Former UCF head coach Gus Malzahn hired as Florida State OC
Former Democrat presidential candidate Marianne Williamson has announced her bid to chair the Democratic National Committee (DNC), saying she will “work to reinvent the party from the inside out.” In a Substack blog post on Thursday, the 72-year-old author said the rise of the “MAGA phenomenon” means that Democrats need to change their “playbook” to regain control of the White House: This year’s election of a DNC Chair feels different than in past years. Before now, the party had faced defeats to be sure. But our playbook still basically worked. The waters were turbulent at times, but our ship was steady. This year, the party faces a more critical problem than we have ever faced before. The MAGA phenomenon now challenges the very way that politics are done in America, and the traditional tool kit of party organizing will not be enough to meet the moment. Asserting that Democrats need to recognize and understand President-elect Donald Trump’s “appeal,” Williamson said the typical strategies of data analysis, fundraising, field organizing, and “beefed-up” technology “will not be enough to prepare the way for Democratic victory.” “That’s why I have decided to run for DNC Chair this year,” she stated, before citing her experience running for president in 2020 and 2024. FLASHBACK: She’s Back! Democrat Marianne Williamson “Unsuspends” Her Presidential Campaign She then linked to her “Manifesto for a Renewed Democratic Party,” published on December 16, which reflected on the mistakes the DNC made that cost them the November election: In essence, the Democratic party has lost its spiritual connection with the American people. Many who used to trust the Democratic party now feel cynical about it – and often for understandable reasons. The party has squandered its moral authority, its processes and policies having been corrupted by corporate influence. It has become increasingly disconnected from the values – particularly economic values – that have always been central to the party’s identity, resulting in a mass exodus of the working people of the United States away from it. This was a huge mistake and a tragic failure. Williamson concluded her post-Christmas candidacy announcement by urging DNC members to sign her petition to get her into the candidate panels in January, adding that “Republicans will be ready on Day 1. As DNC Chair, I’ll make sure that we are ready to take them on.” The chairmanship election, which is expected to be held on February 1, 2025, has also garnered bids from New York State Sen. James Skoufis (D), Minnesota Democrat party chair Ken Martin, Wisconsin Democrat party chair Ben Wikler, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, and former Homeland Security official Nate Snyder, according to the Hill .
(The Center Square) – The Biden administration on Monday instituted a new round of restrictions targeting the export of advanced semiconductor chips and manufacturing equipment to China. This move by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security builds on previous measures aimed at curbing China's ability to develop cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and military applications. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.None
The Public analyst, Nelson Adanna has expressed concerns over a recent article by Blessing Agbomhere, a Labour Party member, published in an online news platform that has stirred reactions within the Niger Delta community. According to Adanma, Agbomhere, whose party lost the recent election and who continues to express distress over the post-election fallout, raised serious allegations against the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. Adanma noted that Agbomhere demanded that the NUPRC reverse the 2024 licensing and the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round for oil blocks in the Niger Delta region, citing a lack of inclusivity and fairness in the process. Nelson Adanma, who is a member of the Concerned Group of Indigenous Niger Delta Citizens, highlighted this claim as a potentially treasonable action, questioning the intent behind Agbomhere’s article. Despite these allegations, it is crucial to set the record straight regarding the fairness, transparency, and inclusivity of the NUPRC’s processes. Speaking on the matter, Adanna stated, “The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has consistently upheld its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in managing Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. In the face of recent accusations, the NUPRC is reaffirming its adherence to the principles of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which governs the oil licensing and bidding processes. “The NUPRC’s operations are conducted with a clear focus on ensuring that all stakeholders are treated equitably, regardless of geographical or political affiliations. “The bidding processes for both the 2024 Licensing and the 2022/23 Mini Bid Round were carried out in strict accordance with the PIA, which was designed to ensure transparency at every stage. Independent observers monitored these processes closely to guarantee credibility and fairness. Every eligible stakeholder, including those from the Niger Delta, was given equal opportunities to participate in the bidding process. “The Niger Delta region’s central role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is well recognized, and proactive efforts were made to ensure indigenous participation in the bidding rounds. Several indigenous Niger Delta companies successfully met the eligibility criteria and actively participated in the bidding, securing opportunities to contribute to the sector’s growth.” He added saying, “Despite claims of regional exclusion, the NUPRC’s approach was designed to encourage local participation, ensuring that indigenous companies could compete on a level playing field. The NUPRC firmly believes that the success of the oil and gas sector hinges on the inclusion of all stakeholders, particularly those from the oil-producing regions. “The allocation process for oil blocks has been meticulously crafted to align with both environmental sustainability and economic growth. The NUPRC’s focus is to ensure that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources benefit not only the host communities in the Niger Delta but also the broader Nigerian economy. “The process also considered environmental and social factors, reinforcing the NUPRC’s commitment to a balanced approach that promotes sustainable development. By prioritizing national development goals, the NUPRC seeks to harmonize the interests of the oil-producing regions with the overall well-being of the nation. “The NUPRC has stated that claims of regional exclusion are baseless and unfounded. The commission follows an impartial process, evaluating applicants based on objective criteria, such as technical expertise, financial capacity, and legal compliance. “While delays did occur during the bidding process, they were necessary to refine the framework and ensure that international best practices were adhered to. These delays were not meant to exclude any stakeholders but were aimed at creating a more thorough, fair, and transparent process.” Continuing, he explained that suggestions making the rounds that a new bidding round is required are unjustified, stating that the process has already been subjected to independent audits. “Moreover, the suggestion that a new bidding round is required is unjustified. The process has already been subjected to independent audits, which confirmed its fairness and compliance with the necessary legal and regulatory standards. Repeating the process would create unnecessary regulatory instability, potentially deterring further investment in the sector.” Concluding, he said, “In conclusion, the NUPRC remains committed to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. The commission invites all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to address any lingering concerns and collaborate on solutions that will benefit all parties involved. “While the allegations raised by Blessing Agbomhere are without merit, they highlight the need for continued transparency and open communication in the sector. “The NUPRC values the contributions of the Niger Delta and is determined to ensure that the oil and gas sector serves the interests of all Nigerians. By working together, stakeholders can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and equitable oil industry that benefits the nation as a whole.Stock Market Today: Dow Jones Dips As Intel Fades After CEO Exit; This Warren Buffett Stock On 44% Run Clears Entry (Live Coverage) - Investor's Business DailyWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. Related Articles The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union’s executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”
From the season’s outset, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said Minnesota would leave itself the flexibility to close games with whatever lineup the coaching staff felt was needed to secure a victory. ADVERTISEMENT Sometimes, he noted, he’d get the choice right. Surely, there would be other times when he wouldn’t. “Hopefully, I do way more than I don’t,” Finch said this week. Sunday evening, however, was a checkmark in the “not right” column, at least based off the result. The Timberwolves didn’t score in the final 4:47 of their loss to Golden State. Finch said this week that Mike Conley’s inclusion in the closing lineup would’ve added organization to the equation. But he was quick to add that, with the ill-advised shots Anthony Edwards was taking, may not have mattered. ADVERTISEMENT Finch also reiterated what he said after the game, that Nickeil Alexander-Walker was playing “so well,” so he was hesitant to take him off the floor. “Maybe the other thing I could’ve done was go small,” Finch said, “but we’ve not really done that a ton.” That was the cry of many Wolves’ followers on social media on Sunday. Minnesota has proven rather inept at late-game offense when Conley isn’t on the floor. But all recognized Alexander-Walker had also earned the opportunity to close. You certainly won’t take Edwards off the floor in those situations, and the Wolves wanted Jaden McDaniels on the floor to guard Steph Curry. That left Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert as the only options to take off the court in favor of Conley, and that would’ve left Minnesota small. And, as Finch noted, the Wolves simply haven’t gone small this season. Like, at all. None of Naz Reid, Randle or Gobert have played more than 17 minutes this season without another big man next to him. ADVERTISEMENT It’s not something the Wolves practice, either. McDaniels said he’s only repped minutes at the four in practice when one of the bigs have been unavailable. Still, Finch said it wasn’t that he was “uncomfortable” rolling out a small-ball look Sunday. “But I worry a lot about rebounding. We struggle to rebound with our bigger lineups, at times. So, I know our smaller lineups have really struggled,” Finch said. “That’s some of the reason not to go small is really rebounding issues. But I think our guys are comfortable playing in all different combinations. But I haven’t really thought about going small, necessarily.” ADVERTISEMENT Indeed, Minnesota is just 12th in the NBA this season in defensive rebounding rate, grabbing 71.3% of opposing missed shots. The glass was especially an issue Sunday, as Golden State grabbed 14 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points. But it’s worth noting many of those came by guards in situations in which size was no factor on the play. McDaniels said he’s comfortable playing any position, including the power forward slot. And Minnesota certainly has the wing depth to roll out more small ball lineups if the situation ever called for it. There could be a playoff matchup that does just that, though Finch noted it could also go the other direction where the Wolves’ advantage would be to lean bigger. Versatility rules come April and May. But the Wolves don’t seem overly urgent to trot out any small-ball looks just to see how they perform at this juncture in the campaign. ADVERTISEMENT “Usually, it’s better with Naz at the four (than me),” McDaniels said. There is, however, at least one proponent of doing a little experimenting: Conley. “I think (small ball) kind of promotes a different level of spacing and speed to the game. You’re going to have to rely on guard-guard situations, guard pick and rolls,” Conley said. “Maybe me setting the screen and roll, Just creating different advantages for ourselves, as opposed to our typical offense or typical flow of things. I would love to see it, maybe — see how it works.” ADVERTISEMENT ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
Shoppers are ready to drop some cash this holiday season as total spending this year is expected to be at least $24 billion higher than last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Online shopping is still the biggest hit, but in-person shopping is making a comeback and the NRF predicts nearly half of all shoppers will head to department and discount stores to knock out their shopping lists. Store owners at the Galleria at Sunset in Henderson, Nevada, said it just gets busier each year. “Black Friday was great. We hit goal. We actually passed goal, so that was good. It’s better than last year. So that was good for us. Everybody always likes to try on stuff, too. So I think that’s what keeps the malls open,” said Bring it Back owner Brandon Nova. Some spots at the Galleria at Sunset are seeing a flood of visitors, especially during the holiday season. Store owners and employee said the customers want that in-person experience. The mall’s general manager said it hasn’t been this busy since the pandemic. “I would say since COVID, it’s been the first holiday season where ... we’re feeling the holiday spirit. The customers, you can just feel that they’re happy to be out shopping, happy to be out, you know, experiencing the holiday season,” said Galleria at Sunset general manager Heather Cox. There has been a huge rebound in in-person shopping over the last four years as consumers start to enjoy the social aspect of going to the mall again, according to the NRF. “We, as consumers, don’t shop just because we need something,” said Mark Mathews, NRF’s executive director of research. “One of the main reasons that people go out is for deals, but it’s also to be with family and friends and be engaged and a fun activity. And for a lot of people, shopping is a fun activity. So, you know, I don’t think we’re going to ever see an end of in-store shopping.” Gift cards are the most popular item on people’s wish lists this year, followed by clothes and accessories, then books and other media, according to the NRF.Tennis champion swings by prestigious golf club in Oakleigh South