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By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.
Oklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris , a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The Philippines VP publicly threatens to have the president assassinated
Tom Brady said during the Packers vs. 49ers game at Lambeau Field on Sunday that the football season doesn't really start until after Thanksgiving. The man won seven Super Bowls and made the playoffs basically every year of his career, so it makes sense that he would think that. But for some teams, the year is essentially already over by Thanksgiving. That is certainly the case for the New York Giants, who were crushed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. The Bucs topped the Giants, 30-7, on Sunday at Metlife Stadium. This was the first game in the post-Daniel Jones era for the Giants and it did not go well. Following the game, some of New York's veteran players essentially accused their teammates of "quitting" on the year. Al Bello/Getty Images New York's veteran players are frustrated, claiming their teammates aren't giving 100 percent. “I personally don’t think everybody is giving 100 percent," Jermaine Eluemunor said postgame. New York Giants star Dexter Lawrence said that he thinks his team played "soft." It's ugly. Dexter Lawrence saying #Giants played “soft.” Malik Nabers with a similar assessment of team being soft. Jermaine Eluemunor saying “I personally don’t think everybody is giving 100%” The 2-9 Giants lost 30-7 to the Bucs. They play again on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys. Several different New York Giants players suggested that they disagreed with the decision to cut ties with Daniel Jones, too. “First, second quarter, I don’t get the ball,” Malik Nabers said in the locker room after the tough loss. “Start getting targets at the end. I mean, can’t do nothing. Start getting the ball when it’s 30-0. What do you want me to do?” Why isn't Nabers getting the ball early in games? “Talk to Dabes about that,” Nabers said. “They come up to me and ask me what plays I want and that was that. I don’t know.” "It ain't the QB... same outcome when we had DJ at QB" 😬 Malik Nabers spoke about the Giants QB situation after losing to TB 👀 (via @charlottecrrll , The Athletic) pic.twitter.com/0yUSpyB5Rr The Giants, 2-9 on the season, are set to take on the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. Dallas, of course, is coming off a thrilling win over Washington. The Week 13 NFL game is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 p.m. E.T. on Thursday afternoon. It'll air on FOX.
LUCKNOW Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, also known as the ‘Ajatshatru’ of Indian politics, was paid a poetic tribute by writer Kumar Vishwas through his creations during a mega programme ‘Atal Geet Ganga’ , on the eve of the leader’s birth anniversary on Tuesday. The event was organized by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Foundation, led by deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak. “When Atal ji was Prime Minister, he used to invite poets to his residence, despite his busy schedule, listening to their poetry with deep appreciation and affection,” recalled Kumar Vishwas, sharing his memories of interactions with Vajpayee. The event was graced by a host of political leaders, including deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, former Union minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, BJP state president Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and many others. During the programme, defence minister Rajnath Singh and chief minister Yogi Adityanath presented awards to several individuals for their outstanding contributions to society. Among those honoured were Gangadhar Prasad Tiwari, Pawan Agrawal, Satish Kumar Rastogi, Ganesh Prasad Verma, Hanumant Singh, Anita Agrawal, and RP Tripathi. The recipients were awarded shawls, mementos, and bouquets in recognition of their service to the community. Rajnath Singh shared fond memories of Vajpayee, emphasizing his monumental role in strengthening India’s global stature. Singh recalled discussions with the former PM about the development of Lucknow and praised Kumar Vishwas for capturing Vajpayee’s extraordinary personality through his poetry. The defence minister also led the gathering in a moment of silence to honour the former Prime Minister’s legacy. CM Yogi Adityanath praised Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a “symbol of good governance and inclusive politics.” Reflecting on Vajpayee’s political career, he highlighted how Vajpayee remained committed to his values and principles, working tirelessly for the nation, irrespective of political divides. “Atal ji’s leadership set high standards for future generations, and his belief that ‘principle-less politics is a noose of death’ serves as a guiding principle for all politicians,” said the CM. Adityanath said the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Foundation continues to organize major events every year. Earlier in the day, around 25,000 to 30,000 young people gathered at KD Singh ‘Babu’ Stadium for the Youth Kumbh. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak spoke about how Vajpayee, despite his poetic nature, ensured India’s security by conducting nuclear tests during his tenure. He highlighted that Vajpayee’s legacy continues to inspire future generations, both through his poetry and his statesmanship. Kumar Vishwas captivated the audience with his powerful recital, which included a moving piece about Lord Krishna’s return to Vrindavan after the Mahabharat. His lines, “Mathura chhooti, chhooti Dwarika, Indraprastha thukraoon; Bansi chhooti, Gokul chhoota, kab tak chakra uthaoon,” received thunderous applause from the audience.I saved myself and you $70 by simply modding Skyrim to be indistinguishable from Metaphor: ReFantazio, the year's best RPG
