
CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls have been Major League Soccer mainstays since the league's inaugural season in 1996, signing glamorous players and regularly competing for championships through years of success and setbacks in a league that's perpetually improving and expanding. Yet just a year ago, both of these clubs appeared to be a very long way from the stage they'll share Saturday in the MLS Cup Final. The Galaxy were one of MLS' worst teams after a season of internal turmoil and public fan dissent, while the Red Bulls were merely a steady mediocrity seeking yet another coach to chart a new direction. A year later, these MLS founders are meeting in the league's first Cup final between teams from North America's two biggest markets. "Two original clubs being able to put themselves in this situation, I think it's great," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "To see two clubs that have been at it as long as this league has been around be here, I think it's a special moment. Couldn't be two more different and contrasting styles as well, which could make for an interesting game, and I would imagine a high-intensity game." Everything changed in 2024 after a dismal decade for the Galaxy, who are favored to cap their transformation by winning their team's record sixth MLS championship with a roster that's dramatically different from its past few groups — albeit with one massive injury absence in the final. The transformation of the Red Bulls happened only in the postseason, when a team that hadn't won a playoff game since 2017 suddenly turned into world-beaters under rookie coach Sandro Schwarz. New York struggled through the final three months of league play with only two wins before posting road playoff victories over defending champ Columbus, archrival New York City FC and conference finalist Orlando to storm into the Cup final. "We know about the history (of our club), and we know tomorrow will define what that could mean," Schwarz said Friday. "To feel the pressure for tomorrow, it's necessary, because it's a final, and without pressure it's not possible to bring the best quality on the field." The Red Bulls have never won an MLS Cup, only reaching the championship match once before. What's more, they've somehow never won a Cup in any tournament, although they've collected three Supporters' Shields for MLS' best regular-season record. The Galaxy's trophy case is large and loaded, and those five MLS Cups are on the top shelf. But not much of that team success happened in the past decade for the club that famously brought David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and many other international stars to Hollywood. In fact, this season has ended a grim era for the Galaxy, who haven't lost all year at their frequently renamed home stadium — which was the site of protests and boycotts just a year ago. The club's fans were tired of LA's steady underachievement and ineptitude in the front office run by team president Chris Klein, who was fired in May 2023. One year ago Thursday, the Galaxy hired Will Kuntz, a longtime Los Angeles FC executive who engineered his new club's roster transformation, most dramatically by landing new designated players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil — two international talents that LAFC also had in its sights. "I give Will and the group up there a ton of credit," Vanney said. "It's one thing to have players you like, and it's a whole other thing to get them here and get them to connect with your group." Pec and Paintsil combined for 32 goals and 27 assists while boosting the incumbent talents of striker Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig, the gifted Barcelona product who runs the offense from the midfield. The Galaxy clicked in the postseason, scoring a jaw-dropping 16 goals in four matches. Puig has been the Galaxy's most important player all season, but he won't be in the MLS Cup Final after tearing a knee ligament late in last week's conference final victory over Seattle. The loss of Puig — who somehow kept playing on his injured knee, and even delivered the game-winning pass to Joveljic — makes the Galaxy even more difficult to anticipate. "He played a lot in the regular season, so it was not so easy to analyze all these games now without him," Schwarz said. "But the main focus is to analyze what we need to do, because it's not clear now how they're playing without him." The Galaxy could give some of Puig's responsibilities to Marco Reus, the longtime Dortmund standout who joined LA in August. Reus is nursing a hamstring injury, but Vanney expects him to play.
TikTok's future in the U.S. appeared uncertain on Friday after a federal appeals court rejected a legal challenge to a law that requires the social media platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January. A panel of three judges on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the law withstood constitutional scrutiny, rebuffing arguments from the two companies that the statute violated their rights and the rights of TikTok users in the U.S. The government has said it wants ByteDance to divest its stakes in TikTok. But if it doesn't and the platform goes away, it would have a seismic impact on the lives of content creators who rely on the platform for income as well as users who use it for entertainment and connection. Here are some details on the ruling and what could happen next: What does the ruling say? In their lawsuit, TikTok and ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, had challenged the law on various fronts, arguing in part that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and was an unconstitutional bill of attainder that unfairly targeted the two companies. But the court sided with attorneys for the Justice Department who said that the government was attempting to address national security concerns and the way in which it chose to do so did not violate the constitution. The Justice Department has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say that Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok's U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread, or suppress, information. However, the U.S. hasn't publicly provided examples of that happening. The appeals court ruling, written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg, said the law was “carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary." The judges also rejected the claim that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. Furthermore, Ginsburg wrote the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to “suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok. What happens next? TikTok and ByteDance are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, but it's unclear whether the court will take up the case. TikTok indicated in a statement on Friday the two companies are preparing to take their case to high court, saying the Supreme Court has “an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech." "We expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” a company spokesperson said. Alan Morrison, a professor at The George Washington University Law School, said he expects the Supreme Court to take up the case because of the novelty of the issues raised in the lawsuit. If that happens, attorneys for the two companies still have to convince the court to grant them an emergency stay that will prevent the government from enforcing the Jan. 19 divestiture deadline stipulated in the law, Morrison