A look at how some of Trump's picks to lead health agencies could help carry out Kennedy's overhaul Donald Trump's health team picks include a retired congressman, a surgeon and a former talk-show host. All could play pivotal roles in fulfilling an agenda that could change how the government goes about safeguarding Americans’ health, from health care and medicines to food safety and science research. In line to be Trump's health secretary is anti-vaccine organizer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He says his task is to “reorganize” federal health agencies. They employ 80,000 scientists, researchers, doctors and other officials, and effect Americans’ daily lives. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Israeli strikes in central Beirut kill at least 20 as diplomats push for a cease-fire BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanese officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 20 people and injured dozens in central Beirut, as the once-rare attacks on the heart of Lebanon’s capital continue without warning. Diplomats are scrambling to broker a cease-fire but say obstacles still remain. The current proposal calls for a two-month cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon in the months of fighting that have turned into all-out war. Voters rejected historic election reforms across the US, despite more than $100M push JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Election reform advocates had hoped for a big year at the ballot box. That's because a historic number of states were considering initiatives for ranked choice voting or to end partisan primaries. Instead, voters dealt them big losses in the November elections. Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and South Dakota all rejected proposed changes to their voting systems. In Alaska, a proposal to repeal ranked choice voting appears to have narrowly fallen short. The losses in many states came even though election reform supporters raised more than $100 million, easily outpacing opponents. Supporters say they aren't giving up but plan to retool their efforts. The week that upped the stakes of the Ukraine war KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — This past week has seen the most significant escalation in hostilities Ukraine has witnessed since Russia's full-scale invasion and marks a new chapter in the nearly three-year war. It began with U.S. President Joe Biden reversing a longstanding policy by granting Kyiv permission to deploy American longer-range missiles inside Russian territory and ended with Moscow striking Ukraine with a new experimental ballistic weapon that has alarmed the international community and heightened fears of further escalation. US reels from rain, snow as second round of bad weather approaches for Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. is reeling from snow and rain while preparing for another bout of bad weather ahead of Thanksgiving that could disrupt holiday travel. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia are also starting the weekend with heavy precipitation. Meanwhile thousands remain without power in the Seattle area after a “bomb cyclone” storm system roared ashore the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight Most people taking popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the new medications. The response to the drugs varies from person to person and can depend on genetics, hormones and differences in how the brain regulates energy. Undiagnosed medical conditions and some drugs can prevent weight loss. Experts say it can take experimentation to help so-called nonresponders find results. Fighting between armed sectarian groups in restive northwestern Pakistan kills at least 37 people PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior Pakistani police officer says fighting between armed sectarian groups in the country's restive northwest has killed at least 37 people. The overnight violence was the latest to rock Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and comes days after a deadly gun ambush killed 42 people. The officer said Saturday that armed men torched shops, houses and government property overnight. Gunfire is ongoing between rival tribes. Although Sunnis and Shiites generally live together peacefully in Pakistan, tensions remain in some areas, especially Kurram. Hydrate. Make lists. Leave yourself time. And other tips for reducing holiday travel stress Travel, especially during the holiday season, can be stressful. But following some tips from the pros as you prepare for a trip can make for a smoother, less anxious experience. One expert traveler suggests making a list a week before you go of things you need to do and pack. Cross off each item as you complete it during the week. Another tip is to carry your comfort zone with you. That could mean noise-canceling headphones, playlists meant to soothe airport travelers, entertainment and snacks from home. Carry a change of clothes and a phone charger in case of delays. Stay hydrated. Leave extra time. And know your airline's rules. Downloading the airline's app can help with that. Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic through the Australian Open Recently retired Andy Murray will team up with Novak Djokovic, working with him as a coach through the Australian Open in January. Murray’s representatives put out statements from both players on Saturday. Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals who finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He retired as a player after the Paris Summer Games in August.Alex Ovechkin expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with a broken left legLAGOS – The federal government, on Tuesday in Lagos, disclosed that ongoing efforts and activities of partner agencies to reduce the Out-Of-School-Children in Nigeria has impacted a total of two million beneficiaries. Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Honorable Minister Of Education, disclosed this at the opening ceremonies of the ongoing three-day summit of the Basic Education In Nigeria Bootcamp (Ben-B) summit held in Lagos with the theme: “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education for All Children in Nigeria: Addressing the Challenges of Out-of-School Children”. The Minister in his message delivered by Dr (Mrs) Folake Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education in the Federal Ministry of Education said the implementation of policies through the activities of four of its agencies and bilateral development partners supported by the take-off of the Almajiri and Out-of-School Commission is making positive impacts as part of the system-wide policy with a huge impact on Out-of-School Children. He said, “The Federal Ministry of Education is set for and indeed has commenced the implementation of key policies distilled with system-wide outcomes and their deep practical effects in the life of this Administration.” He said the policies captured by the Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training & Development, and Skills Development and Acquisition (DOTS) when implemented, will succeed in connecting the dots for the improvement of the overall education system in Nigeria. Emphasising the importance of data at the summit organised by the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE), the Minister lamented the uncoordinated data repository in the country, saying unverifiable data has resulted in the citing of different figures for Out-Of-School-Children by governments and various bilateral partners. He acknowledged the place of quality teachers as pivotal in achieving policies on quality education and skilling, saying extant policies on teacher’s welfare, support and development would be reviewed for a more effective implementation. He added, “As we strive to ensure unfettered access to nine (9) years of formal basic education, we recognize the importance of free, Universal Basic Education for every Nigerian child of school-going age. Our collective efforts aim to reduce drastically the incidence of drop-out from the formal school system, through improved relevance, quality and efficiency.” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a keynote address, said the place of education at all levels of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu will create a befitting future for children and, in effect, have a positive impact on the nation’s social, economic, technology and political advancement. The Governor, represented by Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner For Primary and Basic Education, said the outcomes will include sustainable plans, policies, and regulations that are visible, accessible, practical-oriented and cost-effective. He stressed the commitment of the state government to education and technology as one of the core THEME+ agenda of Lagos State, saying it has created and leveraged better education performance with a technology-driven approach. “The state had committed more resources in the establishment of new schools, skills acquisition centres, continuous rehabilitation of schools, restructuring of school plants, recruitment of professionally qualified teachers, provision of teaching materials, deployment of technology, teachers’ capacity building and motivation across the board. “In Lagos State, we have come up with various strategies to combat out-of-school children through aggressive enrollment drives and project zero, which reduces learning poverty and equally returning children found on the street to school,” he said. He urged stakeholders in the education sector to change the current approaches to build a world where every child survives, thrives, and has the power to shape their future. Prof Pai Obanya of the Institute of Education at the University of Ibadan (UI), the lead paper presenter, urged stakeholders to change the current notion about the profession, saying “Teaching is not as simply telling, but mainly as guiding, continuous assessment in place of continual testing, support tools from local and other sources,” he advocated. Delivering a paper titled: “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education for all Children in Nigeria: Addressing the Challenge of Out-Of-School-Children”, Prof Obanya called for disaggregated data and enhanced inter-agency synergy, the institution of systematic monitoring and targeted funding as part of measures to put the nation’s education back on track and tackle the Out-Of-School-Children menace. He urged the managers of the education sector to revisit and be guided by the implementation guidelines on Universal Basic Education (UBE),1999, UBE Roadmap, 2015 and the National Teacher Education Policy to reset the sector for sustainable growth amd development. Purpose Of the Summit Dr. Olatunji-David, represented by Mrs Joy Onoja, Director, Public asic Education Education said the main objectives of the Bootcamp are to: Assemble Basic Education stakeholders to deliberate on Policy, practice and implementation gaps facing the sub-sector. Ensure responsiveness of state ministries of Education (SMoEs) in compliance with National Education Policy decisions and programmes. Harmonize and coordinate resources and activities in the Basic Education sub-sector towards the achievement of national goals and aspirations. Monitor the progress of states and ensure reporting to the Federal Ministry of Education for proper coordination. The summit will review the implementation status, that is assess the extent to which recommendations have been implemented, identify best practices, share successful strategies and experience, address implementation gaps, refine strategies, foster collaboration, inform policy decisions, monitor progress and identify resource gaps.
Regional parties future of Indian politics: KTR on Maha, Jharkhand pollsThe Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Selection Committee announced the list of award-winning manuscripts and authors, of the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Contest 2023, which was organized by the Printing and Publishing Department under the Ministry of Information yesterday. Prizes will be awarded to winners in the following genres – novel, collection of short stories, collection of poems, general knowledge (arts), general knowledge (pure science and applied science), belles-lettres, Myanmar culture and fine arts, children’s literature, youth’s literature, political literature, drama, translation and English language manuscript. The first, second and third winners of the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Contest will be honoured with K1.5 million, K1 million and K700,000 respectively. The Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Selection Committee is formed with 23 experienced persons, including intellectuals, intelligentsia, literary scholars and seniors from the field of printing and publication, and the committee member systematically screened and selected from 284 manuscripts submitted to the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Contest 2023 in three stages according to relevant genres. Awardees need to contact 018 240048 – Secretary of the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Selection Committee and 01 381449 – the Administration Department as soon as possible. They also urged the winners to send out their two coloured photos in a 5-inch-by-8-inch size and passport size each, along with the resume within one week from the date of the announcement. Prizes will be awarded at the forthcoming National Lifetime Award for Literary Achievement, National Literary Award and Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award presentation ceremony, which is to be held on 1 December 2024 (1st Waxing of Nadaw 1386 ME, Myanmar Literati Day). It is reported that the time and place of the ceremony will be issued later. The committee has notified that those wishing to participate in the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Contest 2024 will need to send out their manuscripts by 31 December 2024. — MNA/KTZH
