CHENNAI: With the IPL mega auction looming, teams will be looking to break the bank, aiming to assemble a balanced side. A Total of 577 players up for grabs in this auction which promises to be a money-fuelled frenzy, setting new records and sparking fierce bidding wars — just like the jaw-dropping buys we’ve seen since the league’s inception in 2008. The inaugural season saw teams operating with a modest budget cap of $ 5 million (20 crore). Back then, MS Dhoni was the priciest buy at $ 1.5 million by Chennai Super Kings. Fast forward to 2024, Mitchell Starc shattered all records, fetching Rs 24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders — more than an entire team’s budget in 2008. It was an era when franchise ownership deals were sealed for massive sums, with Mumbai Indians top of the pile selling at $111.9 million to Reliance Industries Ltd. This year, the record Rs 24.75 crore bid is likely to be shattered, especially with the Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant entering the auction pool. Teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, armed with hefty purses, could make history by producing the league’s most expensive player yet — potentially an Indian. Such a feat would be groundbreaking, considering only two Indians, Yuvaraj Singh (16 crore in 2016) and Ishan Kishan (15.25 crore in 2022), feature among the top 10 costliest buys in IPL history. In the 17 IPL auctions so far, Indian players became the most expensive buys only seven times. After MS Dhoni topped the ranks in the inaugural edition, it was in 2011 when Gautam Gambhir broke the record at the first mega auction of the league to become the highest valued Indian with $ 2.4 million to Kolkata Knight Riders. It was an all-Indian top three costliest buys that year as Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa also fetched $2.1 million. That was the start of the trend where Indian players have gone on to shine bright at mega auctions whereas overseas players tend to steal the show at mini auctions, amassing massive paychecks. However, the new regulations from BCCI to put a cost cap and exclusion from the mini-auction if they fail to register for the mega auction will put a halt to overseas players draining money out of franchises. Only in the 2018 mega auction did an overseas player become the costliest buy in IPL history with Rajasthan Royals splurging Rs 12.5 crore on English all-rounder Ben Stokes. However, the next year in mini auction saw uncapped Tamil Nadu bowler Varun Charkravarthy alongside pacer Jayadev Unadkat shock the auction table with a whopping Rs 8.4 crore bid, the highest that year. The next surprise was in 2022 when Mumbai Indians bought Ishan Kishan for Rs 15.25 crore, making him the second highest Indian player in IPL history. As this would be the first mega action in the Impact Player-era, the approach all 10 franchises take to spend the purse to build its 25-member roster will be one to look forward to. With there being many unknowns as to how the auction will unfold, let’s take a look at the top buys every season in IPL history from 2008 to 2024: 2008 (Inaugural season) MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) - $1.5 million Andrew Symonds (Deccan Chargers)- $ 1.35 million Sanath Jayasuriya (Mumbai Indians)- $975,000 2009 Kevin Pieterson (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - $ 1.55 million Andrew Flintoff (Chennai Super Kings) - $1.55 million JP Duminy (Mumbai Indians) - $950,000 2010 Shane Bond (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $750,000 Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) - $750,000 Kemar Roach (Deccan Chargers) - $720,000 2011 (Mega Auction) Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $ 2.4 million Yusuf Pathan (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $2.1 million Robin Uthappa - $2.1 million 2012 Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) - $ 2 million Mahela Jayawardene (Delhi Daredevils) - $1.4 million Brendon McCullum (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $900,000 2013 Glenn Maxwell (Mumbai Indians) - $ 1 million Ajantha Mendis (Pune Warriors India) - $725,000 Kane Richardson (Pune Warriors India) - $700,000 2014 (Mega Auction) Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 14 crore Dinesh Karthik (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 12.5 crore Kevin Pietersen (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 9 crore 2015 Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 16 crore Dinesh Karthik (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 10.5 crore Angelo Mathews (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 7.5 crore 2016 Shane Watson (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 9.5 crore Pawan Negi (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 8.5 crore Yuvraj Singh (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - Rs 7 crore 2017 Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiants) - Rs 14.5 crore Tymal Mills (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 12 crore Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 5 crore 2018 (Mega Auction) Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 12.5 crore Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 11.5 crore Manish Pandey (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab) - Rs 11 crore 2019 Varun Chakravarthy (Kings XI Punjab) - Rs 8.4 crore Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 8.4 crore Sam Curran (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 7.2 crore 2020 Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders) - Rs 15.5 crore Glenn Maxwell (Kings XI Punjab) - Rs 10.75 crore Chris Morris (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 10 crore 2021 Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 16.25 crore Kyle Jamieson (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 15 crore Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 14.25 crores 2022 (Mega Auction) Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians) - Rs 15.25 crore Deepak Chahar (Chennai Super Kings) - Rs 14 crore Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders) - Rs 12.25 crore 2023 Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) - Rs 18.5 crore Cameron Green (Mumbai Indians) - Rs 17.5 crore Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings) - Rs 16.25) 2024 Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) - Rs 24.75 crore Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - Rs 20.5 crore Daryl Mitchell (Chennai Super Kings) - Rs 14 crore
