I'm A Celeb's Coleen Rooney calls out lies as fans joke 'Wagatha Christie strikes again'
Russia has reports that the US and the UK might be implicated in supporting the al-Qaeda-affiliated militants currently on the offensive in Syria, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said. Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) terrorist group, previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra, launched a surprise attack from Idlib last week and has since taken Aleppo and Hama. US journalist Tucker Carlson asked Lavrov who was supporting the terrorists in Syria, during the interview that aired on Thursday. ”Well, we have some information,” Lavrov said. “The information which is being floated and it’s in the public domain, mentions, among others, the Americans, the Brits. Some people say that Israel is interested in making this situation aggravated so that Gaza is not under very close scrutiny.” “It’s a complicated game. Many actors are involved,” the Russian diplomat added. Lavrov explained to Carlson that Russia, Iran, and Türkiye brokered a ceasefire in Syria in 2017 and again in 2020, calling this Astana Format “a useful combination of players.” “The rules of the game are to help Syrians to come to terms with each other and to prevent separatist threats from getting strong,” the diplomat said. “That’s what the Americans are doing in the east of Syria when they groom some Kurdish separatists using the profits from oil and grain sold, the resources which they occupy.” “We would like to discuss with all our partners in this process the way to cut the channels of financing and arming” the terrorists, he added. Lavrov has already spoken with his Turkish and Iranian colleagues, he told Carlson, and intends to meet with them again on Friday at a conference in Qatar. Russia will push for “strict implementation” of the deal concerning Idlib because that province of Syria is where the terrorists emerged from. “The arrangements reached in 2019 and 2020 provided for our Turkish friends to control the situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone and to separate the HTS from the opposition, which is non-terrorist and which cooperates with Türkiye, ” Lavrov said. Military and security leaders of all three countries are also in contact with each other, Russia’s top diplomat added. Carlson sought a meeting with Lavrov, saying he was appalled that the US and Russia are inching closer to an open war over Ukraine. He also tried to get an interview with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky but this was blocked, reportedly by the US government.
Descartes Announces Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Financial ResultsUS President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he was nominating staunch loyalist and retired general Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy, charged with ending the two-and-a-half-year Russian invasion. Trump campaigned on a platform of ushering a swift end to the Ukraine war, boasting that he would quickly mediate a ceasefire deal between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. But his critics have warned that the incoming Republican will likely leverage US military aid to pressure Kyiv into an agreement that left it ceding occupied territory permanently or agreeing not to join NATO. "I am very pleased to nominate General Keith Kellogg to serve as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia," Trump said in a statement on social media. "Keith has led a distinguished Military and Business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first Administration." A fixture on the cable news circuit, the 80-year-old national security veteran co-wrote an academic paper earlier this year calling for Washington to leverage military aid as a means of pushing for peace talks. Ukraine has received almost $60 billion from Washington for its armed forces since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, but with the more isolationist Trump taking over the White House, supporters fear the spigot will run dry. "The United States would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defenses to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a cease-fire or peace agreement," Kellogg's research paper for the Trumpist America First Policy Institute think tank said. "Future American military aid, however, will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia." Kellogg served in several positions during Trump's first term, including as chief of staff on the White House national security council and national security advisor to then-vice president Mike Pence. Kellogg told Voice of America at the Republican convention in July that Ukraine's options were "quite clear." "If Ukraine doesn't want to negotiate, fine, but then accept the fact that you can have enormous losses in your cities and accept the fact that you will have your children killed, accept the fact that you don't have 130,000 dead, you will have 230,000–250,000," he said. Trump's announcement came as the outgoing administration of Democrat Joe Biden was hosting a news conference to urge Ukraine to enlist more recruits by reducing the minimum age of conscription to 18. Facing a much larger enemy with more advanced weapons and with stocks of volunteers dwindling, Ukraine is facing an "existential" recruitment crunch, a senior administration official told reporters. "The simple truth is that Ukraine is not currently mobilizing or training enough soldiers to replace their battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russia's growing military," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. He was pressed on what Washington considers an appropriate minimum age and he replied that "we think there's real value in them considering lowering the recruiting age to 18" -- in line with the US benchmark. He added that an additional 160,000 troops would be "on the low end" to fill out Ukraine's ranks -- but "a good start." The former Soviet republic's population has fallen by more than a quarter since its mid-1990s peak of 52 million, and authorities are desperate to shield the younger generation -- but a US congressional report in June estimated the average Ukrainian soldier is 40. Zelensky signed a decree in April lowering the draft age from 27 to 25 but the move did not alleviate the chronic troop shortages, according to US officials. ft/bjt
