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Top Democrat slams Pete Hegseth's military record as Trump's Defense Secretary nominee comes under fire READ MORE: Betting odds show Hegseth's confirmation most in jeopardy Sign up for the latest with DailyMail.com's U.S. politics newsletter By SARAH EWALL-WICE, SENIOR U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN WASHINGTON, DC Published: 20:49, 24 November 2024 | Updated: 20:52, 24 November 2024 e-mail View comments Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth slammed President-elect Donald Trump 's pick for defense secretary Pete Hegseth's military record as 'pretty low rank' as he faces scrutiny for controversial comments he made about women serving in combat. Duckworth, who is a combat veteran who lost both her legs and mobility in one arm serving in Iraq , appeared on CBS News' Face the Nation where she was asked about the TV personality tapped to head the Pentagon . She said his comments about women in combat show he does not understand where the military is and called him unqualified for the role. 'He was a pretty low ranking guy in the military, and he never had a command position. He was a platoon leader, I think, once or twice, but he never even commanded a company,' Duckworth said. 'And so this is a man who is inordinately, unqualified for the position,' she went on. Duckworth was responding to Hegseth claiming women make fighting more complicated. Trump made waves when he named Hegseth, a former Fox News television personality, author and veteran, as his nominee. The 44-year-old is now under the microscope not only for his comments about women in combat and experience but also for a sexual assault allegation. Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for defense secretary, speaking to reporters on the hill. Senator Tammy Duckworth slammed his qualifications to lead the Pentagon, calling him a 'pretty low ranking guy in the military.' Hegseth served in the Minnesota National Guard and later Army National Guard where he served as an infantryman in Iraq and counterinsurgency instructor in Afghanistan. He was also part of a security platoon at Guantanamo Bay. But the Trump nominee does not have senior military or national security experience. 'I'm straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasn't made us more effective, hasn't made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated, Hegseth said in a podcast hosted by Shawn Ryan earlier this month. But Duckworth said that the U.S. military could not go to war without the 220,000 women who serve and argued women serving in combat have met the same standards as men. ' The women in our military does make us more effective, does make us more lethal,' she said. She called Hegseth's claims about women in the military 'flat out wrong.' 'America's daughters are just as capable of defending liberty and freedom as her sons,' she said. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) rejected Hegseth's opposition to women serving in combat. She said he is 'flat out wrong' Hegseth was on Capitol Hill last week where he met with Republican senators as he works to lock in support ahead of what is expected to be a bruising confirmation battle. Read More EXCLUSIVE Defense Sec. pick Pete Hegseth had baby with Fox News lover weeks before drunken sex assault claim Duckworth, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued Hegseth not only lacks senior military experience but has also never lead anything comparable in size to the U.S. military with its three million service members and $900 billion budget. At the same time, Hegseth is also facing scrutiny over an allegation of sexual assault. The alleged incident took place at a California hotel in 2017. A woman told police Hegseth sexually assaulted her after refusing to let her leave the hotel, according to the police report. The former Fox News personality denies the allegations and said it was consensual, but he did pay the woman off. Charges were never brought. Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni said Thursday her office declined to prosecutor because they did not have proof 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' Hegseth was accused of sexual assault by a woman in 2017. He denied the allegation but paid the woman to stay quiet. He was not charged Duckworth said it was up to Republicans whether they hear from Hegseth's accuser but suggested it was unlikely with GOP colleagues willing to 'roll over' for Trump. She said she will be raising questions and blasted the president-elect nominating someone accused of assault and claimed it was not the kind of person who should be leading the Defense Department. 'Remember that we've just fought over a decade of fights and- and overhauled the military and its treatment of military sexual trauma,' Duckworth said. 'It's frankly an insult and really troubling that Mr. Trump would nominate someone who has admitted that he's paid off a victim who has claimed rape allegations against him,' she went on. Politics Share or comment on this article: Top Democrat slams Pete Hegseth's military record as Trump's Defense Secretary nominee comes under fire e-mail Add comment
