Listen and subscribe to Money Glow Up on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Owning a home has long been seen as one of the most effective ways to build personal wealth. A recent survey from Citi Group found that 84% of current homeowners believe that owning a home is the key to creating wealth. Yet nearly half of Americans can't afford a house priced at $250,000, and for those who can, property values can fluctuate, potentially creating a net loss when it comes time to sell. On Yahoo Finance’s Money Glow Up podcast, host Tiffany Aliche talked with financial journalist and financial behavior expert Stacey Tisdale about how real estate may not be the best investment for everyone and why many people should consider other ways to contribute to their individual wealth. “Homeownership is great, but what you have to realize about homeownership is it's not a liquid asset,” she said (see video above or listen below). “All portfolios need to be diversified. So you have to look — am I putting all my money in the real estate market because ... that's what I'm told to do?” This embedded content is not available in your region. Read more: Should you buy a house? How to know if you're ready. The first thing Tisdale asks her clients is to “connect with what’s authentically important to them,” she said. “They are shocked by how much time and money they spend on things that they don't really care about,” Tisdale said. She noted that for some people, the expenses that come with owning a home — such as maintenance and labor costs — may not align with their overall values. Tisdale advised looking into a diversified portfolio, with about 70% of that portfolio invested in stocks, to provide a person with more liquid assets. She also suggested taking out life insurance policies on children when they’re born, noting it’s an investment that can help with some longer-term expenses later in life. "My ex-husband and I got my son a life insurance policy," she said. "It's building cash, and that cash is investing in the stock market. You can use that money tax-free to pay for college. He can use that money one day for a down payment. Life insurance is a really incredible investment vehicle, and we don't think of it that way." Ultimately, everyone’s portfolio will look a bit different. If real estate and homeownership don’t align with your priorities in life, then it may not be the best course of action to build wealth. “Know what you're investing for and then you'll know the plan to put behind it,” Tisdale said. “If you want to live a comfortable life ... make your money work as hard as you.” Every Thursday, Tiffany Aliche — aka The Budgetnista — shares inspiring money stories to help people achieve financial independence and live richer lives on Money Glow Up . You can find more episodes on our video hub or watch on your preferred streaming service . Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo FinanceDumri MLA booked for creating ruckus, trying to occupy CCL quarter in Bokaro
Trump's Republican Party is increasingly winning union voters. It's a shift seen in his labor pick WASHINGTON (AP) — Working-class voters helped Republicans make steady election gains this year and expanded a coalition that increasingly includes rank-and-file union members. It's a political shift spotlighting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor support, to be his labor secretary. Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her bid for a second term this month, despite strong backing from union members. They're a key part of the Democratic base but are gravitating in the Trump era toward a Republican Party traditionally allied with business interests. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent, 62, is founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management. He previously had worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. Trump also said he would nominate Russell Vought, 48, to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a position he held during Trump's first term. And Trump chose Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican, as his labor secretary, and Scott Turner, a former football player who worked in Trump’s first administration, as his housing secretary. Afraid of losing the US-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico has been taking a bashing for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America. Officials here are terrified that a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Justin Trudeau could simply expel their country from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. Mexico's ruling Morena party is so afraid its has gone on a campaign to get companies to replace Chinese parts with locally made ones. And its legislators are consciously tweaking the wording of major laws to try to make them compatible with the trade pact's language. Mexico hopes the rules of the trade pact would prevent the U.S. or Canada from simply walking away. US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. What to know about Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen money manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction and deregulation, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent is a past supporter of Democrats who has become an enthusiastic supporter of Trump. He’s an advocate of cutting spending while extending the tax cuts approved by Congress in Trump’s first term. He has said tariffs imposed during a second Trump administration would