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PM warns of strict action against inflated electricity bills All available resources should be utilised to meet Nepra targets, instructs premier ISLAMABAD: Expressing his annoyance over inflated electricity bills, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the overbilling by power distribution companies was unacceptable. Chairing a review meeting on the performance of electricity distribution companies (Discos), PM Shehbaz warned that strict action would be taken against officers involved in overbilling. He directed to complete the installation of smart meters as soon as possible to ensure transparency in the billing system and called for concrete steps to prevent electricity theft. Besides other matters, affairs related to Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) were discussed in the meeting, read a statement issued by the PM’s Office. PM Shehbaz expressed concern over the delay in the appointment process of chief executive officers (CEOs) of the distribution companies and directed for ensuring CEOs’ appointments through a highly transparent process and asked for its completion at the earliest. Recruitment of workforce in distribution companies should be merit-based, with no compromise on transparency, he further added. The prime minister said that all the available resources should be utilized to meet the targets of Nepra. Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Ali Pervez Malik, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ahsan Afzal, and senior government officials attended the meeting. The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the achievement of targets which included recovery rates (up to November of FY 2024-25): Lesco: 96.82%, Pesco: 87.98%, and Fesco: 97.57%. Earlier this month, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) decided to initiate legal action against K-Electric (KE) and other power-providing companies after it was found that they were charging millions of consumers excessively. “Legal proceedings against all Distribution Companies including KEL under NEPRA Fine Regulations, 2021 for violation of the provisions of NEPRA Act, CSM and tariff terms & conditions etc,” a statement issued by the power regulator said. The authority took “very serious” notice of the complaints that were reported from all over Pakistan regarding excessive, inflated, and wrong bills charged by the distribution companies to the consumers during two months — July and August. 'Hard-earned' economic stability to continue on back of remittances, exports: finance ministry PSX rebounds after two-day slump PSX plunges as profit-taking, year-end pressure weigh on sentiment Pakistan's tax gap has exceeded Rs7tr, reveals FBR chairmanHouston's Al-Shaair apologizes for hit on Jacksonville's Lawrence that led to concussion HOUSTON (AP) — Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair took to X to apologize to Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence after his violent blow to the quarterback’s facemask led to him being carted off the field with a concussion. Back in the starting lineup after missing two games with a sprained left shoulder, Lawrence scrambled left on a second-and-7 play in the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 win on Sunday. He initiated a slide before Al-Shaair raised his forearm and unleashed on the defenseless quarterback. In the long post, Al-Shaair says "To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening.” Jets are sticking with struggling Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers will remain the New York Jets’ starting quarterback despite speculation the team could bench him in what has been a disappointing season. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said during a video call that he still believes Rodgers, who turned 41 on Monday, gives the Jets their best chance to win. Rodgers was 21 of 39 for 185 yards and touchdown passes to Davante Adams and Isaiah Davis but also had an interception returned 92 yards for a touchdown by Leonard Williams in the Jets’ 26-21 loss to Seattle on Sunday. Hall of Famer Randy Moss reveals he's 'battling something' internal and asks for prayers Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss revealed he’s dealing with a health issue and asked fans to pray for him and his family. The 47-year-old ESPN football analyst made the announcement on Instagram from the set of the network’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” show. He directed his message to men and urged them to get checkups and bloodwork done, without specifying for any particular illness. Moss explained why he’s been wearing tinted sunglasses, saying, “I’m battling something, man, and it’s something internal, your boy is going to get through it.” College playoff bracket offers last dress rehearsal and one more chance to see where the SEC stands The next set of College Football Playoff rankings will be released Tuesday night under heavy scrutiny before the final bracket is set on Sunday. It will be one last chance to see just how much the selection committee loves the Southeastern Conference. The best gauge will be whether Miami, which suffered its second loss over the weekend, is placed behind any or all three SEC teams with three losses — Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina, all of which are coming off wins. Whatever happens, the SEC is likely to have at least five teams in the 12-team field when the final bracket comes out. Mollie Marcoux Samaan stepping down as LPGA commissioner after 3 1/2 years of record prize money Mollie Marcoux Samaan is leaving after more than three years as LPGA commissioner. In a surprise announcement Monday, Marcoux Samaan says she will step down in January, just three weeks before the LPGA starts its 75th season. Liz Moore is the chief legal and technology officer. She'll be serving as interim commissioner until a search committee can find a