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4 top ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy nowNEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge wins his second AL MVP award after leading MLB with 58 home runs.
In an announcement shared first with Scripps News on Thursday, the White House offered more details about its national strategy for combatting Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. The Biden administration first previewed parts of this work in October, and Thursday’s announcement includes additional information and areas of action that have already been implemented or can be completed in the next 40 days before President Biden leaves office. In a statement, President Biden said, “This first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Hate is a historic step forward to live up to our ideals. It seeks to deepen understanding of these communities and the discrimination and bias they have long faced across a number of sectors.” The president describes the strategy as “whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort” to combat discrimination, while also “protecting the freedom and safety of other religious and ethnic communities.” It contains more than 100 executive branch actions, 100 calls to action to “every sector of society,” and focuses on four priorities: increase awareness of hatred against Muslims and Arabs, and broaden recognition of these communities’ heritages; improve safety and security for Muslims and Arabs; tackle discrimination against Muslims and Arabs and appropriately accommodate their religious practices; continue to build cross-community solidarity and collective action to counter hate. A senior administration official says that beyond the federal government, the recommendations extend to state and local governments as well as the private sector and philanthropy. The senior administration official told Scripps News that the group tasked with crafting the strategy has been meeting with stakeholders in the Muslim and Arab-American communities for their input, like the Islamic Network Group and the Nation’s Mosque. They also consulted with academics and interfaith leaders. Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman was involved in the strategy as well. Anti-Islamic and antisemitic hate has been on the rise in the United States. In his statement, the president also noted the murder of six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi, and his mother Hanan Shahin who was also stabbed and wounded in the attack which occurred at their home in Illinois last year. “These heinous acts shattered an American family. And they spread a wave of horror and fear across our nation,” he wrote. The White House had previewed the actions in a press release in October, where they enumerated the executive branch actions like improving safety and security alongside the Department of Homeland Security; tackling discrimination and bias leaning on agencies like the Department of Labor to remind the workforce about legal obligations to protect against religious or ethnic discrimination; and addressing issues related to travel. In May 2023, the White House released a 60-page national strategy that laid out government actions to counter anti-Jewish hate. It marked the first-ever nationwide strategy on antisemitism produced by the federal government. Notably, Biden made mention in his statement Thursday of the Trump-era Muslim ban that impacted people from Muslim-majority and African countries from entering the United States: “That ban was a stain on our national conscience and inconsistent with our long history of welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds.” One of the senior administration officials said that the strategy is not a direct response to the language of the Trump administration’s past actions, but instead a larger part of President Biden’s legacy. “This strategy is part of a four-year effort to fight hate wherever we see it, in the in the country,” the official told Scripps News, adding, “It's important for people to know where we left things, what forward momentum there has been.” President-elect Trump could make the decision not to move forward with the strategy when he comes into office, a fact that Scripps News asked the senior administration official about. “We do not predict what the future administration will do, but we are proud of having a document that outlines an approach where a government thinks Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate are priority issues," the official said.Goodell speaks to Congress about the security issue of drones on NFL game days, AP source says
The list of President-elect Donald Trump's legal cases is shrinking — or being delayed. On Monday, Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a motion to dismiss the Washington, D.C. election subversion case. He also asked a federal appeals court to stop reviewing the classified documents case in Florida. On Tuesday, that court granted dismissal of the case against Trump — though not against other appellees. In dismissing the cases, the Special Counsel cited the Department of Justice's long-standing policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents. "After careful consideration, the Department has determined that OLC's prior opinions concerning the Constitution's prohibition on federal indictment and prosecution of a sitting President apply to this situation and that as a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated," Smith wrote in his court filing regarding the election subversion case. "We've used the word unprecedented a lot over the course of the last four years, and yet again this is something that is unprecedented, and Smith himself said this in his motion," former state and federal prosecutor David S. Weinstein told Scripps News. "He took great detail to point out that this was not based on the strength or weakness of the case." In a post on Truth Social , Trump said in part "These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless." RELATED STORY | Special counsel evaluating how to wind down federal cases against Trump Earlier this year, Trump faced four on-going criminal cases. He was convicted in his New York hush money case in May, but sentencing — which was scheduled for this week — has been delayed . After Smith's actions Monday, Trump now faces only the Georgia election interference case. In Georgia, Trump was indicted along with 18 allies, accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. But that case is now on hold after the state appeals court unexpectedly removed a December hearing from its calendar. That court will issue a new order on how this case will move forward, but with less than two months before the inauguration, the future of the Georgia and New York hush money cases are still being decided. "The two state cases are likely to recede into the background — at best," former Department of Justice attorney and current partner at Gelber, Schachter & Greenberg, Barbara Llanes, told Scripps News. "We probably won't hear much about these cases following the inauguration of President-elect Trump." Defense attorneys for Trump believe his election victory is enough for the hush money case to be dismissed. They need to file a motion by Dec. 2 making that argument. Then prosecutors have until Dec. 9 to file a rebuttal. They still believe Trump should be sentenced — even if it's after he leaves office. Judge Juan Merchan will then make a decision on how this case should move forward. There's no set date on exactly when he will make that decision.