Cheers and beers for Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester reign starts with winBy MICHELLE L. PRICE NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. Related Articles National Politics | Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff National Politics | President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction National Politics | Democrats stick with Schumer as leader, their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain National Politics | Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs National Politics | Democrats’ outgoing chair says Trump’s win forces party to reassess how it reaches voters In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report.A Baltimore judge has halted the against an Anne Arundel County gun shop, which sold thousands of untraceable “ghost guns” miles from city limits, ahead of trial because of a U.S. Supreme Court case that could determine the legal definition of a firearm. Baltimore’s case against Hanover Armory LLC had been scheduled to begin in early December, but Circuit Judge Shannon E. Avery froze it last week pending a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in . The case before the nation’s highest court is the gun industry’s challenge to one of President Joe Biden’s preeminent gun safety measures. By selling thousands of so-called ghost guns near city limits, Baltimore alleges, Hanover Armory helped flood city streets with untraceable firearms that police went on to confiscate at staggering rates in connection to crimes. “As long as people who are not legally allowed to possess a firearm — young people, known violent offenders and gun traffickers — have the opportunity to build these tools of death and destruction and violence, we will not be able to build the safer future for Baltimore that we all want,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, a Democrat, said when he announced the lawsuit in 2022. “These weapons will continue to be used in crimes that tear loved ones away from their families and traumatize our communities.” The city estimates Hanover Armory was responsible for selling approximately 85% of the ghost gun kits sold in Maryland from about 2016 until June 2022, when the state banned such products. Over that time, Hanover sold 2,347 such products. The 15 other gun stores for which the city got records sold a combined 415 over the same period, according to court records. In 2022, Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which regulates the gun industry, also imposed further restrictions on the sale of ghost gun kits. Its new rule said the build-it-at-home gun kits amounted to firearms under the federal Gun Control Act of 1968, meaning dealers had to complete background checks on customers before selling and manufacturers had to mark the products with serial numbers. David Pucino, legal director and deputy chief counsel at Giffords Law Center, a gun violence prevention organization, said the ATF’s rule sharply reduced sales of ghost gun kits, leading the gun industry to challenge it in courts around the country. The industry won favorable rulings in Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit which said the ATF overstepped its authority by making the rule. A decision from the Supreme Court could take months. Oral arguments took place in October. “The opinion will say whether that rule can be federal law. The rule says ghost gun parts are firearms,” Pucino, who is not involved in the city’s case, told The Baltimore Sun. Pucino said the Supreme Court’s ruling could have implications for Baltimore’s lawsuit, which brings claims under state and federal law. Pucino said the claims raised under federal law could be nullified if the high court ruled the ATF’s 2022 rule was improper. “Baltimore has a strong claim to win under state law no matter what happens with federal law,” Pucino said. Hanover Armory asked Avery to freeze the case, arguing that a Supreme Court ruling favoring the gun industry could end the case. Lawyers for Hanover also said going to trial against that backdrop would waste resources, potentially rendering a jury’s work “meaningless.” An attorney for Hanover declined to comment Wednesday. The city opposed a delay, saying in a court filing its case was poised for trial, “even if the U.S. Supreme Court went so far as to say ‘ghost gun kits can never be firearms.’” Baltimore’s lawyers wrote that its claims against Hanover included issues of Maryland law. “The City will put forward evidence that Hanover Armory negligently entrusted its parts and kits in a manner that foreseeably contributed to the harm suffered by the City,” the city’s lawyers wrote. “The city will also put forth evidence that Hanover Armory knowingly violated the Maryland Handgun (Roster) Law as an accomplice.” The city also said postponing the trial would exacerbate the crisis and delay a resolution. In addition to damages from the trial, the city is seeking to establish a fund to mitigate gun violence caused by ghost guns. “The City looks forward to having its day in court and remains confident that it will hold Hanover Armory accountable for its contribution to the ghost gun crisis in Baltimore City,” spokesperson Bryan Doherty said on behalf of the city’s law department. Baltimore’s argument against the gun shop mirrors its . In both lawsuits, the city alleges the companies contributed to a public nuisance that deprived residents of their rights to health and safety. To succeed in the gun case, Baltimore’s lawyers must convince a jury that the shop added to a crisis of violence fueled by untraceable firearms. If the city wins at trial, as it did in the opioid case, it advances to an “abatement phase” of the litigation with an even larger pool of money on the table. “The City continues to grapple with the destructive effects of the ghost gun crisis. The Baltimore Police Department still regularly recovers ghost guns from crime scenes,” city attorneys wrote. “Accordingly, one of the City’s primary remedies in this case will be an abatement fund to halt the crisis. Eight more months of waiting will mean eight more months without an adequate remedy for Hanover Armory’s conduct.” Avery’s order said lawyers on both sides of the case had to file a request for a status conference within 10 days of the Supreme Court’s ruling. The postponement comes after the city , overcoming an effort from Hanover to end the case without a trial. It also follows the , which was said to be the nation’s largest manufacturer of ghost gun kits, for $1.2 million.
