The online world isn’t always safe. Here’s what to know before posting photos of your childNEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global mosquito repellent market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.16 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 6.4% during the forecast period. Increase in number of awareness campaigns by government organizations and vendors is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing demand for natural organic repellents. However, competition from professional household insecticide services poses a challenge. Key market players include Baldha Industries Pvt. Ltd., Coghlans Ltd., Dabur India Ltd., Enesis Group, Globe Janakantha Shilpa Paribar Ltd., Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Goodluck Syndicate, Healthium Medtech Pvt. Ltd., Henkel AG and Co. KGaA, Juno Laboratories Pty Ltd., Jyothy Labs Ltd., Kalpana Naturals, Maruti Plastorub Industries, Mosfly International Sdn Bhd, Murphys Naturals Inc., Pascoes Pty Ltd., PT. SINAR ANTJOL, Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, Sarex, and Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The mosquito repellent market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Yellow fever in both urban and rural areas. The proliferation of mosquito populations is influenced by environmental conditions, including humid climate and heavy rains. Key players in the market include PelGar International, AoGrand Group, Enesis Group, and Herbal Strategi. Pest control services are also expanding their offerings to include mosquito control, recognizing the need for effective solutions in the face of urbanization and the movement of people. The production and distribution of mosquito repellents are increasing in areas with high mosquito activity, such as Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in the UK, and Dusseldorf in Germany . Consumers are seeking quality products to protect against these deadly diseases, leading to a wide variety of mosquito repellent types, including coils, sprays, creams and oils, and plant-based repellents. However, concerns over the adverse effects of chemical repellents have led to the development of alternative solutions. The home care industry is also responding to the growing demand for mosquito repellents, with consumer lifestyles driving the trend towards online shopping for non-essential items. The market is expected to continue growing as the threat of mosquito-borne diseases persists, particularly in semi-urban and rural places where abiotic factors and climate change can contribute to insect growth and reproduction. Additionally, the market is also witnessing the emergence of new technologies such as smart filtration systems and nanofiber filtration to improve product efficiency and workplace safety. The market is expected to face challenges from regulatory bodies and environmental concerns, particularly with regards to the use of chemicals and greenhouse gases in production and the disposal of plastic containers and cartridges. In summary, the mosquito repellent market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in urban and rural areas. Key players are expanding their offerings to meet consumer demand for effective and safe solutions, while new technologies are being developed to improve product efficiency and reduce environmental impact. However, regulatory and environmental challenges remain, and companies must continue to innovate to meet these challenges and stay competitive in the market. The mosquito repellent market is experiencing a notable trend towards organic and natural products. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the potential health risks associated with synthetic repellents, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. In response, vendors are introducing mosquito repellents formulated with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences is expected to significantly boost market growth during the forecast period. The rising demand for organic and natural mosquito repellents is a key market driver. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! The mosquito repellent market faces significant challenges in both urban and rural areas due to the proliferation of mosquitoes in various environmental conditions. Mosquitoes carry deadly diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Yellow fever, which pose health risks to consumers. Urbanization and construction of buildings and apartments contribute to the growth of mosquito populations, especially in semi-urban and rural places. PelGar International, AoGrand Group, Enesis Group, Herbal Strategi, and pest control services are key players in the market. However, the movement of people and undisturbed conditions facilitate mosquito breeding, leading to an increase in mosquito-borne diseases. Cockroach infestation and rodent activities can also contribute to mosquito breeding. Hand sanitizers, Red Cross Society, and personal protective equipment are essential in preventing the spread of diseases. However, the production and use of pesticides, such as Cyfluthrin, Permethrin, and Pyrethroids, can have adverse effects on consumers and the environment. The market offers a wide variety of products, including sprays, vaporizers, and plant-based repellents. Malaria cases and deaths continue to be a concern, especially in areas with heavy rains and