kg9999

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is underscoring his intention to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp. , and he's pledging to use tax incentives and tariffs to strengthen the iconic American steelmaker. Trump had vowed early in the presidential campaign that he would “instantaneously” block the deal, and he reiterated that sentiment in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday night. “I am totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company” and will use tax incentives and tariffs to make U.S. Steel “Strong and Great Again, and it will happen FAST!” he wrote. “As President," he continued, "I will block this deal from happening. Buyer Beware!!!” President Joe Biden , like Trump, also opposes Nippon Steel's purchase of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. Biden’s White House in September said that it had yet to see a report from the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States , which was reviewing the transaction for national security concerns. The committee, which is chaired by the treasury secretary and includes other Cabinet members, can recommend that the president block a transaction, and federal law gives the president that power. Ahead of the November election, the proposed merger carried political importance in Pennsylvania, a critical swing state that Trump eventually won. Biden publicly sided with the United Steelworkers, the labor union, in seeking to reject the deal. When he announced his opposition in a March statement, Biden said: “U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is domestically owned and operated.” Nippon Steel has said it is the only company that can make the necessary investment in U.S. Steel's factories and strengthen the American steel industry. Both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel on Tuesday released statements in support of the acquisition. "This transaction should be approved on its merits. The benefits are overwhelmingly clear. Our communities, customers, investors, and employees strongly support this transaction, and we will continue to advocate for them and adherence to the rule of law," U.S. Steel said. The deal follows a long stretch of protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say has helped reinvigorate domestic steel, including U.S. Steel. U.S. Steel's shareholders have approved the deal, but the United Steelworkers oppose it. In a statement Tuesday, the union said the deal carries “serious long-term implications for U.S. economic and national security.” “It’s clear that President Trump understands the vital role a strong domestic steel industry plays in our national security, as well as the importance of the jobs and communities the industry supports," the union said. The deal has drawn bipartisan opposition in the U.S. Senate, including from the incoming vice president, Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, although the federal government's objections to the deal have drawn criticism that the opposition is political. Some U.S. Steel workers would prefer Nippon Steel acquire the company, given that it appears to have a better financial balance sheet than another potential buyer, Cleveland-Cliffs. U.S. Steel “provided a very, very good life for our families for a lot of years,” said Jack Maskil, a vice president at the Steelworkers local branch in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. “And we feel that with the Nippon deal that a lot more families for futures to come will be able to share the same.” West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly said he met with Nippon Steel executives and found himself satisfied by their commitments. Located southeast of Pittsburgh, West Mifflin is home to U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant. “There’s no question in my mind that it’s the best deal moving forward,” Kelly said at a panel hosted on Tuesday by the conservative think tank Hudson Institute, where Maskil was also speaking. The Biden administration committee vetting the merger is scheduled later this month to decide on the acquisition or possibly extend the ongoing review. William Chou, a deputy director at the Hudson Institute specializing in relations with Japan, said that "President-elect Trump's view on the deal are important." But given the upcoming deadline, “It's up to President Biden to recognize how this deal will advance the interests of future generations of U.S. Steel union steelworkers.” Trump’s statement came two weeks after Nippon Steel’s vice chairman, Takahiro Mori, visited Pittsburgh and Washington to meet with lawmakers, local officials and workers in an ongoing persuasion campaign. That campaign has included Nippon Steel's promises to boost its capital commitments beyond the original deal and, more recently, a pledge that it won’t import steel slabs that would compete with U.S. Steel’s blast furnaces. As part of its proposed $14.9 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel also pledged to invest at least $1.4 billion in USW-represented facilities, not to conduct layoffs or plant closings during the term of the basic labor agreement, and to protect the best interests of U.S. Steel in trade matters. Boak reported from Washington.IPL 2025 mega auction Neel Kamal writes about sustainable agriculture, environment, climate change for The Times of India. His incisive and comprehensive reporting about over a year-long farmers' struggle against farm laws at the borders of the national capital won laurels. He is an alumunus of Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology. Read More 10 ways to use pumpkin seeds 7 things that boys learn from their moms 10 Indian breakfast dishes loved across the world How to grow onion and garlic on your kitchen window Kid-friendly wildlife experiences in India How to make Chicken Chili Pakora at home 10 types of South-Indian rice dishes and how to make them 10 most beautiful offbeat places for solo travel in India (2025) Persimmon: Nutrients, health benefits of this vibrant orange colored fruit 8 animals that have more than 2 eyesHow co-writing a book threatened the Carters’ marriage

The Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute celebrated its 10th anniversary with a 500-person luncheon and an uplifting speakers program Dec. 11 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. Since former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe founded the Institute at the conclusion of her political career, more than 1,000 high school girls have entered the three-year mentorship program focused on finding their values, voice and vision. Longtime national and international news correspondent Cynthia McFadden, who grew up in Auburn and campaigned for Snowe as a 17-year-old, spoke at the first Institute luncheon a decade ago and enthusiastically returned for the anniversary. “The goal of the Institute, as I see it, is to allow young women make decisions about their lives from a position of strength, not fear,” she said. “This is the only program of its kind in the nation.” Since the inaugural class of 45 Olympia’s Leaders, the Institute has grown to serve more than 550 young women annually, supported by more than 200 volunteer mentors, at 38 high schools across all 16 Maine counties. In the past several years, Olympia’s Leaders have received free college credit and $2.8 million in Institute-exclusive or Institute-partnered scholarships. “At Lincoln Academy, the teachers try to choose students who have leadership potential but maybe don’t see it in themselves,” said Brynne Whitney, a Bangor Savings Bank vice president who volunteers in Newcastle. “I’ve watched my group grow tremendously, and now they’re doing amazing things in college.” Lily Bailey, a 2023 alum from Spruce Mountain High School in Livermore Falls, was born with a physical disability. “The Institute helped me realize and embrace my passion for disability advocacy,” she said. “Through the Institute, I learned that my voice is powerful. I feel that expanding the program is very important for many female-identifying individuals in high school who feel like their voices are not heard.” In response to Snowe’s statement that she would like to see the number of participants double, McFadden said, “I want this thing to be in every state in this country. I’d like to be part of trying to make that happen, and I hope there are others in this room that would too, because the challenges young women face are not unique to Maine.” In honor of the 10-year anniversary, McFadden pledged to visit as many of the school programs as possible over the next year, including her alma mater, Edward Little High School in Lewiston, and to make a financial gift each year for the next decade in honor of Snowe. Despite the luncheon not being a fundraiser — most of the tickets were complimentary — attendees followed McFadden’s lead, donating $30,000 in honor of leaders they admire. And McFadden found herself holding a pile of name tags. “All these women are giving me their names and telling me that they want to be involved with a national group,” she said, grinning. Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be reached at amyparadysz@gmail.com . Comments are not available on this story. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous

Watch: Alex and Stu's video verdict on Ipswich Town's 1-0 defeat to Crystal PalaceAP Trending SummaryBrief at 9:18 p.m. EST

Passengers record satisfaction with airlinesThe Weyburn Red Wings are carrying on with their season, despite their hometown rink being temporarily shuttered, thanks to the generosity of those in Assiniboia, Sask. "It was honestly, almost unbelievable to think, within 18 hours, we had about 23 billet beds. We had ice time. We had accommodations for coaches, we had meals,” explained Red Wings Head Coach and General Manager Cody Mapes. “It was pretty, pretty extraordinary." Due to mechanical issues with the ice plant at the Red Wings' home rink in Weyburn, the team was searching for new home ice on short notice. A Facebook post by Assiniboia's recreation and community wellness manager, Stephanie Van De Sype, quickly gained traction. "It was insane. I think the post had 550 shares. The whole province was talking about it. Everyone knew about it. You couldn't walk down the street without somebody saying, well, I could take someone in, or I know somebody who could take someone," Van De Sype told CTV News. The town ended up with more billet families than necessary – something Mayor Sharon Schauenberg, believes speaks to the heart of her community. "The call went out, and I think within 12 hours, everything was in place. So, we are so lucky and so privileged to be able to have this rink in itself, but to have the teams reach out to us in small communities,” she explained. “That's what we do. We help out where we can ... the people in this community are amazing, bar none. The most incredible, amazing people I've ever met." Many of those who offered their homes to the team have some aspiring hockey players in their families as well. "It's pretty awesome because both of my brothers are gone ... and it's just nice having another guy around the house,” explained 14-year-old Caydin Karst. "The first day was just kind of talk about, but we played some badminton in my shop and ping pong and darts and all that fun stuff.” Mason Van De Sype, 13, had a similar experience with his newfound housemate. "We play a lot of Fortnite together, eat together, lots of pizza, play mini sticks and stuff like that,” he explained. "Last night we played so mini sticks and it was really fun. I'm really looking forward to the games here in town. It'll be really fun,” Cole Pituleui, also 13, explained. For many of the young athletes, its an opportunity to be inspired "It makes me push myself and then think that I'll get there that one day," 13-year-old, Houston Hillmar said. “Yeah, I think I'm gonna push myself as best as I can, try to be like him and go play college hockey.” (Left to right) Mason Van De Sype, Caydin Karst, Houston Hillmar and Cole Pituleui are all excited to have Weyburn Red Wings players billeting with their families. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News) Van De Sype went on to express that the Red Wings’ stay in Assiniboia will be a fun opportunity for the town. “We're not looking for anything in return. We want to help them out. We want to see some good hockey,” she said. “That's what small town Saskatchewan's all about." During their stint in the “Heart of the Golden South,” the Red Wings will be nicknamed the Assiniboia-Weyburn Red Wings, and the team plans to provide a full game day experience for the community.Whenever a company suffers an unexpected blow, the way its stock recovers says a lot about its fortitude. ( ) stock is showing it can survive the exit of its Chief Executive and founder, Jared Isaacman. The stock sold off more than 12% on Dec. 4, when President-elect Donald Trump named . Isaacman will step down as chairman and CEO as soon as the Senate confirms his nomination, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company so far has made no public disclosures about its plans for a replacement. A few analysts downgraded the stock following the news. Jared Isaacman Friendly With Musk Far from the aerospace business, Shift4 is a payment processing firm that serves hundreds of thousands of companies. It processes digital payments for Elon Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, and Isaacman is close with Musk. But for all the uncertainty about its leadership, Shift4 stock is making positive moves. The early December tumble took the stock to the 10-week moving average, where buyers have been appearing. So far, Shift4 stock hasn't made much of a rebound. It's still about 10% below its Nov. 29 peak. But the support at the 10-week line offers a buy point around 101. The buy range goes to 106. Despite its tumble, Shift4 stock is still No. 1 by Composite Rating among 36 companies in the credit card and payment processing industry group. Its three-year per-share earnings growth rate is an impressive 129% and the sales growth rate is 36%, according to the . Shift4's EPS Rating of 98 is second best in the industry. Analysts expect 2024 earnings to climb 29% and a further 24% in 2025, according to . Isaacman's Aviation, Business Background On Wednesday, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Shift4 stock to 109 from 90 and kept an equal weight rating, according to Thefly.com. Morgan Stanley cited improving investor sentiment, a call for accelerated investment in competitive strengths, more acquisitions, and easing regulatory scrutiny. According to a , Isaacman started Shift4 in his parents' basement at the age of 16, back in 1999. In 2011, he founded Draken International, a company that trains air force pilots, and also owns the world's largest private fleet of military aircraft. Isaacman sold a majority stake in Draken to Wall Street investment firm Blackstone in 2019.

Sam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead

St Kilda have admitted they got a little surprised after they reached out to one of their new players on the second night of the AFL’s draft . After bringing in Tobie Travaglia with pick No. 8 and Alixzander Tauru with No.10 on the opening night, the Saints then added James Barrat, Hugh Boxshall, Alex Dodson and Patrick Said to the club on Thursday. The draft’s second night is a little less glamorous than the opener with hopefuls typically glued to their TVs, waiting for their names to be called out along with family and friends. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today It can, however, make for exciting homemade videos with wild scenes of celebrations when a player’s AFL dream is suddenly realised. The Saints certainly had a busy couple of days and after securing Dodson — a 203cm basketball-convert from South Australia — the social media team decided to reach out to their new ruck option to see if he had any videos of the moment his name was called. But there was a problem ... “Hey Alex, welcome to the Saints from the media team here,” the text message read. “If you have any videos from the reactions at your place tonight that we could share on our social channels please send it through!” But the response wasn’t quite what the social team was expecting. “You’ve got the wrong number, my names Garron and im a professor at ***** plus l’d only sign for the Pies!” fired back the reply. “Best to find Alex’s real number because this is a big moment for him and he deserves your credit and support. Congratulate him from me :),” professor Garron amusingly continued. St Kilda replied: “Whoops! Always welcome to jump on the Saints though...” Later revealing to fans: “We eventually got onto Alex Dodson don’t worry.” While the number may have been wrong, the Saints were certainly happy to snap up the big man. Dodson captained South Australia and represented Australia‘s U18 basketball team before proving his football talents in the SANFL and for his state in the AFL U18 Championships. He ended the year with under-18 All-Australian honours to go along with his basketball AA recognition. “We’re pleased to have James, Hugh, Alex, Patrick and their families join us at St Kilda,” St Kilda’s football boss David Misson said. “James is a powerful intercept defender whose aerial numbers were elite for Bendigo. Combined with his powerful kicking, it makes him an exciting player to watch at the Saints. “Hugh is an athletic and tough inside midfielder who is a very exciting prospect and will be a great addition to our midfield mix. “Alex is the elite ruck in this year’s draft and his ability to not only win the hitout but also follow up on the ground is a great asset for us. “Patrick is a hard-running, skilful half-forward who has played some time in the midfield for Calder and played well. A very exciting prospect for us who adds versatility. “We wish James, Hugh, Alex and Patrick all the best at St Kilda and look forward to welcoming them to the club very soon.”ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who tried to restore virtue to the White House after the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, then rebounded from a landslide defeat to become a global advocate of human rights and democracy, has died. He was 100 years old . The Carter Center said the 39th president died Sunday afternoon, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, lived most of their lives. The center said he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. “He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. A moderate Democrat, Carter ran for president in 1976 as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad grin, effusive Baptist faith and technocratic plans for efficient government. His promise to never deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter said. Carter’s victory over Republican Gerald Ford, whose fortunes fell after pardoning Nixon, came amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over race, women’s rights and America’s role in the world. His achievements included brokering Mideast peace by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David for 13 days in 1978. But his coalition splintered under double-digit inflation and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His negotiations ultimately brought all the hostages home alive, but in a final insult, Iran didn’t release them until the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, who had trounced him in the 1980 election. Humbled and back home in Georgia, Carter said his faith demanded that he keep doing whatever he could, for as long as he could, to try to make a difference. He and Rosalynn co-founded The Carter Center in 1982 and spent the next 40 years traveling the world as peacemakers, human rights advocates and champions of democracy and public health. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Carter helped ease nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiate cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, the center had monitored at least 113 elections around the world. Carter was determined to eradicate guinea worm infections as one of many health initiatives. Swinging hammers into their 90s, the Carters built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The common observation that he was better as an ex-president rankled Carter. His allies were pleased that he lived long enough to see biographers and historians revisit his presidency and declare it more impactful than many understood at the time. Propelled in 1976 by voters in Iowa and then across the South, Carter ran a no-frills campaign. Americans were captivated by the earnest engineer, and while an election-year Playboy interview drew snickers when he said he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times,” voters tired of political cynicism found it endearing. The first family set an informal tone in the White House, carrying their own luggage, trying to silence the Marine Band’s traditional “Hail to the Chief" and enrolling daughter, Amy, in public schools. Carter was lampooned for wearing a cardigan and urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. But Carter set the stage for an economic revival and sharply reduced America's dependence on foreign oil by deregulating the energy industry along with airlines, trains and trucking. He established the departments of Energy and Education, appointed record numbers of women and nonwhites to federal posts, preserved millions of acres of Alaskan wilderness and pardoned most Vietnam draft evaders. Emphasizing human rights , he ended most support for military dictators and took on bribery by multinational corporations by signing the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He persuaded the Senate to ratify the Panama Canal treaties and normalized relations with China, an outgrowth of Nixon’s outreach to Beijing. But crippling turns in foreign affairs took their toll. When OPEC hiked crude prices, making drivers line up for gasoline as inflation spiked to 11%, Carter tried to encourage Americans to overcome “a crisis of confidence.” Many voters lost confidence in Carter instead after the infamous address that media dubbed his “malaise" speech, even though he never used that word. After Carter reluctantly agreed to admit the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979. Negotiations to quickly free the hostages broke down, and then eight Americans died when a top-secret military rescue attempt failed. Carter also had to reverse course on the SALT II nuclear arms treaty after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Though historians would later credit Carter's diplomatic efforts for hastening the end of the Cold war, Republicans labeled his soft power weak. Reagan’s “make America great again” appeals resonated, and he beat Carter in all but six states. Born Oct. 1, 1924, James Earl Carter Jr. married fellow Plains native Rosalynn Smith in 1946, the year he graduated from the Naval Academy. He brought his young family back to Plains after his father died, abandoning his Navy career, and they soon turned their ambitions to politics . Carter reached the state Senate in 1962. After rural white and Black voters elected him governor in 1970, he drew national attention by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt “perfectly at ease with whatever comes.” “I’ve had a wonderful life,” he said. “I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Sanz is a former Associated Press reporter.

BY KEN POWTAK, Associated Press BOSTON - Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points and the Indiana Pacers rebounded from a 37-point loss to Boston two nights earlier by beating the Celtics 123-114 on Sunday night in the rematch. Andrew Nembhard, who returned after missing Friday's game with tendinitis in his left knee, added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Pacers. Pascal Siakam chipped in with 17 points and Bennedict Mathurin had 14. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 31 points and six assists. Jayson Tatum had 22 points, nine boards and six assists. Payton Pritchard added 21 points and Derrick White scored 17. The Celtics lost their sixth game at home already this season. Last season, they went 37-4 at TD Garden during the regular season and 9-2 in the playoffs en route to the NBA championship. Takeaways Pacers: Coming off a blowout loss, coach Rick Carlisle wanted to see his team respond by getting off to a physical start. The Pacers went inside instead of setting for jumpers and outscored Boston 66-48 in the paint to make up for the loss of injured forward Obi Toppin (sprained left ankle). Celtics: After coasting to the lopsided win on Friday when they hit 23 3-pointers, they followed that by going only 16 of 54 from beyond the arc while missing starters Jrue Holiday (shoulder injury) and Kristaps Porzingis (sprained left ankle). Key moment The Celtics had whittled an 11-point deficit to 105-103 on Tatum's three-point play with 7:38 to play before the Pacers scored the next 13 points over nearly two minutes to take control. Key stat Indiana made 22 free throws to just 16 for Boston. Up next The Pacers host the Bucks on Tuesday afternoon, and the Celtics are at home against the Raptors the same day.Kreutzer, 38, was also sentenced to serve two-and-one-third to seven years for first-degree reckless endangerment, two-and-one-third to seven years for first-degree criminal trespass, both class D felony's, and three