President-elect Donald Trump's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app's impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while," Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump's unpredictable nature. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok's American users. Even with Trump's decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect's desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump's influence over Republicans. The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation's highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court's unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law's national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok's US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren't detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a "deal of the century" satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance's interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing's approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump's upcoming term. This isn't the first attempt to resolve TikTok's US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal's completion. arp/mlmNone
Ivy League Canine Academy: Elevating Dog Training Standards in San Antonio, TX 12-23-2024 09:56 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Ivy League Canine Academy specializes in providing expert dog training services in San Antonio, TX. With a focus on positive reinforcement and individualized training plans, the academy helps dogs reach their full potential while fostering strong relationships with their owners. From puppy training to advanced behavioral programs, Ivy League Canine Academy is dedicated to creating a brighter future for pets and their families. Ivy League Canine Academy proudly announces its position as a leading provider of expert dog training services in San Antonio, TX. Dedicated to improving the bond between pets and their owners, the academy offers a wide array of training programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of dogs and their unique temperaments. 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Location: https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d3468.1713836224603!2d-98.4533103!3d29.6277652!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x865c691747160c13%3A0xbfb7b38211bab50c!2sIvy%20League%20Canine%20Academy!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v1734948070566!5m2!1sen!2sin Education is a cornerstone of Ivy League Canine Academy's mission. The team regularly conducts workshops and seminars to educate dog owners on the importance of training, nutrition, and overall pet care. These initiatives empower the community to make informed decisions, fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership. Success Stories and Testimonials The success of Ivy League Canine Academy is best reflected in the countless stories of transformed pets and satisfied clients. Dogs that once struggled with behavioral issues have become confident, well-mannered companions, thanks to the academy's effective training programs. 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Media Contact Company Name: Ivy League Canine Academy Contact Person: Alex Schnell Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ivy-league-canine-academy-elevating-dog-training-standards-in-san-antonio-tx ] Phone: +1 210-724-5733 Address:1911 Encino Belle St City: San Antonio State: TX 78259 Country: United States Website: https://ilk9academy.com/ This release was published on openPR.
What a difference a day or two can make in Philippine politics. During an ambush interview in Quezon province, President Marcos seamlessly confirmed “leaked” copy of his supposedly “private communication” with congressional leaders regarding possible impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. “Well, it was actually a private communication but [it was leaked], yes. Because that’s really my opinion. This [impeachment] is not important. This does not make a difference to even one single Filipino life. So, why waste time on it?” the commander in chief told reporters, immediately pouring cold water on any rumors of potential impeachment against his former “UniTeam” ally. And then, it got a tad bizarre: When asked about potential reconciliation with Sara Duterte, Mr. Marcos nonchalantly said: “Never say never.” Both his tone and timing, however, seemed immediately odd. Mind you, this is the same president that, in a spirited national address just the other day, vowed a decisive response following the Vice President’s unprecedented assassination threats against not only the President but also the First Lady. “That criminal plot should not be allowed to pass ... I’ll fight it,” declared Mr. Marcos in one of his finest speeches on the record. “As a democratic country, we need to uphold the rule of law.” From a stern, uncompromising leader, Mr. Marcos quickly reverted to characteristic insouciance. So, dear reader, what on earth happened? In fairness, the President had good reasons for his intervention. To begin with, everyone knows that, as things stand, there are simply not enough senators willing to back an impeachment proceeding. More than a few are either allied to the former president or/and are wary of alienating the “Solid South” base of the Dutertes in lieu of their own electoral ambitions down the road. Moreover, the President was likely—upon the advice of economic managers—spooked by how bad headlines could undermine the country’s image among investors. After all, wasn’t Mr. Marcos’ top priority to “reintroduce” the country to the world after six years of Duterte era debacle? His “de-escalation” priority was fully on display during his speech before the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “Don’t be distracted by what’s happening. Let’s stay focused, all of us,” he told the men in barracks. “Is it my job to debate over useless issues? No. My job is to make the Philippines prosperous. On your part, you have your mission.” But Mr. Marcos’ intervention had its unintended consequences. To begin with, it only reinforced perceptions of him as a “weak leader,” who is excessively conflict-avoidant. It’s always good to sue for peace, but from a position of confidence and credibility! It also does not reinforce his claim to respecting the “separation of powers” and the autonomy of the legislature. An “opinion” from the President, who controls the purse, is never taken lightly by Congress. Moreover, the President may have inadvertently undermined the momentum behind and overall authority of the quad