ufabet777

ufabet777 Horoscope Today: Astrological prediction for December 14, 2024By KELVIN CHAN LONDON (AP) — After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is a garble that can’t be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won’t be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Here’s a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you’re an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there’s a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption on all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent, or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal’s encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp , so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger , which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels” but contrary to popular perception, it doesn’t turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France . Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.BAKU, Ázerbájdžán--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XII 10, 2024-- Xsolla, globální společnost zabývající se obchodováním s videohrami, oznámila strategické partnerství se společností StarNest a ázerbájdžánskou Agenturou pro inovace a digitální rozvoj (IDDA) s cílem založit program „Xsolla StarNest Academy and Incubator Program“. Tato transformační spolupráce byla představena na největším herním festivalu v regionu Gamesummit Winter Edition 2024 v ázerbájdžánském Baku. Tato tisková zpráva obsahuje multimediální prvky. Celou zprávu najdete zde: (Graphic: Xsolla) Festival Gamesummit Winter Edition 2024 upozornil na růst herního průmyslu v Ázerbájdžánu a zahrnoval diskuse o trendech, osvědčených světových postupech a prezentace lokálně vyvinutých her. Na festivalu společnosti IDDA a Xsolla odhalily plány na posílení postavení místních vývojářů, herních designérů a studií pomocí špičkových školení, inkubačních a akceleračních programů a přístupu k finančním a technologickým zdrojům. Toto partnerství nově vymezí roli Ázerbájdžánu v globálním herním průmyslu a zároveň podpoří místní talenty a inovace. „Tato spolupráce otevírá rozsáhlé možnosti pro realizaci společných projektů, které budou hnací silou rozvoje ázerbájdžánského herního sektoru,“ uvedla Yevgenija Bikmurzina, vedoucí oddělení inovačního ekosystému IDDA. „Ázerbájdžánská herní studia získají přístup k nástrojům a zdrojům potřebným k tomu, aby se prosadila na globálním trhu.“ „Toto partnerství představuje pro společnost Xsolla významný milník, protože spolupracujeme s ázerbájdžánskými lídry na uvolnění potenciálu regionu,“ řekl Rytis Joseph Jan, SVP globálních strategických partnerství ve společnosti Xsolla. „Spojením našich globálních odborných znalostí s vizionářským vedením našich partnerů chceme v Ázerbájdžánu posílit novou generaci talentů a podpořit smysluplné inovace s globálním dopadem.“ Inkubátor a akcelerátor Xsolla podpoří ázerbájdžánskou komunitu herních vývojářů tím, že jim poskytne nástroje, mentoring a zdroje, které jim umožní proměnit nápady v úspěšné projekty. Inkubátor pomůže vývojářům v rané fázi vývoje zdokonalit koncepty, získat technické znalosti a spolupracovat s mezinárodními odborníky. Akcelerátor bude pomáhat zavedeným studiím při rozšiřování jejich projektů a nabídne přístup k financování, mentorství a kontaktům v globálním průmyslu. Cílem těchto programů je získat pro Ázerbájdžán pozici klíčového hráče v herním průmyslu a vytvořit místním talentům příležitosti k úspěchu na globální úrovni. Akademie Xsolla StarNest poskytne 90 mladým lidem specializované školení v oblasti vývoje her. Kromě toho bude v roce 2025 spuštěn inkubační program na podporu místních herních studií, který nabídne mentoring od mezinárodních odborníků, přístup k finančním zdrojům a možnosti prezentovat hry na globální úrovni. Ázerbájdžánská telekomunikační společnost StarNest povede úsilí o zajištění speciálního zařízení pro akademii, které zajistí prostředí příznivé pro růst a učení. IDDA nabídne strategický dohled s cílem sladit iniciativu s národními cíli Ázerbájdžánu v oblasti digitální transformace. Společnost Xsolla rovněž zkoumá možnosti zřízení svého regionálního ústředí pro střední Asii v Baku, aby dále podpořila svůj závazek vůči komunitě a herním vývojářům v regionu. Bude sloužit nejen jako regionální centrum, ale také jako technologické centrum pro špičkový vývoj a podporu svých špičkových řešení v oboru. Díky partnerství se společností Xsolla StarNest to znamená novou kapitolu pro ázerbájdžánský herní sektor, která odráží společnou vizi, jak zemi postavit do pozice regionálního lídra v oblasti vývoje her a digitálních inovací. Tato průlomová spolupráce vytváří předpoklady pro to, aby se Ázerbájdžán stal centrem herních inovací a rozvoje talentů. Další informace jsou k dispozici na adrese: Xsolla je globální společnost zabývající se obchodováním s videohrami, která nabízí robustní a výkonnou sadu nástrojů a služeb určených speciálně pro toto odvětví. Od svého založení v roce 2005 pomohla společnost Xsolla tisícům herních vývojářů a vydavatelů všech velikostí financovat, prodávat, uvádět na trh a zpeněžovat jejich hry po celém světě a na různých platformách. Posláním společnosti Xsolla jako inovativního lídra v oblasti obchodování s hrami je řešit neodmyslitelné složitosti globální distribuce, marketingu a monetizace a pomáhat tak našim partnerům oslovit více zeměpisných oblastí, generovat větší příjmy a vytvářet vztahy s hráči po celém světě. Společnost sídlí a je registrována v Los Angeles v Kalifornii a má kanceláře v Londýně, Berlíně, Soulu, Pekingu, Kuala Lumpuru, Raleighu, Tokiu, Montrealu a ve městech po celém světě. Další informace