Gaming desktops can get pretty expensive, but right now you can snag the HP Victus 15L direct from HP.com for 46% off with this Black Friday deal . And just because this PC is under $1,000 doesn't mean it skimps out on quality components. This configuration is built with a 13th gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, Intel Arc A380 graphics card, and 256GB SSD making it a perfect choice for kids, teens, or adults looking to get started with PC gaming. It has a second M.2 SSD slot, allowing you to set up multiple storage drives to handle all of your files and programs as well as your gaming library. It also supports up to 32GB of RAM, which means you can upgrade the desktop memory yourself down the line as your needs change. Also: Everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup The HP Victus 15L includes a basic mouse and keyboard so you can get started playing your favorite games right out of the box. With both Wi-Fi and Ethernet options for internet connectivity, you can easily switch between the reliability of a wired connection and the convenience of Wi-Fi on the fly. And the HP Victus 15L's compact design makes it perfect for desks and gaming spaces that are on the smaller side. When will this deal expire? While HP hasn't marked this deal on the HP Victus 15L as a limited time offering, stock may not last at this ultra-low price. And HP allows customers to reconfigure build options, which may affect the final price and overall savings if you stray from the base model. Best VPN services Best robot vacuums and mops The best phones you can buy (and how the iPhone 16 Pro Max compares) The best laptops you can buy: Expert tested
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DEADLINE ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Investigates Claims on Behalf of Investors of DENTSPLY ...What was once a major event of the college football season has, in the first week of December, just become one of the subplots. Early signing day is here for Nebraska and every other program, many of which, including NU, have their attention split several ways. Conference title games haven’t even been played yet. The transfer portal — not officially open until Dec. 9 — has nevertheless been whirling with at least seven Husker departures since Monday. NU has lost one coordinator, locked another up for two years, and set its sights on Kentucky assistant Daikiel Shorts to coach receivers. Matt Rhule’s early afternoon press conference may focus just as much — perhaps more — on topics as the 2025 recruiting class, which stood Tuesday evening at 19 members. By the time Rhule talks about the class, it could grow by a few or in theory shrink, were commits inclined to balk at the departure of Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White. People are also reading... That hasn’t been the case so far, as some of the highest-rated prospects in the class — four-star linebackers Dawson Merritt and Christian Jones — had reaffirmed their commitment to Nebraska through social media statements. Nebraska awaits final answers from at least three prospects, though Shorts' imminent hiring could, in theory, bring more options into play. * San Antonio Alamo Heights High School five-star athlete Michael Terry, a prospect of few interviews who has narrowed his list to home-state Texas, Nebraska and Oregon, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder’s top three schools for months. He’ll announce a choice at his 8:15 a.m. signing ceremony on Wednesday. At NU, Terry projects to wideout. * Homestead (Florida) High School four-star receiver Cortez Mills has long been committed to Oklahoma, but recruiting site reporters have him trending to flip to Nebraska. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Mills caught 79 passes for 1,640 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, breaking Miami-Dade County single-season marks. Mills’ signing ceremony takes place between 8:05-9:30 a.m. in the school’s auditorium. * Kahuka (Hawaii) High School three-star safety Aidan Manutai remains a Husker target, though he’s currently committed to California. The 6-foot, 170-pound Manutai would be part of a defensive backs group that could vie for early playing time. * Another potential prospect to watch is Kentucky receiver commit Dejerrian Miller, who verbally pledged to Shorts and the Wildcats last week and plays prep football at St. Louis Cardinal Ritter, the same school as Husker running back commit Jamarion Parker. Miller did not previously have Nebraska among his top group of suitors and may stick in the SEC. In total, NU plans to sign six in-state commitments — headlined by Jones, an Omaha Westside linebacker — to financial aid papers, as the NCAA in October eliminated the national letter of intent, which binds prospects to school. The group of six — Jones, Omaha North defensive tackle Tyson Terry, Millard North athletes Pierce Mooberry and Caden VerMaas, Wahoo Neumann running back Conor Booth and Lincoln Southwest receiver Jackson Carpenter — are part of one of the strongest corps of in-state recruits in years. Fifteen prospects are poised to sign with FBS programs, with 12 of those headed to power conferences. Unless Terry or Mills flips to NU, Merritt, out of Overland Park (Kansas) Blue Valley High School, is NU’s highest-ranked player in the 2025 class. Thirteen of the 19 prospects in the class have a four-star according to at least one of the four major recruiting services — 247 Sports, ESPN, On3 and Rivals. And all but 247 Sports, as of Tuesday evening ranked NU’s class as No. 20 in the nation. 