The Boston Red Sox continued to rebuild their pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Jovani Morán on Tuesday from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old Morán appeared in 79 games as a reliever for the Twins from 2021 to 2023, posting a 4.15 ERA, striking out 112 with 52 walks and holding opponents to a .208 batting average. He missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He originally was chosen in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. In Gasper, the Twins are getting a 29-year-old who made his major league debut last season and appeared in 13 games with Boston. The switch-hitter was selected by the New York Yankees in the 27th round of the 2018 draft. He was picked by Boston in the minor league portion of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. The Red Sox and Twins both currently have 39 players on their 40-man rosters. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb The Associated PressMore than 3.5 years after the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) attempted to seize control of the country through a coup, the Japanese government continues to provide Official Development Assistance (ODA) and public funds that benefit the military junta. Despite the sacrifices of the Myanmar people to end the Myanmar military's decades-long oppression, Japan's "assistance" risks burdening survivors with enormous loans that potentially enable the military to continue its atrocities against the very people it is meant to aid. Since the 2021 coup, Japan's response has been limited to expressing "grave concerns" and calling for the release of detained leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi. While Western countries imposed sanctions, Japan has taken hardly any punitive measures, showing leniency in the face of increasing its atrocities. Like many countries, it supports international development through grants, loans and technical assistance. However, Japan favours providing aid in the form of bilateral loans, a method that constitutes a higher proportion compared to other donor countries that mostly offer grants. Within the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development -- a key platform where the world's major donor countries discuss development aid issues -- Japan stands out as the largest provider of ODA loans. According to one study, from 1970 to 2020, among the 32 members of the DAC, Japan provided 71% of its bilateral aid in the form of loans, in stark contrast to the 22% provided by other DAC members. Japan's reliance on loaning aid even surpasses that of multilateral organisations, which provided 52% of their aid as loans. Japan's role as a major donor to Myanmar is a testament to its aid strategy. Over the past decade, Japan has loaned an enormous amount of aid to Myanmar, unmatched by any other country. In 2022, only Japan and Korea continued to disburse ODA aid loans to Myanmar, with Korea's contributions amounting to about 10% of Japan's volume. By 2020, Japan had lent a cumulative total of US$2.7 billion to Myanmar. Although no new ODA contracts have been signed since the coup, the finalisation of ongoing projects will increase Myanmar's debt to Japan by an additional $5.12 billion. Some of the projects funded by the sizable loan aid have been linked to Myanmar military's businesses. Yokogawa Bridge Corporation paid the Myanmar military-owned conglomerate, Myanmar Economic Corporation, for the Bago Bridge project. A UN fact-finding mission in Myanmar stated in 2019 that revenues from military-controlled businesses fund the military's atrocities. The Thilawa Special Economic Zone, backed by Japanese ODA, also risks entangling Japanese funds with the military since the chairperson of the zone's Management Committee was replaced by the military shortly after the coup. Other publicly-funded projects like the Y Complex Project have been linked to a venture that allows funds to flow to the Office of the Quartermaster General, which has been sanctioned by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada for its role in procuring arms and equipment for the military. Since the coup, the Myanmar military has killed over 5,400 people, burning villages to ashes, committing massacres, torture and sexual violence. It has intensified airstrikes across Myanmar, displacing over 3 million people. The survivors of these atrocities will be burdened with the enormous debt that could be funding the perpetrators. Despite statements in 2021 suggesting a potential review of ODA if the situation in Myanmar deteriorated, the Japanese government has continued its aid, seemingly prioritising concerns over potential losses for Japanese companies. During a hearing of the Committee on Audit on May 20, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa stated, "If existing ODA is suspended and Japanese companies unilaterally terminate business contracts they have with counterpart institutions in the recipient countries, these companies may face demands for substantial penalties or could be subject to legal action. Therefore, a cautious approach is considered necessary". Instead of challenging the penalties and taking a firm stand on human rights, Japan appears more concerned with the interest of the companies involved in these projects. Despite Japan's lacklustre response to the crisis, many believe it can still influence change. Recently, a petition with over 11,500 signatures urged Japan to halt any aid benefiting the Myanmar military. A former Myanmar police officer now in Japan has called for a stronger stance from Japan, echoing sentiments expressed by many civil society organisations. The Spring Revolution, sparked by the military's 2021 attempt to grab power, is a historic, multi-faceted movement seeking to dismantle the military while building a federal democracy. Japan's loan aid could undermine these goals. As Japan marks 70 years of ODA, it is time to end ODA loans and public funds that support the Myanmar military. Yuka Kiguchi is the executive director of Mekong Watch -- a Japanese NGO based in Tokyo. Mekong Watch combines research and advocacy to address and prevent the negative environmental and social impacts of development in the Mekong Region.Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row
