Pete Hegseth is “the kind of guy we need leading the Department of Defense,” Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) said during an appearance on Breitbart News Daily , contrasting him with President Biden’s Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, “who thinks the biggest threat to national security is climate change.” Davidson said part of his role in the confirmation process of President-elect Trump’s nominees is peer pressure and “trying to influence senators that we have relationships with [and] trying to find out who the senators that, you know, have reservations.” As an example, Davidson, a former Army ranger, pointed out that he promoted Pete Hegseth on Wednesday. “He’s the kind of guy we need leading the Department of Defense. ... Pete Hegseth was a combat veteran, led infantry line units in combat, and he’s talked all about how to make the military focused on the combat mission,” Davidson said, contrasting Hegseth with Austin. “And now you’ve got a secretary, Lloyd Austin, who thinks the biggest threat to national security is climate change, who’s walking around talking about a chairman of the joint chiefs, Milley. He’s talking about the big risk of white rage in the military and all kinds of woke agenda, which is why, you know, Biden and Obama picked these kind of guys,” he observed. “And how do you get our military back to a lean, mean fighting machine focused on fighting and winning wars, and then a State Department that could actually say no to some of them. And I think Pete Hegseth checks both of those boxes. Like, yes, if we need to win a war, we’re going to go in and win. But just like Dwight Eisenhower did back in the day in Korea, he said, you know, we don’t have to get involved in every war we’re invited to,” Davidson said. LISTEN: “Let’s wrap this thing up. And I mean, I think that’s the time we’re in right now. We don’t need to create World War III in Ukraine. We don’t need to be dragged into another war in the Middle East unnecessarily. And the best way to do that, as Donald Trump has said, is peace through strength,” he added. Breitbart News Daily airs on SiriusXM Patriot 125 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern.
(CNN) — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday afternoon to Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he is undergoing testing and observation after developing a fever, his spokesman told CNN. “The president is fine,” Angel Urena, deputy chief of staff to Clinton, told CNN in an interview, adding the former president is hopeful to be home by Christmas. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving.” Clinton, 78, was at his home in Washington when he was taken to the hospital. The former president had quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2004 and had two stents inserted to open an artery in 2010. He was hospitalized in 2021 for an infection that spread to his bloodstream. Clinton was active on the campaign trail this fall and has kept a robust travel schedule since the election with the release of his new book, “Citizen: My Life After the White House.”
Students recognised for cyber safety advocacy videos
NEW YORK — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. Suspect Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday in Hollidaysburg, Pa. Janet Klingbeil via AP "We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that's possibly why he targeted that company," Kenny said. People are also reading... UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he had yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested on December 9, 2024, after a six-day manhunt and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His arrest has sparked a viral social media movement, with many hailing him as a symbol of resistance against systemic healthcare failures. The #FreeLuigi movement gained significant traction, with his social media profiles amassing over 100,000 new followers before being suspended. Despite this, the movement continues to trend, highlighting public discontent with the U.S. healthcare system. Some social media users argue that Mangione's radicalization stemmed from the struggles faced by millions in obtaining necessary healthcare, and not from his university education. Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald's in Altoona led to the seizure of a "ghost gun," a suppressor, fake IDs, and a manifesto criticizing the healthcare system. While the manifesto seems to admit guilt, some users question Mangione's responsibility, pointing out discrepancies in surveillance photos. The fascination with Mangione has only intensified, with discussions about his attractiveness and comparisons to characters in Ryan Murphy's productions. The phenomenon is reminiscent of society's long-standing obsession with infamous criminals, blurring lines between horror and hero worship. Former FBI agent Rob D’Amico noted that Mangione is seen by some as a "Robin Hood" figure fighting against corporate greed, which complicates the investigation. What's Trending Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing was scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a " ghost gun " matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Luigi Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what law enforcement has called a "targeted attack." Mangione is from a prominent Maryland family with extensive business interests. The Mangione family is known for developing real estate and running businesses. Relatives expressed shock over the arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family. Mangione faces multiple charges, including murder, firearm possession, and forgery, in New York and Pennsylvania. Benzinga - News Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation was a success and that his pain improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter
NoneThe City of Arlington premiered "The Heartbeat of Arlington" on Nov. 22, a documentary about the city's General Motors manufacturing plant's start, growth and impact on the community. The documentary was produced by the city's office of communication, which said the GM plant played a large role in shaping Arlington as "The American Dream City." “General Motors was the catalyst that made Arlington be the first city that exploded and became the DFW region,” said Victor Vandergriff, son of Tom Vandergriff. Tom Vandergriff is credited with helping to convince GM in 1951 to build a manufacturing plant in Arlington. The assembly plant opened three years later. “I'll argue the case that Arlington's luckiest day ever was when General Motors decided to cast its lot with us,” said Tom Vandergriff. Arlington said the documentary focuses on "pivotal moments in the assembly's history," including how the company landed in Arlington, its economic impact on the city, communitywide efforts to keep the plant open during potential closures in the early 1990s, technological advancements, and a glimpse into the future of vehicle production. “We used to talk about GM as ‘The Heartbeat of Arlington,’ and I am proud to say that yes, because of all the efforts made into the plant, they still are very much the heartbeat of our community,” said Arlington City Manager Trey Yelverton. “We are so appreciative of General Motors’ continued innovation and investment to keep the plant viable, productive, and highly efficient.” The documentary also featured the plant's shift in production of cars to trucks, it's process in becoming the exclusive plant to produce every new full-sized SUV in GM's lineup, to achieving the milestone of 13 million vehicles produced earlier this year. “I still believe to this day it took visionary people and political leadership to say, ‘We have to keep it here, but those workers made it happen,’” said Victor Vandergriff. “The result of what’s happened since in the decades that followed is just amazing.” The 45-minute production summed up a nearly two-year search through archival footage from The University of North Texas's "The Portal to Texas History" , which was primarily sourced by NBC 5. The footage held interviews with long-time employees, current and former leaders, historians and Arlington residents sharing their insight into the plant's impact. Several North Texas entities assisted and provided archival footage, including the Arlington Historical Society, the Arlington Public Library, the Dallas Public Library, the Delta County Public Library in partnership with the Delta County Historical Commission, General Motors Arlington Assembly, the University of North Texas’ Special Collections, The University of Texas at Arlington’s Special Collections and the Vandergriff family. GM says their employment of about 8,400 Texas workers and partnerships with more than 550 suppliers puts $1.2 billion into the economy. “We are very aware and conscious of the fact that this has been going on for a long time,” said GM Arlington Assembly Plant Executive John Urbanic. “It is a legacy, and we take that to heart. We’re really committed to continuing and growing that legacy here in Arlington.” In addition to watching the documentary at the top of this article, "The Heartbeat of Arlington" is available on the City of Arlington's YouTube Channel .BOSTON (AP) — UConn coach Jim Mora pulled a move that would make Bill Belichick proud while preparing the Huskies to play the notoriously churlish former New England Patriot's next team in his old backyard. Mora and his players were more than 45 minutes late for what was scheduled as a 30-minute media availability a day before Saturday's Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora then gave a non-apology straight out of Belichick’s playbook. “We practice at a certain time the day before a game,” Mora said. “And we stuck to the script.” A six-time Super Bowl winner in New England with Tom Brady, Belichick was fired after going 4-13 in 2023, leaving him just 14 wins short of matching Don Shula’s all-time record for NFL victories. Unable to land a pro job at the age of 72, Belichick signed on with North Carolina — his first college gig — when they fired 73-year-old Mack Brown. Belichick hasn’t taken over on the Tar Heels' sideline yet; interim coach Freddie Kitchens — another ex-Cleveland Browns coach — will lead them in the Fenway Bowl. But the future Hall of Famer's potential return to a football field in Boston has been the biggest story ahead of Saturday’s game. Belichick did not attend media day, and Fenway Bowl executive director Brett Miller tried to preempt questions about him by asking reporters “to keep questions focusing on the players and coaches out here today.” “I don’t need to beat around the bush any more than that,” he said in comments that would have been cryptic if it weren’t so obvious to everyone who he meant. “I know there’s probably a lot of questions that you guys have about next year, particularly one side. Please do your best to keep it to these guys, because they’ve earned the right to be here.” The request wasn’t completely successful, with Kitchens taking a question about Belichick specifically and saying he talks to his new boss every day. Earlier this month, Kitchens said: “He asks questions; I answer the questions.” “I’m going to try to soak in all I can from him, and be a better coach because of it,” Kitchens said after Belichick was hired. “I love Carolina, I want what’s best for Carolina, and I know that right now at this moment in time, coach Belichick is what’s best for Carolina. “At the end of the day, he’s a ballcoach,” he said, “and I enjoy working for ballcoaches.” Mora also brushed off a question about whether the next Carolina coach would have any impact on Saturday's game. “It's irrelevant to us," said Mora, who was 0-1 against Belichick in four seasons as an NFL head coach. "We can't control the emotions of our opponents. And as far as I know, coach Belichick will not be taking the football field on Saturday, so it's not relevant to this football team in our preparation. North Carolina (6-6) will be playing in a bowl for the sixth straight year – the second-longest streak in program history. The Tar Heels climbed from back-to-back nine-loss seasons in the final years of Larry Fedora to reach into The Associated Top 25 in each of the previous four seasons under Brown, who also coached them from 1988-97 in one of the most successful eras of Carolina football history. After starting out 3-0 this year, the Tar Heels lost four straight — including a 70-50 loss to Sun Belt Conference team James Madison. They won three more to gain bowl eligibility before a loss to Boston College that sealed Brown's fate, and a season-ending loss to rival NC State. UConn is playing in its second bowl game in three seasons under Jim Mora, bouncing back from last year’s 3-9 record to post its first eight-win season since Randy Edsall took the Huskies to the Fiesta Bowl in 2010. An independent, UConn won all of its games against the non-Power 4 conferences and lost to Syracuse, Wake Forest and Duke of the Atlantic Coast Conference and Maryland of the Big Ten. Miller said the bowl, which has struggled to find traction in a city more focused on the success of its professional sports teams, sold more tickets this year than in its first two. The Belichick angle is certainly part of that, but the game has also had some good success picking teams, hosting Louisville in 2022 -- the year before the Cardinals climbed into The Associated Press Top 10 – and then SMU last year, one season before the Mustangs made the College Football Playoff. “Could one of these teams be next,” Miller said. “We’ll see.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
The interim government will not make unilateral decisions on the reform commissions' reports but will finalise decisions through consultations with all political parties, said Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday. "We have been engaging in consistent discussions with political parties. Once the commissions begin presenting their proposals, which we expect from January, broader consultations will occur involving all stakeholders," Mahfuj said at the concluding session of a dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka. He explained that the consultations would determine the extent of feasible reforms. Mahfuj said reforms proposed by the political parties' had been largely integrated into the government's initiatives. "The political parties must now sit with us to finalise what reforms are achievable and necessary." He emphasised the importance of strengthening state institutions. "The foundation of the state relies on its institutions. Without robust institutions, the unity of the state is meaningless. If we cannot reform institutions like the Election Commission to serve the people, our efforts will be futile." The adviser stressed that reforms must be consensual. "We need agreement on how much reform is possible and whether a legal framework can ensure that future governments continue these initiatives. Political parties must commit to upholding reforms when in power." Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, adviser to the information and ICT ministries, underscored the need for democratic power transitions to prevent the recurrence of political unrest. "The absence of a democratic transition process led to the recent popular uprising that ousted the previous government. The people of Bangladesh have shed blood repeatedly, yet this issue remains unresolved." He called for a framework to institutionalise peaceful and democratic power transitions. "Our primary agenda is to prevent the return of vindictive politics. This must be addressed before the elections." Responding to a query about the government's performance, Nahid said, "The public or those outside power can judge better. We are working within limitations, seeking assistance to advance our goals." Nahid criticised the bureaucracy's misuse under previous governments. "Bureaucrats gained undue power under the past regime, which was used to establish fascism. This legacy challenges our administrative effectiveness." He commended the unity achieved during the mass uprising, saying, "This national unity persists on key issues." He also called for embedding the essence of the July uprising into a new constitution, warning of future disruptions if this is not achieved. On foreign policy, Nahid stressed the need for consistency. "Bangladesh's foreign policy has historically shifted with changes in government. We need consensus on economic and trade policies to secure the nation's future." At the event, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna dismissed debates over "reforms first or elections first" as irrelevant. "Reforms will always be ongoing, but an interim government is temporary. The focus must be on conducting a free and fair election." Amar Bangladesh Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Monju said they aim to build a "New Bangladesh" with the help of the youth. Private University Students Alliance representative Tanjil Mahmud called for engaging students in the reform process. Supreme Court lawyer Dilruba Shormin urged unity, invoking the sacrifices of the uprising's martyrs. Gono Odhikar Parishad's Rashed Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami's Hamidur Rahman Azad, Chattogram Hill Tracts representative Ilira Dewan, BNP's Mahidi Amin, and others echoed the need for reform and consensus. Political scientist Navine Murshid stressed institutional accountability to ensure sustainable change. The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the importance of inclusive reforms to strengthen democratic governance and national institutions. The interim government will not make unilateral decisions on the reform commissions' reports but will finalise decisions through consultations with all political parties, said Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday. "We have been engaging in consistent discussions with political parties. Once the commissions begin presenting their proposals, which we expect from January, broader consultations will occur involving all stakeholders," Mahfuj said at the concluding session of a dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka. He explained that the consultations would determine the extent of feasible reforms. Mahfuj said reforms proposed by the political parties' had been largely integrated into the government's initiatives. "The political parties must now sit with us to finalise what reforms are achievable and necessary." He emphasised the importance of strengthening state institutions. "The foundation of the state relies on its institutions. Without robust institutions, the unity of the state is meaningless. If we cannot reform institutions like the Election Commission to serve the people, our efforts will be futile." The adviser stressed that reforms must be consensual. "We need agreement on how much reform is possible and whether a legal framework can ensure that future governments continue these initiatives. Political parties must commit to upholding reforms when in power." Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, adviser to the information and ICT ministries, underscored the need for democratic power transitions to prevent the recurrence of political unrest. "The absence of a democratic transition process led to the recent popular uprising that ousted the previous government. The people of Bangladesh have shed blood repeatedly, yet this issue remains unresolved." He called for a framework to institutionalise peaceful and democratic power transitions. "Our primary agenda is to prevent the return of vindictive politics. This must be addressed before the elections." Responding to a query about the government's performance, Nahid said, "The public or those outside power can judge better. We are working within limitations, seeking assistance to advance our goals." Nahid criticised the bureaucracy's misuse under previous governments. "Bureaucrats gained undue power under the past regime, which was used to establish fascism. This legacy challenges our administrative effectiveness." He commended the unity achieved during the mass uprising, saying, "This national unity persists on key issues." He also called for embedding the essence of the July uprising into a new constitution, warning of future disruptions if this is not achieved. On foreign policy, Nahid stressed the need for consistency. "Bangladesh's foreign policy has historically shifted with changes in government. We need consensus on economic and trade policies to secure the nation's future." At the event, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna dismissed debates over "reforms first or elections first" as irrelevant. "Reforms will always be ongoing, but an interim government is temporary. The focus must be on conducting a free and fair election." Amar Bangladesh Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Monju said they aim to build a "New Bangladesh" with the help of the youth. Private University Students Alliance representative Tanjil Mahmud called for engaging students in the reform process. Supreme Court lawyer Dilruba Shormin urged unity, invoking the sacrifices of the uprising's martyrs. Gono Odhikar Parishad's Rashed Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami's Hamidur Rahman Azad, Chattogram Hill Tracts representative Ilira Dewan, BNP's Mahidi Amin, and others echoed the need for reform and consensus. Political scientist Navine Murshid stressed institutional accountability to ensure sustainable change. The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the importance of inclusive reforms to strengthen democratic governance and national institutions.
NEW YORK — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. Suspect Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday in Hollidaysburg, Pa. "We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that's possibly why he targeted that company," Kenny said. UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he had yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, was arrested on December 9, 2024, after a six-day manhunt and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His arrest has sparked a viral social media movement, with many hailing him as a symbol of resistance against systemic healthcare failures. The #FreeLuigi movement gained significant traction, with his social media profiles amassing over 100,000 new followers before being suspended. Despite this, the movement continues to trend, highlighting public discontent with the U.S. healthcare system. Some social media users argue that Mangione's radicalization stemmed from the struggles faced by millions in obtaining necessary healthcare, and not from his university education. Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald's in Altoona led to the seizure of a "ghost gun," a suppressor, fake IDs, and a manifesto criticizing the healthcare system. While the manifesto seems to admit guilt, some users question Mangione's responsibility, pointing out discrepancies in surveillance photos. The fascination with Mangione has only intensified, with discussions about his attractiveness and comparisons to characters in Ryan Murphy's productions. The phenomenon is reminiscent of society's long-standing obsession with infamous criminals, blurring lines between horror and hero worship. Former FBI agent Rob D’Amico noted that Mangione is seen by some as a "Robin Hood" figure fighting against corporate greed, which complicates the investigation. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing was scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a " ghost gun " matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Luigi Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what law enforcement has called a "targeted attack." Mangione is from a prominent Maryland family with extensive business interests. The Mangione family is known for developing real estate and running businesses. Relatives expressed shock over the arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family. Mangione faces multiple charges, including murder, firearm possession, and forgery, in New York and Pennsylvania. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation was a success and that his pain improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.Veteran broadcaster Ray Hadley has struggled to hold back tears after hearing his late mother's voice during a highlights package of his career best on-air moments. The 2GB presenter appeared on fellow network stalwart Ben Fordham's breakfast program on Friday ahead of his final show as he retires fulltime from the radio. Fordham played 12-minutes of audio which paid tribute to Hadley's 43-year radio career from calling rugby league games, to the Olympics and hosting his own talkback show. But it was one very brief moment in the middle of the highlights package that touched the 70-year-old the most, leaving him in tears and struggling to find words. "My mother is on the line," Hadley says in the audio being played. "Hello, love. Congratulations. I'm the proudest mother in the world," Elsie Ross-Hadley can be hear saying during a phone conversation on air prior to her death in 2013. Afterwards, Hadley described being "very emotional". "Dear, oh dear. I've heard my mother's voice previously... I wasn't gonna get upset. You've done this to me you little bludger," the outgoing 2GB host said to Fordham. Listeners turning in heard the 70-year-old continue to be in tears. "I was alright until I heard mum. And then I heard my mum," Hadley said. "I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen. The thing that got me the most was mum." Elsewhere in the highlights package, the audience heard Hadley speak to high profile Aussies from state and federal politicians to CEOs of major corporations. His other passion in sport commentating was also featured with the calling of major rugby league games, such as the State of Origin, to covering several Olympic Games. Sky News Australia broadcasted his final minutes on air, with Hadley thanking his friends and hosts at the network in the likes of Laura Jayes and Peter Stefanovic. "I thanked all my staff, I think my family and I'll thank my wife Sophie for their loyal support over a long period of time," he said. "I'd like to think over a period of time I've done plenty of good, and I've probably done some harm as well but the harm is outweighed by the good." Hadley also implored his audience to welcome his successor Mark Levy who starts from next week as he played his outro "The Last Date" by US pianist Floyd Cramer. Asked earlier in the interview about his plans once he steps away from the microphone fulltime on Friday, Hadley said he will ease into retirement with the things he loves. He will play his regular golf on Monday with his buddies, but one hour earlier. The following day the 70-year-old will be at his butcher in Cherrybrook, in Sydney's north-west, to label hams with the owner who he is also friends with. As for his Christmas plans, Hadley will head to the New South Wales Central Coast with his former personal assistant wife Sophie and then later to the Gold Coast. It comes after the veteran broadcaster return to the top of the Sydney radio ratings on Thursday, with his morning show rising 2.5 points to 13.7 per cent of the audience. Hadley has won 161 of the last 162 surveys since 2004. The 70-year-old's return to number one on mornings came after he was shockingly knocked from the top spot by WSFM's Phil O'Neil in the GfK survey last month. "It is a fantastic way to finish my career and the year, and I was in a fairly, I guess, sombre mood when we were beaten, and then after I had time to think about it, I thought it was not a bad run, 20 years at number one, and we got beaten," Hadley said. The broadcaster said he is going out as a "winner".NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans police arrested on Friday a man accused of killing two people during a large parade where two separate shootings within an hour left two dead and at least 10 wounded. Curtis Gray, 19, faces two counts of second-degree murder tied to the Nov. 17 shootings along a crowded parade route, according to a news release from the New Orleans Police Department. Gray allegedly fatally shot Rasean Carter, 21, and Malachi Jackson, 19, at the Almonaster Avenue Bridge, authorities say. Carter, an aspiring photographer who lived in Marrero just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, had planned to document the Nine Times Social Aid & Pleasure Club's annual outing and was accompanied by Jackson, his friend and uncle, Nola.com reported. The parade was part of New Orleans' long-running tradition of “second-lines” where revelers follow brass bands marching through the streets and has deep ties to the city's Black culture. The deaths of Carter and Jackson were among a series of recent lethal shootings in New Orleans. While most violence has been on the decline in the city since mid-2023 , there were three people killed and eight wounded in six shootings over the past weekend according to Nola.com . On Thursday, New Orleans police arrested two men, Darrell Fairley Jr., 18, and Cornelius G. Tillman, 19, in connection with a Nov. 30 double homicide in New Orleans East.