YOURSAY | Hold banks liable for scams using their servicesGameStop (NYSE:GME) Reports Sales Below Analyst Estimates In Q3 EarningsA thoughtfully organised school assembly creates a welcoming start to the day, motivating students and building a strong sense of community. This guide covers all you need to make your assembly dynamic and meaningful: the latest news updates, uplifting thoughts for the day, and a carefully designed anchoring script. Let’s explore the key elements for hosting an unforgettable assembly. Mumbai: A well-structured school assembly sets a positive tone for the day, fostering unity and enthusiasm within the school community. This guide offers a detailed approach to organizing and delivering impactful assemblies, incorporating key elements such as current news updates, motivational thoughts for the day, and a flexible anchoring script. With these resources, creating a vibrant and meaningful event becomes a seamless endeavour. School assemblies are integral to students’ overall growth, providing a platform to nurture leadership skills, boost self-confidence, and strengthen community bonds. More than just routine gatherings, they offer invaluable opportunities for collaboration, learning, and inspiration, serving as a cornerstone of a dynamic educational environment. The success of an assembly depends on thoughtful planning and a creative touch. By blending educational, inspiring, and entertaining components, educators can design sessions that engage students and leave a lasting impact. The process begins with choosing a theme that resonates with students, aligns with the school’s values, or highlights significant events and upcoming celebrations. A well-chosen theme sets the focus and intent for the assembly. Kicking off with a warm and energetic welcome creates an inviting atmosphere and encourages active participation. Introducing a Thought of the Day provides an opportunity for introspection, inspiring optimism and self-awareness. This can be followed by succinct updates on school happenings, notable achievements, or global news to keep students informed and connected. Incorporating interactive or creative activities, such as performances, role-plays, or quizzes, brings excitement and encourages student participation. These activities not only showcase talents but also help students develop public speaking abilities and teamwork skills. As the assembly concludes, acknowledging contributions, sharing essential announcements, and ending with a collective gesture—like singing the national anthem, reciting the school pledge, or delivering an encouraging message—fosters pride and unity. To make the assembly memorable, ensure each segment is concise and engaging, maintaining the audience’s attention. Promoting inclusivity and valuing every student’s presence enhances the experience, leaving a positive and lasting impression. With careful planning and effective execution, school assemblies can become transformative experiences, sparking inspiration, strengthening bonds, and creating cherished memories for all involved. Tips for hosting a successful school assembly Thought for the Day for school assembly “Etiquette is not about being perfect, but about treating others with respect and kindness in every situation.” School assembly news headlines today Refer to the top school assembly headlines covering national, international, and sports news: National news for school assembly International news for school assembly Sports news for school assembly Anchoring Script for School Assembly Here’s a lively and engaging anchoring script for a school assembly—a perfect blend of warm greetings, inspirational messages, news highlights, motivational moments, and an exciting performance. Designed to captivate and energise, this