said. Such a move could drag out the process until the Justices make a ruling. Tiffany Cianci, a TikTok content creator who has supported the platform, said she was not shocked about the outcome of the court's ruling on Friday because lower courts typically defer to the executive branch on these types of cases. She believes the company will have a stronger case at the Supreme Court. “I believe that the next stages are more likely to produce a victory for TikTokers and for TikTok as a whole,” Cianci said. What about Trump? Another wild card is President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the recent presidential campaign that he is now against such action . The Trump transition team has not offered details on how Trump plans to carry out his pledge to “save TikTok." But spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last month that he plans to “deliver” on his campaign promises. After Trump takes office on Jan. 20th, it would fall on his Justice Department to enforce the law and punish any potential violators. Penalties would apply to any app stores that would violate a prohibition on TikTok and to internet hosting services which would be barred from supporting it. Some have speculated that Trump could ask his Justice Department to abstain from enforcing the law. But tech companies like Apple and Google, which offer TikTok's app on their app stores, would then have to trust that the administration would not come after them for any violations. Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said enforcement discretion — or executive orders — can not override existing law, leaving Trump with “limited room for unilateral action." There are other things Trump could potentially do. It's possible he could invoke provisions of the law that allow the president to determine whether a sale or a similar transaction frees TikTok from “foreign adversary” control. Another option is to urge Congress to repeal the law. But that too would require support from congressional Republicans who have overwhelmingly supported the prospect of getting TikTok out of the hands of a Chinese company. In a statement issued Friday, Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said he was “optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok” and allow its continued use in the United States. Is anyone trying to buy TikTok? ByteDance has said it won't sell TikTok . And even if it wanted to, a sale of the proprietary algorithm that powers TikTok is likely to get blocked under Chinese export controls that the country issued in 2020. That means if TikTok is sold without the algorithm, its likely that the buyer would only purchase a shell of the platform that doesn't contain the technology that made the app a cultural powerhouse. Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in buying it. This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital. The spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the participants. Haleluya Hadero, The Associated PressRyan Strome's goal late in 3rd period helps Ducks rally for 5-3 victory over Oilers
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Darren Rizzi would be an unconventional choice to take over the New Orleans Saints' head coaching job on a permanent basis. That doesn't mean it can't happen. The Saints (4-7) had been on a seven-game skid when Rizzi, the club's special teams coordinator, was promoted. They've since won two straight, and as the club entered its Week 12 bye, prominent players were already discussing their desire to continue improving Rizzi's resume. “He’s definitely had an impact on our football team,” quarterback Derek Carr said after New Orleans' 35-14 victory over Cleveland last weekend. “We want to keep winning so that maybe he gets a chance to be the coach here for a long time. “That’s what we want as players,” Carr continued. "Hopefully, we can continue to have success, keep winning and give him that opportunity.” Before the Saints' demoralizing defeat at Carolina precipitated the firing of third-year coach Dennis Allen , Rizzi had never been a head coach at the NFL or major college level. The north New Jersey native and former Rhode Island tight end got his first head coaching job at Division II New Haven in 1999. He also coached his alma mater in 2008 before moving to the NFL with Miami in 2009 as a special teams assistant. By 2010, he was the Dolphins' special teams coordinator and added the title of associate head coach in 2017 before ex-Saints coach Sean Payton lured him to New Orleans in 2019. A common thread shared by Payton and Rizzi is that both worked under Bill Parcells. Parcells — known best for winning two Super Bowls as coach of the New York Giants — was coaching the Dallas Cowboys when Payton was his offensive coordinator. Rizzi, who grew up a Giants fan during the Parcells era, got to know his childhood idol during his first couple years in Miami, where Parcells executive vice president of football operations. Since his promotion, Rizzi has spoken to both Payton and Parcells. And he has begun to employ motivational techniques reminiscent of Payton, who left New Orleans in 2022 as the franchise leader in wins (152 in the regular season and nine in the postseason — including New Orleans' lone Super Bowl triumph). Payton as a big believer of symbolic imagery and motivational props, from baseball bats distributed before contests that were expected to be especially physical to gas cans left in the lockers of aging veterans whose performance was key to the club's success. Rizzi, who describes himself as a “blue collar” guy, has his own spin on such things. He began his tenure by asking players to accept individual responsibility for the metaphorical hole the team had dug itself and asked them all to embrace the idea of filling it up — one shovelful at a time. He even has brought a shovel — as well as a hammer, tape measure, level and other construction tools — to team meetings to help make his points. Saints tight end Taysom Hill, who also plays on special teams, has gotten to know Rizzi well during a half-decade of working together. Hill doesn't sound surprised to see Rizzi's combination of work ethic, enthusiasm and personal touch resonating across the entire team now. He also made a lot of changes , from weekly schedule adjustments to reconfiguring players' lockers by position. “He has a really good pulse on what we need collectively as a team to get ready for a football game," said Hill, who scored three touchdowns and accounted for 248 yards as a runner, receiver, passer and returner against Cleveland. “Guys have responded to that.” Because Rizzi's first victory came over the first-place Atlanta Falcons , and because the Falcons lost again last week, the Saints now trail Atlanta by just two games with six to play. Suddenly, the idea of the Saints playing meaningful football down the stretch is not so far-fetched. “We’re starting to get our swag back, and that makes me happy,” Rizzi said. ”We’re going to have some downtime now to kind of press the reset button again and see if we can make a push here." When the Saints return to action at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec 1, they'll do so with a level of momentum and positivity that seemed to steadily drain out of the club between their first loss of the season in Week 3 through the six straight setbacks that followed. While Saints players have tended to blame themselves for Allen's demise, they've been quick to credit Rizzi for the turnaround. “He’s pointed us and steered the ship in the right direction,” Carr said. “Hopefully, we can just keep executing at a high level for him, because we love him.