Local charities split $80K donation from LSTARFROM DUNGEON TO DAYLIGHT
Police say searchers don’t expect to find woman in Pennsylvania sinkhole alive UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania has become a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference Wednesday that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but that the search for her remains continues. Limani says crews have seen "no signs of any form of life or anything.” Pollard was last seen alive Monday evening when she went out looking for her cat in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. WWE is seeking a bigger stage and Netflix, pushing for more live events, is providing it WWE will perform on a stage next month that could be vastly larger than its current home on cable television when it makes its “Raw” debut on Netflix. The sports entertainment company is moving to a platform with about 283 million subscribers worldwide as it departs its current home on the USA Network, which averaged 688,000 viewers in prime-time last year, according to the Nielsen company. For Netflix, onboarding the WWE is part of strategic move to air more live events on the heels of a hugely successful fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul that was viewed by more than 60 million people. Michigan court upholds light sentence for woman who killed dad in dispute over ride DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals has declined to overturn a light jail sentence for a young woman who killed her father by burning him with a dangerous powder. Prosecutors said Megan Imirowicz was upset when her father couldn’t drive her to a hair appointment before her 18th birthday party. Imirowicz was sentenced to only a year in jail in 2023. She actually spent more than a year in custody because she was locked up before trial and while awaiting her punishment in suburban Detroit. Sumo wrestlers bring 1,500 years of tradition to London as the sport has an international moment LONDON (AP) — London’s Royal Albert Hall is preparing to host a different kind of spectacle: Sumo wrestling. Wrestlers put on an exhibition of heavyweight grappling to promote a tournament scheduled for next October. It marks only the second time an elite five-day tournament will be held outside Japan. The first was held in 1991 at the same venue. Organizers are hoping to whip up the kind of excitement that was generated three decades ago, when the deeply ritualistic sport attracted sell-out crowds and a national television audience. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. Jury revisits key videos in NYC subway chokehold death trial NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the New York City chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny. The request came during a second day of deliberations Wednesday. The anonymous jury also asked to rehear part of a city medical examiner’s testimony. The request included testimony about her decision to issue a death certificate without getting toxicology test results for Jordan Neely. He was the agitated subway rider whom Penny held him around the neck for roughly six minutes. Penny has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Prosecutors say he recklessly killed Neely. Penny's defense maintains he was justified in acting to protect fellow subway riders from Neely. Relatives hunt for the missing after Guinea stadium crush amid fears official death toll is too low CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Kambaly Kouroumah was searching a local morgue for his teenage brother, Adama, who died after chaos erupted at a soccer game in southern Guinea’s Nzerekore city. Adama, 15, was among 56 people that officials said were killed in Sunday's crush, although rights groups reported a death toll nearly three times higher. Local media, rights groups and witnesses say security forces used tear gas to respond after fans began to throw stones to protest a referee's decision during the soccer game that was organized in honor of Guinea's junta leader, Col. Mamadi Doumbouya. Many of the dead were crushed as they tried to escape through the stadium gates, videos showed. Power shortages in Ecuador are melting away the future of a small town’s ice-cream industry SALCEDO, Ecuador (AP) — Ice-cream production in this quiet Ecuadorian town began in the mid-20th century in a convent for Franciscan nuns. The nuns sold their creamy popsicles in town to gather funds for the poor. But the people of Salcedo saw a business opportunity and began experimenting with new flavors and techniques, establishing a thriving popsicle industry that has made their small town famous among ice-cream lovers. But now, the South American nation is struggling with a relentless wave of power cuts that threaten the future of Salcedo’s ice-cream industry, melting away its dreams of a more prosperous future. Senegalese artisans in the spotlight as they exhibit for the first time at a prestigious art event DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — For the artistic and cultural elites of