permanent replacement. Marcoux Samaan was the athletic director at Princeton when she took over the LPGA in May 2021. Prize money has soared during her tenure. She also has faced criticism for the LPGA not gaining in popularity during a rise in women's sports. Kansas holds off Auburn for No. 1 in AP Top 25 as SEC grabs 3 of top 4 spots; UConn slides to No. 25 Kansas continues to hold the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. Auburn is pushing the Jayhawks in the latest poll after winning the Maui Invitational and checked in at No. 2. Two-time reigning national champion UConn nearly fell out entirely after an 0-3 week at Maui, falling from No. 2 to 25th. The Southeastern Conference had three of the top four teams with No. 3 Tennessee and No. 4 Kentucky behind the Tigers. The poll featured six new teams, headlined by No. 13 Oregon, No. 16 Memphis and No. 18 Pittsburgh. TCU, Duke climb into top 10, Notre Dame drops in women's AP Top 25; UCLA and UConn remain 1-2 TCU has its best ranking ever in The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll after a convincing win over Notre Dame. The Horned Frogs jumped eight spots to No. 9, the first time the school has ever been in the top 10. The Fighting Irish, who were third last week, fell seven spots to 10th after losses to TCU and Utah. UCLA remained No. 1, followed by UConn, South Carolina, Texas and LSU. USC, Maryland and Duke are next. Michael Andretti's Formula 1 dream comes to bittersweet fruition without his involvement Michael Andretti has been sidelined from his namesake motorsports organization and won’t have any role with the Formula 1 program he spent the last four years desperately trying to launch. His effort to get a program partnered with General Motors into F1 was approved last week, a month after he stepped aside from his teams. F1’s decision to expand its grid for Cadillac F1 came amidst a federal antitrust investigation into why Liberty Media refused to admit Andretti Global and after Andretti partners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter claimed controlling interest of the fledgling effort. Ryan Poles to remain Bears general manager and lead search for new head coach LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren said Ryan Poles will remain the general manager and serve as the point person in the search for a head coach to replace the fired Matt Eberflus. He says Poles will have the “final say” if the two have differing opinions on who should get the job. Chicago had never fired a coach during a season. But a six-game losing streak marked by questionable coaching decisions spurred the founding NFL franchise to change course. The Bears let Eberflus go Friday and replaced him on an interim basis with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Florida State hires Nebraska's Tony White as defensive coordinator, AP source says Florida State has hired Tony White to be its defensive coordinator after he developed consecutive top-20 defenses at Nebraska. That's according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the Seminoles nor Nebraska confirmed White’s move, which is pending a state background check. ESPN reported that White signed a three-year contract. White replaces Adam Fuller, who was fired last month. FSU coach Mike Norvell is trying to fill staff vacancies in hopes of salvaging a recruiting class. National Signing Day is Wednesday, with the transfer portal opening next week. Norvell also formally announced former UCF coach Gus Malzahn as his offensive coordinator.
NoneTrudeau promises border helicopters at ‘very productive’ Trump meeting: sourceThe College Football Playoff was changing how fans, players and coaches viewed bowl season even before it expanded to 12 teams. There have been dips in ratings. Last season, an Alamo Bowl featuring Arizona and Oklahoma averaged 3.93 million viewers — an 18% decline from the 4.78 million who watched Washington and Texas in the same bowl game a year earlier. But don’t tell Kalani Sitake and Deion Sanders that the non-Playoff bowl games are meaningless. Not after the Buffaloes and Cougars were picked to finish 11th and 13th, respectively, in the Big 12 Conference. “We were supposed to be in the crib right now, focused on recruiting, improving our rosters. Nevertheless, we’re here,” Sanders told reporters this week. “We’re taking it serious because we were predicted not to be here by some of you wonderful folks.” The man they call Coach Prime added: “Do you know how many people wish they could be in our situations? We’re going to take full advantage of it. All our kids are playing. We’re going to play our toughest, our hardest. This is a game, not just routine. This is a game that both of us wants to win.” (BYU Athletics) The BYU football team participates in a rally in San Antonio, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, ahead of the Alamo Bowl against Colorado on Saturday. How to watch No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado Venue: The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas Kickoff: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. MT TV: ABC Pregame reading BYU QUARTERBACK JAKE RETZLAFF surely riled up some Sun Devil and Cyclone fans when he gave this game his own nickname. “I think it’s the people’s Big 12 championship,” he said. COUGARS ATHLETICS DIRECTOR TOM HOLMOE says the year he spent with Deion Sanders changed the trajectory of Holmoe’s career. (Joseph R. Villarin | AP) Deion Sanders walks out of the San Francisco 49ers' practice facility on Sept. 15, 1994. The free-agent defensive back signed a one-year $1.1 million contract with the 49ers, where he first met future BYU athletics director Tom Holmoe. COLORADO QB SHEDEUR SANDERS gave his take on BYU’s defense. HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER TRAVIS HUNTER is motivating the Cougars. Here’s how. HE WAS SELLING PLASMA and sleeping in his van. Now, this BYU lineman is playing in the Alamo Bowl.
Estee Lauder Cos. Cl A stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the day
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil prices rallied on Wednesday, jumping around 2.75% and clipping into $70 per barrel after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a steeper drawdown in US Crude Oil reserves than energy traders anticipated. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has lowered its forecasts for global Crude Oil demand growth, however barrel traders are still banking on growing energy demand from China to sop up the extra. According to the EIA, US Crude Oil Stocks Change for the week ended December 6 fell by 1.425 million barrels, below the forecast -1.1 million and declining further from the previous week’s decline of over 5 million barrels. With US Crude Oil reserve drying up in the pipe, barrel traders found the buy button on the expectation that US processors will be forced to increase the pace of their market buying. reduced its forecasts for global Crude Oil demand growth in the coming year, dragging the Crude Oil consortium’s lofty expectations closer in-line with the more demure forecasts posted by the EIA. OPEC now anticipates that global oil demand will increase by 1.61 million barrels per day in 2024, a reduction from last month's forecast of 1.82 million barrels. Additionally, for 2025, they have revised their growth estimate down to 1.45 million barrels per day from the previous 1.54 million barrels. Crude Oil price forecast Crude Oil prices have been traveling in a rough downside wedge since dipping below $66 per barrel in September. bids, despite finding a technical floor below $68 per barrel, have been unable to decisively pierce above the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), and intraday price action is poised to continue battling the moving average in the near term. Despite barrel prices seemingly held aloft of further downside pressure from a bidding zone just north of the $66 key handle, topside momentum remains limited, and Crude Oil bulls will continue to find themselves short-changed as swing highs continue to grind lower below the 200-day EMA near $73.80. WTI daily chart WTI Oil FAQs WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media. Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa. The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia.CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Uttarakhand is set to implement UCC in Jan, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami tells TOI while stating that stringent measures were being taken against illegal activities, including unauthorised madrasas and land law violations. Excerpts: What do you think of the political battle between NDA and INDIA bloc over Ambedkar's legacy? Congress party is spreading misinformation and disrespecting B R Ambedkar's legacy. Congress has a history of sidelining Ambedkar, but BJP has honoured him by establishing memorials in key locations associated with him. Congress's allegations are an attempt to create confusion and divert the people's attention from BJP's focus on development and equality. Whether it's the 1952 or 1954 elections, Congress and Nehru always conspired to keep him out of Parliament. They made every effort to stop him. For a long time, they didn't give him the recognition he deserved, but the people will see through it. What is the status of UCC? The state is ready to implement Uniform Civil Code in Jan. Training is ongoing, and the draft has been reviewed and approved by the President. The rules and regulations are in place. A (mobile) app is under development to facilitate registrations and other services, enhancing accessibility for residents. Any update of action against illegal activities and land laws? On illegal activities, including unauthorised madrasas and land law violations, strict measures are being implemented. Also, it is important to maintain law and order alongside addressing ecological concerns. Changes to land laws are under way and will be introduced in the next session. Local body elections are scheduled for Jan 2025... BJP continues to enjoy the support of people in Uttarakhand due to the state and Centre focusing on development and nationalism. The 'one nation, one election' decision is revolutionary. It will save resources, manpower and time, as frequent elections disrupt development work. This will be a milestone for the country. How significant is the winter Char Dham Yatra for the state's tourism? We've started a new winter pilgrimage. It started on Dec 8 from Omkareshwar temple, and is getting good response. Even in winter, significant number of devotees are visiting shrines. The arrangements ensure visitors face no inconvenience. This initiative aims to promote year-round pilgrimage tourism, showcasing Uttarakhand's scenic beauty. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes .
Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig told CNN's Michael Smerconish on Saturday that President-elect Donald Trump 's four indictments could have unfolded differently, outlining a hypothetical, alternative timeline that "absolutely" would have led to at least one federal trial and verdict before the 2024 election. In a conversation with Smerconish on Saturday morning, Honig analyzed the timeline of appointments and legal proceedings pertaining to Trump, starting with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, followed by Merrick Garland 's confirmation as U.S. attorney general, the appointment of Department of Justice (DOJ) special counsel Jack Smith , the subsequent federal indictments, up until the November 2024 presidential election. He notes that there's a "key gap" between Garland taking office and appointing Smith, saying it "takes almost two years—20 months—until November 2022, when Merrick Garland names Jack Smith as special counsel." Garland was sworn in as U.S. attorney general in March 2021. In a hypothetical exercise, Honig, a senior CNN legal analyst, said, "What if Merrick Garland had appointed Jack Smith right away, let's say April of 2021?" He continued, that even when accounting for extra time, Smith "would have gotten those cases indicted in early- to mid-2022. We would have absolutely had a trial—even if you account for the immunity decision—in mid to late 2023, maybe early 2024, and to me, it would have been impossible for Donald Trump to run out the clock. We absolutely would have had trials and verdicts well in advance of the 2024 election." In a 6-3 ruling on July 1 , the U.S. Supreme Court said that presidents have broad immunity for official acts. The Court added that presidents have absolute immunity for core political acts and some immunity for other acts committed as president, but no immunity for strictly private conduct. It also ruled that official acts cannot be used as evidence if taking a case against a president for unofficial acts. Honig later said on Saturday that "if Merrick Garland was serious about digging into this, he could have done it from day one." Newsweek filled out an online contact form with the DOJ seeking comment from Garland's office on the matter. Earlier this month, Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris , the Democratic nominee, in the presidential election, winning both the popular vote and the Electoral College. He is set to take his second term in office on January 20, 2025. Since the conclusion of his first term in office, Trump has been faced with four indictments: a federal classified documents case in Florida, which was dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon this summer on grounds that Smith was not properly appointed, a federal indictment related to alleged 2020 election interference, a state indictment in Georgia also tied to alleged 2020 election interference, and a criminal hush-money case of falsifying business records in New York. Trump has maintained his innocence in all the cases and said they are a political witch hunt. Only the criminal hush money case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has gone to trial. In May, Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election to keep an alleged affair the two had in 2006 a secret, was initially set to be sentenced on July 11. However, presiding Judge Juan Merchan has postponed his sentencing indefinitely following his election win. "By the weakest of the four cases going first, and being the only one to go to trial, that really undermined the entire process here, the entire effort to bring Donald Trump to accountability," Honig said Saturday. Last week, Honig, who previously disclosed he is a friend and former colleague of Bragg's, said the Manhattan district attorney "poisoned the well" for other Trump trials. The federal cases are set to wind down before Trump takes office as Smith has filed motions to drop the charges and is reportedly planning on stepping down. Trump has publicly vowed to fire Smith within "two seconds" of being sworn in, and according to The Washington Post, he plans to fire Smith's entire team. Regarding Trump's federal election subversion case, overseen by Judge Tanya Chutkan , in which he is accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction and attempted obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights related to an alleged pressure campaign on state officials to overturn the 2020 election results, Honig said Trump "would have had a brutal jury pool" in Washington, D.C. He said that out of the 94 federal districts, "the number one where Donald Trump is least popular, number 94 of 94, is the federal district for Washington, D.C." Honig added that since Chutkan "ruled against Donald Trump on virtually every issue" and the "indictment looks fairly strong and straightforward," the case could have been particularly challenging for Trump. "In this hypothetical alternative timeline, for sure Jack Smith would have indicted his cases before Alvin Bragg came down with his, for sure Jack Smith would have been the first one to get to trial," he said, adding that this case had gone first, it's not known whether Bragg or Georgia's Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis would have "piled their cases on." Willis is still prosecuting the Georgia case. Earlier this month, the Georgia Court of Appeals canceled the December 5 hearing for Trump's appeal "until further order of this court." The Georgia case is likely to be dismissed following Smith's motion to dismiss the federal cases, in which he wrote: "The Constitution's prohibition on federal indictment and prosecution of a sitting President apply to this situation and that as a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated."
Addressing LGBTQIA2S+ discrimination could open new business opportunities that increase GDP by up to 1.47%, worth US$7.6 billion, according to the Thailand PinkTech Ecosystem Report 2024. LGBTQIA2S+ is an acronym for a group of sexual orientations and gender identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual and two-spirit. "It's time to recognise the immense value of diversity and create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive," said Poomporn Thamsatitdej, director of the artificial intelligence centre at Thammasat University. The pinktech ecosystem is more than just an emerging sector, it's a catalyst for economic and social change, he said. The report was jointly conducted by the centre and Canvas Ventures International (CVI), identifying Bangkok, with its vibrant LGBTQIA2S+ community and supportive ecosystem, as having the potential to become the epicentre of pinktech innovation in Southeast Asia. The survey interviewed 105 respondents from May to October. Thailand's progressive policies such as the marriage equality law and gender equality law lay a foundation for pinktech growth and offer an environment that fosters innovation and inclusion, according to the report. Despite the significant potential of Thailand's pinktech economy, 88.9% of investors in the survey have yet to engage with the market based on a lack of understanding and collaborative opportunities. Mr Poomporn said there are 78 active pinktech startups in the market, of which 65% are in the early stage or pre-seed, with many struggling to secure funding and scale their businesses. This underscores the urgent need for targeted support and resources. He suggested healthcare and wellness businesses leverage Thailand's healthcare reputation to serve specific LGBTQIA2S+ needs, ranging from telemedicine to mental health. The tourism and hospitality sectors can join with pinktech startups to create travel experiences for LGBTQIA2S+ people, while fintech, insurance and marriage equality fuels demand for tailored financial products for individuals and couples in this segment, said Mr Poomporn. ECONOMIC IMPACT He said one area where pinktech can create an economic impact is inclusive financial services. Some 89% of surveyed same-sex couples said they are interested in financial services, which can be leveraged to add $2 billion in value to the local financial market, said Mr Poomporn. Roughly 78% of respondents said they are dissatisfied with current healthcare options, indicating demand for telemedicine services in the segment. The market size is projected to reach $500 million by 2025, he said. Moreover, 72% of LGBTQIA2S+ professionals face career advancement barriers, underscoring the need for inclusive job platforms and mentorship apps. Addressing this obstacle could add $1.5 billion to GDP annually, noted the report. As 65% of LGBTQIA2S+ youth feel socially unsafe, this drives demand for augmented and virtual reality social platforms and venue discovery apps. This market is expected to grow 300% over five years, according to the survey. Tourism also shows strong potential thanks to the legalisation of same-sex marriages, with the sector projected to attract 4 million visitors annually and generate $2 billion. Bangkok has all the ingredients to become a global pinktech hub, said Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, co-founder of CVI. "By investing in pinktech, supporting entrepreneurs and fostering collaborations, we can unlock the full potential of this dynamic market," he said. CVI plays a crucial role in fostering this growth through initiatives like the upcoming PinkTech and OrangeTech Accelerator Programme (PAINT), which provides entrepreneurs the resources and mentorship needed to ensure success. PAINT is a key component of CVI Labs' venture-building platform dedicated to cultivating tech businesses with a focus on social impact. Mr Tanachai said PAINT is not just an accelerator -- it's a movement open to entrepreneurs of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Slated to start in February 2025, PAINT's intensive eight-week programme offers 50 participants the essential skills, mentorship and resources needed to develop and scale their businesses. Bangkok should aim to solidify its position as a global pinktech hub, driving economic growth through inclusivity and creativity, he said. PAINT set an ambitious goal to achieve half a billion baht in collective fundraising and 5 billion baht in business value within a few years.Top 10 Best Rural Development Initiatives by Indian Companies 2025 | Transforming LivesCaitlin 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. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.
AVANTI HELIUM ANNOUNCES AMENDMENT TO EQUITY INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Two Illinois convicts among 37 whose death sentences were commuted by President Joe Biden Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.