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does mgm have casinos in macau AP News Summary at 3:38 p.m. ESTHere is a quick look at this weekend’s boys basketball schedule and the newest USA Today Network Indiana boys basketball polls. Batesville host Lawrenceburg Friday in the Bulldogs second straight home game and second straight EIAC game to open the season. The Bulldogs host Southwestern Saturday. Rushville travels to EIAC foe Franklin County Friday. Greensburg’s lone game is Friday at Triton Central. North Decatur has a pair of home games this weekend. The Chargers host MHC foe Edinburgh Friday and Oldenburg Academy Saturday. South Decatur also plays twice, at home Friday against Milan and on the road Saturday at Jac-Cen-Del. W-L Pts. Prev. 1. Fishers (14) 4-0 140 1 2. Greenfield-Central 1-0 116 3 3. Carmel 3-0 91 6 4. Jeffersonville 2-1 84 2 5. Lawrence North 1-1 67 5 6. Warsaw 3-0 54 8 7. Pike 3-0 39 NR 8. Noblesville 2-1 38 4 9. Northridge 4-0 31 NR 10. Crown Point 1-0 30 10 Others receiving votes: Ben Davis 15, Anderson 14, Kokomo 10, FW Wayne 9, SB Riley 9, Westfield 6, Ev. Reitz 4, New Albany 2, SB Adams 1, Homestead 1. W-L Pts. Prev. 1. Ind. Attucks (13) 5-0 139 1 2. SB St. Joseph (1) 2-0 119 3 3. Guerin Catholic 4-0 102 4 4. Cathedral 2-2 91 2 5. New Palestine 2-0 72 5 6. Southridge 2-0 46 6 7. Brebeuf 2-0 38 7 8. Danville 4-0 33 8 9. FW Blackhawk 3-1 27 8 10. Princeton 4-0 20 10 Others receiving votes: SB Washington 18, NorthWood 12, Silver Creek 11, Brownstown Central 10, Heritage Hills 9, East Chicago Central 8, Maconaquah 6, Ev. Memorial 4. W-L Pts. Prev. 1. Wapahani (11) 3-0 136 1 2. Parke Heritage (2) 4-0 108 3 3. FW Luers (1) 1-0 106 2 4. Gary 21st Century 3-0 85 5 5. Tipton 2-0 69 7 6. Forest Park 3-0 65 8 7. Lapel 2-1 44 6 8. Providence 0-0 30 10 9. Jimtown 3-0 28 NR 10. Park Tudor 0-2 26 4 Others receiving votes: Manchester 19, Linton-Stockton 12, Westview 9, Taylor 8, Shenandoah 7, Southmont 5, Sullivan 2, Benton Central 2, Triton Central 2, Southwestern (Jefferson) 1. W-L Pts. Prev. 1. Orleans (11) 3-0 135 3 2. Marquette Catholic (1) 3-0 109 4 3. Christian Academy (1) 3-0 87 4 4. Liberty Christian 2-2 75 1 5. Ind. Lutheran 0-0 62 8 6. Barr-Reeve 1-2 61 2 7. Rossville 4-0 41 NR 8. FW Canterbury 2-1 36 7 9. North Daviess 3-1 30 10 10. Northeast Dubois 3-0 29 NR Others receiving votes: Southwood 28, Bethesda Christian 23, Clay City 16, Tri 16, Ind. Tindley 16, Bloomfield 4, Greenwood Christian 3, Washington Township 3, Carroll (Flora) 2, Triton 2, Lafayette Central Catholic 1, North Central (Farmersburg) 1.

Even when Luigi Mangione was surrounded by people who cared about him, he was isolated by a spinal defect that gave the athletic young man crippling pain and contributed to a jaundiced view of the US healthcare system. Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Credit: nna\josh.hohne Authorities have charged Mangione, 26, with murder in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York and police said on Wednesday they believe the motive was animosity toward the health insurance industry and corporate America. New York police found a three-page, handwritten document on Mangione that expressed disdain for the health business, they’ve said. Mangione foreshadowed that scepticism about the healthcare industry on Reddit in April as he offered advice for getting a doctor to perform spinal surgery. “Tell them you are ‘unable to work’ / do your job,” he wrote. “We live in a capitalist society. I’ve found that the medical industry responds to these key words far more urgently than you describing unbearable pain and how it’s impacting your quality of life.” Mangione’s Reddit posts, under the name mister_cactus, had once linked to his personal programming site and offered numerous matching personal details. Reddit declined to confirm whether the account, which was deactivated this week, belonged to him. Reporters reviewed the posts in an internet archive. A poster depicting Luigi Mangione hangs outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in New York. Credit: AP Nothing in his Reddit posts reviewed by The Washington Post presaged violence. Authorities have not laid out their case for what they think drove Mangione to escalate his frustration with the health system, which is common in the United States, into an allegedly premeditated murder of a prominent executive. Thomas M. Dickey, an attorney for Mangione, didn’t respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Mangione’s arrest has stunned his friends and family, most of whom appeared to have lost touch with him in the last six months. “We all condemn violence of any kind,” said Josiah Ryan, a spokesman for Surfbreak HNL, a co-living community in Honolulu where Mangione lived for six months in 2022. He added: “There’s sadness because he was a person who was well-loved and no one saw this coming.” Ryan said Mangione’s back pain was well-known within the Surfbreak community. “It was a real problem for him, and he had to think about that in a way that most 24-year-old young men living in Hawaii would not have to worry about their health,” Ryan said. Mangione at the police station in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Credit: Pennsylvania State Police/AP Mangione’s struggles with his back pain offer a glimpse into the interior life of a man who outwardly lived a charmed existence – the scion of a wealthy family in Maryland who was valedictorian of his prestigious private school in Baltimore and earned degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania. In archived Reddit comments, Mangione doesn’t express anger toward UnitedHealthcare or other health insurers. But the posts chronicle his struggle over the years to deal with back pain that became increasingly debilitating. “From childhood until age 23, my back would always ache if I stood too long, but it wasn’t too bad,” he wrote in February. But as he entered his mid-20s, the pain began to disrupt his life. He once described the sensation of an unstable spine as being able to “feel the bones moving/grinding.” He also struggled with cognitive issues, according to his posts. In a Reddit group focused on brain fog, he wrote, “The people around you probably won’t understand your symptoms – they certainly don’t for me.” By January 2022, Mangione was living at Surfbreak in Hawaii, where a surfing accident exacerbated his spinal condition, according to his Reddit