
As the broadcast came to a close, Xiaohua and Xiang Zuo thanked their viewers for joining them and promised more collaborative content in the future. The overwhelming response from the audience solidified the success of the live stream, proving once again the power of engaging and creative content in the digital age.Set against the backdrop of the Qing dynasty, the story follows the journey of Empress Xi as she navigates the treacherous waters of palace politics, love, and betrayal. Played by the talented actress Zhang Wei, Empress Xi is portrayed as a multifaceted character, whose inner strength and intelligence shine through in every scene.WASHINGTON — The man tapped to be Donald Trump’s top legislative liaison will face challenges on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue as he manages a mercurial boss and tough math in both chambers of Congress. If the president-elect’s late-night and pre-sunrise social media blasts about legislation and lawmakers don’t prove challenging enough for former congressional aide James Braid and his incoming White House legislative affairs staff, the tight margins in what will be the Republican-run House and Senate will likely only further complicate matters. But Republican sources say Braid’s history in conservative circles should help the Trump team clear any potential hurdles, predicting several legislative wins next year. Braid is a former policy director for the hard-line conservative House Freedom Caucus and was a staffer for former South Carolina GOP Rep. Mark Sanford and for North Carolina Republican Ted Budd, when he served in the House. He most recently was a senior aide to Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the incoming vice president. “James is a very serious staffer. He works so hard and puts a lot of blood, sweat and tears into whatever he’s working on,” a former Senate GOP aide who has worked directly with Braid said this week. “I could see James and Trump getting along very well. Both are very ‘America First.’ They’re both very boisterous and full of energy — and they’re both hardcore and get-down-to-business guys.” A veteran of the first Trump administration as a legislative affairs aide in the White House Office of Management and Budget, Braid will be able to “tap into his vast well of knowledge about the appropriations process,” according to the former Senate GOP aide. “He’s a strategic thinker and has a lot of political savvy, and is someone who has a history of working with coalitions to get things done,” the former aide added. ‘One of the toughest jobs’ Several Republican sources this week said Trump and his incoming team were eager to, as one said, “put points on the board early.” That means Braid will be busy even before Day 1, as sources noted that House and Senate Republicans and their aides already have begun to look toward the new Congress and advancing Trump’s agenda. G. William Hoagland, a former senior Senate Republican staffer, said in an email that Braid will have “one of the toughest jobs in the White House.” “I would expect there could be some real shouting matches, or at least difficult discussions, with Trump as to why [Braid] cannot get certain House members to fall in line, unlike 2017, when Republicans had nearly a 40-seat majority,” added Hoagland, now with the Bipartisan Policy Center. “I don’t envy his job at all and he will be inundated with outside advisers — Elon Musk, etc. — not to mention new Cabinet officers and [OMB Director pick] Russ Vought.” Vought, who also served as acting OMB director toward the end of Trump’s initial term, could push Braid particularly hard from the White House side of Pennsylvania Avenue. Vought was also a key driver of the conservative Heritage Foundation-led “Project 2025” initiative which calls for deep cuts to federal programs and spending as well as a major overhaul of the federal apparatus — all of which would need Congress’ blessing. “Based on the conversations that I’ve had with the Trump team and some folks who are probably going in [the administration], a big part of what that will be, at least at the start, will be going after the ‘woke’ and weaponized pieces of appropriations,” the former Senate GOP aide said. “And also dealing with Ukraine aid, if that conflict isn’t already over by March,” when a potential pre-recess stopgap spending measure could be due to expire. (Lawmakers are expected this month to extend government funding through the early spring.) Braid did not respond to a message seeking an interview. Nor did Vance’s Senate office. Working the margins Republicans expect to move out on fast-track budget legislation under Congress’ special reconciliation rules, but crafting legislation that both moderate and conservative members can support has been tricky in the past. Finding a way to get that done will be crucial, GOP sources said, because any reconciliation legislation likely would not garner a single Democratic vote in either chamber. “It may be that James’ biggest issue for his future in that position is to quickly establish a good working relationship with the House leadership team including both the speaker’s and minority leader’s offices,” Hoagland said. “This is critical, given the margins.” With the last House race being called by The Associated Press early Wednesday, House Republicans will hold just a paper-thin majority next year — 220-215, assuming full attendance. That margin is, at least temporarily, on track to shrink in the early months of next year. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned from Congress last month shortly before withdrawing from consideration to be Trump’s attorney general, has said he will not return next year despite winning a fifth term in November. Two other members are expected to depart to join the new administration — New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the House GOP conference chair who is Trump’s pick to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Florida Rep. Michael Waltz, the incoming national security adviser. While special elections are organized and held for those seats, Braid will have his work cut out for him maneuvering members of a House GOP conference that the former senior aide quipped “can go at each other often.” But in doing so, the former aide noted, Braid will have a political reality on his side during the sometimes-testy talks about the contents of legislation. “Remember, all those House members are up for reelection in two years,” he said. “So going against Trump won’t be very wise if they don’t want a primary opponent. I’d expect them to, eventually, fall in line.” Aaron Cutler, a former House GOP leadership aide, said in an email this week that “with tight margins in both chambers, Braid’s task will be to maximize every opportunity for legislative success,” adding: “By focusing on shared priorities and leveraging the president’s strong connection with the Republican base, they’ll have an opportunity to secure wins even in a closely divided Congress.” Beyond the fast-track reconciliation bills, however, Trump and Braid would need to secure at least some Democratic votes for other priorities. Some members of the opposition party already this week were giving Republicans some subtle advice. “Our divisions still run very deep, but our task in this chamber cannot and will not change,” Senate Democratic leader Charles E. Schumer, fresh off being elected by his conference to continue in his role, said Tuesday. “We are sent here to make life better for the American people.” ©2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Sources close to the club have suggested that the decision to sell the star striker was not taken lightly and was made after careful consideration of various factors, including the player's age, injury record, and contract demands. While the player has undoubtedly been a talismanic figure for Manchester United in recent seasons, it seems that the club is willing to take a calculated risk in order to ensure their competitiveness in the ever-evolving landscape of European football.
However, Jack Ma also cautioned about the challenges that come with the AI revolution. He warned against the misuse of AI technologies and stressed the importance of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI systems. Ma expressed concerns about job displacement and income inequality resulting from the automation of tasks previously performed by humans. He called for a balance between technological advancement and social responsibility to ensure that AI benefits everyone in society.But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Towns' performance was his playmaking ability. With 6 assists, Towns demonstrated his vision and basketball IQ, finding open teammates for easy baskets and orchestrating the team's offense with precision. His ability to facilitate ball movement and create scoring opportunities for others made him a dual threat on the court and a nightmare for opposing defenses.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Jalon Moore scored 16 of his 22 points in the second half, freshman star Jeremiah Fears added 19 and No. 12 Oklahoma remained one of the four unbeaten teams in Division I men's basketball by putting away a pesky Prairie View squad, 89-67 on Sunday. Prairie View cut the Oklahoma lead to single digits on several occasions in the second half, but could get no closer than eight before the Sooners (13-0) eventually pushed the lead above 20 points in the closing minutes. Oklahoma took a 43-32 halftime lead despite hitting only one field goal in the final 10 minutes. The Sooners compensated for that drought by hitting 18 of 19 free throws in the first 20 minutes. Duke Miles was 7 for 7 at the foul line and hit both field goal attempts, both 3-pointers, scoring 13 of his 17 points in the first half. Fears, twice the SEC freshman of the week this season, shot 7 of 11 to eclipse his average of 18 points per game. The loss was the 12th straight for Prairie View (1-12), with its only win this season coming against a non-NCAA team. Tanahj Pettaway scored 22 points and Marcel Bryant had 14. Oklahoma couldn’t put the Panthers away despite taking double-digits leads on several occasions in the game. Prairie View will finally return home for the first time in two months after playing 12 straight road games. Prairie View cut the Sooners' lead to nine for the final time with 8 minutes to play, before Moore sparked a 22-9 finish to clinch the victory. Oklahoma shot 35 free throws, hitting 32. Prairie View was just 5 for 7. The Sooners open the new year and SEC play at Alabama on Saturday afternoon. Prairie View hosts Grambling in its SWAC opener Saturday afternoon. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and College Basketball News: Rankings, Scores, Stats & More
Scripps taps Matthew Hijuelos to lead distribution strategy
Just as the rumors of her departure were swirling, the director's accounts were suddenly reinstated. This unexpected turn of events reignited interest in her and brought her back into the spotlight. Netizens speculated about the reasons behind the account restoration, with some praising the director for her resilience and determination to continue using her platform for positive change.As the day transitions into evening, the mercury will once again plummet, reminding us of the importance of staying warm. When you return home after a long day out, take the time to relax and unwind in a cozy environment. Consider brewing a hot cup of tea or soup to warm yourself from the inside out. In the evenings, when the temperature drops dramatically, it is advisable to close your windows and draw your curtains to keep the warmth inside.Title: The Strange Encounter with Lín Jìng'ēn: From Beggar to Cleanliness-loving Wanderer
In the early hours of the morning, a series of intense airstrikes rocked multiple locations in Syria, marking yet another violent escalation in the region. The strikes were carried out by Israeli forces, targeting various military sites across the country. This latest wave of attacks has triggered widespread concern and condemnation from the international community, as it further exacerbates the already volatile situation in the war-torn country.First and foremost, the release of "Grand Theft Auto 6" has been a topic of heated discussion for several years now. With each installment in the series breaking sales records and setting new benchmarks for open-world gaming, expectations for the next installment are sky-high. Rumors and leaks have been swirling around the internet for months, fueling speculation about the game's setting, characters, and gameplay mechanics. As one of the most successful and influential gaming franchises of all time, "Grand Theft Auto" holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide, and the upcoming release of the sixth installment is sure to be a major event in the gaming calendar.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis, Syria is also facing economic challenges that threaten to further destabilize the country. The economy has been in freefall since the start of the conflict, with skyrocketing inflation, high unemployment, and a rapidly depreciating currency. The recent power shift has only served to exacerbate these problems, with businesses closing, foreign investment drying up, and basic necessities becoming increasingly scarce.
New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire gunsFurthermore, the sudden drop in inventory levels in Beijing has implications for both buyers and sellers in the market. For buyers, the constrained supply of properties means increased competition and potentially higher prices, making it more challenging to find a suitable property within their budget. On the other hand, sellers may find themselves in a favorable position, with limited supply driving up demand and prices, resulting in greater bargaining power and potentially higher returns on their investments. However, this imbalance in supply and demand could lead to concerns about market sustainability and the potential for a speculative bubble, prompting regulators to closely monitor the situation and intervene if necessary to maintain stability in the market.In this coming year, may we all find the courage to follow our hearts and live in alignment with our true selves. May we choose to prioritize our mental, emotional, and physical well-being above all else. And may we remember that true success is not measured by external achievements, but by the depth of our relationships, the richness of our experiences, and the peace that we carry within our hearts.
The transfer fee of 62 million euros represents a significant investment for Barcelona, and the club would undoubtedly be keen to see a return on that investment by securing Ormo's services. However, with the clock ticking and uncertainty looming over the player's registration, Barcelona finds itself in a delicate position as they navigate the complexities of the transfer market.The New York Jets fell to 4-12 after a blowout loss to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. If Aaron Rodgers wasn't feeling the pressure already, the noise surrounding the team has certainly intensified following the defeat. Rodgers finished the game 12-of-18 for 112 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions, while taking four sacks in the loss. On the other side, Allen delivered yet another MVP-caliber performance, completing 16-of-27 for 182 yards and two touchdowns as the Bills improved to 13-3. Another lackluster performance from Rodgers, combined with the Jets' inability to play a complete 60 minutes, drew sharp criticism from fans and analysts on social media after the game. The game started nightmarishly for the Jets as they were held scoreless the entire first half. Allen ran in a one-yard rush to put the first points on the board for the Bills. Late in the second quarter, Rodgers was sacked by defensive end AJ Epenesa, resulting in a safety. This was quickly followed by a 39-yard field goal from kicker Tyler Bass, giving the Bills a 12-0 lead at halftime. Amari Cooper, James Cook and Keon Coleman all found the end zone in the third quarter for the Bills, pushing their lead to 33-0 entering the fourth. Josh Allen sat out the fourth quarter, replaced by Mitchell Trubisky, who connected on a 69-yard pass to Tyrell Shavers for the Bills' final score of the game. Tyrod Taylor also stepped in for Rodgers, connecting on the Jets' first score of the game with just under seven minutes left in the fourth, followed shortly by a 20-yard pass to Tyler Conklin. With another loss in the books, the Jets will look to secure a win in their final game of the season against the Miami Dolphins.
Following his retirement from playing, Klavan has set his sights on a new challenge - running for the position of Estonian Football Association President. With a strong desire to contribute to the development and growth of football in his home country, Klavan believes that he can make a positive impact by leading the national football governing body.
Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 04.12.2024Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors