Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. —Inquirer file photo MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s bank accounts, assets and transactions with persons associated with offshore gaming should be audited and, if needed, ordered frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to determine the extent of his alleged involvement with illegal players in the industry. This was according to the House quad committee’s first progress report that summarized the key findings and evidence gathered from its four-month inquiry into criminal activities—particularly extrajudicial killings and illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos)—tied with the Duterte administration. READ: Harry Roque’s escape from PH possibly ushered by Pogo – Hontiveros Unlike in the case of Roque’s principal, former President Rodrigo Duterte, whom the quad committee wanted charged with crimes against humanity over his brutal war on drugs, the megapanel did not pin down Roque for a specific offense. But it said a “criminal investigation should also be commenced to inquire into the extent of his involvement in the operation of Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corp., among others.” “Accordingly, Amla should initiate an investigation on the acquisition of his assets. Thereafter, a freeze order over the assets owned by [Roque] should be applied for provided it is shown that they are materially linked, relates to, or involves predicate offenses defined in the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001,” read the 51-page report, a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer. Lucky South 99 was the Pogo hub in Pampanga province that was raided by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission in June for alleged human trafficking, online scam operations, and torture of workers. Roque became a key figure in the quad committee inquiry after Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chair Al Tengco revealed that he arranged meetings between Tengco and Whirlwind Corp. incorporator Cassandra Ong to settle Lucky South 99’s unpaid arrears in July 2023. The former Palace official denied lawyering for a Pogo and maintained that he was only representing Ong. Roque’s financial dealings also caught the panel’s attention after it emerged during the inquiry that his declared assets surged from P125,000 in 2016 to P125 million by 2018, during the height of Pogo operations under the Duterte administration. The quad committee also urged the Philippine government to exhaust all efforts to bring Roque back to the country after he confirmed that he and his wife Mylah had gone abroad following the panel’s issuance of an arrest warrant against him in September. The government may invoke its extradition treaties, it said, or “a diplomatic request for repatriation may suffice.” The warrant was issued after the panel cited Roque in contempt for refusing to attend the hearings and submit the documents being sought in the investigation. After weeks of silence, the couple appeared at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 29 to notarize a counteraffidavit in connection with a separate human trafficking case. The committee, chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, also said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) “should be investigated to determine who helped Roque escape undetected.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The BI earlier said Roque may have left the country “possibly aided by unscrupulous individuals,” and that it was considering charging him with falsification of public documents.Giants owners face a decision on how to mollify frustrated fansBETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza . The excitement and cheer that typically descends on the West Bank during Christmas week were nowhere to be found. The festive lights and giant tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing, as were the throngs of foreign tourists that usually fill the square. Palestinian scouts marched silently through the streets, a departure from their usual raucous brass marching band. Security forces arranged barriers near the Church of the Nativity, built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The cancellation of Christmas festivities is a severe blow to the town's economy. Tourism accounts for an estimated 70% of Bethlehem’s income — almost all from the Christmas season. Salman said unemployment is hovering around 50% — higher than the 30% unemployment across the rest of the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Finance Ministry. Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, noted the shuttered shops and empty streets and expressed hope that next year would be better. “This has to be the last Christmas that is so sad,” he told hundreds of people gathered in Manger Square, where normally tens of thousands would congregate. Pizzaballa held a special pre-Christmas Mass in the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. Several Palestinian Christians told the Associated Press that they have been displaced in the church since the war began in October of last year with barely enough food and water. “We hope by next year at the same day we’d be able to celebrate Christmas at our homes and go to Bethlehem,” said Najla Tarazi, a displaced woman. “We hope to celebrate in Jerusalem ... and for the war to end. This is the most important thing for us and the most important demand we have these days because the situation is really hard. We don’t feel happy.” Bethlehem is an important center in the history of Christianity, but Christians make up only a small percentage of the roughly 14 million people spread across the Holy Land. There are about 182,000 in Israel, 50,000 in the West Bank and Jerusalem and 1,300 in Gaza, according to the U.S. State Department. The number of visitors to the town plunged from a pre-COVID high of around 2 million per year in 2019 to fewer than 100,000 in 2024, said Jiries Qumsiyeh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Tourism Ministry. After nightfall, the golden walls of the Church of the Nativity were illuminated as a few dozen people quietly milled about. A young boy stood holding a pile of balloons for sale, but gave up because there were no customers to buy them. The war in Gaza has deterred tourists and has prompted a surge of violence in the West Bank , with more than 800 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire and dozens of Israelis killed in militant attacks. Palestinian officials do not provide a breakdown of how many of the deceased are civilians and how many are fighters. Since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that sparked the war , access to and from Bethlehem and other towns in the West Bank has been difficult, with long lines of motorists waiting to pass through Israeli military checkpoints. The restrictions have prevented some 150,000 Palestinians from leaving the territory to work in Israel, causing the economy there to contract by 25%. In the Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel, Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took more than 250 Israeli hostages. Israeli officials believe that around 100 hostages remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip. Elsewhere, Christmas celebrations were also subdued. Scores of Syrian Christians protested Tuesday in Damascus, demanding protection after the burning of a Christmas tree in Hama the day before. Videos and images shared on social media showed the large, decorated tree burning at a roundabout in Suqalabiyah, a town in the Hama countryside. It remains unclear who was responsible for setting the tree on fire. In a video that circulated on social media, a representative of Syria’s new leadership, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, could be seen visiting the site and addressing the community. He said: “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations.” German celebrations were darkened by a car attack on a Christmas market on Friday that left five people dead and 200 people injured. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier rewrote his annual recorded Christmas Day speech to address the attack. He plans to acknowledge that “there is grief, pain, horror and incomprehension over what took place in Magdeburg,” while urging Germans to “stand together,” according to an early copy of the speech. A snowstorm in the Balkans stranded drivers and downed power lines, but some saw the beauty in it. “I’m actually glad its falling, especially because of Christmas,” said Mirsad Jasarevic in Zenica, Bosnia. “We did not have snow for Christmas for 17 years here, and now is the time for wonderful white Christmas.” American Airlines briefly grounded flights across the U.S. on Tuesday due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive. Winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 1,447 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 28 flights canceled. In the port of Barcelona, Spain, volunteers from the faith-based ministry Stella Maris visited seven ships docked there on Christmas Eve to deliver Nativity scenes and the local specialty of turrón (nougat candy) to seafarers. The volunteers met seafarers from India, the Philippines, Turkey and elsewhere, said Ricard Rodríguez-Martos, a Catholic deacon and former merchant marine captain who leads Stella Maris in this major Mediterranean harbor. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Let’s get the good news in Philadelphia out of the way first. The Eagles are riding a nine-game winning streak, Saquon Barkley is making a serious run at the NFL season rushing record and a playoff berth was clinched for the fourth straight year under coach Nick Sirianni. Now, about all that grumbling ... . Yes, Philly sports fans, media and social media doomsayers are usually the ones with a complaint even in the best of times for the pro teams. Perhaps it’s a bit unsettling around Philadelphia, then, that the grousing after a this weekend came from inside the locker room. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and even Jalen Hurts, made public their complaints about the state of the (diminishing) passing game, putting the coaching staff on notice that enough was enough and it was time to rev up the engine on a pair of 1,000-yard receivers and get the offense humming headed into the postseason. Even Sirianni conceded that yes, it was fair to raise questions about an offense that allowed Smith and Brown to combine for only eight catches and 80 yards. The problem this week? “Being on the same page,” Smith said. Smith is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has yet to break 100 in a game this season. Brown has four 100-yard games, well off last season’s run when he topped 100 yards in six straight games and seven times overall. Hurts threw for just 108 yards with two TDs passing and one rushing score. Should an offense getting on the same page develop into this much of a concern for the Eagles (11-2) after 13 games? “No. I just say no,” Hurts said. There are reasons the numbers are down. The easy one, of course, is that the traditionally pass-happy Eagles have leaned on Barkley and his team-record 1,623 yards to steer the offense in his first season. Hurts also shoulders his share of the blame given his propensity for holding on to the ball. He was sacked four times and missed Smith and Brown the few times he did chuck the ball deep to open receivers on long routes. Hurts didn’t throw Brown the ball a couple of times when he was open, including on a TD pass to Smith. “Have to find a way to come together and come and sync as a unit and play complementary ball,” Hurts said. Hurts has topped 300 yards passing only once this season and his last three games are at 179-118-108. He does have only five interceptions and has thrown just one during the winning streak. What needs help The offensive woes start at the beginning. The Eagles have yet to score a touchdown on their opening possession through the first 13 games and average only 10.7 points in the first half. They had only 46 total yards in the first quarter. The slow starts are one reason why teams with losing records such as Carolina, Jacksonville and Cleveland are able to keep games close at the Linc and make last-gasp drives at an upset victory. What’s working The running game. That really only means one name: Barkley. Barkley rushed for 124 yards to break the Eagles’ season record, and is in his sights. Barkley needed just 13 games to pass McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. Barkley also maintained his pace to break Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley is averaging 124.8 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would become the top single-season rusher in NFL history. He needs 483 yards over the final four games to top Dickerson’s 40-year-old record. Barkley is one pace for 2,122 yards, just 17 yards beyond Dickerson’s 2,105 total. Stock up Linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. Dean led the Eagles with 12 tackles while Baun had 11 tackles and a sack. They both had strong games in shutting down Carolina’s — albeit banged-up — running game. Stock down Jake Elliott. Elliott was wide right on a 52-yard attempt in the third quarter and has missed all five attempts of 50-plus yards this season. Injuries Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was evaluated for a concussion and treated for an additional injury in the fourth quarter but had a game-changing interception. Key number 9 — The Eagles won nine straight games only three other times, in the 2017, 2003 and 1960 seasons. Next steps The Eagles host cross-state rival Pittsburgh in a potential all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl preview. ___ AP NFL:Campbell River city council voted Thursday (Nov. 21) to decrease funding to non-profit organizations in Campbell River, while also streamlining the city's approach to its grant process, with most of the changes taking effect in 2026. Chief financial officer Alaina Maher said the new grant policy will allow the city to continue to support non-profits in "improved ways." "It's less subjective, more transparent, and more inclusive," said Maher of the new policy. By providing $2.87 million in grants, leases, and facility rentals to non-profit organizations, she said, the changes reflect a $370,000 decrease in the city's current funding. She added the changes would also align city spending with comparable communities. Currently, the City of Campbell River spends more on non-profit funding than comparable communities, such