Putin's Men 'Snatch' Storozhove From Ukraine Army; Russian Battle Moves To Velyka Novosilka | Watch Recommended Playlist Putin Shakes Ukraine With Powerful Bombing Campaign; 'Tons Of Explosives Wipe Out Kyiv's Positions' Putin’s ‘Game-Changer’ Weapon Shakes Washington, Pentagon Warns Zelensky Of ‘Nuke-Like’ Strike On... Direct Russia-NATO War In Ukraine For First Time? UK Confirms 'Troops Present' | 'Next We...' 'Kill Russian Civilians': Ukrainian Soldiers Expose Zelensky On Camera, Reveals 'Rapist Hired To...' North Korean Troops Kill 300 Ukrainian Soldiers, Claim 'Liberating' Village In Kursk: Report Pro-Putin Leader Dashes Zelensky's NATO Dreams; Predicts Ukraine's Loss To Russia Ahead Of EU Summit Chechen Warlord's Bone-chilling Warning To Zelensky; 'Won't Let Russia War End Until...' 'Putin Will Finish UK Army In 180 Days': British Official Drops Bombshell Amid Ukraine War Putin's Angry Message To West After Syria Fall; 'Russia Cannot Be Conquered' | Watch On Putin's Order, Russia Drops 250+ Bombs On Zaporizhzhia With Big Nuclear Warning For Kyiv Top Viral Videos Shocking! Lawyer rams Mercedes car into Kachori shop in Delhi, Six injured In a shocking incident, six people were injured after a lawyer rammed his speeding Mercedes car into a Kachori shop in the national capital. The incident took place at Fateh Kachori in Civil Lines area. The police have taken the lawyer into custody and seized his car. The lawyer has been identified as Parag Maini who is a resident of Noida’s Sector 79. The police have registered a case against the lawyer under Section 279 (rash driving) and 337 (causing hurt by endangering life). Telangana cop punched, dragged by villagers, video goes viral On Cam: Crane drags car with senior citizens sitting inside, case registered | video goes viral Instagram influencer shot dead by husband in Rajasthan's Phalodi CCTV: Thieves arrive in car, decamp with jewellery in MP's Damoh Goons hurl abuses at toll plaza employee in MP's Chhatarpur Two goons hurled abuses at a toll plaza employee in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur. One of the assailants is reportedly the brother of an MLA. The incident was filmed by an employee of ol plaza which has gone viral on social media. The goons were upset after they had to wait in the queue. Viral: Cobra blocks road in MP's Chhatarpur district Nigeria: Lion kills zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University CCTV: Biker crushed to death by speeding bus in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district Four women steal tray full of earrings from a jewellery shop in MP's Raisen Shirtless British man punches air steward after destroying aircraft toilet, arrested A shirtless British man punched an air steward after destroying the aircraft toilet. The man was arrested. The man went berserk soon after the flight took off . He went up to smash the plane’s toilet. The incident took place on February 7 when the flight took off from Bangkok to London. A video of the incident went viral on social media. On cam: Several injured after swarm of bees attacks guests during wedding ceremony in MP's Guna On cam: Man hurls abuses at government school teacher in MP's Chhatarpur district On cam: Man thrashes youth with stick in MP's Ujjain Doctor loses cool, misbehaves with home guard in MP's Chhatarpur On cam: Goons thrash Dalit youth in MP's Betul A Dalit youth was thrashed in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul. The man was brutally thrashed and forced to squat while holding his ears. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Congress leader Jitu Patwari highlighted the plight of the Dalit man. The police have launched a probe into the matter. On cam: Govt employee consumes alcohol at work place in MP's Singrauli On cam: Goons thrash liquor shop employee in MP's Gwalior CCTV: Man thrashed, abducted in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district Fight breaks out between CHC employee and patient in UP's Barabanki Short Videos BJP Orchestrated Attack On Kejriwal During ‘Padyatra’ Campaign: Delhi CM Atishi Your Autistic Child Can Also Make A Difference Your Autistic Child Can Also Make A Difference Kejriwal Questions RSS Over BJP’s 'Dirty' Tactics Against Opposition | Watch Atishi's 1st Statement After Being Picked As Delhi CM; 'Kejriwal Made Biggest Sacrifice' Kejriwal To Give Up CM Residence; AAP's Sanjay Singh Issues Big Warning... Haryana Polls: Vinesh Phogat & Bajrang Punia Join Congress; Sakshi Malik next? Putin's Big Pledge For Russian Speakers In Ukraine; 'Will Fight For...' Ukraine’s Kursk Incursion Has Failed To Achieve Objectives, Declares Putin Putin Says Russia Will Support Kamala Harris In U.S. Elections Related Articles 'Insane': Ukraine's Zelenskyy slams Putin's 'missile duel' suggestion with US At least 100 North Korean soldiers killed in combat supporting Russia in Ukraine: Seoul Russia 'using North Korean soldiers in Kursk assaults', says Zelensky 'Assad is gone, Putin not interested in protecting him': Trump on Syrian crisis Macron hosts talks over 'crazy world' with Zelenskyy and Trump in Paris Syrian rebels quicken momentum as Assad tries to shore up defence US unveils $725 million military aid package for Ukraine, including landmines and anti-air weapons Blinken heads to final Nato foreign ministers meeting of Biden administration with Ukraine in focusThe emergence of tools that allow people to efficiently produce novel and detailed online reviews with almost no work has put , service providers and consumers in uncharted territory, watchdog groups and researchers say. have long plagued many popular consumer websites, and Yelp. They are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. But AI-infused text generation tools, popularized by OpenAI’s , enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice, which is , is carried out year-round but becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the , when many people rely on reviews to help them purchase gifts. Fake reviews are found across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce, lodging and restaurants, to services such as home repairs, and piano lessons. The Transparency Company, a tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews, said it started to see AI-generated reviews show up in large numbers in mid-2023 and they have multiplied ever since. For a report released this month, The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a “high degree of confidence” that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated. “It’s just a really, really good tool for these review scammers,” said Maury Blackman, an investor and advisor to tech startups, who reviewed The Transparency Company’s work and is set to lead the organization starting Jan. 1. In August, software company DoubleVerify said it was observing a “significant increase” in mobile phone and smart TV apps with reviews crafted by generative AI. The reviews often were used to deceive customers into installing apps that could hijack devices or run ads constantly, the company said. The following month, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company behind an AI writing tool and content generator called Rytr, accusing it of offering a service that could pollute the marketplace with fraudulent reviews. The FTC, which this year banned the of fake reviews, said some of Rytr’s subscribers used the tool to produce hundreds and perhaps thousands of reviews for garage door repair companies, sellers of “replica” designer handbags and other businesses. Max Spero, CEO of AI detection company Pangram Labs, said the software his company uses has detected with almost certainty that some AI-generated appraisals posted on Amazon bubbled up to the top of review search results because they were so detailed and appeared to be well thought-out. But determining what is fake or not can be challenging. External parties can fall short because they don’t have “access to data signals that indicate patterns of abuse,” Amazon has said. Pangram Labs has done detection for some prominent online sites, which Spero declined to name due to non-disclosure agreements. He said he evaluated Amazon and Yelp independently. Many of the AI-generated comments on Yelp appeared to be posted by individuals who were trying to publish enough reviews to earn an “Elite” badge, which is intended to let users know they should trust the content, Spero said. The badge provides access to exclusive events with local business owners. Fraudsters also want it so their Yelp profiles can look more realistic, said Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator who runs a watchdog group called Fake Review Watch. To be sure, just because a review is AI-generated doesn’t necessarily mean its fake. Some consumers might experiment with AI tools to generate content that reflects their genuine sentiments. Some non-native English speakers say they turn to AI to make sure they use accurate language in the reviews they write. “It can help with reviews (and) make it more informative if it comes out of good intentions,” said Michigan State University marketing professor Sherry He, who has researched fake reviews. She says tech platforms should focus on the behavioral patters of bad actors, which prominent platforms already do, instead of discouraging legitimate users from turning to AI tools. Prominent companies are developing policies for how AI-generated content fits into their systems for removing phony or abusive reviews. Some already employ algorithms and investigative teams to detect and take down fake reviews but are giving users some flexibility to use AI. Spokespeople for Amazon and Trustpilot, for example, said they would allow customers to post AI-assisted reviews as long as they reflect their genuine experience. Yelp has taken a more cautious approach, saying its guidelines require reviewers to write their own copy. “With the recent rise in consumer adoption of AI tools, Yelp has significantly invested in methods to better detect and mitigate such content on our platform,” the company said in a statement. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews, which Amazon, Trustpilot, employment review site Glassdoor, and travel sites Tripadvisor, Expedia and launched last year, said that even though deceivers may put AI to illicit use, the technology also presents “an opportunity to push back against those who seek to use reviews to mislead others.” “By sharing best practice and raising standards, including developing advanced AI detection systems, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online reviews,” the group said. banning fake reviews, which took effect in October, allows the agency to fine businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Tech companies hosting such reviews are shielded from the penalty because they are not legally liable under U.S. law for the content that outsiders post on their platforms. Tech companies, including Amazon, Yelp and Google, have sued fake review brokers they accuse of peddling counterfeit reviews on their sites. The companies say their technology has blocked or removed a huge swath of suspect reviews and suspicious accounts. However, some experts say they could be doing more. “Their efforts thus far are not nearly enough,” said Dean of Fake Review Watch. “If these tech companies are so committed to eliminating review fraud on their platforms, why is it that I, one individual who works with no automation, can find hundreds or even thousands of fake reviews on any given day?” Consumers can try to by watching out for a few , according to researchers. Overly enthusiastic or negative reviews are red flags. Jargon that repeats a product’s full name or model number is another potential giveaway. When it comes to AI, research conducted by Balázs Kovács, a Yale professor of organization behavior, has shown that people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated and human-written reviews. Some AI detectors may also be fooled by shorter texts, which are common in online reviews, the study said. However, there are some “AI tells” that online shoppers and service seekers should keep it mind. Panagram Labs says reviews written with AI are typically longer, highly structured and include “empty descriptors,” such as generic phrases and attributes. The writing also tends to include cliches like “the first thing that struck me” and “game-changer.”
Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis is expected to swear in the new government later Monday. Stock market today: Wall Street mixed at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stock indexes are mixed in afternoon trading on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 21 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction. Many Americans have come to rely on Chinese-made drones. Now lawmakers want to ban them WASHINGTON (AP) — The economic and technological rivalry between the U.S. and China has come to the drone market, where Chinese-made flying devices are a dominant player in America. Lawmakers in Washington are seeking to ban new sales of Chinese-made drones, arguing they could be used to spy on Americans and that the low-cost models are hurting the U.S. drone industry. But U.S. users — spanning from police officers to farmers to mappers and filmmakers — have come to rely on Chinese-made drones, especially those by DJI Technology, for their work or lives. Florida has banned Chinese drones in state-funded programs, but also appropriated $25 million to help offset replacement costs.None
*Warning, this review contains spoilers if you haven't seen Gladiator II* Gladiator II could have easily fallen into the many pitfalls that sequels to a classic do, however, Ridley Scott has avoided most of them for a thoroughly enjoyable film. Advertisement Irish star Paul Mescal proves a worthy successor to Russell Crowe's Maximus in the 2000 film. It's a very different showing, and viewers should also expect a very different film to the original, but it does not disappoint. Lucius (Mescal) is absolutely full of rage, and he must go on a journey to harness it in the brutal surroundings of Rome's Colosseum. Some of the brutal fight scenes are visually stunning, and suitably gory. Advertisement In this version of Rome, twin-brother emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) rule over a city which has declined into disorder and decadence. The terrifying and unstable duo serve as villain's until the real one takes off his mask. That brings us to Denzel Washington, who puts on a tour de force as Macrinus, a wealthy gladiator owner who is intent on climbing the political ladders of Rome. Denzel Washington is brilliant as Macrinus in Gladiator II. He does this in a cunning and sly way, every bit the Roman politician, albeit with a deadly streak. While Mescal and Washington are certainly the standout performers in the film, Pedro Pascal (Marcus Acacius) plays a beloved general, married to Connie Nielson's Lucilla and they are both impressive. The film plays out at a relentless pace, typical of Ridley Scott, and the two and a half hours fly by as viewers are immersed in a chaotic but visually stunning Rome. ****O Brien Wealth Partners LLC Sells 165 Shares of Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Six face trial in Paris for blackmailing Paul Pogba
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS NEW YORK (AP) — A ransomware attack that hit a major software provider last week caused disruptions for a handful of companies over recent days, from Starbucks to U.K. grocery giant Morrisons. Blue Yonder, which provides supply chain technology to a range of brands worldwide, said that it experienced disruptions to services it manages for customers on Thursday, which the third-party software supplier determined to be “the result of a ransomware incident.” Some systems went offline, impacting clients using Blue Yonder’s software. A spokesperson for Starbucks, for example, said that the chain’s ability to manage barista schedules and track hours was disrupted — meaning store leaders across North America are currently being instructed to use manual workarounds. Starbucks maintained that the outage is not impacting how customers are served and that ensuring workers get paid for all hours worked is a top priority. While the company continues to work towards full recovery, the spokesperson added that Starbucks was able to process payroll again as of Tuesday morning. Two of the U.K.’s biggest grocers, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, were also affected — with both telling CNN over the weekend that they had turned to contingency plans to keep operations flowing. A spokesperson for Morrisons confirmed to The Associated Press that the outage “impacted our warehouse management systems for fresh and produce” and that it was continuing to operate on back up systems Tuesday. Sainsbury’s, meanwhile, said Tuesday that its service was restored. Blue Yonder declined to disclose how many of its customers were impacted by the hack. In a statement sent to the AP, a spokesperson maintained that it had notified “relevant customers” and would continue to communicate as needed. The spokesperson also maintained that recovery efforts were still underway — noting that Blue Yonder “has been working diligently together with external cybersecurity firms to make progress,” including the implementation of several defensive and forensic protocols. Blue Yonder’s website touts an extensive global roster of customers — including Gap, Ford and Walgreens. Walgreens and Gap were not impacted following the ransomware attack, spokespeople for the companies said. Ford shared that it was investigating whether the incident affected its operations earlier this week, but had no further updates when reached Tuesday. Blue Yonder, based in Arizona, is a subsidiary of Japan’s Panasonic Corp. Panasonic acquired the supply chain software firm in September 2021.
The year 2024 has become a real race for the automotive industry. The growing influence of Chinese manufacturers, new customs barriers, and economic difficulties have become major challenges for automotive companies around the world. Nevertheless, there are some stunning models on the market, both electric and gasoline, that demonstrate technological advances and new approaches to design and comfort. The Telegraph experts have presented the top ten best cars of 2024, which have received rave reviews. Renault 5 One of the most striking novelties of the year was the electric Renault 5. The revival of this classic model has become a real treat for car enthusiasts. The model combines modern technology with the spirit of the original Renault 5, which won hearts in the 70s and 80s. Driving pleasure, stylish design, and affordable prices (from £22,995) make this car a popular choice among fans of electric models. Aston Martin Vantage Aston Martin has presented one of the best models of the brand this year. Although the company is experiencing financial difficulties, the car itself impresses with its excellent performance: a powerful AMG-Mercedes V8 engine and excellent handling make this car an ideal choice for those who want to combine elegance with high technical performance. Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce This year, Alfa Romeo introduced the Junior Veloce, which has become a benchmark for electric crossovers. Thanks to its elegant appearance and excellent technical characteristics, this car quickly gained popularity. It has 204 hp and delivers stunning dynamics that enhance the driving experience. Porsche Macan 4 Electric The Porsche Macan 4 Electric is another breakthrough among electric crossovers. With up to 381 hp and excellent handling, this car offers drivers not only environmental friendliness but also a real driving pleasure. This proves that even in the world of electric cars, it is possible to maintain uniqueness and drive. Toyota Prius Toyota Prius, the classic hybrid, has received significant updates this year. The fifth generation of the model impresses with its new design and improved dynamics. Aimed at eco-friendly drivers, the Prius combines high efficiency with comfort on the road, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a sustainable yet stylish car. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is an electric SUV that offers a unique combination of power and technology. Impressive dynamics and fake engine noise create the feeling of a real gasoline car, making the Ioniq 5 N extremely exciting for drivers who want to reach high speeds. Bentley Continental GT The newest version of the Bentley Continental GT features a hybrid powertrain that significantly improves its performance and comfort. Drivers can enjoy the silence of the electric drive or enjoy the sound of the V8 engine, which adds even more elegance to the car. Mazda MX-5 The Mazda MX-5 continues to amaze drivers with its lightness and agility. The 2024 update makes this car even more enjoyable to drive. Although it does not have the power comparable to large SUVs, its lightness and drive give a unique pleasure from every trip. Porsche Cayenne S The Porsche Cayenne S is a car that combines a powerful V8 engine with incredible performance. This car can satisfy even the most demanding drivers, offering an excellent combination of style, engine sound, and handling. The Cayenne S has become a great example of how a gasoline car can combine traditional values with modern requirements. Hyundai Kona Electric This is an electric crossover that is suitable for family use. Its ability to provide a comfortable and carefree ride makes it an ideal choice for those who want to switch to an electric model without giving up their daily needs. The absence of unnecessary technological "chips" and a user-friendly interface make this car accessible to a wide audience. Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.Central Connecticut State defeats Binghamton 64-56The challenges affecting Guam’s tourism industry today stem from deep and systemic issues that require thoughtful attention. While the relocation of the military from Okinawa to Guam provides short-term economic activity, it does not contribute directly to the recovery of our tourism sector. Instead, it absorbs valuable resources, strains local infrastructure, and perpetuates the perception of Guam as a military outpost rather than the tropical paradise it once was known for. At the same time, Guam faces significant geographic and economic challenges. High operating costs, limited flight connectivity post-pandemic, and fierce competition from regional destinations like Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam exacerbate our struggles. These destinations have not changed from pre-COVID to present conditions; they remain competitive because they continue to offer affordable travel packages, modern infrastructure, and cultural experiences that attract tourists from our key markets. Meanwhile, Guam has seemingly become Okinawa overnight, creating an environment Japan, our largest tourist market, does not want. Japan rejects the so-called “Tip of the Spear” atmosphere in favor of the “Hafa Adai Spirit,” which has historically drawn visitors to our island. It is clear that we are now competing against overwhelming odds and may never regain the market share the GVB board aims to achieve without addressing these foundational issues. Adding to these challenges is the recent resignation of former Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez as general manager and CEO of the Guam Visitors Bureau. His departure, reportedly due to tactful and deliberate actions by the GVB board and political leaders, is both disappointing and concerning. Governor Gutierrez brought unparalleled experience, leadership, and dedication to Guam’s tourism sector at a time when visionary guidance is needed most. His resignation raises serious questions about the priorities of the board and our political leaders, particularly as it appears to cater to outside interests rather than addressing the critical needs of our island. It is nauseating to now see advertisements in the daily paper soliciting a new general manager with such a generic job description, as if to depict that Mr. Gutierrez failed in his efforts to recover our tourism market share in the region. This completely disregards Guam’s unique situation. Such oversimplified messaging fails to consider the deeper, systemic challenges Guam faces and does a disservice to the hard work and progress made under Mr. Gutierrez’s leadership. This situation reflects a broader failure to focus on the root causes of Guam’s tourism struggles. The big picture remains clear: these problems go far beyond surface-level concerns like “cleaning toilets.” Guam needs balanced leadership that fosters sustainable solutions, revitalizes our tourism industry, and restores confidence among stakeholders. While the military buildup absorbs much of the labor and construction resources, the vision of “One Guam” has fallen by the wayside. What happened to initiatives that aimed to create a balance beneficial for both the military and the private sector? Guam’s livelihood depends on finding this equilibrium. We worry about being at the front of a nuclear war, but when the dust settles after the military buildup, I am concerned about our fragile island becoming so small and dependent on the federal government. We risk being overshadowed and displaced by the immense, non-taxable military industry, falling back into the very reality General Murray described in his 1945 secret message to Congress: that Guam has no economic value to the United States and remains subservient to its will. Our island deserves better than to be left in such a state, and it is time for leadership that puts our people first, fostering self-sufficiency and dignity.
Caprock Group LLC Takes Position in Innovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF – September (BATS:PSEP)