be directed primarily at China. What to know about Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for labor secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has named Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor, elevating a Republican congresswoman who has strong support from unions in her district but lost reelection in November. Chavez-DeRemer has a legislative record that has drawn plaudits from unions, but organized labor leaders remain skeptical about Trump's agenda for workers. Trump, in general, has not supported policies that make it easier for workers to organize. Chavez-DeRemer is a one-term congresswoman, having lost reelection in her competitive Oregon district earlier this month. She joins Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, as the second Latino pick for Trump’s second Cabinet. Trump taps a Fox News personality, a surgeon and a former Congressman to lead public health agencies WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Marty Makary came to national attention for opposing mask mandates and other steps during the pandemic. He is a surgeon, author and professor at Johns Hopkins University. Makary is the latest of a string of Trump nominees who are deeply critical of government health regulators and experts. If confirmed, Makary would be expected to report to anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to oversee the nation’s health agencies. Bitcoin ticks closer to $100,000 in extended surge following US elections NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, setting another new high above $99,000. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. Supreme Court steps into fight over FCC's $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stepped into a major legal fight over the $8 billion a year the federal government spends to subsidize phone and internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas, in a new test of federal regulatory power. The justices on Friday agreed to review an appellate ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund. The Federal Communications Commission collects money from telecommunications providers, who then pass the cost on to their customers. The Biden administration appealed the lower court ruling, but the case probably won’t be argued until late March. At that point, the Trump administration will be in place and it is not clear whether it will take a different view of the issue.Global Climate Challenges: Perspectives from a Chinese COP29 DelegatePM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’No. 10 Maryland holds off George Mason late, 66-56 in a matchup of unbeatens
Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Ghost boats carry piles of decomposing bodies across the AtlanticCooperation or Competition? On Nov. 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President-elect Trump that said: “A stable, healthy, sustainably developing China-US relationship fits with the common interests of the two countries and with the expectations of international society. I hope the two sides will keep to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, strengthen channels of dialogue, improve control over differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and move down the road of correctly getting along in a new period, with prosperity for both countries and benefits to the world.” Subsequently, other Chinese sources, as well as Xi in his final meeting with President Biden at the APEC summit on Nov. 16, repeated this line of thought: China wants more rather than less cooperation with the US. An article in the People’s Daily the day after Xi’s message by Zhong Sheng (The Bell), an authoritative editorial collective, reinforced it, saying: “Win-win cooperation is the trend of the times and should be the bottom line of China-US relations.” The writers reminded readers of China-US economic interdependence: “Today, China is the third-largest export market for U.S. goods, and the US is China’s third-largest trading partner. Over 70,000 US companies invest and operate in China, and exports to China alone support 930,000 US jobs. Last year, 1,920 new US companies were established in China, and 80 percent of US companies in China plan to reinvest their profits this year.” The commentary cited achievements of China-US cooperation in diplomacy, finance, climate change, and military-to-military communication. Thus, wrote Zhong Sheng, “whether promoting world economic recovery or resolving international and regional hotspot issues, China-US coordination and cooperation are needed.” Coordination and cooperation are very unlikely to be realized, however, because of probably insuperable obstacles each country has set. The second Trump administration will not merely reject engagement, as Biden’s did; this time around, relations with China will be on a much steeper slope. Under Trump, we will no longer hear about “managing” relations or looking for shared interests. US officials are unlikely to repeat promises to China to uphold the One-China policy and not seek to change China’s system. Stabilizing the US-China relationship, which drew praise from Xi at his final meeting with Biden — "The [China-US] relationship has remained stable on the whole,” Xi said — will no longer be important to Washington. There are several already clear reasons for this conclusion: Trump’s announced determination to impose very high tariffs on Chinese goods, his appointment of China hawks to key national security positions, the