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U.S. Amplifies Weapons Support Amid Ukraine Conflict
Pete Hegseth , President-elect Donald Trump's embattled nominee for Defense secretary, appears to be changing his tune when it comes to women on the battlefield . The former Fox News host has said previously he opposes women serving in combat roles, claiming their inclusion "hasn't made us more effective, hasn’t made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated." But as Hegseth makes the rounds on Capitol Hill, sitting down with key GOP senators whose votes could make or break his confirmation to join Trump's second-term Cabinet, he has seemingly reversed his prior position. "We support all women serving in our military today who do a fantastic job across the globe, in our Pentagon, and deliver critical aspects, all aspects, combat included, and they have so for quite some time," Hegseth told reporters in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. "So, I look forward to being a leader for every single member of this Pentagon, men and women." 'It isn't 1948': Defense Secretary Austin defends role of women in combat, swipes at Hegseth Hegseth's remarks came after he said on Fox News earlier in the week that women are "some of our greatest warriors." "I’m not presuming anything, but, after President Trump asked me to be his secretary of Defense, should I get the opportunity to do that, I look forward to being a secretary for all our warriors, men and women, for the amazing contributions they make in our military," Hegseth said Monday evening. The shift comes as Hegseth has met with Republican Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. All three women are seen as potential holdouts on his nomination in a chamber where Republicans will soon hold a 53-47 majority that has little room left to lose anyone else from inside the GOP. After a second meeting with Hegseth on Monday, Ernst issued a statement saying she will "support Pete through this process" but has since declined to elaborate on whether that also means she'll vote for his nomination. Hegseth also met in private with Collins on Wednesday for more than an hour. Afterwards, Collins said she asked him "virtually every question under the sun," ABC News reported , but added she is waiting to make up her mind until after an FBI background check of Hegseth is completed. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Hegseth said he would "welcome that background check," adding that his meetings with senators have involved "great feedback, great discussion." More: Just 10 years ago, women were banned from combat. Now, they're on the front lines, climbing the ranks. In addition to his past statements on women in combat, Hegseth faces a multitude of allegations of wrongdoing, from a sexual assault claim in 2017 − which he has denied and did not face any related charges for − to accusations of mismanaging nonprofit funds and drinking on the job. The Pentagon opened all combat roles to women in 2016. Prior to that, women had conducted combat missions, including flying aircraft in war zones and other duties. The move in 2016 allowed women who qualified to serve in other combat arms fields like armor and infantry. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and a member of the Armed Services Committee who lost her legs while flying a Black Hawk helicopter in Iraq, said Hegseth’s comments on women in combat disqualify him for Defense secretary. “He's not the right guy to lead the Department of Defense,” Duckworth said in an interview. “If you go by his statements a month ago, it shows that. Our military could not go to combat without women. Period. We would not be a combat-ready force without the 225,000 women who are serving in uniform today.” Hegseth was among several of the president-elect's Cabinet picks roaming the halls of Capitol Hill this week, seeking to shore up support from senators ahead of confirmation hearings early next year. On his way to an appointment on Wednesday afternoon with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Hegseth passed in the hallway by fellow nominee, former congresswoman and Democrat-now-Republican Tulsi Gabbard . Gabbard, who has been tapped to be director of national intelligence, hugged Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, before asking how he was faring. "Doing alright," Hegseth replied. Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook
Saturday citations: The 'donut effect'; basically immortal batteries; Neanderthals and H. sapiensNASSAU, Bahamas — Justin Thomas was long off the tee and made a few long putts on the back nine to overtake Scottie Scheffler with a 6-under 66 and build a one-shot lead Saturday over golf's best player going into the final round of the Hero World Challenge. Thomas is trying out a 46-inch driver — a little more than an inch longer than normal — that he previously used for practice at home to gain speed and length. He blasted a 361-yard drive to 8 feet on the par-4 seventh hole and led the field in driving distance. But it was a few long putts that put him ahead of Scheffler, who had a 69. Thomas was on the verge of falling two shots behind when he made an 18-foot par putt on the par-3 12th hole. On the reachable par-4 14th, he was in a nasty spot in a sandy area and could only splash it out to nearly 50 feet. He made that one for a most unlikely birdie, while