as Courtenay and Penticton, During the presentation to the council, finance services manager Aaron Daur said the proposed changes streamline three existing policies – the permissive tax exemption, the community grant policy, and a segment of the property policy – into a single policy called the "financial assistance policy." Permissive tax exemptions will decrease from 1.7 percent (or $720,000) to 1.4 percent (or $603,000) of the previous year's tax, resulting in an estimated savings of up to $220,000 each year, he said. Community grants will no longer be restricted to the arts and culture sector. Instead, they will be available to all organizations that contribute directly to the city's social, recreational, cultural, environmental, and economic well-being. A total of $150,000 will be budgeted for community grants, with a maximum of $20,000 per organization. The city currently awards $277,000 in grants, meaning the savings will amount to $127,000, Daur said. The city operating grants are available to organizations operating on city-owned property – and, under the changes, are no longer restricted to arts and culture organizations. The budget will decrease to $550,000, from the $654,000 the municipality currently awards. For example, the Campbell River Art Gallery was awarded an operating grant of $80,000 in 2024. But, due to the changes, with a budget of $550,000, it would instead receive $67,000 – a reduction of $13,000. The changes are substantial, Daur said. City staff recommend the changes be phased in over 2025, taking effect in 2026. At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Kermit Dahl addressed the significant community uproar over the changes. He said there is a "lack of understanding" about the substantial funding the city currently allocates to non-profits. "Like many cities across Canada, Campbell River is facing the challenge of maintaining our service levels while meeting the needs of a growing community and keeping taxes affordable," Dahl said. "We also recognize that we provide significant funding to the non-profit sector each year." Coun. Ben Lanyon said a five per cent reduction for certain organizations would not lead to dire consequences. He recommended the organizations reach out to the community for philanthropic donations. These days many families are just struggling to put food on the table and don't have any extra money to put toward a higher property tax, he added. Just one councillor, Tanille Johnston, voted against the changes. "We are taking a pretty intense, in my opinion, approach to where we're finding the money to keep the taxation as low as is desired," she said. "This is also a cumulative effect of having councils that have not, in my opinion, operated the community in a way that can sustain itself." She pointed to what she called the city's "historic commitment" to single-family housing as a culprit, adding that single-family homes don't pay for themselves, setting up the city to implement drastic tax measures. Sara Lopez Assu, the Campbell River Art Gallery's executive director, attended Thursday's council meeting. To her, the city is playing a "numbers game" and is "intentionally misleading." "I'm angry and I'm disappointed," she told the , adding when it comes to the actual money the art gallery receives, the community grant cuts amount to about 25 per cent, while the permissive tax cuts add up to 16 per cent. Asking organizations to seek philanthropic donations is "tone deaf," she said, as organizations, like the art gallery, already do so. She said city funding represents about 13 per cent of the art gallery's total operating budget. However, they use those funds, which are core operating funds, to leverage a "multiplier effect" with other funding sources. "We can show up with money in our pocket and say, 'Hey, match it.' And that is what we all have been doing. So we bring in four times what the city invests," she said. Lopez Assu is also not convinced the city funds more than the so-called comparable communities. "It's nine (comparative) communities that the city report is based on," she said. "Five out of those nine communities don't even have a public art gallery. You're comparing complete apples to oranges. "They're comparing us to communities that don't have arts and cultural assets," she said. To help with this transition, council also approved a $20,000 budget to implement the policy and provide workshops to help organizations navigate the changes. The city is also in discussions about creating a grant process with the Strathcona Regional District for non-profits that benefit the entire region, including the city.
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By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. Related Articles National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration National Politics | Expecting challenges, blue states vow to create ‘firewall’ of abortion protections National Politics | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.
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OAKLAND — The city will be thoroughly reshaped by the almost-final Nov. 5 election results, which included a successful recall of Mayor Sheng Thao and victories by three new City Council candidates, with another replacement likely on the way. The political stakes amid all this turnover are high, with a crippling budget crisis and unresolved sale of the Coliseum leaving the city possibly on the path to fiscal insolvency. Who are the eight council members set to lead Oakland next year, alongside a new mayor? Here’s where things stand: The only seat to represent the entire city was fought over by 10 candidates vying to replace retiring Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan. Brown, a staffer for state Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Oakland, emerged successful, fending off the name recognition of former police Chief LeRonne Armstrong by a 56% to 43% margin in ranked-choice votes. Of all the candidates for council, Brown received the most financial support from SEIU Local 1021, the city’s largest labor union. She has promised a multi-pronged solution for taking on crime, including an increase in funds for Oakland’s unarmed crisis-response program, MACRO. Brown, who did not respond to an interview request, could possibly look to avoid some more contentious routes to fixing the budget, including negotiating a pay cut for the unions or slashing city services to spare reductions at the Oakland Police Department, which frequently overspends. Unger handily won the race to succeed retiring Councilmember Dan Kalb in representing areas of North Oakland near the Emeryville border and the Rockridge, Piedmont and Grand Lake neighborhoods, plus part of Adams Point above Lake Merritt. His labor backing will come as no surprise given his longtime role leading the Oakland firefighters’ union and his previous political alliance with Thao. But the Brown University and UC Berkeley grad, a former firefighter, bills himself as a “pragmatist” who has seen the city renegotiate its past labor contracts and recognizes that such a move could be part of a solution to the crisis. “We need to fund public safety fully,” Unger said of police, fire and other violence-prevention staff, though he said cops and firefighters may ultimately be lost through attrition. He