247 Sports had the Huskers 22nd. Photos: Nebraska football vs. Iowa on Black Friday — Nov. 29 Nebraska players, including Jacob Hood (center), turn to wave during the "Hawkeye Wave" on Friday in Iowa City. Nebraska assistant coach Garret McGuire looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska assistant coach Marcus Satterfield looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska fan Zachary Roth of Omaha dances in the cold during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with an official during the Iowa game on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks is tackled by Iowa's TJ Hall on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Kamari Moulton (center) is tackled by Nebraska's MJ Sherman (left) and Elijah Jeudy, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Carter Nelson (center) is tackled by Iowa's Deontae Craig (right) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Quinn Schulte (left) tackles Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Thomas Fidone picks up a pass against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl reacts after missing a field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola runs with the ball against Iowa on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (left) rips the ball away from Iowa's Jarriett Buie on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Nebraska defense stops Iowa on fourth down on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks picks up a pass next to Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson escapes a tackle by Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell tries to break a tackle from Iowa's Jay Higgins (left) and Koen Entringer (4), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson fumbles under pressure from Iowa's Sebastian Castro (top) and TJ Hall (bottom), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Luke Elkin (left) and Ty Nissen carry Heroes Game trophy after defeating Nebraska on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) kicks a game-winning field goal through the arms of Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) and Nash Hutmacher (0) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores a touchdown against Iowa in the second quarter, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola carries the ball against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Deontae Craig (bottom) pressures Nebraska's Dylan Raiola, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl (right) celebrates his field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor tips a pass by Iowa's Jackson Stratton on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Deontae Craig (left) and Aaron Graves (right) pressure Nebraska's Dylan Raiola on at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (left) talks with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz before the game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Jesse Divis of David City, 17, braves the cold before the Nebraska game at Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
US President-elect Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Monday that on Jan. 20, as one of his first executive orders, he will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 percent tariff on all products coming into the US. He also said that China will face 10 percent tariffs above any existing tariffs. This shows his will to implement strong protectionist trade policies right from his inauguration day. International trade rules are expected to be jolted. Trump said the move will be in retaliation for illegal immigration and crime and drugs coming across the border. In other words, he intends to use tariffs as a tool to solve non-economic issues. Mexico, China and Canada are the top three suppliers of goods to the United States, accounting for more than 40 percent of its total goods imports. Because the supply networks of South Korea are intertwined with the three countries, Seoul should try to minimize side effects of any tariffs on the countries. If China's exports to the US decrease, so will its demand for South Korean intermediate goods which are used to make other products. South Korean companies doing business in Mexico and Canada will be hit directly. Higher tariffs will raise prices of goods that South Korean companies produce in Mexico and Canada and export to the US. In Mexico, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics run electric home appliance factories and Kia produces cars in Mexico for the US market. South Korean battery and related companies are currently building their factories in Canada. Some of the companies are reportedly reviewing whether to diversify their production bases to other countries, but it is difficult to implement the option readily due to many other variables. If China finds it noncompetitive price-wise to export its goods to the US due to tariffs, it will turn to other markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Then, South Korea will encounter tougher competition there from China in the fields where they are already competing, such as steel, petrochemicals, textiles and displays. It is noteworthy that Trump promised to put tariff pressure even on Mexico and Canada, which are parties to free trade agreement with the US. During his first administration, Trump pushed for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement. Many