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(CNN) — President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will direct the Department of Justice to “vigorously pursue the death penalty” after President Joe Biden on Monday commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates to life in prison. “As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters. We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, echoing his long-standing advocacy for use of the death penalty , which was part of his tough-on-crime rhetoric during the 2024 campaign. After Biden’s commutation of most federal death row inmates – which Trump on Truth Social said “makes no sense” – there will be just three individuals in federal prison facing the death penalty when the president-elect takes office in January. Those three remaining cases are all individuals who committed mass shootings or terrorist attacks: Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018; Dylann Roof, a White nationalist who murdered nine people at a historically Black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of two brothers responsible for the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Biden’s clemency decisions cannot be reversed when Trump takes office, but the president-elect’s Justice Department could resume seeking the death penalty in future cases. Throughout his campaign, Trump’s advocacy for greater use of the death penalty was part of his hardline commitment to reducing violent crime and drug and human trafficking. In his speech launching his 2024 presidential campaign, he pledged to seek the death penalty for drug dealers. He said last year he would ask Congress to pass a law that “anyone caught trafficking children across our border” should receive the death penalty. During the final weeks of the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to push for the death penalty for any migrant who kills a US citizen or a law enforcement officer. There were mixed reactions to Biden’s commutations on Monday. While some families of those whose sentences were commuted expressed relief, some families of the victims were angry. The widow of Bryan Hurst, an Ohio police officer killed in 2005 by Daryl Lawrence, whose sentence was commuted on Monday, said in a statement provided to CNN affiliate WBNS that her family is disappointed by Biden’s decision. Lawrence “made a decision to choose violence. He knew the potential consequences and chose to murder regardless,” Marissa Gibson said in her statement. “All I can hope is that his nearly 20 years in prison has made him a changed man.” Executions by the US government were uncommon prior to Trump’s first term. Only three federal executions had occurred since 1988 before Trump’s then-Attorney General William Barr announced in 2019 the federal government would resume executions. In 2020, the final year of Trump’s first term, the federal government executed 10 individuals , the most executions by the federal government since 1896 and more than all 50 states combined that year. Outside of the federal system, there are over 2,000 people in the United States who were convicted in state courts and put on death row, according to the Death Penalty Information Center . Biden has no power to stop those death sentences. The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Chargers will be without top RB Dobbins and could lean on QB Herbert against FalconsCleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market was valued at USD 255.92 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 392.76 billion by 2031 11-22-2024 06:51 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research Private Ltd / PR Agency: Data Bridge Market Research "Global Cleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market, By Offering (Customized, Non-Customizable), End User (Industrial Manufacturing, Phramaceutical, Semiconductors and Electronics, Healthcare, Food and Beverages, Others), Sales Channel (Direct, Indirect) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031. Global Cleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market was valued at USD 255.92 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 392.76 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. Explore Further Details about This Research Cleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market Share Report https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-cleanroom-fluorescent-lighting-market **2022 Market Analysis:** - The dissolved gas analyzer market in 2022 is expected to showcase steady growth due to the increasing emphasis on preventive maintenance in industries such as power generation, oil & gas, and transformer monitoring. The demand for dissolved gas analyzers is driven by the need to detect faults in equipment early, thus reducing maintenance costs and minimizing downtime. **2030 Market Analysis:** - By 2030, the dissolved gas analyzer market is projected to witness significant growth attributed to the rising adoption of dissolved gas analysis techniques in various end-use industries. The market is likely to be driven by advancements in sensor technologies, increasing awareness about the benefits of dissolved gas analysis, and the growing focus on improving asset reliability and performance. **Market Players:** - Some of the key players in the dissolved gas analyzer market include: - General Electric - Siemens AG - ABB - Doble Engineering Company - Weidmann Electrical Technology AG - Morgan Schaffer - LumaSense Technologies, Inc. - Qualitrol Company LLC - EMH Energy-Messtechnik GmbH - Vaisala For a more in-depth analysis of the global dissolved gas analyzer market, please visit: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-dissolved-gas-analyzer-marketThe global dissolved gas analyzer market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, driven by several key factors that are expected to shape the industry landscape. One of the primary drivers of market expansion is the increasing focus on preventive maintenance practices across various industries such as power generation, oil & gas, and transformer monitoring. The adoption of dissolved gas analyzers plays a crucial role in enabling early detection of faults in equipment, thereby aiding in cost reduction associated with maintenance activities and minimizing downtime. This emphasis on predictive maintenance is expected to fuel the demand for dissolved gas analyzers in the market, as organizations recognize the importance of proactive asset management in ensuring operational efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, the advancements in sensor technologies are anticipated to revolutionize the dissolved gas analyzer market, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of gas detection processes. As sensor technologies continue to evolve, offering improved sensitivity and reliability, end-users are likely to benefit from more precise fault detection capabilities, enabling timely interventions to prevent unexpected equipment failures. Additionally, the growing awareness about the advantages of dissolved gas analysis in terms of enhancing asset performance and minimizing operational risks is expected to drive market growth. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of leveraging dissolved gas analyzers to optimize their asset management strategies, thereby creating opportunities for market players to cater to this demand. Moreover, the market players in the dissolved gas analyzer segment are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the industry dynamics through innovative product offerings and strategic initiatives. Companies such as General Electric, Siemens AG, ABB, Doble Engineering Company, and others are at the forefront of driving technological advancements in the dissolved gas analyzer market. These key players are focused on developing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of end-users across various sectors, further propelling the market growth. Collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions are expected to be key strategies adopted by market players to strengthen their market presence and expand their customer base. In conclusion, the global dissolved gas analyzer market is set to experience significant growth driven by the increasing adoption of preventive maintenance practices**Market Players:** - Doble Engineering Company - General Electric Company - Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. - Qualitrol Company LLC - Siemens - SDMyers - Vaisala - Weidmann Electrical Technology AG - Camlin Ltd - Hitachi Energy Ltd. - SRI Instruments - MM Tech - HV Hipot Electric - MTE Meter Test Equipment AG - Ap2e - Yokogawa Electric Corporation - Sieyuan Electric Co., Ltd. - Thermo Fisher Scientific - Drallim Industries Limited - Agilent Technologies In the dynamic landscape of the dissolved gas analyzer market, key market players are leveraging strategic initiatives and innovative product offerings to drive industry growth. Doble Engineering Company, General Electric Company, Advanced Energy Industries, Inc., Qualitrol Company LLC, Siemens, and other prominent players are at the forefront of technological advancements in dissolved gas analyzers. Collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions are anticipated to be key strategies adopted by market players to bolster their market presence and broaden their customer base. As technological advancements in sensor technologies continue to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of gas detection processes, end-users are expected to benefit from more precise fault detection capabilities, enabling proactive interventions to prevent unforeseen equipment failures. The increasing awareness about the advantages of dissolved gas analysis in optimizing asset performance and mitigating operational risks is likely to be a driving force behind market growth. Furthermore, the rising adoption of preventive maintenance practices across Table Of Content 1 Introduction 1.1 Objectives Of The Study 1.2 Cleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market Definition 1.3 Overview 1.4 Limitations 1.5 Markets Covered 2 Cleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market Segmentation 2.1 Cleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market Covered 2.2 Geographical Scope 2.3 Years Considered For The Study 2.4 Currency And Pricing 2.5 Dbmr Tripod Data Validation Model 2.6 Multivariate Modeling 2.7 Primary Interviews With Key Opinion Leaders 2.8 Dbmr Cleanroom Fluorescent Lighting Market Position Grid 2.9 Dbmr Vendor Share Analysis 2.1 Secondary Sources 2.11 Assumptions 3 Executive Summary............. Browse Related Reports: https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/medical-aesthetics-market-driving.