months for prohibited use of a firearm, a misdemeanor, to run concurrently with her sentence. Kreutzer will also be required to complete five years of probation when she is released. Kreutzer was found guilty of second-degree attempted murder after nearly two days of deliberation by a Columbia County jury in August. The jury did not find Kreutzer guilty of the top charge, attempted murder of a police officer, and the charge of second-degree assault was dismissed during an Aug. 29 court appearance following the guilty verdict. The charges against Kreutzer stemmed from a Nov. 9, 2020, incident where Kreutzer barricaded herself in a home at 438 Doodletown Road in Gallatin. Kreutzer eventually surrendered and was she taken into custody by state police. In court Wednesday, Columbia County Assistant District Attorney Cheryl Botts said in the presentencing report prepared for the case, there were mentions of mental health issues Kreutzer may have been facing at the time of the 2020 incident. “There was nothing about any actions to deal with the mental health issues affecting her on Nov. 9, 2020,” Botts said. Letters of support from Kreutzer’s family, friends and others were also submitted as part of the presentencing report, but those individuals were not present during the incident, Botts said. The witnesses in the case, including Nayeli Jaurez, who was 17 at the time of the shooting and landscaper Louis Ciotola, explained what happened on the day of the incident in their testimony, Botts said. “They were the ones who told you what happened on Nov. 9, 2020,” she said. “They told you that they were afraid of her.” Botts also said retired state police Sgt. Paul Strobel, who Kreutzer shot at during the incident, was lucky he was not killed. “He was lucky that his wife didn’t lose her husband that day, and lucky his children didn’t lose their father that day,” she said. Throughout the three-day trial, jurors heard from several witnesses, including Strobel, a retired zone sergeant at the New York State Police barracks in Livingston. Strobel was the first officer to respond to the incident at Doodletown Road in 2020. Strobel said in court Aug. 26 that The call reporting the incident was assigned to another officer, but that Strobel took the call to the home after hearing reports of a female with a gun, he testified in court Aug. 26. When Strobel arrived at the home in Gallatin, he found two individuals and a dog near a utility terrain vehicle. He later saw the individual, who he later identified as Kreutzer, pull a handgun out of her waistband and point it at him. Kreutzer then shot the gun in Strobel’s direction, and when he began to reverse his vehicle down the driveway, she continued to pursue him with the handgun pointed at him. Strobel said a second shot was fired when he was reversing to maintain distance from Kreutzer. Two more state police troopers later joined Strobel at the scene, and were instructed to secure a perimeter around the home. Additional shots were fired toward the woods where Strobel and the other officers were attempting to set up a perimeter, Strobel said during his testimony. Botts urged Judge E. Danielle Jose-Decker, who presided over the case, to sentence Kreutzer to the maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison with five years of probation. The amount of character letters received in Kreutzer’s case was unheard of, James Knox, Kreutzer’s defense attorney, said in court Wednesday. “I’ve been doing this for a while and she has more support than any client I’ve represented,” he said. Kreutzer was also out of prison for the three and a half years leading up to her trial, and lived a law abiding life during that time, Knox said. “Those facts are articulated by her family and her friends,” he said. Kreutzer is also a different person than she was in 2020, Knox said. “She’s in a different place mentally, physically and in her social life,” he said. “I know that can’t excuse what she did, but this is one of those rare instances where the defendant has had an opportunity to better herself.” Knox asked Jose-Decker to consider imposing the minimum sentence on Kreutzer. “While I understand the severity of the offenses, we have a person that has shown they don’t need a lengthy prison sentence,” he said. Jose-Decker said she struggled to find an appropriate sentence for Kreutzer. “One one hand, Ms. Kreutzer has no prior record, and she did have a tumultuous childhood,” she said. Jose-Decker said in court that Kreutzer had experienced her parents being addicted to drugs, and later being placed with her grandparents. However, there was an “absolute failure” by Kreutzer to take responsibility for the incident, and show remorse, Jose-Decker said. “There was also a disregard for the safety of several human lives,” she said. After the sentencing, Kreutzer could be seen crying in the courtroom, and said ‘I love you’ to the members of her family sitting in the gallery.Can Rolls-Royce shares keep on soaring in 2025?Jack Alban is a freelance journalist for the Daily Dot covering trending human interest/social media stories and the reactions real people have to them. He always seeks to incorporate evidence-based studies, current events, and facts pertinent to these stories to create your not-so-average viral post.