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden faces a stark choice as he contemplates broad preemptive pardons to protect aides and allies from potential retribution by Donald Trump: Does he hew to the institutional norms he’s spent decades defending or flex the powers of the presidency in untested ways? The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But the president has discussed the topic with senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive subject. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. Biden is taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to another person familiar with the president’s discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes –- and usually to those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for some who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. The president could, if he chooses, issue blanket pardons to specific people whom Trump and his allies have threatened to punish. Or he could pardon a broad class of people — not unlike pardons issued to those convicted of federal marijuana offenses or those ensnared in the “don't ask, don't tell” military policies. Either way, he'd be using the powers of the presidency in a new way. Some worry that Trump and his allies, who have talked of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for targeted people even if they don’t result in prosecutions. The door has already been opened, given that Biden has extended a broad pardon to his son, Hunter , who was convicted and pleaded guilty in tax and gun cases. Biden explained that decision by saying he believed the prosecution of his son had been poisoned by politics. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden plans additional pardons before leaving office though she would not elaborate on the process. She repeatedly referenced “changing factors” that motivated the president to pardon his son despite promising he wouldn’t. She said Republicans have continued to try to see Hunter Biden investigated for an array of alleged offenses, a rationale that could support additional pardons for Biden aides and allies. It was two weeks ago that one of the president’s closest allies in Congress, Rep, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, encouraged Biden to pardon his son Hunter. The morning after that conversation, Clyburn told Biden’s staff that he believed the president should also pardon those being targeted by Trump. “I was very forceful in my discussions with him about what I thought he ought to do regarding his son,” Clyburn said Friday. “But I also told them that I thought he ought to go even further, because all the noise about Jack Smith and Liz Cheney and Doctor Fauci and all of that.” Special Counsel Jack Smith has been investigating Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and for accusations he hoarded classified documents at his home. Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican , was the vice chairwoman of the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris. Fauci, an infectious disease expert, was instrumental in the government's response to the coronavirus. All have raised the ire of Trump. Clyburn said he told Biden’s team, only half jokingly, that because the Supreme Court has already said that the president has certain immunities, “let’s give that same immunity to Jack Smith for carrying out his duties and to, Doctor Fauci, Liz Cheney, they were carrying out their duties.” Among those mentioned publicly for possible presidential pardons, there are different sentiments on whether pardons would even be wanted. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the president’s move to pardon his son, but has been silent on the speculation that Biden is considering additional pardons for her or others. A top Pelosi ally, Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic congressman who led Trump’s first impeachment, has panned the idea of pardoning Biden's allies. He says “the courts are strong enough to withstand” the worst of Trump’s threats. “I don’t think a preemptive pardon makes sense,” the incoming senator told NPR recently. “I would urge the president not to do that. I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary,” Schiff said. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, who was the lead manager on Trump’s second impeachment, on the charge of inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, said members of Congress already are protected by the speech and debate clause in the Constitution, which protects them prosecution for participating in their legislative duties. Raskin said figures like Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and John Kelly , Trump's former White House chief of staff, would similarly be protected by the First Amendment. But Raskin said the question is, “Should they go through the criminal investigation and prosecution for not doing anything wrong? I think that’s why this whole issue has erupted.” Raksin added that with Trump promising to pardon hundreds of people who assaulted police officers on Jan. 6th, “I can hardly fault President Biden for exploring the use of the pardon to protect people from a fraudulent and unjust prosecution.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he’s had no conversations with the White House regarding any preemptive pardons for current or former members of Congress. Associated Press Writers Kevin Freking and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report.
Country music star Zach Bryan halted his performance at the Tacoma Dome in Washington on Saturday night when a concertgoer threw a mystery object onto the stage. The 28-year-old was performing alongside another musician when an object was seen flying onto the stage. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Daniel Ricciardo joins country singer Zach Bryan on stage in Melbourne. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Bryan picked up the object, stopped the show, and confronted the audience. “Who threw this? Who was it? Does anyone know? Who was it?” he asked the crowd who remained silent. Realising he would not get an answer, the Grammy-winning artist then said: “Don’t throw s*** at concerts, huh!” prompting cheers from the audience. The Something in the Orange singer added, “And if you guys do know who threw it, we can get them out of here — if we ever find out who did it.” The incident sparked mixed reactions online after a fan-recorded video was shared across all social media platforms. Some criticised Bryan’s response, with one user calling him “such a baby” and another saying, “his 15 minutes are over”. “Whoever threw it had everyone sign an NDA, we’ll never know,” one teased. “Dude is losing it,” another said. “Nobody’s getting hurt, chill and have a good time,” a third chimed in. But others came to his defence, declaring nobody deserved to have things thrown at them. “I’ll never understand you paying for the concert and throwing something at the artist ... am I missing something here?” one asked. “Regardless of what you think of him, just don’t throw s*** at any artist during a concert. If not for the artist, at least for the people around you,” a second agreed. The controversy follows recent allegations made by Bryan’s former partner, Barstool Sports podcaster Brianna LaPaglia, known as Chickenfry, regarding their tumultuous relationship. Bryan and LaPaglia dated