Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Executive of Tyler Perry Studios dies when plane he was piloting crashes in Florida ATLANTA (AP) — The president of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios has died when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The studio confirmed on Saturday that Steve Mensch, its 62-year-old president and general manager, had died Friday. The crash happened in Homosassa, about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the plane having come to rest upside down on a road. Mensch helped advocate for Georgia’s film tax credit of more than $1 billion a year. Perry hired Mensch to run his namesake studio in 2016. Mensch died as Perry released his war drama, “The Six Triple Eight." The film was shot at the Atlanta studio. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel.
David Tepper is a billionaire based in the United States. The hedge fund manager is also the owner of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL) and the Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). Tepper was born on September 11, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After growing up on the east end of Pittsburgh, Tepper earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics at the University of Pittsburgh. The type entered service in July 1999. After he graduated, Tepper joined the finance industry, working for Equibank as a credit analyst. However, he found this role underwhelming and returned to school at Carnegie Mellon University to earn a Master of Science in Industrial Administration (MSIA), the then-equivalent of a Master of Business Administration (MBA). By 1985, Tepper had joined Goldman Sachs, and he played a major role in reviving the company after the 1987 stock market crash. After being passed over as a partner for the financial services provider, Tepper eventually created his own hedge fund called Appaloosa Management. His role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of this hedge fund has provided Tepper with some of the largest payouts of any executive in the world, including a $2.2 billion paycheck in 2012. This has allowed him to accumulate a net worth of over $21 billion. Due to his accumulated wealth, Tepper purchased the Carolina Panthers in May 2019 and helped bring an MLS franchise to Charlotte in 2019. Because of Tepper's extreme wealth, it is no shock that he operates a private jet . This business jet provides him with the ultimate luxury while traveling, including allowing him to depart whenever he pleases, fly direct routes to most airports, and even fly to a wide variety of airports that may not be operated by commercial airlines. Let's take a closer look at this large business jet , as well as some of the aircraft's statistics. About David Tepper's private jet Currently, David Tepper owns and operates a Bombardier Global 5000 registered as N793AP. According to JetSpy, this Global 5000 was first manufactured in 2011 and has a serial number of 9454. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , the registered owner of this aircraft is Delaware Trust Co, although the main operator is designated as David Tepper. The aircraft is utilized frequently by Tepper and his team. According to JetSpy, his Global 5000 has flown a total of 154 times. These flights have amounted to a total of just over 250 flight hours. These flights have utilized over 125,000 gallons of jet fuel, which has accumulated approximately 1,211 metric tons of carbon emissions. Additionally, Tepper's Global 5000 has visited the following airports the most frequently in 2024: Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU) in Morristown, New Jersey Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach, Florida About the Bombardier Global Express series The Global 5000 is one of the aircraft that falls into Bombardier's Global Express series of aircraft. This family began with the Global Express. Bombardier began the development of this popular business jet after its acquisition of Canadair in 1986. Canadair had previously introduced the Challenger 600 series, which saw immediate success in the private aviation industry. However, Bombardier wanted to develop a private jet with a longer range. Because of this, by the early 1990s, Bombardier , along with engineers from Canadair, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries , and BMW Rolls-Royce, began work on developing the new aircraft. The design was loosely based on the successful Challenger 600, which had the same cross-section as the regional airliner, the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) . The first prototype conducted its maiden flight in October 1996, and it officially entered service in July 1999. Since then, Bombardier has released several upgraded variants. This includes the Global 5000, which was introduced in February 2002. Additionally, Bombardier has released the following other variants in this aircraft series: Bombardier Global Express XRS Global 6000 Global 5500 Global 6500 This aircraft series has been produced since 1998 and is still in current production. Overall, nearly 1,000 total aircraft variants have been produced since its introduction, making it one of the most popular business jets in the industry. Design features and performance specifications of the Bombardier Global 5000 The Global 5000 is one of the most popular aircraft of the Global Express series, with over 200 aircraft still in service. This aircraft features a fuselage with the same cross-section as the Bombardier Challenger 600 and the CRJ series. However, the Global 5000 features a shorter fuselage and a shorter range, although it can still hold a maximum of 16 passengers. Overall, the Global 5000 features the following interior cabin measurements: Cabin length: 40 feet nine inches Cabin height: six feet two inches Cabin width: seven feet eleven inches The fuselage section allows for up to four interior spaces, which can include a crew rest area, a galley, both forward and aft lavatories, and several other options. Inside the cockpit, the Bombardier Global 5000 utilizes the Bombardier vision flight deck which is based on the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite. The Global 5000 is powered by Rolls-Royce BR700 turbofan engines. These powerful engines each provide the aircraft with just under 15,000 pounds of thrust. Overall, the Global 5000 has the following performance specifications: Length 96 feet ten inches Height 25 feet six inches Wingspan 94 feet Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) 92,500 pounds Typical cruise speed 487 knots (560 miles per hour) Range 5,200 nautical miles (5,984 miles) Service ceiling 51,000 feetBy Lawrence Delevingne (Reuters) -A U.S. tech stock rally and expectations of lower interest rates boosted global shares while the euro and dollar were steady on Wednesday despite political turmoil in South Korea and France. Wall Street’s major stock indexes rallied to record closing highs, led higher by tech stocks and comments by Federal Reserve officials. Enterprise cloud company Salesforce and chipmaker Marvell Technology logged strong third-quarter results. UnitedHealth shares gained nearly 1% despite Brian Thompson, the CEO of its insurance unit, being fatally shot on Wednesday morning in New York City. The S&P 500 added 0.6% to 6,086 and the Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.3% to 19,735 — both record highs — while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7%, to 45,014. MSCI’s gauge of stocks across the globe rose 0.47%. U.S. Treasury yields fell after Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the recent strength of the economy will allow the U.S. central bank to “be a little more cautious as we try to find neutral” with interest rate policy. The day started on a more negative note, when lawmakers in South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, called on President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign or face impeachment a day after he declared martial law, only to reverse the move hours later. The crisis left South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index down 1.4%, taking its year-to-date losses to over 7% and making it the worst performing major stock market in Asia this year. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan, which counts Samsung Electronics as one of its top constituents, fell 0.15%. Most Asian markets aside from South Korea rose. The won currency, buoyed by suspected central bank intervention, steadied but remained close to the two-year low against the dollar that it hit late on Tuesday. South Korea’s finance ministry said it was prepared to deploy unlimited liquidity into financial markets. Reports said the financial regulator was ready to deploy 10 trillion won ($7.1 billion) in a stock market stabilisation fund. “Martial law itself has been lifted, but this incident creates more uncertainty in the political landscape and the economy,” said ING senior economist Min Joo Kang. In Europe, stocks gained about 0.4% and the euro traded near a two-year low ahead of the no-confidence vote in France. French lawmakers later in the day voted to oust the fragile coalition of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, deepening the political crisis in the euro zone’s second-largest economy. Barnier’s government is France’s first to be forced out by a no-confidence vote in more than 60 years. The country is struggling to tame a massive budget deficit. The single currency, last at $1.0511, was little changed on the day but down about 5% over the last three months. Investors have been bracing for tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. U.S. POLICY PATH Away from political turmoil, investors are hoping for more clues on the policy path the Fed will likely take next year, with a November employment report due on Friday. U.S. job openings increased solidly in October while layoffs dropped by the most in 1-1/2 years, data showed on Tuesday. Another survey showed employers hesitant to hire more workers. U.S. economic activity also expanded slightly in most regions since early October, with employment growth “subdued” and inflation rising at a modest pace and businesses expressing optimism about the future, the Fed said on Wednesday in its “Beige Book” economic summary. The yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes fell 3.3 basis points to 4.188%, from 4.221% late on Tuesday. St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said the pace of future rate cuts has grown less clear. The BlackRock Investment Institute (BII) said it sees persistent U.S. inflationary pressures from rising geopolitical fragmentation, big spending on AI and low-carbon transition. In debt markets, BII raised its weighting on short-term U.S. Treasuries to “neutral” from “underweight”, saying market pricing now roughly matches its expectations for interest rate cuts from the Fed next year. “We think it will cut further in 2025, and growth will cool a little, but with inflation still above target the Fed won’t have room to cut much past 4%, leaving rates well above pre-pandemic levels,” BII said in its 2025 outlook. Markets see about a 75% chance of a 25 basis point cut this month, with 80 bps of cuts expected by the end of next year. In currencies, the dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against six rivals, was little changed at 106.3. Oil futures slipped as traders awaited an imminent OPEC+ decision on supply. A larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude stockpiles last week lent some support to prices. U.S. crude fell 1.62% to $68.81 a barrel and Brent declined to $72.53 per barrel, down 1.48% on the day. [O/R] In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin gained 3% to $98,892 and Ethereum rose 7.4% to $3,881 as Trump said he would nominate Paul Atkins to run the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins is seen as a crypto industry-friendly pick. (Reporting by Lawrence Delevingne in Boston, Tom Wilson in London and Ankur Banerjee in Singapore; Editing by Alexander Smith, Christina Fincher, Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday selected former Rep. Billy Long (R-MO), an auctioneer and ardent poker player, to be the country’s next IRS commissioner. The pick was announced Wednesday on Trump’s Truth Social platform as he continues the rollout of his second-term administration picks . Earlier in the day, he selected billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman for NASA chief and later announced Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) as his choice to lead the Small Business Administration. “Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country,” Trump wrote. “He then served 12 years in Congress, because he ‘felt it was important for his constituents to have a Representative who has signed the front of a check!’ ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Senate Dems consider whether Biden should ‘clear the slate’ and pardon Trump Since leaving Congress , Long has participated in numerous poker championships, including the World Poker Tour, and other professionally sanctioned games such as the Southern Poker Championship. He also lost the 2022 Republican Senate primary after the seat became vacant when Sen. Roy Blunt announced he would not seek reelection. According to Trump, Long went on to work as a business and tax advisor "helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations." “I have known Billy since 2011 - He is an extremely hard worker, and respected by all, especially by those who know him in Congress,” the president-elect said. “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm. He is the consummate ‘people person,’ well respected on both sides of the aisle.” He added: “Congratulations Billy!”
Commerce Department to reduce Intel's funding on semiconductors
An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look onIt's almost Christmas once again, so it's time to dream a little and hope Santa grants our wishes. or signup to continue reading As many people wrap up their working year, a lot head off on a road trip either to be with family for festivities, or for a long-awaited holiday break. With this in mind, the editorial team has put together a list of its dream road trip cars. Whether it's a low-slung sports car, comfortable executive tourer, all-terrain beast, or a mixture of all of the above, there's no hypothetical budget holding us back this time around. While many of us lust over classic cars, for this challenge we've stuck strictly with new cars that you can currently buy in Australia. Here's what we chose for our ultimate road trip cars. There is nothing like a Rolls-Royce, and when it comes to a road trip, I couldn't think of a better car to eat up the miles in as you cruise from one destination to another. Having spent a lot of time in both the and , my only reason for choosing the Roller is its presence on the road. Otherwise, either of these British super luxury SUVs is ideal for any road trip. To be fair, my is 90 per cent as good as the Cullinan for about 1/7th the price, so that's a far cheaper and more practical solution for a road trip, and you won't look completely out of place the minute you leave the CBD. The open-ended nature of this question forced me to think especially hard about my priorities, and I landed at adequate seating for family and friends, plenty of boot space to stack up presents, a luxurious cabin, and sweet driving dynamics for a beachside blast. Pretty fussy, I know. But thankfully such a car exists, in the form of the . Based on the , the BMW Alpina B3 GT Touring is like an with a prettier face, unique features, and arguably even more curb appeal. Under the bonnet it packs a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing 389kW of power and 730Nm of torque... healthy to say the least. The B3 also gains unique Alpina styling – just check it out in Alpina Green Metallic paint with the 20-spoke gold alloys! Inside, I'd opt for the full merino leather package in brown, which dials comfort up to 11. You'll be paying around $200,000 for a fully specced example of the BMW Alpina B3 GT Touring, but I can't imagine a better vehicle in which to rack up kilometres over the Christmas break. My ultimate road trip car would need to be a large off-road SUV, to fit all my gear and allow me to head off the beaten track, and the hottest property in that market segment right now is the new . But as good as it looks and drives, the new 250 Series also brings mega price hikes, so much so it makes even the look cheap. While the Prado now starts at a cool $72,500 before on-roads, you can get a rear-drive twin-turbo four-cylinder turbo-diesel Everest with more power and a 10-speed auto from just $54,240 before on-roads, or the 4×4 version from only $59,240 before on-roads. Or you could get a lusty Everest Sport V6 from $74,640 before on-roads – about $2000 more than a base Prado – or even the go-anywhere Tremor V6 from $76,590 before on-roads, which is still less than a Prado GXL (from $79,990 before on-roads) and way more affordable than its 2.8-litre Prado Altitude equivalent (from $92,700 before on-roads). Given it delivers similar off-road capability, seven-seat flexibility, technology and refinement for far more sensible money, it's no wonder Aussies are voting with their feet for the locally designed and engineered Everest, which will become the nation's favourite large SUV for the first time this year. Bit of a random one, but in a world dominated by SUVs, I didn't want to pick something a little different. The is a forgotten gem, using the capable A6 Avant as a base, jacking it up and fitting adaptive air suspension for a cushy ride. As standard, the A6 allroad's '45 TDI' spec V6 diesel offers a healthy 183kW and 600Nm for effortless and refined cruising, while claiming to use just 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle – meaning nearly 1000km per fill of its 63-litre tank. It's a shame the allroad is now on its way out to make way for the new A6 e-tron coming in 2025. Perhaps we'll see a hybridised A7 allroad at some point, or even an all-electric A6 allroad e-tron somewhere down the track. Anyway, #savethewagons Given I have no budget this time, I'm going all out. My ideal road trip means long stints on the highway and the occasional off-road jaunt, which leaves me with a few options. One that stands out the most is the , which soaks up highway kilometres like nothing and can also carve up virtually any off-road track. In particular I'd go for the 110 OCTA which is a new twin-turbo V8 flagship, set to arrive in local showrooms from March 2025. I know it's a little late for a Christmas present, but Santa knows no bounds. At $355,588 drive-away for Victorian buyers in Edition One guise it's eye-wateringly expensive, but it's filled to the gills with standard equipment and unique touches. I'll take it in Faroe Green exterior paint with the Khaki/Ebony perforated Ultrafabric upholstery. Although it doesn't feature JLR's iconic 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, I'd still gladly take the keys to this BMW twin-turbo V8-powered off-road beast and go for a fang. Both the and are large, comfortable sedans with air suspension and available fuel-efficient powertrains. The A8 50 TDI and long-wheelbase 50 TDI L pack a 210kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with a 48V mild-hybrid system, and fuel economy of between 6.6 and 6.7L/100km. The LS, in contrast, offers an available 3.5-litre V6 hybrid with 264kW and claimed fuel economy of 6.8L/100km. While I haven't driven the A8, I have spent time with an LS which wafted down the road like a feather floating onto a cloud. And that was the "sporty" LS500 F Sport! Ok, perhaps something with a bit more ground clearance than these two would be preferable if we're road-tripping through regional Australia and its often shocking roads, but I'm a sedan man at heart. So which is it, a German diesel or a Japanese hybrid? I'm not sure. Give me around $230,000 and I'll try to figure it out. You're going to want to be comfortable on a road trip, and there's no doubt the is more than capable of meeting that criteria. The luxury Prado is large outside, spacious inside, and equipped with everything you could possibly need like a 14.0-inch infotainment system, five USB-C ports, tri-zone climate control, as well as even a full-size spare wheel for some extra security. Better yet, the "base" GX550 Luxury is a seven-seater capacity, which means all your friends and family can come along for the ride. If you're like me who would probably be taking a road trip through Victoria's High Country and out to the state's east coast, you'll likely be travelling some rough rural roads and some steep inclines all on the same route. I've found the GX is able to deal with each scenario fairly well, with its comfortable ride and quiet cabin making for comfortable hours behind the wheel. It'll have no problem with power either, because that 3.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 packs plenty of punch at 260kW and 650Nm. Fuel economy might be the only concern given Lexus quotes 12.3L/100km on the combined cycle, but expect that figure to be lower after prolonged stints on higher-speed roads. Equally, there is quite the price to overcome at $116,000 before on-road costs. If you can get past that, why not road-trip in (GX550) Luxury? A fast wagon. That's just about every Dad's dream, provided you don't want to go off-road or look at any potholes. As I get older, my desire for practicality has risen, but the love for performance hasn't faded. The takes what is an extremely capable performance car and adds extra space with minimal compromise to either its go-fast characteristics or luxury styling. I'm not interested in going off the beaten path, I just want to get to my destination in comfort, but once there I want to explore the countryside and not regret passing up on a suitable car for the twisties. I was fortunate enough to drive the B3 GT sedan back-to-back with an M3 a few years ago, and the Alpina reminded me of my old G6E Turbo – if it was all-wheel drive, even more powerful and lavishly equipped with modern technology. I truly believe that so long as you're not going off-road, it's the jack of all trades, plus it has the 'if you know, you know' feeling which you just can't get in the hot BMW M cars. Now this is a topic I can weigh in on! I plan on doing a lap of Australia in the near future, and while my holds a special place in my heart, if I had to pick my ultimate road trip car, it'd be a . I know, shocker, right? But hear me out! When it comes to outback reliability, Toyota really is unmatched. The LC70 might look and feel like it time travelled straight from the 90s, but that's exactly what makes it perfect. The basic electronics means you can splash through creek crossings without turning your rig into an expensive paperweight — and if anything does go wrong, every country town will have the parts you need. Now, I'd love to brag about having the V8, but since Toyota has recently axed it, I'll have to settle for the 2.8-litre four-cylinder (my left leg will thank me later). And of course, I wouldn't hit the road in a stock LC70 — where's the fun in that? No, I'm dreaming big here. Think roof conversion (when available for the new model), rear fitout, ECU remap, lifted suspension, 35s, bullbar, snorkel, and obviously an exhaust upgrade loud enough that you would be able to hear me coming from a mile away. Basically, if I won the lottery tomorrow, the mods list would be longer than the trip itself! But in summary, tough as nails, packed with space, and impossible to kill – the LC70 is my perfect road trip rig! Money no object, I'd be climbing into a , with the Ram Box and a canopy fitted. It's the peak of comfort and practicality, it's reasonably economical at highway speeds, and will handle virtually any terrain you could throw it at. Plus, it looks downright bad-ass in black-on-black. I think this one is a no brainer. A vehicle that can go anywhere, is quick, makes noise and can be decked out with endless accessories is all that you'll ever need for a road trip. And it's the perfect vehicle to help recover Alborz when he gets stuck in his land-going houseboat. Content originally sourced from: Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement
PITTSBORO — A center at Central Carolina Community College intended to advance environmental and natural resource technology education is celebrating the end of its inaugural year. The EARTh Center’s primary initiative is collaborating with educators and industry leaders to develop instructional and training materials in support of environmental tech industries such as those involved with water and air quality, natural resource management, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Professional development opportunities through the EARTh Center are open to community college, tribal college and high school educators from all over the United States. Over the summer, the EARTh Center hosted two major in-person professional development events: the Summit for Tribal College Educators and the annual EARTh Center Institute. In May, the Summit for Tribal College Educators in Michigan provided a forum for tribal college faculty to meet in person and discuss the current challenges of environmental technology education at tribal colleges. In June, Nahant Marsh Education Center co-hosted the EARTh Center Institute in Iowa, bringing together 17 educators for an immersive five-day event, exploring water quality, conservation and the ecosystems of the upper Mississippi River region. In 2025, the EARTh Center will have two in-person professional development opportunities and several virtual opportunities. In June, the EARTh Center will take educators to Beaver Island, Mich., for the EARTh Center Institute and to Boulder, Colo., for the first part of the brand-new EARTh Center Fellows Program. Applications and details for both opportunities may be found at earthcntr.org . One achievement for the EARTh Center from this year is the development of immersive educational modules and simulations, and their availability for educator use through the EARTh Center website. These cutting-edge resources integrate simulation-based learning environments with interactive coursework, allowing students to engage in realistic scenarios where they can apply their knowledge in safe, controlled settings. The most recent creation of simulation-based materials is aimed at photovoltaic (solar) programs. The coursework and simulations created by the in-house Immersive Ed Design team walks students through the necessary knowledge checks and information for working on energized high-voltage photovoltaic systems, allowing students to gain experience with tools and situations they may experience in a real-world environment, without being exposed to the potential dangers of high-voltage electricity. For more information and resources, earthcntr.org and follow the EARTh Center on LinkedIn (search “EARTh Center (Environmental and Natural Resources Technology Center)”). Additionally, interested instructors, educators and industry partners may email Tiffany Breindel at tbreindel@cccc.edu or Andrew McMahan at amcmahan@cccc.edu to discuss involvement and opportunities with the EARTh Center.
Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, accused of domestic violence, cleared to practice and playEveryone will love this Marry Me chicken budget meal
It looked like a recipe for disaster. So, when his country's swimmers were being accused of doping earlier this year, one Chinese official cooked up something fast. He blamed it on contaminated noodles. In fact, he argued, it could have been a culinary conspiracy concocted by criminals, whose actions led to the cooking wine used to prepare the noodles being laced with a banned heart drug that found its way into an athlete's system. This theory was spelled out to international anti-doping officials during a meeting and, after weeks of wrangling, finally made it into the thousands of pages of data handed over to the lawyer who investigated the case involving 23 Chinese swimmers who had tested positive for that same drug. The attorney, appointed by the World Anti-Doping Agency, refused to consider that scenario as he sifted through the evidence. In spelling out his reasoning, lawyer Eric Cottier paid heed to the half-baked nature of the theory. "The Investigator considers this scenario, which he has described in the conditional tense, to be possible, no less, no more," Cottier wrote. Even without the contaminated-noodles theory, Cottier found problems with the way WADA and the Chinese handled the case but ultimately determined WADA had acted reasonably in not appealing China's conclusion that its athletes had been inadvertently contaminated. Critics of the way the China case was handled can't help but wonder if a wider exploration of the noodle theory, details of which were discovered by The Associated Press via notes and emails from after the meeting where it was delivered, might have lent a different flavor to Cottier's conclusions. "There are more story twists to the ways the Chinese explain the TMZ case than a James Bond movie," said Rob Koehler, the director general of the advocacy group Global Athlete. "And all of it is complete fiction." Something in the kitchen was contaminated In April, reporting from the New York Times and the German broadcaster ARD revealed that the 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine, also known as TMZ. China's anti-doping agency determined the athletes had been contaminated, and so, did not sanction them. WADA accepted that explanation, did not press the case further, and China was never made to deliver a public notice about the "no-fault findings," as is often seen in similar cases. The stock explanation for the contamination was that traces of TMZ were found in the kitchen of a hotel where the swimmers were staying. In his 58-page report, Cottier relayed some suspicions about the feasibility of that chain of events — noting that WADA's chief scientist "saw no other solution than to accept it, even if he continued to have doubts about the reality of contamination as described by the Chinese authorities." But without evidence to support pursuing the case, and with the chance of winning an appeal at almost nil, Cottier determined WADA's "decision not to appeal appears indisputably reasonable." But how did the drugs get into the kitchen? A mystery remained: How did those traces of TMZ get into the kitchen? Shortly after the doping positives were revealed, the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations held a meeting on April 30 where it heard from the leader of China's agency, Li Zhiquan. Li's presentation was mostly filled with the same talking points that have been delivered throughout the saga — that the positive tests resulted from contamination from the kitchen. But he expanded on one way the kitchen might have become contaminated, harkening to another case in China involving a low-level TMZ positive. A pharmaceutical factory, he explained, had used industrial alcohol in the distillation process for producing TMZ. The industrial alcohol laced with the drug "then entered the market through illegal channels," he said. The alcohol "was re-used by the perpetrators to process and produce cooking wine, which is an important seasoning used locally to make beef noodles," Li said. "The contaminated beef noodles were consumed by that athlete, resulting in an extremely low concentration of TMZ in the positive sample. "The wrongdoers involved have been brought to justice." New information sent to WADA ... eventually This new information raised eyebrows among the anti-doping leaders listening to Li's report. So much so that over the next month, several emails ensued to make sure the details about the noodles and wine made their way to WADA lawyers, who could then pass it onto Cottier. Eventually, Li did pass on the information to WADA general counsel Ross Wenzel and, just to be sure, one of the anti-doping leaders forwarded it, as well, according to the emails seen by the AP. All this came with Li's request that the noodles story be kept confidential. Turns out, it made it into Cottier's report, though he took the information with a grain of salt. "Indeed, giving it more attention would have required it to be documented, then scientifically verified and validated," he wrote. Neither Wenzel nor officials at the Chinese anti-doping agency returned messages from AP asking about the noodles conspiracy and the other athlete who Li suggested had been contaminated by them. Meanwhile, 11 of the swimmers who originally tested positive competed at the Paris Games earlier this year in a meet held under the cloud of the Chinese doping case. Though WADA considers the case closed, Koehler and others point to situations like this as one of many reasons that an investigation by someone other than Cottier, who was hired by WADA, is still needed. "It gives the appearance that people are just making things up as they go along on this, and hoping the story just goes away," Koehler said. "Which clearly it has not."
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Analysis | Air Force football standouts entering transfer portal a cause for concern, but not yet panicAirports and highways are expected to be jam-packed during Thanksgiving week, a holiday period likely to end with another record day for air travel in the United States. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday, most of them by car. However, travelers could be impacted by ongoing weather challenges and those flying to their destinations could be grounded by delays brought on by airline staffing shortages and an airport service workers strike . Here's the latest: What the striking airport workers are saying “We cannot live on the wages that we are being paid,” ABM cabin cleaner Priscilla Hoyle said at a rally earlier Monday. “I can honestly say it’s hard every single day with my children, working a full-time job but having to look my kids in the eyes and sit there and say, ‘I don’t know if we’re going to have a home today.’” Timothy Lowe II, a wheelchair attendant, said he has to figure out where to spend the night because he doesn’t make enough for a deposit on a home. “We just want to be able to have everything that’s a necessity paid for by the job that hired us to do a great job so they can make billions,” he said. ABM said it is “committed to addressing concerns swiftly” and that there are avenues for employees to communicate issues, including a national hotline and a “general open door policy for managers at our worksite.” What are striking Charlotte airport workers’ demands? Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. They described living paycheck to paycheck while performing jobs that keep planes running on schedule. Most of them earn $12.50 to $19 an hour, union officials said. Rev. Glencie Rhedrick of Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice said those workers should make $22 to $25 an hour. The strike is expected to last 24 hours. Several hundred workers participated in the work stoppage. US flights are running normally Forty-four fights have been canceled today and nearly 1,900 were delayed by midday on the East Coast, according to FlightAware . According to the organization’s cheekily named MiseryMap , San Francisco International Airport is having the most hiccups right now, with 53 delays and three cancellations between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST. While that might sound like a lot of delays, they might not be so bad compared to last Friday when the airport suffered 671 delays and 69 cancellations. Cutting in line? American Airlines’ new boarding tech might stop you now at over 100 airports In an apparent effort to reduce the headaches caused by airport line cutting, American Airlines has rolled out boarding technology that alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group. This new software won’t accept a boarding pass before the group it’s assigned to is called, so customers who get to the gate prematurely will be asked to go back and wait their turn. As of Wednesday, the airline announced, the technology is now being used in more than 100 U.S. airports that American flies out of. The official expansion arrives after successful tests in three of these locations — Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport. ▶ Read more about American Airlines’ new boarding technology Tips to make holiday travel a bit easier Travel can be stressful in the best of times. Now add in the high-level anxiety that seems to be baked into every holiday season and it’s clear travelers could use some help calming frazzled nerves. Here are a few ways to make your holiday journey a little less stressful: 1. Make a checklist of what you need to do and what you need to bring 2. Carry your comfort with you — think noise-canceling headphones, cozy clothes, snacks and extra medication 3. Stay hydrated 4. Keep up to date on delays, gate changes and cancellations with your airline’s app ▶ Read more tips about staying grounded during holiday travel The timing of this year’s holiday shapes travel patterns Thanksgiving Day takes place late this year, with the fourth Thursday of November falling on Nov. 28. That shortens the traditional shopping season and changes the rhythm of holiday travel. With more time before the holiday , people tend to spread out their outbound travel over more days, but everyone returns at the same time, said Andrew Watterson, the chief operating officer of Southwest Airlines . “A late Thanksgiving leads to a big crush at the end,” Watterson said. “The Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday after Thanksgiving are usually very busy with Thanksgiving this late.” Airlines did a relatively good job of handling holiday crowds last year, when the weather was mild in most of the country. Fewer than 400 U.S. flights were canceled during Thanksgiving week in 2023 — about one out of every 450 flights. So far in 2024, airlines have canceled about 1.3% of all flights. Advice for drivers Drivers should know that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the worst times to travel by car, but it should be smooth sailing on freeways come Thanksgiving Day, according to transportation analytics company INRIX. On the return home, the best travel times for motorists are before 1 p.m. on Sunday, and before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Monday, the company said. In metropolitan areas like Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington, “traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue said. FAA staffing shortage could cause flight delays Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Mike Whitaker said last week that he expects his agency to use special measures at some facilities to deal with an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers. In the past, those facilities have included airports in New York City and Florida. “If we are short on staff, we will slow traffic as needed to keep the system safe,” Whitaker said. The FAA has long struggled with a shortage of controllers that airline officials expect will last for years, despite the agency’s lofty hiring goals. Thanksgiving travel, b y the numbers 5. Auto club and insurance company AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday. Most of them will travel by car. 6. Drivers should get a slight break on gas prices . The nationwide average price for gasoline was $3.06 a gallon on Sunday, down from $3.27 at this time last year. 7. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 18.3 million people at U.S. airports during the same seven-day stretch. That would be 6% more than during the corresponding days last year but fit a pattern set throughout 2024. 8. The TSA predicts that 3 million people will pass through airport security checkpoints on Sunday; more than that could break the record of 3.01 million set on the Sunday after the July Fourth holiday. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the next busiest air travel days of Thanksgiving week. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving travel across the U.S. Charlotte airport workers strike over low wages Workers who clean airplanes, remove trash and help with wheelchairs at Charlotte’s airport, one of the nation’s busiest, went on strike Monday to demand higher wages. The Service Employees International Union announced the strike in a statement early Monday, saying the workers would demand “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.” The strike was expected to last 24 hours, said union spokesperson Sean Keady. Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. The two companies contract with American, one of the world’s biggest carriers, to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs. ▶ Read more about the Charlotte airport workers’ strike Northeast should get needed precipitation Parts of the Midwest and East Coast can expect to see heavy rain into Thanksgiving, and there’s potential for snow in Northeastern states. A storm last week brought rain to New York and New Jersey, where wildfires have raged in recent weeks, and heavy snow to northeastern Pennsylvania. The precipitation was expected to help ease drought conditions after an exceptionally dry fall. Heavy snow fell in northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Pocono Mountains. Higher elevations reported up to 17 inches (43 centimeters), with lesser accumulations in valley cities including Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Around 35,000 customers in 10 counties were still without power, down from 80,000 a day ago. In the Catskills region of New York, nearly 10,000 people remained without power Sunday morning, two days after a storm dumped heavy snow on parts of the region. Precipitation in West Virginia helped put a dent in the state’s worst drought in at least two decades and boosted ski resorts as they prepare to open in the weeks ahead. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving week weather forecasts More rain expected after deadly ‘bomb cyclone’ on West Coast Two people died in the Pacific Northwest after a rapidly intensifying “ bomb cyclone ” hit the West Coast last Tuesday, bringing fierce winds that toppled trees and power lines and damaged homes and cars. Hundreds of thousands lost electricity in Washington state before powerful gusts and record rains moved into Northern California. Forecasters said the risk of flooding and mudslides remained as the region will get more rain starting Sunday. But the latest storm won’t be as intense as last week’s atmospheric river , a long plume of moisture that forms over an ocean and flows over land. “However, there’s still threats, smaller threats, and not as significant in terms of magnitude, that are still going to exist across the West Coast for the next two or three days,” weather service forecaster Rich Otto said. As the rain moves east throughout the week, Otto said, there’s a potential for heavy snowfall at higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, as well as portions of Utah and Colorado. California’s Mammoth Mountain, which received 2 feet (0.6 meters) of fresh snow in the recent storm, could get another 4 feet (1.2 meters) before the newest system clears out Wednesday, the resort said. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week Another round of wintry weather could complicate travel leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, according to forecasts across the U.S., while California and Washington state continue to recover from storm damage and power outages. In California, where two people were found dead in floodwaters on Saturday, authorities braced for more rain while grappling with flooding and small landslides from a previous storm . Here’s a look at some of the regional forecasts: 9. Sierra Nevada: The National Weather Service office issued a winter storm warning through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at higher elevations and wind gusts potentially reaching 55 mph (88 kph). Total snowfall of roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters) was forecast, with the heaviest accumulations expected Monday and Tuesday. 10. Midwest and Great Lakes: The Midwest and Great Lakes regions will see rain and snow Monday and the East Coast will be the most impacted on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, forecasters said. 11. East Coast: A low pressure system is forecast to bring rain to the Southeast early Thursday before heading to the Northeast. Areas from Boston to New York could see rain and breezy conditions, with snowfall possible in parts of northern New Hampshire, northern Maine and the Adirondacks. If the system tracks further inland, there could be less snow and more rain in the mountains, forecasters said. ▶ Read more about Thanksgiving week weather forecasts
Earlier in August, series maker Warhorse Studios announced that the latest entry in the series . It promptly pushed the release date of to February 11, 2025. Today, the studio announced another release date adjustment, but this time it is bringing the launch date forward. As shared on an on its social media channels, Warhorse Studios revealed that is now releasing on February 4, 2025, letting players jump into the medieval RPG a whole week early. As for why it made the change, the studio said that it's so that players can "start 2025 with the best game there is". Big news: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will arrive at your homes on FEBRUARY 4TH 2025!⚔️ With the release date pushing one week forward, we have a bunch of more exciting news coming in the following days. Brand new Story trailer drops Tomorrow on December 5. PC and Console... Alongside the release date change, the studio also revealed that the game has gone gold, meaning the release product is ready for shipping. It will still be doing bug fixing till the February release date is reached, so expect a comprehensive day-one update to land on the day of launch. Warhorse will have a story trailer land tomorrow, December 5, with another major look at the campaign. It will be accompanied by the official PC system requirements as well, finally giving players on the platform a look at what sort of rig they will require to run the game smoothly. At the same time, the studio confirmed that Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 will be shipping with Performance and Quality modes, with more details on these modes and frame rate targets coming tomorrow as well. PlayStation 5 Pro support has been confirmed too, available right at launch. In a recent update, Warhorse also clarified that the PC version of the game will (DRM) technologies, dispelling reports of the game shipping with Denuvo. Moreover, Steam wishlists for Kingdom has now surpassed one million, a major milestone that the studio hopes to translate into sales as the game launches.None
North Korean nationals indicted in scheme using IT workers to funnel money for weapons programsAn estimated 20% of people are battling irritable bowel syndrome , a digestive system disorder that causes symptoms including stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation . These symptoms can swing wildly or stick around for weeks on end. While the root cause of IBS is still a mystery, some sufferers find relief through dietary adjustments. The holiday season , with its rich foods and flowing drinks, can be especially tough for those with IBS, making the festive feast a source of anxiety. Dr Claire Merrifield, a doctor at Selph , said: "Fatty foods and alcohol are common triggers of IBS, which can make Christmas a very difficult time for those that suffer with it. In addition, stress tends to make symptoms of IBS worse ." 'Full fat' snack doctor says can slash cholesterol by 30% Doctor shares 'superfruits' those with high blood sugar should eat She also pointed out that "Most people with IBS also will know that foods that have a high FODMOP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) content can create more gas and bloating. High FODMAP foods like cauliflower, onions and garlic, milk, bread and sweeteners tend to be prominent foods at Christmas time." The holiday season can be a minefield for those with irritable bowel syndrome, with festive treats like cheese and chocolate potentially triggering uncomfortable symptoms. " Fatty foods like cheese and chocolate which are hard to avoid over the festive period, might increase symptoms of IBS, in particular abdominal pain related to eating," Dr Merrifield warned. Even though they're low in FODMAPs, Brussels sprouts and cabbage could still cause bloating and gas, as reported by Surrey Live . To ease holiday discomfort, Dr Merrifield recommends some dietary swaps. She explains that while Brussels sprouts are nutritious, their high fiber content can ferment in the colon and cause gas, leading to IBS-related discomfort. "Love them or hate them, there is actually science behind the reasons why Brussels sprouts make you gassy. Although they're high in vitamins and antioxidants , they contain a lot of fibre which is fermented by bacteria in our colon, leading to the production of gas that our bodies must release. This can lead to discomfort in some people with IBS." For a more comfortable festive feast, she suggests: "Try swapping out Brussels sprouts for a less gassy alternative, like carrots or green beans. The rest of the dinner table might even be jealous! " Dr Merrifield also advises cutting back on fatty foods to manage IBS symptoms better. Dr. Merrifield has highlighted the impact of fatty foods on IBS symptoms, particularly during the indulgent holiday season. Dr. Merrifield remarked: "Fat is thought to trigger some symptoms of IBS. There are usually lots of fatty foods on offer for dessert, like cake, cheese and chocolate." She also offered practical advice for those managing their diet: "If you're in charge of cooking, try and make sure there are some lighter snacking and dessert options. You can also bring some mindfulness to your eating - do you really want that whole chocolate orange right now? Or can you just have a small segment and really enjoy it? ". In addition to food choices, Dr. Merrifield advised on beverage consumption: "Alcohol, tea and coffee can all trigger symptoms of IBS, so it's worth being mindful of what you're drinking. Most of us have something in our hands that's not water for most of the Christmas period so think about ways you could reduce the caffeine and alcohol you're consuming." DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter. She suggested alternatives to help manage symptoms: "You might want to stock up on non-alcoholic or decaffeinated alternatives. Fruit-infused water is a really nice way to stay hydrated and refreshed and peppermint tea can help with abdominal pain related to IBS." Lastly, Dr. Merrifield recommended a simple wardrobe choice to aid comfort: "Wear loose-fitting clothing." She said: : "Whenever we sit down to eat a big meal, we are likely to feel our bellies getting bigger. Wearing tight-fitting clothes or tightly elasticated waistbands can mean our gut can't work as effectively and may lead to painful trapped wind. Wear loose-fitting clothes that are baggy around the middle, everyone's focussed on their food, not your waistline, so prioritise comfort over fashion." She also emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s mental well-being during the holidays, asserting, "Christmas can be a stressful time for many of us. If you're alone there may be increased feelings of isolation and sadness. If you're with loved ones a combination of family tensions and loosened inhibitions can lead to difficult atmospheres." She added: "Remember it's OK to take a minute to breathe. There are some really simple breathing techniques you can try, even in the middle of a conversation to help you get a bit of perspective. Try the 3-4-5 method, breathe in for three seconds, hold for a count of four, then breathe out for a count of five. Do it a few times to re-centre yourself." "IBS is thought to be a disorder of gut-brain interaction so take a moment as often as you can to be present to the sights, sounds, smells and feelings around you. The more you can ground yourself in the present moment, the less feelings of anxiety and worry you'll tend to experience. Try and enjoy the festive season, whatever it brings for you."LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Biden administration plans on reducing part of Intel's $8.5 billion in federal funding for computer chip plants around the country, according to three people familiar with the grant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. The reduction is largely a byproduct of the $3 billion that Intel is also receiving to provide computer chips to the military. President Joe Biden announced the agreement to provide Intel with up to $8.5 billion in direct funding and $11 billion in loans in March. The changes to Intel’s funding are not related to the company’s financial record or milestones, the people familiar with the grant told The Associated Press. In August, the chipmaker announced that it would cut 15% of its workforce — about 15,000 jobs — in an attempt to turn its business around to compete with more successful rivals like Nvidia and AMD. Unlike some of its rivals, Intel manufactures chips in addition to designing them. Two years ago, President Biden hailed Intel as a job creator with its plans to open a new plant near Columbus, Ohio. The president praised the company for plans to “build a workforce of the future” for the $20 billion project, which he said would generate 7,000 construction jobs and 3,000 full-time jobs set to pay an average of $135,000 a year. The California-based tech giant's funding is tied to a sweeping 2022 law that President Biden has celebrated and which is designed to revive U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Known as the CHIPS and Science Act , the $280 billion package is aimed at sharpening the U.S. edge in military technology and manufacturing while minimizing the kinds of supply disruptions that occurred in 2021, after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, when a shortage of chips stalled factory assembly lines and fueled inflation . The Biden administration helped shepherd the legislation following pandemic-era concerns that the loss of access to chips made in Asia could plunge the U.S. economy into recession. When pushing for the investment, lawmakers expressed concern about efforts by China to control Taiwan, which accounts for more than 90% of advanced computer chip production. In August, the administration pledged to provide up to $6.6 billion so that a Taiwanese semiconductor giant could expand the facilities it is already building in Arizona and better ensure that the most advanced microchips are produced domestically for the first time. The Commerce Department said the funding for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. meant the company could expand on its existing plans for two facilities in Phoenix and add a third, newly announced production hub. The administration has promised tens of billions of dollars to support construction of U.S. chip foundries and reduce reliance on Asian suppliers, which Washington sees as a security weakness. Boak reported from Washington.