Brazil’s Federal Police indicted conservative former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other individuals on Thursday on charges of allegedly plotting to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and stage a coup in 2022. The Federal Police allege that Bolsonaro, together with the 36 other indicted individuals, conspired in the days following his narrow defeat against Lula in the October 2022 presidential election to overturn the results and assassinate then-President-elect Lula, then-Vice President-elect Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes. The list of men indicted alongside Bolsonaro includes Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp Mauro Cid — reportedly the case’s “whistleblower” — the president of Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party Valdemar Costa Neto, some former members of Bolsonaro’s administration, and members of the military, among others. Bolsonaro, according to the police indictment, allegedly acted as the “leader of a criminal organization” that sought to conspire to keep him in power following his electoral defeat in late 2022. “The evidence was obtained through several police investigations carried out over almost two years, based on the breaking of computer, telephone, banking and tax confidentiality, plea bargains, searches and seizures, among other measures duly authorized by the Judiciary,” the Brazilian Federal Police said on Thursday in an official statement . The indicted face “coup,” “violent abolition of the democratic rule of law,” and “organized crime” charges. If found guilty, each charge reportedly bears a potential sentence ranging from three to 12 years in prison. Brazilian outlets reported that, according to the police’s 884-page report, a group of military personnel from the “black kids” Special Forces unit allegedly aimed to stage a coup and prevent Lula’s government from taking office. The plan allegedly included killing Lula, Alckmin, and de Moraes. The purported assassination plot, named “Green and Yellow Dagger,” would allegedly have been executed on December 15, 2022, two weeks before Lula took office on January 1, 2023. “The plan drawn up by those under investigation detailed the human and military resources needed to carry out the actions, using advanced military operational techniques, in addition to the subsequent establishment of an ‘Institutional Crisis Management Office’ to be integrated by the investigated parties themselves to manage institutional conflicts arising as a result of the actions,” the Federal Police stated . CNN Brasil reported that, according to the Federal Police investigation, a document containing the purported assassination plans was printed on November 9, 2022, at the Alvorada Palace, the official residence of the president. The document was allegedly printed roughly a week after Lula defeated Bolsonaro in the October 2022 presidential runoff election. Bolsonaro, the then-outgoing president, still resided in Alvorada at the time the document was allegedly printed. The document with the plans was allegedly printed a second time at the president’s office, Planalto, on December 6, 2022. Hours after the indictment Bolsonaro issued a statement to the Brazilian outlet Metropoles condemning STF Minister de Moraes, the case’s rapporteur. “Minister Alexandre de Moraes conducts the entire investigation, adjusts testimonies, arrests without charges, fishes for evidence and has a very creative advisory board. He does everything the law doesn’t say,” Bolsonaro reportedly said. “We have to see what’s in this Federal Police indictment. I’ll wait for the lawyer. Obviously, this will go to the Attorney General’s Office,” he continued. “The [Attorney General’s Office] is where the fight begins. I can’t expect anything from a team that uses creativity to denounce me.” Bolsonaro also shared a copy of the statement he issued to Metrópoles on his official Twitter account. Metrópoles confirmed on Friday morning that de Moraes will send the case to the Attorney General’s Office on Monday, November 25. CNN Brasil reported that, upon receiving the case, the attorney general will have up to 15 days to decide whether to close the case, accept it, or ask for further investigations. According to unnamed court sources cited by CNN Brasil , the trial could take place sometime between March and April 2025. Unnamed criminal lawyers interviewed by the outlet expressed that it is more “feasible” for the trial to take place in June 2025 because “the parties can request expert reports.” Thursday marked the third time Bolsonaro has been indicted after leaving office in January 2023. Other court proceedings have resulted in Bolsonaro being banned from running for public office until 2030. The former president was indicted in July on charges of embezzlement, criminal association, and money laundering in relation to accusations that Bolsonaro misappropriated jewelry he received from the government of Saudi Arabia. If found guilty, Bolsonaro could face from ten to 32 years in prison if convicted of all charges. In March, Bolsonaro was indicted in a separate case on charges of conspiracy and inserting false data into government information systems. Bolsonaro is accused of falsifying proof of receiving a Wuhan coronavirus vaccine product to travel to the United States between December 2022 and March 2023 – at a time when the administration of outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden banned foreign travelers from entering the country without proof of having received an approved coronavirus vaccine if attempting to enter the country legally. Brazilian President Lula da Silva commented on the alleged 2022 assassination plot in remarks during an official Thursday evening event at Planalto. “I’m a guy who has a lot more to be thankful for because I’m alive. The attempt to poison me and [Vice President] Alckmin didn’t work — we’re here,” Lula said. “And I don’t want to poison anyone. I don’t even want to persecute anyone. The only thing I want is that when my term ends, we demoralize with numbers those who governed before us,” he continued. “I want to measure with numbers who has built more schools in this country, who has taken more care of the poor in this country.” Bolsonaro himself is the survivor of a documented, and nearly successful, assassination attempt, which was caught on video . During a campaign rally in 2018, a former member of a socialist political party stabbed Bolsonaro in the abdomen, taking advantage of the large crowd to inch close to the then-lawmaker and presidential candidate. Bolsonaro has suffered major health complications during the past six years as a result of significant damage done to his digestive system by the stabbing. Christian K. Caruzo is a Venezuelan writer and documents life under socialism. You can follow him on Twitter here .Juan Soto introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15-year deal NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. He said at his introductory news conference on Thursday that the Mets “showed me a lot of love." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, Soto was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.” Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Hojlund scores twice for Manchester United to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in Europa League Rasmus Hojlund scored twice after coming off the bench and Manchester United rallied to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League. The Denmark striker netted in the 88th minute after collecting Bruno Fernandes’ pass off a free kick to seal the victory. Ahead of the late games, United moved to fifth place with 12 points from six games. Hojlund came on in the 56th to replace Marcus Rashford and scored an equalizer six minutes later. In the Conference League a youthful Chelsea lineup made the most of a long trip to Kazakhstan by beating Astana 3-1 to stay perfect in the third-tier competition. NFL world reacts with excitement, surprise, questions after Bill Belichick is hired to coach UNC Bill Belichick is already the most decorated coach in NFL history. His next challenge is college football after he agreed to a five-year deal to coach at North Carolina. The reaction around the NFL ranged from excitement at seeing him back on the sideline to disbelief. Some of his former players believe his skill set will work at any level. Others caution that the players he brings into UNC should prepare to have their limits tested.US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people Federal officials say the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said that federally required tallies taken across the country in January found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Israeli troops burn northern Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli troops have stormed one of the last hospitals operating in the territory's north on Friday and forced many of the staff and patients outside. Then they had to remove their clothes in winter weather. It was the latest assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Parts of it were set on fire. Staff say it has been hit multiple times in the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. Israel's military says Hamas uses the hospital as a base. It did not provide evidence, and hospital officials have denied it. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have said weapons fire may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed on Wednesday, killing 38 people. The statements from Rashad Nabiyev and White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Friday raised pressure on Russia. Officials in Moscow have said a drone attack was underway in the region that the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was destined for but have not addressed statements from aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defenses responding to a Ukrainian attack. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to Chechnya on Wednesday when it crashed, killing 38 people and leaving all 29 survivors injured. New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns New laws taking effect with the new year will affect Hollywood actors, social media stars and chatty motorists. In many states, minimum wage workers will see a pay raise in January. New laws in California will provide protections to actors against unauthorized use of artificial intelligence and require parents to set aside social media earnings generated by children. In Florida and Tennessee, new laws restricting social media use by minors face legal challenges. In Missouri, drivers holding their cellphones could face new fines. Other new laws will restrict certain guns in Minnesota, allow medical marijuana in Kentucky and outlaw drug use on public transit in Oregon. In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has a nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children. GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 argue that they are bolstering services for families. Recent research and an analysis by The Associated Press has found that from the time a Tennessee woman gets pregnant, she faces greater obstacles to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child and a financially stable family life than the average American mom. Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train has been indicted on state charges. A prosecutor announced Sebastian Zapeta’s indictment at a court hearing Friday. The development comes days after Zapeta’s arrest and subsequent police questioning in which they say he identified himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit. The indictment will be under seal until Jan. 7. He remains jailed. Federal immigration officials say the 33-year-old Zapeta is from Guatemala and entered the U.S. illegally. Authorities are continuing to work to identify the victim. Father of Raiders star Malcolm Koonce has 1983 conviction tossed after DA says it was tainted NEW YORK (AP) — Years before Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce was born, his father spent time in prison for an armed robbery conviction that prosecutors now say was tainted by a detective’s lies and “highly suggestive” photo identification techniques. Jeffrey Koonce, now 67, had his conviction vacated and his indictment dismissed by New York judge Friday. Koonce spent nearly eight years in prison for a 1981 robbery at Vernon Stars Rod and Gun Club in Mount Vernon, where three people were struck by shotgun pellets as patrons were looted of cash and jewelry. He has always maintained his innocence. 'We fall and we rise': Some amputees in Sierra Leone turn to farming to combat discrimination FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — Sierra Leone's brutal civil war from 1991-2002 created about 28,000 amputees. Now many live on the streets and beg, facing discrimination. They are often regarded as a shameful reminder of the war. One initiative is tackling this by training amputees to farm and strengthen their independence. Despite its success with 100 trainees so far, the project remains a rare example. The country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission says there is currently no specific support for amputees from the government. Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is chasing the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin entered the season 42 goals short of breaking a record that long seemed unapproachable. He is set to play again Saturday at the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing more than a month with a broken left fibula. Ovechkin was on pace to get to 895 sometime in February before getting injured. At 868, he his 27 goals away from passing Gretzky.
Travis Hunter named AP player of the yearDoomsday prepper shares how much she saves by feeding family nearly expired food from $350k stockpile for Christmas meal
Electric Bus Revolution: Marcopolo’S $4 Million Gambit In Latin America(The Center Square) – Adoption of institutional neutrality is supported by better than 6 in 10 tenured and nontenured faculty at the University of North Carolina, Wake Forest University and Duke University, a report says. Nationally, 66% of faculty say “colleges and universities should not take positions on political and social issues,” says Silence in the Classroom, the 2024 FIRE Faculty Survey Report. At Duke, the percentage is 71%, at Carolina 65%, and at Wake 64%. Higher education is facing mounting challenges, from the costs to the positions it favors. Silencing students or faculty has drawn sharp criticism from Capitol Hill to every corner of the nation sending people to the ballot box. Carolina, established in 1789, is the nation’s oldest public university. It also earlier this year became embattled in free speech controversy tied to the war between Hamas and Israel. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression , as FIRE is more formally known, is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization billing itself as “defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought.” Surveys on topics related to free expression and academic freedom were made of 6,269 tenured, tenure-track and nontenure faculty at 55 four-year colleges and universities in America. In North Carolina, the sampling was of 145 at Carolina, 80 at Duke, and 55 at Wake Forest. For each campus, respondents said the top “difficult issue to discuss” is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Asked for top three issues, the Middle East saga was 79% at Carolina, 71% at Wake Forest and 68% at Duke. Each campus was split on the second and third choices. At Duke, 57% said affirmative action and 51% transgender rights. At Carolina, 54% said affirmative action and 53% racial inequality. And at Wake, 63% said racial inequality and 55% transgender rights. All were talking points of various candidates, particularly the presidential race, in the election cycle climaxing last month. In response to faculty feeling “they could not express their opinion because of how others would respond,” the choices of “occasionally,” “fairly often” and “very often” drew a combined 69% at Wake Forest, 69% at Duke and 67% at Carolina. Fairly often and very often were 35% at Duke. Statements pledging commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is rarely or never justified of faculty job candidates, said 61% at Duke, 44% at Carolina and 42% at Wake Forest. Nationally, the response was 50%. Academic freedom leaned more toward secure than not at all three institutions on a split of about 60%-40%. As for faculty feeling a need to “hide their political beliefs from other faculty in an attempt to keep their job,” answers of “never” were chosen by 43% at Duke, 42% at Carolina and 36% at Wake Forest. Among the national findings of the FIRE survey: • More faculty (35%) than during the McCarthy era (9%) say they toned down their writing for fear of controversy. • Threats of discipline for teaching, research, academic talks or other off-campus speech was incurred by 14%. • Faculty feeling unable to speak freely for fear of how others would respond was 27%. • Fear of damaged reputations because of misunderstandings with something said or done was 40%. • Fear of losing jobs because of misunderstandings with something said or done was 23%.The University of Colorado basketball honored Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter on a successful season, and before the ceremony, the two had some fun on the court. Hunter seemed to have a little more fun, though, as he decided to show off his crazy athletic ability. The Heisman Trophy winner was doing between-the-legs dunks and shooting no-look half-court shots while Shedeur looked on in awe. Originally, when they were suiting up, Shedeur just wanted to have a three-point contest with his teammate. But Travis upped the ante and challenged him to a dunk contest. The only catch: Shedeur can’t dunk. “C’mon, you selfish bro,” Shedeur said in protest , however, with a big smile on his face. “You know I can’t dunk, and I ain’t going to try.” While the possible future number one overall pick wasn’t too thrilled with the idea, it didn’t stop Hunter. He stole the show on the court. The lefty made a Steph Curry-like half-court shot, for one, that even got a reaction from Shedeur. He followed that up with a couple of sweet dunks that looked straight out of the NBA dunk contest. It was a funny interaction between the two soon-to-be opponents. Furthermore, Shedeur expressed afterward that he was genuinely happy for Hunter. Not just because he got to show off his basketball skills, but he’s just happy in general for his friend. It’s been a dream year for Hunter. He won several awards to go along, including the Heisman Trophy. Hunter boosted his draft stock a ton over the course of the season as well. He’s now projected to be picked in the top three with his teammate, Shedeur. Sanders is fully supportive of the recognition Hunter has received this year, and why shouldn’t he be? The two have been inseparable since they arrived at Jackson State with Shedeur’s father, Deion. They do media appearances together, podcasts, and of course, Shedeur threw the ball to Hunter for several years. One thing fans haven’t particularly considered is how weird it’s going to be to see the two playing against each other. That’s why Colorado decided to host the event with the two before their basketball game against Bellarmine. It might be the second-to-last time we see the two wearing the same jersey for quite some time. They are set to appear in the upcoming Bowl Game against BYU. Since Shedeur, Hunter, and Deion arrived in Colorado, everything across the board has gone up. Student enrollment rates, football attendance numbers, and ticket prices have all skyrocketed. This will go a long way in helping with facility, stadium, and even campus upgrades. A lot of exciting things are in store for the program, for sure. It was nice to see the duo on the court together. Now, the two turn their full attention towards the 2025 NFL Draft.
Empty Stocking Fund, Dec. 23, 2024
Bryce Thompson scores 17 points and Oklahoma State beats Miami 80-74 in the Charleston Classic
ROMOSS to Unveil Next-Gen Power Solutions at CES 2025The that brightened up The Eras Tour concert period in early December have now been swapped out for festive Christmas-themed maps. This marks the return of TransLink’s “DasherTrain” SkyTrain map, which first made its debut during the 2021 Christmas season and now looks like it is on track to becoming an annual tradition. The temporary seasonal maps rename each and every SkyTrain station with a fun, festive name. The 2024 Christmas-themed map carries a different graphic design than the previous iterations. According to TransLink’s , a total of seven print poster maps can now be found on the system to add a “touch of seasonal fun to your transit journey.” These locations are: Noticeably absent from the festive SkyTrain network map is the . The map was made before the final green light was given to open Capstan Station for service. Other than the Christmas-themed and Taylor Swift-themed SkyTrain network maps, TransLink also previously created a . The DasherTrain maps add to TransLink’s annual festive season fun of
DoorDash will require its drivers to verify their identities more often as part of a larger effort to crack down on unauthorized account sharing. DoorDash has been under pressure to ensure its drivers are operating legally. Over the summer, for example, it pledged to do a better job identifying and removing dangerous drivers after a flood of complaints of dangerous driving from cities. Officials in Boston, New York and other cities have said that in many cases, people with multiple traffic violations continue to make deliveries using accounts registered to others. The San Francisco delivery company said Thursday it was requiring some drivers to complete real-time identity checks immediately after they complete a delivery. Previously, drivers were occasionally asked to re-verify their identities before or after a shift. DoorDash has introduced the new system in Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle and other cities, and said it planned a wider rollout next year. DoorDash said it also has developed an advanced machine learning system that can flag potential unauthorized account access, including login anomalies and suspicious activity. If the company detects a problem, it will require drivers to re-verify their identity before they can make more deliveries . U.S. drivers must verify their identities with a driver’s license or other government-issued identification, and upload a selfie that matches their identification photo before they can do work for DoorDash. They also must submit to background checks, which require a Social Security number. The company said it found that some drivers were getting around the requirements by sharing accounts with authorized users. In some cases, drivers who were not authorized to drive for DoorDash paid authorized users for access to their accounts. Some federal lawmakers have demanded that DoorDash and other delivery apps do a better job of keeping people who are in the U.S. illegally off the platforms. Republican U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Mike Braun of Indiana and Ted Budd of North Carolina sent letters to delivery companies in April asking them to crack down on account sharing. “These illegal immigrants are delivering food directly to consumers’ doors without ever having undergone a background check and often without even using their real names,” the letter said. It added that working illegally can also be dangerous for migrants, creating the potential for exploitation and abuse. The Associated Press left messages seeking comment Thursday with Gig Workers Rising and Justice for App Workers, which both represent delivery drivers. DoorDash won’t estimate how many drivers are using shared accounts, but said its safeguards are effective. Last year, it began asking drivers to re-verify their identities monthly by submitting a selfie. The company said it is now asking more than 150,000 drivers to complete selfie checks each week, and it’s removing them from the platform if they don’t comply.
Deion Sanders Isn't Shy About Where He Stands PoliticallyAustralian Senate begins debate on world-first social media ban for children under 16
SAN ANTONIO – An all-star team could be cobbled together with the college football players who have opted out of bowl games this season. Meanwhile, a pair of teams full of their own stars will hit the field on Saturday when No. 20 Colorado (9-3) battles No. 17 BYU (10-2) in the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome (5:30 p.m. MT, ABC). During a time when top players often skip bowls, the Alamo Bowl could be one of the most competitive non-College Football Playoff games because of the talent that has remained at CU and BYU. “All his kids are playing,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said as he sat next to BYU head coach Kalani Sitake for a press conference on Friday. “All our kids are playing. We’re going to play our toughest, our hardest. This is a game. This is not just a routine. This is a game that both of us want to win. So we’re taking it serious because we were predicted not to be here by some of you wonderful folks.” Both teams have lost players to the transfer portal since the end of the regular season, but only two starters between them: CU linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (transferring to Alabama) and BYU safety Crew Wakley (uncommitted). The focus this week hasn’t been on players opting out, but rather players who have committed to play. All of CU’s stars, including Heisman Trophy-winning cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders are playing. So are BYU’s top players, including defensive end Tyler Batty, cornerback Jakob Robinson and receiver Chase Roberts. “We are plenty excited to be here,” BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff said. “Obviously being as big of a stage as it is, primetime and playing against a good team that draws a lot of media attention, we are excited to show what we’ve got.” Projected by many as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders has as much reason as anyone to skip this one, but that thought never entered his mind. “We may not ever have a chance to play again together on the same team, so it’s about cherishing the moment,” Shedeur said. “It’s about knowing this is the final collegiate game, and each and every game we left it all out there. There’s no regret. I don’t ever want to go anywhere with regret.” Coach Prime and Sitake both said it’s important to them to take this game seriously, in part because both programs went through a lot to get here. A year ago, both were losing teams and they came into this year projected near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, CU at 11th and BYU at 13th. The Buffs and Cougars were among the biggest surprises in the Big 12, along with conference champion Arizona State, which was picked last but will play in the CFP quarterfinals. “Maybe because neither of us was supposed to be here,” Coach Prime said when asked why it’s important to take this game seriously. “We were supposed to be in the crib right now, focused on recruiting, focused on improving our rosters, but nevertheless we’re here. Not only that, but nevertheless, we’re a few plays away from playing in another week or so (in the CFP). “So we know what we have, and we’re happy about it, and we’re not going to take this for granted. This is a blessing, man. When you’re on the outside of this stuff and you’re looking in, you want to get there. ... Then you get to a bowl and you gonna sit there and act ignorant like you don’t want to play or something? You know how many people wish they could be in our situation? So we’re going to take full advantage of it.” Sitake agrees, while also adding that the teams owe it to their fans who have come to San Antonio in full force to celebrate the success of both teams. “The pageantry of it all, it’s a lot of fun,” Sitake said. “I think we sit there and think that it’s only the players and the team benefit from it, the coaches, but the fans do, too. ... We’re forgetting the fans are a part of this, too. We plan on seeing all our fans in the stadium tomorrow. They’re enjoying all of it, and I speak for Deion with this, we love seeing our fans happy, so that’s a big part of why we’re at where we’re at.” Of course, there’s one other big and simple reason why BYU and CU are taking this game seriously. “Watching Colorado, they love to play football, and so do we,” Sitake said. “When it’s all said and done, it’s a game of football, and if nobody showed up, and if there are no cameras there, we would still play, because these guys love to play the game on both sides, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Trump turns to outsider to shake up Navy, but his lack of military experience raises concernsLowe scores career-high 22, leads Pitt over LSU 74-63 in Greenbrier Tip-OffStock Market Today: Wall Street Holds Near Breakeven Ahead of Christmas
President of Panama José Raúl Mulino on Thursday ruled out any possible discussions with President-elect Donald Trump about control of the Panama Canal or any reduction in the transit fees imposed to U.S. ships that pass through it, asserting that there is “nothing to talk about” regarding the matter. The Panamanian president also refuted Trump’s claims of the presence of Chinese soldiers in the trade route, describing it as “nonsense.” Mulino made the assertions during a weekly press conference in which he stated he will wait for Trump to take office on January 20, 2025, before talking with the U.S. president-elect to reach agreements on issues of common interest, such as migration or terrorism — but he stressed there is no possibility of negotiating the “reality” of the status of the Panama Canal: “There is no possibility for this president to talk about anything that seeks to rethink the legal-political reality of the Panama Canal in Panamanian hands,” Mulino said . “If that is where the intention to talk comes from, there is nothing to talk about.” “The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians, there is no possibility of opening any kind of conversation about this reality, which has cost the country tears, sweat and blood,” he added. Last week, President-elect Trump started an ongoing debate over the Panama Canal, built by the United States in 1914 and whose control was handed over to Panama in 1999 as per the terms of a deal agreement signed by both nations under the administration of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Trump, through a Truth Social post, expressed that the United States should take back control of the Canal because of the “exorbitant” transit fees imposed to U.S. ships, which Trump described as a “rip-off.” In another Truth Social post , dated Wednesday, Trump asserted that Chinese soldiers are “lovingly, but illegally” operating the Panama Canal. Mulino dismissed Trump’s recent accusations as “nonsense,” claiming there is no foreign interference from China or any other country in the trade route while cataloging the U.S. President-elect’s claims as possible “geopolitical fears.” “There is absolutely no Chinese interference or participation in anything related to the Panama Canal. There are no soldiers from that nation in the canal, for God’s sake,” Mulino said. “There are no Chinese in the canal, as simple as that. Neither Chinese nor any other power.” “The whole world is free to visit the canal. If you find a Chinese soldier in the canal, personally, I will recognize President-elect Donald Trump for what he has said on that subject,” he added. Panama formally established diplomatic relations with China in June 2017 under the administration of President Juan Carlos Varela, cutting ties with Taiwan at the same time and embracing the Chinese Communist Party’s “One-China Principle,” which states that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is a “province” of China. Mulino also refuted Trump’s claims that U.S. ships are “ripped off” with the Canal’s transit fees and ruled out any possible reduction in the fees. According to Mulino, Panama was paid a “pittance” from the Panama Canal up until the country was given control of the trade route. “In the canal, tolls are not set at the whim of the president or the [Canal’s] administrator. There is an established process for setting canal tolls that has been respected from day one to date. It is a public and open process,” Mulino said. “Since 1914, the toll paid by warships of any nation, including the United States, is calculated based on the tons of water displacement, as everyone else pays. There is no discrimination against any warship, whether from the United States or any other country,” he added . The United States reportedly accounts for 74 percent of all cargo transiting through the Panama Canal, with China amounting to 21 percent, followed by Japan, South Korea, and Chile. Jorge Quijano, former administrator of the Panama Canal, reportedly stated that the trade route’s toll system “is differentiated by market segment, and the country of origin, destination or ship registration is not important.” Quijano added that any increase in tolls and transit tariffs “must be analyzed based on our competitiveness as a country.” Quijano said that the Americans “have greatly benefited from the canal, and now, under these almost 25 years of Panamanian administration, the canal seeks to ensure that its benefits go to Panamanians.”
Attorneys want the US Supreme Court to say Mississippi's felony voting ban is cruel and unusualThe Top 5 Apps to Keep Teens Online Activity Safe in 2025
New centre helping lawyers work through AI risks and opportunitiesAustralian Senate begins debate on world-first social media ban for children under 16