from July 2023 to October 2024. Following their breakup, LaPaglia accused Bryan of emotional abuse, claiming he took their shared cat, Stump, out of spite. She also alleged he was unfaithful, stating he picked out an engagement ring for her while “cheating the whole time”. LaPaglia later threatened to release footage of Bryan allegedly throwing objects at her, criticising him for posting photos of their shared pet online. “If this man posts this fing cat one more time, then I’m gonna post videos of you whipping s*** at my face,” she said on Instagram November 17. Bryan, for his part, has not publicly responded to the accusations. LaPaglia suggested on her BFFs podcast that his silence is strategic, as he knows she has evidence to back her claims. The fallout from their relationship has divided fans. Some defended Bryan, citing his music and public persona, while others have expressed concern or disapproval over LaPaglia’s allegations.Ancient Roman home — and luxurious decorations — uncovered in France. See elite findsNick Knowles is forced to pay for his knee surgery after Strictly 'refused' and pleas 'I'm hoping they will help with rehab' as he's supported by fiancée Katie Dadzie
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The Red Sox made their first big signing of the offseason Tuesday, inking veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, $10.75 million contract. The deal, which is pending a physical, also includes $250,000 in potential bonuses. Chapman confirmed the deal, posting a photo of himself in a Red Sox cap on social media. The Cuban-born lefty made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010. Since leaving Cincinnati in 2015, he’s primarily pitched for the New York Yankees (two stints), as well as the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. One of MLB’s hardest-throwing pitchers, Chapman is a seven-time All-Star, was American League Reliever of the Year in 2019, and has won two World Series (’16 Cubs, ’23 Rangers). He also has the distinction of being the first Yankees pitcher to ever give up a home run to Rafael Devers, on Aug. 13, 2017 at Yankee Stadium. The signing, however, is a controversial move for the Red Sox. In 2016, Chapman became the first player ever suspended by Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association under their Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy , which they’d enacted in 2015. The then-Yankees closer served a 30-game suspension at the beginning of the ’16 season after an Oct. 30, 2015 incident at his Florida home. He fired a gun eight times in his garage, and his 22-year-old girlfriend alleged that he’d choked her. “I’m apologizing because of the use of the gun,” Chapman told reporters at spring training in March 2016. He acknowledged that he used “bad judgement,” but maintained that he never physically harmed his girlfriend. While prosecutors declined to prosecute due to conflicting accounts and insufficient evidence, MLB’s own investigation yielded enough to penalize Chapman. And unlike the performance-enhancing drug policy, players who serve DV suspensions are allowed to participate in that year’s postseason. Three days after the one-year anniversary of the incident that led to his suspension, Chapman picked up the win in Game 7 of the World Series, ending Chicago’s 108-year championship drought. In signing Chapman, the Red Sox are signaling a pivot in organizational values. Boston notably backed out of acquiring Chapman from Cincinnati during the 2015 Winter Meetings. The Dodgers then reached an agreement with the Reds, only to walk away for the same reason. After reports of Chapman’s incident surfaced and MLB opened an investigation, the Yankees traded for him on Dec. 28. A few years later, the Red Sox made a similar decision. Despite needing bullpen reinforcements at the 2018 trade deadline, then-president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it clear that the club hadn’t pursed Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna, who was serving a 75-game DV suspension (and appearing in court) at the time. “We were not going that route,” manager Alex Cora told reporters before the Red Sox demolished Osuna and his new team, the Houston Astros, in that year’s ALCS. “After 2015, we agreed to send (top prospects Manuel) Margot and Marco Hernandez to the Reds for Chapman, but it fell apart when we discovered disturbing details about his domestic dispute,” former Red Sox assistant general manager Zack Scott wrote on X . “We actually informed the Reds about it. We pivoted to (Craig) Kimbrel, and Chapman went to the Yankees. I guess enough time has passed without incident for the Sox to be OK with it now.” You can find every Red Sox offseason update on the Boston Herald’s 2024-25 live tracker !Daily Post Nigeria Super Falcons coach Madugu invites 20 players for France friendly Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport Super Falcons coach Madugu invites 20 players for France friendly Published on November 24, 2024 By Mike Oyebola Super Falcons caretaker coach Justine Madugu has unveiled his squad for the international friendly against France. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie are some of the regulars included in the squad. Versatile midfielder Toni Payne, Tosin Demehin and Ifeoma Onumonu will also be on the plane to France. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was excluded from the friendly because of injury. There was, however, no place for Bay FC striker Asisat Oshoala in the squad. Some players were also handed their maiden invitation for the friendly. The friendly is billed for the Stade Raymond Kopa, Angers on Saturday, November 30. The encounter will kick off at 9:30 pm. The Full List Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); and Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons). Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); and Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey). Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); and Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons). Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain)); and Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens). Related Topics: France Madugu super falcons Don't Miss NPFL: Rangers coach Ekeh reacts to derby draw against Heartland You may like WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons to battle Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana In Group B WAFCON 2024 draw: Super Falcons placed in Pot One France unveils squad for Super Falcons friendly WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons to know group opponents Friday UNL: I’m not here to take risks – France boss, Deschamps on Kylian Mbappe Nations League: It’s not my decision – Ancelotti reacts to Mbappe removal from France squad Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Young children may be off school for winter break, but museums in Ottawa are still offering a chance for kids to learn in new and fun ways. The Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Aviation and Space Museum are running their Winter Wonders program, which offers kids hands-on learning and activities. Eight-year-old Deslie Ndifor was at the aviation museum and learned all about drones, including flying safety and what they can be used for in the Drone's 101 program. Using the technology for the first time, she's already a fan. "I think it's really cool – and now I want a drone," she said in an interview on Saturday. Deslie's uncle Manny Makia says