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/machine-tool-market-advancing.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/liquid-nitrogen-fertilizer-market.html https://strategicmarketresearch12.blogspot.com/2024/11/mdi-market-expanding-applications-in.html Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. This release was published on openPR.SECRET SANTA has become a Christmas staple for many. But it WON'T be happening at Rangers , with captain James Tavernier revealing why the players had to scrap it. Advertisement 2 James Tavernier has lifted the lid on why Rangers' Secret Santa got canned Credit: Getty 2 It appears as though Ryan Kent is to blame Credit: Getty Secret Santa is a festive tradition for many, with friends, families and colleagues all trading gifts, all with the added quirk of not knowing who was tasked with buying your gift. But one former Rangers player left an 'extreme' legacy on the festive proceedings at Ibrox. A legacy that has seen the players forced to SCRAP Secret Santa. Gers skipper Tavernier answered some festive-themed questions on the club's Instagram page. Advertisement READ MORE RANGERS STORIES LUNBELIEVABLE Ex-Rangers star wanted by clubs in 3 countries six months after Ibrox exit TOP OF THE TREE Gers hero reveals special tribute to Ibrox icon Smith on his CHRISTMAS TREE And one rather innocent question led to a rather incredible reveal! The question simply asked: "Who in the squad arranges Secret Santa?" A rather unexpected answer would follow! Tavernier revealed that the Rangers players DON'T partake in Secret Santa. Advertisement Most read in Football LUNBELIEVABLE Ex-Rangers star wanted by clubs in 3 countries six months after Ibrox exit REFFIN' HELL KMI panel reveals FIVE more VAR blunders including THREE mistakes in one game ON PAR Ex-Rangers star 'in line' to take charge of his last club's bitter rivals TOP OF THE TREE Gers hero reveals special tribute to Ibrox icon Smith on his CHRISTMAS TREE And he explained that it's all Ryan Kent 's fault! Tavernier revealed that the winger, who left Rangers in May 2023, brought in an EXTREME gift that ultimately led to Secret Santa being canned. Ex-Rangers star Alfredo Morelos sparks wild celebrations as goal helps current club win league He said: "I'll give you the honest truth. "The Secret Santa ended up being scrapped. Advertisement "Especially after the year when Ryan Kent brought in a snake for one of the lads! "The gifts were going a bit too extreme." Audible gasps could be heard from behind the camera as Tavernier mentioned the snake. Two Christmas seasons have now come and gone since Kent's Rangers exit, but it seems like the snake incident has left a lasting impression! Advertisement Perhaps it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise given Kent's love for exotic animals is well documented. After moving to Turkey the summer after leaving Rangers, Kent advertised for someone to look after his pet CROCODILE . Kent, 28, penned a four-year deal with Fenerbahce after leaving Rangers. But his contract was ripped up in October barely a year into that deal after the move turned sour. Advertisement The former Liverpool winger is a free agent heading into the January transfer window. Read more on the Scottish Sun SHOCK SWOOP Former Celtic boss 'lines up shock January transfer swoop for Kyogo Furuhashi' MAKE THE YULETIDE GREY White Christmas update for Scots as snow & 80mph winds wreak chaos Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page xxxx Ill give you the honest truth. the secret santa ende dup being scrapped, especially after the year when ryan kent brought in a snake for one of the lads. the gifts were going a bit too extreme! Advertisement
Trump's sudden fixation on Panama may be tied to his shady businessStephanie Armour, Julie Rovner | (TNS) KFF Health News Many of President-elect Donald Trump’s candidates for federal health agencies have promoted policies and goals that put them at odds with one another or with Trump’s choice to run the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., setting the stage for internal friction over public health initiatives. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak The picks hold different views on matters such as limits on abortion, the safety of childhood vaccines, the COVID-19 response, and the use of weight-loss medications. The divide pits Trump picks who adhere to more traditional and orthodox science, such as the long-held, scientifically supported findings that vaccines are safe, against often unsubstantiated views advanced by Kennedy and other selections who have claimed vaccines are linked with autism. The Trump transition team and the designated nominees mentioned in this article did not respond to requests for comment. It’s a potential “team of opponents” at the government’s health agencies, said Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian policy organization. Kennedy, he said, is known for rejecting opposing views when confronted with science. “The heads of the FDA and NIH will be spending all their time explaining to their boss what a confidence interval is,” Cannon said, referring to a statistical term used in medical studies. Those whose views prevail will have significant power in shaping policy, from who is appointed to sit on federal vaccine advisory committees to federal authorization for COVID vaccines to restrictions on abortion medications. If confirmed as HHS secretary, Kennedy is expected to set much of the agenda. “If President Trump’s nomination of RFK Jr. to be secretary is confirmed, if you don’t subscribe to his views, it will be very hard to rise in that department,” said Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “They will need to suppress their views to fit with RFK Jr’s. In this administration, and any administration, independent public disagreement isn’t welcome.” Kennedy is chair of Children’s Health Defense , an anti-vaccine nonprofit. He has vowed to curb the country’s appetite for ultra-processed food and its incidence of chronic disease. He helped select Trump’s choices to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. If confirmed, he would lead them from the helm of HHS, with its more than $1.7 trillion budget. Clashes are likely. Kennedy has supported access to abortion until a fetus is viable. That puts him at odds with Dave Weldon, the former Florida congressman whom Trump has chosen to run the CDC. Weldon, a physician, is an abortion opponent who wrote one of the major laws allowing health professionals to opt out of participating in the procedure. Weldon would head an agency that’s been in the crosshairs of conservatives since the COVID pandemic began. He has touted his “100% pro-life voting record” on his campaign website. (He unsuccessfully ran earlier this year for a seat in Florida’s House of Representatives.) Trump has said he would leave decisions about abortion to the states, but the CDC under Weldon could, for example, fund studies on abortion risks. The agency could require states to provide information about abortions performed within their borders to the federal government or risk the loss of federal funds. Weldon, like Kennedy, has questioned the safety of vaccines and has said he believes they can cause autism. That’s at odds with the views of Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon whom Trump plans to nominate for FDA commissioner. The British American said on the “Brian Kilmeade Show” on Fox News Radio that vaccines “save lives,” although he added that it’s good to question the U.S. vaccine schedule for children. The American Academy of Pediatricians encourages parents and their children’s doctors to stick to the recommended schedule of childhood vaccines. “Nonstandard schedules that spread out vaccines or start when a child is older put entire communities at risk of serious illnesses, including infants and young children,” the group says in guidance for its members. Jay Bhattacharya, a doctor and economist who is Trump’s selection to lead NIH, has also supported vaccines. Kennedy has said on NPR that federal authorities under his leadership wouldn’t “take vaccines away from anybody.” But the FDA oversees approval of vaccines, and, under his leadership, the agency could put vaccine skeptics on advisory panels or could make changes to a program that largely protects vaccine makers from consumer injury lawsuits. “I do believe that autism does come from vaccines,” Kennedy said in 2023 on Fox News . Many scientific studies have discredited the claim that vaccines cause autism. Ashish Jha, a doctor who served as the White House COVID response coordinator from 2022 to 2023, noted that Bhattacharya and Makary have had long and distinguished careers in medicine and research and would bring decades of experience to these top jobs. But, he said, it “is going to be a lot more difficult than they think” to stand up for their views in the new administration. It’s hard “to do things that displease your boss, and if [Kennedy] gets confirmed, he will be their boss,” Jha said. “They have their work cut out for them if they’re going to stand up for their opinions on science. If they don’t, it will just demoralize the staff.” Most of Trump’s picks share the view that federal health agencies bungled the pandemic response, a stance that resonated with many of the president-elect’s voters and supporters — even though Trump led that response until Joe Biden took office in 2021. Kennedy said in a 2021 Louisiana House oversight meeting that the COVID vaccine was the “deadliest” ever made. He has cited no evidence to back the claim. Federal health officials say the vaccines have saved millions of lives around the globe and offer important protection against COVID. Protection lasts even though their effectiveness wanes over time. The vaccines’ effectiveness against infection stood at 52% after four weeks, according to a May study in The New England Journal of Medicine, and their effectiveness against hospitalization was about 67% after four weeks. The vaccines were produced through Operation Warp Speed, a public-private partnership Trump launched in his first