behind him Scheffler muffed a chip on the 13th hole and made his lone bogey of a windy day. Scheffler never caught up to him, missing birdie chances on the reachable 14th and the par-5 15th. Thomas hit his approach to 3 feet for birdie on the 16th after a 343-yard drive. Scheffler made an 18-foot birdie putt on the 16th to close within one. Scheffler missed birdie chances on the last two holes from the 10-foot and 15-foot range, while Thomas missed an 8-foot birdie attempt at the last. "I had a stretch at 13, 14, 15 where I felt like I lost a shot or two there, but outside of that I did a lot of really good things today," Scheffler said. Thomas hasn't won since the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, and a victory at Albany Golf Club wouldn't count as an official win. But the two-time major champion has made steady progress toward getting his game back in order. "I'm driving it great. I've had a lot of confidence with it," Thomas said of his longer driver. "I feel like I've been able to put myself in some pretty good spots going into the green. I'm still not taking advantage of some of them as much as I would like, but that's golf and we're always going to say that." Thomas was at 17-under 199 and will be in the final group Sunday with Scheffler, who is trying to end his spectacular season with a ninth title. Tom Kim put himself in the mix, which he might not have imagined Thursday when he was 3 over through six holes of the holiday tournament. Kim got back in the game with a 65 on Friday, and then followed with 12 birdies for a 62. He had a shot at the course record — Rickie Fowler shot 61 in the final round when he won at Albany in 2017 — until Kim found a bunker and took two shots to reach the green in making a double bogey on the par-3 17th. Even so, he was only two shots behind. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley (68) was four back. "Feel like I've been seeing signs of improvement, which is what you want and that's all I can do," Thomas said. "I can't control everybody else or what's going on, I've just got to keep playing as good as I possibly can and hope that it's enough come Sunday." Get local news delivered to your inbox!LONDON: Thousands of people from the Middle East were trafficked into Europe through a vast people smuggling network based out of a British car wash. In an operation that at times resembled a travel agency, people from Syria, Iraq and Iran were offered different tiers of service to be smuggled into Europe by various routes. Two men pleaded guilty in a UK court on Friday to charges related to their roles in the people smuggling ring. The UK’s National Crime Agency said Dilshad Shamo, 41, and Ali Khdir, 40, operated from the unlikely location of a car wash in Caerphilly, a town in Wales. They were arrested in April 2023 after they had been placed under surveillance as part of an investigation that found they were trafficking about 100 people a week over a period of two years, the BBC reported. The men used messaging and social media apps to advertise their services with videos from people who had made the journeys. One video shows a man hidden in the back of a truck with other migrants. “Lorry route agreement, crossing agreement with the knowledge of driver,” he says. “Here we have men, women and children. Thank God the route was easy and good.” Another video shows a family traveling by plane. “We are very happy ... this is the visa, may God bless him, we are really happy,” the migrant says. Shamo and Khdir offered three tiers of service, the lowest being smuggling people into Europe by foot or vehicle; the next by cargo ships or yachts; and the highest level arranged travel by plane. The smuggling routes went through Turkiye, Belarus, Moldova and Bosnia and ended in Italy, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Germany and France. The NCA said many of the migrants continued to the UK. Payment was made using informal “hawala” money transfers through brokers based in Iraq and Istanbul. Once a deposit was made, Shamo and Khdir would receive a message and arrange for the migrants to be transported by their specified route or timeframe. The two men used WhatsApp to communicate with people smugglers across Europe. The NCA said they were part of a larger organized crime group and could have made hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds that is unlikely to be recovered, the BBC reported. “Ali Khdir and Dilshad Shamo were leading a double life,” NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans said. “While on the surface they seemed to be operating a successful car wash, they were actually part of a prolific people smuggling group moving migrants across Europe and taking thousands in payment. “We worked painstakingly to piece together their movements to prove their important roles in a group, from advertising their services through videos to boasting of successful trips on messaging groups.” The UK’s Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle said criminals like Khdir and Shamo put countless lives at risk by smuggling vulnerable people in a “shameless attempt to make cash.” She added: “We are taking action against the people smuggling gangs and will stop at nothing to dismantle their networks and bring justice to the system.” Shamo and Khdir pleaded guilty 10 days into their trial at Cardiff Crown Court and will be sentenced at a later date. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made smashing people smuggling gangs a key pledge of his election campaign earlier this year. He has vowed to treat traffickers like terrorists and announced a new Border Security Command with additional powers to track human traffickers and shut down their bank accounts. Politicians in the EU are battling to stem public anger at rising immigration with more than 380,000 illegal border crossings made into the EU in 2023. Many fear that if conflicts in the Middle East escalate, Europe could face a steep rise in illegal migration similar to 2015 at the height of the Syrian Civil War.