US imports from Canada and Mexico are exempted from tariffs because of the USMCA trade agreement. He has touted the passage of the USMCA as a highlight of his presidency, but tariffs on the countries if enacted would be tantamount to nullifying the USMCA. This is an act of showing his "America first" principle bluntly. It would be naive to believe South Korea, whose trade surplus with the US was the eighth-largest among its trade partners as of late September, would be off Trump's radar. South Korea has concluded a free trade agreement with the US, but considering Mexico and Canada, it is questionable whether South Korea can bet on the FTA remaining unscathed. There is a view that Trump is likely to impose higher tariffs on China and Mexico, while using them as a bargaining chip in negotiations with other countries over non-tariff issues. And yet, Seoul should prepare countermeasures just in case. South Korean companies have been able to achieve considerable exports to the US partly thanks to the FTA, which enhanced the price competitiveness of South Korean goods. If the comparative advantage weakens or vanishes, South Korea's exports to the US will likely be greatly set back. Companies need to consider increasing production on the US soil instead of exporting via third countries. As tariff barriers go up, the role of the government becomes important. The government should highlight that South Korean companies have invested heavily in the US. It is necessary to present mutually beneficial deals proactively to Washington in the fields that could arouse Trump's interest, such as shipbuilding, nuclear power plants and semiconductors. The government should try to ensure that the Trump administration will have a positive view of South Korea.NBRI biofert cutting expense, boosting plant growthThe Titans have issues to fix and hope to keep slim playoff hopes alive when they host the Jags
This holiday season is one that Jay Wheeler and Zhamira Zambrano will cherish forever. The couple welcomed their first child together , daughter Aiuni, in September, and celebrated their first year of marriage on Dec. 2. Now, as a gift ahead of the most wonderful time of year, they are exclusively premiering the music video for their new Christmas song “Santa” on TODAY.com. The song is a melancholic tune about missing someone on Christmas and hoping to get them back. The accompanying visual is a timeless concept, with Wheeler and Zambrano elegantly dressed as they belt out the emotional lyrics on stage, apart and then together. They're also accompanied by dancers dressed in festive attire. “When people create a great Christmas song, it lasts forever,” Wheeler tells TODAY.com in Spanish about the song's inspiration. “So I told my wife, let’s make a Christmas song together so that every Christmas, people will play it when they are sad. And because we make sad songs, it had to be a sad Christmas song.” “Santa” marks the pair’s third collaboration following their hits “Dicelo” and “Extrañandote.” Zambrano adds that they opted for a different take on a holiday tune, deciding to look at the “ desamor ,” or heartbreak that many people experience during this time of year. “It’s a bittersweet song,” she says, adding she hopes their fans embrace it as much as they have their past collaborations. The couple, who have yet to show their daughter's face on social media, didn't include Aiuni in the music video — but they already have an idea of when they might. “We thought about including our daughter, but I want to include her in another song I have,” Wheeler says. The pair is excited to celebrate their baby girl's first Christmas together and host their first holidays at their new home. Wheeler shares that he made sure to put up Christmas lights specifically for his daughter. They're also looking forward to new and old traditions as a family of three. “My parents would always make us believe in El Niño Jesús and Santa, that they would come at 12 and deliver the gifts,” Zambrano says. “I always thought that was so much fun. When I found out that it wasn’t real, I was really sad because I feel like I kind of lost a little bit of that magic of Christmas. But now I get to live it all over again with my baby, and have a couple of years of making magic for her every year.” For Wheeler, he wants to make sure his daughter's first Christmas is special and memorable. “So when she’s older and sees photos, she says, ‘You did this for me?’ And I can say, ‘Yes, because it was your first Christmas.'” Calling each other “ mejores amigos ,” Wheeler says parenthood has strengthened their relationship because “nos amamos bonitos ,” adding in Spanish: “I make sure she’s OK, she makes sure I’m OK... We are always adapting to every change that comes our way.” Zambrano adds, “We are more of a team now that we have the baby, because we have to work together in order to get everything running. Right now, we’re doing a bunch of things, but since we’re doing it together, it’s a bit easier. I feel like it has helped us grow as a couple, as a team, and I just think she makes us stronger.” Fans can expect more music from the twosome, as they teased something in the works. “We love making music together,” Zambrano says. “We have a couple of songs already recorded, but we have something else in the works for that, maybe another project later on. But for now, I hope everyone enjoys this one that we did with so much love.”
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