Dear Eric: We live on a lake and love hosting our great-nieces and nephews on school breaks and the entire family on vacations. My husband and I have no children. Our niece’s families are dear to us. Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading, playing cards or board games with us, like in the past, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? – Game Off Dear Game Off: Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie “Network” from 1977 (stay with me here; it relates). In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by a young Faye Dunaway by saying “she’s the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set.” Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway’s generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they’ve managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite (and often with the aid of) TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child’s cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew’s gaming might not be your choice, it’s important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you’re really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. And don’t be afraid to pick up a controller and ask him to show you the ropes. Dear Eric: I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It’s frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don’t know if this is a big enough problem to have a “high road.” The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? – Speaking Up Dear Speaking Up: I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm . That’s part of the job. She may think you’re a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that’s not the case won’t be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That’s just fine. But know you won’t be causing her suffering by saying something like “I’ve already decided on my meal. Let’s skip the guessing today and I’ll just tell you.” This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want. Ideally, it’s a conversation that you’ll both enjoy. Dear Eric: I’m not sure if the letter from “Invisible Dad” about his wife buying trinkets for their adult kids and having more close conversations with them is related to my better half and myself. I think it could be but I can’t be sure so don’t want to ask him. I never really thought about it all the time, but assumed kids knew that gifts were from both of us. If this question does relate to us, and even if it doesn’t, I will be mindful of what I haven’t been mindful of. My heart is melting if he does really care that much about the kids. Thank you for listening. – Daily Reader Dear Reader: Thanks for your thoughtful note and your openness. Please also reconsider talking to your husband about the ways you interact with your kids. It could be really healing and productive. (Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com .) ©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Apple Cash is more than just a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases.The Toronto Blue Jays are keen on bringing a big bat north of the border this winter and have their eyes on a 2024 Silver Slugger Award winner. While the Blue Jays reportedly remain in the running to sign this winter's top free agent, New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, few believe that Toronto has the financial ability to top the likely coming offers from the Yankees, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox. The Blue Jays have two superstar sluggers of their own — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette — eligible for free agency a year from now, and the team is believed to be inclined to sign a big slugger this winter before losing one or both next offseason. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale , the Blue Jays are one of the teams in play to sign free-agent right fielder Anthony Santander this winter. Santander, whose eighth season with the Baltimore Orioles came to an end when his team was swept by the Kansas City Royals in the American League Wild Card round, is coming off a career year with the AL East contender. The recent 30-year-old, who was playing on a 1-year, $11.7 million deal, is poised to hit the free agent market after belting 44 home runs with 102 RBI and a .235 batting average this season. He earned his first All-Star nod in 2024 as the biggest bat in a heavy-hitting Orioles lineup that was squelched by the Royals in the playoffs. Santander has been a consistent power threat over eight seasons in Baltimore, but the 44 homers represent a marked uptick in power production for a slugger whose previous career best was 33 round-trippers in 2022. Spotrac currently projects Santander to receive a contract north of $88 million over five years. As Nightengale notes, Toronto may have to "overpay" to sign a slugger that is highly in demand this winter. More MLB: Brewers would reportedly 'love' to sign 7-time All-Star slugger
Louisiana Tech 85, S. Illinois 79, OT
The Trudeau government’s two-pronged announcement of a goods and services tax holiday on certain “essential” items and its pledge to dole out $250 to millions of people in the country have left economists scrambling to gauge the impact of Ottawa’s $6.3-billion, election-style splurge. With Canada’s economy facing several headwinds, the stimulus cheques and the on items such as groceries, children’s clothing, beer and Christmas trees are expected to spur consumers to open their wallets, boosting economic growth in the near term. However, the sugar high could fade quickly, as shoppers simply shift around the timing of their purchases. And the jolt of spending – coming on top of recent hotter-than-expected data – may help convince the Bank of Canada to slow its pace of interest-rate cuts. The new big-ticket spending proposals also raise questions about Ottawa’s ability to stay within its self-imposed deficit guardrails, especially if, as some economists think, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decides to make the sales tax changes permanent as a way to placate angry voters. “Once politicians get the idea that, ‘Oh, playing with the GST, playing with things that are taxable or not,’ is a political winner, they’re never going to stop. And that is not good for the budget and it’s not good for tax policy,” said Stephen Gordon, an economics professor at Laval University. Coming in at around 0.2 per cent of gross domestic product, Ottawa’s will ripple through the economy – but it’s hardly a game-changer. The economics team at Bank of Montreal boosted its GDP growth estimate for the first quarter of 2025 to 2.5 per cent from 1.7 per cent, but trimmed its GDP growth forecast for the third quarter, when the effect of the stimulus fades. Avery Shenfeld, chief economist at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, said that the tax rebates could theoretically increase GDP by as much as a quarter-percentage-point next year, especially because fiscal stimulus has a bigger impact when there is slack in the economy, as is currently the case. “But that’s only if these cheques are permitted to raise the federal deficit,” Mr. Shenfeld wrote in a client note. “If Ottawa is merely shifting funds from what it otherwise would have spent elsewhere, in order to stick to a given deficit target, the impact could be negated.” It’s also unclear how much the stimulus cheques will increase consumer spending, with people potentially pocketing the money or using it to pay down debt, rather than going shopping Mr. Shenfeld said the overall package would likely have a “very marginal” impact on upcoming Bank of Canada interest-rate decisions. This view was shared by other Bay Street economists, although there was a broad agreement that Ottawa’s stimulus essentially seals the deal for a quarter-point rate cut at the next Bank of Canada meeting in December, rather than another half-point cut, as happened in October. “On its own, this probably doesn’t move the needle so significantly because of the fact that it’s not massive and it is temporary,” said Taylor Schleich, director of economics and strategy at National Bank Financial. However, complicating that is the fact the measures come at the same time as stimulus is rolling out from other levels of government, inflation has picked up and housing markets are potentially reaccelerating, he said. “If the Bank of Canada was on the fence about cutting 25 or 50 basis points, perhaps all of this data taken together leads them more towards a more gradual easing approach in the near term,” he said. Governor Tiff Macklem said last month that the bank is less concerned than it was about government spending fuelling inflation and working at cross purposes to the bank’s still-restrictive monetary policy now that inflation