posts and interviews with friends. He had a spinal fusion surgery – a procedure that stabilises the spine with surgical screws – in July 2023, according to his Reddit posts, and he seemed pleased with the results for months afterward. “Haven’t had a bad day since,” he wrote in November 2023. Mangione’s discussion of surgery aligns with an image of an X-ray prominently displayed on his profile for the social media platform X. An orthopedic surgeon who reviewed the image for The Post described it as a “lumbar spine with posterior spinal instrumentation, possible fusion”. It’s a common procedure for people with spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra shifts forward and can cause excruciating pain in the lower back. He found a community on Reddit dedicated to spondylolisthesis, which he described as “my injury” in handwritten notes uploaded to his profile on the book-review site Goodreads in 2019. Mangione regularly offered advice to others, sometimes with an edge of bitterness about the reluctance of the medical profession to provide the care he considered necessary. To persuade doctors reluctant to perform surgery, he suggested an extreme option would be to “fake a foot drop” (difficulty lifting the front part of the foot) “or piss yourself. This is the absolute nuclear option, but there comes a point where it’s just ridiculous that people won’t operate on your broken spine.” His struggles drew empathy from people close to him. Surfbreak’s owner RJ Martin told the New York Times that Mangione “knew that dating and being physically intimate with his back condition wasn’t possible”. In a text message to The Post , Martin said he was overwhelmed and exhausted and deferred comment to Ryan, his spokesman. Martin found Mangione “to be a really special person,” Ryan said. “He expected to have a lifelong friendship with him.” Mangione’s arrest “was pretty devastating for him”. Marc McCoy, 59, owner of Moped Garage, a store near Surfbreak, said that he sold Mangione a moped and that they had multiple conversations. The Maryland native was eager to talk to McCoy, who has lived in Hawaii for a half-century, about how to fit in and respect the local culture and not be an ugly American stereotype, McCoy said. “He was well-spoken, intelligent, conscientious,” he said. “I’m in complete shock.” Mangione spent some time in Japan this year. A picture posted to X in late February by Japanese professional poker player Jun Obara shows him appearing to enjoy a meal at a Tokyo restaurant with a smiling Mangione and others. “He came in by himself and we talked to him and treated him to a meal and drinks because we wanted him to enjoy Japan,” Obara wrote in a subsequent post this week. “He said he was on vacation from Hawaii.” Most friends and family appear to have lost touch with Mangione since May. That appears to be when he last posted to his accounts on Goodreads and Reddit, where he linked to a video shared by another user in a group for discussing Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber. Members of the New York police crime scene unit photograph bullets lying on the footpath. Credit: AP His apparently last post on X, formerly Twitter, was a retweet of a podcast episode on how smartphones and social media impact mental health on June 10. June 10 also was the last time Gurwinder Bhogal, a UK-based writer, said he received a message from Mangione, who was seeking advice about curating his social media feeds. The two had struck up a correspondence in April after Mangione subscribed to his Substack publication. They discussed politics, said Bhogal, who recalled him complaining “about how expensive health care in the U.S. was.” In comments circulated to reporters, Bhogal wrote, “Overall, the impression I got of him, besides his curiosity and kindness, was a deep concern for the future of humanity, and a determination to improve himself and the world.” United Healthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. Credit: AP He added, “He was so polite and thoughtful it was hard to conceive of him murdering someone.” Mangione’s movements in the summer and fall are still not clear. Mangione’s mother, Kathleen Mangione, called the San Francisco police on Nov. 18 and said her son had not been heard from since July, according to local media reports. A source familiar with the matter confirmed to The Post that a missing-person report was filed. The San Francisco Police Department declined to comment on the case and referred questions to New York police. An NYPD spokesperson declined to comment on the missing-person report. Washington Post Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here .TV’s Dr. Oz invested in businesses regulated by agency Trump wants him to lead

Tom Phillips, Hamilton Pullman Hotel and Te Kūiti baby death: The big stories of June 2024Northwestern field hockey won its second national championship in four years, defeating No. 4 seed St. Joseph’s 5-0 in the NCAA title game Sunday in Ann Arbor, Mich. The second-seeded Wildcats scored all five goals in the first half, with two from Maddie Zimmer, two from Ilse Tromp and one from Olivia Bent-Cole. Goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz posted her 14th shutout of the season, a single-season school record . The Wildcats’ 23-1 season also marked a school record for wins. Zimmer, a senior, was named the tournament’s most outstanding player with two goals and five assists. The Wildcats won the school’s first field hockey national title in 2021, starting a current four-year streak of appearing in the championship game. According to the school , they are the sixth program in the sport’s history to win multiple national championships. The national championship is the second for Tracey Fuchs as the Wildcats head coach, adding to her 1985 title as a player with Connecticut. It’s also the 11th NCAA team championship for Northwestern — and 10th by a women’s team — including eight women’s lacrosse titles and the men’s fencing title in 1941. The Wildcats made their way to the title game with wins over Miami (Ohio), Virginia and Massachusetts. Ashley Sessa scored the Wildcats’ goal, assisted by Zimmer, in the 1-0 win over UMass to advance to the final. They once again punctured a title streak for North Carolina, which had won the previous two championships over Northwestern. The Wildcats’ 2021 national title halted three consecutive Tar Heels championships.