also noted a possible quarter-cent sales tax may appear on next spring’s special election ballot to replace the mayor. Thao is likely to leave office after the council certifies election results at a Dec. 17 meeting, at which point Bas, who has two years left in her District 2 term, would become interim mayor as president of the council. But she may end up holding that office for only a few weeks. Bas likely will join the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in January, if her lead over Emeryville’s John Bauters remains when results are finalized. At that point, the new City Council would select from its 2025 roster both a new president and someone to serve as interim mayor, given that the current next in line, President Pro-Tempore Kalb, is also leaving office. Bas’ likely departure means Oakland would have another special election next year to permanently fill her District 2 seat, which represents Chinatown, Jack London Square and areas south of Lake Merritt, including the San Antonio neighborhood. The election would take place within 120 days of Bas leaving office, per the city charter, but the council may also have a pathway to appoint a temporary replacement until then. It’s very possible the election, which county officials estimate will cost several million dollars, could replace Thao and Bas in one go. By a 58% to 41% ranked-choice margin, Fife defeated her closest opponent, Warren Logan, withstanding the financial backing he received from a tougher-on-crime, more fiscally conservative political outfit. She credited a boots-on-the-ground campaign approach for her success. But now she faces a budget crisis exacerbated by the still-pending sale of the Oakland Coliseum. Meanwhile, she is pondering a mayoral run next spring if Congresswoman Barbara Lee isn’t convinced by Fife and other Democrats in Oakland to go for the job. At a meeting last week, she railed against unnamed city officials for misrepresenting the core problems behind the crisis — heavily intimating that the police department should be held to account for its overspending. Ramachandran, who just gave birth to a son, is on maternity leave “for the next few weeks,” she told this news organization on Nov. 18. How long she’s gone may end up being relevant to the council’s ability to hold quorum, with Bas leaving District 2 vacant and another member likely to become the interim mayor. The eight-member council needs five members present to hold meetings and vote, and additional absences could jeopardize that if Ramachandran misses extended time. A social-justice lawyer, Ramachandran has been most notable on the council for opposing Thao’s budget plans and pushing for more conservative spending amid an uncertain Coliseum sale. She has said a mayoral run isn’t under consideration, despite the last three mayors hailing from District 4, which spans a diverse range of Oakland neighborhoods from Allendale in the east to Montclair in the north. Gallo soon will be the longest-tenured councilmember — and in recent years, the one who’s least engaged in policy talks. But his community work and name recognition helped him win 59% of ranked-choice votes in a bid to continue representing District 5, which covers parts of East Oakland between 23rd and 54th avenues, including the Fruitvale neighborhood. He is often hostile toward city officials over Oakland’s budgetary woes and is likely to support hardline measures for fixing the crisis. As the city’s financial situation worsens, Jenkins is adamant that the council’s budgeting of still-pending Coliseum revenues in the summer had its benefits. He was keen to note at a meeting last week how budget saves in the fire department may have helped spare homes during the recent Oakland Hills wildfire. Jenkins’ community relationships are steadily growing his clout as a first-term councilmember in District 6, which spans areas between the Coliseum and Merritt College and across to the Eastmont Hills neighborhood. The fast-talking Houston benefited from a chaotic musical-chairs game that followed Treva Reid’s decision not to seek another term to represent East Oakland near the San Leandro and Alameda borders in District 7. Houston, who won 52% of the ranked-choice votes, is as vocally pro-police as anyone on the council next year and his lack of political experience make him a wild card in the upcoming budget talks. He didn’t respond to an interview request.Somerset House has been a key part of London's landscape for hundreds of years, with its grand architecture and prominent position close to the River Thames and the Covent Garden area. > Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 But its leaders say its current role as a center for arts and culture is not fully understood, with one even describing it as "London and the U.K.'s best-kept secret." While its courtyard is well known as a striking venue for a winter ice rink and summer movie screenings, people are less aware that hundreds of artists and creatives work within its walls. And as it approaches 25 years in its most recent guise, the organization wants to raise its profile — in 2025, there will be a raft of exhibitions and events aiming to show off its artistic endeavors. "There wasn't a ... moment when Somerset House was revealed in its full glory. And, in a way, next year is a kind of belated moment to do that," said Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, the organization that preserves the building and its activities for the public. Somerset House has had many transformations. Queen Elizabeth I lived there in the 16th century, and since then it has been a Navy headquarters, a home for the Royal Academy of Arts and a newspaper tax office, before being completely rebuilt in 1801. "In the ... 1770s, 1780s, [King] George III needed to build an 'office block' for his newly formed civil service. So, this is what he built," Reekie said as he took CNBC on a tour. With four large wings surrounding the large, cobbled courtyard (plus a "new" wing added in the 19 th century), the striking Renaissance property housed the multiple offices of the U.K. government's tax and excise authority for more than 150 years — and in more recent times, the courtyard was even covered with asphalt and used as a parking lot. In 1997, the house gained charitable status after a long campaign led by author and newspaper editor Simon Jenkins and philanthropist Lord Rothschild. "When Somerset House ... opened to the public in May 2000, this building was still mostly full of civil servants," Reekie said. "My predecessors basically had to negotiate with each government department to get rid of them," he said. The tax authority — now known as His Majesty's Revenue and Customs — finally closed its Somerset House office in 2011. Its current role is that of a "self-sustaining home to cultural innovators," according to Somerset House Trust chair Gail Rebuck, speaking at an event in September. But its varied facets are not always well understood, she said. When a fire broke out in August, there was an "outpouring of concern," Rebuck said, but "people struggled to describe Somerset House," she said of news reports at the time. "That's our fault, in a way, and something we want to correct ... We're a very special creative cluster," Rebuck said. "It's also London and the U.K.'s best-kept secret ... it's