A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women's volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women's championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league's policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player's name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an "alleged transgender" player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. San Jose State will "continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms," the university said in a statement, confirming that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. "We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week." The conference did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The players filed a notice for emergency appeal with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Crews said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a loss in league standings. He also refused a request to re-seed the tournament without the forfeited losses. The judge said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 -– making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season's awareness of her reported identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a major election year. Crews' ruling also said injunctions are meant to prevent harm, but in this case, he argued, the harm has already occurred. The games have been forfeited, the tournament has been seeded, the teams have made travel plans and the participants have confirmed they're playing. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. Colorado State is seeded first and San Jose State, second. The teams split their regular-season matches and both get byes into Friday's semifinals. San Jose State will play the winner of Wednesday's match between Utah State and Boise State — teams that both forfeited matches to SJSU during the regular season. Boise State associate athletic director Chris Kutz declined to comment on whether the Broncos would play SJSU if they won their first-round tournament game. Utah State officials did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The conference tournament winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. San Jose State coach Todd Kress, whose team has not competed in the national tournament since 2001, has said his team has been getting "messages of hate" and that has taken a toll on his players. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official conference standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada's players stated they "refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes," without elaborating. Nevada did not qualify for the conference tournament. The nine current players and others now suing the Mountain West Conference, the California State University Board of Trustees and others include San Jose State senior setter and co-captain Brooke Slusser. The teammate Slusser says is transgender hits the volleyball with more force than others on the team, raising fear during practices of suffering concussions from a head hit, the complaint says. The Independent Council on Women's Sports is funding a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Both lawsuits claim the landmark 1972 federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX prohibits transgender women in women's sports. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded education; Slusser is a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Several circuit courts have used a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to conclude that discriminating against someone based on their transgender status or sexual orientation is sex-based discrimination, Crews wrote. That means case law does not prove the "likelihood of success" needed to grant an injunction. An NCAA policy that subjects transgender participation to the rules of sports governing bodies took effect this academic year. USA Volleyball says a trans woman must suppress testosterone for 12 months before competing. The NCAA has not flagged any issues with San Jose State. The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the team cancellations, citing fairness in women's sports. President-elect Donald Trump likewise has spoken out against allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Crews was a magistrate judge in Colorado's U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in January. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Appetizers like cheese platters and quick dips, side dishes like roasted carrots or mashed potatoes , and desserts like cookies or brownies can be quick options to prepare in a pinch–but you’ll still need the ingredients. Luckily, some stores are open on Christmas, so you can make a quick run for those last-minute items. If shopping at bulk retailers is your go-to, however, you might be wondering: Is Sam’s Club open on Christmas? Is Sam’s Club Open on Christmas Day? Unfortunately, Sam’s Club will be closed on Christmas Day. This closure allows employees to enjoy the holiday with their families, so if you’re planning to shop there, make sure to get what you need ahead of time. Is Sam’s Club Open on Christmas Eve? While the popular warehouse will—without a doubt—be closed on Christmas Day, Sam’s Club will be open on Christmas Eve. For those who need to stop by on Christmas Eve, though, you’ll want to get in early as the website notes that locations will only be open until 6 p.m. local time. This, however, still gives shoppers a chance to grab bulk groceries, last-minute gifts or kitchen essentials to prepare for holiday celebrations. If you’re unsure what you’ll need for unexpected guests or meal prep, stock up on a few items for quick appetizers or desserts to stay prepared.
NoneBasic Stock Investment Training Course set for Jan 2025Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.
Dilip Kumar, the "Tragedy King" of Indian cinema, remains an enduring icon in Bollywood for his extraordinary performances and transformative impact on the film industry. On his 102nd birth anniversary, veteran actor Dharmendra shared a throwback photo of the actor. Taking to Instagram, Dharmendra wished Dilip Kumar 'happy birthday' and called him his 'loving brother.'In the throwback photo, the Yaadon Ki Baaraat actor was seen hugging Diilip Kumar as they shared a happy moment."Dalip saheb, Happy Birthday to you. I miss you my loving brother. You are the Best," wrote Dharmendra. On the 102nd birth anniversary of Dilip Kumar, the film fraternity took to social media to wish the actor 'happy birthday.'His beloved wife, veteran actress Saira Banu, paid a heartfelt tribute to the actor, recalling the special moments they shared. While the world recognized Dilip Kumar for his larger-than-life persona and unmatched acting skills, Saira fondly remembered the simpler, carefree side of him that he reserved for their personal moments. Taking to social media, Saira shared a touching video montage of the unforgettable times she spent with her late husband. Dilip Kumar, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 98, had left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, but for Saira, he was much more than a cIn her Instagram post, Saira reflected on how Dilip Kumar's presence transformed her life. "A few people walk into your life to stay, becoming a part of you in every possible way. That's what happened when Dilip Sahib entered my life to stay with me forever. We are one in our thoughts and being," she wrote, capturing the depth of their bond. Dilip Kumar's career spanned over five decades and he played the lead role in about 60 films. He is not only remembered for his stellar performances but also for the grace and dignity with which he carried himself both on and off the screen. The Tragedy King's cinematic legacy continues to influence and inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. From his groundbreaking roles in tragedy to his versatility across genres, he made huge contribution to Indian cinema. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Bollywood, Entertainment News and around the world.CHENNAI: With the IPL mega auction looming, teams will be looking to break the bank, aiming to assemble a balanced side. A Total of 577 players up for grabs in this auction which promises to be a money-fuelled frenzy, setting new records and sparking fierce bidding wars — just like the jaw-dropping buys we’ve seen since the league’s inception in 2008. The inaugural season saw teams operating with a modest budget cap of $ 5 million (20 crore). Back then, MS Dhoni was the priciest buy at $ 1.5 million by Chennai Super Kings. Fast forward to 2024, Mitchell Starc shattered all records, fetching Rs 24.75 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders — more than an entire team’s budget in 2008. It was an era when franchise ownership deals were sealed for massive sums, with Mumbai Indians top of the pile selling at $111.9 million to Reliance Industries Ltd. This year, the record Rs 24.75 crore bid is likely to be shattered, especially with the Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant entering the auction pool. Teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, armed with hefty purses, could make history by producing the league’s most expensive player yet — potentially an Indian. Such a feat would be groundbreaking, considering only two Indians, Yuvaraj Singh (16 crore in 2016) and Ishan Kishan (15.25 crore in 2022), feature among the top 10 costliest buys in IPL history. In the 17 IPL auctions so far, Indian players became the most expensive buys only seven times. After MS Dhoni topped the ranks in the inaugural edition, it was in 2011 when Gautam Gambhir broke the record at the first mega auction of the league to become the highest valued Indian with $ 2.4 million to Kolkata Knight Riders. It was an all-Indian top three costliest buys that year as Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa also fetched $2.1 million. That was the start of the trend where Indian players have gone on to shine bright at mega auctions whereas overseas players tend to steal the show at mini auctions, amassing massive paychecks. However, the new regulations from BCCI to put a cost cap and exclusion from the mini-auction if they fail to register for the mega auction will put a halt to overseas players draining money out of franchises. Only in the 2018 mega auction did an overseas player become the costliest buy in IPL history with Rajasthan Royals splurging Rs 12.5 crore on English all-rounder Ben Stokes. However, the next year in mini auction saw uncapped Tamil Nadu bowler Varun Charkravarthy alongside pacer Jayadev Unadkat shock the auction