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Pearl Harbor Day: See photos of the attack that brought the US into World War IIAuthored by Philip Wegmann via RealClearPolitics , Sen. Joni Ernst has not made up her mind about Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be secretary of defense, but despite the suggestion of some of her colleagues, the Iowa Republican told RealClearPolitics during a Thursday interview that she is not pursuing that role for herself. “I am not seeking to be secretary of defense,” Ernst said after some on the left suggested she would make a better candidate than Hegseth and after critics on the right accused her of trying to sink his nomination for personal gain. A combat veteran herself, she explained that while “I absolutely have interest in the military,” her focus is on continuing her work in the Armed Services committee, not joining President-elect Trump’s cabinet. Ernst, a senior member of the committee with jurisdiction over the nomination, met with Hegseth Wednesday as allegations about professional and sexual misconduct continue to dim his hopes of confirmation. “I’ve known Pete for a very long time,” Ernst said of Hegseth, a former Fox News host and decorated veteran, adding, “I really appreciated the time that he took to sit down with me and walk through a number of issues.” The senator described the conversation as “thorough” and the nominee as “very forthcoming.” A sexual assault survivor, she confirmed that the two discussed the misconduct allegations during their 45-minute sit-down. Hegseth denied all allegations of wrongdoing in a Wednesday interview with Megyn Kelly and vowed to fight on so long as he has Trump’s blessing. While Republicans control the Senate, the margins are slim. They hold the upper chamber with just a three-seat majority and are expected to have just a one-seat majority on the committee next year that will handle Hegseth’s nomination. This makes Ernst a critical swing vote, and her initial hesitation over the nominee has made her a MAGA pariah. Complained Donald Trump Jr., the son of the president-elect, in a social media post Thursday, “If you're a GOP Senator who voted for Lloyd Austin but criticize Pete Hegseth then maybe you’re in the wrong political party!” Charlie Kirk, a confidant of the Trump family, noted that Ernst had supported Austin, the current secretary of defense, and accused the senator of “leading the charge against Hegseth.” “No, no,” Ernst said of the accusation that she was working behind the scenes to sink the nominee, “and believe me, I have been feeling this.” The senator insisted that “there is absolutely no campaign against Pete,” adding that her focus remains strictly on ensuring a thorough and fair confirmation process. The candidates change, she said, but the process ought to remain consistent. “If there had been allegations made against Gen. Austin,” she said of the current defense secretary who was confirmed with broad bipartisan support four years ago, “we would have gone through that process as well. I think anyone that comes in front of our committee deserves a fair hearing.” “ I don’t have a campaign against Pete ,” she reiterated. “ I just want to make sure the process is able to play out and that we’re thoroughly vetting him. I do believe that Pete deserves to have a hearing. All the rumblings out there are absolutely false. My role as a senator is to make sure that we are putting to bed any rumors, any anonymous whatever,” she continued. “We just need to make sure that he is thoroughly vetted and that he has his opportunity to go in front of the committee, recount his service, and rebut any allegations,” she concluded. Democrats have already made their own conclusions. They think the nominee is already sunk. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine said as much before telling the Washington Examiner that if Trump swapped Ernst for Hegseth, Democrats would begin with “a very favorable inclination” to confirm her. Added Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, “she would have significant bipartisan support.” Ernst is not entertaining those suggestions, and even as Trump reportedly seeks a potential backup plan should Hegseth withdraw, the senator said she isn’t seeking out an alternative. Asked about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose name has been floated as a Plan B, Ernst replied, “I do think he would be a good candidate for this position. But as I’ve told reporters, as they ask me in the hallway, Hegseth is the nominee, and the president will determine who that nominee is.” Trump will assume office in January of next year, and confirmation hearings are not expected until the end of that month. The former, and now future, president believes he has