is largely under control. “We’re no longer trying to get inflation down. Government spending is not pushing against us getting inflation down, we’ve got it down,” he told the Senate Banking Committee. It’s so far impossible to say how the two measures will impact the federal government’s bottom line, because Ottawa has yet to produce its final spending and revenue picture for the past fiscal year. However, in an , the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Canada’s budgetary watchdog, estimated the deficit for 2023-24 would come in at $46.8-billion, deeper than the $40-billion deficit laid out in the government’s 2024 budget. The government’s own fiscal guardrail aims to maintain the 2023-24 deficit at or below $40.1-billion. The stimulus cheques and GST changes will likely erode the government’s fiscal standing in the coming months, according to Derek Holt, head of capital markets economics at Bank of Nova Scotia, who speculated in a Friday note to clients that the planned two-month GST holiday “is very likely to turn permanent and blow through Ottawa’s finances.” In a separate report, Mr. Holt estimated if the GST changes were made permanent, along with the stimulus cheques, the changes would result in a $14-billion hit to federal finances in fiscal 2025-26 and $10-billion a year in subsequent years. Over a five-year horizon, if the GST changes remained permanent, “the cumulative deficit would balloon by about an extra $52-billion,” he wrote. Even if the changes remain temporary, tend to view these types of stimulus measures dimly, thinking of them as inefficient and poorly targeted. “If they wanted to beef up the income support at lower income levels then you either increase the GST rebates or the Canada Child Benefit, things like that. Just across the board $250 to everybody, that’s clearly electoral,” Prof. Gordon said. Luc Godbout, an economics professor at the Université de Sherbrooke, said the temporary nature of tax cuts will cause consumers to shift the timing of their consumption and complicate things for retailers. And higher-income individuals may also benefit disproportionately from the GST break on things such as restaurant meals. “These are not measures that were thought out from an economic perspective, but from a political perspective,” he said in an e-mail. Nor do the stimulus cheques or GST changes do anything to “impact our long-term growth trajectory or close the competitive gap we have with the U.S.” when it comes to attracting business investment, said Kevin Milligan, a professor of economics at the Vancouver School of Economics at the University of British Columbia. “When you’re in a world of being in deficit and there’s not a macroeconomic need for it, I don’t see these as economically defensible measures,” he said.Rams receiver DeMarcus Robinson arrested on suspicion of DUI just hours after loss to Eagles
A bankruptcy judge on Monday ordered a new hearing in conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' effort to stop the satirical news outlet The Onion from buying Infowars and turning it into a parody. Jones alleges fraud and collusion marred the bankruptcy auction in which The Onion was named the winning bidder on Nov. 14 over a company affiliated with him. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez had been scheduled to hear an emergency motion to disqualify The Onion's bid, but decided to put it off until either Dec. 9 or Dec. 17. That's also when the judge will hear arguments on a request to approve the sale of Infowars to The Onion. Lopez said similar arguments are being made in both requests. Lopez could ultimately allow The Onion to move forward with its purchase, order a new auction or name the other bidder as the winner. At stake is whether Jones gets to stay at Infowars’ studio in Austin, Texas, under a new owner friendly to him, or whether he gets kicked out by The Onion. The other bidder, First United American Companies, runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements. Regardless, Jones has set up a new studio, websites and social media accounts that would allow him to keep airing his show. And his personal account with 3.3 million followers on the social platform X was not part of the sale, although Lopez will be deciding whether it should be included in the liquidation and sold off later. In a new court filing Monday, lawyers for X objected to any sale of the accounts of both Jones and Infowars, saying X is the owner of the accounts and that it has not given consent for them to be sold or transferred. Jones has praised X owner Elon Musk on his show and suggested that Musk should buy Infowars. Musk has not responded publicly to that suggestion and was not among the bidders. Jones' bankruptcy and the liquidation of his assets came about after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion to relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Jones was found liable for defamation and emotional distress damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas for repeatedly calling the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators a hoax staged by actors to increase gun control. Proceeds from the liquidation are to go to Jones' creditors, including the Sandy Hook families who sued him. Jones alleges The Onion’s bid was the result of fraud and collusion involving many of those families, the humor site and a court-appointed trustee who is overseeing the liquidation. First United American Companies submitted a $3.5 million sealed bid, while The Onion offered $1.75 million in cash. But The Onion's bid also included a pledge by Sandy Hook families to forgo some or all of the auction proceeds due to them to give other creditors a total of $100,000 more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, said that made The Onion's proposal better for creditors and he named it the winning bid. He has denied any wrongdoing. Jones and First United American Companies claimed that the bid violated Lopez’s rules for the auction by including multiple entities and lacking a valid dollar amount. Jones also alleged Murray improperly canceled an expected round of live bidding and only selected from among the sealed bids that were submitted. Jones called the auction “rigged” and a “fraud” on his show, which airs on the Infowars website, radio stations and Jones' X account. He filed a counter lawsuit last week against Murray, The Onion's parent company and the Sandy Hook families in the bankruptcy court. In a court filing on Sunday, Murray called the allegations a “desperate attempt” to delay the sale of Infowars to The Onion and accused Jones, his lawyers and attorneys for First United American Companies of a “vicious smear campaign lobbing patently false accusations.” He also alleges Jones collaborated with First United American Companies to try to buy Infowars. Lopez’s September order on the auction procedures made a live bidding round optional. And it gave broad authority to Murray to conduct the sale, including the power to reject any bid, no matter how high, that was “contrary to the best interests” of Jones, his company and their creditors. But at a Nov. 14 hearing Lopez said he was concerned about the process and transparency. “We’re all going to an evidentiary hearing and I’m going to figure out exactly what happened,” he said. “No one should feel comfortable with the results of this auction.” The assets of Infowars' parent company, Free Speech Systems, that were up for sale included the Austin studio, Infowars' video archive, video production equipment, product trademarks, and Infowars' websites and social media accounts. Jones is appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments citing free speech rights, but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened . Jones has brought in millions of dollars a year in revenue by hawking nutritional supplements, clothing, survival gear and other merchandise, including more than $22 million this year through Sept. 30 from his Infowars Store website, according to court documents. Many of Jones’ personal assets, including real estate, guns and other personal belongings, also are being sold as part of the bankruptcy. Documents filed in court this year say Jones has about $9 million in personal assets, while Free Speech Systems has about $6 million in cash and more than $1 million worth of inventory. Dave Collins, The Associated Press
