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James Hunt used to spend his days commuting to London, where he ran a successful marketing firm. But his children Jude and Tommy were diagnosed as autistic when they were toddlers, and he later decided to care for them and his parents full-time. James, from Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, started blogging about their lives nine years ago and now has more than a million followers on social media. Here, in his own words, James speaks about his hopes for the future for his teenage sons. When my eldest son Jude was a baby, he was slow to crawl and didn't respond to his name. He used to stare out of the window, he was quite distant and almost in a different world. His mum Charlotte, my ex-wife, first raised concerns when he was eight months old but I just thought he was a bit behind because he was premature. We went back to the doctor quite a few times before we got an autism diagnosis in 2009 when he was 18 months old. At the time, the information out there was very clinical, most things we were reading were from the NHS website and medical journals. I felt like I couldn't take it in and I had so many unanswered questions. Three years later we went through the same diagnosis with Tommy at a similar age. I knew a lot more about autism than when we had Jude, but the boys have always been so different. I didn't enjoy the first year of Tommy's life as much as I could have done because I spent so much time watching him and looking for signs. He hit certain milestones much quicker than Jude but he wouldn't make eye contact and would get easily frustrated and enjoyed playing alone. Around the same time, when Jude was four, he started having huge meltdowns and was physically hurting himself. Jude is non-speaking, so it's very difficult for him to explain what's wrong. That was the hardest period of my life. He used to wake up in the night screaming and hitting himself. Thankfully as Jude has gotten older, and we've learnt more about how to meet his needs, this has got much better. Unfortunately at the time Tommy was a huge trigger for him because he was loud and unpredictable. His self-harming would scare Tommy so we used to have to keep them apart a lot. In 2016, my wife Charlotte and I sadly decided to separate. We took the incredibly difficult decision to split Jude and Tommy up and we felt guilty, like we were failing. But Jude was immediately like a different child, you could sense his anxiety going, so we knew it was the right decision. I live in an annexe at my parents' house and help care for my dad who has Parkinson's and my mum, who has dementia, though she is now in a home. It's opposite my ex-wife's home and I have one of the boys for several nights a week and then we swap over, and I have the other one. They both need one-to-one care and it's impossible for them to live together. You never imagine life like that. I don't know if they will ever be able to live together but they will always be part of each other's lives. I wish I could be with both of them at the same time, and I don't get much free time, but this is the best thing for them right now. It has probably made being a single parent easier for me because I'm never alone. Their school is helping them to do more fun things together like trampolining and eating lunch together. Jude is now 16 and loves music so we go on long car drives listening to the radio. It's one of the few places where he feels safe and can relax. There have been times he's been too anxious to do that and we were housebound but at the moment he's doing OK. Tommy is 13, and he is cheeky, mischievous, funny, and curious about everything around him. He loves looking at books and puzzles. He isn't fully verbal but he uses a communication device. I recently had one of the best days I've ever had with Jude and Tommy. In the past, when we have tried to do anything to celebrate Christmas, it has never gone well, it was too overwhelming for them. But we went to see Father Christmas and made such special memories. Nine years ago I began sharing stories from our lives online, on a weekly blog. Then I started Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok accounts. It was initially a way to show friends and family what our life was really like. Jude and Tommy struggled with social occasions, so we stopped going. I could never find the words to explain, and I wanted to show how proud I was of them, so I started writing instead. I didn't realise how much our stories would resonate with others, or how much it would help me. I learned so much more about autism, connected with people all over the world and discovered a passion for helping other families. I've been lucky that I've been able to make a living through social media. I had to give up my previous job to be there for the boys. I started a clothing line last year, with positive messaging around autism, disabilities and neurodivergence. I love getting messages from people saying they have bumped into someone wearing one of the hoodies, and it started a conversation. I opened a shop in Burnham-on-Crouch where we stock the clothes and wrap and pack and send out the orders. It's somewhere for people in the community to visit, we have a sensory room in the shop and we get lots of parents coming in who want to have a chat. Everyone working in the shop is a parent, carer or is autistic, so they can share their experiences with customers. I always try to focus on the positives and not think too far ahead but there are days when my mind runs away with me. It will be a huge challenge when the boys leave school when they are 19. That's massively scary because suddenly you have to trust a whole new bunch of people. There is a part-time college I hope they can go to but it's a huge unknown and there will be big decisions to make. You feel like you have to live forever to look after them, and that is the biggest fear for many parents. Jude and Tommy will need life-long support, and I've started to realise I might not always be able to provide that for them. I don't know what the future will look like, but I know I need to think about how to help them live as independently as they can, and prepare for the days when I'm not here. Autism has meant we've had some of the highest highs, and experienced some lows far lower than I ever knew were imaginable. It has taught me to cherish and enjoy the simple things and I just want the boys to be happy. Looking back at how I felt when they were diagnosed, I would like to tell myself it's all going to be OK. Those first few years can be a really scary and emotional time. You feel like you have no idea what you're doing. Don't bottle everything up, find people to open up to. Your friends and family want to help, they just don't know how to yet. You will go through the most challenging and difficult days of your life but you will learn so much from your boys and your love for them will get you through. As told to Charlie Jones Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , Instagram and X .( MENAFN - Investor Brand Network) SportLync provides a year-round platform for golf lovers to enjoy the sport.“Winter may bring frost and snow to your local course, but for avid golfers, the season is simply an invitation to explore. Why pack away your clubs when you can discover golf-friendly destinations and connect with fellow enthusiasts? SportLync's GolfLync app, the ultimate social platform for golfers, makes it easier than ever to embrace year-round golf, whether you're traveling to warmer climates or looking for winter-friendly courses near you,” reads a recent article. “This winter don't let the cold stop you from enjoying your favorite pastime. Turn the season into an adventure with GolfLync and create lasting memories on stunning courses. The app ensures you stay in the game, building connections and honing your skills throughout the year.” To view the full article, visit About SportLync, Inc. and GolfLync SportLync is a technology company focused on creating community-driven platforms within the sports world. Its flagship app, GolfLync, connects golfers based on shared interests, location and skill level, making it simple to find games, join tee times, and build lasting friendships. Now, as SportLync, the company plans to expand into other sports, making it easier for athletes and fans alike to connect across a range of sports communities. The GolfLync app is available for download using the following text-anchored links: . Android: GolfLync – Apps on Google Play . iPhone: GolfLync For more information, visit GolfLync , download the app, and connect with community on Facebook , X and LinkedIn . As SportLync transitions from a niche golf networking app to a comprehensive sports social platform, the opportunities for growth and innovation are significant. The company is currently raising capital via a Regulation CF offering. To learn more or invest, click here . For more information, visit the company's website at . NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SportLync are available in the company's newsroom at About InvestorWire InvestorWire (“IW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on advanced wire-grade press release syndication for private and public companies and the investment community. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers : (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries ; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets ; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact ; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers ; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions . 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Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, has died at 100Oregon Tech’s storied athletic history came to life recently when five former standouts were added to the Howard Morris Athletic Hall of Fame. “This is a chance for us to share our history, and we have coaches now who are on the shoulders of what others did before them,” athletic director John VanDyke said before a packed house for the induction ceremonies. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
High-quality cookware is essential in every kitchen, and industry experts will always ensure you find the best options on the market. So when professional chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsey recently described Hexclad pans as 'perfection,' I immediately added them to my shopping list. 'HexClad stands up to my demands at home and in the studio,' Ramsey says. 'Not only are they beautiful pans, but their hybrid technology cooks to absolute, utter perfection.' How did the brand create a pan that won over a notoriously difficult-to-impress chef such as Ramsay? It comes down to Hexclad's patented design, which combines the performance of stainless steel, the durability of cast iron, and the convenience of nonstick. Not only can these pans help you whip up every dish from stir-fry to shakshouka with ease, but they're even safe to put in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. To top it all off, they have lasting durability, great temperature control, and come with a lifetime warranty, making them the only cookware you'll ever have to invest in. And this line of premium cookware isn't just reserved for Michelin chefs. There are thousands of five-star reviews from home cooks who praise Hexclad cookware as the best they've ever used. The brand's expert array of pans, pots, and kitchen accessories achieves the perfect balance of beauty and functionality, making them a favorite among pro chefs and home cooks alike. And luckily, the brand is extending its holiday sale until December 29th, so now's your chance to get up to 41% off best-selling sets and 20% off other expert-recommended pieces. Keep reading to shop the cookware that will elevate your kitchen and your meals.Taller people have naturally much more leverage and proprioception than smaller people. The problem with weight classes is that they ignore skeletal mass. For example Conor McGregor was much taller than Jose Aldo when Aldo got defeated in 13 seconds. Likewise Khabib had a much wider upper body frame than McGregor when Khabib won their contest. Perhaps there's a more subjective element for putting similar sized contestants together. Maybe boxing partially bypasses the issue of height by prolonging the fights through softer hand gloves. MMA is a dangerous sport yet from a mental health perspective self-harm is tolerable. MMA isn't much more dangerous than other extreme sports like rock climbing. The aggressive symbolism of MMA isn't very helpful to law-and-order even though the same could be said about alcohol and social deprivation. Overall I support Conor McGregor in his enthusiasm for representing Ireland even if there are one or two question marks over the sport in general. Perhaps other Irish athletes in rugby or soccer are too media-shy in comparison to Mr. McGregor. Maybe athletes in team sports fail to take the initiative when it comes to representing their working class backgrounds in community activities. Conor's quick knockout of Aldo isn't too embarrassing for Aldo given that projectile warfare and gun duels can cause deaths in milliseconds. The way Conor McGregor’s career “kickstarted” in his late 20s was inspirational for older adults in other sports to keep working on reflexes. One way to distinguish combat sports from gladiator contests is that you could theoretically let the fight happen and wait until afterwards to jail and arrest them. What machismo forgets with mutual combat is that both parties might be so irrelevant that society can afford to arrest them where slight amorality can defeat immorality. Let's see when he is drooling and absent minded in his early 50s. Lumpy Talbot said: Let's see when he is drooling and absent minded in his early 50s. Click to expand... Perhaps one way McGregor resonates is with his temporary tension against his parents when he was opting to do a risky career in MMA instead of apprenticeships where they eventually reconciled after a few verbal confrontations. Paradoxically any physical pushing against his father toughened him up for his MMA career. This helps to explain celebrity worship syndrome where celebrities can be the exception that prove the rule as if our parents truly could be that negligent were truly destined to be a superstar!
The bill to ban social media for children under 16 will be a “test” for Peter Dutton’s leadership, says Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth. Speaking on Nine’s Today , Rishworth said there was bipartisan support for the bill, but that Dutton was losing control of his caucus. “Just a couple of weeks ago, Peter Dutton said he would facilitate this important piece of legislation and support the government. And now we see our senators defying him,” she said. “So this is a test for Peter Dutton and his leadership.” Also on Today was Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, who said there were still concerns about digital ID laws and privacy. “Given the [is] censoring the Australian public bill from the Senate this week, we want to make sure we get strong, robust laws that don’t damage privacy and make compulsory Australians having to have digital IDs,” she said. “We do want strong, robust laws to protect kids under 16 on social media platforms. We’ve been out of the blocks before the government on this. We need to get the legislation right so it does actually get the outcomes we want. And we need to make sure that those protections exist in the legislation.” Read more about the debate within the Coalition on the ban here. An alternative proposal to the social media ban on children under 16 has been put forth by independent MP Zoe Daniel, who claims a ban doesn’t tackle the underlying issues that harm young people. Daniel’s bill would implement an overarching statutory duty of care on social media companies, with the goal being “safety by design”. “What you need to make that work is the companies to assess the risks, mitigate the risks, and be transparent about how they’re doing that,” Daniel told ABC News Breakfast. “The bill also has a provision to enable users to have control over the algorithm as exists overseas, particularly in the EU, enabling users to either reset or turn off their algorithm if they wish.” Independent MP Zoe Daniel. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Daniel says her work in the space began with tackling eating disorders, with a working group revealing the damage the algorithm was doing to sufferers by delivering them more content about eating disorders. She says the same trend is seen in a range of public health issues including gambling. “The problem with the algorithm is that in many ways, it compounds negative behaviour, and particularly for young people - that can send young people into a real spiral,” Daniel said. “The legislation is based on international best practice, so in effect, it cherry-picks the best of legislation that is already in place in Europe and in the UK.” The Goldstein MP said the government have been responsive to her proposal, and flagged they would consider duty of care eventually. But Daniel hopes the government will consider her bill now. “I understand why they want to do [the under 16s social media ban] because it is a lever to pull now and it makes parents feel better, but it actually makes zero difference to what is happening on the platforms. It doesn’t manage the algorithm or force the platforms to do anything about what is happening in their environment.” Social media companies, including Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta, have taken aim at the “rushed” consultation process for the ban on children under 16. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland introduced the world-leading reform to parliament last Thursday, which she said would make the online environment better for young people. The consultation period for groups and individuals to make submissions closed on Friday. A Senate committee held a one-day hearing on Monday and is due to report back on Tuesday. In submissions to the inquiry, several groups, including social media companies, pointed to the short notice period. Snap Inc. wrote that “the extremely compressed timeline” had allowed stakeholders little more than 24 hours to provide a response, which “severely” constrained thorough analysis and informed debate. X, formerly Twitter, also criticised the “unreasonably short time frame of one day”, writing that it has “serious concerns as to the lawfulness of the bill”. Meta, which owns Facebook, wrote that there had been “minimal consultation or engagement” and urged the government to wait for the results of the age assurance trial before progressing with the legislation. TikTok said that despite the “time-limited review”, there was a range of “serious, unresolved problems” that the government must clarify to ensure there wouldn’t be unintended consequences for all Australians. AAP Labor has gained a crucial concession from the Greens after a year of dispute over a $5.5 billion plan to help young Australians buy their first homes, securing the policy with a stunning back down from the minor party. The decisions late on Monday delivered a big victory to the federal government in the final week of parliament for the year, but other bills are on the brink of defeat after Senate crossbenchers blasted Labor for trying to rush through changes on the environment, political donations and other issues. Read more about the status of the bills on the brink, including the social media ban, political donation changes and environmental reforms, here. Good morning and welcome to the national news blog. My name is Josefine Ganko, and as always, I’ll lead our coverage for the first half of the day. It’s Tuesday, November 26. Here’s what’s making news this morning. Let’s get into it.In the ever-evolving world of gaming, Nvidia stands at the forefront with its cutting-edge technologies. Their strategy isn’t just about producing powerful GPUs but integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into gaming. As the industry shifts, so does the potential for Nvidia’s stock, making it a hot topic for investors looking to bank on futuristic tech innovations. Nvidia’s recent advancements in AI have redefined immersive gaming experiences. They are developing AI models that enhance real-time ray tracing, generating realistic visuals that captivate gamers. This approach has pushed Nvidia into the limelight , setting them apart from competitors. The company’s consistent focus on research and development fuels predictions of accelerated growth in stock value. Moreover, Nvidia’s foray into the metaverse is another exciting frontier. With the metaverse set to revolutionize digital interaction, Nvidia’s Omniverse platform aims to create interconnected 3D virtual spaces. This visionary venture is predicted to generate substantial revenue streams, further bolstering stock potentials. Nvidia’s alliances with major game developers also highlight its forward-thinking strategies. These partnerships ensure their GPUs harness the latest game technologies, keeping Nvidia at the cutting edge of gaming tech. Investors are keenly watching these technological advancements, expecting Nvidia to climb new heights. As gaming technology continues to leap forward, Nvidia’s stock might just be the next big win for tech investors, merging gaming passion with financial growth. Unveiling Nvidia’s Game-Changing Innovations: What Investors Need to Know As the tech world keeps evolving, Nvidia remains a trailblazer, particularly in gaming. Their strategy surpasses merely building powerful GPUs; they’re adeptly weaving artificial intelligence and machine learning into the gaming fabric. This transformation not only captivates gamers but piques investor interest as Nvidia’s stock trajectories look promising amidst technological advancements. One of Nvidia’s landmark achievements is leveraging AI to revolutionize immersive gaming. Their AI models advance real-time ray tracing, creating remarkably lifelike images that set a new industry standard. This innovation thrusts Nvidia ahead, distinctly separating it from other players vying in the competitive tech landscape. # Pioneering the Metaverse with Nvidia Omniverse Nvidia’s ventures extend to the burgeoning realm of the metaverse with their groundbreaking Omniverse platform. Positioned as a visionary initiative, Omniverse aims to forge interconnected 3D virtual spaces, revolutionizing how we interact digitally. This bold stride is poised to open up fresh revenue streams, potentially propelling Nvidia’s stocks even higher. # Strategic Collaborations: A Competitive Edge Nvidia’s alliances with leading game developers underscore its commitment to staying ahead of the curve. These strategic partnerships enable Nvidia GPUs to leverage cutting-edge gaming technologies, ensuring they remain at the forefront of gaming advancements. This foresight strengthens Nvidia’s competitive stance in the tech market. # FAQs about Nvidia’s Innovations and Investments What sets Nvidia apart in the gaming industry? Nvidia’s integration of AI and machine learning into gaming, along with their advancements in real-time ray tracing, sets the company apart, offering unparalleled gaming experiences. How does Nvidia’s Omniverse platform impact its market position? The Omniverse platform is at the core of Nvidia’s engagement with the metaverse, opening up new dimensions for digital interaction and potential revenue, enhancing its market position. What are the implications of Nvidia’s strategic partnerships? Their partnerships with game developers ensure Nvidia’s technology aligns with the latest advancements, maintaining its edge and appeal both to gamers and investors. # Future Outlook and Stock Predictions As gaming technology vaults into the future, Nvidia is strategically positioned to scale new heights. This blend of gaming innovation and financial strategies suggests a bright horizon for tech enthusiasts and investors. With each advancement, Nvidia is solidifying its place as a pioneer in tech, merging gaming passion with financial promise. For more insights into Nvidia’s innovations, visit Nvidia .Titans showing signs of growing tougher under 1st-year coach Brian Callahan
Back on screen After a string of re-releases showed promise at the box office, a Salman Khan favourite is set to make its way to the big screen again. Rajshri Productions announced that it has re-released the popular romance drama, , starring Khan and Bhagyashree, to mark the film’s 35th anniversary. The movie, which was originally released on December 29, 1989, was the directorial debut of Sooraj Barjatya, and was Khan’s first film as a leading man. It also marked Bhagyashree’s acting debut. Maine Pyar Kiya explored themes of class, friendship, and love, and, to date, enjoys massive fan following owing to its memorable music and dialogues. Matters of the heart may have infrequently spoken about his wife Natasha Dalal, but that has never stopped him from discussing matters relating to the heart. The actor, who featured in the recently released film Baby John, says heartbreak is difficult for men to deal with, because “being a boy, you can’t cry”. Appearing on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Dhawan weighed in on the subject and said, “When a man’s heart breaks, society doesn’t think much about what happens to him. He goes through a very bad time. You can’t even show it to them. You get shattered from within. You can’t show that pain. You have to keep a face and move forward, because people expect you to be strong; you can’t cry, being a boy”. Pointing fingers Director , who is known for films like Kaante, Shootout at Wadala, and Kaabil, has expressed his discontent over how the film industry is now at the mercy of two OTT platforms. “I’ve been in the movie business since I was a teenager. I’ve been a director for 30 years. Never had I imagined that the entire system would collapse the way it has, and be at the mercy of two OTT platforms,” he wrote on social media in a post that invited reactions from his followers. “It’s not OTT. It’s COVID that reshaped many industries, and the cinema industry is one of them. OTT encashed the opportunity that the cinema industry couldn’t provide. It’s a failure of producers and directors who couldn’t bring viewers back to cinemas,” wrote one user. Others also criticised the mediocre quality of films being churned out of late.
NoneA number of Pete Hegseth ’s former Fox News colleagues went public with their concerns about the drinking habits of Donald Trump ’s pick for defense secretary—sparking doubts that he would be able to carry out the around-the-clock duties required by the critically important office. The former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host has been under intense scrutiny after a number of reports detailed his past exploits—including allegations of sexual assault, lecherous behavior, anti-Muslim sentiments, binge drinking and a history of mismanaging veterans organizations. A whistleblower report published over the weekend by The New Yorker alleged that the 44-year-old had a history of drinking heavily at work events while he ran a series of veterans’ advocacy groups. Three current and seven former Fox employees shared their own stories of Hegseth’s alleged drinking habits with NBC News Tuesday, adding to the list of concerns about Trump’s embattled pick to lead the Pentagon. ADVERTISEMENT A lawyer for Hegseth, Tim Parlatore, told The New Yorker : “We’re not going to comment on outlandish claims laundered through the New Yorker by a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate of Mr. Hegseth’s. Get back to us when you try your first attempt at actual journalism.” Neither Fox News nor Hegseth’s lawyer immediately responded to the Daily Beast’s request for comment. Two of Hegseth’s former colleagues told NBC that they would often smell alcohol on him before he went on air during his stint as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend . They added that he would reportedly talk about being hungover as he was getting ready to go on set or appear live on air. One source reportedly claimed to smell alcohol on him as recently as last month, and said they heard him talk about being hungover this fall. “Everyone would be talking about it behind the scenes before he went on the air,” one former Fox employee told NBC News. Two other former employees and one current Fox employee also shared that they felt the need to “babysit” Hegseth because of his drinking. “We’d have to call him to make sure he didn’t oversleep because we knew he’d be out partying the night before,” one source said. None of the sources could remember a moment where Hegseth missed an appearance because he had been drinking, but several noted that he sometimes arrived at the studio with 20 minutes or less before the show began. The Daily Beast also obtained pictures of Hegseth taken just before midnight on a Friday night in December 2017, in which he appeared to have been drinking heavily. He appeared on air the next morning. Some employees also expressed their concerns about Hegseth’s ability to fulfill his role as defense secretary, a demanding, 24-hour-a-day job. One former employee told NBC News, “For the sake of national security, I really hope he has stopped drinking.” “He should not be secretary of defense,” another former Fox employee added. “His drinking should be disqualifying.” In an interview with CBS News published Tuesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) described Hegseth’s drinking allegations as “disturbing” while noting they would be hard to defend. “Some of these articles are very disturbing. He obviously has a chance to defend himself here,” Graham disclosed. “Some of this stuff is going to be difficult. You know time will tell.” “Some of the things have to be addressed and we’ll see,” he continued. “What we want to do is make sure that we have good order and discipline.” In response to the allegations floated by Hegseth’s former colleagues, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team described NBC News’ report as “disgusting” and “completely unfounded and false” “Anyone peddling these defamatory lies to score political cheap shots is sickening,” they continued. “As a decorated combat veteran, Pete has never done anything to jeopardize that, and he is treating his nomination as the most important deployment of his life.” In tandem with Hegseth’s allegations of drinking, Vanity Fair also published an explosive report on Monday claiming that the former TV host admitted to cheating on his first wife as many as five times. According to the outlet, Hegseth and his first wife Meredith Schwarz married after graduating college, but their love story ultimately crashed and burned after Hegseth reportedly admitted to having five affairs while the pair were married. One of those affairs was with a colleague at veterans’ advocacy group Vets for Freedom, Samantha Deering, who he married after his divorce from Schwarz. Hegseth reportedly cheated on Deering as well, carrying out an affair with Fox News producer Jennifer Rauchet. He later welcomed a baby with Rauchet in 2017 and the pair married in 2019. The couple remain together to this day. Despite the escalating controversy surrounding Hegseth’s nomination, Republican senators seemed to reaffirm their support for Trump’s cabinet pick Monday night after sitting for a meeting with him. Florida Sen. Rick Scott told Axios , “[Pete’s] clearly committed to making sure we have a lethal military that scares the crap out of our enemies.” Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis also insinuated that Hegseth’s allegations were a distraction, describing them as “side issues” while reiterating the importance of restoring “American confidence in our military.” Hegseth finally seemed to be feeling the heat Tuesday, with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins reporting that he planned to sit for an interview on Fox News Wednesday. “In a sign of how seriously the Trump transition team is viewing Republican senators’ concerns about Pete Hegseth, he is expected to sit for an interview with Fox News tomorrow, I’m told by multiple people,” Collins tweeted. “That’s notable given most (if not all?) of Trump’s Cabinet picks have been told not to do media until after they are confirmed.”Accused elderly bank robber tells judge he only has social securityTV Don't miss out on the headlines from TV. Followed categories will be added to My News. Podcaster Joe Rogan has revealed that it was Kamala Harris’ running mate Tim Walz who pushed him over the edge to get involved in the US election. “I wanted to stay out of the presidential election s**t because it’s gross,” Rogan said on his Thursday show with fellow comedians Ari Shaffir, Mark Normand and Shane Gillis, explaining he changed his mind “because I felt like I had to”. “I felt like, this is so nuts,” Rogan said. “When that Tim Walz guy, it’s so nuts that guy was given the vice president [running spot]. “You’re telling me this whole thing is fake then? You’re telling me you don’t care if someone’s a liar? You don’t care if they lied about their military rank, where they served? You don’t care if they lied about being an assistant [coach]? You don’t care if they lie about Tiananmen Square? There’s too many things, this is so crazy. You would get fired if you were an assistant manager at a f**king oil change company.” The Minnesota Governor, who was picked as Ms Harris’ running mate in August, was dogged by a number of gaffes and controversies during the campaign. He faced particular criticism from Republicans over claims he had misrepresented aspects of his military service in the Minnesota Army National Guard, including his rank at retirement, the timing of his retirement, and past comments that gave the impression he had seen active combat. Tim Walz and Kamala Harris at a campaign rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Picture: Drew Angerer/AFP MORE: Joe Rogan’s $22m A-list lure after show slump Mr Walz had also repeatedly said over the years that he was in Hong Kong during the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, when in fact he was in his home state of Nebraska at the time, leading Republicans to brand him “Tiananmen Tim”. During the vice presidential debate in October with JD Vance, Mr Walz admitted he “misspoke” when asked about the discrepancy. “I’ve not been perfect and I’m a knucklehead at times,” he said. Rogan sat down with Donald Trump for a wide-ranging, nearly three-hour interview in the final stretch of the campaign. The highly anticipated interview, in which they talked about Mr Trump’s policies, his views on his first term in the White House, expectations for a second term and his personal life, racked up more than 20 million views in less than a day. Rogan went on to endorse Mr Trump on the eve of the election while also praising billionaire Elon Musk for buying Twitter, turning it into X and backing the former President as well. Joe Rogan endorsed Donald Trump on the eve of the election. Picture: Spotify “If it wasn’t for him, we’d be f**ked,” Rogan said of Mr Musk. “He makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way. For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump.” Mr Trump and Mr Vance both travelled to Austin, Texas, to record podcasts with Rogan in the final stretch of the 2024 race. But Ms Harris, who was also looking to go on the show, refused to travel due to her tight schedule despite visiting Houston for a rally with pop queen Beyonce in late October. “She had an opportunity to come,” Rogan said on his podcast at the time. “You could look at this and you can say, ‘Oh, you’re being a diva,’ but she had an opportunity to come here when she was in Texas — and I literally gave them an open invitation.” Stefanie Cutter, a senior Harris campaign adviser, claimed on a recent episode of the Pod Save America podcast that the Vice President wanted to be interviewed in front of Rogan’s massive audience but “ultimately we just weren’t able to find a date”. However, top campaign aides had cowered after “progressive staff” threw a fit knowing Ms Harris was considering an appearance on the raucous podcast, the Financial Times previously reported. Rogan said the reaction to the assassination attempt was ‘crazy’. Picture: Rebecca Droke/AFP On Thursday’s show, Rogan also said he would be open to recording an episode of his wildly popular show from Mar-a-Lago — after refusing to travel to interview Ms Harris on the campaign trail. “Yeah, we have to,” Rogan said. “We helped Trump get elected.” Shaffir first floated the idea of recording another session at the President-elect’s resort on January 14 to coincide with the release of his Netflix comedy special America’s Sweetheart . “Can we get together?” Shaffir asked. “Trump’s obviously going to walk on.” “100 per cent,” Rogan agreed. “He’s gonna walk on if we do Mar-a-Lago.” Rogan said he’d already spoken with Donald Trump Jr. about the possibility — and the President-elect’s eldest son said he could “make that happen”. Shaffir pointed out during the episode that they had previously discussed doing a show at Mar-a-Lago “but you said I don’t want to influence an election”. “I changed my mind after they shot at him,” Rogan said, as the group then launched into a discussion about the July 13 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Rogan said there were still unanswered questions about gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, and described the initial reaction to the shooting as “weird”. “The guy tried to shoot the guy who was the President for four years and everyone’s making like it’s no big deal,” he said. “And then when they asked Kamala Harris about Secret Service protection, she’s like, ‘A lot of people don’t feel safe.’ You know, ‘Trans people don’t feel safe.’ There was like this crazy take on it that was so nuts, like what are you talking about? That could be you! Crazy people are out there. High-profile people that are running for president, you have to protect them. You can’t say, ‘Everyone feels in danger.’ He got shot! It makes me feel like we’re in a movie.” — with NY Post More Coverage Joe Rogan responds to ABC torching Thomas Henry Joe Rogan’s stunning claim on Zelensky Ronny Reyes – The NY Post Originally published as ‘I wanted to stay out’: Rogan reveals why he ‘had to’ get involved in election More related stories TV New claims about ACA women’s toilet cubicle interview A witness has revealed what he claims really happened when A Current Affair reporter Seb Costello interviewed a businessman in a women’s toilet cubicle. Read more TV ‘Motherf***er!’: Comedian eviscerates Biden US President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter, has gone down quite terribly even on his own side of politics. Read more
With 2025 is all set to arrive, Samsung is one of the first choices for a smartphone enthusiast. The series of Galaxy offers a wide array of models, from high-end flagships to budget-friendly options. For someone looking to upgrade, finding the best Samsung Galaxy deals has never been more important. Whether it’s through trade-in offers, seasonal promotions, or discounts from carriers, there are plenty of ways to save on the latest Samsung Galaxy smartphones. This article highlights the best deals available in 2025, helping customers make informed purchasing decisions. Samsung's flagship Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series is still among the most wanted devices up to 2025. These high-end models give users the latest technology, ranging from foldable screens and high-end cameras to powerful processors. It is the best for high-performance seekers with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Retailers provide discounts usually during major sales events: Black Friday , Cyber Monday, and Samsung's annual event, Galaxy Unpacked. For those looking to purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 5, many packages come with