a historic mandate after becoming the first Republican to win the popular vote in two decades. John McLaughlin, Trump’s longtime pollster, told RCP that opposition to his nominees incurs inherent risk and a potential primary challenge. “Republicans are totally behind his agenda and are totally supportive of him putting the right people in place so he can solve the country’s problems,” McLaughlin said in a Thursday interview. “If certain Republican senators side with the Democrats, they do so at their own peril.” Ernst insisted that her focus is not on politics and only on discovering “what the truth is.” “It’s all about making sure that the nominee is properly vetted,” she said of the process that will begin in earnest early next year. Added the senator, “That’s why it’s important that we continue through the hearing, and he’ll have his day in front of the public, and all of this can be sorted out.” There will be plenty of time, Ernst said, to go back and sort through “all the anonymous this-and-that-and the-other.” She noted that thus far, all the allegations have been made anonymously in the press and that no accuser has come forward publicly. “I mean, people need to really come forward if they have information,” she said. “They need to be willing to put their name to it.”
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Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.
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The family of Austin Tice, a freelance journalist held in Syria since 2012, said they have new confirmation that he remains alive and well. In a news conference, the family also expressed deep frustration with the Biden administration for telling them in a meeting Friday that it is waiting to see how the rapidly unfolding events in Syria resolve before being able to do more to try to free Tice. “He is being cared for, and he is well,” said Austin’s mother Debra Tice at a news conference at the National Press Club, citing what she called a “significant source that has already been vetted all over our government.” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre would not comment on the source referred to by the Tice family. “I don’t have anything to share about conversation on this particular matter,” said Jean-Pierre at a press briefing at the White House. A source familiar with what the Biden administration knows says there is no change in the administration’s assessment of Austin Tice, and they have no new information. Bill McCarren, director of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club, emphatically insisted the Biden administration is “lying” about what they know about Tice. In August, the State Department marked 12 years since Tice was taken, saying: “We know the Syrian government has held Austin, and we have repeatedly offered to find a way to bring him home.” Members of the Biden administration in the past have said they believe Tice is alive but have not been definitive in an assessment. The Syrian government has not acknowledged that they are holding Tice nor offered any proof of life. Despite no longer having diplomatic relations, in the past few years, the US government has engaged with Syrian officials on the issue of Tice, including a visit to Damascus by the State Department’s top official for hostage affairs, Roger Carstens. Tice’s case is complicated by the rapid advances made by Syrian rebel forces across the country over the past two weeks, taking key cities and potentially endangering dictator Bashar Assad’s regime. The changing dynamics in Syria could both open up new opportunities for Tice’s potential release or complicate it. Austin’s brother, Jacob Tice, said that he asked White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan for a commitment that the US would talk directly to Assad about freeing Austin, but that Sullivan would not give the family such a commitment. “I found that to be a striking response, given what we have heard from the president himself about the ceaseless efforts he has encouraged his administration to take in order to free Austin,” Jacob Tice said. A National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement that Sullivan did meet with the family, adding that “Sullivan has regularly met with the families of wrongfully detained Americans, and the Biden-Harris Administration continues to work to bring these Americans home to their families.” Debra Tice slammed the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leading the latest rebel offensive, calling them “terrorists” who are “tearing up Aleppo.” “When I think about war, I never have a happy moment. I don’t really understand what’s happening in Syria,” said Debra Tice, who later acknowledged that “it’s possible this could (mean) Austin’s release.” Austin’s sister, Meagan Tice, said that she was told the Biden administration is “waiting to see how all of these pieces play out over the next week before we can do anything definitive,” referring to the recent rebel offensive. “Our larger question was, how can we use this disruption to leverage something for Austin during this time?” she said. “And unfortunately they didn’t have much answer to that at all.” The now-43-year-old Tice traveled as a freelance journalist to Syria in the summer of 2012 to report on the war there. He was detained at a checkpoint near Damascus on August 14, 2012, just three days after his 31st birthday. Austin’s