperity of its peoples. On this path, the GCC has succeeded in strengthening its regional position, confirming its presence on the international scene, and has become an effective and reliable partner in establishing security and stability around the world. Since its inception, it has sought to expand its partnerships and strategic dialogues with many countries and blocs and to enter into free trade negotiations with countries and international economic groups to achieve common interests. Its countries have signed several free trade agreements with other countries around the world to facilitate the movement of goods, enhance inter-trade, expand investment opportunities, and develop strong trade relations. Copy 01/12/2024 10
Israeli military says it was targeting Hamas 'terrorist' in strike that reportedly killed three World Central Kitchen aid workersKhartoum: In 2024, violent conflict continued to devastate Sudan, deepening the humanitarian crisis that has afflicted millions since the brutal clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April 2023. The war, which has claimed nearly 30,000 lives, has displaced more than 14 million people -- roughly one-third of Sudan's population, creating what the United Nations describes as "the world's largest displacement crisis." Despite the staggering human toll, the conflict in Sudan has not attracted the same level of global attention as other crises, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. This relative neglect has resulted in a lack of effective political mediation and insufficient humanitarian aid, putting the country at risk of plunging deeper into catastrophe. The response from the international community in the coming months will be pivotal. It will determine whether millions of Sudanese civilians will continue to suffer from displacement, hunger, and violence -- or whether there is a genuine opportunity for peace and stability to take root. In 2024, armed confrontations between the SAF and the RSF have continued to ravage Sudan, spreading from the capital, Khartoum, through the central Gezira and Sinnar states, and extending to North Darfur in the west. Since May, El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, has become a central battleground between the two forces. For seven months, the city has been under siege by the RSF, enduring relentless shelling and airstrikes from both the paramilitary group and the army. These attacks have frequently targeted densely populated areas, including camps housing displaced civilians. On Dec. 20, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) revealed in a press release that the ongoing siege and conflict in El Fasher have killed at least 782 civilians and left more than 1,143 injured. "The continuing siege of El Fasher and the relentless fighting are devastating lives every day on a massive scale," said OHCHR chief Volker Turk. The UN humanitarian agency also reported last week that hostilities have spread to additional urban areas in North Darfur and South Darfur, resulting in heavy civilian casualties and the destruction of homes, markets, and medical facilities. The Darfur region, which comprises five states, is a key base for the RSF, with the majority of its recruits coming from the region. The militia is determined to gain full control of the region, seeking to capture El Fasher, the last SAF-controlled stronghold in the area. "It is clear that both of the warring parties want to resolve the conflict militarily, which seems far-fetched, at least for now," Ahmed Ismail, a Sudanese military expert, told Xinhua. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced more than 14 million people, or approximately 30 percent of the population, doubling the figure from last December. This makes it the world's largest displacement crisis, according to UN data. "The (internal) displacement number has hit 11 million. That's up 200,000 just since September," Director-General of the International Organization for Migration Amy Pope said in late October at a press briefing from Port Sudan, adding that "another 3.1 million people have traveled across borders to flee the fighting." Of the internally displaced, Sudanese government figures show that 4 million are women and 3 million are children. In addition to the displacement crisis, more than 24.6 million people in Sudan are now facing high levels of acute food insecurity, a UN spokesperson said on Tuesday. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a global hunger monitor, confirmed in a report released Tuesday that famine is present in at least five areas of Sudan, including North Darfur's Zamzam camp and parts of the Western Nuba Mountains. The crisis is projected to expand to five additional areas before May 2025. Abdullah Ibrahim, a food security expert in Sudan, cautioned that the true scale of the food crisis may be even worse than reported. "The full impact of the war on the food situation remains unclear, and the number of people at risk of famine is likely higher than the current estimates from the UN and the Sudanese government," he said. The crisis has also fueled a health emergency. Epidemics, particularly cholera and dengue fever, have surged during the rainy season from June to October. Sudan's war-battered medical system has struggled to cope. The Health Ministry reported over 44,000 cholera cases and about 8,500 dengue fever infections. The UN and other relief agencies now face significant obstacles to assisting the most vulnerable, including security risks, restrictions on aid flow and personnel movement, and a funding gap. Humanitarian aid agencies face immense challenges in providing assistance. Security risks, restrictions on aid movement, and a significant funding shortfall have hindered efforts. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted that only 30 percent of the 1.5 billion U.S. dollars needed for Sudan's 2024 response have been secured, leaving many urgent needs unmet. Struggling to shelter themselves from the winter cold, the displaced people call for scaling up internal and international responses to humanitarian needs. "We are suffering from inadequate services and food shortages. The tents are in poor quality and can not protect us against the cold in winter," Qismalla Awad, who relocated to a displacement camp in River Nile State, told Xinhua. Across the border in Chad, Sudanese refugees at a camp in Adre face similar hardships. "We are struggling with hunger, food shortages, and a lack of clean drinking water," said Adam Ishaq, a refugee at the camp. "Located in a barren area, the camp offers little respite from either the summer heat or the winter cold." In 2024, regional and international efforts to mediate Sudan's ongoing crisis continued but yielded little progress. On Jan. 18, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, convened a summit in Kampala, Uganda, aimed at addressing the crisis. However, Sudan boycotted the event. Two days later, Sudan announced it was freezing its membership in IGAD, citing the bloc's communique as an infringement on its sovereignty. The Sudanese government further stated it would not abide by any decisions or actions taken by IGAD regarding Sudan's internal affairs. This setback followed previous failed attempts by IGAD to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. A summit in June 2023 faltered after the SAF voiced objections to the support certain IGAD members extended to the RSF. A second attempt in December 2023 was postponed due to "technical reasons." In July, under UN auspices, both warring sides were invited to Geneva for talks focused on humanitarian aid and civilian protection. However, one side failed to attend, and no breakthrough was achieved. The United Nations did not disclose which party was absent. In August, fresh peace talks were initiated by the United States in Geneva, which were attended by RSF delegates. The SAF preemptively declared it would not participate, citing the RSF's failure to honor previous agreements, including commitments to withdrawing from civilian homes and public facilities. "The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told ambassadors at the UN Security Council in late October, stressing the dire conditions civilians are enduring. "We've lost our homes, but we haven't lost our dream of peace," said Ismail Al-Hakim, a Sudanese journalist who documented the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian life. "We are still holding onto the hope of an end to this conflict and the eventual homecoming of those displaced." For Fatima Badawi, witnessing her hometown south of Khartoum descend into a brutal battleground, the coming year carries a weight far beyond simply marking the passage of time. "We don't want another year of this conflict," she said. "The war must end as soon as possible. We are placing our hope for peace in the upcoming year."
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