script ensures a memorable and impactful session for everyone involved. [Opening remarks] Anchor 1: Good morning, everyone! A heartfelt welcome to our esteemed Principal, dedicated teachers, and amazing students. I’m [Anchor Name], and I’m delighted to lead you through today’s assembly. Let’s make it a fantastic start to the day! Anchor 2: Good morning! It’s wonderful to see so many bright and enthusiastic faces ready to kickstart the day with positivity and purpose. We’ve got a wonderful lineup ahead, so let’s get started! [Thought for the Day] Anchor 1: To set a positive tone, let’s begin with a thoughtful message. [Student Name], please share today’s thought. Anchor 2: Thank you, [Student Name], for sharing such inspiring words. Let’s embrace that thought and carry its message with us throughout the day. [News and Announcements] Anchor 1: Now, let’s turn our attention to the latest updates. Here are some important school news and global highlights. [Provide relevant updates and announcements.] Anchor 2: A gentle reminder to all participating in the Annual Day celebrations—please complete your event registrations by the end of this week. We’re excited to see your amazing performances! [Motivational Segment] Anchor 1: It’s time for a dose of motivation to fuel our minds and inspire our efforts. Let’s remember, that every day is a new opportunity to grow and achieve our goals. Anchor 2: Absolutely! Each challenge we face strengthens us, and every effort brings us closer to success. Let’s embrace today with enthusiasm and determination. [Special Performance] Anchor 1: Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Please give a warm welcome to [Student/Group Name], who will present a [type of performance, e.g., skit, song, or dance]. Let’s applaud as they take the stage! Anchor 2: Enjoy the performance and let’s cheer for their effort and creativity! [Closing remarks] Anchor 1: What an incredible performance! A big thank you to [Student/Group Name] for sharing their amazing talent with us. Anchor 2: Absolutely! As we conclude today’s assembly, let’s carry forward the positivity and lessons we’ve learned. Anchor 1: Let’s continue to support one another, face challenges with confidence, and make the most of every opportunity. Anchor 2: Thank you all for your energy and participation. Wishing everyone a productive and fulfilling day ahead! Both Anchors: Goodbye, and have a fantastic day! This script is designed to make your school assembly engaging and impactful, fostering positivity, community spirit, and a sense of excitement. This guide provides everything needed to design a school assembly that resonates with both students and staff. By incorporating relevant news, uplifting messages, and a thoughtfully prepared anchoring script, it helps inspire the audience, foster positivity, and turn the assembly into an event everyone looks forward to. Click for more latest Events news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Chhaya Gupta, a lifestyle sub-editor specialising in fashion, food, relationships, travel, well-being, and spirituality, is a dedicated fashion enthusiast and avid traveller. With meticulous attention to detail, she stays abreast of the latest developments in major events across Indian cities and internationally. From life to style, she derives immense pleasure in covering a variety of subjects. With 1.5 years of experience, she has honed her skills while working at The Free Press Journal.
Pep Guardiola sure 75 per cent of Premier League clubs want Man City relegatedColumn: In Trump’s win, echoes of ‘Thunder on the Right’
Donald Trump's reelection echoes the rise of Maj. Gen. Edwin A. Walker, a member of the militant right in the 1960s, ODU senior lecturer and author Peter Adams writes in a guest column.