father, Marc Tice, said that the family met with the State Department on Thursday, but that the meeting was not productive. “There were complaints and finger-pointing about who is preventing things from happening and who’s responsible for doing what,” Marc Tice said. Debra Tice also praised President-elect Donald Trump for his interest in her son’s case during his first term, calling it an “obsession” of Trump’s. “When Donald Trump was elected, that was the first thing on my mind, was to remind him of how much he loved Austin and how much he wanted (him) home,” she said. Austin’s younger sister, Naomi Tice, became emotional recounting “how different our lives are from what I think we had kind of planned and hoped and dreamed for” since Austin was imprisoned. “He went there with this passion and conviction and I would love to see that our government has the same passion and conviction to bring him home,” she said. CNN’s Jennifer Hansler and Samantha Waldenberg contributed to this report.Parades, fireworks and visits with Santa are on the agenda for cities across Johnson County in December. The Cleburne Railroaders will host Breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at La Moderna Field, 1906 Brazzle Blvd. Tickets are $5 each and include breakfast. Drinks are available for purchase. Get photos with Santa and pick your seats for the 2025 season. Experience the magic of a hometown holiday until Jan. 5 at Hulen Park and throughout historic Downtown Cleburne during Whistle Stop Christmas. One of Cleburne’s most beloved holiday traditions is Saturday’s lighted parade and festivities at Hulen Park. There will be food and gift vendors, children’s train rides ($3 per rider) and a Live Nativity Scene presented by First Baptist Church from 5-9 p.m. The parade staging is between Hillsboro and Main Street south of Westhill Drive and north of Country Club Road. The parade will begin at South Main and First streets, proceed to Third and Caddo, then head north to North Caddo and Brown. It will turn left and travel behind the Layland Museum, then head south on North Main to South Main and Westhill. Entries will then return to the start. Prizes will be presented for Best Mounted Entry, Best Illuminated, Best Christmas Theme and Favorite Vehicle. Before and after the parade, enjoy the festivities at Hulen Park from 5-9 p.m. featuring food and gift vendors, a Live Nativity Scene presented by First Baptist Church of Cleburne, Children’s Train Rides for $3 per rider and after the parade pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus for $3 with your personal device. The train rides, sponsored by Grandview Bank, will also be offered from 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 21, and the million-light display will remain up in Hulen Park and downtown Cleburne through Jan. 5. The schedule of events are subject to change or cancel for inclement weather. Bring your family to celebrate the magic and share a memorable Christmas experience at #WhistleStopCleburne. For information, visit visitcleburne.com/wschristmas or call the Cleburne Chamber office at 817-645-2455. Other Cleburne festivities The Cleburne Kiwanis Club and Camp Fire Heart of Texas are teaming up again for the Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Santa House. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Cleburne High School. The breakfast includes pancakes, bacon and sausage. There will be a Christmas market and other vendors. Also stop by for a picture with Santa Claus. The cost is $7 for ages 12 and up, $3 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the door. At Santa House, Camp Fire members and volunteers will help children shop for Christmas for their family and friends. The gifts are homemade and affordable. Cowboy Christmas on the Trail returns for the fourth year running Dec. 14-15 to the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum. Performances are scheduled for 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. each of those days. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for children, seniors and military. CTOM invites you to experience a ride on a covered wagon through different scenes and listen to the Legends of Texas re-enact life’s during Christmas on the Trail. Food trucks, vendors, shopping, Cowboy Claus and more. Following the tour, which takes about an hour, participants gather at Winter Wonderland in CTOM’s Star Pavilion. In addition to a fireplace serenade from Cowboy Claus, food trucks will be on hand as will hand-selected vendors selling a variety of items including ornaments and other Christmas decorations. From Dec. 18-21, the Chisholm Trail Museum invites visitors to walk or drive through and look at lights and decorations at the museum. The museum is open from 4-10 p.m. daily. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cider, giveaways, a s’mores station and more. For more information, visit chisholmtrailoutdoormuseum.com . The Hearts of Gold Circle with King’s Daughters and Sons will host its annual Christmas House from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at a new location, Bird’s Nest on the Square, 214 E. Chambers St. The circle uses the funds to provide shoes, coats, medication, eye glasses and school supplies, to name a few items, for the children in the Cleburne schools. The circle also helps with electric bills, water bills and groceries when necessary. The needs are determined with the help of school counselors. The circle will personalize ornaments and other purchases with names, years, etc. The event features a bake sale, raffle, silent auction and pictures with Santa. Also new this year is the Candy Cane Lane. Christmas House brings people from all over the county together for a good cause. For more information, visit the Kings Daughters Hearts of Gold Circle Facebook page. Come have Donuts with Santa and make crafts together on Dec. 14 at Cleburne State Park, 5800 Park Road 21. The event, which is hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6872, begins at 9 a.m. at Cedar Lodge. Attendees will also make crafts and more. This event is free with park admission of $6 per person 13 and older. It is a good idea to make reservations online ahead of time because of capacity limits. For information, visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/cleburne . There are numerous opportunities to celebrate the holidays with your family, whether it be Christmas caroling at a church or shopping at a Holiday Market. Here’s a look at some of the other events happening in Cleburne during Whistle Stop Christmas. Buffalo Creek Fellowship hosts the eighth annual Trail of Campfires on from 5-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Grounds, 1315 S. Main St. in Cleburne. The free community event is a guided tour of the life of Jesus along a trail of campfires. Activities include refreshments, live Christmas music, Christmas hay rides, animal petting zoo and Christmas photo opportunities. Take a guided tour by Mary of the life of Jesus Christ. The event is held indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. Dress warmly. For information, call 817-357-9843 or visit buffalocreekfellowship.faith. Cleburne Bible Church hosts “Follow the Star: A Live Christmas Experience” from 6-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 930 N. Nolan River Road. It will take you on a journey back through the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a live outdoor presentation. Follow the journey of Christ through nine stops, finishing with a Christmas carol sing-a-long with coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. For information, visit cleburnebible.org . Save Old Cleburne is hosting a Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at JN Long Cultural Arts Center, 408 W. Heard St. in Cleburne. Vendor booths of 8-foot by 8-foot are available for $40 each. The Grinch will be there as well. Enjoy Sip N Shop Wine with holiday shopping from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Songbird Live, 210 E. Henderson St. The City of Cleburne presents “Holiday Hoopla” at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at Hulen Park, 337 W. Westhill Drive in Cleburne. Activities include Yuletide Ride (a children’s bike parade), holiday activities with the Cleburne Parks and Recreation Department, crafts, reindeer, story time with the Cleburne Public Library, holiday photo opportunities, cookies and more. Downtown Cleburne presents “Shop the Block” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Sip, Shop & Stroll downtown Cleburne shops for some Christmas shopping offering special promotions, refreshments and more. Grab your mom, daughters, girlfriends and come down and shop Historic Downtown. Alvarado An enchanting evening is promised when the city of Alvarado presents its “Magical Old Town Christmas” event on Friday. The extravaganza is from 6-9 p.m. in the festive Town Square in Old Town Alvarado. Horse-drawn carriage rides, delicious foods and hot cocoa to keep participants warm are just a few of the delights. “And the highlight of the night will be Alvarado Projects and Event Committee’s annual Christmas parade,” Events Manager Jules Vincent-Rosen said. “It’s always just brimming with festive floats as our joyful carolers fill the night with holiday cheer.” Alvarado’s 2024 Citizen of the Year will serve as the grand marshal for the parade. “We will be doing something different this year by kicking off the parade from Reunion Drive and proceeding to the historic Town Square,” APEC Treasurer Jameye Jones said. Santa’s elves will be on hand for crafts and treats, a Christmas market will feature local artisans, and a petting zoo will showcase the North Pole’s finest furry friends. Kids (and the young-at-heart) will be able to send letters to Santa — just before getting to meet him in person. For information, email communications@cityofalvaarado.org . Burleson Burleson has numerous opportunities to celebrate this holiday season. The first event is Breakfast with Santa from 7-11 a.m. Saturday at Russell Farm Art Center, 405 W. CR 714. Guests will enjoy a pancake breakfast, making holiday crafts, and of course, visiting Santa himself. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the fun. Space is limited and you will need to choose your start time. Each time slot is 30 minutes and the earliest available is 7 a.m. Cost is $5 or children ages 3-12, $7 for ages 13 and up and free for children under 2. Families are also invited to get into the Christmas spirit at Russell Farm Art Center with Christmas lights, hot beverages and music from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11-14. Celebrate a country Christmas with from 3-6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the farm. The festivities include pictures with a donkey wearing antlers, Christmas craft stations, a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, and additional Christmas-related activities. Make sure to bring your camera to capture all the holiday fun! Christmas at the Library is from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Burleson Public Library, 248 S.W. Johnson Ave. Enjoy refreshments, a holiday scavenger hunt, gift and craft stations and more. Santa needs helpers everywhere, and the Burleson Recreation Center is happy to help. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, parents can drop off their children, ages 6-12, for the afternoon while they get some shopping done. Games, activities and crafts are planned. Lunch is not provided. Cost is $20 for BRiCk members and $25 for nonmembers. The Burleson Rotary Club hosts the annual lighted Christmas parade on Saturday, followed by the city’s tree lighting and drone show. The parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting and drone show at 8 p.m. Singers and dancers entertain the crowd while Santa breaks away from the parade and makes his way to the city stage. The Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza will dazzle with Christmas splendor when the 34-foot-tall Christmas tree, covered with more than 20,000 lights, is turned on by Santa and his helpers. The tree features an interactive Santa’s cabin at the base, creating a perfect backdrop for festive photos. Make sure to stay and watch the spectacular drone show, featuring magical Christmas displays set to holiday music. Come to Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza for a special Holiday Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W. Renfro St. There will be strolling characters in the Plaza, horse carriage rides, pictures with Santa, a holiday bounce house and over 80 vendors to shop. You can also fill Santa’s cabin with Toys for Tots: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to drop off with U.S. Marines on-site. Catch the Grinch strolling around to take free photos with him. Thanks to the Old Town Business Association, you can take free horse-drawn carriage rides during the day and enjoy the festive atmosphere in Old Town this December. Rides are provided by T&T Ranch & Carriages. Join the Burleson Senior Center for their holiday craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at 216 S.W. Johnson Ave. Local vendors will be showcasing their sewn creations, art, jewelry and other handmade items. Buy one-of-a-kind handmade Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. Local vendors will be showcasing their sewn creations, art, jewelry and other handmade items. Be sure to bring some cash, as not all vendors take cards. Godley The city of Godley and Godley Chamber of Commerce hosts Holiday in the Park from 5-9 p.m. Friday. The evening begins with the lighted parade at 5 p.m. To enter, email michelle.clore@godleytx.gov . Enjoy holiday vendors, ornament decorating, cookie decorating, a trackless train with station and conductor, the Sugar Rush Slide, tree lighting, photos with Santa, music, food and fun to get the holiday season started in Godley. Grandview Grandview’s Christmas festivities will be held Dec. 14. The Grandview Christmas Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. in conjunction with other activities and celebrations sponsored by the Greater Grandview Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grandview (and EDC Type B Board). All groups, clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, neighborhoods and more are invited to light up the night with a parade entry. Prizes will be given for best theme ideas, best use of lights and best creative ideas. Parade judges will be hidden in plain sight along the parade route looking for winners. Parade entry is $10 and is due by Monday to ensure placement in the route and judging. Every entry must have a Christmas theme of some type and be lighted in some way. There will be one Santa as provided by the Grandview chamber (more than one Santa is confusing for children). No other parade entries may have a Santa. Parade Prizes for the following categories: • Best Christmas Theme • Best Lighting • Most Creative After the parade, festivities will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at Firefly Stage, 301 E. Criner St. Enjoy live music, pictures with Santa, a hot chocolate bar, games and crafts. For information, visit gvtxchamber.com Joshua Joshua’s Christmas on Main returns from 3-7:30 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy local vendors, a parade and fre pictures with Santa in downtown Joshua. The Guys provide live entertainment. The theme for the parade is “Christmas Movies Come to Life.” Staging begins at 5 p.m. at Joshua Methodist Church and the parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Entry is $10 or an unwrapped toy valued at $10. Donations go to Kaleigh’s Sleigh, which returns to NorthPointe Church on Dec. 14. Volunteers will unload toys from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12 and set up from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Shopping day is Dec. 14, which morning and afternoon shifts available. Keene A longtime Keene ISD school board president is the grand marshal and another resident who does multiple good deeds is parade marshal for the 28th annual Keene Christmas Light Parade at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Keene. The parade will be followed by a fireworks show. The parade and fireworks are presented by the Keene Business Development Corporation Type B board, the Keene Economic Development Corporation Type B board and Oliver Technologies, Pinnacle Bank, and many community partners. Anything with wheels, feet, or hooves, adorned with Christmas lights and is consistent with the theme, “The Reason We Celebrate This Season,” is welcome to participate. Parade staging is at the Leiske-Pultar Gymnasium parking lot at Old Betsy Road and Magnolia Street on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University. Clem Hobbs, who served on the Keene ISD school board for 20 years, including eight as president during construction of the high school, is Grand Marshal. Hobbs received the Pioneer Award in October presented by the Keene Chamber of Commerce as a resident who has contributed positively to Keene. Nathalie “Nathy” Regmund is Parade Marshal. As a volunteer, she is manager of the food pantry located outside the Keene Adventist Church. Daily she keeps the pantry stocked with food supplies that are free to area residents. Parade entry fee is $10 per float and can be paid on site at the registration booth. The fireworks show will immediately follow the parade. The show will be presented west of the Duck Pond at Callicott Student Park. According to organizers, the best place to watch the fireworks is from the Leiske-Pultar parking lot or the embankment along Old Betsy Road between Magnolia and Campus Drive. Parade entrants who want to be judged and be eligible for prizes should be in position at 5 p.m. in the Leiske-Pultar parking lot. Judging begins at 5:15 p.m. All entrants should enter the gymnasium parking lot on Magnolia Street. The parade starts at the Leiske-Pultar parking lot and goes west on Magnolia to Old Betsy Road, south on Old Betsy to Hillcrest, east on Hillcrest to Mockingbird, south on Mockingbird to Fourth, west on Fourth to Old Betsy, and north on Old Betsy back to the Leiske-Pultar parking lot. First-place trophies will be awarded in the following categories: • Best lighted vehicle • Best lighted float • Best animal entry • Best business entry • Best children’s entry • Best Pathfinder club • Best Adventurer club • Best antique entry • Most unique entry One entry will be awarded Best Overall and will receive a trophy. The parade is organized by the Keene Chamber of Commerce. Other sponsors are KTH Transportation, Texas Health Huguley Hospital, Texas Adventist Conference, Southwestern Adventist University, Cleburne Ford, Hopps Automotive, United Cooperative Services, Bob’s Rural Garbage Service, Crest Water, Edward Jones Office of David Sykes, Gillin Realty, Hewlett Office Systems, Keene Pharmacy, Town Hall Estates, and Putnam Service/Lennox. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, the parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. For parade entry information, call the chamber office at 817-556-2995. (c)2024 the Clinton Herald (Clinton, Iowa) Visit the Clinton Herald (Clinton, Iowa) at clintonherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The partnership between President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk proved crucial in swinging the US election in favour of the 78-year-old. However, it seems that Trump is not the only one reaping benefits from this partnership. After becoming the 'first buddy' to arguably the most powerful political leader in the world, Elon Musk's net worth has soared. On Wednesday, the 53-year-old became the first person to have an estimated net worth of $400 billion - further cementing his place as the richest man on earth. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that Musk has become the first person to have an estimated net worth of $400 billion. This boost in wealth has come amidst a new deal that SpaceX - Musk's space technology company, signed. The deal has taken SpaceX's valuation to a whopping $350 billion. Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the company and its investors have agreed to purchase $1.25 billion of insider shares. As a result of this deal, Elon Musk's net worth has shot up by $20 billion. In the wake of the news, shares of Tesla in the New York Stock Exchange made record highs, trading at $415 as the market closed on Wednesday. It is a continuation of the rally Tesla shares have since November 5 - the day of the election. Tesla shares have surged as much as 65% since Trump won the election on the back of a massive support by Musk. Notably, Musk is the largest shareholder in Tesla. Also read: 'World's Most Valuable': Elon Musk Hints Tesla Could Sink Bill Gates' Fortune Bloomerg's Billionaires Index, which tracks the growth in wealth of the major global billionaires, shows that Elon Musk's wealth has grown by approximately $136 billion since Election Day. Notably, Musk is now $140 billion richer than the second richest man, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. While SpaceX is valued at approximately $350 billion, Musk's AI venture, xAI, doubled in value to $50 billion, while The Boring Company continues to attract investment interest, despite its valuation not being public. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Business Economy and around the world.Canadian National Railway Co. stock rises Friday, outperforms market
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