Brainrot, brat, extreme weather, midwest nice and weird round out the shortlist SAN MATEO, Calif. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dictionary.com , the world's leading digital dictionary, today announced its 2024 Word of the Year: demure . Traditionally used to describe reserved or modest individuals, demure has taken on an expanded meaning this year to signify refined and sophisticated appearances or behaviors. "As remote work fades and in-person experiences become the norm again, the subtle art of personal presentation has taken on renewed importance," said Steve Johnson , Curriculum Design Manager of the Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning . " Demure captures this cultural shift with a modern twist: a word that once carried traditional, often limiting connotations has been reimagined to celebrate understated elegance and suavity. Its evolving meaning gives people a way to express quiet confidence—embracing modesty and charm as intentional, empowering choices . " In making the annual selection, Dictionary.com 's lexicographers analyzed a wealth of data—including newsworthy headlines, search engine results and social media trends—to identify words that captured pivotal moments in 2024. The word demure dominated the cultural zeitgeist, with its usage in digital media surging a remarkable 1,200% between January and August. This meteoric rise is largely attributed to Jools Lebron, a content creator who popularized the phrase "very demure, very mindful" in a series of TikTok videos illustrating how to embody the term in professional, travel and social settings. The social media buzz surrounding demure sparked a similar spike in search interest. In the 11 months before Lebron's videos, there was no notable trend in Google searches for the term, but interest surged 14-fold by August 2024 . At its peak, searches for demure on Dictionary.com were 200 times greater than their previous rate. While the initial trend has cooled, the word remains five times more popular on Dictionary.com than it was before its breakout moment. Alongside demure, Dictionary.com 's lexicographers identified five additional words that shaped the cultural conversation in 2024, rounding out this year's shortlist. Read more about Dictionary.com 's 2024 Word of the Year at http://dictionary.com/e/word-of-the-year/ . About Dictionary.com Words define every aspect of our lives, from our ideas to our identities. Dictionary.com aspires to empower people to express themselves, make connections and find opportunities through the power and joy of language. With 96 million visitors each month, Dictionary.com is the premier destination to learn, discover and have fun with the limitless world of words and meanings. The brand helps you make sense of the ever-evolving English language so you can put your ideas into words—and your words into action. Press Contact Joslyn Chesson IXL Learning press@ixl.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dictionarycom-names-demure-as-the-2024-word-of-the-year-302315735.html SOURCE IXL Learning

TORONTO, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fredonia Mining Inc. (“ ” or the “ ”) (TSXV:FRED) announces that it has filed a technical report for its wholly-owned El Dorado Monserrat (“EDM”) Gold & Silver Project, Santa Cruz province, Argentina (the “ “) pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 “Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects” (“ “). The Technical Report supports the disclosure made by the Company in its November 11, 2024 news release announcing the Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at El Dorado Monserrat Project, Argentina. The Technical Report is titled “Maiden Mineral Resources Estimate on the El Dorado Monserrat Property, Gold and Silver Project Santa Cruz Province, Argentina” with an effective date of November 8, 2024, and was prepared by Mr. Mario Alfaro Cortés, Qualified Person (QP) as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Chilean Mining Commission; and Mr. Ganem Fernando, Qualified Person (QP) as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Estanislao Auriemma, CEO stated: “With the filing of the technical report and maiden mineral resource estimate for the North and South deposit, we are planning a new phase of diamond drilling to expand the high-grade gold and silver resources and then move the Project through a Pre- Feasibility study. As the maiden mineral resource estimate covers only a fraction of the Project, we believe we have established the baseline for significant shareholder value, and, with our now deeper understanding of the Project’s geology, we plan to continue to significantly grow the size and quality of the mineral resource as we address the broader Project area that demonstrates mineralization, similar to the neighboring Cerro VanGuardia mine. The upcoming drill campaign is focused on demonstrating that higher grade mineralization exists at depth consistent with the results of our deeper drill holes we completed at Herradura Hill showing increasing grade.” • 81.348 million tonnes grading 0.61 g/t gold and 18.76 g/t silver (0.86 g/t gold equivalent*6), containing an estimated 1.593 million ounces of gold and 49.067 million ounces of silver (2.248 million ounces of gold equivalent*6); plus limited Inferred Mineral Resource. • The estimate produces in- pit resources for the Northern Monserrat Sector and Southern Mineralized Corridor deposits, spaced just 5.0 km apart. • Mineralization remains open in all directions and below the base of drilling at both the North and South sectors, showing clear scope for further drilling to increase the size of this initial mineral resource estimate. • The resource estimate is based on 40,472.68 meters of drilling and 5,305.43 meters of trenches, intersecting the resource solids. These drillings are divided into 164 holes for a total of 27,504.22 meters for Northern Monserrat Sector and 55 holes for a total of 12,968.46 meters for Southern Mineralized Corridor (including only Herradura Hill target). Gold and silver grades for both sector, have been interpolated independently. Figure 1. Plan view of the north and south deposits (resource area in green) and their proximity in relation to the Cerro Vanguardia Mine. Figure 2. Plan view of the north and south deposit at El Dorado Monserrat. (Blue measured, green indicated, red inferred). Figure 3. Gold grade Shell with a view to the West. Long Section of the MRE at Northern Monserrat Sector. Figure 4. Gold grade Shell with a view to the west. Cross Section of the MRE at Southern Mineralized Corridor (included only Herradura Hill). The mineral resource estimate was prepared by independent QP Mario Alfaro Cortés of Chile, commissioned by Fredonia Mining, and is calculated for two deposits, North and South. The estimate was prepared according to NI 43-101 standards and the CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves: Definitions and Guidelines (CIM 2014). Mr. Fernando Ganem, is a QP as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Ganem visited the property