it's a great way for kids to apply things they have already learned. "It mirrors a lot of what they do as far as video games and things like that and so they already have some of the skills that are necessary. And it's good to learn how to apply those skills beyond just playing video games, how those skills are applied in real life," Makia said. The museum also has a tour called The Kuujjuaq Christmas Candy Drop where kids can learn about life in Nunavik, in Quebec's far north, as well as a unique holiday tradition of dropping candy from a bush plane. It's based on the story of a real pilot named Johnny May, which was written into a book. Stephanie Beaudette says it's a great way to teach kids at a young age. "They don't really know a ton about the north, so that was really interesting for them to actually learn it in a fun way, because they're a stuffed animals involved and you learn pretty much anything when there's a stuffed animal involved," Beaudette said. The Canada Science and Technology Museum has its own Winter Wonders programming, featuring sound and music. Visitors like Maddie Bechorner can put skills to the test, playing music on PVC pipes, which the museum says helps kids understand that music can come from many different places, even with every day materials. "I like playing the music because I play some piano," she said. "It makes different sounds than the piano, but the same music." There are also antique music boxes and demonstrations on at various times. Dad Lawson LeBlanc says coming here let's his 15-month-old daughter try new things, even at a young age. "It's just a great environment," he said. "Lots of space for the kids to run around and be able to kind of get rid of their energy and then fall asleep on the way home." The winter programming at the museums will run until Jan. 5. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day Ottawa Top Stories G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six tonight during the NFL game FREEZING RAIN WARNING | Freezing rain warning in effect for Ottawa this Saturday Families enjoy unique programming at Ottawa museums over holiday break TC Energy says early morning gas leak near Cornwall, Ont. resolved Here’s what’s next for your Christmas tree Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man What's happening in Ottawa over the Christmas holidays CTVNews.ca Top Stories Canadian model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former 'Sports Illustrated' model who pushed back against age discrimination by reentering the industry as a widow, has died in a Pennsylvania home from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning. Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Magnus Carlsen quits World Rapid and Blitz Championships after refusing to change out of jeans World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen quit the World Rapid Chess Championship on Friday after he refused to change out of the jeans he was wearing, according to the International Chess Federation (FIDE). If you're mentally struggling during the holidays, here’s how to cope For many people, celebrating New Year’s Day can include reflecting on a life well lived or a chance to start anew. But for some, the holiday may have dark undertones, according to a recent large study. Friend of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion says his sister also injured A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario A 17-year-old driver is facing charges after being caught speeding and driving dangerously on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario Friday evening, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care' If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well. Delta, B.C., port terminals closed after 'machinery fire' Saturday morning A large fire at the port in Delta, B.C., sent a plume of smoke into the sky Saturday morning. Atlantic No one injured after vehicle crashes into Shoppers Drug Mart: N.S. RCMP RCMP is investigating after a vehicle crashed into a Shoppers Drug Mart in Lower Sackville, N.S. on Saturday. Nova Scotia Muslim Society making hot meals and winter care packages for those in need For the fourth consecutive year, the Nova Scotia Islamic Society got together on Saturday to prepare warm meals and winter care packages to hand out for their community. Environment Canada forecasts mix of freezing rain and rain for parts of Maritimes Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Toronto One person injured, suspect charged with arson following Etobicoke apartment fire A suspect has been charged with arson after a two-alarm fire at an Etobicoke apartment complex early Saturday morning left one person with injuries. Motorcyclist dead after 2-vehicle crash in Stouffville, Ont.: police A 21-year-old man is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Stouffville, Ont. early Saturday morning. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Montreal Friend of Quebec man killed in Florida boat explosion says his sister also injured A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Dobes gets shutout in NHL debut, Canadiens blank Panthers 4-0 Jakub Dobes stopped 34 shots in his NHL debut, Kirby Dach had his first two-goal game in nearly two years, and the Montreal Canadiens beat the Florida Panthers 4-0 on Saturday. Cyprus-flagged ship MV MACCOA remains stuck near Verchères The MV MACCOA, a cargo ship registered in Cyprus, that ran aground on Christmas Eve in the St. Lawrence River near Verchères, Que., was still trapped on Saturday, after the Friday’s attempt to refloat it failed. Northern Ontario Serious crash closes Hwy. 11 near North Bay A serious collision has closed Highway 11 between the Bay Truck Stop in North Bay and Highway 64 in Marten River. Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Windsor Community partners in Windsor propose education campaign to veer people away from payday loans In a move aimed at combatting the financial strain caused by payday loans, the City of Windsor is considering the launch of a comprehensive education campaign to promote alternative financial options. Ex-boyfriend arrested for violating bail conditions Chatham-Kent police have made an arrest after a man allegedly violated his bail conditions. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. London St. Thomas fraud victim loses nearly $100K to job scam According to police, the victim was investing money into a company that they believed they were employed by for over a month. Ending the year with above seasonal temperatures Warmer conditions are expected in the London, Ont. region this weekend, with the high forecast in the double digits. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Kitchener Minor flooding possible with snow melt, rain on way: GRCA The Waterloo Region and the city of Guelph will be wrapping up 2024 with unusually warm weather over the weekend. Stretch of Kitchener road closed after gas leak at abandoned building Kitchener Fire is investigating after a "strange odor" was reported on Courtland Avenue East Saturday. Cambridge structure fire leads to road closure Emergency Services are on scene of a Cambridge structure fire Saturday morning. Barrie Boxing Day bust: Police allege shopper stole from LCBO amid holiday rush While Boxing Day is known for securing the best deals, one local shopper took things too far and allegedly tried to score a deal at a free cost. Deluxe taxi goes up in flames in Barrie parking lot Some locals were quick to pull out their cellphones and capture a minivan as it went up in hot flames in a Barrie parking lot. County Road 56 reopens following afternoon collision County Road 56 in Essa Township was closed for an afternoon collision. Winnipeg The most-read stories on CTV Winnipeg in 2024 Historic events, community pride and significant losses dominated headlines in Manitoba in 2024. Here’s a list of the most-read stories of each month of 2024 on CTV News Winnipeg. Cross-country ski race returns to Windsor Park The Prairie Holiday Loppet made its long-awaited return to Winnipeg’s Windsor Park Saturday, with dozens of racers hitting the trails. Experts, province urge caution over ice conditions after man dies in Hanover The province, along with outdoor enthusiasts, are urging people to use caution near frozen bodies of water after a man died when his skid steer loader fell through the ice. Calgary Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal joins growing chorus of Liberals calling for Trudeau to step down Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal has publicly released letters he sent to the Liberal caucus and president of the Liberal Party of Canada, calling on them to begin the process of moving on from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Family and friends grieve death of 36-year-old Lethbridge man in motorcycle crash Family members and friends are mourning the loss of a 36-year-old Lethbridge man killed in motorcycle crash just two days before Christmas. Edmonton Edmonton street photographer captures moments and people one frame at a time A local photographer who is passionate about capturing moments in one-hundredth of a second embraced many styles of his trade before landing on one which truly represents his mantra: street photography. 2 vehicles fall through ice at Sylvan Lake, promoting police warning RCMP issued a warning Saturday after two vehicles fell through the ice on Sylvan Lake. Physical therapy is 'the best-kept secret in health care' If you think physical therapy is only about rehabilitation after surgery or recovering from an accident, think again. For the vast majority, seeing a physical therapist should be about prevention, routine assessment and staying well. Regina 'A great holiday memory': Echo Valley Provincial Park gets plenty of visitors at Skate the Park launch Families and groups of friends made use of the good weather as the new season of Skate the Park got underway at Echo Valley Provincial Park. Moose Jaw Police Service asks public to help locate 89-year-old man The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) is asking the public for help in locating an 89-year-old Moose Jaw resident who was last seen on Dec. 25, 2024. Regina police chief says new initiatives to enhance community safety will come in 2025 Looking back after one year in his new role as the chief of the Regina Police Service, Farooq Hassan Sheikh is highlighting challenges the city faces, what has worked during his tenure and what can be done to improve policing in 2025. Saskatoon The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene. Police made two arrests following a shooting in Saskatoon A swift response from Saskatoon police led to the arrest of a man and woman following a reported shooting Friday afternoon. Saskatoon fire crews battle house fire Saskatoon firefighters responded to a house fire on the 100 block of Klassen Crescent Friday afternoon. Vancouver Delta, B.C., port terminals closed after 'machinery fire' Saturday morning A large fire at the port in Delta, B.C., sent a plume of smoke into the sky Saturday morning. 2 dozen guns, 'significant amount' of foreign currency stolen in Chilliwack, RCMP say Police in Chilliwack are warning the public after as many as two dozen firearms were stolen during a break-in at a home in the city this week. New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. Vancouver Island New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C. Participation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. 'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it. Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client. Kelowna B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year. B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Stay ConnectedThousands flee as Syrian insurgents advance to the doorstep of the country's third-largest city
Debt Ceiling Drama: Trump's Take on Political Missteps
LOS ANGELES — Top-ranked South Carolina felt something it hasn't known in over 2 1/2 years. The sting of defeat after being thoroughly dominated in a 77-62 loss to No. 5 UCLA on Sunday. Gone was the overall 43-game winning streak. Done was the run of 33 consecutive road victories. And the No. 1 ranking it's held for 23 consecutive polls will disappear Monday. "This is what we usually do to teams," coach Dawn Staley said. "We were on the receiving end of it." South Carolina hadn't lost since April 2023, when Caitlin Clark and Iowa beat the Gamecocks in the national semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins (5-0) shot 47% from the floor and 3-point range, hit 11 of 14 free throws and had five players in double figures. "They actually executed our game plan to a T," Staley said. The Gamecocks (5-1) were held to 36% shooting, had just two players in double figures and neither was leading scorer Chloe Kitts, who was held to 2 points on 1 of 7 shooting. They never led, got beat on the boards, 41-34, and were outscored 26-18 in the paint and 8-1 in fast break points. They only made eight trips to the free throw line. "Our kids fought," Staley said, "but we ran into a buzzsaw." South Carolina did manage to limit 6-foot-7 UCLA star Lauren Betts, who had 11 points and 14 rebounds, despite no longer having a dominant center of their own. The Bruins responded by getting the ball to others and eight of their 10 players scored. "We did an excellent job on Betts and we got killed by everyone else," Staley said. Tessa Johnson was the only other Gamecock in double figures with 14. "We needed a lot more than Tessa today," Staley said. The Gamecocks never got their offense in gear, starting the game 0 for 9 before trailing 20-10 at the end of the first quarter. They were down 43-22 at halftime. "Our shot selection is something we're dealing with on a daily basis," Staley said. The Gamecocks outscored UCLA 40-34 in the second half, but the Bruins' big early lead easily held up. "Beautiful basketball by UCLA," Staley said. "You can't help but to love up on it cause it was fluid on both sides of the ball." Given that it's only late November, the Gamecocks have plenty of time to figure things out. "We had some really good contributions from people that don't play a whole lot and we could probably give a little bit more minutes to," Staley said. "Taking a loss will help us focus on anybody that we play." Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!While My Gaze Was ElsewhereLate kickoff return TDs by Turpin and Thomas spark the Cowboys as they end their 5-game skid
NoneS&P cuts credit ratings of CT gas companies CNG and SCG, citing adverse regulatory climate