comm hearings. As former senator Leila de Lima correctly pointed out, this is not about threats to Malacañang alone, which would have elicited decisive response in any self-respecting democracy, but also alleged “plunder of confidential funds.” By all indications, it seems that the President may prefer a “slow-burn” strategy, whereby he systematically isolates and marginalizes the Dutertes, who are already in a meltdown mode, until the notorious dynasty is rendered politically impotent. But what is the assurance that the momentum will not shift back in Dutertes’ favor as Marcos enters his twilight years in office? The other option would be a “snowball effect” strategy, whereby the Dutertes are confronted with multiple cases—both criminal charges and impeachment proceedings—simultaneously until sufficient political capital is built up for a deus ex machina. With the elections fast approaching, however, this strategy could also backfire by allowing the Dutertes to portray themselves as victims of political persecution. There is, however, a final option. As former senior associate justice Antonio Carpio recently told me, the International Criminal Court (ICC) can have an “accelerator effect” if it manages to secure Mr. Marcos’ cooperation for the issuance of warrants of arrest for perpetrators of mass atrocities under the Duterte administration. The ICC may end up as “the” key that unlocks the whole puzzle of holding the Dutertes accountable for their swashbuckling and anti-constitutional populism. Mr. Marcos should stop dilly-dallying. The moment of truth is fast approaching. ————– Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . [email protected]How major US stock indexes fared Monday, 12/2/2024A range of independent TDs are contemplating the prospect of entering Ireland’s next coalition government as Fianna Fail and Fine Gael consider ways to secure a solid majority. Three long days of counting in the General Election finished late on Monday night when the final two seats were declared in the constituency of Cavan-Monaghan. Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the election, securing 48 of the Dail parliament’s 174 seats. Sinn Fein took 39 and Fine Gael 38. Labour and the Social Democrats both won 11 seats; People Before Profit-Solidarity took three; Aontu secured two; and the Green Party retained only one of its 12 seats. Independents and others accounted for 21 seats. The return of a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael-led coalition is now highly likely. However, their combined seat total of 86 leaves them just short of the 88 needed for a majority in the Dail. While the two centrist parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century could look to strike a deal with one of the Dail’s smaller centre-left parties, such as the Social Democrats or Labour, a more straightforward route to a majority could be achieved by securing the support of several independent TDs. For Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and current taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, wooing like-minded independents would be likely to involve fewer policy concessions, and financial commitments, than would be required to convince another party to join the government benches. Longford-Westmeath independent TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, who served in a Fine Gael-led minority government between 2017 and 2020, expressed his willingness to listen to offers to join the new coalition in Dublin. “Look, my door’s open,” he told RTE. “Someone knocks, I’m always there to open it.” Marian Harkin, an independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim, expressed her desire to participate in government as she noted that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were within “shouting distance” of an overall majority. “That means they will be looking for support, and I certainly will be one of those people who will be speaking to them and talking to them and negotiating with them, and I’m looking forward to doing that, because that was the reason that I ran in the first place,” she said. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party both appear cautious about the prospect of an alliance with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. They will no doubt be mindful of the experience of the Green Party, the junior partner in the last mandate. The Greens experienced near wipeout in the election, retaining only one of their 12 seats. Sinn Fein appears to currently have no realistic route to government, given Fianna Fail and Fine Gael’s ongoing refusal to share power with the party. Despite the odds being stacked against her party, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald contacted the leaders of the Social Democrats and Labour on Monday to discuss options. Earlier, Fianna Fail deputy leader and outgoing Finance Minister Jack Chambers predicted that a new coalition government would not be in place before Christmas. Mr Chambers said planned talks about forming an administration required “time and space” to ensure that any new government will be “coherent and stable”. After an inconclusive outcome to the 2020 election, it took five months for Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens to strike the last coalition deal. Mr Chambers said he did not believe it would take that long this time, as he noted the Covid-19 pandemic was a factor in 2020, but he also made clear it would not be a swift process. He said he agreed with analysis that there was no prospect of a deal before Christmas. “I don’t expect a government to be formed in mid-December, when the Dail is due to meet on December 18, probably a Ceann Comhairle (speaker) can be elected, and there’ll have to be time and space taken to make sure we can form a coherent, stable government,” he told RTE. “I don’t think it should take five months like it did the last time – Covid obviously complicated that. But I think all political parties need to take the time to see what’s possible and try and form a stable government for the Irish people.” Fine Gael minister of state Peter Burke said members of his parliamentary party would have to meet to consider their options before giving Mr Harris a mandate to negotiate a new programme for government with Fianna Fail. “It’s important that we have a strong, stable, viable government, whatever form that may be, to ensure that we can meet the challenges of our society, meet the challenges in terms of the economic changes that are potentially going to happen,” he told RTE. Despite being set to emerge with the most seats, it has not been all good news for Fianna Fail. The party’s outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly became one of the biggest casualties of the election when he lost his seat in Wicklow in the early hours of Monday morning. Mr Donnelly was always predicted to face a fight in the constituency after boundary changes saw it reduced from five to four seats. If it is to be a reprise of the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael governing partnership of the last mandate, one of the major questions is around the position of taoiseach and whether the parties will once again take turns to hold the Irish premiership during the lifetime of the new government. The outcome in 2020 saw the parties enter a coalition on the basis that the holder of the premier position would be exchanged midway through the term. Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin took the role for the first half of the mandate, with Leo Varadkar taking over in December 2022. Current Fine Gael leader Mr Harris succeeded Mr Varadkar as taoiseach when he resigned from the role earlier this year. However, this time Fianna Fail has significantly increased its seat lead over Fine Gael, compared with the last election when there were only three seats between the parties. The size of the disparity in party numbers is likely to draw focus on the rotating taoiseach arrangement, raising questions as to whether it will be re-run in the next coalition and, if it is, on what terms. On Sunday, Simon Coveney, a former deputy leader of Fine Gael, said a coalition that did not repeat the rotating taoiseach arrangement in some fashion would be a “difficult proposition” for his party. Meanwhile, Fine Gael minister Paschal Donohoe said he would be making the case for Mr Harris to have another opportunity to serve as taoiseach. On Monday, Mr Chambers said while his party would expect to lead the government it would approach the issue of rotating the taoiseach’s role on the basis of “mutual respect” with Fine Gael. “I think the context of discussions and negotiations will be driven by mutual respect, and that’s the glue that will drive a programme for government and that’s the context in which we’ll engage,” he said. On Monday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik reiterated her party’s determination to forge an alliance with fellow centre-left parties with the intention of having a unified approach to the prospect of entering government. Asked if Labour was prepared to go into government with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on its own, she told RTE: “No, not at this stage. We are absolutely not willing to do that. “We want to ensure there’s the largest number of TDs who share our vision and our values who want to deliver change on the same basis that we do.” The Social Democrats have been non-committal about any potential arrangement with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, and have restated a series of red lines they would need to achieve before considering taking a place in government. Leader Holly Cairns, who gave birth to a daughter on polling day on Friday, said in a statement: “The party is in a very strong position to play an important role in the next Dail. In what position, government or opposition, remains to be seen.” Fianna Fail secured the most first preference votes in Friday’s proportional representation election, taking 21.9% to Fine Gael’s 20.8%. Sinn Fein came in third on 19%. While Sinn Fein’s vote share represented a marked improvement on its disappointing showing in June’s local elections in Ireland, it is still significantly down on the 24.5% poll-topping share it secured in the 2020 general election. The final breakdown of first preferences also flipped the result of Friday night’s exit poll, which suggested Sinn Fein was in front on 21.1%, with Fine Gael on 21% and Fianna Fail on 19.5%.
Tech slump slays Santa rally, weak yen lifts Japan stocks higherTweet Facebook Mail England's prestigious Oxford University has found its word of the year for 2024 - and it is, aptly enough, "brain rot". The word was chosen from a shortlist of six, which also included "demure", "dynamic pricing", "lore", "romantasy", and "slop". More than 37,000 people voted across a two-week period. READ MORE: 'Lost my eyesight': Music megastar's shock update "Brain rot" refers to the over-consumption of online content, especially on social media. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The university defined "brain rot" as "the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterised as likely to lead to such deterioration". The university found that the first recorded use of "brain rot" was in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau's book Walden , in which the author discusses his experience of a stripped-back life among nature. "While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot – which prevails so much more widely and fatally?" Walden wrote. READ MORE: In the biggest UN court case ever, the stakes 'could not be higher' Henry David Thoreau is believed to have coined the term. (Getty) The term in the digital age has come to widely signify the impact of consuming huge quantities of online content, particularly on social media. Oxford University found the use of the term increased 230 per cent between 2023 and 2024. "Looking back at the Oxford Word of the Year over the past two decades, you can see society's growing preoccupation with how our virtual lives are evolving, the way internet culture is permeating so much of who we are and what we talk about," president of Oxford languages Casper Grathwohl said. "Last year's winning word, 'rizz', was an interesting example of how language is increasingly formed, shaped, and shared within online communities." READ MORE: Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter How this seven-year-old boy earned $34 million for one year View Gallery The increased usage of "brain rot" also began online, particularly among Generation Z and Generation Alpha users on social media such as TikTok. "'Brain rot' speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time," Grathwohl said. "It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. "It's not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year." Grathwohl also said he was "fascinated" the term had been adopted by younger internet users, given their online communities are the main creators of the content to which "brain rot" refers. "It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of social media that they've inherited," he said. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .
Red Wings’ McLellan loud and in charge: Play (bleeping) hockey!President-elect Donald Trump's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app's impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while," Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump's unpredictable nature. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok's American users. Even with Trump's decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect's desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump's influence over Republicans. The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation's highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court's unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law's national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok's US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren't detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a "deal of the century" satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance's interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing's approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump's upcoming term. This isn't the first attempt to resolve TikTok's US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal's completion. arp/mlm
Palawan bishops launch petition for mining ban on island
NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid a mixed Monday of trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% from its all-time high set on Friday to post a record for the 54th time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 128 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared 28.7% to lead the market. Following allegations of misconduct and the resignation of its public auditor , the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board. It also said that it doesn’t expect to restate its past financials and that it will find a new chief financial officer, appoint a general counsel and make other moves to strengthen its governance. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 3.2% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 0.5% after the chip company said CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired and stepped down from the board. Intel is looking for Gelsinger’s replacement, and its chair said it’s “committed to restoring investor confidence.” Intel recently lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to Nvidia, which has skyrocketed in Wall Street’s frenzy around AI. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the announcement of its CEO’s departure . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world’s fourth-largest automaker’s stock fell 6.3% in Milan. The majority of stocks in the S&P 500 likewise fell, including California utility PG&E. It dropped 5% after saying it would sell $2.4 billion of stock and preferred shares to raise cash. Retailers were mixed amid what’s expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record and coming off Black Friday . Target, which recently gave a forecast for the holiday season that left investors discouraged , fell 1.2%. Walmart , which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.2%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.4%. All told, the S&P 500 added 14.77 points to 6,047.15. The Dow fell 128.65 to 44,782.00, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 185.78 to 19,403.95. The stock market largely took Donald Trump’s latest threat on tariffs in stride. The president-elect on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a group of developing economies if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. Trump said he wants the group, headlined by Brazil, Russia, India and China, to promise it won’t create a new currency or otherwise try to undercut the U.S. dollar. The dollar has long been the currency of choice for global trade. Speculation has also been around a long time that other currencies could knock it off its mantle, but no contender has come close. The U.S. dollar’s value rose Monday against several other currencies, but one of its strongest moves likely had less to do with the tariff threats. The euro fell amid a political battle in Paris over the French government’s budget . The euro sank 0.7% against the U.S. dollar and broke below $1.05. In the bond market, Treasury yields gave up early gains to hold relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed above 4.23% during the morning before falling back to 4.19%. That was just above its level of 4.18% late Friday. A report in the morning showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted again last month, but not by as much as economists expected. This upcoming week will bring several big updates on the job market, including the October job openings report, weekly unemployment benefits data and the all-important November jobs report. They could steer the next moves for Federal Reserve, which recently began pulling interest rates lower to give support to the economy. Economists expect Friday’s headliner report to show U.S. employers accelerated their hiring in November, coming off October’s lackluster growth that was hampered by damaging hurricanes and strikes. “We now find ourselves in the middle of this Goldilocks zone, where economic health supports earnings growth while remaining weak enough to justify potential Fed rate cuts,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. In financial markets abroad, Chinese stocks led gains worldwide as monthly surveys showed improving conditions for manufacturing, partly driven by a surge in orders ahead of Trump’s inauguration next month. Both official and private sector surveys of factory managers showed strong new orders and export orders, possibly partly linked to efforts by importers in the U.S. to beat potential tariff hikes by Trump once he takes office. Indexes rose 0.7% in Hong Kong and 1.1% in Shanghai. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.Reiterates Commitment to Investing in America to Lower Grocery Prices, Raise Associate Wages, and Support Local Communities Highlights Resilience of Value Creation Model and Strong Momentum to Drive Long-term, Sustainable Growth Board of Directors Authorizes $7.5B Share Repurchase Program including $5B Accelerated Share Repurchase CINCINNATI , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today terminated its merger agreement with Albertsons after the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a preliminary injunction to block the proposed merger. After reviewing options, the company determined it is no longer in its best interests to pursue the merger. "Kroger is moving forward from a position of strength. Our go-to-market strategy provides exceptional value and unique omnichannel experiences to our customers which powers our value creation model. We look forward to accelerating our flywheel to grow our alternative profit businesses and generate increased cash flows. The strength of our balance sheet and sustainability of our model allows us to pursue a variety of growth opportunities, including further investment in our store network through new stores and remodels, which will be an important part of our 8 – 11% TSR model over time," said Rodney McMullen , Kroger's Chairman and CEO. America's Grocer is Committed to Lowering Grocery Prices & Investing in Associates "Kroger has an extraordinary track record of investing in America," said McMullen. "We are at our best when we serve others – our customers, associates, and communities – and we take seriously our responsibility to provide great value by consistently lowering prices and offering more choices. When we do this, more customers shop with us and buy more groceries, which allows us to reinvest in even lower prices, a better shopping experience and higher wages. We know this model works because we've been doing it successfully for many years, and this is exactly what we will continue to do." Kroger's ongoing investments in America include: "I appreciate our associates who remained focused on taking care of our customers, communities and each other throughout the merger process," added McMullen. Share Repurchase Program Including Accelerated Share Repurchases Now that Kroger has terminated the merger agreement, the company is ready to deploy its capacity. With its strengthened balance sheet, Kroger will resume share repurchases after a more than two-year pause. Since announcing the merger, Kroger used its strong free cash flow and debt financing to build meaningful balance sheet capacity while maintaining its investment-grade rating. Kroger's Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $7.5 billion of common stock. The new repurchase authorization replaces Kroger's existing $1 billion authorization which was approved in September 2022 . Kroger intends to enter an accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") agreement for the repurchase of approximately $5 billion of common stock. "Our strong balance sheet and free cash flows position us to deliver on our commitment to grow the business and return capital to shareholders, maintaining capacity to invest in lower prices and higher associate wages," McMullen said. Kroger expects to continue to generate strong free cash flow and remains committed to its capital allocation priorities including maintaining its current investment grade debt rating, investing in the business to drive long-term sustainable net earnings growth, and returning excess free cash flow to shareholders via share repurchases and a growing dividend over time, subject to board approval. Looking forward, Kroger plans to host an Investor Day event in late spring of 2025 to share an update on its strategic priorities, future growth prospects and long-term financial outlook. Merger Debt Redemption In connection with the termination of the merger agreement, Kroger will begin the process of redeeming the $4.7 billion of its senior notes issued on August 27, 2024 , that include a special mandatory redemption provision in accordance with their terms. The notes will be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the special mandatory redemption date. Termination of Exchange Offers In connection with the termination of the merger agreement, Kroger has also elected to terminate its previously announced offers to exchange (collectively, the "Exchange Offers") any and all outstanding notes (the "ACI Notes") issued by Albertsons Companies, Inc., New Albertsons, L.P., Safeway Inc., Albertson's LLC, Albertsons Safeway LLC and American Stores Company, LLC (collectively, the "ACI Issuing Entities"), for up to $7,441,608,000 aggregate principal amount of new notes to be issued by Kroger and cash. Kroger has also elected to terminate the related solicitation of consents (the "Consent Solicitation" and, together with the Exchange Offer, the "Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation") on behalf of the ACI Issuing Entities to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the ACI Notes (the "ACI Indentures"). As a result of the Exchange Offer being terminated, the total consideration, including any consent fee, will not be paid or become payable to holders of the ACI Notes who have validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their ACI Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offer, and the ACI Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering holders. As a result of the Consent Solicitation being terminated, the proposed amendments to the ACI Indentures and the supplemental indentures previously entered into reflecting such proposed amendments will not become operative. About the Exchange Offers Global Bondholder Services Corporation served as exchange agent and information agent for the now terminated Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. You should direct questions and requests for assistance to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (855) 654-2015 (toll-free) or (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers), or by email at contact@gbsc-usa.com . About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are, across our family of companies nearly 414,000 associates who serve over eleven million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names , serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" about Kroger's financial position and the future performance of the company. These statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "achieve," "committed," "confidence," "continue," "deliver," "expect," "future," "guidance," "model," "outlook," "strategy," "target," "trends," "well-positioned," and variations of such words and similar phrases. Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as the following: Kroger's ability to achieve sales, earnings, incremental FIFO operating profit, and adjusted free cash flow goals may be affected by: the termination of the merger agreement and our proposed transaction with Albertsons and related divestiture plan; labor negotiations; potential work stoppages; changes in the unemployment rate; pressures in the labor market; changes in government-funded benefit programs; changes in the types and numbers of businesses that compete with Kroger; pricing and promotional activities of existing and new competitors, and the aggressiveness of that competition; Kroger's response to these actions; the state of the economy, including interest rates, the inflationary, disinflationary and/or deflationary trends and such trends in certain commodities, products and/or operating costs; the geopolitical environment including wars and conflicts; unstable political situations and social unrest; changes in tariffs; the effect that fuel costs have on consumer spending; volatility of fuel margins; manufacturing commodity costs; supply constraints; diesel fuel costs related to Kroger's logistics operations; trends in consumer spending; the extent to which Kroger's customers exercise caution in their purchasing in response to economic conditions; the uncertainty of economic growth or recession; stock repurchases; changes in the regulatory environment in which Kroger operates, along with changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies; Kroger's ability to retain pharmacy sales from third party payors; consolidation in the healthcare industry, including pharmacy benefit managers; Kroger's ability to negotiate modifications to multi-employer pension plans; natural disasters or adverse weather conditions; the effect of public health crises or other significant catastrophic events; the potential costs and risks associated with potential cyber-attacks or data security breaches; the success of Kroger's future growth plans; the ability to execute our growth strategy and value creation model, including continued cost savings, growth of our alternative profit businesses, and our ability to better serve our customers and to generate customer loyalty and sustainable growth through our strategic pillars of fresh, our brands, personalization, and seamless; the successful integration of merged companies and new strategic collaborations; and the risks relating to or arising from our proposed nationwide opioid litigation settlement, including our ability to finalize and effectuate the settlement, the scope and coverage of the ultimate settlement and the expected financial or other impacts that could result from the settlement. Our ability to achieve these goals may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above. Our ability to execute our financial strategy may be affected by our ability to generate cash flow. Kroger assumes no obligation to update the information contained herein unless required by applicable law. Please refer to Kroger's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-reiterates-its-commitment-to-lower-prices-and-initiates-new-7-5b-share-buyback-program-302329493.html SOURCE The Kroger Co.
India’s former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh remains a remarkable figure in the nation's history. Despite enduring relentless criticism from the Left, he will be celebrated by history as the visionary economist who steered India away from economic collapse in 1991 and paved its path to global prominence. New Delhi: There is an irony in the way history treats its architects. The unassuming figures, often ridiculed or ignored in their time, are the ones who quietly lay the foundations of transformative change. Dr Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister, stands as a towering example. While his critics from the Left took relentless potshots at him, history will undoubtedly recognise him as the economic architect who saved India from the brink of economic collapse in 1991 and charted its course toward global prominence. The disdain Dr Singh faced from the Left is no secret. Their deep suspicion of liberal economic policies made him an easy target. For them, Dr Singh epitomised everything they opposed — a reformist who embraced market liberalisation, advocated for reduced state intervention, and empowered the private sector. But their antagonism went beyond economic reforms. Their fierce opposition to the India-US nuclear deal during Dr Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister revealed the depths of their ideological rigidity and unwillingness to adapt to a changing world order. The crisis that defined a leader The early 1990s marked one of the darkest periods in India’s economic history. With foreign reserves depleting to perilous levels and the nation teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, India’s economy was in free fall. The Nehruvian socialist model of centralised planning and heavy state control, which the Left continued to champion, had led to stagnation and inefficiency. India needed a lifeline, and that lifeline came in the form of reforms spearheaded by Dr Singh, then Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao. Dr Singh’s economic reforms — summarised as liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation — were a bold departure from decades of economic orthodoxy. The Indian economy was opened to foreign investments, import restrictions were eased, and monopolistic state control over critical sectors was dismantled. The Left branded these measures as “a betrayal of India’s socialist ideals,” ignoring the harsh reality that without these reforms, India would have descended deeper into poverty and economic irrelevance. Their failure to propose credible alternatives exposed the hollowness of their rhetoric. India-US nuclear deal The Left’s contradictions were further highlighted during Dr Singh’s second term as Prime Minister. Their vehement opposition to the India-US nuclear deal was not just short-sighted but also detrimental to India’s long-term strategic interests. The deal, which ended India’s decades-long nuclear isolation, was a diplomatic masterstroke. It ensured India access to critical nuclear technology and fuel, boosting energy security and strengthening its global standing. But the Left saw it as an “infringement on India’s sovereignty”, framing it as a “capitulation to US interests”. Their obstructionist stance brought the government to the brink of collapse in 2008, with the Left withdrawing support in protest. Yet, Dr Singh’s resolve remained unshaken. He famously stated, “I would rather risk my government than my country’s future.” This bold stance not only secured the deal but also demonstrated his commitment to India’s strategic autonomy. A legacy of humility and vision Under Dr Manmohan Singh’s leadership, India’s economy witnessed unprecedented growth, even weathering the global financial crisis of 2008 with resilience. Landmark initiatives such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act showcased his commitment to inclusive development. The Left may continue to criticise Dr Singh, but history has already rendered its verdict. Whether it was his transformative economic reforms or his determined pursuit of the nuclear deal, Dr Singh’s actions were guided by a vision for a stronger, self-reliant India. Today, as we reflect on his contributions, it is clear that India owes Dr Manmohan Singh a debt of gratitude. His legacy is a testament to the power of pragmatic leadership and the courage to make tough, unpopular decisions for the greater good. (Saswat Panigrahi is a senior multimedia journalist.) Click for more latest India news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Saswat Panigrahi is a Senior multi-media journalist drawing on two-decade of experience, of which he has served 12 years working in leadership role and devising content strategy. His experience ranges from reporting and analysing on politics and public policy to heading news room, from building the digital arm of a business news channel to spearheading a regional news channel. Latest NewsCarMax, Inc. ( NYSE:KMX – Get Free Report ) CEO William D. Nash sold 120,513 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.24, for a total transaction of $10,031,502.12. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 181,683 shares in the company, valued at $15,123,292.92. This trade represents a 39.88 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . CarMax Price Performance Shares of KMX stock opened at $83.77 on Friday. CarMax, Inc. has a 1-year low of $65.83 and a 1-year high of $91.25. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $80.03 and its 200 day moving average is $78.14. The company has a market cap of $12.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.49, a PEG ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 1.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.93, a current ratio of 2.25 and a quick ratio of 0.68. CarMax ( NYSE:KMX – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 19th. The company reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.19. CarMax had a return on equity of 6.83% and a net margin of 1.61%. The company had revenue of $6.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.05 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.52 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that CarMax, Inc. will post 3.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On CarMax Analyst Ratings Changes KMX has been the subject of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com raised shares of CarMax from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Friday, December 20th. Stephens started coverage on shares of CarMax in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $86.00 price target for the company. Truist Financial upped their target price on CarMax from $72.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, December 20th. Oppenheimer reissued an “outperform” rating and set a $105.00 price target on shares of CarMax in a research report on Friday, October 4th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised CarMax to a “strong sell” rating in a research report on Friday, September 27th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $85.17. View Our Latest Stock Report on CarMax CarMax Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) CarMax, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles and related products in the United States. It operates in two segments: CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. The CarMax Sales Operations segment offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; used vehicle auctions; extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale; and reconditioning and vehicle repair services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for CarMax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CarMax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Some Democrats are frustrated over Joe Biden reversing course and pardoning his son HunterFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Roselyn Baker is not a firefighter anymore. That part of her life came to a screeching halt when she reported a complaint to her boss, the Monroe Rural Protection Fire District's chief, and was fired the same day, two hours later. Following her termination, nearly half of Monroe’s firefighters resigned . It’s been almost a year, and in that time, the district has racked up more than $8,000 in legal fees and paid Baker a $125,000 settlement after she filed a tort claim, alleging retaliation, wrongful termination and other misdeeds. The Fire District conducted an investigation , but the results were not released, with officials citing attorney-client privilege. People are also reading... Albany school support staff call for schools to close Jan. 6 As I See It: Why I really resigned from the Corvallis Planning Commission Unsafe left turn on Highway 20 in Linn County leads to fatal crash Two Albany residents killed in Linn County crash Samaritan Health Services CEO resigns Group wants to make Corvallis downtown more sophisticated Group wants to make Corvallis downtown more sophisticated Albany shelter faces federal lawsuit as whistleblower faces homelessness Family of hit-and-run victim seeks closure, clues that will lead to driver As I See It: The people of Benton County deserve leadership that promotes dialogue Christmas Eve hit-and-run causes domino effect in Albany Has a hard nonconference schedule prepared the Oregon State women's basketball team for the WCC? Corvallis high schoolers: We don't trust district to handle bias reports Albany man indicted in attempted murder case Oregon State celebrates Murphy's arrival while Washington State loses coach, quarterback The decision to close the investigation to the public was one made by the district's board of directors, according to Chief Chris Barnes. In the aftermath of the controversy, the district has updated its employee handbook and incorporated “relevant training” to prevent future incidents, Barnes said, adding staffing levels have returned normal. But for Baker, the actions signal a lack of accountability. “They sacrificed the integrity of the department to keep the people at the top,” she said. Earlier this year, several volunteer firefighters resigned from the Monroe Rural Fire Protection District following the termination of a staff firefighter after she had issued a complaint to Chief Barnes. The genesis of the complaint traces back to the January winter storm that blanketed the mid-Willamette Valley with a layer of ice . Barnes and Baker, who was an acting-in-capacity lieutenant, responded to a call at a Benton County home, according to a letter she wrote to Barnes. During the Jan. 16 incident, Baker put her portable radio on the back of her pants, attached to her duty belt and bent down to evaluate a patient. Wanting to call more medics to the scene, Barnes approached Baker from behind and grabbed her radio, yanking it several times before freeing it from her belt, the letter, dated Jan. 22, said. “The action of approaching me from behind and removing the radio from my belt made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I am more than capable of removing the portable radio from my belt in a timely manner if you are unable to find yours,” the letter says. Baker specifically asked Barnes not to touch her or her belt unless her life is under immediate threat or if she has given explicit permission. Within two hours of delivering her written complaint to Barnes, she was fired, according to the tort claim, filed two weeks later on Jan. 30. Tort claims against governmental agencies are often precursors to lawsuits. Copies of both the dated letter Baker brought to Barnes and her last check are included in the tort claim. After learning of the termination — one of only three paid positions at the district — five volunteer firefighters resigned and signed a letter sent to the board of directors, indicating they had no confidence in Chief Barnes' leadership. Resigned volunteer firefighters indicated they would return if an investigation were launched and Barnes were placed on administrative leave. They got half of what they wanted: An investigation was conducted, but Barnes was not placed on administrative leave. Shortly after the board's vote to conduct an investigation, the only remaining paid staff firefighter also resigned because of Baker’s termination. With the changes in staffing, some resigned firefighters expressed concerns about the district's ability to get to calls fast enough. However, Barnes maintained in an email that no call times were affected. Today, staffing is normal. Four paid positions, two part-time and two full-time, are filled, he said. Volunteers total 16, with two recruits finishing up at the academy, he added. The tort claim filed with the district describes battery, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, whistleblowing retaliation and wrongful termination at the hands of the fire chief. In response, Monroe Rural Fire Protection District has paid over $8,300 in attorney fees from January to July, according to invoices from Local Government Law Group obtained in a public records request. The first charge appears Jan. 23, a day after Baker’s termination. Barnes declined to comment about the settlement Baker received, but Baker said she accepted a $125,000 settlement in August. Before that, she was asked to come back to her position. Mid-Valley Media obtained the letter that was addressed to her lawyer. “After careful consideration, the district is willing to allow Ms. Baker to return to work immediately, in her same position without any loss of pay or benefits,” the Feb. 15 letter penned by Spencer Rockwell of Special Districts Insurance Services reads. “I have been asked by the district to assist them in this matter,” the letter says. At the time, the investigation was not yet complete looking into the allegations Baker made, the letter acknowledges. In February, the board of directors voted to investigate the allegations against Barnes. Mid-Valley Media attempted to obtain the records from Monroe Rural Protection Fire District, but the request was denied, based on an Oregon state law that exempts documents produced under attorney-client privilege. “The investigation was completed by a third-party and at the control and direction of the District’s legal counsel. The investigator issued a report to legal counsel. The report is an attorney-client privileged document, unconditionally exempt from disclosure, and not subject to an analysis of the public interest,” Mark Wolf of Local Government Law Group wrote in a letter to the Benton County District Attorney, to whom Mid-Valley Media appealed after its public records request was denied. When asked why the records were not released, Barnes said the decision to conduct the investigation the way it did was made by the board of directors. He couldn't speak to it. When asked what he thinks the public should know about the investigation, he gave the following reply by email: “That the board of directors fulfilled their obligation as elected officials, by investigating the matter and based on the findings of those results, made decisions that best suited the district and the public,” he said. When asked if any new trainings or changes were put in place to prevent future incidents, Barnes replied: “The board has adopted a revised and current employee handbook in collaboration with HR Answers, a Special District Association of Oregon affiliate. MRFPD has instituted additional training in relevant topics.” Inside a Corvallis coffee shop, Baker’s hands clasped over a to-go paper cup. She doesn't socialize much in Monroe anymore, she said. She doesn’t eat out at restaurants or even do much shopping there because she doesn’t want to run into anyone from the fire department. Monroe, a town of 763 according to the 2023 U.S. Census, is a place where people don’t ask very many questions, she said. She thought residents might come to the public meetings to see why firefighters were resigning. But they didn’t. On social media, some residents shared that they thought Baker was complaining because she got fired, she said. No one seemed to ask questions there either. “Some people had their minds set. People in Monroe don’t ask questions unless it benefits them or their agenda,” she said. Some of her interactions in the small town felt outright hostile. A former member of the Fire District called a local TV news station to show up to Baker's doorstep, without any warning. She knows who it was because she asked the newscaster who sent her the news tip, she said. “It felt like a direct attempt to humiliate me by invading my privacy,” she said. It’s been almost a year since the day Baker was terminated, but the details are still fresh in her mind. Baker purposely went to deliver her complaint with two other firefighters, who stood in earshot, she said. The chief had a track record of being defensive, and she didn’t want to be alone when she brought in the note. She remembers joking with her coworkers that she was going to get fired for raising a complaint, she said. Then she was. “I just wanted to keep my head down and do my job and maybe ask someone not to touch me, you know, that's it. That's it. I wasn’t even asking for him to get written up,” she said. When five volunteer firefighters resigned, saying they would return if Barnes was put on administrative leave, Baker thought that the board might grant their request. But they didn’t. Being a firefighter is a difficult job; you have to put faith and trust in your team, she said. You are being asked to put in time and effort and may even be risking fellow firefighters' lives at times. Instead, she felt like firefighters, including herself, were treated like they were disposable. “If you want people to actually care about the job they're doing and put in that time and effort, you take pride in it. You have to treat them right. You have to protect your employees,” she said. Watching it all unfold, Baker is now left with a feeling that is difficult to describe. “I feel like I got betrayed,” she said. It almost sounds too dramatic, she said, but it’s the only word that can really describe the heavy emotion, she said. Before events unfolded, she looks back at her time at Monroe Fire as rewarding. She wouldn’t go back and change that just because of what happened in the end, Baker said. At the same time, if she had a daughter, she wouldn’t want her to be a firefighter directly because of her experience, she said. Looking for a fresh start, Baker enrolled in dental hygienist school. She hasn’t tried to apply to any firefighting jobs since. It feels like something she has in her “back pocket,” but for now the feelings are too fresh, and frankly she has become disillusioned. “There was no integrity, no accountability, she said, “ I lost faith in the system, and I didn’t want to risk it again.” Related stories: Why nearly half of Monroe's volunteer firefighters resigned Shayla Escudero Allegations against Monroe fire chief to be investigated Shayla Escudero Another Monroe firefighter resigns amid allegations against chief Shayla Escudero Shayla Escudero graduated University of Southern California with a Master of Science in Journalism. She covers Albany city hall and Linn County. She is passionate about telling people forward stories and shining a light on injustices. She can be reached at Shayla.Escudero@lee.net Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Reporter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.African Union Sports Council’s (AUSC) regional organising committee chairperson, Stanley Mutoya, on Tuesday declared the country capable of hosting the eleventh edition of the Re ... If you are an active subscriber and the article is not showing, please log out and back in. Free access to articles from 12:00.
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NEW YORK — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jess Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower. At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” ___ Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly?
BASEBALL Major League Baseball American League BOSTON RED SOX — Agreed to terms with RHP Walker Buehler on a one-year contract. BASKETBALL National Basketball Association NBA — Suspended Dallas F Naji Marshall four games without pay and Phoenix C Jusuf Nurkić three games without pay for their involvement in an on-court altercation in a Dec. 27 game. FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS — Elevated RB Michael Carter and S Andre Chachere to the active roster. ATLANTA FALCONS — Elevated CB Lamar Jackson and OL Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to the active roster. Placed CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. on injured reserve. Signed ILB Josh Woods to the active roster. CAROLINA PANTHERS — Placed RB Chuba Hubbard on injured reserve. GREEN BAY PACKERS — Elevated S Omar Brown from the practice squad. MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Activated LB Ivan Pace Jr. from injured reserve. Waived LB Jamin Davis. TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed G Arlington Hambright, LB Raekwon McMillan and K Matthew Wright from the practice squad. Waived CB Tre Avery and Gabe Jeudy-Lally. Elevated OL Chandler Brewer and S Gervarrius Owens from the practice squad. HOCKEY National Hockey League ANAHEIM DUCKS — Recalled G Calle Clang from San Diego (AHL). BOSTON BRUINS — Recalled F Fabian Lysell from Providence (AHL). CAROLINA HURRICANES — Recalled D Ty Smith from Chicago (AHL). DALLAS STARS — Recalled F Justin Hryckowian from Texas (AHL). FLORIDA PANTHERS — Returned F Rasmus Asplund to Charlotte (AHL). LOS ANGELES KINGS — Placed F Trevor Moore on injured reserve. MONTREAL CANADIENS — Placed G Caydne Primeau on waivers. NASHVILLE PREDATORS — Recalled F Vinnie Hinostroza from Milwaukee (AHL). Acquired F Ondrej Pavel and a 2027 third-round pick from Colorado in exchange for F Juuso Parssinen and a 2026 seventh-round pick. OTTAWA SENATORS — Placed F David Perron and G Anton Forsberg on injured reserve. Recalled D Nikolas Matinpalo from Belleville (AHL). WINNIPEG JETS — Placed F Daniel Torgersson on waivers. COLLEGE UCONN — Signed football head coach Jim Mora to a two-year contract extension.