jsou k dispozici na adrese IDDA je ázerbájdžánská vládní agentura, která se specializuje na digitální diplomacii a analytiku a nabízí výzkum, školení a poradenství pro posílení digitální přítomnosti institucí. Hraje klíčovou roli při utváření moderních diplomatických strategií prostřednictvím digitálních nástrojů a analýzy dat. Další informace jsou k dispozici na adrese StarNest je přední ázerbájdžánská telekomunikační společnost poskytující internetová a síťová řešení, včetně širokopásmových služeb, firemního připojení a podpory IT infrastruktury. Společnost StarNest se věnuje umožnění technologického růstu a digitální transformace v celém Ázerbájdžánu. Další informace jsou k dispozici na adrese GameSummit je významná ázerbájdžánská organizace zaměřená na rozvoj herního průmyslu. Prostřednictvím akcí, jako jsou Gamesummit Winter a Summer Editions, vytváří příležitosti pro místní herní studia, podporuje inovace a zvyšuje povědomí o kariérních vyhlídkách v oblasti her a elektronického sportu. Další informace jsou k dispozici na adrese Text této zprávy v původním, zdrojovém jazyce je oficiální verzí. Překlad této zprávy do jiných jazyků poskytujeme pouze jako doplňkovou službu. Text zprávy v původním, zdrojovém jazyce je jedinou právně závaznou verzí této tiskové zprávy. Zdrojovou verzi najdete na : CONTACT: Kontakt pro média Derrick Stembridge Globální ředitel pro vztahy s veřejností, Xsolla KEYWORD: AZERBAIJAN ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONIC GAMES PAYMENTS FINANCE ENTERTAINMENT FINTECH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE TRAINING EDUCATION SOURCE: Xsolla Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/10/2024 04:19 PM/DISC: 12/10/2024 04:20 PM

Wall Street gets back to climbing, and the Nasdaq tops 20,000None

SMK Long Bedian holds inaugural graduation ceremony for 41 gradsU.S. Postmaster General defends postal service

ABU DHABI: The UAE government has launched the "Know Your Customer" (KYC) digital platform to provide accurate, comprehensive, and confidential data for financial transactions. This platform is a key component of the country's strategy to modernise its financial infrastructure, accelerate digital transformation, and establish a unified legal framework for customer identity verification. It enhances transparency, ensures compliance with financial regulations, and strengthens national efforts to combat financial crime. Established under Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2024, the KYC platform is a pivotal step in bolstering the national economy. By providing a secure framework for verifying customer identities, the platform fosters greater trust in the UAE's business and financial systems. Furthermore, it enhances the nation's global fintech standing through advanced technological solutions tailored to the financial, banking, and insurance sectors, ultimately promoting a stable and sustainable economic environment. The launch of the KYC platform is a significant step in strengthening the leadership of the UAE's banking sector, positioning it among the world's top banking industries. By adopting cutting-edge digital solutions, the platform provides an integrated mechanism for verifying customer identities and ensuring compliance with regulations. This enhanced transparency in financial transactions, facilitated by the platform's accurate and comprehensive data, empowers users to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the KYC platform ensures the legal and regulated collection and use of customer data, streamlining information exchange between relevant authorities and bolstering cooperation in combating financial crime. Pursuant to the Decree-Law, a new company will be established in the UAE to develop and manage the KYC platform, possessing the legal authority to conduct its operations. This entity will be responsible for building and overseeing the platform, including managing the collection, storage, analysis, categorization, use, exchange, and sharing of KYC data in accordance with national cybersecurity policies and standards. Additionally, the company will issue KYC reports as stipulated by the Decree-Law's executive guidelines and collaborate with data providers to streamline KYC data acquisition, among other relevant duties. The Decree-Law establishes a strict legal framework for safeguarding customer data, permitting disclosure only under specific conditions. All involved parties are obligated to protect this data from loss, damage, and unauthorised access, requiring prior customer or legal entity approval for any data use or sharing. Customers also have the right to access their KYC report details, as outlined in the executive regulations or guidelines issued by the Central Bank. Breaching KYC data confidentiality regulations will result in severe penalties, including a minimum two-year prison sentence and a fine of at least AED 50,000. These penalties apply to any unauthorized disclosure of customer data or attempts to obtain KYC reports through illegal means or fraudulent information. Misuse of customer data by a public official or an employee of the platform management company is considered an aggravating factor. The Central Bank of the UAE will oversee and regulate the operations of the company managing the (KYC) platform. It will set the regulations under which the company conducts its activities and provides services, as well as establish a code of conduct for data providers and users. The Central Bank will also define the standards for systems used to store, process, and safeguard data, and specify the customer data that the company can request from data providers.