really important that the 3 million visitors who come through our doors actually know what goes on underneath," she said — Somerset House was the U.K.'s 10th most-visited attraction in 2023, with 2.7 million visits according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions . Rebuck referred to the network of rooms and areas that are home to multiple artists and creatives who work from the building, in offices, co-working places and studios. When Reekie joined the organization in 2014, he was asked what Somerset House should "be." "Part of the question in terms of how would it work as a cultural space is: what can you do with lots of rooms?" he said. One of Reekie's first jobs was to transform what was essentially a long corridor of government offices into rooms that would be desirable to artists — which now make up Somerset House Studios — raising money to do so from scratch. The artists' rent is subsidized by Somerset House's activities: It makes most of its income — £21.2 million ($27.5 million) for the financial year ending March 31, 2023 — from its own events like the ice rink and arts exhibitions curated in-house, as well as from hiring spaces to other organizations such as the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. There are now around 60-70 artists, teams or collectives working in Somerset House Studios, overseen by director Marie McPartlin. The studios' first resident in 2016 was British fashion designer Gareth Pugh, and composer Anna Meredith was its second, with many others working in the visual arts. "Most of them are doing socially-engaged work ... or engaging with emergent, evolving and advanced technologies," McPartlin said. Artists are encouraged to collaborate — one high-profile name was turned down a studio place because of concerns that they would not have been on site enough of the time. "The community is the most important thing," McPartlin said. "The majority of artists don't have gallery representation — it's such a precarious existence ... really quickly, we realized that long-term support is something Somerset House was able to offer." Artists are resident for between one and seven years, with some on site for up to 10 years. In 2025, McPartlin will curate sculpture "The Spell or The Dream" by Turner Prize-winning artist Tai Shani, a resident of the studios, which will sit at the courtyard's center in August and September. Inspired by a sleeping beauty-type figure, it will reflect "on the urgent contemporary issues of our time," according to a release. McPartlin will also curate an artwork by resident artists Lydia Ourahmane and Sophia Al Maria, which will explore the idea of the "right to remain," according to a release, while BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and resident Akinola Davies Jr will screen a new movie in the courtyard that will look at the "everyday rituals" of black life in the U.K. Other highlights for 2025 will include "Salt Cosmologies," an installation that will map out India's Inland Customs Line, the extraordinary story of a 2,500 mile-long hedge put in place by the British East India Company to enforce its Salt Tax in the late 19th century. And an immersive exhibition by choreographer Wayne McGregor, named "Infinite Bodies," will be the culmination of Somerset House's 25-year celebration. Near the studios is Makerversity, a community of about 300 designers and makers, who share a wood workshop, photography studio and other "maker" spaces tucked close to the underside of Waterloo Bridge, at the far west border of Somerset House. And there is also The Exchange, a co-working space for creatives, and the Black Business Residency, a program for black entrepreneurs. "Having great artists in the center of London seems quite essential ... the thinking was to make it completely interdisciplinary," Reekie said.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series Las Vegas has announced that registration is now open for the events taking place on February 22-23, 2025. The Start Line Village and the race Start Line will be located at the heart of Las Vegas entertainment, specifically at Toshiba Plaza and the New York-New York Hotel & Casino encompassing a two-acre space for the ultimate experience at the World’s Largest Running Party. Participants can enjoy a wide range of entertainment options as they join the festivities and prepare for the race. An event unlike anything else in the world, the Saturday Night 5K kicks off the weekend with a downtown Las Vegas course finishing right on Fremont Street—a unique experience you won’t want to miss, even if doing the Sunday distances. The Official Runners Party at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center welcomes everyone for an epic celebration complete with DJ battles, more photo ops, games, food trucks, drinks, dancing, and an incredible festival vibe. The World’s Largest Running Party kicks off on Sunday evening with the Start Line Village at Toshiba Plaza located outside T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Start Village is complete with more DJs, photo ops, the cast of the Vegas Golden Knights, and more, before heading over to the Start Line right on Las Vegas Boulevard for the Half Marathon and 10K. As one of the only events to shut down Las Vegas Boulevard, this one-of-a-kind course will take you past all the iconic sights and landmarks, including the Welcome sign, casinos, and all the bright lights of Vegas that light up while the sun starts to set. In 2025, the on-course entertainment is a completely redesigned experience! Runners will be immersed in different themes along the course, with each stage taking them on a unique musical journey. These themes include Noches en The Strip, Lucky in Love, Vintage Vegas, Honky Tonk Blvd, and more. Stage themes are being unveiled one by one on social media, so be sure to follow along for the remaining reveals. The party doesn’t stop when you cross the Finish Line, with the Finish Line Party Zone taking runners through the ultimate celebration. Crossing the finish line in front of the Bellagio fountains, runners will be greeted with champagne toast, new and improved glow-in-the-dark medals, photo ops, disco balls, dance floors, DJs, and more. Finish the night with one of the runner parties at participating clubs. Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas was one of the first large-scale events to take over the famous Las Vegas Strip when it launched in 2005. It remains the only event to offer attendees the chance to experience one of the world’s major attractions up close and personal. General registration and additional information for the 2025 Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Las Vegas, which will take place on February 22-23, 2025, can be found at https://www.runrocknroll.com/las-vegas . ### About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music, and community, race weekends kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information, and much more. Events culminate with an Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. With a goal of helping participants find the Beat in Their FeetTM, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series has features a Finish Line festival with entertainment including live bands, DJs, dance zones, photo ops, food trucks and more! Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com . Follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms. About The IRONMAN Group The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150TM Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore MarathonTM and City2Surf®, UTMB® World Series trail-running events including the Canyons Endurance RunsTM by UTMB®, Tarawera Ultra-TrailTM by UTMB® and Ultra-Trail AustraliaTM by UTMB®, Epic SeriesTM mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world, providing participants with the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Catering to the full athlete experience, the company portfolio also includes FulGaz® virtual cycling, the most realistic indoor riding experience connected to fitness applications aimed at preparing athletes for real-world events. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business, and Orkila Capital, a growth equity firm focused on building great brands. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group . About Advance Advance is a private, family-held business that owns and invests in companies across media, entertainment, technology, communications, education, and other promising growth sectors. Our mission is to build the value of our companies over the long term by fostering growth and innovation. Advance’s portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, The IRONMAN Group, American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, 1010data, and Pop. Together, these operating companies employ more than 17,000 people in 29 countries. Advance is also among the largest shareholders in Charter Communications, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Reddit. For more information, visit www.advance.com . RelatedHow Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woesBETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem marked another somber Christmas Eve on Tuesday in the traditional birthplace of Jesus under the shadow of war in Gaza . The excitement and cheer that typically descends on the West Bank during Christmas week were nowhere to be found. The festive lights and giant tree that normally decorate Manger Square were missing, as were the throngs of foreign tourists that usually fill the square. Palestinian scouts marched silently through the streets, a departure from their usual raucous brass marching band. Security forces arranged barriers near the Church of the Nativity, built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The cancellation of Christmas festivities is a severe blow to the town's economy. Tourism accounts for an estimated 70% of Bethlehem’s income — almost all from the Christmas season. Salman said unemployment is hovering around 50% — higher than the 30% unemployment across the rest of the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Finance Ministry. Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, noted the shuttered shops and empty streets and expressed hope that next year would be better. “This has to be the last Christmas that is so sad,” he told hundreds of people gathered in Manger Square, where normally tens of thousands would congregate. Pizzaballa held a special pre-Christmas Mass in the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. Several Palestinian Christians told the Associated Press that they have been displaced in the church since the war began in October of last year with barely enough food and water. “We hope by next year at the same day we’d be able to celebrate Christmas at our homes and go to Bethlehem,” said Najla Tarazi, a displaced woman. “We hope to celebrate in Jerusalem ... and for the war to end. This is the most important thing for us and the most important demand we have these days because the situation is really hard. We don’t feel happy.” The number of visitors to the town plunged from a pre-COVID high of around 2 million per year in 2019 to fewer than 100,000 in 2024, said Jiries Qumsiyeh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Tourism Ministry. Bethlehem is an important center in the history of Christianity, but Christians make up only a small percentage of the roughly 14 million people spread across the Holy Land. There are about 182,000 in Israel, 50,000 in the West Bank and Jerusalem and 1,300 in Gaza, according to the U.S. State Department. After nightfall, the golden walls of the Church of the Nativity were illuminated as a few dozen people quietly milled about. A young boy stood holding a pile of balloons for sale, but gave up because there were no customers to buy them. The war in Gaza has deterred tourists and has prompted a surge of violence in the West Bank , with more than 800 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire and dozens of Israelis killed in militant attacks. Palestinian officials do not provide a breakdown of how many of the deceased are civilians and how many are fighters. Since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that sparked the war , access to and from Bethlehem and other towns in the West Bank has been difficult, with long lines of motorists waiting to pass through Israeli military checkpoints. The restrictions have prevented some 150,000 Palestinians from leaving the territory to work in Israel, causing the economy there to contract by 25%. In the Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel, Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took more than 250 Israeli hostages. Israeli officials believe that around 100 hostages remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip. Elsewhere, Christmas celebrations were also subdued. Scores of Syrian Christians protested Tuesday in Damascus, demanding protection after the burning of a Christmas tree in Hama the day before. Videos and images shared on social media showed the large, decorated tree burning at a roundabout in Suqalabiyah, a town in the Hama countryside. It remains unclear who was responsible for setting the tree on fire. In a video that circulated on social media, a representative of Syria’s new leadership, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, could be seen visiting the site and addressing the community. He said: “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations.” German celebrations were darkened by a car attack on a Christmas market on Friday that left five people dead and 200 people injured. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier rewrote his annual recorded Christmas Day speech to address the attack. He plans to acknowledge that “there is grief, pain, horror and incomprehension over what took place in Magdeburg,” while urging Germans to “stand together,” according to an early copy of the speech. A snowstorm in the Balkans stranded drivers and downed power lines, but some saw the beauty in it. “I’m actually glad its falling, especially because of Christmas,” said Mirsad Jasarevic in Zenica, Bosnia. “We did not have snow for Christmas for 17 years here, and now is the time for wonderful white Christmas.” American Airlines briefly grounded flights across the U.S. on Tuesday due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive. Winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 1,447 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 28 flights canceled. In the port of Barcelona, Spain, volunteers from the faith-based ministry Stella Maris visited seven ships docked there on Christmas Eve to deliver Nativity scenes and the local specialty of turrón (nougat candy) to seafarers. The volunteers met seafarers from India, the Philippines, Turkey and elsewhere, said Ricard Rodríguez-Martos, a Catholic deacon and former merchant marine captain who leads Stella Maris in this major Mediterranean harbor. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