humid climates. Consumers prioritize quality products and are increasingly turning to online shopping for convenience. Climate change and weather conditions also impact mosquito reproduction and mortality rates. Companies must address environmental concerns, such as emission levels and microchips, semiconductors, and recycling, to ensure sustainable business practices. The market also faces challenges related to workplace safety, respiratory ailments, and health consciousness. The mosquito repellent market has faced challenges due to the rise of professional household insecticide services. These services offer effective and long-lasting solutions against household insects, including mosquitoes, although they come with a higher price tag and are not ideal for regular maintenance. Allergic reactions to insecticide fumes are a concern for some consumers, but professional services use non-irritating, odorless, residue-free, and safe products, even in kitchen spaces. Despite these advantages, the growth of the mosquito repellent market has been hindered by the increasing popularity of professional insecticide services. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This mosquito repellent market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Offline 1.2 Online 2.1 Self-applicable 2.2 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Offline- In the global mosquito repellent market, offline distribution channels held the largest share in 2023. Consumers prefer this mode of distribution due to its tangible experience and easy access to a wide range of products. Major offline channels include specialty stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, and drug stores. The increasing number of supermarkets and hypermarkets, driven by population growth, is a significant trend in the market. Consumers increasingly prefer these retail formats for mosquito repellent purchases due to the ability to read product labels, immediate access, and expert advice. Major retailers, such as Walmart Inc., Target Brands, Inc., and Tesco Plc, have dedicated spaces for mosquito repellent products. The expansion of these retailers and the rise in the number of hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and drug stores contribute to the growth of the mosquito repellent market through these channels. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics The mosquito repellent market encompasses a wide range of products designed to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas. Mosquitoes, known carriers of deadly diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Yellow fever, thrive in humid climates and are particularly active in environmental conditions conducive to their population growth. Rapid urbanization and construction contribute to the increase in mosquito breeding sites, making mosquito repellents essential. The market includes various types of repellents such as bags, cartridges, drums, and water treatment solutions. The production process involves greenhouse gases emission from chemical processing, drug manufacturing, and environmental remediation. Process efficiency and workplace safety are crucial considerations in the market to ensure the production of effective and safe mosquito repellents. The mosquito repellent market encompasses urban and rural areas, with environmental conditions playing a significant role in mosquito breeding and the proliferation of deadly diseases such as Dengue, Zika, Yellow fever, and malaria. Mosquitoes thrive in undisturbed conditions, particularly in areas of heavy rain and humid climates, leading to an increase in mosquito populations and malaria cases. The movement of people and construction of buildings in semi-urban and rural places further contributes to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The market for mosquito repellents includes a wide variety of products such as coils, sprays, creams and oils, and plant-based repellents. Consumers are increasingly conscious of health problems associated with mosquito-borne diseases and are buying quality products from brand owners. Online shopping and non-essential items have also become popular in the home care industry, driving business expansion. However, the use of mosquito repellents comes with its own set of health concerns, including skin reactions, rashes, swelling, itching, and eye irritation from chemicals. Adverse effects from chemicals such as cyfluthrin, permethrin, pyrethroids, picaridin, and citronella have been reported. The market also includes pest control services, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and personal protective equipment from companies like PelGar International, AoGrand Group, Enesis Group, and Herbal Strategi. The Red Cross Society and various community organizations also play a role in disease prevention and control. The production and bottling of mosquito repellents involve chemical processing, drug manufacturing, and environmental remediation. Process efficiency, workplace safety, and health consciousness are key concerns for consumers and manufacturers alike. The market for mosquito repellents is not limited to mosquitoes, as cockroach infestation and rodent activities also contribute to the need for effective pest control solutions. The use of hand disinfectants, water treatment, and various filter systems are also important in preventing the spread of diseases. The market for mosquito repellents is influenced by various abiotic factors, including climate change, weather, and physiology, which can impact mosquito reproduction and mortality rates. The use of mosquito repellents is essential in preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, which can lead to significant health problems and even deaths. The market for mosquito repellents is also impacted by the production and use of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, which can contribute to the degradation of the atmosphere and the environment. The use of microchips, semiconductors, and recycling are important in reducing the environmental impact of mosquito repellent production and use. The market for mosquito repellents is also influenced by various other industries, including the automotive industry, which contributes to the production of dust, dirt, contaminants, and particulate matter, which can impact air quality and contribute to respiratory ailments. The use of nanofiber filtration, smart filtration systems, and the Internet of Things are important in reducing the impact of these pollutants on health and the environment. In conclusion, the mosquito repellent market plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and ensuring public health and safety. However, it is essential to consider the potential health concerns and environmental impact of mosquito repellents and take steps to mitigate these risks through the use of quality products, effective production processes, and responsible disposal practices. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Distribution Channel Offline Online Product Self-applicable Others Geography APAC Europe North America South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
Independent MP Kylea Tink has announced she will step down from federal politics at the next election after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) abolished her seat of North Sydney. Ms Tink made the announcement on Saturday, months after AEC presiding member Susan Kenny announced they would retire the North Sydney seat and modify the boundaries of nine electoral divisions at the 2025 federal election. The Independent MP has held the seat since 2022 - which includes Australia’s third largest business district made up of professional services, property, wholesale and retail industries. Ms Tink, the former chief executive officer of the McGrath Foundation, said she has not decided what she will do next, but was fully behind the community independent movement and believed it achieved better results in parliament. “The results of any parliament are better when you have multiple voices around the decisions that need to be made,” she said. “When it comes to 2025 there are 20 communities across the country now that have a community independent candidate identified and have already launched.” Ms Tink has thrown her support behind independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall and community independent candidate Nicolette Boele, who will run for the newly gazetted seat of Bradfield. The electorate is made up of three local government areas in northern Sydney including Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney and Willoughby. Ms Tink said Ms Beole ran in 2022 and brought that seat so close and has been committed to the community for the last few years. “I’m really excited to see what she can achieve in the 2025 election.” Originally published as Independent MP Kylea Tink to step down at the 2025 election after AEC abolished her seat of North Sydney
NoneThe RSM Classic Par ScoresBeware of the designer bag snatchers: Shop robbers target £600,000 of 'pre-loved' accessories including high-end brands Chanel and Hermes from showrooms By SABRINA MILLER Published: 23:02 GMT, 6 December 2024 | Updated: 23:14 GMT, 6 December 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Shops selling ‘pre-loved’ luxury handbags are on high alert after burglars stole more than £600,000 worth of products from two showrooms in London . Dozens of second-hand bags from brands such as Chanel and Hermes – some which sell for upwards of £10,000 – were taken in the raids. Dramatic CCTV footage shows masked thieves smashing their way into the stores before filling sacks with the high-end gear. Police are not treating the robberies as linked but word has spread across the industry, with shops now on guard in the run-up to Christmas as the black market is in full swing. On Tuesday, two crooks raided the appointment-only Eveyspreloved showroom in north London while an accomplice waited outside in a getaway car. They kicked down the door and took just five minutes to steal the one-of-a-kind goods before disappearing. In total around 70 per cent of the showroom’s stock was taken, with a total value in excess of £100,000. Distraught business owner Evey Amery, 57, said of the raid: ‘It was clearly targeted because you can see on the CCTV that the robbers knew where they were going and where the products were.’ Among the bags stolen were a blue-suede cowskin Chanel bag with champagne-coloured hardware, priced at around £2,250, and a vintage 1957 Hermes Kelly 28 Miel Crocodile bag, valued at over £11,000. Evey Amery with a Chanel reissue double flap handbag. Over £600,000 of second-hand bags were stolen in a raid of her two showrooms CCTV footage of Evey Amery Kurlander's handbags being stolen from the north London showroom This Louis Vuitton Monogram Aquagarden Mini soft trunk abyss limited edition blue bag worth £3,000 was among pieces stolen A Chanel Mini rectangular bag worth £4,650 that was stolen in the raid Also taken was a Chanel pink medium flap bag in tweed with a pearl handle and Champagne gold hardware worth over £5,600 Also taken was a black Chanel mock alligator-skin bag worth in excess of £4,000 and an olive green Hermes Kelly costing £8,000. Ms Amery added: ‘I’ve always been so worried about security and weirdly relocated the room where I store the bags just eight days before the burglary.’ It is feared the items will be sold for bargain prices on the black market by gangs determined to cash in on the festive season. On November 13, three masked men used an axe and scaffolding to shatter the windows of the Sellier showroom in Belgravia. They grabbed £500,000 worth of designer goods in a robbery that lasted just three minutes. Among the stolen items were a Hermes vintage Birkin bag with gold buckles worth almost £15,000 and a pink tweed Chanel flap bag with a pearl handle valued at nearly £6,000. Co-founder Ayaz Ibrahimov, 34, claims to have seen his bags for sale on social media app Snapchat. He says he handed the evidence over to police but nothing was done. ‘I put the identity of the person who robbed us under the police’s nose,’ Mr Ibrahimov said. ‘The forensics team have DNA evidence because the robbers injured themselves when they broke into the shop and left blood behind. But I haven’t heard a peep from the police in three weeks.’ In July, around half of luxury re-seller Luxe Collective’s stock – worth up to £500,000 – was stolen from the company’s warehouse in West Lancashire. One careful owner but still premium prices In an industry that deals in fads, seasonal trends and this year’s must-haves, the one item that never goes out of style is the designer bag. It’s true that the era of the It Bag – when the most important element of your outfit was your handbag, whether it was a Mulberry Bayswater or a Fendi Baguette – ended decades ago. But in its place a market has emerged for pre-loved (previously owned but in excellent condition) designer bags that have a history of their own. The idea now is not to carry the purse of the season but to own one of the classic bags with a name to prove how long they’ve been at the top. If yours has had one careful previous owner all the better; shaving a few thousand off the price makes them less eye-wateringly expensive (we’re talking about £8,850 for a new Chanel flap bag, but around £3,000 second hand). The most covetable among them are the Hermes Birkin (named after its inspiration Jane Birkin); the Hermes Kelly (after Grace Kelly) and the classic Chanel quilted flap bags: the 2.55 (named for the date of its creation, February 1955) and the 11.12. Then there are the relative newcomers to the pantheon of arm candy: Balenciaga’s Le City, Mulberry’s multi-pocketed Roxanne and The Row’s Margaux. Styles that are no longer in production are also in high demand. Dior’s Columbus, which dates back to John Galliano’s days as head designer in 2002 (£810 on eBay), has re-entered the hotlist since Rihanna was seen carrying one this summer. A Hermes gold vintage Birkin Retourne 30cm natural sable box calf leather handbag And the puffy cushioned and padlocked Chloe Paddington bag, a star of Phoebe Philo’s spring/summer 2005 collection, is another early 21st century bag enjoying a renaissance with younger customers (for a relatively reasonable £600 on eBay). For where once buying designer bags was a niche hobby of ladies who lunched, interest has exploded over the past couple of years. It’s now so mainstream that department stores Selfridges and John Lewis have their own vintage collections. Pre-loved bags are typically indistinguishable from brand new, but their cheaper price means you stand a chance of owning something you otherwise couldn’t. However, in some cases a second-hand piece can sell for more than its original price. To buy a new Birkin, Hermes requires the shopper to leap through hoops to prove their brand loyalty before they are permitted to part with their £9,000. This exclusivity means that pre-loved Birkins can sell for as much as £25,000. Such bags are status symbols, luxury fashion statements – and they’re collectable in the way that fine porcelain used to be. Whether you want them to show off or to sell on at auction, they’re hot property. Chanel London Share or comment on this article: Beware of the designer bag snatchers: Shop robbers target £600,000 of 'pre-loved' accessories including high-end brands Chanel and Hermes from showrooms e-mail Add commentThe fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has revealed many Americans’ fury and frustrations with their health insurance coverage. They have taken to social media to relay their stories, even as others have said they like their coverage . CNN would like to talk to readers about their experiences using their health insurance, both good and bad, for a future story.
As he delivered his postgame speech after the Vikings escaped with a 23-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday, head coach Kevin O’Connell locked eyes with undrafted defensive tackle Jalen Redmond. After watching Redmond explode into the backfield on multiple occasions, making a couple of tackles for a loss in the process, O’Connell wanted to make it known how much he appreciated his impact on the game. So, as he handed out game balls like he typically does after each win, O’Connell made sure Redmond got the recognition he deserved. “Sometimes we start feeling a guy’s energy,” O’Connell said. “Just highlighting that.” Redmond was caught off guard in the locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium, joking that he almost started to get emotional when he heard O’Connell say his name aloud. “It meant a lot,” Redmond said. “It was a special moment.” It was a stark contrast to back in training camp at TCO Performance Center when Redmond got kicked out of practice by O’Connell in response to a scuffle after the whistle. He remembers leaving that particular summer practice a little bit unsure about his future with the Vikings. “When I was walking off I was like, ‘Oh man. What did I do? I messed up,’ ” Redmond said. “The rule was not to fight, and I know that, so I was, like, ‘Man. I can’t be doing this stuff. I’m barely here.’ ” Fortunately for Redmond, O’Connell was forgiving in the immediate aftermath, and he got to keep his spot on the roster. Fortunately for the Vikings, Redmond has made the most of his opportunity, and he has slowly started carving out a niche for himself this season. “There’s a reason why he made our team,” O’Connell said. “He’s a perfect fit for our scheme with the way we move those guys up front.” The fact that Redmond has proven skills as interior pass rusher is something defensive coordinator Brian Flores has tapped into even more he’s found places to insert him into the game on a weekly basis. “The athleticism jumped out immediately,” Flores said. “This guy can run.” That has long been a calling card for Redmond. He was an explosive athlete in college at Oklahoma, and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds, proving he had the twitchiness to play at the next level. After signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, Redmond arrived at rookie minicamp hellbent on proving everybody wrong. He got cut after training camp despite showing flashes of his potential. “It crushed me,” Redmond said. “I didn’t know if I was ever going to get another shot.” As he sat at home wondering what was next for him, Redmond randomly got a call from the legendary Bob Stoops, the former head coach of Oklahoma, who is now the head coach of the Arlington Renegades of the UFL. “It was wild,” Redmond said. “I look at my phone and see the name. I was like, “Why is Bob Stoops calling me?’ I answered it and he asked if I wanted to play on his team.” After growing up in in Oklahoma, Redmond was not about to say no to a legend. He joined the Arlington Renegades and eventually parlayed that into a cup of coffee with the Vikings ahead of training camp “I went there with the mindset that I was going to make the best of it and try to get back to where I wanted to be,” Redmond said. “I had a lot of fun there, and it helped get me to where I am now.” Though he wasn’t exactly a household name, Redmond did enough to make the team out of training camp. “Whenever I walk through those doors and my code still works, I don’t take it for granted,” Redmond said. “I put in everything I can to everything I do here because I’ve been on the other side of it.” Now he’s starting to look more and more like somebody who could emerge as a key contributor for the Vikings down the road. “That’s all I wanted to do when I got here,” Redmond said. “Just prove that I can play at this level.” He can. He has a game ball as proof. “I was so happy for him,” Flores said. “I think he’s got a long career in front of him.”North Dakota’s outgoing Gov. Doug Burgum used his final budget address to state lawmakers on Dec. 4 to advocate for education, housing, and child care funding to help grow the state’s workforce. Addressing a joint session of the state’s Legislative Assembly, Burgum noted that despite inflation and a growing population, North Dakota’s economic position remains “strong” with full reserve funds and revenues exceeding initial projections for the current fiscal period. “Today, we offer you a budget roadmap to continue down the path of even greater prosperity with ... a focus on workforce. And we do that by supporting families; supporting healthy, vibrant communities; by investing in education, critical infrastructure. And we’ll position North Dakota for even more long-term success,” the governor said. Proposing a slightly decreased budget of just under $19.6 billion for the next two years, he encouraged support for a $95 million housing package, a $50 million educational savings fund, and $19 million for child care initiatives. “Housing, just like child care, it’s workforce infrastructure,” Burgum said, noting that the costs and availability of both influence where workers choose to live. His proposals focus on addressing the state’s housing shortage and expanding child care availability and affordability for families. Meanwhile, the recommended Educational Savings Account fund would serve to bolster school choice by making funds available to every student for pre-approved programs and services. The governor also called for tax reform—including the eventual elimination of the state’s income tax. “If you tax income ... you’re taxing workforce,” Burgum said. “Energy states have figured this out. Texas, Wyoming, and Alaska all have zero income tax. Our