The Douglas County Health Department is seeking residents' help in fighting a rat infestation in the area surrounding a recycling center at 39th and D Streets. The presence of rats in the neighborhood has been linked to conditions in and around the recycling center, which is operated by a private company, health officials said. The center is closed, and the operation has moved to a new location, but officials believe rats are frequenting debris that remains on site. The health department has been working with pest control companies engaged by the company and a nearby apartment complex, which have been baiting and trapping in the area. Health officials have inspected the area and identified key factors contributing to the infestation. In addition to working with pest control companies, a health department team has contacted the City of Omaha and a combined sewer will be treated and checked via video. The team also contacted nearby restaurants and asked them to minimize outdoor food sources. People are also reading... But health officials also are asking for neighbors' help. "Rats can spread disease and cause property damage, but by working together, we can mitigate these risks and restore a healthy neighborhood environment,” Justin Frederick, the health department's deputy director, said in a statement. Residents are asked to inspect their homes for potential entry points and seal them; remove potential food sources, including not leaving pet food outside, cleaning up fallen birdseed, securing trash in dumpsters or trash cans and covering them nightly, cleaning up food spills outside and using sealed compost bins; eliminate potential shelter by removing piles of leaves, wood, construction or other debris, trimming overgrown vegetation, storing outdoor furniture inside when not in use; and eliminating water sources, such as buckets or bird baths, leaking water spigots and pet water bowls. Residents should contact the department at 402-444-7481 if they find active burrows or they need help with prevention measures. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2024 Deb Zobel, right, holds the hand of Louise LaFramboise as she honors her during the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard’s Living Tribute Ceremony at the Center of Nursing Science at UNMC in Omaha on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Deb Zobel, right, honors Louise LaFramboise during the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard’s Living Tribute Ceremony at the Center of Nursing Science at UNMC in Omaha on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Louise LaFramboise holds white roses given to her by the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard’ during their Living Tribute Ceremony for LaFramboise at the Center of Nursing Science at UNMC in Omaha on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Norfolk Catholic players celebrate after winning the fifth and final set of a Class C2 first round state volleyball tournament match against Yutan at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Thayer Central players celebrate after winning the fourth and final set of a Class C2 first round state volleyball tournament match against Freeman at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. With results still too close to call, State Sen. Tony Vargas stands with his mother, Lidia Vargas, left, and his wife, Lauren Vargas, right, after speaking to supporters during an election night watch party at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Milford's Sarah Reynolds (15) serves the ball during the first set of a Class C1 first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Gothenburg, bottom and Minden warm-up before the first set of a Class C1 first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Waverly celebrates their win over Bennington during the first set of a Class B first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Elkhorn North's Kaitlyn Huff (15) lifts up Elkhorn North's Ava Thompson (3) to celebrate during the first set of a Class B first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. A pass bounces off Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) before being intercepted by UCLA's Kaylin Moore (9) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) hurdles UCLA's Ramon Henderson (11) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. UCLA's Oluwafemi Oladejo (2) hits Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) as throws a pass during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The line for early voting at the Douglas County Election Commission in Omaha extends out of the parking lot on 122nd Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The line for early voting at the Douglas County Election Commission in Omaha extends out of the parking lot on 122nd Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The ball bounces off of the knee of Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) before UCLA recovered the ball during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Nebraska's Rollie Worster (24) goes up for a layup against Texas Rio Grand Valley's Cliff Davis (10) during the second half of a college men's basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Marcus Hardy fills out his ballot at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Voters walk into Ronald Wilson Reagan Elementary School to vote in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Scott Hill fills out his ballot at Metropolitan Community College Elkhorn Valley Campus in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) goes up for a shot against Texas Rio Grand Valley's Tommy Gankhuyag (33) during the first half of a men's college basketball game at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) dunks the ball above Texas Rio Grand Valley's DK Thorn (3) during the second half of a men's college basketball game at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Brian Prokop holds his and his fiancee Tracy Bequette’s cat Ballsac at their home in Kennard on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. The cat went missing after an EF-4 tornado destroyed most of the structures on the property, including their and Bequette's father’s homes, in April. Six months later, Ballsac was found and returned home. Veterans salute during the singing of the national anthem during a Veteran's Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Omaha on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Members of the Omaha Benson JROTC prepare for a Veteran's Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Omaha on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Attendees salute at the Veterans Day Parade in Bellevue on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Shamus Connor, 10, hands American flags to members of the Bellevue fire department at the Veterans Day Parade in Bellevue on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. People watch as Omaha’s official Christmas tree, a 40 foot spruce donated by Mark and Joanie Maszk, is brought in at The Durham Museum in Omaha on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Ethan McCullough, left, and Michaela Lentsch stand under an umbrella as they look at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree during it’s stop at the Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront in Omaha on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Makai Hatcher shows his daughter, Mackenzie, how to put a fish hook on a line while fishing at Miller Park in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Mackenzie is one. Makai Hatcher spends the afternoon fishing at Miller Park in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Makai Hatcher puts a worm on a hook while fishing at Miller Park in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Zoo employees and their family members enjoy a preview of Zoolightful at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. A worker helps to set up the Christmas tree near the Skate Ribbon at Heartland Of America Park in Omaha, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. Antonio Martinez plugs Christmas lights in the Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. julie.anderson@owh.com , 402-444-1066, twitter.com/julieanderson41 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Luke Kromenhoek throws 3 TD passes as Florida St. ends six-game skid vs. Charleston Southern
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Brooklyn Nets @ Golden State Warriors Current Records: Brooklyn 7-10, Golden State 12-4 When: Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10 p.m. ET Where: Chase Center -- San Francisco, California TV: NBC Sports - Bay Area Follow: CBS Sports App Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) Ticket Cost: $73.91 The Warriors will be playing the full four quarters on Monday, but they're expected to have things wrapped up well before that. They will challenge the Brooklyn Nets at 10:00 p.m. ET at Chase Center. The Warriors will be looking to keep their five-game home win streak alive. The Warriors are headed into this one after the oddsmakers set last week's over/under low at 229.5, but even that wound up being too high. They fell 104-94 to the Spurs on Saturday. Golden State was up 77-60 in the third but couldn't hold on to the lead. Even though they lost, the Warriors were working as a unit and finished the game with 29 assists (they're ranked second in assists per game overall). That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now racked up at least 27 assists in eight consecutive contests. Meanwhile, the Nets must've known the odds they were up against on Sunday, but they decided it wasn't going to be the story of the game. They secured a 108-103 W over the Kings. The Nets can attribute much of their success to Cameron Thomas, who scored 34 points along with six assists. Thomas had some trouble finding his footing against the 76ers on Friday, so this was a step in the right direction. Golden State's defeat dropped their record down to 12-4. As for Brooklyn, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 7-10. Monday's matchup is shaping up to be a scrappy game: The Warriors have crashing the boards this season, having averaged 49.2 rebounds per game (they're ranked second in rebounds per game overall). It's a different story for the Nets, though, as they've been averaging only 38.4. Given the Warriors' sizable advantage in that area, the Nets will need to find a way to close that gap. The Warriors beat the Nets 109-98 in their previous matchup back in February. Do the Warriors have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Nets turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough. Golden State is a big 12.5-point favorite against Brooklyn, according to the latest NBA odds . The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 12.5-point spread, and stayed right there. The over/under is 224.5 points. See NBA picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now . Golden State and Brooklyn both have 5 wins in their last 10 games. Feb 05, 2024 - Golden State 109 vs. Brooklyn 98 Dec 16, 2023 - Golden State 124 vs. Brooklyn 120 Jan 22, 2023 - Brooklyn 120 vs. Golden State 116 Dec 21, 2022 - Brooklyn 143 vs. Golden State 113 Jan 29, 2022 - Golden State 110 vs. Brooklyn 106 Nov 16, 2021 - Golden State 117 vs. Brooklyn 99 Feb 13, 2021 - Brooklyn 134 vs. Golden State 117 Dec 22, 2020 - Brooklyn 125 vs. Golden State 99 Feb 05, 2020 - Brooklyn 129 vs. Golden State 88 Nov 10, 2018 - Golden State 116 vs. Brooklyn 100Argentina's Racing wins its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1Skiing is growing in popularity. According to data from Statista, more than 18.4 million Americans took to the slopes last year, around four percent more than the previous year. There are many reasons why this winter sport has so many fans. It’s fun, of course, and it’s also a great form of exercise. Vacationing in ski resorts and towns also provides plenty of stunning, mountainous scenery, fresh air, and a chance to take a real break from reality. That’s why, according to Expert Market Research , the global ski market is worth more than $1.7 billion. By 2032, it’s expected to surge to a value of more than $2.2 billion. Jump to the resorts If you’re a fan of skiing, or you’re looking to try the sport for the first time, you have plenty of destinations to choose from. North America is home to multiple ski hotspots, like Aspen in Colorado, Powder Mountain in Utah, and Whistler in Canada. Europe is also one of the best places to head for a ski vacation—everywhere from northern Italy to Austria to Germany to Switzerland boasts picturesque scenery, stunning ski towns, and impressive slopes. Pexels But alongside all of the scenery and the skiing, food is vital for a great vacation experience. If you’re looking for a ski hotel or lodge that is going to provide you with delicious vegan food to fuel you through your winter sport adventures, we’ve gathered a few of the best places to choose from—from Europe to North America. Vegan-friendly ski resorts and towns all over the world Before we get into the specifics of hotels, lodges, resorts, and guesthouses to choose from, it’s important to note that, even if you opt for accommodations equipped with a kitchen or a hotel without plant-based options, plenty of ski destinations are home to multiple vegan restaurants. If you head to Breckenridge, CO for example, which is a small town that sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll not only find a world-class ski resort, but you’ll also find plenty of eateries serving up plant-based food. Piante Pizzeria , for example, is the perfect place to unwind and feast after a long day on the slopes. There, you’ll find plenty of delicious pizzas , of course, alongside salads with breaded vegan chicken and shiitake bacon, antipasti, and pizza rolls with fillings like Philly cheesesteak and vegan chicken parm. Piante Pizzeria RELATED: 5 Unique Hotel Stays for Food Lovers, From an Italian Olive Oil Resort to a Mexican Jackfruit Paradise Park City, UT is close to two major ski resorts: Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort, and it’s home to several vegan-friendly eateries. In fact, according to HappyCow , there are 37 vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Park City. If you’re off to Japan for a ski experience, head to Hakuba. Located just outside Nagano, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998, the small village in the Japanese Alps has a good selection of restaurants with plant-based options. In fact, HappyCow reports there are 26 vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the village. Pexels In Europe, the German city of Tübingen is home to several popular ski resorts, and it also happens to be renowned for its vegan options. In fact, in 2022, BBC described it as a “fiercely vegan, fairy-tale city.” France’s Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley is also home to more than 30 vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, notes Happy Cow, including the entirely vegetarian restaurant Sesame . But when you’re on vacation, it also helps if your accommodation caters well to plant-based diets. 