bipartisan hostility toward China in Congress, China’s high unfavorable rating in American public opinion, and the advice Trump has received from previous appointees in the Project 2025 report. Moreover, as I discuss below, Trump, unlike Biden, will not be distracted from his China policy by overseas conflicts. As for China, the emphasis on points of actual and potential collaboration with the US is just one piece of its America policy. Xi qualifies cooperation in important ways — by saying that the US must have a “correct strategic perception” of China, must adhere to the three principles mentioned in Xi’s message to Trump, and must choose between “partnership or rivalry.” Those qualifications aim at specific elements of US policy: security alliances directed at the “China threat,” military and political support of Taiwan, and denial of semiconductor and other high-tech exports to China. US presidents, Donald Trump least of all, have not been moved by appeals to principle. Nor have they been open to “correcting” their perceptions of China to suit Beijing. Nevertheless, it is worth examining where room for a China-US deal might exist. A major caveat is in order, however: We have to recognize that Donald Trump’s modus operandi centers, as Bob Woodward has said in his various books on Trump, on fear and winning. In Trump’s transactional framework, the “art of the deal” is to instill fear in the opponent, never fold, and focus on winning. And winning means getting a “good return on investment,” not compromising for short-term gain and most certainly not hoping to promote trust. In his first administration, Trump had to deal with advisers who were not all in on Trump’s style — policy managers who valued diplomacy as an alternative to confrontation. Now, with few guardrails to restrain Trump, he will dominate the policy making scene as never before. His appointments of loyalists, some of whom are viscerally hostile to China and others of whom are vastly inexperienced, virtually ensure that Trump’s word will be unquestioningly followed. We have three early signs of the China hawks’ intentions. In the House of Representatives, the Republicans’ “China Week” agenda — an agenda put forward in October 2024 that basically calls for decoupling from China in multiple ways, including in trade, investment, educational exchanges, and scientific collaboration — is being readied for approval with some Democrats’ support. And the bipartisan U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s annual report to Congress recommends even more provocative steps, such as revoking China’s bilateral free trade privileges; barring the import of technologies from China; and creating a Manhattan Project to achieve artificial intelligence capable of surpassing human cognition. A third sign comes from Project 2025, which Trump has disavowed even though many of its authors once worked for him. Among them are Kiron K. Skinner, who labels China "the defining threat"; Christopher Miller, who writes that China is “a challenge to American interests across the domains of national power" and an imminent threat to Taiwan; and Peter Navarro, author of books on the China threat. Navarro’s Project 2025 chapter includes this warning: “The clear lesson learned in both the Obama and Trump Administrations is that Communist China will never bargain in good faith with the U.S. to stop its aggression. An equally clear lesson learned by President Trump, which he was ready to implement in a second term, was that the better policy option was to decouple both economically and financially from Communist China as further negotiations would indeed be both fruitless and dangerous ... ” What might a good return on investment look like to Trump? Since his top priority is trade, he would aim at a major increase in Chinese purchases of US goods to reduce the trade deficit (even though that didn’t work the first time around) and improved conditions for US investments, all while retaining sharp restrictions on advanced technology exports to China. In return, Trump might be willing to lower US tariffs on Chinese imports. He also might induce Xi by promising to reduce US arms aid and high-level visits to Taiwan, though he might get pushback from strongly pro-Taiwan officials such as Marco Rubio (nominated for secretary of state) and Mike Waltz (nominated for national security adviser). Trump would be far less interested in making a deal on China’s military aid to Russia, climate change, scientific and other exchanges, or human rights. Some of those issues are important to some Republicans, but they rank low (if at all) among Trump’s priorities. Nor would strategic issues that have bipartisan and Pentagon concern necessarily get Trump’s attention: the South China Sea disputes (including protection of Philippines ships), US security coalitions in Asia (the Quad and AUKUS), and competition with China in the Pacific island microstates. In Trump’s mind, these involvements soak up US resources and risk unacceptable levels of commitment. But they could be bargaining chips. Trump might be willing to backtrack on US security commitments in Asia, bilateral and multilateral, if a winning commercial deal proved attainable. If the "art of a deal" proves illusory, Trump may seek to weaponize tariffs. But China might, as happened in Trump’s first term, prefer a trade war to giving in to Trump's demands. In my previous writings , I offered several reasons why the threat of very high US tariffs will not work with the Chinese. They're ready