Ryan Strome's goal late in 3rd period helps Ducks rally for 5-3 victory over OilersSupermarket shopps say 'its crazy' after spotting product on shelves before New YearTo gain an edge, this is what you need to know today. Buying Opportunity Ahead Please click here for an enlarged chart of iShares MSCI Mexico ETF EWW . Note the following: President-elect Trump is threatening to impose steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada using an executive order on his first day in office. Mexico's president is responding by claiming that migrant caravans are no longer arriving at the U.S. border. She is also offering cooperation to stem the flow of drugs to the U.S. If negotiations with Mexico do not go well, stocks in Mexico will be decimated. That will likely be an opportunity for long-term investors to back up the truck and buy stocks in Mexico. The reason is that there are simply not enough people in the U.S. to support economic growth and on-shoring of all of the manufacturing from China. The chart shows Mexico ETF EWW is oversold. However, EWW can become more oversold. Mexico ETF EWW can easily fall to the top support zone shown on the chart. In The Arora Report analysis, the back up the truck buying opportunity will tentatively occur if Mexico ETF EWW falls to the lower support zone shown on the chart. However, this is all data dependent. Investors should carefully follow the data points. Investors need to look ahead and be prepared if the opportunity in Mexico arises. Mexico has been continuously covered in The Arora Report’s ZYX Emerging for 17 years. As full disclosure, if there is a back up the truck buying opportunity, a signal will be made in The Arora Report’s Real Time Feed of ZYX Emerging. In a buy signal, the support zone is only one of many factors. The algorithms used by The Arora Report are highly complex and combine the best elements of macro analysis, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and quantitative analysis with an overlay of change. Identifying change early and being prepared to capture opportunity leads to big gains. Trump is also threatening Canada with steep tariffs. If Canadian stocks are decimated, there will be an opportunity to buy Canada ETF iShares MSCI Canada ETF EWC . Again, investors need to be prepared ahead of time to capture the opportunity if it arises. As full disclosure, a signal to buy Canadian stocks will be in The Arora Report’s ZYX Allocation. Yesterday evening, when the news broke of Trump's tariff plan, stock futures were first quickly sold. Then, the momo crowd stepped in and has been aggressively buying the dip. There are important developments in bitcoin. Please scroll down to the bitcoin section below. Magnificent Seven Money Flows In the early trade, money flows are positive in Apple Inc AAPL , Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN , Meta Platforms Inc META , NVIDIA Corp NVDA , and Tesla Inc TSLA . In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Alphabet Inc Class C GOOG and Microsoft Corp MSFT . In the early trade, money flows are positive in SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 QQQ . Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ. Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil. The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust GLD . The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust SLV . The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF USO . Bitcoin At a time when almost everyone is bullish on Bitcoin BTC/USD and cryptos, money flows are at a record to short bitcoin. As an example, money flows in ProShares UltraShort Bitcoin ETF (ARCA : SBIT) were at a record $18.8M yesterday. Of course, money flows in short bets on bitcoin pale in comparison to money flows in long bets. Bitcoin whales took profits in the zone of $93,000 – $98,000, taking advantage of super excited retail investors. At a time when retail investors were converting their dollars into bitcoins, bitcoin whales were converting their bitcoins into dollars. Protection Band And What To Do Now It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror. The proprietary protection band from The Arora Report is very popular. The protection band puts all of the data, all of the indicators, all of the news, all of the crosscurrents, all of the models, and all of the analysis in an analytical framework that is easily actionable by investors. Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time. You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges. The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive. If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges. A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash. A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling. It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash. When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks. High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market. Traditional 60/40 Portfolio Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time. Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less. Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time. The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever Generate Wealth Newsletter . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Halifax International Security Forum concludes with ‘sense of optimism’ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam here on Saturday said that the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir was unbreakable and Kashmiri people were the guardians of Pakistan’s borders. He expressed these views while addressing at the inaugural ceremony of a two-day Kashmir Jannat Nazeer event titled “Kashmir: Paradise on Earth” organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training at Islamabad Model College for Girls, F-8/1 where he was invited as a chief guest. He proposed that essentials like electricity and flour should be provided free of cost for Kashmiri people. He shed a light on the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people which played a pivotal role in safeguarding Pakistan’s borders. He lauded the ministry’s efforts in showcasing the culture and beauty of Kashmir through this vibrant event and festival. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s courageous stance on the Kashmir issue, describing it as a reflection of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the cause and desire for a just and peaceful resolution to the longstanding dispute. The minister extended congratulations on behalf of himself and the Prime Minister for organizing a successful event, and appreciated the efforts of the Federal Secretary of Education and his team. Engineer Amir Muqam expressed his pride in being part of an event held in the heart of Islamabad that celebrates Kashmiri culture and heritage, showcasing solidarity with Kashmiri brothers and sisters. “The event provides an opportunity to experience the richness of Kashmiri culture, art, and history, which embodies a unique blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions,” he pointed out. He acknowledged the immense challenges faced by the Kashmiri people. “Despite these adversities, the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri people are evident in their continuous efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage,” he noted. The minister lamented the decades-long Indian occupation of Kashmir, which has caused significant damage to the region’s social, cultural, and economic fabric. He underscored that repeated strikes and shutdowns have severely impacted the region’s economy, while the ongoing Indian terrorism and extremism have turned the lives of Kashmiris into a nightmare. Despite these challenges, he commended the Kashmiri people for keeping their traditions alive and preserving their cultural identity. He recalled that the Kashmiri Muslims had ideologically aligned their future with Pakistan even before its creation, and Pakistan has never abandoned the Kashmiri people during difficult times. “Pakistan and Kashmir are inseparable,” he remarked. The minister strongly condemned the grave human rights violations committed by Indian forces in occupied Kashmir, urging the international community to hold India accountable and ensure the implementation of UN resolutions on the issue. He stressed that despite numerous challenges, Pakistan has consistently advocated for the just cause of the Kashmiri people on the global stage. Events like this, he said, serve as a beacon of hope and emphasize the need for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by the Kashmiri community while underscoring the importance of cultural preservation. The event also featured an address by Federal Secretary for Education Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani, who highlighted various aspects of the two-day event and warmly welcomed the minister. The book “Baramulla Se Barham Tak” by the late Kashmiri leader and author Professor Nazir Ahmad Shawl was also launched during the event. Senior PML-N leader Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, APHC Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, President of PML-N Azad Jammu and Kashmir Shah Ghulam Qadir, Federal Secretary for Education Mohiuddin Wani, and other prominent political figures and All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders were also present along with Engr Amir Muqam during the book launching ceremony.Methode Electronics' Board Approves Dividend
TikTok's future in the U.S. appeared uncertain on Friday after a federal appeals court rejected a legal challenge to a law that requires the social media platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January. A panel of three judges on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the law withstood constitutional scrutiny, rebuffing arguments from the two companies that the statute violated their rights and the rights of TikTok users in the U.S. The government has said it wants ByteDance to divest its stakes in TikTok. But if it doesn't and the platform goes away, it would have a seismic impact on the lives of content creators who rely on the platform for income as well as users who use it for entertainment and connection. Here are some details on the ruling and what could happen next: What does the ruling say? In their lawsuit, TikTok and ByteDance, which is also a plaintiff in the case, had challenged the law on various fronts, arguing in part that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and was an unconstitutional bill of attainder that unfairly targeted the two companies. But the court sided with attorneys for the Justice Department who said that the government was attempting to address national security concerns and the way in which it chose to do so did not violate the constitution. The Justice Department has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say that Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok's U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread, or suppress, information. However, the U.S. hasn't publicly provided examples of that happening. The appeals court ruling, written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg, said the law was “carefully crafted to deal only with control by a foreign adversary." The judges also rejected the claim that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. Furthermore, Ginsburg wrote the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to “suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok. What happens next? TikTok and ByteDance are expected to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, but it's unclear whether the court will take up the case. TikTok indicated in a statement on Friday the two companies are preparing to take their case to high court, saying the Supreme Court has “an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech." "We expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” a company spokesperson said. Alan Morrison, a professor at The George Washington University Law School, said he expects the Supreme Court to take up the case because of the novelty of the issues raised in the lawsuit. If that happens, attorneys for the two companies still have to convince the court to grant them an emergency stay that will prevent the government from enforcing the Jan. 19 divestiture deadline stipulated in the law, Morrison said. Such a move could drag out the process until the Justices make a ruling. Tiffany Cianci, a TikTok content creator who has supported the platform, said she was not shocked about the outcome of the court's ruling on Friday because lower courts typically defer to the executive branch on these types of cases. She believes the company will have a stronger case at the Supreme Court. “I believe that the next stages are more likely to produce a victory for TikTokers and for TikTok as a whole,” Cianci said. What about Trump? Another wild card is President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the recent presidential campaign that he is now against such action . The Trump transition team has not offered details on how Trump plans to carry out his pledge to “save TikTok." But spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last month that he plans to “deliver” on his campaign promises. After Trump takes office on Jan. 20th, it would fall on his Justice Department to enforce the law and punish any potential violators. Penalties would apply to any app stores that would violate a prohibition on TikTok and to internet hosting services which would be barred from supporting it. Some have speculated that Trump could ask his Justice Department to abstain from enforcing the law. But tech companies like Apple and Google, which offer TikTok's app on their app stores, would then have to trust that the administration would not come after them for any violations. Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said enforcement discretion — or executive orders — can not override existing law, leaving Trump with “limited room for unilateral action." There are other things Trump could potentially do. It's possible he could invoke provisions of the law that allow the president to determine whether a sale or a similar transaction frees TikTok from “foreign adversary” control. Another option is to urge Congress to repeal the law. But that too would require support from congressional Republicans who have overwhelmingly supported the prospect of getting TikTok out of the hands of a Chinese company. In a statement issued Friday, Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, said he was “optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok” and allow its continued use in the United States. Is anyone trying to buy TikTok? ByteDance has said it won't sell TikTok . And even if it wanted to, a sale of the proprietary algorithm that powers TikTok is likely to get blocked under Chinese export controls that the country issued in 2020. That means if TikTok is sold without the algorithm, its likely that the buyer would only purchase a shell of the platform that doesn't contain the technology that made the app a cultural powerhouse. Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in buying it. This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital. The spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the participants. Haleluya Hadero, The Associated Press
How Soros protege went from Hillary Clinton donor to Trump’s Treasury secretary pick