and has read and approved the technical contents of this release. The Company also announces that it has granted stock options (the “ ”) to directors and officers of the Company in the amounts described in the table below. Each Option is exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company (a “ ”) at a price of $0.40 per Common Share, representing a significant premium to the market price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange, for a period five years from the grant date. The Options have been granted in accordance with the terms of the Company’s stock option plan and have been granted to the directors and offices in lieu of accrued cash amounts payable for compensation for acting in those positions. The Company intends to pay cash compensation to officers and directors in the future in accordance with historical practices. Fredonia holds gold and silver license areas totaling approximately 18,300 ha. in the prolific Deseado Massif geological region in the Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, including the following principal areas: its flagship – the advanced El Dorado-Monserrat project (approx. 6,200 ha.) located close to AngloGold Ashanti’s 300,000 oz./yr Au-Ag Cerro Vanguardia mine, the El Aguila project (approx. 9,100 ha.), and the Petrificados project (approx. 3,000 ha). Please visit the Company’s website at or contact: Estanislao Auriemma, Chief Executive Officer, Direct +54 91 149 980 623, Email: . Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation relating to the Company and the EDM project, including statements regarding the prospectivity of the EDM project for gold and silver mineralization, including the potential for metal recoveries from any mineral processing activity, the mineral resource estimate at the Project, the prospectivity for mineralization at the EDM Project similar to mineralization at the Cerro Vanguardia mine, and the Company’s future exploration plans. Words such as “might”, “will”, “should”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “believe”, “estimate”, “forecast” and similar terminology are used to identify forward looking statements and forward-looking information. Such statements and information are based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by the Company considering its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, the factors described in the Company’s filing statement dated June 22, 2021 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the heading “Risk Factors” that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information and the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements made herein, or comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company or its securities, other than as required by law. Photos accompanying this announcement are available atLiverpool legend lashes ‘selfish’ superstar after troubling admission casts doubt over PL futureUK leader Starmer heads to Gulf to talk trade, Mideast

Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference case against President-elect Donald TrumpGirls basketball: Bluejays fall to Juda

PARADIGM CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIVE WITH INDATAUstby, Donarski lead No. 16 North Carolina women over Villanova 53-36 in Battle 4 Atlantis semifinal

Lawrence Shankland preparing to quit Hearts as skipper admits ‘this is the situation we’re at’Special counsel Jack Smith has announced that he will be dropping both his 2020 election interference case and classified documents case against Donald Trump , following the president -elect’s victory. The sudden and somewhat surprising decisions were announced in two separate motions, filed on Monday. In his motion to dismiss the federal election interference case , Smith wrote that there was precedent to not bring an indictment or proceedings against a sitting president. However, he stressed that the decision had been made due to the recommendations of the Justice Department rather than the strength of the case. “The (Justice) Department’s position is that the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” Smith wrote to Judge Tanya Chutkan in a six-page filing. “This outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against the defendant.” “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind.” The original indictment accused Trump of pushing false claims of voter fraud after the 2020 presidential election in an attempt to overturn results and return to power. Prosecutors claimed Trump engaged in a so-called fake electors scheme to do so. Ultimately, his actions, according to Smith, inspired a mob of supporters to storm the Capitol on January 6. Shortly after the first motion was filed on Monday, the Department announced it would also be abandoning the classified documents case appeal in Florida. That case, also brought by Smith, emerged after an FBI raid on Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago allegedly uncovered improperly stored boxes of classified documents , some containing matters related to national security. Photos in the indictment showed stacks of boxes stored in a bathroom that was publicly accessible. Smith accused Trump, his personal aide Walt Nauta and property manager Carlos de Oliveira, of knowingly withholding the documents from the National Archives and failing to cooperate with authorities when they tried to obtain them. All three pleaded not guilty and Trump remained adamant that he had the authority to keep the documents because he “de-classified” them before leaving office. Prosecutors disputed that, claiming Trump did not go through the formal process of doing so. District Judge Aileen Cannon , a Trump appointee tasked with overseeing the case, dismissed the case earlier this year , arguing that Smith was improperly appointed. Prosecutors were in the midst of appealing that ruling, when Monday’s motion was filed. Smith’s criminal pursuit of Trump over the last two years, with both the case over the attempt to subvert the 2020 presidential election and his mishandling of classified documents, marked the first time in American history that a former occupant of the White House faced federal criminal charges. The saga also culminated in a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court earlier this summer , which stated that the president qualifies for some presidential immunity from criminal prosecution. The motions to dismiss has come earlier than expected, as Smith had been set to reveal how he planned to “wind down” the cases against Trump on December 2. The President-elect has previously said that he would fire Smith from his position on his first day back in the Oval Office. “The American People re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate to Make America Great Again. Today’s decision by the DOJ ends the unconstitutional federal cases against President Trump, and is a major victory for the rule of law,” said Steven Cheung, Trump Communications Director. “The American People and President Trump want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.”

AP Business SummaryBrief at 5:02 p.m. ESTDec 12 (Reuters) - Andrew Ferguson, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to chair the U.S. Federal Trade Commission , has expressed the desire to go after Big Tech companies while taking a hands-off approach to regulating artificial intelligence. Ferguson's views on social media, data privacy, AI and the need to boost American competitiveness are likely to affect the regulator's approach to companies including Meta Platforms (META.O) , opens new tab , Microsoft (MSFT.O) , opens new tab and Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) , opens new tab Google. Here are some of the views Ferguson has expressed in statements during his term as an FTC commissioner which began in April and ends in 2030. The "pro-regulation side of the AI debate" is "the wrong one," Ferguson said. "A knee-jerk regulatory response will only squelch innovation, further entrench Big Tech incumbents, and ensure that AI innovators move to jurisdictions friendlier to them — but perhaps hostile to the United States," he said in a September statement , opens new tab on the FTC's report on social media . The report called for comprehensive legislation to protect users' data and prevent AI from perpetuating discrimination. Ferguson has described the vast collection, aggregation and indefinite storage of data on social media and internet users in the U.S. as an "online privacy crisis" that regulators should focus on. However, he has warned against regulating how such information is used to target advertising. "If regulators and lawmakers attempt to ban or seriously curtail targeted advertising, they will be undoing the balance of the online economy," he said. Ferguson has criticized social media platforms for instituting "Orwellian policies banning nebulous categories of content like 'misinformation,' 'disinformation,' and 'hate speech.'" The FTC could take action against social media platforms if their terms of service misled users about content moderation policies. With more transparent policies, users could decide if they want to stay on the platforms, Ferguson said in December , opens new tab . "But the choice would be real only if there are suitable free-speech-respecting substitutes to the censorious platforms," Ferguson said, praising Elon Musk 's "unusually firm commitment to free and open debate" after the billionaire took over social media platform X. Ferguson has expressed concern that social media platforms may have coordinated in banning Trump in 2021, taking down posts they deemed harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic, and restricting dissemination of stories about Hunter Biden's laptop computer . "If the platforms colluded amongst each other to set shared censorship policies, such an agreement would be tantamount to an agreement not to compete on contract terms or product quality," which would violate antitrust laws, Ferguson said. Coordination between advertisers to pull money from platforms such as X over content concerns could violate antitrust laws, Ferguson said. The World Federation of Advertisers' Global Alliance for Responsible Media, which was formed to help advertisers avoid their ads being placed next to harmful content on social media, shut down after X sued, accusing it of facilitating group boycotts . Ferguson has said the FTC could investigate similar efforts. Congress should pass a law that would require online service providers to give parents more control over children's online privacy, Ferguson said. "Congress should empower parents to impose whatever level of supervision and control over internet messaging they feel is right for their family and their children," he said. Sign up here. Reporting by Jody Godoy in New YorkEditing by Matthew Lewis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Jody Godoy reports on tech policy and antitrust enforcement, including how regulators are responding to the rise of AI. Reach her at jody.godoy@thomsonreuters.com

The Bandra police on Sunday arrested a 34-year-old man for allegedly stalking and molesting a woman in the Bandra Reclamation area and later assaulting a constable at the Bandra police station. The accused has been identified as Babar Khan, a resident of Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai. According to the police, the incident took place around 4.30pm on November 23 when the complainant, 34, and her friend had gone for a stroll in the garden at the Reclamation area in Bandra West. Khan allegedly stalked them, abused the complainant when she confronted him and even groped her, said the FIR. He also made a video of her and threatened to make it viral on social media, it added. Next day, the woman approached the police and Khan was arrested a few hours later and brought to the Bandra police station. There, he shouted and abused the police personnel and later assaulted a constable. On November 24, a case was filed against him under sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 78 (stalking), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) and other relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Jayden Reid led South Florida with 14 points, including the game-winning jumper as time expired, and the Bulls defeated Wright State 73-72 on Sunday to claim third place at the Myrtle Beach Invitational tournament. Reid finished 6 of 9 from the field for the Bulls (4-3). Jamille Reynolds added 13 points while finishing 6 of 11 from the floor while he also had 14 rebounds and three blocks. Kobe Knox went 4 of 9 from the field (1 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with 10 points. The Raiders (4-4) were led by Jack Doumbia, who posted 18 points and 10 rebounds. Solomon Callaghan added 15 points and seven rebounds for Wright State. Alex Huibregste finished with 12 points. Kasen Jennings scored seven points in the first half and South Florida went into the break trailing 34-32. Reynolds scored 10 second-half points. South Florida outscored Wright State by three points over the final half. NEXT UP South Florida plays Tuesday against Stetson at home, and Wright State hosts Air Force on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .In a rapidly changing market, having the right strategies can determine financial success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, understanding the fundamentals is crucial. The Motley Fool offers valuable insights and expert recommendations that cater to all levels of investors. Diving Into Fundamental Analysis Every successful investor knows the importance of analyzing a company’s fundamentals. This process involves assessing financial statements, industry conditions, and economic indicators. 