term to fast-track the shots as well as other treatments. Makary criticized COVID vaccine guidance that called for giving young children the shots. He argued that, for many people, natural immunity from infections could substitute for the vaccine. Bhattacharya opposed measures used to curb the spread of COVID in 2020 and advised that everyone except the most vulnerable go about their lives as usual. The World Health Organization warned that such an approach would overwhelm hospitals. Mehmet Oz, Trump’s choice to head the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency within HHS, has said the vaccines were oversold. He promoted the use of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment. The FDA in 2020 revoked emergency authorization of hydroxychloroquine for COVID, saying that it was unlikely to be effective against the virus and that the risk of dangerous side effects was too high. Janette Nesheiwat, meanwhile, a former Fox News contributor and Trump’s pick for surgeon general, has taken a different stance. The doctor described COVID vaccines as a gift from God in a Fox News opinion piece . Kennedy’s qualms about vaccines are likely to be a central issue early in the administration. He has said he wants federal health agencies to shift their focus from preparing for and combating infectious disease to addressing chronic disease. The shifting focus and questioning of vaccines concern some public health leaders amid the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus among dairy cattle. There have been 60 human infections reported in the U.S. this year, all but two of them linked to exposure to cattle or poultry. “Early on, they’re going to have to have a discussion about vaccinating people and animals” against bird flu, said Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. “We all bring opinions to the table. A department’s cohesive policy is driven by the secretary.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Defending Champs Auckland All Stars secure final spot. SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has welcomed the recent upgrade of Sri Lanka’s credit rating by leading global agencies, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, calling it a significant milestone for the nation’s economic recovery. Speaking at a press conference held yesterday, Dr. de Silva remarked, “The credit rating improvement is not only good news for the Government but also for the entire economy, including private sector investors who were severely impacted by the debt crisis.” He highlighted how the downgrade of Sri Lanka’s credit rating had discouraged foreign investment, citing the example of India’s Adani Group, which raised concerns about credit risks during negotiations for electricity projects. Despite the positive development, Dr. de Silva cautioned that Sri Lanka is still not in a position to access international financial markets for borrowing. He attributed the credit rating upgrade to the initiatives undertaken by the previous Government, including key legislation and economic stabilisation efforts, rather than new policies introduced by the current administration. “The agreement reached prior to the Presidential Election has remained unchanged and has directly contributed to this credit rating improvement,” he stated. He also criticised the National People’s Power (NPP) Party for making unfulfilled promises, such as proposing an alternative debt sustainability analysis during its election campaign. “False promises by the NPP misled the people, but continuing with the previously established economic reforms has proven beneficial for the country,” he asserted. Dr. de Silva noted Sri Lanka’s recent exit from default status after it was declared a defaulter on 12 April 2022, following its announcement of an inability to repay external debt. While he acknowledged this as a step forward, he explained that the country remains unable to re-enter the international financial market or issue sovereign bonds. He estimated that it would take until at least 2027 for Sri Lanka to regain active participation in global financial markets, provided the Government adheres to its reform agenda. Discussing the nation’s economic progress, Dr. de Silva pointed to a 5.5% growth in the third quarter of 2024 and emphasised the importance of continuing reforms to maintain upward momentum in credit ratings. “The stock market has shown signs of improvement, but investor confidence has been undermined by misleading statements from the NPP Government. Continuity of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s economic program has been the foundation for stabilising the economy,” he added. He also stressed the need for disciplined economic management to secure a substantial loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2027. While acknowledging the significant challenges ahead, Dr. de Silva expressed optimism that Sri Lanka’s standing in the global financial community could improve if reforms are sustained. Reflecting on the pre-election promises of the NPP, Dr. de Silva criticised their claim that the debt sustainability analysis could be altered, arguing that such changes would have jeopardised the country’s credit rating improvements. Instead, he emphasised that the steady continuation of the existing economic framework has been instrumental in fostering the nation’s recovery.
Vanguard ESG U.S. Corporate Bond ETF (BATS:VCEB) Shares Acquired by Cerity Partners LLCDuke rallies from 14 down, beats Wake Forest 23-17 on final-play passDow Jones futures were little changed after hours, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures, heading into the Christmas holiday. The stock market rally had a solid advance in the half-day Christmas Eve session. The Nasdaq led, moving back toward record highs, while the S&P 500 moved back above 6,000. ( ) flashed a buy signal as it cleared key levels, but came off intraday highs. Fellow AI chip stocks ( ) and ( ) continued to soar. ( ) rose strongly, extending Monday's bounce after a modest pullback. China hotel operator ( ) flirted with a buy point. Nvidia is a hedged position on , with Tesla stock and Astera Labs on the Leaderboard watchlist. Nvidia stock is on . Astera Labs stock, Nvidia, Broadcom and Atour Lifestyle are on the . Broadcom stock is on the . Atour stock is on . Nvidia was Tuesday's . The video embedded in this article discusses Tuesday's market action and analyzes Nvidia, Atour Lifestyle and ( ). Dow Jones Futures Today Dow Jones futures were unchanged vs. fair value. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures were flat. Most stock markets around the world are closed Wednesday for the Christmas holiday. Remember that overnight action in and elsewhere doesn't necessarily translate into actual trading in the next regular session. Stock Market Rally The stock market rally saw the Nasdaq lead a broad rally Tuesday. This was the start of the unofficial Santa Claus rally period, which marks the last five trading days of the year and the first two sessions of next year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.9% in Tuesday's , moving back toward the 50-day line. The S&P 500 index gained 1.1%, back above its 21-day line and the 6,000 level. The Nasdaq composite jumped 1.35%, its third strong session as it moves back toward record highs. The small-cap Russell 2000 ran up 1%, but is still some distance from its 50-day line. The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF ( ) advanced 0.75%, looking a lot like the Russell 2000. The First Trust Nasdaq 100 Equal Weighted Index ETF ( ) popped 1.15%, nearing the 50-day line like the Dow Jones. Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX, has plunged since spiking to a four-month high last Wednesday. The market fear gauge is near recent lows, suggesting a high level of bullishness. U.S. crude oil prices rose more than 1% Tuesday to about $70 a barrel. The 10-year Treasury yield edged down 1 basis point to 4.59%, reversing from a fresh multimonth high of 4.63%. So far rising yields haven't stopped the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, though that could be a factor for why the Dow, Russell and equal-weight ETFs are below their 50-day lines. ETFs Among growth ETFs, the Innovator IBD 50 ETF ( ) jumped 2.3%. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF ( ) rallied 1.15%. The VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF ( ) advanced 0.9%. Nvidia stock is the No. 1 holding in SMH, with Broadcom also a key component. ARK Innovation ETF ( ) leapt 2.9% and ARK Genomics ETF ( ) gained 0.9%. Tesla stock is a major holding across Ark Invest's ETFs. Cathie Wood's Ark also has a big Nvidia stake. SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF ( ) rose 0.3%. SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF ( ) climbed 0.5%. The Energy Select SPDR ETF ( ) was up 0.85% and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund ( ) increased 0.4%. The Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund ( ) moved 0.8% higher. The Financial Select SPDR ETF ( ) rallied 1.2%. Nvidia Stock Nvidia stock edged up 0.4% to 140.22, hitting 141.90 intraday. While a slim gain Tuesday, the AI chip giant is up 10.5% since hitting a low of 126.86 on Dec. 17. NVDA stock has retaken the 50-day line and broken a short downtrend, offering an early entry. But investors might want to see a little more strength. At the end of this week, Nvidia is on track to have a shallow with a 146.54 buy point. However, Nvidia isn't the AI chip leader right now. Broadcom stock gained 3.15% Tuesday, moving back toward record highs amid a 48% surge so far in December. AI chip IPO Astera Labs stock popped 4.45% Tuesday to a fresh high, on track for its fourth straight big monthly gain. Tesla Stock Tesla stock jumped 7.4% to 462.28 after Monday's 2.3% bounce. Shares are moving back toward last Wednesday's record 488.54. Tesla China sales remain strong as the EV giant seeks a record quarter for deliveries worldwide. But the momentum in TSLA stock has been about optimism about self-driving, AI, robotics and what the Trump administration will do to help key supporter and advisor Elon Musk. What To Do Now The stock market rally is in good shape, but it's somewhat narrow. Megacaps such as Tesla and Broadcom are propping up the Nasdaq and S&P 500, while a number of hot stocks are powering higher. But much of the market still seems subdued, if not damaged. You want to pay attention to market divergence, because that can be unstable. But you don't want to ignore the areas of strength. It's definitely a stock picker's market, so make sure to pick the right stocks. Obviously AI plays are hot again but there are areas in travel, finance, retail and more that are looking strong as well. Enjoy the holiday, and keep working on your "nice" list of stocks, crossing off those that are naughty. Read every day to stay in sync with the market direction and leading stocks and sectors.
Oklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris , a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago. “Fred Harris showed us what is possible when we lead with both heart and principle. He worked to ensure everyone had a voice and a seat at the table,” said Alicia Andrews, chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Harris appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier this year as a guest speaker for the Oklahoma delegation, where he reflected on progress and unity. "Standing alongside him in Chicago this summer was a reminder of how his legacy continues to inspire,” Andrews said. Kalyn Free, a member of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma and the DNC, said that there is no one else in public service whom she admired more than the former senator. “He was a friend, a mentor, a hero and my True North. Oklahoma and America have lost a powerful advocate and voice,” Free said in a statement. “His work for Indian Country will always be remembered.” “Senator Harris truly was an Oklahoma treasure and was ahead of his time in so many ways,” said Jeff Berrong, whose grandfather served in the state Senate with Harris. “He never forgot where he came from and he always remained focused on building a society that would provide equality of opportunity for all.” Harris served eight years in the state Senate before he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served another eight years before his 1976 presidential campaign. State party leaders commemorated his work on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, or the Kerner Commission, to investigate the 1960s riots. Harris was the last surviving member of the commission. Shortly after his presidential campaign, Harris left politics and moved to New Mexico and became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. —- Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
The Philadelphia Eagles ruled wide receiver DeVonta Smith out for Sunday night's game at the Los Angeles Rams due to a hamstring injury. Smith did not practice all week and will miss his second game of the season and just the third of his four-year NFL career. He was inactive in a Week 4 loss at Tampa Bay due to a concussion. Smith, 26, leads the Eagles with 41 receptions and four touchdown catches ands ranks second with 516 receiving yards in nine starts this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner has 281 catches for 3,694 yards and 23 scores in 59 games (58 starts) since the Eagles drafted him with the 10th overall pick in 2021. NFC East-leading Philadelphia (8-2) takes a six-game winning streak to Los Angeles (5-5), which has won four of its last five games. --Field Level MediaNone