7 vegan-friendly ski hotels and lodges Find some of our top picks for the most vegan-friendly lodges, hotels , and resorts in some of the world’s most beautiful and popular ski destinations below. BECOME A VEGNEWS VIP : Get exclusive product deals, freebies, and perks galore! Paradiso Pure Living 1 Paradiso Pure Living Renowned for its next-level scenery, the Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes it a dream ski destination for many winter sports lovers all over the world. If you’re eyeing it for your next snowy vacation, Paradiso Pure Living is a must-stay. The first vegan hotel in the Dolomites, you can expect spectacular plant-based cuisine, rooms with impressive mountain views, and perfect access to the slopes, thanks to the hotel’s location in the Dolomiti Superski area. FIND IT HERE Naturhotel Aufatmen 2 Naturhotel Aufatmen If you’re looking to relax in between skiing adventures, Naturhotel Aufatmen promises to take good care of you and your well-being. The hotel features a reading room, a fireplace lounge, a silent room, and even an organic swimming pond. When it’s time to refuel, head to the hotel’s restaurant for a totally vegan, vegetable-led, fine-dining experience . FIND IT HERE Four Seasons Resort Whistler 3 Four Seasons Resort Whistler Whistler in British Columbia is one of North America’s most popular ski destinations, thanks to its two stunning mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb), its picturesque lakes and forests, and its vibrant dining scene. For world-class plant-based dining, book a stay at Four Seasons and head to the Braidwood Tavern. The eatery isn’t 100 percent plant-based, but it does offer an extensive vegan menu complete with curries, stir-fries, burgers, salads, and much more. FIND IT HERE Guesthouse Wiesegg 4 Wiesegg Situated in the beautiful Bavarian Mountains, German guesthouse Wiesegg is a great place to stay for access to the slopes, the bar and restaurants in Reit im Winkl’s town center, winter hiking trails, and golf courses. Before you head out for a day of activities, feast on a breakfast buffet, which is made up of plenty of vegetarian and vegan foods, all of which are locally sourced where possible. FIND IT HERE Limelight 5 Limelight Another iconic North American skiing destination, Aspen in Colorado offers plenty of ski runs (both challenging and gentle), incredible scenery, and legendary nightlife. Limelight is one of its most popular hotels. There, you’ll have access to the slopes, of course, but also exclusive activities like the Audi Snowshoe Adventure, which involves borrowing an “Audi vehicle stocked with snowshoes for up to 2 hours” for a self-guided tour in the Roaring Fork Valley. When you’re worn out and hungry from all the fun, head to the Limelight Lounge to feast on options like truffle fries, baba ghanoush, veggie burgers, and vegan pizza topped with roasted wild mushrooms. FIND IT HERE Aravis Lodge 6 Aravis Lodge For cozy accommodation in the French alpine village of La Clusaz, head to Aravis Lodge. There, you’ll be looked after with onsite ski hire, late checkout times, a fleet of drivers, and plenty of delicious plant-based food. In fact, the lodge is certified by the Vegetarian Society for its range of vegetarian and vegan options, so you know you’re in good hands. FIND IT HERE Fairmont 7 Fairmont With the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, busy ski resorts, stunning mountain glacial lakes, and beautiful ice fields, it’s no surprise that Banff is a popular North American winter vacation spot. For top-quality, vegan-friendly accommodation in the area, the fairytale-esque Fairmont hotel is a great choice. Complete with a spa, a pool, and unique dining experiences, including the 360-degree dome and multiple onsite restaurants, there is no shortage of things to do. Most of the eateries at the Fairmont have plant-based choices, including the Bavarian-style Waldhaus Restaurant and the French-inspired Vermillion Room. FIND IT HERE DON'T MISS OUT : Get breaking news, recipes, and our weekly vegan deal by signing up for our FREE VegNewsletter Europe, US Boast the “Most Vegan-Friendly Cities” in the World: Report Where to Find the Best Vegan Food in Verona, From Creamy Pasta to Stuffed Polenta Where to Find the Best Vegan Food in Hanoi, the 2024 Culinary Capital of the World JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Shop Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
Salem University, Lokoja, has announced that 41 out of its 499 graduating students will be awarded first-class degrees at the institution’s combined convocation ceremony for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 sets, scheduled for Friday, November 29, 2024. This announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alewo Akubo, during a pre-convocation press briefing in Lokoja on Monday. The graduates are from seven colleges of the university: the College of Management and Social Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, College of Humanities, College of Education, College of Communication and Information Technology, College of Law, and the Postgraduate School. Akubo also revealed that the institution’s eighth college, the College of Basic Health and Medical Sciences, had recently been accredited and will commence operations soon. Akubo emphasised that Salem University had consistently produced graduates who contributed significantly to the development of Kogi State, Nigeria, and the global community. Related News Salem University screens admission seekers NUC accredits five additional courses for Kogi varsity “Our sixth convocation comes up on Friday, November 29, 2024. A total of 499 students will be graduating, with 41 of them earning first-class degrees. Our graduates are change agents, equipped to contribute to the development of Kogi State, Nigeria, and the entire world,” he said. The Vice-Chancellor appealed for support from key stakeholders, including the Kogi State Government, the Federal Government, and well-meaning individuals, to strengthen the university’s ability to continue its developmental contributions. “Private universities are playing a crucial role in producing graduates who serve the world at large. What public universities are doing, private universities are doing much more. The Federal Government should encourage private universities to do more. For sustainable university education in Nigeria, attention must also be paid to private institutions,” he added. As part of the convocation activities, Professor Sam Egwu, a renowned Professor of Political Economy, is scheduled to deliver the convocation lecture on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Salem University’s commitment to academic excellence and producing impactful graduates remains evident as it celebrates another milestone in its history.
Google's northwest Omaha data center just recently started operations, though it is not finished, a company spokesman said Monday. It is among Nebraska's three data center project sites that over five years has seen nearly $4.4 billion in capital investment. This year's investment was reported to be $930 million, the company said at a media event. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — Now five years since Google built a physical presence in Nebraska, the tech giant on Monday announced its latest annual spend on infrastructure across the state: $930 million. The 2024 capital investment makes for a total so far of about $4.4 billion in Nebraska data centers to help meet growing demand for Google Cloud, artificial intelligence innovations and services such as the company’s search, maps and workspace programs, said spokesman Dan Harbeke. Just within the past few months, he said, Google’s sprawling data center site in northwest Omaha became operational but is not finished growing. Its newest data center project in Lincoln remains under construction on roughly 580 acres. And the original Google campus in Nebraska, a Papillion project that broke ground on 275 acres in late 2019, has continued to expand in various ways. “We’re effectively continuing to build out those footprints,” said Harbeke, regional head of public policy and external affairs. “We are not announcing any new sites this year but we are announcing continued growth and expansion across all three sites here in Nebraska.” Also during a news event Monday, Google announced a different kind of investment — philanthropic donations to support workforce development. Such contributions are separate and in addition to construction improvements, Harbeke said. Google.org , for instance, granted $250,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support AI research and education across its campuses. Earlier this month, Google’s philanthropic arm also provided Creighton University with a $250,000 grant to support the private university’s efforts to prepare students for expanded uses of artificial intelligence. Company officials on Monday also described a $100,000 donation to the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation’s Spark Summer Camp program, which targets elementary school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. NU President Jeffrey Gold said the university gift underscores the shared commitment to harnessing the power of AI to ensure Nebraska is on the cutting edge of research, teaching and use. “Our hope is that this investment in Nebraska will lead to opportunities for economic growth and innovation,” Gold said. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said investment in programs such as Spark underscores the Capital City’s “growing reputation” as a place for innovation and opportunity. “Google is helping to prepare Lincoln’s students and workforce for a rapidly evolving future,” she said. Google officials declined to provide detail on how the $930 million breaks down between data center sites. They also declined to disclose the number of employees per site but in a media statement said more than 120 jobs for Nebraskans have been created since 2019, in a variety of full time and external supplier roles, including computer technicians, engineers, maintenance and food service jobs. Harbeke said Google has started to see worker mobility and advancement within the state and the Omaha metro area, which includes the more established Council Bluffs plant. “We’re five years into our Nebraska footprint ... you’re seeing that movement among Googlers across these sites, which has been really neat to see,” Harbeke said. “One of the folks who is going to be leading our Lincoln campus worked out of our Papillion site.” U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., who joined Google officials Monday, said the Google technology investment gives the state a “competitive global advantage.” “These are the jobs of the future and they’re coming here to Nebraska,” he said. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., called Google a driver for secure U.S. infrastructure. “The importance of innovation in national security and AI between the public and private sectors cannot be understated and we’re working on that right here in Nebraska,” he said. Karen Dahut, CEO of Google public sector, said the Google data centers are essential to delivering cutting-edge products to a wide range of organizations that include government and educational institutions as well as the individual consumer. The computer-filled hubs are the engines that power technology and make local and global connections happen 24-7, Google said in a report about data centers . They are where Gmail and YouTube videos live. They are what keep the internet up and running. “We are grateful for the partnership from leaders across Nebraska as we have grown within the state,” Dahut said. “I look forward to exploring more opportunities to bring the power of Google Cloud’s technology to support the important missions of the public sector.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOXBuilding wealth by investing in the stock market might be risky if you focus on speculative or overly stocks. For conservative investors with a low-risk appetite, offer a more stable and dependable approach. Many blue-chip stocks also reward their investors with regular , making them a great choice for investors seeking steady income alongside the potential of capital appreciation in the long run. This is one of the key reasons why conservative investors should consider adding some blue-chip stocks to their portfolios. In this article, I’ll explore two of the top Canadian blue-chip stocks that can help you build enduring wealth that lasts for decades. Let’s get started! TC Energy stock With a of $71.5 billion, ( ) is one of Canada’s largest energy infrastructure companies, which could be a top pick for conservative investors seeking stability and reliable income from their investments. TRP stock has outperformed the broader market by a wide margin this year as it has risen over 46% compared to the ’s 22% increase. With this, it currently trades at $68.91 per share and offers an attractive 4.8% annualized dividend yield. TC Energy’s robust growth outlook further enhances its appeal to long-term investors. At its recently held 2024 Investor Day event, the company outlined several key initiatives that could accelerate its growth in the coming years. For example, it announced four new projects, collectively representing $1.5 billion in capital expenditures. As the demand for natural gas and nuclear power generation continues to rise, these projects could place TC Energy in a strong position to benefit from North America’s growing energy needs. Interestingly, its Southeast Gateway pipeline project, which is on track for commercial in-service by mid-2025, has already achieved significant cost optimization, with expenditures reduced by 11% compared to earlier expectations. Given these positive developments, TRP could continue to generate reliable returns for its investors for years to come. Scotiabank stock ( ), or Scotiabank, is another trustworthy blue-chip stock Canadian investors can buy now and hold for the long term. Currently trading with nearly 21% year-to-date gains, BNS stock trades at $77.80 per share with a market cap of $96.8 billion. It has an annualized dividend yield of 5.5% at this market price. Scotiabank was recently in the news when its stock dived by 3.4% in a single day after announcing the financial results for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2024 (ended in October). Notably, negative factors such as higher provisions for credit losses and one-time impairment charges related to its investment in China affected its performance during the quarter. However, these factors do not overshadow the bank’s underlying performance and strong long-term potential. Scotiabank reported a solid adjusted net profit of $8.63 billion for fiscal 2024, reflecting a steady 3.2% increase from the previous year. This growth was supported by higher revenues across its Canadian and international banking divisions, along with disciplined cost management that resulted in positive operating leverage. Besides its solid track record of increasing dividends, Scotiabank’s strategic focus on strengthening its presence in key North American markets to drive profitable growth makes it a safe blue-chip stock for Canadian investors.
Auramarine and Quadrise join forces to support maritime decarbonisation