this time, and have already taken measures to deal with the tariff threat, such as by shifting export markets to the Global South and Europe. We’re at a point in US-China relations where deal making is going to be very difficult even in the best of circumstances. Mutual trust is very low, and once Trump takes over, initiatives to “get along,” as the Chinese say, will not be offered. Consequently, it will not take much to derail diplomacy altogether, as happened after the spy balloon incident in February 2023 or, in November 2024, China’s rejection of a meeting between defense ministers because (China said) of a US arms sale to Taiwan. Chinese proposals for deeper cooperation will be used to demonstrate that they are the reasonable party and that the Americans are as unpredictable as they are untrustworthy. And China will use that argument to try driving a wedge between the US and its allies in the European Union and East Asia. Feel the chill of the coming Cold War. — Mel Gurtov, syndicated by PeaceVoice , is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University and blogs at In the Human Interest .:Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were highlighted as essential tools for governance, sustainable development, and societal progress during the International GIS Day celebrations held at the Institution of Engineers, on Wednesday. Experts discussed how GIS technology could transform decision-making, planning, and education, emphasising its role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr B. Janardhan Reddy, a former IAS official, explained how spatial data was crucial for effective governance. He urged educators to incorporate GIS into teaching to prepare students for future challenges and aid decision-makers in using maps for informed planning. Dr Gangadhar Rao, president of the Economic Committee, spoke on GIS applications across sectors, including urban planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development, enabled by its integration with GPS technology. The event also traced the contributions of GeoMap Society since its inception in 1992. Maj. Shiva Kiran from GeoMap highlighted the visionary efforts of figures like G.S. Kumar, former director of the Survey of India, and Dr D.P. Rao, former director of National Remote Sensing Agency, in promoting mapping and GIS. He noted that over 3,000 students are participating in the upcoming GeoMap Quiz 2024. Teachers from institutions like Oxford Grammar School, Nasr School, and TNR Excellencia were recognised for their efforts in promoting GIS and map awareness. Dr G. Venkata Subbaiah, Chairman of IoE Telangana State Centre, called GIS an imperative technology for India’s global aspirations.
After 149 shows, an estimated US$2 billion in revenue and countless outfit changes, Taylor Swift takes to the stage tonight in Vancouver for the final show of her record-smashing Eras Tour. It’s the superstar’s third sold-out night at BC Place, where she has received a delirious welcome from Swifties both local and international. Swift has reciprocated the feeling, telling the audience on Friday night that she chose Canada and Vancouver to close out the tour because the fans not only know the lyrics, they “scream them.” Swifties have been planning something special to end the tour, with Swift forums abuzz with suggestions to surprise her by singing “Happy Birthday” at tonight’s show, ahead of Swift’s 35th birthday on Dec. 13. Fan projects like this have been a big part of the Eras Tour, with chants and patterned clapping breaking out during various songs. University of Kansas sociology professor and “Swiftologist” Brian Donovan says such moments of joyous social solidarity are known as “collective effervescence.” “What is interesting about the Eras Tour is that it also brought about unique cultural things like the trading of friendship bracelets,” he said, noting such practices were fan-driven and were not organized by Swift or her team. Swiftie Jenny Fox got tickets to Saturday’s show after seeing daughter Avery’s reaction to the Eras Tour movie. “I texted my husband in the theatre and said that if this is how it is in a movie theatre, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to see and experience this in real life in a massive stadium and to see the joy on Avery’s face,” she said. University of British Columbia philosophy professor Kimberley Brownlee said Swift’s concerts and the fans’ involvement have provided something “glorious,” and a “joy we get to share in collectively.” Before Swift’s Vancouver dates, she performed six shows in Toronto last month. Canada was announced as a late addition to the tour last year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously pleaded with the star on social media to visit Canada, telling her “don’t make it another cruel summer.” Trudeau and family members were among Swifties at the Toronto shows, as were former U.S. president Bill Clinton and wife Hillary. For Fox, attending the tour in Vancouver with her daughter has special meaning. Fox is the primary caretaker for her own mother, who has late-stage Alzheimer’s. Music, she said, has become the last connection to the person her mom once was. “As soon as we put certain music on, mom comes back,” she said. “So music is very near and dear to us. We play a lot of music, and a lot of Taylor Swift with her, so there is that love and memory and special tie to it.” She says music endures, and attending The Eras Tour together will be something she and Avery can hold on to. “It’s