table with a whopping Rs 8.4 crore bid, the highest that year. The next surprise was in 2022 when Mumbai Indians bought Ishan Kishan for Rs 15.25 crore, making him the second highest Indian player in IPL history. As this would be the first mega action in the Impact Player-era, the approach all 10 franchises take to spend the purse to build its 25-member roster will be one to look forward to. With there being many unknowns as to how the auction will unfold, let’s take a look at the top buys every season in IPL history from 2008 to 2024: 2008 (Inaugural season) MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) - $1.5 million Andrew Symonds (Deccan Chargers)- $ 1.35 million Sanath Jayasuriya (Mumbai Indians)- $975,000 2009 Kevin Pieterson (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - $ 1.55 million Andrew Flintoff (Chennai Super Kings) - $1.55 million JP Duminy (Mumbai Indians) - $950,000 2010 Shane Bond (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $750,000 Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) - $750,000 Kemar Roach (Deccan Chargers) - $720,000 2011 (Mega Auction) Gautam Gambhir (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $ 2.4 million Yusuf Pathan (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $2.1 million Robin Uthappa - $2.1 million 2012 Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) - $ 2 million Mahela Jayawardene (Delhi Daredevils) - $1.4 million Brendon McCullum (Kolkata Knight Riders) - $900,000 2013 Glenn Maxwell (Mumbai Indians) - $ 1 million Ajantha Mendis (Pune Warriors India) - $725,000 Kane Richardson (Pune Warriors India) - $700,000 2014 (Mega Auction) Yuvraj Singh (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 14 crore Dinesh Karthik (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 12.5 crore Kevin Pietersen (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 9 crore 2015 Yuvraj Singh (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 16 crore Dinesh Karthik (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 10.5 crore Angelo Mathews (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 7.5 crore 2016 Shane Watson (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 9.5 crore Pawan Negi (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 8.5 crore Yuvraj Singh (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - Rs 7 crore 2017 Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiants) - Rs 14.5 crore Tymal Mills (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 12 crore Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Daredevils) - Rs 5 crore 2018 (Mega Auction) Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 12.5 crore Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 11.5 crore Manish Pandey (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab) - Rs 11 crore 2019 Varun Chakravarthy (Kings XI Punjab) - Rs 8.4 crore Jaydev Unadkat (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 8.4 crore Sam Curran (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 7.2 crore 2020 Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders) - Rs 15.5 crore Glenn Maxwell (Kings XI Punjab) - Rs 10.75 crore Chris Morris (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 10 crore 2021 Chris Morris (Rajasthan Royals) - Rs 16.25 crore Kyle Jamieson (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Rs 15 crore Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore) - Rs 14.25 crores 2022 (Mega Auction) Ishan Kishan (Mumbai Indians) - Rs 15.25 crore Deepak Chahar (Chennai Super Kings) - Rs 14 crore Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders) - Rs 12.25 crore 2023 Sam Curran (Punjab Kings) - Rs 18.5 crore Cameron Green (Mumbai Indians) - Rs 17.5 crore Ben Stokes (Chennai Super Kings) - Rs 16.25) 2024 Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) - Rs 24.75 crore Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) - Rs 20.5 crore Daryl Mitchell (Chennai Super Kings) - Rs 14 crore
Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. Known as the longest-lived US president at 100, Carter was celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and contributions to global peace and civil rights. His leadership significantly strengthened US-India relations, particularly through his visit to India in 1978, a pivotal moment after strained relations during the Nixon administration. Carter's address to the Indian parliament championed democracy and free elections, establishing a framework for increased cooperation. President Carter's legacy persists in the growing US-India partnership, marked by collaboration in fields such as trade, technology, and energy. His shared democratic values laid the foundation for an enduring relationship between the two countries, influencing current international diplomacy. (With inputs from agencies.)
Frank Lampard couldn’t hide his disappointment after his Coventry City side “more than matched” what he described as a top six West Brom side but came away from The Hawthorns empty handed . The Sky Blues head coach admitted that his players need to be more clinical after creating 16 attempts on the Baggies’ goal, four of which were on target but thwarted by either good defending or goalkeeping, while other efforts went agonisingly wide. There was also an element of bad luck for Albion’s 11th minute opener which saw Alex Mowatt’s powerful shot take a wicked deflection off Josh Eccles to wrong-foot goalkeeper Brad Collins. “Yeah, exactly that,” agreed Lampard, reflecting on the 2-0 defeat – his first loss since arriving at the club. READ MORE: Coventry City player ratings v WBA READ MORE: WBA v Coventry City live updates “I can’t say anything about the first goal when there’s a deflection like that. It’s not our fault as such, things like that can happen. After that in big periods of the game we played some nice stuff, created the better chances in the game and the more chances in the game but the clinical nature of football means you need to take them when they are there because it changes the face of it. “And when you lose 2-0 it is hard to sit here and say it’s allowable, but we understand it, at least, and we were good in parts of the game. But we lost it, and that’s the reality.” City built momentum after the break but conceded a really poor goal against the run of play in the 74th minute when Karlan Grant was allowed to waltz past three players and drill home to effectively secure the three points. “Yeah, the manner of the goal isn’t good, and that’s clear and we’ll deal with that,” said the 46-year-old coach. “But until that point I don’t think Brad (Collins) was making saves and we were creating chances. And it’s important to see that side of it because it’s easy to look loosely at the game and just say it’s a defeat. “West Brom are a strong Championship team, we know that, a top six team and we more than matched them in terms of in general play and chances in the game, but being clinical is obviously going to be key for us. The players know that and there’s no point getting too negative about that with the players because when you’re creating it’s a real positive, and finishing is the last bit and we need to get that right.” Get the latest Coventry City news sent straight to your phone by joining our Sky Blues WhatsApp group. It's a free service. You just need WhatsApp on your phones to participate. To join, just click here , select 'Join Community' and you're in. If you later decide to leave our community, you can do so by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Red Sox acquire reliever Jovani Morán from Twins for utility player Mickey GasperAS CHRISTMAS draws near, most of us will be curled on the sofa watching the nation's favourite festive film, Love Actually. Despite it being released 20 years ago it seems to continue to surprise fans. The film directed by Richard Curtis follows multiple people on their quest to find love at Christmas, and as there are so many storylines to keep up with, fans spot different details each time. One of fans' favourite storylines plays out between Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, whose characters Karen and Harry have been married for years. But it comes crashing down when Harry has his head turned in the office by his attractive younger assistant Mia. In the storyline, Rowan Atkinson plays a small, but important role as a shop assistant who wraps up an expensive gift that Harry is buying for Mia, behind his wife's back. In one of the most frustrating but comedic scenes, Atkinson takes his sweet time after offering to gift wrap the present - a luxurious necklace. He takes longer and longer, with the gift-wrapping becoming more elaborate by adding cinnamon sticks, mistletoe and glitter. And Harry becomes more and more tense, fretting that his wife will be back any moment and see his illicit purchase - which isn't for her. You might have thought the scene was added to show off Rowan's comedy skills, but it turns out there's a deeper meaning behind the scene. Emma Freud, the script editor of the film (and Richard Curtis' wife) took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to reveal the secret. She wrote: " Rowan Atkinson 's character over-wrapped the gift on purpose to stop Alan Rickman being able to buy the necklace. Because he was an angel." Essentially, his character is meant to have clocked Harry was up to no good and took his time so that Karen could catch her husband out. In the scene, Harry eventually becomes so frustrated and worried his wife is about to arrive back that he stops Atkinson in his tracks altogether and leaves without a gift-wrapped present. Emma also confirmed on the social media platform that Alan's character did in fact have an affair with his assistant Mia, although viewers don't see it on screen. Atkinson's character comes back later in the film to fulfill yet another good deed. 1. The Grinch (2018) - £424,000,000 2. Home Alone (1990) - £376,000,000 3. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) - £283,000,000 4. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2000) - £273,000,000 5. A Christmas Carol (2009) - £256,000,000 6. The Polar Express (2004) - £250,000,000 7. Elf (2003) - £180,000,000 8. The Holiday (2006) - £162,000,000 9. The Santa Clause (1994) - £150,000,000 10. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) - £137,000,000 Figures accurate as of November 2024 During the airport scene he helps the young boy Sam get through airport security to get a kiss form his school crush by hiding him under his coat. Originally, Richard Curtis said he was meant to disintegrate to show off his angelic side, but he decided against it in the end. It's also been revealed that in the scene where Jamie played by Colin Firth loses his books to the river he and Aurelia jump in to save what they can. But the river was actually just 18 inches deep and the pair had to kneel down and pretend they were in deep water. It was also overrun by mosquitos and Colin was bitten so badly his elbow swelled up to the size of an avocado, requiring medical attention. We all love the scene where Colin heads to the US and finally gets some attention from girls, and it turns out, he did too.. According to IMBD, Kris Marshall who played the loveable character didn't get paid for the scene. Apparently, the star was so pleased he got to spend a whole day "getting undressed by three American girls" that he handed his paycheque back to the director Richard Curtis. Many fans were left stunned by Emma's admission and took to the comments to share their thoughts. One person wrote: "You blow my mind." Another commented: "That scene makes much more sense with that 'explanation' now." "I ALWAYS thought he was an angel; that he was wrapping slowly on purpose; And that's why he was at the gate. Angels everywhere," penned a third. Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line .