PORTLAND — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes for one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy – seafood – and some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive to consumers. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on government deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks that are already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they are excited for Trump’s second presidency. They said they expect he’ll allow fishing in protected areas as he did in his first presidency, crack down on offshore wind expansion and cut back regulations they describe as burdensome. And they expect a marked shift from the administration of President Biden, who prioritized ocean conservation and championed wind power from the start. The seafood industry isn’t hungry for another tariff war, which hurt fishermen during Trump’s first term, said Beth Casoni, executive director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association. But she said the new Trump administration has a unique chance to throw its support behind U.S. fishermen. “I think we should be focused on feeding Americans,” Casoni said. “The ‘America First’ administration I think will make that point loud and clear. Know where your food is coming from.” But the seafood industry, which is international in nature, could be seriously disrupted if Trump goes through with a plan to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada, said John Sackton, a longtime industry analyst and founder of Seafood News. Canada is the largest seafood market for the U.S. for both imports and exports, and nearly a sixth of the seafood imported by the U.S. is from its northern neighbor, according to federal statistics published in November. In total about 80% of seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported. Losing Canada – an especially important buyer of American lobster – as a market for U.S. seafood could cause prices to fishermen to collapse, Sackton said. And some products could become unavailable while others become more expensive and still others oversupplied, he said. He described the seafood industry as “interdependent on both sides of the border.” In Canada, members of the country’s seafood industry are watching closely to see what changes Trump ushers in, said Geoff Irvine, executive director of the Lobster Council of Canada, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “A potential trade war will cost everyone more (in Canada and the U.S.) and cause damage to the seafood section in Canada and the United States,” Irvine said via email. “We are working with allies in Canada and the U.S. to send this message to all governments.” One of the major changes for fishermen under a new Trump administration is that they can expect to have a seat at the table when high-level decisions get made, said representatives for several commercial fishing groups. Last time around, Trump sat down with fishermen and listened to their concerns about loss of fishing rights in Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, a nearly 5,000-square mile (13,000 square kilometers) protected area off New England, said Robert Vanasse, executive director of industry advocate Saving Seafood. That goodwill is likely to carry over into Trump’s new presidency. And the industry feels it has already scored a win with election of a president who is an outspoken critic of offshore wind power, said Drew Minkiewicz, an attorney who represents the New Bedford, Massachusetts-based Sustainable Scalloping Fund. Fishermen of valuable seafoods such as scallops and lobsters have long opposed offshore wind development because of concerns wind power will disrupt prime fishing grounds. “There is excitement in the industry that offshore wind will basically be contained to its existing footprint and nothing beyond that,” Minkiewicz said. Others in the industry said they’re concerned about how Trump will handle the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal agency that regulates fisheries. The undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, who is currently the Biden-appointed Rick Spinrad, will be one of Trump’s key appointees. Trump went through three different administrators at the post during his first term of office. The industry has recently suffered major recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and trade hostilities with another major trading partner in Russia, and isn’t in a position to withstand unstable leadership, said Noah Oppenheim, coordinator for Fishing Communities Coalition, which represents small-scale commercial fishing groups. “The Fishing Communities Coalition is always deeply concerned that any administration’s shifts away from a fishery management focus on conservation and accountability will do serious lasting damage to the industry,” Oppenheim said. Conservation groups who have pushed for stricter vessel speed rules and new fishing standards, such as new gear that is less likely to harm whales, said they’re also waiting to see the direction Trump takes fisheries and ocean policy. They said they’re hopeful progress made under Biden can withstand a second Trump presidency. “It would be extraordinarily short-sighted for the incoming administration to ignore the science and set off a fishing free-for-all that will only hurt fisheries – and healthy oceans – in the long run,” said Jane Davenport, a senior attorney with Defenders of Wildlife. This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous'Global wealth tax must pay for climate reparation'

Thousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has transported an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to a U.S. official, who says Travis Timmerman was flown out on a U.S. military helicopter. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Yankees to get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.Adviser Charlie Viola hires NRL star; eyes growth via M&AThe Dakar Rally returns to provide one of motorsport's toughest tests for human and machine in January, with Saudi Arabia again hosting the challenge. It may not be the event it once was when run through Africa to the Senegalese capital [the event's name gives it away] but the test remains one that requires ultimate performance and robustness to overcome. Relevance remains for manufacturers looking to prove their mettle in the rally raid theatre, with Toyota, Ford and Mini all competing in the World Rally-Raid Championship's (WR2C) Cars class - as well as privateer Volkswagens, which are offshoots of the old works team. REPORT: Dacia cools Dakar expectations after debut 1-2 at Rallye du Maroc For the 2025 edition, there's a surprise name aiming for glory: Dacia. The small Romanian manufacturer is taking on the giants and aiming to make history when the Dakar Rally starts on 3 January. Motorsport.com was invited to visit the factory of technical partner Prodrive, ahead of its quest for glory. Why Dacia is tackling Dakar Dacia is very cynical in its business model. It offers affordable cars to its consumers, including only what it needs within its model range to keep costs down, rather than adding all the gadgets and gizmos we have come to expect in our road cars. Yet with a mission statement that includes focusing on its sustainability and remaining 'Eco-Smart', the Dakar project actually presents a number of important testbeds for the brand. "Our ambition within the Dakar project is obviously to win, first and foremost," says Dacia UK and Ireland brand director Luke Broad, who is aware this is no easy task for a brand at the first time of asking. "But we also see it as an effective outdoor technical laboratory. The idea is to take our learnings within Dakar with a view to eventually seeing some of the innovations that we put in this car in our road cars. Dacia Sandrider has been in development for much of 2024 ahead of debut on Dakar in January Photo by: Dacia "It's also a place for us to experiment with sustainable fuels because, as a brand, we're not about going into the desert and polluting it. We are going to do it in a very sustainable way, and that fits under our Eco-Smart brand." Those sustainable fuels will come through a partnership with Saudi-based company Aramco, which has been working on a similar project with Formula 1 as the world championship ushers in a sustainable future in 2026. Technical director Philip Dunabin says that while certain instances of technology transfer between the Dakar project and Dacia's road-car business "are not really very visible", they are still significant. If a partnership with Prodrive wasn't enough to make you believe Dacia was taking this seriously, then the crews that will get to grips with the three-car entry should "Dacia has been working on pigments and resin, in this case in the carbon fibre," he explains. "These are pigments that are intended to reduce infrared absorption, intended to keep temperatures lower in the cars. Those have got applications for them in terms of pigment arrangement in road cars. "They have also brought very matte, IR-reflecting [infra-red] paint that they will be using in the future in road cars. We use it here in things like the dashtop for low reflection, low glare from the windscreen. "There are elements that are not in the car yet in terms of to do with materials for the seats and so on, which have come directly from Dacia road cars and of course, there is the work they are helping us do with sustainable fuels with the partnership with Aramco." Dunabin and team principal Tiphanie Isnard are leading the Prodrive effort - officially called the Dacia Sandriders. The British operation that conquered the World Rally Championship with Subaru provides the motorsport expertise needed to help the programme shortcut its learning curve. Sandriders technical director Dunabin has joined the project from Alpine, evidencing its support for the programme Photo by: Dacia "When we are doing things in Dacia, we need to do well with the best specialist around us, so [that's] why we are here with Prodrive, it is one of the most successful companies in motorsports," says Isnard. "For us, it's the best partner as the technical provider for all the development." A strong three-pronged line-up If a partnership with Prodrive, which has tackled Dakar on the past four years with the BRX Hunter and managed two runner-up finishes, wasn't enough to make you believe Dacia was taking this seriously then the crews that will get to grips with the three-car entry should. Five-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah is joined by navigator Edouard Boulanger in car #200 as he attempts to close on Stephane Peterhansel's record of eight wins in the Cars category. One of rallying's most famous names, Sebastien Loeb, returns for another crack at getting his first Dakar win after finishing third in 2024. The three-time runner-up, twice with Prodrive, will be partnered in his #219 car by Fabian Lurquin, while the youth of the team comes in the form of Cristina Gutierrez, who raced with Loeb in the Prodrive-run X44 Extreme E team. The Spaniard, who won the Challenger (T3) class on the 2024 Dakar, is joined by Pablo Moreno in the #212 entry. The drivers have long been assisting with the development of the entire project, with Isnard telling Motorsport.com: "They were really involved from the beginning, they jumped in the car as quick as they could. They want to be a part of the first day of the car. "They quickly react and give feedback, which is positive, but also on