free accessories such as Galaxy Buds or the Galaxy Watch . Monitoring official stores and online retailers helps win these top flagship deals for a fraction of the money. For users in need of mid-range or budget-friendly options, Samsung's Galaxy A series offers great value. The best choices include the Samsung Galaxy A75 and Galaxy A54 models, which blend performance with affordability. Most retailers often offer promotions for these models, especially during holidays or back-to-school season. These deals usually include discounts or incentives like extended warranties or credits in the store. The Galaxy A series phones deliver solid battery life, decent cameras, and smooth performance at more accessible price points, making them a great choice for budget-conscious consumers. Samsung's trade-in program is one of the best ways to save on a new Galaxy device. In 2025, Samsung continues to offer generous trade-in values for older Galaxy models, as well as devices from other manufacturers. Trading in an older smartphone may make upgrading to a new flagship model, like the Galaxy S25 or Galaxy Z Flip 5, incredibly cheap. Samsung even sometimes gives more credits towards accessories or service plans. Some offers come in specific flavors like student discounts and military promotions that may stack on top of existing promotions to save buyers money. Mobile carriers often offer special deals on Samsung Galaxy devices when customers switch to their network or sign up for a new contract. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer no-interest installment plans, making it easier to afford the latest models like the Samsung Galaxy S25+. Many of the carriers also bundle their plans with discounts on accessories, trade-in offers, or even free upgrades. Checking carrier promotions before purchasing can lead to significant savings, especially for those willing to commit to a service contract. These deals vary by location and provider, so it’s essential to compare offerings from different carriers. Finding the best Samsung Galaxy deals in 2025 requires a combination of timing and research. Deep discounts during the biggest sales events of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and New Year's should be capitalized on. Alerts from Samsung and the big players help no opportunity slip away. Moreover, offers from carriers, retailers, and the Samsung site may have differences, including special discounts that can only be found there. Getting some money back on the device with a trade-in or saving through loyalty points increases savings. Additional, refurbished or certified pre-owned versions of Galaxy devices come usually with a warranty and the price significantly reduced for any long-term savings. The best Samsung Galaxy 2025 deals have deep saving percentages applied to flagships as well as budget models. Several discounts, trade-in opportunities as well as deals from the carrier help every customer to find a discount program that works best for that customer. Flagship versions of the device, such as Galaxy S25 Ultra or the foldable variants are for those high-tech folks and for more budget-conscious clients who have other options - namely, Galaxy A series. The recent customer can now get that all-new Samsung Galaxy under relatively competitive pricing by buying at the right sale season or selecting from diverse package deals.HAL BRADY: Welcome New Year 2025
NoneWESTERLY, R.I. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: WASH ) (the "Corporation"), parent company of The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly (the "Bank"), today announced Bank balance sheet repositioning transactions to support continued organic growth and capital generation. "Like many banks, we have been carrying low-yielding assets on our balance sheet following rapid increases in interest rates over the past few years. These assets have been earning interest below current market rates, which has impacted our earnings and ability to reinvest and expand our business. We had the opportunity to raise approximately $70 million in capital to support the sale of these low-yielding assets and reinvestment of the proceeds into assets with higher rates," stated Edward "Ned" O. Handy III, Washington Trust Chairman and CEO. "This will allow us to focus on growth and investment which is good for shareholders, employees, customers and the communities we serve. This has also made us even stronger financially and will set us up for improved profitability in 2025 and beyond." Pursuant to the terms of the transactions, the Bank sold approximately $409 million of available for sale debt securities with a weighted average yield of 2.65% and has agreed to sell approximately $345 million in residential mortgage loans with a weighted average rate of 3.03%. The sale of the residential mortgage loans is expected to settle in the first quarter of 2025. The Bank has also reinvested approximately $378 million into available for sale debt securities with a weighted average yield of 5.30%. Additionally, the Bank expects to pay down approximately $352 million of wholesale funding balances with an estimated weighted average rate of 4.50% in the first quarter of 2025. The sale transactions are expected to result in a net after-tax loss of approximately $70 million that will be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2024. While this will cause the Corporation to report a net loss for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024, it has been entirely funded by the $70 million in capital raised through our previously disclosed equity offering. The Corporation will provide additional details on this balance sheet repositioning in a presentation that will be furnished as an exhibit to a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and will be accessible on the Corporation's website at https://ir.washtrust.com . ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., NASDAQ: WASH , is the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Company ("Washington Trust", "the Bank"), with $7.1 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024 . Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast's premier financial services companies. Washington Trust values its role as a community bank and is committed to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island , Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements." We may also make forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in our annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors, or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "assume," "outlook," "will," "should," and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that might cause these differences include the following: changes in general business and economic conditions on a national basis and in the local markets in which we operate; changes in customer behavior due to political, business, and economic conditions, including inflation and concerns about liquidity; interest rate changes or volatility, as well as changes in the balance and mix of loans and deposits; changes in loan demand and collectability; the possibility that future credit losses are higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions or adverse economic developments; ongoing volatility in national and international financial markets; reductions in the market value or outflows of wealth management AUA; decreases in the value of securities and other assets; increases in defaults and charge-off rates; changes in the size and nature of our competition; changes in legislation or regulation and accounting principles, policies, and guidelines; operational risks including, but not limited to, changes in information technology, cybersecurity incidents, fraud , natural disasters, war, terrorism, civil unrest, and future pandemics; regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; and changes in the assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements. In addition, the factors described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 , as updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted to the SEC, may result in these differences. You should carefully review all of these factors, and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these differences. These forward-looking statements were based on information, plans, and estimates at the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This press release and related presentation may contain references to measures that are not defined in generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Management believes that the supplemental non-GAAP information, which consists of measurements and ratios based on tangible equity, is utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company's financial condition and therefore, such information is useful to investors. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures, which may be presented by other companies. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. SOURCE Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Pope Francis waves from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's square for the Angelus prayer in The Vatican, Dec. 26. AFP-Yonhap World leaders sent condolences to Korea on Sunday after the country suffered its deadliest airplane crash, with 179 people killed when their aircraft went up in flames. Only two people survived when the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane skidded off the runway and slammed into a wall at Muan International Airport. As relatives of those on board gathered at the airport in grief, leaders expressed their sympathy. Chinese President Xi Jinping said he was "shocked" to learn of the crash, in a message to Korea's acting president Choi Sang-mok. "I express our deep condolences to the victims, sincere sympathy for the victims' families, and wish those injured a speedy recovery," he said, quoted by China's state broadcaster CCTV. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said she was "heartbroken to see images of the plane crash in Muan." "As your partner, Europe stands with you in this time of grief," the European Commission president said. Pope Francis, who visited Korea a decade ago, told worshipers at the Vatican that he joins "in prayer for the survivors and the dead." "My thoughts are with the many families in Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash," Francis said. France's foreign ministry said that Paris learned "with great emotion the terrible toll" and sends condolences to the affected families. FM extends condolences to plane crash victims, including 2 Thai nationals 2024-12-30 09:29 | Foreign Affairs German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the crash is "yet another blow to the nation's heart" after "a difficult period" — alluding to weeks of political turmoil in Seoul. "This is an incredible loss and pain" for the friends and families of those killed, Steinmeier said. "Profoundly saddened by the tragic incident", Greece's foreign affairs ministry said on X, sending condolences "during this difficult time." Firefighters carry casualties at the site of a deadly plane crash at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, Dec. 29. Yonhap Tehran expressed its "condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand," the departure point of the plane which had two Thai nationals on board. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei addressed "the families of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured of this tragic incident." Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was "deeply saddened to hear about the tragic crash in Korea" and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. "Israel stands in solidarity with Korea during this difficult hour," said Saar on X. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the "sincere condolences and sympathy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the friendly Republic of Korea," it said in a statement. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply saddened" and expressed "his solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Korea during this difficult time," his spokesperson said in a statement. "The Secretary-General also wishes a swift and full recovery to those injured in this tragic event," said the spokesperson. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres delivers his speech at the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, in Cascais, Portugal, Nov. 26. EPA-Yonhap "We are shocked and saddened by the accident involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers and crew on the flight and their loved ones," the International Air Transport Association, which represents some 340 airlines that comprise 80 percent of air traffic, said in a statement. Spain's foreign ministry said that Madrid was "profoundly shocked by the terrible accident," sending condolences and "all our solidarity" to those affected. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred at Muan International Airport in our friend, the Republic of Korea," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a post on X. "As we watch with disbelief the horrific scenes from the crash site, our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives," President Aleksandar Vucic wrote on X, adding that he was "deeply shaken." (AFP)