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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul ’s 2024 holiday card is raising eyebrows. “Our Christmas card to you 🎄 ,” Paul, 30, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, December 7, sharing a carousel of family pictures. Paul was joined by her parents, her two siblings and her three children for the shoot. (The MomTok creator shares kids Indy, 7, and Ocean, 4, with ex-husband Tate Paul and son Ever, 8 months, with on-off boyfriend Dakota Mortensen .) Mortensen, however, does not appear in Taylor’s upload. Fans immediately asked via Instagram comments whether he was included. “No baby daddy?” one social media user wrote. Another added, “The awkward moment when his shoe makes the cut but he doesn’t.” Taylor has not publicly addressed her photo-editing decision, though a similar holiday portrait shared by her mom indicates that Mortensen was present for the festive session. “Merry Christmas to all my friends & family! May God Bless each & every one of you! ❤️ ,” Taylor’s mom, Liann May , captioned an Instagram post on Saturday. In May’s pic, Mortensen stood next to Taylor, who held baby Ever. Taylor started dating Mortensen after her divorce from Tate. After dating on and off, they welcomed son Ever in March. His arrival was chronicled on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 1, which aired on Hulu earlier this year. Taylor exclusively confirmed to Us Weekly in the cast’s September cover story that she was no longer dating Mortensen. “I would say we’re working on things, and I actually have no idea where it goes with us from here,” she told Us . “We are not fully together, but not fully done. I don’t know what the future holds with him and I.” Taylor added that she was “heartbroken,” telling Us , “It’s just a lot. I’m trying to cope.” She continued, “He has a really good soft side, and I feel like that wasn’t shown on the show. He’s like, ‘I look like this a——- to you while you’re pregnant when that’s just not the case of how I treated you the whole time. Yes, I did defend myself in [some] cases, but that’s not how I am to you. I look like this awful person when I’m not.’” You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News Mortensen never publicly addressed their separation, and by November, they appeared to have reconciled. “At least he be tryin,” Taylor captioned a November TikTok video of Mortensen, seemingly hinting at a potential reunion. Neither Taylor, who is currently filming Mormon Wives season 2, nor Mortensen have further disclosed their relationship status.
US clears export of advanced AI chips to UAE under Microsoft deal
By ALEX VEIGA, Associated Press The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the third week in a row, a welcome trend for prospective home buyers during what’s typically a less competitive time of the year for the housing market. The rate dropped to 6.6% from 6.69% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.95%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners seeking to refinance their home loan to a lower rate, also eased this week. The average rate fell to 5.84% from 5.96% last week. A year ago, it averaged 6.38%, Freddie Mac said. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage is now at its lowest level since Oct. 24, when it was at 6.54%. “The combination of mortgage rate declines, firm consumer income growth and a bullish stock market have increased homebuyer demand in recent weeks,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While the outlook for the housing market is improving, the improvement is limited given that homebuyers continue to face stiff affordability headwinds.” Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have kept homeownership out of reach of many would-be home buyers . U.S. home sales are on track for their worst year since 1995. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, including the moves in the yield on U.S. 10-year Treasury bonds, which lenders use as a guide to price home loans. The yield, which was below 3.7% as recently as September, has mostly hovered around 4.2% this month. It was at 4.3% at midday Thursday. The recent decline in rates follows a mostly upward climb since the average rate on a 30-year mortgage slid to a two-year low of 6.08% in late September after the Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate from a two-decade high. While the central bank doesn’t set mortgage rates, its actions and the trajectory of inflation influence the moves in the 10-year Treasury yield. Many economists and traders on Wall Street expect that the Fed will cut its main interest rate again at its policy meeting next week. Home shoppers and homeowners seeking to refinance their existing mortgage to a lower rate are taking advantage of the recent pullback in home-loan borrowing costs. Mortgage applications rose 5.4% last week from a week earlier, the fifth straight increase, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Refinance loan applications climbed 27%. “Purchase applications have increased on an annual basis every week except for one over the past three months, a positive sign for the mortgage market to close out this year,” said MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit. With home prices near all-time highs and still rising nationally, albeit more slowly, many prospective home buyers are likely holding out for mortgage rates to ease further in coming months. But there may not be much relief, given that many housing economists predict the average rate on a 30-year mortgage will remain above 6% next year. Be civil. Be kind.Construction partners SVP Robert Flowers sells $2.53m in stock
The Charleston School of Law hasn’t quite closed the case in a lengthy quest to surrender its for-profit status. But it's deep into the closing arguments. Last weekend, the downtown school crossed over into new territory when it officially converted to a tax-exempt organization, or, in clunky IRS legalese, a " 501(c)(3) ." It's now owned lock, stock and barrel by its foundation and is governed by a newly elected board of trustees. The long-anticipated switch on Dec. 1 caps a goal that Georgetown attorney Ed Bell announced in October 2015, when a privately held company he led acquired the then-financially troubled school with intentions to make it a nonprofit institution. Bell brings law school high hopes for future “The quicker we can do it, the better,” Bell said at the time. It took nearly a decade, but as last Sunday, all of the liabilities and assets, including a valuable piece of downtown real estate tied up in litigation, were handed over to the school's foundation, along with the membership interests in the for-profit ownership group. No money was exchanged in the transfers. “This change will allow us even greater opportunities to build on the successes we have achieved over the last nine years," Bell said in a prepared statement last week. Jonathan Marcantel (left) was named interim dean of the Charleston School of Law in October, when Larry Cunningham left. Georgetown attorney J. Edward Bell III (right) stepped down as president last week after nine years and is now president emeritus and board chairman. Jonathan Marcantel, who was named interim dean in October when Larry Cunningham left for a job in the federal court system, called the new ownership structure the realization of "a long-awaited dream." Charleston School of Law to consolidate in former AT&T building "I think, from the faculty and staff perspective, we always wanted to convert," he said, while also acknowledging "the challenges associated with getting it done." Even so, it was business as usual when classes resumed Monday morning. "And people started asking me, like, so has it happened?" Marcantel said. "Nothing really changed for the students, the faculty and the staff," he continued. "Obviously, some of the things that it does change for us is ... on our profit and loss sheets. ... We won't have to pay taxes on surplus revenue anymore. So that's money that can be reinvested for scholarships or building funds and stuff of that nature." Another advantage of being tax-exempt is that school leaders can more easily raise money from benefactors. Can law school be saved? "No one's going to donate to a for-profit because they're thinking that, instead of their donations going to, for instance, scholarships ... or something like that, it's going to go into someone's pocket," Marcantel said. "So certainly, fundraising is one of the goals. We would like to be able to buy our own building at some point, and so being able to fundraise for that is helpful." At the same time, the change will help the law school obtain new accreditations. That, in turn, will help students who seek out certain specialty disciplines — specifically a maritime law offering — to qualify for federal tuition assistance. The Charleston School of Law commenced its first classes in August 2004 with about 200 students at 81 Mary St. The startup found itself in a public-relations and financial wringer less than a decade later after striking a management-services agreement with InfiLaw System. The private-equity backed firm created a furor on and off campus in a failed bid to buy the school in 2013. The Charleston School of Law's plan to sell property it owns at Meeting and Woolfe streets (above) set off a legal battle with the city of Charleston. Bell and his backers stepped in "at the tail end of the InfiLaw debacle ," Marcantel recalled last week. "The school at that point was not in great financial shape because of the destruction, honestly, of that fight," he said. "When Ed came in, he made a massive donation and put us financially on secure footing again. And over the course of the years, he's continued to make donations, and the school now financially is very secure and fine." The behind-the-scenes work isn't finished. For example, the 700-student law school is seeking a full-time president to succeed Bell and will be launching a search for its next full-time dean. Also, Marcantel said the jump from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt group to full-fledged nonprofit still must be approved by the U.S. Department of Education. The timing of the agency's decision is uncertain. The last batch of paperwork is due Jan. 31, days after the new Trump administration takes office. Charleston School of Law files lawsuit against city over $13M land sale holdup In addition, the unfinished work pile includes a lingering legal matter over a prime piece of downtown real estate. The city sold the parcel at Meeting and Woolfe streets to the school for $875,000 in 2005 specifically for a new campus. But the 1.06-acre site was later determined to be too small. Leadership changes The Charleston School of Law named Mount Pleasant attorney Hal Cobb interim president last week as part of its conversion to a tax-exempt organization. It also elected a new board of trustees: The school then decided in 2018 to sell the property for a nearly $13 million to a hotel developer, with plans to reinvest the cash in another location on the peninsula. The city initially approved the deal in exchange for a cut of the proceeds, but it later changed its mind, according to court filings. The law school filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit in 2021, and a judge ruled in its favor late last year. The city is now challenging the decision in the S.C. Court of Appeals. Marcantel declined to comment about the ongoing litigation over 431 Meeting St. The law school, which leases space in an office building two blocks to the south of the empty lot, has yet to pinpoint where its permanent home will be. "There are too many uncertainties, is what I would say," the interim dean said. "I know that the chairman ... and the board remain committed to staying on the peninsula, and they are always looking for opportunities in terms of a piece of land that we could buy." Charleston School of Law began classes 20 years ago this past August.