the West African nation of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the country’s culture, but its role has declined in recent years. As living costs rise, many Senegalese opt for cheaper, Chinese-imported products. And those that can afford it buy Western clothes and furniture to mark their social status. Eminem's mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper's lyrics, dies at age 69 Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his song lyrics, has died. She was 69. Eminem’s longtime representative Dennis Dennehy confirmed Nelson’s death in an email on Tuesday. He did not provide a cause of death, although Nelson had battled lung cancer. Nelson’s fraught relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been no secret since the Detroit rapper became a star. Nelson brought and settled two defamation lawsuits over Eminem’s statements about her in magazines and on radio talk shows. In her 2008 book, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” she attempted to set the record straight.The foreign ministers demanded that 'fundamental rights, including freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, must be upheld and protected as per Georgia's constitution'. The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland have condemned "the disproportionate use of force" against pro-EU protesters in Georgia as the wave of unrest continues for a tenth night. In their joint statement, the three foreign ministers – Annalena Baerbock, Jean-Noël Barrot and Radosław Sikorski - called for the immediate release of opposition members. More than 400 protesters, including opposition leaders and at least 50 journalists, have been detained, while over 100 people have been treated for injuries. The ministers demanded that "fundamental rights, including freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, must be upheld and protected as per Georgia’s constitution and international commitments." Germany, France and Poland also called on the ruling Georgian Dream party to deescalate tensions and open an inclusive dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society. "We underscore our determination to support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people," the statement said. The security crackdown has also drawn condemnation from the United States. Speaking at a ministerial conference of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced what he described as a brutal "repression of those calling for their country to stay on the path to closer ties with Europe." The ruling Georgian Dream retained control of parliament in a disputed parliamentary election on 26 October, a vote that was widely seen as a referendum on Georgia's EU aspirations. The opposition accused the governing party of rigging the vote with the help neighbouring Russia to keep what they call the 'Moscow-friendly' Georgian Dream party in power. But the initial protests against the election took on a new dimension and spread beyond the capital Tbilisi after the Georgian Dream’s decision last Thursday to put EU accession talks on hold until at least 2028. "There is just no way that they are going to get their ends with violence because more people are going to come out, more people are going to be on our side because of it. I don't know what their plan is, to be honest, I have no idea. They are doing the opposite of what they are supposed to do," said protester, Elene Chikovani. The decision to suspend accession talks was in response to a European Parliament resolution that criticised the elections as neither free nor fair. It said the election represented another manifestation of Georgia’s continued democratic backsliding "for which the ruling Georgian Dream party is fully responsible." International observers say they saw instances of violence, bribery and double voting at the polls, prompting some EU lawmakers to demand a re-run. The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that it meet the bloc's recommendations, but Brussels put that process on hold earlier this year after the passage of a controversial 'foreign influence' law, which was widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms. Critics have also accused Georgian Dream of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights. Georgia's pro-EU president, Salome Zourabichvili, has long been at odds with the Georgian Dream and has refused to sign what she sees as some of their more contentious pieces of legislation into law. On Saturday, she met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the ceremony to mark the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. In a post on X after that meeting, she thanked Zelenskyy for Ukraine's "steadfast and unwavering support for the Georgian people", adding there is "no alternative" to her country's future within the EU. Also on X, Zelenskyy said he supported Georgia's fight for a "dignified future" and said he would coordinate with global partners to deliver a response to support the Georgian people in their fight to "live freely and independently".