what we need to improve and they call me, even on bank holidays in France - one was in the pool! But they all the time have questions and ask how the team is, what are the changes, what will be the car for Dakar." Having explained how the drivers used virtual headsets to get a feel for the inside of the cockpit when at the headquarters early on, Isnard adds: "From the beginning, the project was built with the crew in the Dacia design office. [We] said 'what do you want' and then built the design of the car around them. It is their office, so it's really important for the driver and navigator as a part of the performance." Integration between driver and team extends far past just the technical development at the start of the project. Teams essentially live together in bivouacs during the Dakar rally, so egos have to be left at the door. On Loeb in particular, chief mechanic Alistair 'Stretch' Gibson could only hail the Frenchman. Gibson has enjoyed working with Loeb, who is bidding to add a first Dakar win to his bulging CV Photo by: Dacia "He's great," says Gibson, unrelated to namesake Alastair who worked for the Prodrive-run BAR Formula 1 team in the noughties. "He is the person you see on the telly. He is shy, he is quiet, but he is actually really easy and simple to work with. He's not demanding. I was quite surprised; I expected a troublesome time, but it was completely the opposite. He just wants to get in the car and drive. Once the number is on the door, he wants to go and win. "It's a different breed of driver that wants to do Dakar and all these different demands of 'I want these drinks or those grapes' is out the window because you can't have it - it's not there. We sit and we eat together, there's not a special catering out the back for the drivers. We sit and eat together and all the teams from the whole bivouac are all together." While Loeb and Al-Attiyah will take the headlines from the line-up, the team is by no means expecting Gutierrez to simply make up the numbers. "We want a rising young driver to have with two experienced drivers. When we saw the [test] results, it was quite simple, Christina was the best one" Tiphanie Isnard "I wouldn't discount Cristina," insists Gibson. "We saw through the testing phase that she is pretty determined and pretty good at what she does. "She certainly earned the respect of the team around her with her performance in the test. It's not easy in Morocco and she was pretty tough, really good pace and good feedback. We were really impressed with her." In that test-run during the Rallye du Maroc, where the squad finished 1-2 on debut with Al-Attiyah and Loeb, Gutierrez was helping the team run shelf-life experiments, using components that had been used in previous tests to help discover durability levels of different parts - a vital mission as part of Dakar preparation. While using a female driver as well as a female team principal is a strong commercial move, Isnard is adamant this had no bearing on Gutierrez getting the nod. "The choice was quite simple," she says. "We want a rising young driver to have with two experienced drivers. When we saw the [test] results, it was quite simple, Cristina was the best one. She is a woman, that's great, but that was not the first choice." Gutierrez joins the programme after taking a class victory on the 2024 Dakar Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool Alpine's assistance to realise Dacia dreams While the Prodrive link-up and crew line-up makes the operation at least competitive, the Dacia Sandriders still have to take on the might of manufacturers that have been Dakar incumbents in recent times, not least in Toyota. But, being part of the Renault Group, Dacia has been able to take on expertise both in personnel and physical materials which will help accelerate its effort. Dunabin and Isnard are both Alpine Racing team members who have been designated to the project. "Within the Renault Group, the motorsport resource is Alpine Racing," Dunabin explains, "that looks after Formula 1, WEC, Formula E - where it looks after the programme for Nissan - rally with Renault Clios, Rally3, one-make championships and circuit racing. All of that expertise in motorsport is held within Alpine. "So it is natural that Dacia came to Alpine to say 'we want to use Alpine as the motorsport expertise for handling our rally raid programme'. That's where Tiphanie and myself come from. We work exclusively for Dacia, but we actually work for Alpine. "There's an awful lot of expertise. Recently, we have done things like materials analysis within Alpine for things on this car, electronics analysis [too]. There is a whole technical resource within Alpine that is a disposition of this programme. "When you make a road car, you don't pretend to do everything yourself anyway. Dacia is not going to make a steering rack, it is going to know who it wants to go to to install that. It is the same sort of thing in this arrangement. Prodrive have expertise in motorsport, they have an understanding of rally raid. You then have supervision from Alpine representing Dacia and Dacia utilises all of this resource to maximise the benefit for their programme." Speaking to Motorsport.com's Italian sister site during a Dacia Sandriders event in Italy, Loeb put his enthusiasm for the project down to the involvement of both Renault and Prodrive. “In the past months I had to make a choice," he related. "I had to choose a major project because my intention was still to race in the Dakar and the Dacia project seemed to me the best. "This is all because of the ambitions of the brand, of the manufacturer, which involved me in the project. Although it is its first sports project in the discipline, it has a huge, visible, tangible motivation. Significant expertise from the BRX project has transferred to the Dacia programme, including its driving strength Photo by: A.S.O. "Then I know several people involved; Bruno Famin, the boss of Renault Group as far as motorsport is concerned. I also know Prodrive well, with whom I raced in the Dakar and in the World Rally Raid during the last two seasons. I thought starting a project from scratch with these people involved was a good thing; they could use our experience made in the past to make a very competitive car.” Can Dacia conquer the challenge of Dakar? However competitive the car is on paper, or how strong the line-up and pedigree of the entire squad may be compared to rival outfits, the real test is the conditions faced in Saudi Arabia. Almost 8,000km will be covered across 12 stages which will take in gruelling terrain in the desert heat - and cold - of the Middle Eastern Kingdom, including the daunting 48-hour, 1057km endurance stage. With bivouacs set up each night, any repairs to cars must be done while exposed to the elements. "The sandstorm is the worst environment to work in," Gibson explains. "You can cope with the rain and the cold and the heat, but the sandstorm is definitely the worst, especially if it is a gearbox or a major component that needs working on. It does happen, and you just have to get on with it." "The easiest thing to do with Dakar is to screw up. It is incredibly difficult to do a Dakar when you don't have problems" Philip Dunabin "We try to avoid opening a gearbox or engine in that sort of situation, or any air intakes. But sometimes, you just have to get on with it. With the tents, we can try and pull the sides down. "Thankfully, it doesn't happen that often. Only twice in the last four years have we had a really bad sandstorm in the bivouac, so they do come. It does present challenges in many ways, from the tents themselves, or the trucks or the generators - it is just a feature of the landscape." With the 1-2 finish in Morocco proving the car's speed, focus since then has been on ensuring the reliability is up to scratch to avoid a repeat of cooling issues. "A lot of the stuff in terms of the cooling in Morocco was to do with the reliability side than anything else," says Dunabin. "We had incidents where fans would drop out, that sort of thing. If you lose one of the fans out of the system, then the car tends to get a bit too hot. So most of what we have been concentrating on is on the reliability side. Encouraging debut in Morocco is not giving way to overconfidence, although Dunabin hopes cooling issues have been remedied Photo by: Motorsport.com "Obviously we finished first and second, we won three out of five stages. We were never very far away from the front of the field and there were one or two subjects where we sailed a bit too close to the wind. Those subjects are things we have been working on to get right for Dakar." While the result in Morocco puts Dacia Sandriders in a strong position to ink its name into the Dakar history books, there is no complacency being allowed to creep in. "The easiest thing to do with Dakar is to screw up," cautions Dunabin. "It is incredibly difficult to do a Dakar when you don't have problems, you don't make any mistakes - no driving mistakes, no navigational mistakes, no technical error, no finger trouble. It's an event that is two weeks on, the days are long and everybody gets very tired. The vigilance that is needed to deliver a Dakar is really at the top level. "The fact we won in Morocco is great, fantastic for Dacia - they have manufacturing plants in Morocco, they are by far and away number one in terms of the sales in Morocco and it couldn't be any better for the Dacia people in Morocco to have the car arrive and win the rally. But no, I don't think there's any complacency. We can absolutely not assume we can go to Dakar and just trundle around. It will be hard." Can a Dacia win the Dakar Rally? Photo by: Dacia

AP News Summary at 4:12 p.m. ESTIllegal border crossers sponsoring illegal border crossers? Biden admin takes heatWASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump's picks. The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It's a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time "with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump's “border czar.” In another sign of Vance's influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump's first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships," he said. "But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he's not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

Jarvis Moss, Jonas Sirtautas lead Radford past Bucknell 74-70 in OTTeaching courses have surged in popularity among students awaiting a university offer but society, culture and health remain Victoria’s most popular study choices. A record 47,500 year 12 graduates will receive first-round offers by Victorian universities, TAFE institutes and independent tertiary colleges on Monday – nearly 4600 more than last year, with further offers to follow in January and February. Methodist Ladies’ College graduate Kate Zhang is waiting on a commerce offer. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui There will be more than 1500 offers made for teaching courses, up by more than 3 per cent on last year to 4.3 per cent of all the offers made on Monday. The fastest growing area of study is management and commerce, comprising 16.5 per cent of Monday’s offers while health-related courses, which includes nursing and biomedical science, remain much sought-after, making up nearly 17 per cent. However, enthusiasm for studying information technology (IT) appears to be on the wane this year, making up just 4.5 per cent of courses offered, down from 5.3 per cent last year. Extensive data on the first-round offers, featuring students, offers and courses, will be available at theage.com.au from 10am on Monday. The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre said prospective students were flocking to society and culture pathways, with courses like arts, law, politics and economics making up more than a fifth of Monday’s offers. International Baccalaureate students in Australia, who have traditionally been forced to wait until January for their university offers, have been included in the December round for the first time this year. Methodist Ladies’ College graduate Kate Zhang said nerves were running high for some students ahead of Monday’s news. Loading Zhang, who completed the IB this year, already has an offer to attend a university overseas, where she would study either social analysis or economics alongside a shorter course in photography. She is expecting another offer from the University of Melbourne for a degree in commerce and will then consider her options. “I’m very privileged to be thinking about the opportunities that I have upcoming,” Zhang said. “I just hope that [on] Monday, everybody who’s worked hard to get to where they are, get their first preference, and if not, something works out for them in the end. “My friends who may have gotten close to the course requirements, but maybe not comfortably above, are feeling a bit nervous as they go into look at which preferences they got granted.” Zhang, whose ATAR was in the high 90s, hoped to visit extended family in China before university started. VTAC chief executive Teresa Tjia said options were still available for school-leavers who were not offered a course on Monday. “If you haven’t received an offer today or have changed your mind about what you wish to study, you can change preferences in your VTAC account until 4pm tomorrow. VTAC will make further offers throughout January and February,” Tjia said. The VTAC boss urged those who landed the course they wanted on Monday to savour the moment. Loading “Celebrate the offer you have received today with your family, friends and teachers,” she said. “Share this exciting achievement with those who have supported you throughout your educational journey.” The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article University Campus Victoria VCE Noel Towell is Education Editor for The Age Connect via Twitter . Most Viewed in National LoadingAP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:40 p.m. EST

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s home was broken into during Monday Night Football in the latest home invasion of a pro athlete in the U.S., authorities said Tuesday. No one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies weren’t immediately able to determine what items were stolen. A person who is employed by Burrow arrived at the Anderson Township home Monday night to find a shattered bedroom window and the home in disarray. The person called their mother, and then 911 was contacted, according to the report. Deputies reached out to neighbors in an attempt to piece together surveillance footage. “Our investigators are exploring every avenue,” public information officer Kyla Woods said. The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were broken into in October. In the NBA, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.’s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information. Both the NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players after those break-ins, urging them to take additional precautions to secure their homes. In league memos previously obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL said homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” And the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials.

Amazon to donate $1 million to Trump's inauguration and strikes streaming deal as more Big Tech giants bend the knee Tech giants donate to Trump inauguration after being past targets of his ire Sign up for the latest with DailyMail.com's U.S. politics newsletter By SARAH EWALL-WICE, SENIOR U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN WASHINGTON, DC Published: 20:41, 13 December 2024 | Updated: 21:22, 13 December 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Some of the biggest companies and business leaders in the world are looking to start their standing with President-elect Donald Trump on the right foot as he prepares to take office in January with a series of meetings and donations. Amazon will be donating $1 million to the 78-year-old president-elect's inauguration and making another in-kind contribution by streaming the inauguration on Amazon Prime. The e-commerce giant's founder Jeff Bezos will also be meeting with Trump next week in person, the president-elect revealed on Thursday. Bezos is one of several billionaire tech company and business leaders that are shelling out big donations to the Trump inauguration ahead of the Republican taking over the White House on January 20. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also made a $1 million donation to the Trump inauguration, the company confirmed after it was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. It comes as multiple tech giants including Amazon, Meta, Google and Apple have all been the target of Trump and GOP wrath in recent years. Amazon founding Jeff Bezos is set to meet with President-elect Donald Trump next week as the e-commerce giant donates $1 million for Trump's inauguration During his first term, Trump lashed out at Amazon on multiple occasions including targeting Bezos and complained about the coverage by the Washington Post, which is owned by the billionaire personally. The Amazon founder faced some public backlash in October after it was announced The Washington Post editorial board would not make an endorsement in the 2024 presidential election after it endorsed Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton in the last two presidential elections. Bezos defended the eleventh hour decision in an op-ed and claimed it was not part of 'some intentional strategy' but a 'principled decision' and 'the right one' in an effort to end the 'perception of bias.' But critics blasted the move as cowardly and questioned the timing of the decision which came just hours after Trump met with executives from Blue Origin, a space company also founded by Bezos. He denied there was any connection. Last week, Bezos said he was 'optimistic' about Trump's second term and backed plans to cut regulations while speaking at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York. Amazon and Blue Origin have a series of contracts with the federal government worth billions. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaking in September 2024. Meta donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration and the pair had dinner together last month Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, meanwhile, had dinner with Trump last month at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The Facebook founder did not endorse either Trump or Harris in the 2024 presidential election, but he praised the president-elect after the assassination attempt in July, calling his raised fist after the shooting 'badass.' Zuckerberg has long been a target of Trump's ire online. He has called him 'Zuckerschmuck' and written 'Zuckerbucks' in posts, and the president-elect even threatened to imprison the Meta CEO for life in his book. In 2021, Trump was kicked off of Facebook and other social media accounts after the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. That summer, Trump sued Facebook, Google's YouTube and Twitter claiming he was the victim of censorship. His Facebook and Instagram accounts were reinstated in 2023. Elon Musk restored his account on Twitter, now X, in November 2022. After the dinner last month, a spokesperson for Meta said Zuckerberg was 'grateful' to join the president-elect for dinner and meet with members of his team. Meta did not make donations to the Biden inauguration or Trumps first inauguration in 2017. Amazon contributed a much smaller roughly quarter of a million to Biden's inauguration in 2021, but it also streamed the event on Prime Video as well that year. Politics Share or comment on this article: Amazon to donate $1 million to Trump's inauguration and strikes streaming deal as more Big Tech giants bend the knee e-mail Add commentIn a world brimming with consumer products, collectible toys hold a unique place in children’s and adults’ hearts. These tiny treasures go beyond mere playthings; they spark joy, encourage creativity, and ignite a sense of nostalgia for many. The popularity of collectible toys has surged over the years, turning many brands into cultural phenomena. But what exactly makes these so appealing across generations? Let’s dive into the collectible craze and discover the toy brands that keep us all hooked. Collectible toys offer a mix of emotional connection, rarity, and the thrill of completion. For kids, they’re a gateway to imaginative play and social bonding with peers. For adults, collectibles often symbolize cherished memories or serve as investment opportunities. Factors driving their popularity include: Let’s explore the iconic brands that have mastered the art of collectibles, creating long-lasting connections with their audiences. LEGO’s brick-building sets have remained a household favorite for decades. While the company is best known for its creative building kits, it has also ventured into collectibles with series like LEGO Minifigures. From superheroes to classic movie characters, these blind-bag figures keep fans guessing and collecting. Funko Pop! figures have become a global sensation thanks to their wide range of licenses and distinctive bobblehead-style design. Whether you’re into Disney, anime, or cult TV shows, there’s a Funko Pop! for you. Pokémon cards and merchandise have captured hearts since the 1990s. From trading card tournaments to plush toys and video games, Pokémon offers something for every fan. Hot Wheels has been a staple for car enthusiasts young and old since 1968. With over six billion cars sold, these miniature vehicles are a testament to enduring design and collectibility. The 1990s were defined by Beanie Babies, plush toys that sparked one of the earliest collectible crazes. While their popularity has waned, certain rare Beanie Babies still fetch high prices in secondary markets. LOL Surprise! Dolls have revolutionized unboxing with their unique multi-layer packaging. Each surprise reveals accessories, dolls, and tiny trinkets, creating an immersive experience. Star Wars toys have long been a cornerstone of collectible culture. From action figures to high-end replicas, the galaxy far, far away continues to enchant fans of all ages. The resurgence of adult interest in collectible toys can be attributed to several factors: Technology has made collecting easier and more engaging: The collectible craze shows no signs of slowing down, with toy brands constantly innovating to capture the hearts of kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a parent looking to surprise your child with the latest toy or an adult reconnecting with your inner child, collectibles offer endless joy and possibilities. From LEGO bricks to Funko Pops, these toys aren’t just objects—they’re pieces of a larger story that invite us to play, dream, and connect. As the market evolves, one thing remains certain: the thrill of finding that elusive piece for your collection will always be priceless.