something that we will forever remember,” she said.Article content It might be fun to stay at the YMCA, but the song is not a “gay anthem.” Recommended Videos So says the frontman of the Village People, who has taken to clarifying the matter some 46 years after the mega-hit was released. Lead singer and lyricist Victor Willis is so adamant, he said he’s even willing to sue “each and every news organization” that refers to the song Y.M.C.A. , either in headlines or the base of the story, as a gay anthem. Willis wrote the 1978 smash hit with producer Jacques Morali and has taken to social media to insist it wasn’t written with the gay community in mind. “There’s been a lot of talk, especially of late, that Y.M.C.A. is somehow a gay anthem,” Willis said on Facebook on Monday. “As I’ve said numerous times in the past, that is a false assumption based on the fact that my writing partner was gay, and some (not all) of Village People were gay, and that the first Village People album was totally about gay life.” Added Willis: “This assumption is also based on the fact that the YMCA was apparently being used as some sort of gay hangout and since one of the writers was gay and some of the Village People are gay, the song must be a message to gay people. To that I say once again: ‘Get your minds out of the gutter. It is not.’” The song from the band’s third studio album Cruisin’ has for years been an informal anthem of the LGBTQ community. Recommended video More recently, it has been embraced by President-elect Donald Trump, who has been playing it at presidential campaign rallies. A recent video posted online showed Trump dancing to the song along with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Mar-a-Lago over American Thanksgiving. Willis initially objected to his song being used by Trump, but in his Facebook post, he gave the president-elect his blessing to use the song, which topped the Billboard chart for digital sales of dance and electronic music this week. The YMCA — the Young Men’s Christian Association — was originally set up as a non-political Christian movement in London in 1844. It is commonly referred to as “the Y,” and has since become a global organization where men are welcome to come and exercise, play sports and seek shelter. Willis said he wrote the song without knowing that the YMCA was “a hangout for gays.” He said: “I therefore wrote Y.M.C.A. about the things I knew about the Y in the urban areas of San Francisco such as swimming, basketball, track, and cheap food and cheap rooms. And when I say, ‘hang out with all the boys’ that is simply 1970s Black slang for Black guys hanging out together for sports, gambling or whatever. There’s nothing gay about that. “So, to the extent that Y.M.C.A. is considered a gay anthem based on the fact that gays once used certain YMCA’s for elicit activity, the assumption that the song alludes to that is completely misguided.” RECOMMENDED VIDEO Willis said he won’t hesitate to take legal action related to any supposed misuse of the song going forward. “Since I wrote the lyrics and ought to know what the lyrics I wrote is really about, come January 2025, my wife will start suing each and every news organization that falsely refers to Y.M.C.A., either in their headlines or alluded to in the base of the story, that Y.M.C.A. is somehow a gay anthem because such notion is based solely on the song’s lyrics alluding to elicit activity for which it does not. However, I don’t mind that gays think of the song as their anthem,” he said.Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s rule as he called for peace and the protection of civilians. “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said. He said the U.K. was focused on a political solution to restore peace and stability. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention.” The Foreign Ministry statement issued Sunday marked Iran’s first official reaction to the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, who it had strongly backed through nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad’s government was a close ally of Iran that served as a crucial conduit between it and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The rebels who toppled Assad view Iran as a hostile foreign influence, and the abandoned Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked as they entered the city. The Foreign Ministry statement said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. “It is expected that the wise and farsighted relations of the two nations will continue based on mutual ties and interests,” the statement said. TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. MASNAA, Lebanon — At Lebanon’s Masnaa crossing into Syria, the mood was festive Sunday with some local Lebanese residents handing out congratulatory sweets to Syrians lined up to return to their country. Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading to Syria to join his wife and four children, said while the future in Syria is still uncertain, “anything is better than Bashar.” He said he expected some chaos initially but that eventually the situation would settle down. “Look at Aleppo now,” he said, referring to the first major city taken over by opposition forces more than a week ago, where life has continued more or less as normal. Abdel-Latif, a construction worker, said he is also hoping that there will now be plentiful work in Syria to rebuild. Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to Damascus, said, “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for. “You feel yourself psychologically free - you can express yourself,” he said. “The country is free and the barriers have been broken down.” Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well-organized and take care of their country. It’s a new phase.” DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest. MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed Sunday that Bashar Assad had left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully.” In a post on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, the ministry said Moscow had not directly participated in these talks. It also said it has been following the “dramatic events” in Syria “with extreme concern." It also said Russian troops stationed in Syria have been put on high alert and that as of early afternoon Sunday, there was “no serious threat” to the security of Russia’s military bases there. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.Disconnected: How internet outages held back Pakistan in 2024 Pakistan ranks among top freelancing nations and has capacity to grow drastically, says PASHA chairman A representational image of an internet cable. — Reuters/File Freelancer Zainub Khatib felt helpless in her home in Karachi, Pakistan’s financial hub, as she tried her best to deliver her project to an international client while her internet kept faltering repeatedly. Meanwhile, Syeda Aatika, a university student in Lahore, struggled to submit her end-of-year assignments because her home Wi-Fi network was down for the third consecutive day. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); These are not isolated incidents but snapshots of a bigger problem that gripped the entire country throughout 2024 - a year plagued by persistent internet troubles that not only disrupted Pakistanis’ daily lives but slowed down the IT-based economy and challenged the nation’s digital future. Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed told Geo.tv that the country ranks among the top freelancing nations and has the capacity to grow drastically - if the hurdles are removed. “We are one of the fastest-growing export sectors in our economy; the largest employers of youth, empowering over 600,000 skilled labour force, and 2.37 million freelancers,” he said, citing a Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) and Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) report. “Around 3 million households today are dependent on IT and IT-related exports. With consistent policies and stable infrastructure, this figure has the potential to reach $15 billion by 2030,” he added. Despite such potential to thrive in the digital sphere, Pakistan bore the brunt of recurring internet outages and disruptions throughout 2024 while the rest of the world became increasingly reliant on internet connectivity. This brought forward some important issues in infrastructure, governance, and policymaking as these disruptions affected businesses, education, and the country’s position in the global IT sector. In 2023, internet disruptions were already gaining momentum as a concerning issue for the entire country. However, 2024 is now coming to an end, and, looking back, one can’t help but notice how internet disruptions worsened into a nationwide crisis. From complete shutdowns during political protests to technical failures in undersea cables, connectivity was anything but stable. As a result, nationwide disruptions became alarmingly common, particularly when authorities sought to curb dissent. Let’s dive a little deeper into the major events that shaped the internet connectivity crisis that grappled the country all year long. As Pakistan observed nationwide general elections on February 8, internet and mobile services were disrupted. Journalists, both local and international, struggled with media coverage of the election, including the results transmission. However, officials linked the forced internet shutdown to security concerns after several people were killed in militant attacks on the eve of elections. Days after turbulent elections, on February 10, access to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, was blocked by authorities citing national security concerns once again. The platform remains largely inaccessible without a virtual private network (VPN) despite activists, civil society members, and several court orders calling for the ban to be removed. As the year of internet disruptions went on, users turned to VPNs to be rescued from the whirlwind of constant restrictions on internet and social media access. However, they were slammed with yet another set of difficulties as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in August, asked IT companies, call centres, freelancers, foreign missions, and embassies to register their VPNs, saying that this was part of an effort to curb its misuse and tackle security concerns. The regulatory body found little success in its campaign. This was followed by the Ministry of Interior calling for a ban on VPNs, citing “increasing risks to national security and public morality”. But, as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 doesn’t authorise such bans, the PTA introduced regulatory measures, balancing cybersecurity concerns with the needs of the IT sector, instead. In its latest efforts to streamline the registration process, the PTA introduced a new licencing category. This allows companies to apply for permits to provide VPN services. This move aims to allow authorities to monitor VPN traffic more effectively, addressing concerns regarding the anonymity that proxy networks offer. In an official statement on December 19, the PTA announced the resumption of issuing a Class Licence for Data services to service providers in Pakistan. Now, with its new VPN licencing framework, local companies will be required to comply with Pakistan’s laws, terms of their licences, and regulatory provisions while offering proxy services to users. Despite the grim outlook, tech industry leaders and digital rights experts still see some hope for Pakistan in overcoming its internet woes as they believe that investing in advanced infrastructure and partnerships may be the way out of this crisis. Pakistan’s internet troubles in 2024 serve as a wake-up call for the nation. The disruptions that plagued the entire year highlighted systematic weaknesses that, if left unaddressed, could hinder the country’s progress in an increasingly digital world. This year proved to be a lesson for the entire country and, taking decisive action, it has the opportunity to transform its challenges into a foundation for a more connected, prosperous future. —The writer is a Geo.tv staffer
Senior Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord getting honored for Senior Day before the Syracuse Orange clashed with the University of Connecticut Huskies at JMA Wireless Dome Saturday, November 23, 2024. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Chris Carlson | ccarlson@syracuse.com Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord continued to make the most out of his one year in Central New York on Saturday, lifting the Orange to a win over UConn and continuing his summit of the most prestigious one-year passing records in program history. One week after setting the school record for completions in a single season, the Ohio State transfer set a new school mark for passing yards. He’ll need one touchdown next week to break a tie with Ryan Nassib in that category too, giving him the holy trio of single-season passing records. The quarterback has been one of the best stories in college sports this year after leaving one of the pinnacles of the sport at Ohio State and joining forces with a new coach to re-energize the Syracuse football program. “It was the best decision that I’ve ever made in my life,” McCord said after the Orange’s 31-24 win over UConn on Saturday. “I think the people I’ve met and relationships I’ve created will go a lot further than wins, losses and records. I grew as a player and person more than I could have imagined. It was exactly what Coach Fran told me it was going to be but 10-11 months later to see it all play out, it was a great decision to come here.” Brown said one concern he had after landing McCord in the transfer portal was whether he would be a good enough coach to maximize the quarterback’s gifts. “He’s always had a high standard for himself,” Brown said. “I was more worried about how good he was and was I going to be a good enough coach to coach the kid and relate to him the right way. I knew he was a good player. .... I wanted to make sure we would fit. A lot of time coaches don’t fit with players.” Brown said the pair talk for an hour each week, starting with life items and eventually moving onto football, as part of the effort to build that communication. Brown said that McCord’s impact on the Syracuse program will go beyond this season, giving him an idea of where he should set expectations for professionalism for every Syracuse quarterback who enters the program. “The quarterback is No. 2 in the organization,” Brown said. “Now I have a standard of what the quarterback needs to look like being here. Not necessarily statistically because that’s hard. But how you prep, game preparation. I think he eliminates the (possibility) of not doing well because he prepares so much.” McCord’s preparation -- as well as that of his teammates, was on display against UConn, when the Orange offense lost its receptions leaders before halftime (Trebor Pena) and still went the length of the field for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Wide receiver Darrell Gill Jr. earned more snaps with Pena’s absence and showed minimal drop-off, catching nine passes for a team-high 177 yards. It was the type of result that only happens when a quarterback takes each moment of practice seriously, building connections with players down the roster just in case they become needed. McCord said it was a product of the time the pair have spent working together in practice that he was able to step in seamlessly. Gill’s previous career-high was four catches for 55 yards. “He’s done a great job when he’s gotten in the game in the past,” McCord said. “Obviously his volume isn’t as high as the other guys. But he practices his butt off, going 110 percent every rep. It gives me confidence when he’s in the game that he’s going to come down with it. Volume, of course, is no issue for McCord. He completed 37 of 47 throws for 470 yards and two touchdowns. He crossed the 300-yard threshold for the 10th time in 11 games. He will enter next week’s game with a chance to lead the country in passing, with one of his biggest threats on the opposing sideline with Miami. With one game remaining, McCord has 3,946 passing yards for the season, moving past Ryan Nassib’s 3,749 and positioning himself to become the program’s first 4,000-yard passer. “It’s a blessing,” McCord said. “To come here and take a leap of faith ... to have the year I had so far, I think it says a