Elon Musk’s xAI lands billions in new cash to fuel AI ambitionsNew goalie pads weren’t the only present Mackenzie Blackwood got for Christmas. His five-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche was a welcome gift for the 28-year-old goaltender who has only played four games in burgundy and blue. “I’m pretty excited about that when I found out they were offering me a contract around Christmastime. We hashed it out pretty quickly, and I’m very excited to be here,” Blackwood said after morning skate on Friday. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was traded to the Avs on Dec. 9 by the San Jose Sharks with forward Givani Smith and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick for Alexandar Georgiev, forward Nikolai Kovalenko and a 2026 second-round draft pick. Mackenzie Blackwood Signs Five-Year Extension With the Avalanche He was slated to become an unrestricted free agent after this season with the completion of his two-year deal at $2.35 million. His new deal is worth $26.25 million with a cap hit of $5.25 million per season. He is not only relieved to have a long-term deal but ready to settle into his new home. “It’s a good culture. It’s a good organization. Welcomed me very quickly, and it’s a first-class organization. So I just thought it’s a great opportunity for me. I’m happy to play here, and everything just worked out well,” Blackwood said. Colorado’s locker room has changed quite a bit in the last month with the overhaul of goaltending — the team traded Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators for Scott Wedgewood just a week and a half before it acquired Blackwood. Both new netminders have made an impression on and off the ice. “It’s nice to know that he’s going to be around and that our future and that’s locked in with him and now Wedgewood for next year and Blackwood beyond that. Our guys are excited. He’s excited to be here. He’s played well since he’s been here. Helped sort of turn things around for us. So well deserved, and real excited for him. “His experience and he’s got a great personality, [he’s a] good voice in the room. When it comes to any of the defending details, penalty kill, all that — he’ll take on a bigger leadership role, for sure,” head coach Jared Bednar said. Blackwood said he would like to add to that leadership group now that he’s signed long-term. And he has already made an impression on his teammates in the short time he’s been with the Avs. “It’s always nice having a good goalie behind you, anytime you make a mistake, he’s gonna bail you out a decent amount of time. And that’s obviously a nice cushion to have,” defenseman Sam Malinski said. “He’s a guy with very high character. He’s a fun guy to have around, and it’s nice to see that he’s only been here for a couple weeks, and he already has faith to sign here for five years, and he knows that this is where he wants to play. So, yeah, that’s pretty cool.” Blackwood has a new set of white goalie pads and said his mask shipped on Thursday. His nickname is “Blacky,” which is on his current mask he brought from the Sharks, so that may be on his new Avalanche one as well. As for what Avs Faithful should chant when he shines at Ball Arena, that is to be determined. More Avalanche News Deen’s Daily: World Juniors Opening Day Round Up; Avalanche’s Next Home Game Week Ahead: Avalanche Need a Win vs Winnipeg on New Year’s Eve Deen’s Daily: McLellan Replaces Lalonde in Detroit; Florida’s Savvy Additions; Dubas’ Toughest Job Yet This article first appeared on Colorado Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.
Is This Something To Brag About ? – Peeps Bash Afia Schwar For Claiming She Got Rid Of 12 Pregnancies This Year
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift. His presidential transition team did not respond to questions about positions on visas for highly skilled workers or the debate between his supporters online. Instead, his team instead sent a link to a post on X by longtime adviser and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller that was a transcript of a speech Trump gave in 2020 at Mount Rushmore in which he praised figures and moments from American history. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.New Orleans police arrest man accused of killing paradegoers during multiple mass shootings
Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor picked by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the country's Medicare and Medicaid programs, has agreed to stop promoting health and wellness products if confirmed by the Senate, according to a spokesperson for the Trump transition. Likewise, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – who recently raised eyebrows by appearing on his wife's social media account apparently showering naked in the background while she promoted her beauty line – also has agreed to disclose his finances and undergo a federal ethics review if confirmed as health secretary, said spokesperson Katie Miller. "Both Mr. Kennedy and Dr. Oz plan to divest where appropriate and fully cooperate with the Office of Government of Ethics," Miller told ABC News. Whether Trump's nominees planned to follow traditional ethics rules that have governed Washington policymakers for decades had been an open question. Trump has picked several billionaires to lead his Cabinet, while Kennedy and Oz promoted wellness companies in new online posts even after being named as part of the incoming administration. Experts say it's still possible for any nominee to try to test the bounds of ethics rules. MORE: What to know about Dr. Oz as Trump picks him to lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services While many requirements are spelled out in law, Trump's Justice Department would be in charge of enforcing those rules. Trump also would ultimately be in charge of the federal ethics office after inauguration and would be responsible for pursuing or authorizing any disciplinary or corrective action among his cabinet members. Still, the transition's promise to follow ethics rules is an important first step, aid Delaney Marsco, ethics director for the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center. "It is one of the most basic commitments to not commit a criminal conflict of interest violation" when taking a government job, Marsco said. "The price of having all this power is that you have to use it to serve the public. And part of that deal is that you can't have financial conflicts of interest that would cloud your judgment," she added. Ethics laws require office holders to either divest investments that pose a conflict of interest or recuse themselves from making decisions related to those investments. Separate federal regulations impose standards of conduct that generally prohibit government officials from promoting products online that could be seen as a kind of federal endorsement. Five days after Oz was named as the incoming head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid – a federal agency that oversees federal health insure for 160 million Americans and regulates private insurers – he turned to social media to promote iHerb, an online retailer that sells vitamins and supplements. "Thanksgiving is a perfect excuse for practicing gratitude -- which also happens to be a proven way to reduce stress. You can also reduce stress with adaptogens like ashwagandha from a trusted source like iHerb. Happy Thanksgiving!" Oz wrote on X, with a similar video message posted on his personal Instagram account. Last month, Kennedy posted a similar post promoting an online fitness game called BoxBollen shortly after Trump named him to be health and human services secretary. "The ideal stocking stuffer! " Kennedy said in a video playing the game and wearing the game's headband. Kennedy quickly deleted his post. Miller said Kennedy has canceled his promotional contract already, while Oz plans to end his relationship with iHerb to avoid any potential conflict of interest. MORE: Could changes be coming to Medicare, Medicaid with Dr. Oz leading CMS? Oz also does not have any ongoing contractual agreements with weight-loss drugs, which he has promoted in the past on his syndicated television show. Separately, Oz's regular posts promoting iHerb prompted calls this week by the liberal consumer watchdog group Public Citizen for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission. FTC rules requires online influencers to make clear in their posts if they are being paid to promote products. The FTC declined to comment on whether it would consider such a request. There are no records of past actions against Oz by the FTC. Less clear is how federal ethics rules might apply to the business owned by Kennedy's wife, Cheryl Hines, which sells home and body products. Marsco of the Campaign Legal Center said spouses typically aren't required to step away from their jobs or businesses because their partner was hired by the U.S. government. However, government officials are required to recuse themselves from making decisions that could impact their spouse's employment and would still have to divest financial holdings that conflict with their work. Those details would have to be worked out with the ethics office and enforced by the president, she said. Under the law, the couple could divest their financial interest in the company to Hines' adult daughter while he remains in office. Marsco said these requirements won't kick in until after Trump takes office and they are officially nominated. "Assuming they follow through with what they've said, which is that they're going to fully cooperate and divest and follow all the conflict of interest laws and rules, then that is what is frankly expected of people in their position," she said.
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New Jersey fines firms $40K for sports betting violations1 Uranium Stock to Invest in the Nuclear Energy RenaissanceStocks rose in afternoon trading on Wall Street Friday, keeping the market on track for its fifth gain in a row. The S&P 500 was up 0.3% and was solidly on track for a weekly gain that will erase most of last week's loss. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.S&P/TSX composite up almost 150 at closing, U.S. markets also higher