neighbor, South Dakota, zero income tax. These are states that we compete directly with for workforce.” Burgum presided over an overhaul of North Dakota’s income tax system in 2023, when the state replaced its five existing tax brackets with a new three-bracket system with lower rates. His remarks come less than two weeks before his successor, Republican Kelly Armstrong, is set to be sworn in. The two-term governor announced in January that he would not seek reelection after dropping out of the Republican presidential primary race and endorsing then-former President Donald Trump. Trump, now president-elect, has tapped Burgum to lead both the Department of the Interior and the newly formed National Energy Council. “This Council will oversee the path to U.S. energy dominance by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the Economy, and by focusing on innovation over longstanding, but totally unnecessary, regulation,” Trump said in announcing Burgum’s appointment. North Dakota is a major U.S. energy producer and ranks third in the nation in both crude oil reserves and production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The state also contains roughly 2 percent of the U.S. gas reserves and accounted for about 4 percent of the nation’s coal production last year. As chairman of the National Energy Council, Burgum will also have a seat on the National Security Council, Trump said. Burgum’s nomination for interior secretary is subject to Senate confirmation. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), who is currently the top Republican on the Senate Energy and National Resources Committee, said Burgum is “the right choice” for the job. “I’m working to get him confirmed ASAP,” Hoeven wrote in a Nov. 26 social media post following a meeting in which the two North Dakotans reportedly strategized on how to “Make America Energy Dominant.”
Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok's petition to overturn the law — which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — and rebuffed the company's challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment. “The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” said the court's opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, though its unclear whether the court will take up the case. “The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting ans’ right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement. Police believe the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO quickly left NYC on a bus after shooting NEW YORK (AP) — The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer likely left New York City on a bus soon after the brazen ambush that has shaken corporate America, police officials said Friday. Three days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still did not know the gunman's whereabouts or a motive for the killing. Investigators were looking at whether the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters. Video of the gunman fleeing Wednesday's shooting showed him riding a bicycle into Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal that offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C, according to Kenny. Police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city, Kenny said. CNN first reported that the suspect may have escaped the city by bus. Investigators also believe the shooter left a backpack in Central Park and were carrying out a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and a densely wooded section called “The Ramble.” As dusk approached Friday, small groups of officers could be seen roaming among trees across ground covered with leaves. Trump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday offered a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled choice to lead the Defense Department, whose confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat. Hegseth, a former Fox News Host, Army National Guard major and combat veteran, spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and privately reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead Trump’s Pentagon. “Pete Hegseth is doing very well,” Trump posted on his social media site. “He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense." The president added that "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” The pitched nomination battle over Hegseth is emerging not only as a debate about the best person to lead the Pentagon, but an inflection point for a MAGA movement that appears to be relishing a public fight over its hardline push for a more masculine military and an end to the “woke-ism" of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Trump’s allies are forcefully rallying around the embattled Hegseth – the Heritage Foundation’s political arm is promising to spend $1 million to shore up his nomination – as he vows to stay in the fight, as long as the president-elect wants him to. IAEA chief: Iran is poised to 'quite dramatically' increase stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Iran is poised to “quite dramatically” increase its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium as it has started cascades of advanced centrifuges, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Friday. The comments from Rafael Mariano Grossi came just hours after Iran said it conducted a successful space launch with its heaviest payload ever, the latest for its program that the West alleges improves Tehran’s ballistic missile program. The launch of the Simorgh rocket comes as Iran’s nuclear program now enriches uranium at 60%, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%. While Iran maintains its program is peaceful, officials in the Islamic Republic increasingly threaten to potentially seek the bomb and an intercontinental ballistic missile that would allow Tehran to use the weapon against distant foes like the United States. The moves are likely to further raise tensions gripping the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and as an uneasy ceasefire holds in Lebanon. However, Iran may as well be preparing the ground for possible talks with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who in his first term unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers. Grossi, speaking to journalists in Bahrain, on the sidelines of the International Institute of Strategic Studies’ Manama Dialogue, said his inspectors planned to see just how many centrifuges Iran would be spinning after Tehran informed his agency of its plans. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report from the Labor Department report showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. Hourly wages rose 0.4% from October to November and 4% from a year earlier — both solid figures and slightly higher than forecasters had expected. The November employment report provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. The job market’s gradual slowdown is, in part, a result of the high interest rates the Federal Reserve engineered in its drive to tame inflation. The Fed jacked up interest rates 11 times in 2022 and 2023. Defying predictions, the economy kept growing despite much higher borrowing rates for consumers and businesses. But since early this year, the job market has been slowing. Trump taps forceful ally of hard-line immigration policies to head Customs and Border Protection WASHINGTON (AP) — The picture of who will be in charge of executing President-elect Donald Trump's hard-line immigration and border policies has come into sharper focus after he announced his picks to head Customs and Border Protection and also the agency tasked with deporting immigrants in the country illegally. Trump said late Thursday he was tapping Rodney Scott, a former Border Patrol chief who’s been a vocal supporter of tougher enforcement measures, for CBP commissioner. As acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Trump said he had chosen Caleb Vitello, a career ICE official with more than 23 years in the agency. They will work with an immigration leadership team that includes South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security; former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement head Tom Homan as border czar; and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff. Here's a closer look at the picks: Romania's top court annuls first round of presidential vote won by far-right candidate BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A top Romanian court on Friday annulled the first round of the country's presidential election, days after allegations emerged that Russia ran a coordinated online campaign to promote the far-right outsider who won the first round. The Constitutional Court’s unprecedented decision — which is final — came after President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence on Wednesday that alleged Russia organized thousands of social media accounts to promote Calin Georgescu across platforms such as TikTok and Telegram. The court, without naming Georgescu, said that one of the 13 candidates in the Nov. 24 first round had improperly received “preferential treatment” on social media, distorting the outcome of the vote. Georgescu denounced the verdict as an “officialized coup” and an attack on democracy, as did the second-place finisher, reformist Elena Lasconi of the center-right Save Romania Union party. Despite being an outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner who was to face Lasconi in a runoff on Sunday. Some 951 voting stations had already opened abroad on Friday for the runoff for Romania’s large diaspora, but had to be halted. Crews recover the body of a woman from a Pennsylvania sinkhole after a 4-day search The remains of a woman who fell into a sinkhole were recovered Friday, four days after she went missing while searching for her cat, a state police spokesperson said. Trooper Steve Limani said the body of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard was sent to the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy after rescuers used machinery to bring her to the surface. Limani told reporters Pollard was found at about 11 a.m. approximately 30 feet (9 meters) underground, some 12 feet (4 meters) from the opening of the sinkhole. Limani said Pollard apparently fell onto a cone-shaped pile of debris created by the crumbling mine, then rolled or otherwise moved toward the southwest to where her body was recovered. The autopsy may help determine whether Pollard was killed by the fall, Limani said. The announcement came in the fourth day of the search for Pollard, who had last been seen Monday evening, looking for the cat near a restaurant half a mile (0.8 kilometers) from her home in the village of Marguerite. Jury will consider lesser charge in NYC subway chokehold case, judge dismisses manslaughter charge NEW YORK (AP) — The judge overseeing the trial of a man accused of using a deadly chokehold on an unruly New York subway passenger dismissed the top charge in the case on Friday at prosecutors' request, allowing jurors to consider a lesser count after they deadlocked on whether Daniel Penny was guilty of manslaughter. Judge Maxwell Wiley's decision will let jurors deliberate a charge of criminally negligent homicide, which carries a lighter punishment. “Whether that makes any difference or not, I have no idea. But I’m going to direct you to focus your deliberations on count two,” he said, before directing them to “go home and think about something else.” The judge’s decision came hours after Manhattan jurors sent him a note saying they couldn't agree on a manslaughter verdict. Jurors previously were instructed that they needed to reach a verdict on the top charge before they could consider the lesser count. Jurors have been deliberating since Tuesday on whether to convict Penny in the death of Jordan Neely. Penny, a former U.S. Marine, placed Neely in a chokehold for about six minutes on a New York City subway in May 2023 after Neely got on the car yelling and asking people for money. Vance tells residents in hurricane-stricken North Carolina that they haven't been forgotten FAIRVIEW, N.C. (AP) — Vice President-elect JD Vance on Friday assured residents of western North Carolina still cleaning up from Hurricane Helene that they haven't been forgotten as he surveyed storm wreckage and talked to first responders in one of his first public appearances since the election. Vance said he was visiting because the holidays are approaching and he wants to provide some comfort to those affected by the hurricane as they go about trying to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. “My simple message to the people of Appalachia is that we haven’t forgotten you — we love you,” said Vance, who made a name for himself writing about the region in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” He added, “Certainly when this administration changes hands in the next 45 days, we’re going to do everything that we can to help people rebuild, to get them back on their feet, to bring some commerce back to this area, but, most importantly, to allow people to live in their homes.” The hurricane struck in late September. In North Carolina, the state government estimates that the storm caused a combined $53 billion in damages and needed upgrades to protect against future natural disasters. More than 100 North Carolina residents died from the storm, which the state estimates damaged over 120,000 homes, at least 6,000 miles (9,700 kilometers) of roads and over 160 sewer and water systems.Court hears legal arguments in sex assault case of five hockey players LONDON, Ont. — Lawyers in the sexual assault case of five members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team began what are expected to be several weeks of legal arguments on Monday, ahead of next year's trial. Canadian Press Nov 25, 2024 1:57 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Ottawa Senators' Alex Formenton during an NHL hockey game in Philadelphia, Friday, April 29, 2022; New Jersey Devils defenceman Cal Foote before an NHL hockey game in Newark, N.J., Friday, Oct. 27, 2023; New Jersey Devils' Michael McLeod during an NHL hockey game in Philadelphia, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023; Calgary Flames centre Dillon Dube during an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 and Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart during an NHL hockey game in Uniondale, N.Y., Saturday, April 3, 2021. A London, Ont., judge is set to hear legal arguments today in the sexual assault case of five members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Matt Slocum, Noah K. Murray, Matt Slocum, Paul Sancya, Corey Sipkin LONDON, Ont. — Lawyers in the sexual assault case of five members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team began what are expected to be several weeks of legal arguments on Monday, ahead of next year's trial. Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were charged with sexual assault earlier this year in an incident that allegedly took place in London, Ont., in June 2018. McLeod also faces an additional charge of sexual assault for "being a party to the offence." Dube, McLeod and Formenton attended court in person for the first time in London on Monday, all three dressed in dark suits. Lawyers for the players have said their clients plan to defend themselves against the allegations, and all five are expected to plead not guilty. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on April 22 of next year. Court heard Monday the trial will be heard by Justice Maria Carroccia. Several weeks have been set aside for legal arguments before then, but the issues discussed in those hearings cannot be reported at this time due to a publication ban meant to protect the accused's right to a fair trial. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Sports Rock On! Top-flight curling returns to St. John's for first time since 2017 Brier Nov 25, 2024 1:14 PM Utah NHL team walks to arena after bus gets stuck in Toronto traffic Nov 25, 2024 12:47 PM US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer Nov 25, 2024 12:36 PM Featured Flyer