lot about the coaches and teammates around me. To hold that record is pretty sweet.” Contact Chris Carlson anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-382-7932 Fans can stream Syracuse football all season on fuboTV , and get cheap tickets to see the Orange from SeatGeek . Fanatics has a full collection of Syracuse Orange gear to shop online More Orange Football What led to Darrell Gill Jr.’s huge game? Fran Brown says WR does everything right: ‘He’s never on any lists’ What was attendance for Syracuse-UConn football? It marked a season low Fran Brown calls out ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ to come for Syracuse-Miami game: ‘No better place to be’ Syracuse football handles UConn. Now it can spoil Miami’s season (Axe’s quick takes) Syracuse football box score vs. UConnFormer hockey executive/player Monte Miron dies
Democrats in Pennsylvania had a horrible 2024 election. They say it's still a swing state
WISCONSIN (7-2) Williams 7-13 0-0 14, McCray 8-9 3-3 19, Leuzinger 1-3 3-4 6, Myers 0-7 0-0 0, Porter 5-11 0-0 12, Bisballe 0-0 0-0 0, Douglass 0-1 2-2 2, Jimenez 1-2 0-0 2, Krahn 1-5 0-0 3, Spasovski 0-0 0-0 0, Totals 23-51 8-9 58 VCU (4-4) Parham 0-6 1-2 1, Sotelo 2-4 0-0 4, Asare 5-14 0-0 14, Hutson 1-6 0-0 3, Lewis-Eutsey 5-16 2-3 12, Ojeda 0-0 0-0 0, Whitelaw 0-1 0-0 0, Griffin 1-3 0-0 2, Khalil 1-5 0-0 2, Torgut 3-7 0-0 7, Totals 18-62 3-5 45 3-Point Goals_Wisconsin 4-22 (Williams 0-1, Leuzinger 1-3, Myers 0-6, Porter 2-5, Douglass 0-1, Jimenez 0-1, Krahn 1-5), VCU 6-23 (Asare 4-9, Hutson 1-4, Lewis-Eutsey 0-4, Whitelaw 0-1, Khalil 0-1, Torgut 1-4). Assists_Wisconsin 17 (Porter 5), VCU 9 (Lewis-Eutsey 3). Fouled Out_VCU Sotelo. Rebounds_Wisconsin 34 (Williams 9), VCU 36 (Asare 9). Total Fouls_Wisconsin 8, VCU 14. Technical Fouls_None. A_121.
ng” all-solid-state batteries. The new EV battery tech promises a longer driving range, faster charging, and significantly higher energy density. Here’s what to expect. Last June, Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon revealed a massive $7.3 billion (9.5 trillion won) investment to advance electric vehicle battery development over the next decade. Hyundai plans to develop various EV batteries, including LFP, NCM, and all-solid-state, to cover a wide range of segments. According to sources familiar with the matter (via ), Hyundai’s all-solid-state EV batteries are about to hit a significant milestone. On December 23, industry sources claimed Hyundai was almost done establishing an all-solid-state battery production demo line. An official close to the project said the equipment for individual processes is almost complete. Now, only the logistics automation portion remains. Hyundai plans to begin testing electric vehicles with all-solid-state batteries by 2025. By the end of the decade, mass production is scheduled to start. The production line is at Hyundai’s in Korea. Hyundai has 22 joint research projects across four divisions, including lithium metal batteries, solid-state batteries, battery management systems, and battery process technology. Of these, 14 will be related to lithium metal and solid-state batteries. Hyundai said the initiatives will “pave the way for South Korea to become one of the world’s leading battery technology houses.” In September, Hyundai and Kia to develop a precursor for LFP battery cathode material for upcoming lower-priced EV models. Hyundai plans to launch EVs with LFP batteries developed in-house in 2025. The news comes after Honda unveiled its all-solid-state battery just last month. Honda also plans to launch EVs powered by the new battery tech by 2030. Factorial, which teamed up with Mercedes-Benz, announced its “Solstice” all-solid-state battery cells have been , a new milestone. With “breakthrough” energy density of up to 450 Wh/kg, Factorial claims its battery tech can boost EV range by up to 80%, or around 600 miles. With the promise of unlocking more range and faster charging at a much higher energy density, many carmakers and other companies are rushing to unlock all-solid-state EV batteries. Global battery leaders , BYD, and Samsung SDI, as well as carmakers like Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai, are advancing the new technology. However, concerns over safety and manufacturing hurdles remain a challenge. According to the latest figures, China’s CATL remains the global EV battery leader with a commanding 36.8% share of the market through the first ten months of 2024. BYD was second with a 16.8% share, while Korea’s LG Energy placed third with an 11.8% share. Will the next generation of EV batteries shake up the list? Hyundai hopes to make its mark with a new all-solid-sate EV battery production pilot line that will be coming online soon. and subscribe to the . Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercisingCleared for takeoff
Syria latest: Russian state news agencies report Assad has arrived in Moscow and been granted asylum
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 2:53 p.m. EST
Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’
Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — Matt Morrissey threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Calwise Jr. that ended the scoring midway through the fourth quarter and Eastern Kentucky beat North Alabama 21-15 on Saturday for its fifth straight win. TJ Smith drove North Alabama to the EKU 45-yard line before he threw an interception to Mike Smith Jr. to end the game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.