The surprise twist in new cashless gaming systemLizzo looked radiant on Saturday in an Instagram post that showcased the singer's incredible transformation following her dramatic weight loss The 36-year-old stepped out with her mother, Shari Johnson-Jefferson, sporting matching milkmaid braids over the weekend. "My mom stole my hairstyle & ate me up," she quipped in the caption of her post. The accompanying video saw Lizzo lip-syncing to a humorous Kardashians clip where Kim accused Kourtney of copying her. She wore a white billowing off-the-shoulder shirt with a white skirt featuring a denim waist design. Her skin looked flawless with a glowing makeup look and sparkly silver eyeshadow. Lizzo's mother was her twin in the video, wearing the same hairstyle and a leopard print coat. Fans quickly jumped to the comments section when they saw Lizzo's incredible transformation , with one writing, "She looks stunning!" while another posted, "okay queeenn". While some alluded to the idea that Lizzo had used weight loss drugs to achieve her transformation, others were quick to lift her up, with one fan writing, "She was beautiful before and is beautiful now". The body positivity icon has been open about her weight loss journey on social media, often showcasing her daily workouts and her delicious and nutritious meals. "I've been methodical, losing weight very slowly," she told The New York Times in March. "I don't really see it because if anyone who's on a natural weight-loss journey knows, losing weight is actually the slowest thing in the world, and you don't really notice it until you notice it," she said. "Also, the scale's not really moving. But anyway, that doesn't matter. I'm super proud of my current lifestyle." She also told the publication that she is striving for body neutrality rather than body positivity, as she felt it was more achievable. While body positivity focuses on unconditional self-love, body neutrality de-centers the body and aims to cultivate appreciation for what it can do rather than its aesthetic value. Lizzo has been adamant that the purpose behind her weight loss journey is not to be smaller but to feel better in herself, as she explained in a 2023 TikTok video. "I think a lot of people see a fat person that way and immediately just assume everything they're doing is to be thin," she said. "I'm not trying to be thin. I don't ever want to be thin." "Will my body fluctuate from this size? Will I get a little smaller depending on some of the choices I make or a little bigger, depending on some of the choices I make in my life. Yes, I'm used to fluctuating." The "Truth Hurts" singer was a vegan for four years until recently when she reintroduced animal protein into her diet. "I lead a very healthy lifestyle– mentally, spiritually, I try to keep everything I put in my body super clean," she told Vanity Fair in October. "Health is something I prioritize, wherever that leads me physically. Like veganism, people were like, 'You're a vegan? What, are you deep frying the lettuce?' I'm not a vegan to lose weight, I just feel better when I eat plants."
Jim McNally, Elijah Pitts honored with career coaching award from Pro Football Hall of FamePhotograph: Gregory Costanzo NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Trustees of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation today announced that Alicia Graf Mack, widely celebrated for her dance artistry during her years with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and for her leadership as the Dean and Director of the Dance Division of The Juilliard School, has been appointed Artistic Director of AILEY. She becomes the fourth Artistic Director in AILEY’s 66-year history, following Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison (herself a renowned star of the Company), and Robert Battle. Ms. Graf Mack will assume her role with AILEY as of July 1, 2025. News of Ms. Graf Mack’s appointment follows shortly after the death at age 81 of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison, who brought Alicia Graf Mack into Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and championed her work. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 2024-25 season, which begins on December 4, celebrates the life and legacy of Ms. Jamison. Daria L. Wallach, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, said, “Living heritage is central to the artistic achievement of Alvin Ailey, and it is just as integral to AILEY as an organization. As we pass the artistic leadership of AILEY to Alicia Graf Mack, who was introduced to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater under Judith Jamison’s direction, performed under the leadership of Robert Battle, and electrified the Company’s audiences around the nation and the world, we honor and celebrate the legacy that goes back to Mr. Ailey himself. We know that this powerful continuity across the generations, combined with Ms. Graf Mack’s outstanding talents as a dance artist, educator, administrator, and communicator, will ensure that both the traditions and the innovation of AILEY remain strong for years to come.” Anthony A. Lewis, Board member and head of the selection committee, said, “Out of the many gifted and highly qualified candidates we reviewed as part of an extensive search process, Alicia Graf Mack rose to become our clear-cut choice. Her record of success at The Juilliard School, her profound connection with AILEY, and the intangible personal and professional qualities she possesses make her an exceptional leader. We are convinced that she is the Artistic Director for AILEY’s future.” Alicia Graf Mack said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to step into this role and continue the legacy of Alvin Ailey—a legacy rooted in celebrating the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. I am committed to preserving the company’s rich heritage while boldly exploring new voices and perspectives that push the boundaries of dance and reflect the world we live in today, and the world we hope to see. I am deeply grateful to AILEY’s Board for placing its trust in me, and am particularly mindful at this moment of the abiding influence of Judith Jamison, who brought me into this extraordinary organization and will forever be an inspiration to me and present in all of us. To all the dancers who have embodied Mr. Ailey’s vision, to Robert Battle, and to the artistic team including the wonderful Matthew Rushing, who have carried AILEY into the present as such a vibrant and indispensable artistic force, I offer my profound thanks. I will give my all to live up to this great responsibility, in service to the Company, our many supporters, our beloved audiences, and the entire AILEY community everywhere.” Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual five-week holiday engagement at New York City Center from December 4 through January 5 has been prepared by Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing. This year’s Opening Night Gala , honoring legendary dance educator Jody Gottfried Arnhold, will feature the return of Ronald K. Brown’s Grace on its 25 th anniversary, with live music by Tony ® and GRAMMY ® Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. with composer, visual artist, and GRAMMY ® Award-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. The finale of Mr. Ailey's Cry will also be performed, to pay tribute to Judith Jamison, who originated the role and ignited the ballet with her unparalleled grace and power. Celebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison, the season will showcase the world premieres of Sacred Songs by Matthew Rushing, Finding Free by Hope Boykin, Many Angels by Lar Lubovitch (his first world premiere for the Company), and Al-Andalus Blues by Jamar Roberts, as well as a new production of Elisa Monte’s Treading and a generous selection of classic repertoire by Alvin Ailey and live music performances. Bennett Rink, Executive Director of AILEY, said, “Carrying forward into a new generation the bold vision of our founder, Alvin Ailey, and building upon the major achievements of Judith Jamison and Robert Battle in developing our organization, Alicia Graf Mack will place the unique stamp of her own leadership on AILEY while remaining true to our heritage. Knowing the great respect she has for Mr. Ailey’s legacy and her comprehensive understanding of the multiple artistic, educational, and social roles that the AILEY organization plays in the world, I look forward with the greatest enthusiasm to working with her as AILEY takes its next steps into an exciting future.” As Artistic Director, Alicia Graf Mack will oversee the artistic program of the entire AILEY organization, which includes Ailey II, The Ailey School, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs, and Ailey Extension. Alvin Ailey said, “Dance is for everybody. I believe that dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.” Today, AILEY is one of the world’s leading modern dance companies and a global ambassador of American culture, deftly weaving performance, education, and community programming together to celebrate the human spirit and inspire, enlighten, and unite people of all backgrounds. AILEY is currently partnering with the Whitney Museum of American Art to present Edges of Ailey (through February 9, 2025), the first large-scale exhibition to celebrate the life, creativity, influence, and enduring legacy of Alvin Ailey. For more info, visit www.ailey.org . About Alicia Graf Mack Alicia Graf Mack starred as a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2011 to 2014 and now returns to serve as AILEY’s fourth Artistic Director. She comes to AILEY from The Juilliard School, where she has been the Dean and Director of the Dance Division since 2018. Born in San Jose, California, Alicia Graf Mack grew up in Columbia, Maryland, was offered an apprenticeship at Dance Theatre of Harlem by Arthur Mitchell while in high school, and relocated to New York City at age 17 to join the company. During a hiatus from Dance Theatre of Harlem, she earned a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in history from Columbia University School of General Studies, then rejoined DTH until the company was temporarily disbanded in 2004. She also holds an MA in nonprofit management from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to dancing with DTH and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, she has been a principal dancer with Complexions Contemporary Ballet and has danced as a guest performer with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Beyoncé, John Legend, Andre 3000, and Alicia Keys. She performed in honor of Carmen de Lavallade at the Kennedy Center Honors 2018 and was also invited to perform in the memorial services of Arthur Mitchell at Riverside Church in New York City and Jessye Norman at the Metropolitan Opera. In 2007, Smithsonian magazine named her an American Innovator of the Arts and Sciences. She is a recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence, an award given each year to an alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in their field of work, and in 2008 delivered the keynote address to the graduates of Columbia University’s School of General Studies. She is the recipient of the 2023 Dance Magazine Award. Before assuming leadership of the Dance Division of Juilliard, she co-founded D(n)A Arts Collective, an initiative created with her sister to enrich the lives of young dancers through master classes and intensives, taught as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston, and served as a visiting assistant professor at Webster University. Ms. Graf Mack serves on the Boards of Columbia University School of General Studies and Camille A. Brown and Dancers. In addition, she volunteers her time and talent to the summer intensive of the Art Saves Lives Foundation in St. Maarten. She is the co-producer and host of the podcast Moving Moments , featuring conversations with some of the most celebrated and ground-breaking artists in the field of dance. About AILEY Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by US Congressional resolution as a “vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World,” grew from a now-fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Forged during a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, the Company was established to uplift the African American experience while transcending boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. Before his untimely death in 1989, Mr. Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, and for 21 years she brought the Company to unprecedented success. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on six continents, promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. In addition to being the principal dance company of New York City Center, where its performances have become a year-end tradition, the Company performs annually at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC; the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago; The Fox Theatre in Atlanta; Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA; and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark (where it is the Principal Resident Affiliate), and appears frequently in other major theaters throughout the world during extensive tours. AILEY also includes Ailey II, a second performing company of emerging young dancers and innovative choreographers; The Ailey School, one of the most extensive dance training programs in the world; Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs, which brings dance into the classrooms, communities, and lives of people of all ages; and Ailey Extension, a program offering dance and fitness classes to the general public, which began with the opening of AILEY’s permanent home, The Joan Weill Center for Dance—the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City—at 55th Street at 9th Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit www.ailey.org. Press Contact: Christopher Zunner czunner@alvinailey.org 212-405-9028 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/220b97d0-161a-49d1-9701-050d98263dd6NORAD’s Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids