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jili fortune gems Sha'Carri Richardson stuns fans in new photoPESHAWAR/KURRAM: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has been making frantic efforts for a ceasefire between warring tribes in Kurram district and decided to constitute a high-powered commission to settle land disputes as tribal-sectarian clashes continued with the killing of 37 people in firing since overnight, including 18 on Saturday. The provincial government intensified its efforts with a jirga meeting held to restore peace in Kurram district and end the tribal-sectarian clashes erupted following Thursday’s deadly attack, when a convoy of around 200 vehicles came under heavy gunfire in Kurram’s densely populated Bagan town, killing at least 43 people and injuring 16 others. The convoy was carrying passengers between Peshawar and Parachinar city, which is in Kurram, a district near the Afghanistan border with a history of sectarian violence and land disputes. “The death toll is still rising” an official tasked with collecting details of the carnage told The Khorasan Diary, evidence shared with TKD from the area shows at least six bodies of the attackers and some charred bodies of those that were attacked. Officials and state functionaries could not reach the area due to heightened tensions, but one official who managed to bring out some injured before the firing begun again this morning had captured some visuals from the area which showed an entire village market, homes and government buildings gutted by fire as a response to the attack on passenger vans resulting in 47 deaths including women and children. There were reports of 6 women taken as captives but due to limited connectivity information and communication was scant to ascertain more. According to the security personnel, communication from elders of both sects suggested that a message had been sent across for further intensified attacks. Currently there was intermittent firing from at least three points in the district, while the Thall-Sada-Parachinar Highway has remained closed from Kohat district, as officials struggle to reinforce a volatile peace. The KP government on Saturday sent a high-level delegation to Kurram to improve the security situation in the area, comprising KP Law Minister Aftab Alam, KP Chief Secretary (CS) Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, the Kohat Division commissioner and deputy inspector general of police, and other high-level officials. The delegation was tasked with taking measures to improve the security situation and also make efforts to utilise the local jirga for the purpose. The KP Law Minister said that recommendations would be forwarded to the chief minister, adding that all departments were making tireless efforts to improve the law and order situation in Kurram. Alam, who led the efforts to peace restoration, told the media that the KP government has decided to form a high-powered commission to settle land disputes among the warring tribes in Kurram. He said a government delegation held a meeting with and spoke to various stakeholders in Kurram, saying that the biggest issue in the district was land disputes. “There were very positive meetings with one stakeholder group and the government delegation was assured of cooperation. “A report will be made on all the incidents taking place in Kurram and presented to the chief minister and other senior officials,” he said. Alam said a new high-level commission would be established to resolve the Kurram disputes since all commissions and committees previously formed were not acceptable to any of the parties. “This time, the commission will be formed according to the wishes of the parties,” he said, adding that it would be acceptable to everyone. Alam said the land disputes between the various groups in Kurram were being given the colour of sectarian riots, adding that it was wrong to do so. The provincial law minister said the report on Kurram’s issues would also be presented in a meeting of the apex committee. Meanwhile, KP government spokesperson Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif said the government delegation held a jirga with district elders on KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s instructions. “Efforts are being made to resolve all issues amicably to end the tension. Detailed meetings were held with Shia leaders today, positive discussions were held to resolve the issues. Meetings will also be held with Sunni leaders in the next phase,” he said. Saif added that the government’s first priority was to establish a ceasefire between the warring sides and establish lasting peace. “The KP CM has clear instructions that all issues should be resolved through dialogue.” Sajid Hussain Turi, a former PPP MNA from Kurram and one of the meeting’s participants, told Dawn.com after the jirga that KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, CS Chaudhry and others attended the jirga meeting. He lamented that the security provided to the convoy that was attacked was less than the required amount. Turi said another round of talks was scheduled for tomorrow, with provincial government officials, military officials and others expected to attend. “The jirga came to a decision that they will discuss with the chief minister, the corps commander and the federal government,” Turi said. “It is very important to have both sides present.” He added that there was a jirga being planned in lower Kurram, but maintained that there needed to be a ceasefire for that to happen. “We have been very clear, we will not do anything without a ceasefire,” he said. “We have ceased fire from our side.” He said the KP chief secretary, Barrister Saif, Alam, KP IG and brigade commander would also attend tomorrow’s meeting. Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud said efforts were being made to re-establish peace in the area, reiterating yesterday’s statement. DC Mehsud said officials of security forces and local administration attended the meeting convened at the DC Conference Hall. “With the help of local elders, forces and the administration, peace will be established as soon as possible,” the official said. According to witnesses, the vehicles in Thursday’s attack were ambushed from four sides. Muhammad, a 14-year-old survivor, told Dawn that the assault lasted around 30 minutes. Authorities said that the victims included seven women and three children, with 16 others injured — 11 of whom are in critical condition. KP CM appeals to all parties for ceasefire Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur appealed to the warring for ceasefire, saying the provincial government has been making strenuous efforts for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Kurram conflict. According to a press release issued from the CM’s House, CM Gandapur held a virtual meeting via video link with the government delegation after the jirga and reviewed the current situation in the district while being briefed on development in the talks with elders of the area. The government delegation also presented its initial report to the chief minister. It informed the chief minister about the suggestions and demands of the Shia elders it met today, adding that a similar meeting would be held with Sunni elders on Sunday. “The provincial government is making serious efforts for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Kurram conflict. I am personally monitoring the situation in Kurram,” CM Gandapur said, adding that Thursday’s incident was “extremely regrettable and condemnable” and he shared in the grief of the affected families. “Efforts are being made to ensure that such tragic incidents do not recur. The provincial government will decide the future course of action in the light of consultation with the elders of the area. “Whatever the legitimate demands of the parties are will definitely be fulfilled. The government delegation should sit with the parties and the elders of the area and present final proposals,” he said. CM Gandapur stressed that a ceasefire in the area was indispensable to move towards resolving the conflict and urged all parties to observe one so that progress could be made towards ending current tensions. “Regional elders and elders should fully cooperate with the government delegation and local administration in this regard. Establishing peace in the region is the top priority of the provincial government at present, all available options will be utilised for this purpose. ‘Reports of ‘attack’ on KP govt’s chopper in Kurram baseless’ Earlier in the day, reports were making rounds in the media about an alleged firing attack on the helicopter carrying the government delegation in Parachinar, but KP Law Minister Aftab Alam and Advisor on Information Barrister Saif described the news was “baseless,” saying nothing of the sort happened. “The news of the firing on the helicopter is false and members of the government delegation, including me, is safe,” the provincial minister said. According to him, the provincial spokesperson reports about the firing on the helicopter were entirely baseless and a product of propaganda spread by news channels without proper authentication. Parachiner, its surroundings come to halt due to protests The businesses, educational institutions and markets remained closed across Parachinar and surrounding areas while mobile service and internet have also shut down across the Kurram district, in an effort to counter the “extremely tense” situation. The officials said a curfew had been “imposed on the main road connecting Upper and Lower Kurram”. Thousands of people participated in a sit-in in Parachinar, where protesters criticised the government’s failure to protect civilians. Hundreds also demonstrated in Lahore and Karachi. The attack was widely condemned, including by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, as well as political parties. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

St. Paul, MN, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ergodyne has collaborated with other leading safety equipment manufacturers and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) in the creation of a standard for solutions aimed at reducing injuries caused by head impacts with stationary objects. This falls under a category of personal protective equipment (PPE) known as bump caps . This voluntary industry consensus standard, designated as ISEA 100, has recently received approval from ISEA committee members and is currently undergoing a formal review process. Upon finalization, release, and adoption, this standard will provide manufacturers with a consistent guideline for classification, test procedures, and performance requirements for bump caps. It is anticipated that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) will subsequently adopt the safety standard in conjunction with ISEA, resulting in the designation ANSI/ISEA 100. There is a critical gap in workplace head protection: the risk of bumps, scrapes, and cuts from low ceilings, overhead objects, or tight spaces in settings where traditional hard hats or safety helmets are not required or even practical. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), injuries to the head account for roughly 78,000 injuries resulting in at least one day away from work every year in the private sector. (BLS reported 156,000 in the two-year period from 2021-22). Of those, a mere 7.2% occurred in construction, where hard hats are most likely being worn. Meanwhile, service workers (who may or may not be wearing hard hats) account for 22.1% of head injuries. Transportation and material moving make up another 20.6%. "And those workers (in transportation and material moving) are likely not wearing hard hats or even bump caps," says Ergodyne President and ISEA Trustee Greg Schrab. Schrab has led the effort from ISEA's Head Protection Group in developing the standard. "These two occupational sectors have more than six times the amount of head injuries than construction... so obviously the need for a safety solution is there." To date, there had not been a US standard for bump cap manufacturers to reference. ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) – American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection is the current edition of the American National Standard for hard hats and does not cover bump caps. "When a standard is referenced, it is usually (the European bump cap standard) EN812," says Schrab. "It's serviceable as a reference in the absence of a US standard, but it has its limitations." Most notably, Schrab elaborates, it doesn't address the concept of universal bump cap inserts . Bump cap inserts continue to grow in popularity as they allow wearers to fortify just about any type of headwear with lightweight, relatively unobtrusive impact protection–from baseball caps to winter beanies to wide-brimmed sun hats. ISEA 100 addresses this by adding various testing and language clarity that allows for inserts to meet the standard. ISEA 100, once published, will act as a benchmark for future bump cap development. It shares similar performance requirements with EN812 but permits more flexibility in design to accommodate the diverse needs of workers and various work scenarios. ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) is a professional association for personal protective equipment and technologies that has served as the trade association of safety manufacturers for over 90 years. Their members sponsor and draft standards that can then be adopted by organizations like ANSI. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is a nearly century-old, private, not-for-profit organization that promotes "voluntary consensus standards." The purpose of ANSI and the standards they and ISEA put forth is to set a level of quality and safety across an entire industry. Because these standards are voluntary, there is no enforcement of them. However, many are recognized as industry best practice. The release date of ISEA 100 has not been finalized. For more information on the forthcoming standard, contact support@ergodyne.com . ABOUT US Since 1983, Tenacious Holdings, Inc. (dba Ergodyne, a Klein Tools Company) has pioneered the development of products that Make The Workplace A Betterplace TM . What started with just one product has grown into a line of top flight, battle-tested, Tenacious Work Gear ® ; all precision crafted to provide protection, promote prevention and manage the elements for workers on jobsites the world over. The current lineup is extensive and constantly growing: ProFlex ® Hand Protection, ProFlex ® Knee Pads, ProFlex ® Supports, Skullerz ® Head & Face Protection, Skullerz ® Eye Protection, Trex ® Traction, KREW'D ® Skin Protection, Chill-Its ® Cooling Products, N-Ferno ® Warming Products, GloWear ® Hi-Vis Apparel, Squids ® Lanyards, Arsenal ® Gear and Tool Storage, and SHAX ® Portable Work Shelters. Originally posted on: www.ergodyne.com Attachment ISEA Bump Cap Standard Awaiting Approval © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.NASHVILLE, Tenn (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns rallying No. 7 Tennessee from a 14-point deficit within the first five minutes to rout in-state rival Vanderbilt 36-23 Saturday. “Man, it couldn't have started any worse,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel told his Vols postgame . “And you know what? Competitive composure ... You just kept coming. That's what elite people, champions do. You just keep coming.” The Volunteers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference; No. 8 CFP) needed a big victory to impress the College Football Playoff committee enough to earn a home playoff game in December. They beat Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5) for a sixth straight season leaving the Commodores needing to win their bowl game to post their first winning record since 2013. Better yet, the Vols rebounded from a nightmare start giving up the first 14 points by scoring 29 straight points. They led 24-17 at halftime on Iamaleava's first three TD passes. “Once they took the momentum, we kind of allowed them to have it for the rest of the game," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "And you got to credit Tennessee. I mean, obviously, they were playing for the playoffs and credit coach Heupel and his team for their winning performance.” Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for Vanderbilt to stun a mostly orange crowd. Dylan Sampson fumbled on the Vols’ second play from scrimmage, and Sedrick Alexanader's 4-yard TD run on a 26-yard drive put Vandy up 14-0 quickly. Then Iamaleava got Tennessee going with a 28-yard TD pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee got a break when Max Gilbert's 50-yard field goal bounced off the crossbar and over. Iamaleava found Thornton again on an 86-yard catch-and-run TD, then he tossed an 18-yard TD pass to Miles Kitselman just before halftime. Iamaleava capped the opening drive of the third quarter hitting Mike Matthews with a 14-yard TD pass for a 31-17 lead. The Vols added a safety by Tyre West and another Gilbert field goal. Diego Pavia threw a 31-yard TD pass to Richie Hoskins late with Vandy's 2-point conversion failing for the final margin. Tennessee didn't make a good early impression with yet another slow start. The Vols need to hope for some help to have a chance at moving up a spot or two . The big question is whether the Vols get to host a playoff game in December at Neyland Stadium where they went undefeated this season. Tennessee put together TD drives of 91 and 96 yards in the first half alone. The Vols then beat Vandy at its own game of keepaway after not even managing 10 minutes of possession in the first half. They finished with the edge in that stat outgaining Vandy 538-212. Vanderbilt had some of the best offensive success against Tennessee of any opponent this season. The Commodores had 114 yards rushing and 17 points by halftime against a defense that came in ranked sixth nationally allowing just 98.8 yards a game. The Vols had been fourth in the country giving up just 13.1 points a game having held 10 of 11 opponents under 20 points this season. But Lea said the Commodores ran just 11 plays to Tennessee's 44 after halftime. The Tennessee running back, who set the program record with 22 rushing TDs this season, didn't reach the end zone for the first time this season. Sampson finished with 178 yards rushing to reach 1,485 yards for the season, topping the school mark of 1,464 set by Travis Stephens in 2001. Tennessee waits to hear its spot in the CFP field, while Vanderbilt learns its bowl destination Dec. 8. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football.

When the New England Patriots released wide receiver K.J. Osborn, the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed like a potential fit. Coming off the heels of George Pickens' hamstring injury, Osborn was a big-bodied wide receiver who could play outside and potentially a void. However, the Washington Commanders put in a claim for Osborn and he will head to Washington instead. Pittsburgh is after Washington on the waiver wire, so it is unknown if they put in a waiver claim for Osborn. Osborn played in just seven games, posting seven receptions for 57 yards over those games, and after being inactive for the latter half of the season, the Patriots moved on so Osborn could latch on with a contender, which he did in Washington. The Commanders lost wide receiver Noah Brown to knee and rib injuries, and he should be out longer-term. That could even be for the rest of the season, so Osborn can help replace what Brown brought to the table. In 2023, Osborn was one of the more underrated wide receivers in football. He had 50 catches for 655 yards and seven touchdowns. Before this season, Osborn had three straight seasons with 500 or more receiving yards as a big-bodied player who would win over the middle of the field. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. More Pittsburgh Steelers News Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line could get another boost for Eagles game Pittsburgh Steelers Injury Report: Three players miss practice, including star wide receiver Steelers legend challenges Russell Wilson to win Pittsburgh’s 7th Super Bowl Nearly entire country will see Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers kicker on pace to make NFL history

The claim: Image shows bus crash that killed at least 135 people in December 2024 A Dec. 10 Facebook post ( direct link , archive link ) shows vehicles parked in a grassy field and billows of smoke and fire rising in the distance."BRЕAKING NEVVS (sic)! Horrific accident. At least 135 people have died after a truck collided with a bus!" the post's caption reads. It was shared more than 80 times in a day. Another Facebook post with the same claim was shared more than 300 times before it was deleted. More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False The image is miscaptioned. It's from 2021 and shows a fire at a chemical plant in Illinois that had no reported fatalities. There is no evidence of a bus crash in December 2024 that killed 135 or more people. Journalist shared image of chemical plant fire on social media in 2021 The photo in the post dates back to June 14, 2021, when it was shared on X , then Twitter, by news anchor Maggie Polsean. Her posts at the time make it clear the image shows a large fire at a Chemtool Inc. facility in Rockton, Illinois, about 95 miles west of Chicago. Polsean reported from the scene for local TV station 13 WREX . The fire forced emergency officials to establish a one-mile evacuation zone surrounding the plant, CNN reported . Seventy employees escaped to safety, the article said, and there were no reported fatalities. ABC News reported that two firefighters suffered minor injuries . There is also no evidence of any bus crash involving 135 or more deaths in December 2024. Any incident involving that number of victims would have garnered significant news coverage, but there are no credible reports about such an incident around the time the post was made. The Facebook user shared a link in the post's comments that provided no evidence supporting the claim. It links to a disreputable website article about a bus crash that killed 15 elderly passengers in Manitoba, Canada. That crash happened in June 2023, according to The Washington Post . Fact check : Viral video purporting to show Dec. 5 earthquake predates it by months The fire at the Illinois chemical plant started after a scissor lift hit a "pressure tap on a hot oil return pipe" and caused a leak, 13 WREX reported , citing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration . A Winnebago County judge approved a $94.5 million settlement in September in connection with the fire, WIFR reported . Residents living within three miles of the plant were eligible for compensation, the article said. USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Lead Stories also debunked the claim. Our fact-check sources Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here . USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .Hamilton County Unveils $1.3 Billion Budget Blueprint for 2025, Public Hearings Scheduled in Cincinnati and Silverton

Apart from programs bringing the Executive and Legislature closer to the people, IBC-13 will join the foray into infotainment programming with its roster of new shows set to launch first quarter of ‘25: Cooltura, Legally Speaking, Sayanista, Kalye Sining, and Barangay Trese. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced the official start of the airing of the PCSO Lottery Draw over IBC-13 and D8TV starting Dec. 31, 2024. This exciting development is a joint effort of the PCSO, the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, and Digital 8 TV to expand the reach of the Sweepstakes’ public services while allowing more Filipinos to follow their favorite lotto games anytime, anywhere. The PCSO Lottery Draw will feature popular lotto games such as Ultra Lotto 6/58, Grand Lotto 6/55, Super Lotto 6/49, Mega Lotto 6/45, and Lotto 6/42. It will carry the 6D, 4D, 3D, and 2D Lotto, which will be broadcast live every day, from Monday to Sunday, in three time slots: 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM. For the first time since the lotto draws started airing on TV decades ago, viewers and bettors can now watch the program by tuning in to analog and digital IBC-13, D8TV, and IBC DWAN 1206AM channels. Additionally, livestreams will be available on the official online platforms, including the websites, Facebook pages, and YouTube channels of PCSO, IBC-13, and DWAN 1206. IBC-13 brings to this partnership a fast-growing digital Network, evidenced by the launch this December of its new digital terrestrial TV (DTT) transmitters in Baguio, covering Northern Luzon, and in Davao, serving Southeastern Mindanao. They join the DTT stations in Iloilo and Cebu, which broadcast to the Visayas and will be followed by the digitalization of Laoag and Cagayan de Oro, and the rise of new original (OG) digital stations in Leyte; Samar; Surigao; Naga; Masbate; Legaspi; Catanduanes; GenSan; Agusan; Puerto Princesa; Coron; Pagadian; Tuguegarao; Cauayan; Batangas; Bulacan; and Zamboanga. Apart from programs bringing the Executive and Legislature closer to the people, IBC-13 will join the foray into infotainment programming with its roster of new shows set to launch first quarter of ‘25: Cooltura, Legally Speaking, Sayanista, Kalye Sining, and Barangay Trese. And the always in, ever-relevant Congress TV has found a new home in IBC Digital. Meanwhile, D8TV’s state-of-the-art field record and broadcast facilities represent advanced media production capability, combining cutting-edge technology, flexibility, and reliability to deliver clearer, more colorful, more energetic action on time. Utilizing modern mobile control rooms, D8TV can create high-quality content, employing IP-based fiber optic and satellite transmission modes. In addition, IBC and D8Tv participated in a public bidding posted on PhilGeps to win the contract for the broadcast of the PCSO lottery. All said, this historic collaboration between PCSO and IBC-13 is a vital step in deepening the meaning of public service, as it not only provides entertainment to Filipino viewers but also drives the campaign to raise funds for health programs, medical assistance, and other charitable efforts to aid Filipinos in need, the mandate which PCSO continues to prioritize. For more information about the new broadcast schedule and lotto updates, visit the official websites of PCSO and IBC-13 or follow their official social media pages.

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former White House senior adviser to Trump who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. People are also reading... City officials admit Corvallis' flag is 'bad.' Will it change? 2 bucks illegally killed with crossbow in Corvallis The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County OSU football: Three takeaways from Oregon State's loss at Boise State Commentary: Gulbranson shows he should be starter in thrilling win over Cougars Head-on crash on Highway 228 kills 1, injures 2 Linn County deputy resigns during menacing case Prosecutor: Driver on laughing gas caused double fatal in Sweet Home More allegations against ex-OSU coach Corvallis homes in on layout options for a new government center Corvallis man gets prison for armed robbery case OSU football: Boise State's pass rush is formidable A busy day: A series of crashes in Sweet Home OSU football: Preview and prediction for regular-season finale against Boise State OSU football: Game notes for the Beavers' win over Washington State Charles Kushner arrives July 20, 2022, for the funeral of Ivana Trump in New York. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to Kushner's own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, sought. Christie blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. Here are the people Trump has picked for key positions so far President-elect Donald Trump Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Pam Bondi, Attorney General Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Tulsi Gabbard, National Intelligence Director Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. John Ratcliffe, Central Intelligence Agency Director Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Elise Stefanik, Ambassador to the United Nations Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. Matt Whitaker, Ambassador to NATO President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. Pete Hoekstra, Ambassador to Canada A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Tom Homan, ‘Border Czar’ Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to advise White House on government efficiency Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Additional selections to the incoming White House Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Scholastic Corporation Announces Third Quarter DividendTravis Scott and his Cactus Jack Foundation hosted their fifth annual Winter Wonderland theme park and holiday drive in partnership with Webster family HBCU alma mater, Texas Southern University (TSU) , and the Houston Food Bank providing 1,000 of their beloved Houston community with toys, bikes, sneakers, merch and food for the holiday season. This event marks a milestone for the foundation, bringing its multi-year HBCU commitment, the Waymon Webster Scholarship Program , to the annual holiday drive effort for the first time. Honoring the Webster family HBCU legacy, to date the program has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to over 100 graduating seniors , empowering the next generation. At the lively event hosted at TSU, the Cactus Jack Foundation alongside the Houston Food Bank , provided over 2,000 toys and bikes in addition to 1,000 bags of food to the community. On site at the event, 200 Nike Cactus Jack sneakers were given out while limited-edition Cactus Jack Nike, Fanatics, Houston Astros , and Space Village gear was distributed to local families at their branded stations. The event featured a Winter Wonderland-themed outdoor inflatable pop-up park for children, complete with a giant bounce house and a special visit from Santa Claus. Longtime partner Houston Astros had a station as well with sign-up stations for Scott’s TXRX Lab and Waymon Webster Program for “future scholars” to get more information about the program and how to apply for an HBCU scholarship. The event attendees included Scott’s Webster family (all of which attended HBCUs), Chairman of Texas Southern University Brandon L. Simmons , City of Houston Controller Chris Hollins in addition to surprise appearances from Don Toliver and Serena Page, all of whom came together to support the foundation’s mission ahead of the holiday season. ABOUT THE CACTUS JACK FOUNDATION: The Cactus Jack Foundation’s mission is to empower and enrich the lives of youth by providing access to education and creative resources to ensure long-term success. The foundation believes the youth should not be prevented from attaining their lifetime goal and is committed to extending educational opportunities to all, regardless of their circumstances to achieve their dreams. Learn more HERE . ABOUT HOUSTON FOOD BANK: Houston Food Bank’s mission is to provide food for better lives. Last year they provided access to 104 million nutritious meals in 18 counties in southeast Texas through our 1,500 community partners which includes food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers, and schools. We have a strong focus on healthy foods and fresh produce. In addition to distributing food, we provide services and connections to programs that address the root causes of hunger and are aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability, including nutrition education, job training, health management, and help with securing state-funded assistance. We are a resource for individuals and families in times of hardship. We are a solution to food waste, working with grocery stores and growers to rescue food before it reaches landfills. In collaboration with our community, we advocate for policy change and promote dialogue on ways to increase access to food and to improve the lives of those we serve. Houston Food Bank works alongside our partner food banks in Montgomery County, Galveston Country, and Brazos Valley. Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY: Texas Southern University possesses an impressive array of more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations, a diverse faculty, 80-plus student organisations, and an extensive alumni network comprised of educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, lawyers, pilots, artists, and more, many of whom are change agents on the local, national and international stage. Nestled upon a sprawling 150-acre campus, Texas Southern University is one of the nation’s largest historically black universities. Our academic curriculum is organized into ten colleges and schools that continue to serve as cornerstones for developing the greatest potential in leaders from various socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Some of TSU’s well-known graduates include the late U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and U.S. Congressman George “Mickey” Leland, as well as television host and former NFL star Michael Strahan and rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Texas Southern University is heralded as a pioneer and has distinguished itself by producing a significant number of African American students who have obtained post-secondary and advanced degrees. The university’s enrollment has grown from 2,303 students to more than 8,400 undergraduate and graduate students from across the world. Although initially established to educate African Americans, Texas Southern University has become one of the most diverse institutions in Texas. Photography: Matthew CasbyRacing Optics® Introduces Game-Changing Twilight Tearoff to Enhance Visibility in Low-Light Racing ConditionsAspiring and controversial MAGA cheerleader Valentina Gomez has after posting a video in which she appears to simulate executing an . The 25-year-old, who tried and failed to be elected as the , said in the disturbing clip that undocumented persons who committed violent crimes “deserve to be ended.” In the video, posted to X on Monday, Gomez is seen firing a handgun into the back of the head of a dummy tied to a chair with a black bag over its head. “It’s that simple, public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American. They don’t deserve deportation, they deserve to be ended,” she says. Public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American. — Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) The video has been flagged by X as potentially violating the platform’s rules against “violent speech,” but it had not been removed as of Tuesday. “Public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American.” Gomez captioned the video. It quickly sparked outrage from other social media users, with some branding the Colombian native as a “psychopath.” “What’s wrong with these people?” one wrote. “They’re unhinged, mentally ill, and sociopathic,” replied another. Critics even included , who wrote: “She is not just an American fascist. She is Colombian. And being a migrant, what she wants is to unleash hatred against migrants. Most Americans are killed by Americans.” However, others seemed to agree with Gomez’s stance, including fellow MAGA firebrand and Trump acolyte Laura Loomer who posted. “Love this.” After X started restricting the video, Gomez claimed that she was “the biggest threat to the establishment because I call it like I see it.” “I give people hope, and I don’t need their money. Remember, nobody is coming to save us. Stay strapped,” she said. The sentiment of Gomez’s video echoes that of President-elect , who has previously called for expanding the death penalty to those people who have arrived in the country illegally who kill a citizen or police. Trump has railed against Joe Biden’s decision to pardon the majority of federal death row inmates. Gomez has frequently shared outrageous or shocking videos on her social media pages and has consequently been banned from Instagram. In previous clips she frequently used homophobic slurs, and in one video, set two LGBTQ-inclusive books on fire. She has characterized the literature as “grooming, indoctrinating and sexualizing.” During the 2024 election campaign she called Vice President Kamala Harris a “hoe” and “little b****”, used the word “f****t” to describe transgender people and described Democrats as “full of gay s***”, among other things. Her bold rhetoric ultimately did not play well with voters. Gomez gained only 7.4 per cent of the vote with finishing sixth out of eight candidates in the race for . Last week she announced that she was running for Congress in and relocating to the state to challenge Republican congressman Dan Crenshaw’s seat. “I don’t fear pdfs, criminals, or the crooks in DC. I only fear God,” she wrote in a post announcing the move.

London honored for supporting student mental health and eliminating barriers to care NATICK, Mass. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal honored Uwill founder and CEO Michael London as part of its 2025 Innovators in Healthcare list . Honorees represent a cross-section of Boston -based innovators addressing some of the most urgent and pressing challenges in the health care industry. London is the founding CEO of Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution proudly supporting more than 3 million students at 400 institutions globally. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. "It's truly an honor to be recognized among this incredible group of innovators," said Michael London , Uwill founder and CEO. "At Uwill, our mission is to break down barriers to mental health care, delivering immediate and accessible support to students worldwide. This recognition reflects more than innovation—it underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing a vital need for students everywhere." London is a recognized thought-leader and pioneer within social impact entrepreneurship, having created more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. In 2013, he founded Examity, a leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Prior, London led Bloomberg Institute, an EdTech start-up funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg . Earlier in his career, he founded College Coach and co-founded EdAssist, both acquired by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2019, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and held a position on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission for Digital Education and Lifelong Learning. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College where he graduated with honors. He also received his MBA from Boston University . About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 400 institutions, including Princeton University , the Ohio State University , Santa Fe Community College , and University of Alabama - Online. Uwill is also the exclusive teletherapy education partner for the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy education partner of NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk bsilk@uwill.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uwill-founder--ceo-michael-london-named-innovator-in-healthcare-302338655.html SOURCE Uwill, Inc

Ituka scores 18 off the bench, Jacksonville State downs East Carolina 86-78New Delhi, Nov 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said that no force in the world could bring back Article 370. Addressing a gathering at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters, PM Modi said, “I want to say to the Congress and its allies that no force in the world can bring back Article 370 and insult our constitution.” He said that the Congress and its allies were again trying to create a wall of Article 370 of the constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. The PM said the Congress and its allies were double-faced on various issues, including the Waqf Board. He lauded the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s massive victory in the Maharashtra assembly polls as a win for development and good governance, assuring people of the ruling bloc’s continued work for the state’s progress. In posts on X, PM Modi also congratulated the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led alliance for its win in Jharkhand, while stressing that his party will always be at the forefront to champion people’s issues. He tagged Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who led the INDIA bloc coalition in the state, in his post. “Development wins! Good governance wins! United we will soar even higher! Heartfelt gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Maharashtra, especially the youth and women of the state, for a historic mandate to the NDA. This affection and warmth is unparalleled,” Modi said. “Jai Maharashtra,” he said. The PM said that the NDA’s pro-people efforts had resonated all over. “I thank people across various states for blessing NDA candidates in the various by-polls held. We will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling their dreams and aspirations,” the PM said. He said he was proud of NDA workers for their efforts on the ground. “They worked hard, went among people and elaborated on our good governance agenda. I thank the people of Jharkhand for their support towards us. We will always be at the forefront of raising people’s issues and working for the state,” PM Modi said. He said that the latest round of elections had endorsed the message of development and defeated the politics of lies and betrayal propounded by the Congress and its allies. The PM said divisive forces, negative politics, and dynasticism had been defeated in the Maharashtra election and by-polls in various states. He said that the people of Maharashtra had voted for stability and taught a lesson to those who tried to create instability. PM Modi asserted that the message from the Maharashtra election was unity, and it was also an endorsement of the ‘ek hai toh safe hai’ slogan. He said he bows before the people of Jharkhand and that the BJP will work more zealously for the state’s development. “‘Ek hai toh safe hai’ has become the ‘maha-mantra’ for the entire nation and it has punished those who wanted to divide the country on caste and religious lines,” the PM said. “All sections of the society have voted for the BJP.” He said that the Congress and its ecosystem had thought that by spreading lies in the name of the constitution, they could divide the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) into small groups. “This is a solid slap on their faces,” PM Modi said. “People have made divisive forces bite the dust. The Congress and its allies have failed to grasp the changed realities of the country’s mood.” He said that voters do not want instability and they believe in nation first and do not like those dreaming about “chair first”. “The voters in Maharashtra also evaluated Congress based on the false promises made in other states like Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh,” the PM said. “Neither their false promises nor their dangerous agenda worked in Maharashtra.” He said that the Maharashtra election also shows that only one constitution would work in India and that was given to the people of the country by B R Ambedkar.

The Maharashtra cyber police have warned citizens about scammers sending fake wedding invitations through social media platforms and inducing unsuspecting victims to download a fake APK file containing malware. “Scammers send fake wedding invitations through WhatsApp, Instagram or other such apps with links to download a fake APK file. Installing it can add malware or steal personal information, data, and could also lead to privacy or financial losses,” the cyber police said. “Always confirm the invitation directly with the sender. Do not click on suspicious links or download un-trusted apps. Look for suspicious domains or spelling errors in links. Keep security software updated on all devices. Report suspicious messages to the platform or cyber-crime authorities,” it added. The police also issued an alert related to banking APK fraud that involves scammers tricking users into installing fake banking apps through phishing links or messages, stealing personal and financial information. “Only use Google Play Store or Apple App Store for banking apps. Look at the developer’s name and app reviews before installing. Don’t click on links from unknown emails, SMS, or social media. Add two-factor authentication for extra security on your bank account. Update your phone and apps to fix security issues,” the alert stated.

AGNC Investment Corp. Declares Fourth Quarter Dividends on Preferred StockTV show dubbed the new 'Game of Thrones' after 'insane' bloodbath sceneNEW YORK , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to: Patterson Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: PDCO)'s sale to Patient Square Capital for $31.35 in cash per share. If you are a Patterson shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . NeuroMetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NURO)'s sale to electroCore, Inc. If you are a NeuroMetrix shareholder, click here to learn more about your legal rights and options . Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PWOD)'s sale to Northwest Bancshares, Inc. for 2.385 shares of Northwest common stock for each share of Penns Woods common stock. If you are a Penns Woods shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARA)'s merger with Tvardi Therapeutics, Inc. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Cara shareholders are expected to own approximately 17.0% of the combined company. If you are a Cara shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options . Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Halper Sadeh LLC Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-investigation-halper-sadeh-llc-investigates-pdco-nuro-pwod-cara-on-behalf-of-shareholders-302338483.html SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLP

Unlock the Secret AI Investment That Could Change Your LifeHomeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey, lawmaker says A New Jersey lawmaker from part of the state where several mysterious drones have been spotted in recent week says the devices appear to avoid detection by traditional methods. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia was among state officials who met Wednesday with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security. She says lawmakers were told the drones have dodged detection by helicopters and radio. Fantasia says DHS described the devices as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights off. The Morris County Republican made the comments in a post on X shortly after she and several other state and local lawmakers met with state police and Homeland Security officials. Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Rape allegation against Jay-Z won’t impact NFL's relationship with music mogul, Goodell says IRVING, Texas (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says a rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z won’t impact the NFL's relationship with the music mogul. Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL’s entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show. A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 amended the lawsuit Sunday to include an allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z says the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Ohio politician proposes make flag planting a felony after fight in Michigan rivalry game An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Gastineau confronts Favre in documentary for his 'dive' on Strahan's record-breaking sack Former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau confronted Brett Favre last year at a memorabilia show and angrily accused the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback of deliberately going down on a record-breaking sack. The tense exchange is shown in the new ESPN 30 for 30 documentary “The New York Sack Exchange." It chronicles the Jets’ fearsome foursome defensive line of the 1980s that included Gastineau. Gastineau set an NFL record with 22 sacks in 1984, but Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan broke the mark when he sacked Favre in 2002 in a game between the Giants and Packers. Many have accused Favre of purposely taking the sack so Strahan could set the single-season record with 22 1/2. What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejected Lawyers in the Alex Jones bankruptcy case are now in discussions on what could happen next after a federal judge in Texas rejected the auction sale of Jones’ Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet. The next steps remained unclear Wednesday as the judge ordered the trustee who oversaw the auction to come up with a new plan. Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston rejected the bid late Tuesday, saying there was too much confusion about The Onion’s bid. The bankruptcy case was in the wake of the nearly $1.5 billion that courts have ordered Jones to pay for calling the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut a hoax. Sandy Hook families had backed The Onion’s bid. NFL and Nike extend their partnership with a 10-year deal, will focus on growing the sport globally IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL’s desire to become a global powerhouse is no secret. Nike is committed to helping the league continue expanding its worldwide reach. The league and the apparel giant announced Wednesday a 10-year partnership extension. The NFL and Nike will focus on working together to grow the game’s global reach, increase participation, develop new talent, and expand the football fan base. Nike, the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, has been the NFL’s exclusive provider of uniforms and sideline, practice and base layer apparel for all 32 NFL teams for 12 years. George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89 NEW YORK (AP) — George Joseph Kresge Jr., otherwise known to TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89. Kreskin’s friend and former road manager, Ryan Galway, says he died Tuesday at his home in Caldwell, New Jersey. Kreskin launched his television career in the 1960s and remained popular for decades, appearing with everyone from Merv Griffin to Johnny Carson to Jimmy Fallon. Fans would welcome, if not entirely figure out, his favorite mind tricks — whether correctly guessing a playing card chosen at random, or, most famously, divining where his paycheck had been planted among the audience. He also hosted a show in the 1970s, gave live performances and wrote numerous books. Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history has crumbled. The two companies have accused each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through, and Albertsons pulled out of the $24.6 billion deal on Wednesday. The bitter breakup came the day after a federal judge in Oregon and a state judge in Washington issued injunctions to block the merger, saying that combining the two grocery chains could reduce competition and harm consumers. Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee, as well as billions of dollars in legal fees and lost shareholder value. Kroger says the legal claims are “baseless.” Keynote Selena Gomez spotlights prioritizing mental health during Academy Women's Luncheon LOS ANGELES (AP) — While surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage at the Academy Women’s Luncheon to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation. The singer-actor has been public about her mental health struggles, revealing she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Gomez was the keynote speaker Tuesday at the event held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with attendees including Ariana Grande, Olivia Wilde, Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Rita Wilson, Ava DuVernay and Awkwafina.

Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Wemby at The Garden. LeBron vs. Steph. The NBA's Christmas Day lineup, as always, has star power LeBron James made his Christmas debut in 2003. Victor Wembanyama was born 10 days later. That’s right: James has been featured on the NBA’s big day for longer than Wembanyama has been alive. And on Wednesday the league’s oldest player and brightest young star will be big parts of the holiday showcase. It’s another Christmas quintupleheader, with Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks, Minnesota going to Dallas for a Western Conference finals rematch, Philadelphia heading to Boston to renew a storied rivalry, James and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, and Denver playing at Phoenix. Pro Picks: Chiefs will beat the Steelers and Ravens will edge the Texans on Christmas Day Playoff berths, draft positioning and more are up for grabs in Week 17. There’s going to be plenty of football on television this holiday week with the NFL playing games on five out of six days, starting with a doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. Then, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday night and there are three games on Saturday, making Sunday’s schedule light at nine games. Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins It was the most surprising first-round pick in a long time when the Atlanta Falcons chose Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall selection in the NFL draft last April. That came just six weeks after the Falcons had signed free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million in guarantees. But that move is no longer a head-scratcher after Penix's solid starting debut in place of a benched and turnover-prone Cousins. Several teams have fared well with new quarterbacks this season including the Steelers, Broncos, Vikings and Commanders. Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could start a trend in skiing. And pro sports in general ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could be the start of a trend in ski racing. The 40-year-old American standout had replacement surgery in April and returned to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years last weekend. She says her knee feels “amazing" and that "it’s something to seriously consider for athletes that have a lot of knee problems.” Her surgery was the first of its kind in World Cup skiing. Vonn had a robot-assisted surgery in April with part of the bone in her right knee cut off and replaced by two titanium pieces. She was planning her comeback a month later. Boise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship moments No. 8 and third-seeded Boise State is preparing for its third trip to the Fiesta Bowl. This time it's in a playoff quarterfinal against No. 5 and sixth-seeded Penn State on New Year’s Eve. Boise State's first appearance on the national stage was in a memorable victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 2007. But former coach Chris Petersen said the victory in that bowl three years later over TCU was even more meaningful for the program. Players have mixed feelings about being on the road on Christmas as NFL adds more holiday games OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Games on Christmas aren’t new to the NFL. The Miami Dolphins famously beat the Kansas City Chiefs in a playoff game on Dec. 25, 1971 — a double-overtime classic that still holds the record for the NFL’s longest game. In 2020, New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record with six touchdowns in a game when the Saints beat Minnesota on Christmas. Lately the league has been much more aggressive about scheduling games on Christmas. That's been met with mixed feelings among the players. Baltimore tackle Ronnie Stanley says there is an offensive line Christmas party planned for Friday at center Tyler Linderbaum’s house. Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s plan is to celebrate on Thursday. Embiid ejected after drawing 2 technicals in game against Wembanyama and Spurs PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected in the first half of Monday night’s game against San Antonio after drawing two technical fouls. Referee Jenna Schroeder ejected Embiid with 2 minutes, 59 seconds left in the second quarter. The seven-time All-Star received the first technical for arguing with Schroeder, and received another technical — and ejection — from Schroeder before any more game time elapsed. Embiid was close to Schroeder, but it wasn’t clear from replays whether he made contact with the official. An enraged Embiid charged toward the officials after the ejection and was restrained by teammate Kyle Lowry, head coach Nick Nurse and several assistants. Nikki Glaser uses Prime Video's NFL postgame show appearances to help prepare for Golden Globes INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Nikki Glaser has become a familiar face to football fans this season. Her breakthrough performance at the Tom Brady Roast on May 5 paved the way for five appearances on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” postgame show. Glaser said before last Thursday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers that doing her “Late Hits” segment was a no-brainer following her success at the Brady roast. Leaving Thunder, Bucks off the NBA's Christmas game list has those teams feeling snubbed Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference and has a MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Milwaukee has the NBA’s leading scorer in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They were the teams that made their way to the NBA Cup final. By any measure, they’re both very good teams. And neither will play on Christmas Day this year. Bah, humbug. The NBA faces the same challenge every summer, figuring out which 10 teams will get the honor of playing on Christmas Day. But the Bucks and Thunder are right to feel snubbed.NASHVILLE, Tenn (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns rallying No. 7 Tennessee from a 14-point deficit within the first five minutes to rout in-state rival Vanderbilt 36-23 Saturday. “Man, it couldn't have started any worse,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel told his Vols postgame . “And you know what? Competitive composure ... You just kept coming. That's what elite people, champions do. You just keep coming.” The Volunteers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference; No. 8 CFP) needed a big victory to impress the College Football Playoff committee enough to earn a home playoff game in December. They beat Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5) for a sixth straight season leaving the Commodores needing to win their bowl game to post their first winning record since 2013. Better yet, the Vols rebounded from a nightmare start giving up the first 14 points by scoring 29 straight points. They led 24-17 at halftime on Iamaleava's first three TD passes. “Once they took the momentum, we kind of allowed them to have it for the rest of the game," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "And you got to credit Tennessee. I mean, obviously, they were playing for the playoffs and credit coach Heupel and his team for their winning performance.” Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for Vanderbilt to stun a mostly orange crowd. Dylan Sampson fumbled on the Vols’ second play from scrimmage, and Sedrick Alexanader's 4-yard TD run on a 26-yard drive put Vandy up 14-0 quickly. Then Iamaleava got Tennessee going with a 28-yard TD pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee got a break when Max Gilbert's 50-yard field goal bounced off the crossbar and over. Iamaleava found Thornton again on an 86-yard catch-and-run TD, then he tossed an 18-yard TD pass to Miles Kitselman just before halftime. Iamaleava capped the opening drive of the third quarter hitting Mike Matthews with a 14-yard TD pass for a 31-17 lead. The Vols added a safety by Tyre West and another Gilbert field goal. Diego Pavia threw a 31-yard TD pass to Richie Hoskins late with Vandy's 2-point conversion failing for the final margin. Tennessee didn't make a good early impression with yet another slow start. The Vols need to hope for some help to have a chance at moving up a spot or two . The big question is whether the Vols get to host a playoff game in December at Neyland Stadium where they went undefeated this season. Tennessee put together TD drives of 91 and 96 yards in the first half alone. The Vols then beat Vandy at its own game of keepaway after not even managing 10 minutes of possession in the first half. They finished with the edge in that stat outgaining Vandy 538-212. Vanderbilt had some of the best offensive success against Tennessee of any opponent this season. The Commodores had 114 yards rushing and 17 points by halftime against a defense that came in ranked sixth nationally allowing just 98.8 yards a game. The Vols had been fourth in the country giving up just 13.1 points a game having held 10 of 11 opponents under 20 points this season. But Lea said the Commodores ran just 11 plays to Tennessee's 44 after halftime. The Tennessee running back, who set the program record with 22 rushing TDs this season, didn't reach the end zone for the first time this season. Sampson finished with 178 yards rushing to reach 1,485 yards for the season, topping the school mark of 1,464 set by Travis Stephens in 2001. Tennessee waits to hear its spot in the CFP field, while Vanderbilt learns its bowl destination Dec. 8. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football.