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Wisconsin Republicans will cast electoral votes for Trump in line with federal, not state, lawWith the first third of the season now complete, NHL teams have had time to evaluate their playoff chances and their rosters. Statistically speaking, the Montreal Canadiens are still “in the mix” and a strong run could enhance their chances of securing a playoff spot. Realistically speaking, they are still a long shot. The Habs management team of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes does not want to appear as if they are giving up on the season and trading veterans could certainly give that impression. But holding on to veterans, falling short of the playoffs and losing three or four players to free agency is also a risk. The Canadiens are walking a bit of a tightrope here. The Value of Leadership The argument can be made that keeping these veterans on the roster for their leadership qualities is worth something, but how much? The Canadiens may only be able to hold on to these players until season end and could lose them for nothing. That means that the leadership provided by this group could conceivably end with the last game of the regular season. Among the “young veterans” the defence has already gained a lot of experience and continues to do so. Forwards like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and now Patrik Laine have also begun to establish themselves as leaders. In addition, players acquired in trades, some could possibly bring NHL experience with them; acquisitions don’t always have to be prospects and draft picks. Upon further review keeping the group of veterans who are pending free agents may not be critical and could actually be detrimental in the long run if the Canadiens lose them, getting nothing in return. Template for a Trade Using that framework, we can see the kind of trade the Canadiens might be open to making. It is intended only as an example of how Kent Hughes might proceed. The first step would be to analyze what the Canadiens need. Christian Dvorak may be heading for the exits, so a left-shot center comes to mind, preferably one who has the potential to play in the top six. A physical right shot defenceman is another need, at least in the short term. Given that David Reinbacher likely won’t be ready for next season, a player with a year or two left on his contract would be ideal. Other than that, quality prospects and draft picks are always welcome. The second step is to consider who the team might be open to trading, and the Canadiens have a host of veterans that could be available. That group includes David Savard, Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia and others. The team also boasts a solid pipeline of prospects and a wealth of draft picks. Because NHL teams are limited to a roster of 23 players and an NHL contract limit of 50 players, it would not be a stretch to say that some of these assets are also available. The Canadiens also have some cap room, particularly in the short term, that could be used as an incentive as could salary retention on one contract. The final step is to identify a dance partner. Teams that are legitimate playoff or Stanley Cup contenders are obvious candidates. Among that group, teams that could benefit from what the Canadiens have to offer rise to the top. Those teams would have to be able to provide a return that would interest Montreal, shortening the list even more. Enter the Vancouver Canucks. The discussion on Sportsnet 650 this morning revolved around the need for the Canucks to add a right shot defenceman and a right shot center capable of playing in the bottom six. The names of Savard and Evans immediately come to mind. Potential Trade Pieces It’s a situation worth examining, but the salary cap immediately becomes an issue. The Canucks only have about $2.5 million in current cap space while Savard’s contract is for $3.5 million and Evans’ is for $1.7 million. Montreal could help solve that problem by accepting Vincent Desharnais and his $2.0 million contract as part of the return. He is at best a bottom pairing defenceman and maybe more suited to the AHL but his contract is only for one more season and the Canadiens could probably live with it for that long. Montreal would be doing Vancouver a favour here as Desharnais simply hasn’t worked out for them. If Desharnais was part of the trade, it could still leave the Canucks relatively tight to the cap. Montreal could retain salary on Savard, but I suspect they would be loathe to do that, preferring to use salary retention in a trade that involved Dvorak or Armia. One option would be to include 29-year-old Danton Heinen in the deal, swapping his $2.25 million contract for that of 26-year-old Michael Pezzetta and his $812.5k contract. Apparently the Canucks have been deeply disappointed in Heinen’s play and while has been a more productive player than Pezzetta, it does remove about $1.4 million of cap liability for them; cap space that could be used at the deadline if the opportunity arose. The inclusion of Heinen would be a long shot. The key to this hypothetical trade, however, would be Aatu Raty, a 6-2 190 left hand center who was acquired from the Islanders in the Bo Horvat trade. At one point, Raty was considered to be among the top three picks available in the 2021 entry draft. His stock fell going into the draft as his skating was considered a weakness and the Islanders eventually selected him in the second round at 52nd overall. In 134 AHL games spread over four seasons, Raty has amassed 30 goals and 56 assists along with 44 minutes in penalties. While those aren’t earth shattering numbers they aren’t bad for a young player who has bounced between organizations and leagues over the last four seasons. Given that he was a key piece in the Horvat trade, Raty is an even longer shot that Heinen to be included in a trade. It’s hard to see the Canucks giving up on him. Trade Probabilities Multi-player trades typically take place in the off-season, making the likelihood of anything close to this trade between these two teams this season close to zero. It might be too many assets to be included in one trade, it could be that one team would have to include additional assets or it might be the wrong assets altogether. It could also possibly be the kind of trade Kent Hughes is willing to make. But would Vancouver? This hypothetical trade was put forward only to create some discussion around what factors could be considered when the Canadiens are in trade negotiations. As the fortunes of NHL teams rise and fall in the coming weeks, look for more trade speculation. This article first appeared on The Sick Podcast and was syndicated with permission.NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) market size is estimated to grow by USD 13.66 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 