Brad Little fields questions from Idahoans on immigration, social security, more during town hall
Two children wounded and gunman dead after shooting at Northern California schoolShimmick corp director Goldsteen sells $1.06 million in stock
Major retailers across the UK and Ireland are to stop selling alcoholic drinks associated with Irish fighter Conor McGregor. The decision by Tesco, Musgrave and the BWG Group came after a woman who said Mr McGregor raped her won a civil claim for damages against him. Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a case at the High Court in the Irish capital. In a statement, a spokesman for Musgrave said: “Musgrave can confirm these products are no longer available to our store network.” The network includes SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and Mace. A Tesco spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are removing Proper No Twelve Whiskey from sale in Tesco stores and online.” A spokesperson for BWG Group said: “The products are no longer listed for distribution across our network of Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores, including Appleby Westward which operates over 300 Spar stores in the south west of England.” It is understood that other retail outlets including Costcutter and Carry Out will also stop stocking products linked to Mr McGregor. He and some of his business partners sold their majority stake in the Proper Number Twelve Irish whiskey brand. He was reported to have been paid more than £103 million from the sale to Proximo Spirits in 2021. On Monday, a popular video game developer decided to pull content featuring the MMA fighter. The Irish athlete has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series. Mr McGregor’s character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game. IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. “Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Last Friday, the High Court jury awarded damages amounting to 248,603.60 euros (around £206,000) to Ms Hand. Mr McGregor made no comment as he left court but later posted on social media that he intended to appeal against the decision.
Local charities split $80K donation from LSTAR
Trump vows tariffs on China, Mexico, Canada that may spike commodity pricesWACO, Texas (AP) — Georgia's Dasha Vidmanova and Columbia's Michael Zheng won NCAA singles tennis titles on Sunday. Vidmanova, a 21-year-old senior from the Czech Republic, beat DJ Bennett of Auburn 6-3, 6-3 for the Bulldogs' first women's singles championship since 2010. Zheng, a 20-year-old junior from Montville, New Jersey, beat Ozan Baris of Michigan State 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 to become the first Ivy League player to collect an NCAA men's singles crown since 1922. The final between Zheng and Baris was the first men's NCAA tennis singles final between two Americans since 2017. More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennisMajor retailers across the UK and Ireland are to stop selling alcoholic drinks associated with Irish fighter Conor McGregor. The decision by Tesco, Musgrave and the BWG Group came after a woman who said Mr McGregor raped her won a civil claim for damages against him. Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a case at the High Court in the Irish capital. In a statement, a spokesman for Musgrave said: “Musgrave can confirm these products are no longer available to our store network.” The network includes SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and Mace. A Tesco spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are removing Proper No Twelve Whiskey from sale in Tesco stores and online.” A spokesperson for BWG Group said: “The products are no longer listed for distribution across our network of Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores, including Appleby Westward which operates over 300 Spar stores in the south west of England.” It is understood that other retail outlets including Costcutter and Carry Out will also stop stocking products linked to Mr McGregor. He and some of his business partners sold their majority stake in the Proper Number Twelve Irish whiskey brand. He was reported to have been paid more than £103 million from the sale to Proximo Spirits in 2021. On Monday, a popular video game developer decided to pull content featuring the MMA fighter. The Irish athlete has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series. Mr McGregor’s character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game. IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. “Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Last Friday, the High Court jury awarded damages amounting to 248,603.60 euros (around £206,000) to Ms Hand. Mr McGregor made no comment as he left court but later posted on social media that he intended to appeal against the decision.
PM boasts timeless ties with S ArabiaNone
AP News Summary at 5:26 p.m. ESTUnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York
Dylan Hernández: MLS deal with Apple TV could be hurting league's efforts to grow its fan base
PTC Therapeutics director Jerome Zeldis sells $1.24m in stock
Bulls look for inspiration to snap slump against inconsistent HawksSouth Korean prosecutors question ex-defence minister over martial law - Yonhap NewsFrom Idu Jude, Abuja The National Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, has urged members of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party to end the Supreme Court victory celebrations and focus on work in their respective states and localities. The National Leader made this statement over the weekend in Abuja during the National Executive Council Meeting (NEC) to mark the end of the fiscal year 2024. Soludo also extended a hand of fellowship to Nigerians, inviting them to join APGA, which he described as “the most progressive party in Nigeria at the moment.” Professor Soludo said, “We want to unite all aggrieved members of the party for progress and the new Nigeria we all desire. I want to tell you that the Supreme Court victory is over and remains a call for unity.” He expressed joy over the appointment of Ambassador Mrs Bianca Ojukwu as a cabinet member in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “Under this administration, a member of our party is appointed a minister, and the President moves outside APC. We shall grow from strength to strength because APGA is built to last,” he stated. Reflecting on his administration in Anambra State, Soludo highlighted efforts to leave behind a lasting legacy, including a free education policy and significant infrastructural development, which he described as “promises kept to walk the talk.” The National Chairman of the party, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, while welcoming delegates from across the country, expressed optimism about the party’s future following years of struggle for survival and a protracted court case that recently ended at the Supreme Court. While chronicling APGA’s journey, its founding dreams, and its role as a political voice for the South-East, Ezeokenwa noted that despite recent internal challenges orchestrated by “political merchants,” the party had grown from a regional movement to a national entity. He acknowledged Professor Soludo’s pivotal role during the party’s legal battles, describing the governor as an invaluable asset throughout APGA’s struggles.
The NFL has faced ongoing controversy for years regarding the potential link between chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and football-related injuries, with no resolution in sight. More News: Blood Test Can Benefit NFL Concussion Return-to-Play Decisions Although the league settled a lawsuit filed by over 4,500 former players who claimed the NFL downplayed the risks of brain trauma, the family of Ed Lothamer, a former defensive tackle who played eight seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs, argues that the league treats players with CTE as "throwaways" and is "just waiting for everyone to die." In a sobering new profile with The Kansas City Star , Ryan Lothamer-Welch, daughter of the deceased Chiefs player, went into detail regarding feeling "shunned" by the NFL due to her father's struggle with CTE. Despite the settled lawsuit, Lothamer-Welch feels that the NFL is doing little for players diagnosed with CTE. "I felt like they treated a lot of the guys that built that league on their backs like they were throwaways ..." Lothamer-Welch said. "It's just human nature. I mean, people care about what's happening today. They're not so interested in what happened yesterday or what's going to happen 10 years down the road." It is worth noting for context that the $765 million settlement by the NFL , which was intended to help cover treatment for players with CTE, dementia, or other brain-related illnesses after suffering on-field concussions, has been heavily criticized and accused of "routinely [failing] to deliver money and medical care to former players suffering from dementia and CTE." According to an investigation by The Washington Post , the NFL has allegedly failed to follow through on its responsibility to provide payouts, exploiting medical loopholes to avoid covering these expenses. After reviewing 15,000 pages of documents from more than 100 former players, the Post said players regularly saw "their claims denied by the administrative law firm that oversees the settlement. Reportedly, medical personnel who worked for the NFL "simply overruled physicians who actually evaluated players" and would reclassify dementia symptoms on non-football-related causes. Over a dozen players "failed to qualify for settlement money or medical care and then died, only to have CTE confirmed via autopsy." A recent survey by JAMA Neurology found that one-third of former professional football players suspect they suffer from CTE); the study is one of the most extensive to explore former NFL players' perceptions of their cognitive health. Ed Lothamer passed away in 2022, at the age of 80. Following his death, his family donated his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank, where researchers confirmed a diagnosis of stage 4 CTE, the most severe form of the condition. He had been drafted by the Chiefs in 1964 and was part of a defense renowned for its future Pro Football Hall of Famers. Despite numerous injuries, he played in 88 games and started 35 as the Chiefs appeared in two of the first four Super Bowls. "We were told he had some type of "dementia," with some forward-thinking doctors alluding to possible CTE and he had gotten a number of opinions over the years about his volatile and diminishing condition..." Lothamer-Welch wrote in a personal story at the Concussion Legacy Foundation . "My father made $42,000 during his final season in the NFL , which we now realize was the price he exchanged for his brain." More News: Professional Athletes' Homes Are Being Targeted by Robbery Ring Although Lothamer was a plaintiff in the settlement and had been formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016, his case is among many that the NFL has managed to sidestep, offering neither a payout nor any acknowledgment. To the Lothamer family, this appears to be part of a deliberate strategy by the league, even as they continue to hope that an attorney might help them secure compensation and, perhaps, some form of validation from the NFL . Instead, they've felt increasingly discouraged by the legal process. "They are just waiting for everybody to die," Elisabeth Lothamer, the widow of the former Chiefs player said. "I mean, it's just what they're doing." For more on the NFL , head to Newsweek Sports .Perspective Therapeutics CEO Johan Spoor buys $30,132 in stock
Randall Garrison got emotional this week when he announced he was stepping down as NDP MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, bringing a more than decade-long tenure to a close. “After more than four years waiting, I now have a family doctor, and it’s time to listen to his advice about putting my health first,” said Garrison on Tuesday. The long-time Island-based MP delivered his farewell message in the House of Commons, where others in attendance, including NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, applauded him. During his speech, Garrison — an “out and proud” member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community — touched on his childhood, saying it wasn’t easy. “First, I have to confess that sometimes I’m still a little astonished to actually be standing in this House. How did a queer kid from a farm in Nebraska and from a working-class family ridden by domestic violence and child abuse, both shrouded in silence — how did that person become a member of parliament?” he said, holding back tears. “It was never part of my plan, but I will always be grateful to Canada for providing me a refuge more than 50 years ago, when it was still illegal for men to have sex with men in the United States, and for giving me so many opportunities to build a life here.” He was first elected in 2011, serving four consecutive terms as the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, according to a news release. Garrison says he’s “proud” of the work he’s done. In the release it says he successfully led initiatives to add transgender rights to the Canadian Human Rights Code and the hate crimes section of the Criminal Code, to ban conversion therapy and to eliminate criminal records for the personal possession of all drugs. Locally, among other feats, he secured better protections for southern resident orcas, got federal funding for the clean-up of Esquimalt Harbour and delivered support to the local shipbuilding industry. He also served as his party’s defence and justice spokesperson. READ PREVIOUS: NDP says scrap House of Commons’ gender-based dress rules, including jackets and ties for men “I want to thank the speaker and the house in advance for granting me some latitude today and, by doing so, perhaps saving me from having to write a book,” he said Tuesday. “Let me start by thanking all those who have supported me over what’s been nearly 14 years as a member of parliament,” he continued. “In particular, I want to say thank you for the support I received from the South Asian community, the Jewish community and, of course, the 2SLGBTQI+ community, both in my riding and from across the country,” said Garrison, also acknowledging his many volunteers, donors and “of course ... my husband, Teddy Pardy.” Career beginnings During his speech, Garrison thought back to his start in politics. “But who’s to blame for me being a New Democrat MP? Well, it started with Tommy Douglas, who signed me up as a party member when he was my MP in Nanaimo more than 45 years ago...” recalled Garrison. Years later, after doing human rights work abroad, he returned to Canada and “fell for an invitation” from Jack Layton, “the new NDP leader ... to have lunch to discuss my human rights work.” Garrison says Layton helped him get to where he is today. “At the end of that lunch, we discussed human rights, but Jack said, ‘I’ll bet you think there should be gay members of parliament?'” he recalled. “And, of course, I agreed,” said Garrison. “Then he said, ‘Well, how do you think they get there if people like you don’t run?’ So I agreed, despite repeatedly having said ‘no’ before and despite the many, myself included, who thought the path for a gay New Democrat running the second-largest military riding in the country was more than a little uphill.” Paying tribute Following his speech, Singh, as well as House Speaker Greg Fergus, Justice Minister Arif Virani, Bloc Québécois MP Rhéal Fortin, Conservative MP Damien Kurek, Green MP Mike Morrice and Deputy House Speaker Chris D’Entremont, paid tribute to Garrison in recognition of his time in parliament. The full video is here . “I am proud to call (MP Garrison) a friend. I am proud to call him an ally. I am proud that he chose to be a part of the movement,” said Singh. “If politics is the art of the possible, I would say that (MP Garrison) shows always what is possible and what can be achieved, with tremendous success. He represents the best of what it is to be a parliamentarian...” added Virani in the release. In April 2023, Garrison said he wouldn’t seek re-election in the next federal election following more than a decade in federal politics. That August, Sooke Mayor Maja Tait was nominated as the new NDP candidate for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke. His resignation will take effect in January, and constituent services in the riding will continue uninterrupted, according to the release issued Wednesday. “It has been and continues to be an honour to work with the diverse communities that make up the riding of Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, including the six municipalities, four First Nations, and the large contingent of military families,” added Garrison.WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought,” roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump last year as well as inquiries into Biden and his son. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” The intended resignation was not unexpected considering that Trump had settled on Patel to be director and had repeatedly aired his ire at Wray, whom he appointed during his first term. But his departure is nonetheless a reflection of how Trump's norm-breaking style has reshaped Washington, with the president-elect yet again flouting tradition by moving to replace an FBI director well before his term was up and Wray resigning to avert a collision with the incoming administration. “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me," Wray said. “I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorized to discuss the private gathering by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice" and saying that Patel's confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again.” If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI's Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators," raising alarms that he might seek to wield the FBI's significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Trump's perceived enemies. Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to "a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one.” It's extremely rare for FBI directors to be ousted from their jobs before the completion of their 10-year terms, a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations. But Trump has done it twice, placing Wray in the job in 2017 after firing Director James Comey amid an investigation into ties between Russia and the Republican president’s campaign. Despite having appointed Wray, Trump had telegraphed his anger with the FBI director on multiple occasions throughout the years, including as recently as the past week. In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, Trump said, “I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home,” a reference to the FBI search of his Florida property , Mar-a-Lago, two years ago for classified documents from Trump’s first term as president. That search, and the recovery of boxes of sensitive government records, paved the way for one of two federal indictments against Trump. The case, and another one charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, have both been dismissed by the Justice Department special counsel that brought them in light of Trump's November victory. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray for having “served our country honorably and with integrity for decades.” He said: “Under Director Wray’s principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, protect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law.” Natalie Bara, the president of the FBI Agents Association, said in a statement that Wray had led the FBI “through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe. ” Throughout his seven years on the job, the self-professed "low-key, understated" Wray brought a workmanlike approach to the job, repeatedly preaching a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra to bureau personnel despite a steady drumbeat of attacks from Trump and his supporters. He also sought to avoid public conflict when possible with the Trump White House, distancing himself and his leadership team from the FBI's Russia investigation over errors that took place before he took office and announcing dozens of corrective actions meant to prevent the recurrence of the surveillance abuses that plagued the inquiry. But there were other instances when he memorably broke from Trump — he did not agree, for instance, with Trump’s characterization of the Russia investigation as a “witch hunt." He made known his displeasure when the White House blessed the declassification of materials related to the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide and contradicted a Trump talking point by stating that Ukraine had not interfered in the 2016 election. He repeatedly sought to keep the focus on the FBI's day-to-day work, using the bulk of his resignation announcement to praise the bureau's efforts in countering everything from violent crime and cyberattacks to Chinese espionage and terrorism. Yet as he leaves office at a time of heightened threats , much of the public focus has been on the politically sensitive investigations of his tenure. Besides the inquiries into Trump, the FBI in recent years also investigated Biden's handling of classified information as well as Biden's son Hunter for tax and gun violations. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father last week. A particular flashpoint came in August 2022, when FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago — an action officials defended as necessary given the boxes of documents that were being concealed at the Palm Beach property and the evidence of obstruction that the Justice Department said had been gathered. Trump railed against the FBI over that search and has kept up his criticism ever since. Trump was angered by Wray's comment at a congressional hearing that there was “some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel” that struck Trump's ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. The FBI later stated unequivocally that it was indeed a bullet. Before being named FBI director, Wray worked at a prestigious law firm, King & Spalding, where he represented former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during the “Bridgegate” scandal. He also led the Justice Department’s criminal division for a period during President George W. Bush’s administration.