Luxembourg – 11 December 2024 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award of a substantial 1 contract for a subsea tieback development in the US Gulf of Mexico. Subsea7's scope of work includes the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of subsea equipment, including structures, umbilicals, production risers, and flowlines. Project management and engineering work will start immediately at Subsea7's office in Houston, Texas, with offshore activities expected to begin in 2026. Craig Broussard, Senior Vice President of Subsea7 Gulf of Mexico, said, “ We are proud to be part of this high-pressure deepwater subsea tieback development. This project builds on our strong track record of successfully delivering oil and gas projects in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico .” Subsea7 defines a substantial contract as being between $150 million and $300 million. ******************************************************************************* Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs. Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62. ******************************************************************************* Contact for investment community enquiries: Katherine Tonks Investor Relations Director Tel +44 20 8210 5568 ir@subsea7.com Contact for media enquiries: Ashley Shearer Communications Manager Tel +1-713-300-6792 ashley.shearer@subsea7.com Forward-Looking Statements: This document may contain ‘forward-looking statements’ (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘future’, ‘goal’, ‘intend’, ‘likely’ ‘may’, ‘plan’, ‘project’, ‘seek’, ‘should’, ‘strategy’ ‘will’, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the ‘Risk Management’ section of the Group’s Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; (xvii) global availability at scale and commercially viability of suitable alternative vessel fuels; and (xviii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This information is inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 11 December 2024 at 23:25 CET. Attachment SUBC Gulf of Mexico Dec 2024A DUP minister rebuffed a suggestion that there could be an extension of pub opening hours in Northern Ireland to celebrate the golden jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, declassified files show. Stormont minister Maurice Morrow told an official he would not raise the issue with the Northern Ireland Executive, despite similar measures being considered in England and Wales. A file on planning arrangements for the jubilee celebrations reveals a series of civil service correspondences on how Northern Ireland would mark the occasion. It includes a letter sent on January 11 2001 from an official in the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) to the Department of Social Development, advising that a committee had been set up in London to consider a programme of celebrations. The correspondence says: “One of the issues the committee is currently considering is the possibility of deregulating liquor licensing laws during the golden jubilee celebrations on the same lines as the arrangements made for the millennium. “It is felt that the golden jubilee bank holiday on Monday 3 June 2002 is likely to be an occasion on which many public houses and similar licensed premises would wish to stay open beyond normal closing time.” The letter said a paper had been prepared on the issue of extending opening hours. It adds: “You will note that paragraph seven of the paper indicates that the devolved administrations ‘would need to consider deregulation separately within their own jurisdictions’. “I thought that you would wish to be aware that this issue is receiving active consideration for England and Wales and to consider whether anything needs to be done for Northern Ireland.” Some months later a “progress report” was sent between officials in OFMDFM, which again raised the issue of licensing laws. It says: “I spoke to Gordon Gibson, DSD, about Terry Smith’s letter of 12 January 2001 about licensing laws: the matter was put to their minister Maurice Morrow (DUP) who indicated that he would not be asking the NIE (Northern Ireland Executive) to approve any change to current licensing laws in NI to allow for either 24 hour opening (as at the millennium) nor a blanket approval for extended opening hours as is being considered in GB. “In both cases, primary legislation would be required here and would necessitate consultation and the minister has ruled out any consultation process.” The correspondence says individual licensees could still apply for an extension to opening hours on an ad hoc basis, adding “there the matter rests”. It goes on: “DSD await further pronouncements from the Home Office and Gibson and I have agreed to notify each other of any developments we become aware of and he will copy me to any (existing) relevant papers. “Ministers may well come under pressure in due course for a relaxation and/or parity with GB.” The document concludes “That’s it so far...making haste slowly?” Emails sent between officials in the department the same month said that lord lieutenants in Northern Ireland had been approached about local events to mark the jubilee. One message says: “Lord lieutenants have not shown any enthusiasm for encouraging GJ celebrations at a local level. “Lady Carswell in particular believes that it would be difficult for LLs to encourage such activities without appearing political.”
Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Analog Devices Stock In The Last 15 YearsDUP minister rejected suggestion licensing laws could be relaxed for jubilee
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:39 p.m. ESTVoters in parts of Scott, Clinton and Jackson counties will vote Jan. 28, 2025, in a special election for their state senator, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Monday. Former senator for District 35, Chris Cournoyer, was sworn in a week ago as the state's new lieutenant governor. Cournoyer resigned her senate seat at that time. Candidates wanting to run for the seat have until Jan. 14, 2025, to file their paperwork, Iowa Secretary of State spokesperson Ashley Hunt Esquivel wrote in an email. Candidates may be nominated by special convention of one of the political parties or collect signatures and file as a no-party candidate. Already, at least one person has announced the intention to run for the seat. Mike Zimmer, president of the Central DeWitt School Board, announced he planned to seek the Democratic nomination for the special election. For special elections, absentee voting begins "as soon as ballots are available but not earlier than 20 days prior to the election," Hunt Esquivel wrote. Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins anticipates having early voting available in-person at the county administration building starting Jan. 16, she wrote in an email. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Jan. 28 for Election Day. Voters can send in ballot requests now, but Tompkins warned mail-in ballots for the special election will have a tight turnaround. Mailed ballots may not be sent out until Jan. 17 or later, Tompkins wrote, and must arrive in the auditor's office by the time polls close on Jan. 28. "I encourage voters to take this into consideration as they make their voting plans," Tompkins wrote. Cournoyer, a Republican from LeClaire, was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022. There's still two years left in the term representing the district, which includes Clinton, DeWitt, Camanche, Wheatland, Maquoketa and Princeton. In Clinton County, where the bulk of the district is located, a new auditor will take office in the new year. Republican David Troester defeated Democrat Eric Van Lancker in the November election. In an emailed announcement of his intent to run, Zimmer said he pledged to champion eastern Iowa's public schools. "I'm running for the state senate to bring bold, people-first solutions to the statehouse — solutions that ensure our public schools are stronger, wages are better and working families have the stability and tools to thrive in today's economy," Zimmer said. Zimmer and his wife, Tammy, have five children and 10 grandchildren. Zimmer is an active member of St. Ann Catholic church in Long Grove and a third degree Knight of Columbus. He's also a volunteer driver coordinator for Humble Dwellings, a nonprofit that supplies beds and furnishes living spaces for people who need it. Iowa Senate Democrats, in a statement, called the upcoming special election "a pivotal moment for eastern Iowa to send a clear message: enough is enough." "This election allows voters to demand bold leadership and real solutions to move Iowa forward. It's about electing a senator who will fully fund our schools, grow Iowa's middle class and fight for a fair deal for every family — not just the wealthy few," the statement reads. "While we wait to see who the Democratic nominee will be, the Senate Majority Fund is wasting no time organizing in preparation for this election to move Iowa forward and tackle the challenges Iowa families face head-on." Americans may have elected Donald Trump in November, but that doesn't mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his cabinet according to a new AP-NORC poll. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. FILE - Former Rep. Doug Collins speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump's 2020 campaign and became engaged to Don Jr. in 2020. Trump called her “a close friend and ally” and praised her “sharp intellect make her supremely qualified.” Guilfoyle was on stage with the family on election night. “I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First,” Don Jr. posted. The ambassador positions must be approved by the U.S. Senate. Guilfoyle said in a social media post that she was “honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate.” Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world. Lake endeared herself to Trump through her dogmatic commitment to the falsehood that both she and Trump were the victims of election fraud. She has never acknowledged losing the gubernatorial race and called herself the “lawful governor” in her 2023 book, “Unafraid: Just Getting Started.” Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Ron Johnson, Ambassador to Mexico Johnson — not the Republican senator — served as ambassador to El Salvador during Trump's first administration. His nomination comes as the president-elect has been threatening tariffs on Mexican imports and the mass deportation of migrants who have arrived to the U.S.-Mexico border. Johnson is also a former U.S. Army veteran and was in the Central Intelligence Agency. Tom Barrack, Ambassador to Turkey Barrack, a wealthy financier, met Trump in the 1980s while helping negotiate Trump’s purchase of the renowned Plaza Hotel. He was charged with using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates, but was acquitted of all counts at a federal trial in 2022. Trump called him a “well-respected and experienced voice of reason.” Andrew Ferguson, Federal Trade Commission Ferguson, who is already one of the FTC's five commissioners, will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” Jacob Helberg, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment Dan Bishop, deputy director for budget at the Office of Budget and Management Leandro Rizzuto, Ambassador to the Washington-based Organization of American States Dan Newlin, Ambassador to Colombia Peter Lamelas, Ambassador to Argentina Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Davenport, Scott County, local politics {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Packers getting healthier as season winds down