29.02% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Product (Solutions and Services), End-user (Service providers and Enterprise customers), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered Arista Networks Inc., Aryaka Networks Inc., Bigleaf Networks Inc., Cato Networks Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc., Citrix Systems Inc., FatPipe Networks Inc., flexiWAN Ltd. , Forcepoint LLC, Fortinet Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Juniper Networks Inc., Lumen Technologies Inc., Nokia Corp., Oracle Corp., Palo Alto Networks Inc., Riverbed Technology Inc., Versa Networks Inc., VMware Inc, Cisco Systems, Inc.; Oracle Corporation; Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company.; Nokia Corporation; VMWare, Inc.; Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; Juniper Networks, Inc.; Fortinet, Inc.; Citrix Systems, Inc.; Ciena Corporation; Epsilon Telecommunications; Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson; BT; NEC Corporation; Tata Communications Regions Covered North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Region Outlook 1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 37%. To the growth of the global market. The Software-defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The SD-WAN market in North America is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer and enterprise data traffic. Factors driving this trend include the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, rising investments in artificial intelligence (AI), and the implementation of autonomous technologies across businesses. Additionally, the growth of autonomous vehicles and the resulting IP traffic expansion, fueled by increasing mobile data consumption and high-bandwidth applications, are contributing to the market's growth. The US and Canada lead data center investments in North America due to their supportive environments for 5G-enabled IoT solutions, high connectivity and bandwidth, favorable tax policies, and low electricity tariffs. For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Businesses can securely connect their users to applications using a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), which allows the combination of various transport services like MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet. Managed SD-WAN services, offered by managed service providers (MSPs) or communications service providers (CSPs), provide the necessary networking, transport, hardware, and software for delivering applications or services, such as branch connectivity with specified SLAs. Regular maintenance is crucial for SD-WAN's optimal performance, and providers often offer additional services for setup, integration, and maintenance. The services segment is expected to drive the growth of the global SD-WAN market during the forecast period. Research Analysis The Software-defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for WAN simplification and cost savings. SD-WAN enables businesses to efficiently manage and optimize their network resources, making it an ideal solution for handling the exponential growth of cloud IP traffic. With the advent of 5G, SD-WAN is set to become even more crucial for businesses dealing with large amounts of data, such as those in healthcare, energy and utilities, and transportation and logistics. SD-WAN offers improved reliability and bandwidth efficiency compared to traditional Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks. It is particularly beneficial for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and industries dealing with high-volume data, such as industrial IoT (IIoT), smart cities, and edge computing. Moreover, SD-Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and AI-driven network security are essential features of SD-WAN, ensuring secure connectivity for businesses dealing with sensitive data. Operating costs are also reduced through the adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and hybrid cloud solutions. The future of SD-WAN lies in its ability to adapt to emerging technologies like 5G, RAN, and mobility, making it a vital component of digital transformation strategies. Market Overview The SD-WAN market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for WAN simplification and cost savings. Traditional approaches to managing network infrastructure for enterprises, such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), are being replaced with SD-WAN networks for their bandwidth efficiency and ability to handle exabytes (EB) and zettabytes (ZB) of cloud IP traffic. SD-WAN networks provide reliability and agility, enabling digital transformation for various industries, including SMEs, healthcare, transportation and logistics, energy and utilities, and more. The integration of 5G, Radio Access Networks (RAN), and advanced technologies like AI, big data, and edge computing, further enhances SD-WAN's capabilities. Cost savings, network security, and application performance are key benefits of SD-WAN, making it an attractive option for enterprises looking to optimize their network infrastructure and improve user experience. The market for SD-WAN is expected to grow as more businesses adopt cloud-based services, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and hybrid cloud platforms. Despite the advantages, SD-WAN deployment can face reliability issues and cybersecurity concerns. Network links, including wireless, broadband, and Internet, must be secure to protect employees, corporate applications, servers, and resources. ZTNA and IoT are also essential considerations for SD-WAN networks. Overall, the SD-WAN market offers enterprises a cost-effective, efficient, and secure solution for managing their network infrastructure and supporting their digital transformation initiatives. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Cisco Systems, Inc 11.2 Oracle Corporation 11.3 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company 11.4 Nokia Corporation 11.5 VMWare, Inc 11.6 Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd 11.7 Juniper Networks, Inc 11.8 Fortinet, Inc 11.9 Citrix Systems, Inc 11.10 Ciena Corporation 11.11 Epsilon Telecommunications 11.12 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 11.13 BT 11.14 NEC Corporation 11.15 Tata Communications 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sd-wan-market-37-growth-from-north-america-report-on-how-ai-is-driving-market-transformation---technavio-302328865.html SOURCE Technavio

BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. People are also reading... For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." Granting wishes The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. Special moment It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Paying athletes Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue was the unsurprising result of the Prime Minister’s “deplorable” handling of the Middle East conflict. Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue was badly damaged in an alleged anti-Semitic attack in the early hours of Friday. The Liberal leader said the blaze was “an act of terrorism, pure and simple”. Cabinet minister Murray Watt echoed this while noting there was a legal process for a formal designation as such by national security agencies. “For me personally, it looks like terrorism, but that’s a judgment that’s got to be made by our domestic security agencies, and I know that they’re working on that at the moment,” Senator Watt told Sky News on Sunday. “But whatever we label it, it is an absolute outrage. It should never have happened, and the people responsible have got to be hunted down and pay a price for this.” Joe Spagnolo Mr Dutton labelled the incident a tragedy and national disgrace, calling again on Anthony Albanese to take concrete action to stamp out rising anti-Semitism. “He said, he said, he said, but he never does. And that’s the problem,” Mr Dutton told Sky News. “Nobody should be surprised by the fact that (the fire in Melbourne) has happened, which is part of the tragedy. “The fact is that the Prime Minister took a deliberate decision 13 months ago to play down the level of anti-Semitism in the community, and the government’s policies right up to this very day, have made it less safe for people of Jewish faith in our country.” His comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used social media to link the attack in Melbourne with Australia’s vote in the UN last week on a resolution calling on Israel to rapidly end its “unlawful presence” in Palestine territories. “Unfortunately, it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Labor government in Australia,” Mr Netanyahu posted on X. Emma Kirk and Duncan Evans Mr Dutton, who met the Israeli leader in July, said the Government had “tarnished our international reputation” and that Foreign Minister Penny Wong should be ashamed. Senator Watt pointed out that Australia was among 157 countries who backed the UN resolution, including like-minded nations such as the UK, Canada, Germany and Japan. “I can understand why Mr Netanyahu may have his own reasons for making these types of comments, but I think it’s completely incorrect to label Australia as taking some kind of position that’s out of step with the rest of the world,” he said. Mr Albanese privately visited a Perth synagogue on Saturday , and later said the Melbourne attack “was aimed at stoking fear in the community, and it was an outrageous act”.None

Europe's main stock markets were little changed Thursday despite interest rate cuts by the eurozone and Swiss central banks as policymakers warned of economic and political woes in the region and beyond. Wall Street shares pulled back a day after the tech-heavy Nasdaq topped 20,000 points for the first time. The Paris CAC 40 index ended the day flat while the Frankfurt DAX added 0.1 percent after the European Central Bank (ECB) cut its interest rates by 25 basis points, marking its third consecutive reduction and fourth this year overall. ECB President Christine Lagarde said policymakers discussed political "uncertainty" in Europe and the United States before deciding on the cut. She mentioned "political situations in some of the member states" and the US presidential election won by Donald Trump. Lagarde warned that the eurozone economy was "losing momentum" and that "the risk of greater friction in global trade could weigh on euro area growth". Earlier, the Swiss National Bank surprised markets with a 50-basis-point reduction in its rate, citing slowing inflation and uncertainty over the impact of Trump's economic policies and Europe's political upheaval. The franc fell against the dollar and the euro following the announcement. With growth still weak and France and Germany in political crises there have been calls for the ECB to move faster. Germany is heading towards early elections in February following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government as Europe's biggest economy falters. In France, President Emmanuel Macron is due to appoint a new prime minister after MPs toppled the government of Michel Barnier last week. Sylvain Broyer, an economist at S&P Global Ratings, said Europe was suffering from "a real crisis of confidence whose roots run deep and go beyond economic factors". "The ECB must react and speed up the pace of rate cuts, unless low confidence derails the nascent recovery and jeopardizes the return to price stability," he said. Investors are also focused on the US Federal Reserve's own interest rate decision next week. Consumer inflation data on Wednesday was in line with expectations as it inched slightly higher in November to 2.7 percent. But figures on Thursday showed US wholesale inflation also ticked higher in November. Nonetheless, futures markets continued to show high confidence the Fed will still cut interest rates next week. But there are concerns that measures pledged by Trump to slash taxes and regulations and ramp up tariffs could reignite price increases. In Asia, Hong Kong and Shanghai rallied amid hopes that leaders in China will unveil more help for the economy, which is struggling under the weight of weak consumer spending and a chronic property crisis. Tokyo gained more than one percent on a weaker yen. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.5 percent 43,014.12 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN 0.5 percent at 6,051.25 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: DOWN 0.7 percent at 19,902.84 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 at 8,311.76 (close) Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 7,420.94 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.1 percent at 20,426.27 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 39,849.14 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 1.2 percent at 20,397.05 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.9 percent at 3,461.50 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0468 from $1.0496 on Wednesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2669 from $1.2751 Dollar/yen: UP at 152.68 yen from 152.45 yen Euro/pound: UP at 82.59 from 82.31 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.4 percent at $70.02 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.2 percent at $73.41 per barrel burs-jmb/dwInside James May's idyllic life in one of Britain's tiniest villages with no shopsBy CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.

UK leader Starmer heads to Gulf to talk trade, Mideast