
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has confirmed that its website has been compromised, as cyberattacks targeting public institutions in Nigeria continue to rise. In a statement on its X handle on Wednesday night, the NBS announced, “ This is to inform the public that the NBS website has been hacked, and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any messages or reports posted until the website is fully restored. Thank you.” Checks on the NBS website at 9:45 p.m. revealed a nearly blank page displaying the message, “ Page Hacked .” This incident is part of a growing trend of cyber breaches targeting government websites. In March, a significant breach was reported when FIJ revealed that the private website XpressVerify.com had access to the National Identification Numbers (NINs) and personal details of registered Nigerians. To combat these persistent threats, the federal government has issued over 30 cyberattack advisories in the past year. Check Point Software Technologies, a cybersecurity firm, highlighted the increasing frequency of attacks, placing Nigeria 19th globally for cyber threats in July 2024. The firm also reported that government agencies in the country face an average of 1,791 cyberattacks weekly.Josh Allen receives a $50,000 MVP necklace from the Buffalo Bills' offense line, but fans aren't impressed with the lavish giftSans J.T. Miller, Canucks begin 6-game road trip at Senators
Tourists visit the Ruins of St. Paul’s in south China’s Macao on Dec 12, 2024. – Xinhua photo FANG Fan, a resident of Guangzhou, had a clear goal for her recent trip to Macao: to enjoy a front-row seat at a performance by US musical icon Herbie Hancock. For showgoers like Fang, Macao – just a two-hour drive south of Guangzhou – has emerged as a vibrant destination where star-chasing dreams can come true. With an expanding array of high-quality performances and easier access to tickets compared to mainland metropolises, the city is rapidly growing in cultural appeal. As a major trade port under Portuguese occupation for centuries, Macao returned to the motherland, China, on Dec 20, 1999, when the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was established. Over the past 25 years, Macao has transformed into a multifaceted hub, evolving beyond its moniker as the “Las Vegas of the East”. It now seeks to establish itself as a global center for tourism and leisure, while also diversifying into industries such as culture and sport. City of performing arts Years ago, Macao’s cultural landscape was vastly different. Few people considered traveling there for live concerts. Wu Zhiliang, president of the Board of Directors of the Macao Foundation and a resident of the city for nearly 40 years, recalled a time when even free performances failed to draw local audiences. Since its return to the motherland, however, Macao has developed into a destination capable of attracting world-class artists such as Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and Herbie Hancock. This transformation has been fueled by the SAR’s growing prosperity under the “one country, two systems” policy – a unique arrangement that allows it to maintain its capitalist system and way of life within socialist China. People enjoy an open-air concert at Macao Cultural Center Square in south China’s Macao on Nov 16, 2024. – Xinhua photo By 2023, Macao’s per capita GDP had more than quadrupled compared to 1999, reaching nearly US$70,000. Modern venues like the Macao Cultural Center have played a pivotal role in hosting performances, while the SAR has also leveraged its rich cultural heritage. In October 2024, renowned Chinese-American pipa virtuoso Wu Man performed at the Dom Pedro V Theater, the first Western-style theater built in China in 1860. “The historic venue blends beautifully with the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument,” Wu Man told Xinhua. “The atmosphere was excellent, and I could feel the audience’s enthusiasm for the captivating sounds and melodies.” Major entertainment companies are also recognising Macao’s potential. On Dec 7, 2024, the Galaxy Arena hosted the iQIYI Scream Night, a star-studded event celebrating top entertainment achievements. This marked the second consecutive year the leading online entertainment platform chose Macao for its annual extravaganza. According to iQIYI, the event drew hundreds of industry stars, thousands of live spectators, and hundreds of millions of online viewers. The city’s growing reputation as a cultural hub is evident in its statistics. The SAR’s 2023 Yearbook of Statistics reported over 55,000 public performances and cultural exhibitions held that year, a significant increase from approximately 38,000 in 2013. Generation Z artist Kun Wangtou, an emerging figure in the local art scene, said exhibitions are now a constant presence in the city. Despite his youth, Kun’s reputation has kept him busy traveling between Macao and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Zhuhai. His works are currently being showcased in both locations, where he often provides personal introductions for visitors. Kun, who initially worked as a photographer after earning his bachelor’s degree in Boston, decided to return to his hometown to focus on his art. “I am deeply indebted to my hometown for the unwavering support it has given me,” he said. Appeal of higher learning Yanick De Almeida, a freshman at the University of Macao (UM), chose this city for its reputation as a calm and secure place to live. When the young Angolan arrived, he was pleasantly surprised by what he found. “I initially thought Macao would be like the Chinese mainland, where everyone speaks Putonghua,” Almeida said. “But I quickly discovered that many of my fellow students here also speak Portuguese or English.” Photo taken on Nov 18, 2024 shows the Dom Pedro V Theatre in south China’s Macao. – Xinhua photo For Sofia Costa, an exchange student from the University of Porto in Portugal, studying in Macao has been a transformative journey of personal and professional growth. Currently studying supramolecular chemistry and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at UM, she described learning TCM as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”. “Immersing myself in Chinese medicine has been a fascinating experience,” Sofia said. “I’m confident that the knowledge I gain here will be invaluable throughout my career.” Data from UM shows that the university currently hosts more than 350 international students from about 50 countries and regions, including the United States and Japan, marking a 360 per cent increase compared to a decade ago. UM is one of 10 higher education institutions in Macao, a city with a population of about 690,000. Among them, the Macao University of Science and Technology (MUST) stands out as a prime example of the SAR’s growing appeal as an academic destination. Founded in 2000, MUST has rapidly developed into the largest multidisciplinary university in Macao, enrolling approximately 23,000 students, 94 per cent of whom come from outside the SAR. A student walks on the campus of the University of Macao in south China’s Macao on Nov 21, 2019. – Xinhua photo Over the past 25 years, Macao’s academic reputation has grown significantly. As the historical site of St. Paul’s College – the first university in the Far East – Macao continues to build on its legacy of higher education. Today, UM ranks among the top 250 universities globally, underscoring the SAR’s commitment to academic excellence. Allure of diverse cultures Both Almeida and Costa were impressed by Macao’s cultural diversity. “I’ve met people from various cultural backgrounds, which was a delightful surprise,” Almeida said. “There’s always someone ready to help, which has made my time here truly enjoyable.” As a historical city where Chinese and Western cultures meet, Macao displays a unique charm that belongs to a culture typical of Southern China, yet with a distinctive European touch. Since the mid-16th century, Macao has served as a vital bridge that has facilitated the exchange of knowledge between East and West, said Wu Zhiliang, who has spent decades studying the city’s history and culture. Tourists visit the historic center of Macao in south China’s Macao on Dec 12, 2024. – Xinhua photo The historic center of Macao, designated a Unesco World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to one of the earliest and most enduring encounters between China and the West. This rich cultural synthesis is embodied by landmarks like the Ruins of St Paul’s, whose facade integrates Eastern elements, such as Chinese inscriptions and lion motifs, into its design. Nearby, the Na Tcha Temple – a tribute to the legendary figure Ne Zha, a demon-slaying hero depicted in the 16th-century Chinese classic “Journey to the West” – underscores the harmonious coexistence of Eastern and Western traditions. Macao’s cultural allure extends beyond its iconic churches and temples. “Here, civilisations and cultures don’t clash but coexist and understand one another, reflecting the traditional Chinese ideal of harmony in diversity,” Wu explained. Tourists visit the Na Tcha Temple in south China’s Macao on Oct 9, 2016. – Xinhua photo This blend is perhaps most evident in Macao’s culinary tapestry. Over the centuries, the city has preserved the cuisines of different nations while crafting new flavors through creative fusion. Macanese cuisine, one of the world’s first fusion foods, marries Chinese and Portuguese cooking techniques and ingredients. It also incorporates spices and seasonings from regions along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, such as curry and coconut milk, creating dishes with a rich historical and cultural depth. Pedro Miguel Manhao Sou, a local resident whose mother runs a restaurant specialising in Macanese cuisine, recalled his childhood as being filled with a colorful mix of cultures and flavors. “My grandfather used to run a noodle stall, and after school, we’d pick our favorite side dishes there. “In the evenings, we’d enjoy the Macanese dishes my mother cooked at home. “This was our life,” he said. “My family celebrates both the Spring Festival and Christmas.” Today, Macao is one of the safest and wealthiest places in the world, renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, famous Portuguese egg tarts, and vibrant street food stalls. Its rich culinary heritage has not only attracted food lovers from around the globe but also earned international recognition. A worker cooks at a “Dai Pai Dong” street food stall in south China’s Macao on Dec 8, 2024. – Xinhua photo In 2017, Macao was named a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy. More recently, in June 2024, the city was designated a Culture City of East Asia as part of a program initiated by China, Japan and the Republic of Korea to promote cultural exchange and collaboration. With its growing global reputation, Macao has seen a surge in visitors. By December 7, 2024, the city had welcomed over 32 million tourists – a 26 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data. Jose Chan Rodrigues, a Macao resident with Portuguese ancestry, views the city as a bridge that fosters a deeper understanding of China. As one of Macao’s cultural ambassadors, Rodrigues highlights the city’s unique appeal: Macao offers travelers nearly everything they seek, from cultural blend to culinary experience, all wrapped in a coastal city of 33 square kilometers. “That, he added, “is the allure of Macao for the world”. – Xinhua
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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has confirmed that its website has been compromised, as cyberattacks targeting public institutions in Nigeria continue to rise. In a statement on its X handle on Wednesday night, the NBS announced, “ This is to inform the public that the NBS website has been hacked, and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any messages or reports posted until the website is fully restored. Thank you.” Checks on the NBS website at 9:45 p.m. revealed a nearly blank page displaying the message, “ Page Hacked .” This incident is part of a growing trend of cyber breaches targeting government websites. In March, a significant breach was reported when FIJ revealed that the private website XpressVerify.com had access to the National Identification Numbers (NINs) and personal details of registered Nigerians. To combat these persistent threats, the federal government has issued over 30 cyberattack advisories in the past year. Check Point Software Technologies, a cybersecurity firm, highlighted the increasing frequency of attacks, placing Nigeria 19th globally for cyber threats in July 2024. The firm also reported that government agencies in the country face an average of 1,791 cyberattacks weekly.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appears to have broken his silence and addressed comments made by Donald Trump encouraging Canada to become “our 51st state.” “Some information about Canada for Americans,” Trudeau wrote on X Thursday afternoon above a video ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver aired by the American news outlet NBC. The six-minute clip narrated by Tom Brokaw gives a broad overview of Canadian politics, landscapes and formative moments in the national memory. Some information about Canada for Americans: https://t.co/EnI8CrF4cB The terse six-word message is the first direct response the prime minister has made to a series of Trump posts about Canada joining the U.S. It follows a post on X by Mark Carney saying it was time to “stand up for Canada.” Trudeau has said little publicly since his finance minister quit on Dec. 16 and several of his MPs have called for him to resign. He is said to be considering his political future over the holidays . Since winning the presidential election in November, Trump has increasingly taunted Trudeau, often referring to him as a governor, equivalent to a state-level American leader on his social media platform, Truth Social. “Their (Canada) Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World,” Trump wrote in his Christmas Day post. The incoming U.S. president has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff against Canada as soon as he takes office in January. Shortly before Trump’s Christmas Day message lambasting Trudeau, he posted a message recalling a conversation with Wayne Gretzky , encouraging him to run for high office. “Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada — You would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign,” Trump recalls telling the Canadian hockey great. Trudeau’s comments came just hours after former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney publicly denounced Trump, saying the incoming American president’s remarks about “Governor Justin Trudeau” were “carrying the ‘joke’ too far.” “The casual disrespect, the poor tax math, and ignoring that workers on both sides of our border will be better off if we work together,” Carney wrote on X above a screenshot of Trump’s Christmas Day statement. “Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership.” This is carrying the ‘joke’ too far: the casual disrespect, the poor tax math, and ignoring that workers on both sides of our border will be better off if we work together. Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🇲🇽 https://t.co/BO4zEMrk0B Carney, who was tapped by Trudeau to replace Chrystia Freeland as finance minister , is among the first to publicly condemn the repeated jabs by Trump. Negotiations to join the government between the economist and Trudeau broke down earlier this month, recently appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed. Senior Liberals have sought to downplay the comments or frame them as well-intentioned jokes. Canada’s ambassador to America, Kirsten Hillman, characterized Trump’s social media posts as ribbing between two close countries. Likewise, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in early December that she had joked with Republican senators, offering them to join Canada as the eleventh province. Carleton University professor Aaron Ettinger said federal officials have rightly been dismissing the social media posts and maintained a “focus like a laser beam” on the real and “existential threat” of tariffs. “This strikes me as being profoundly unserious,” Ettinger said, who has studied Canada-U.S. relations during the first Trump presidency. “These are taunts; these are churlish provocations that are not mature, and do not reflect just how serious the coming trade war is.” Oh Canada! Donald Trump Truth Social 04:32 PM EST 12/02/24 @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/XyIx7eCVmE Ettinger said Trump is likely continually posting about Canada because it plays well to his supporters, without being seen as a real threat of annexation. “We know his moves. He makes fun of, he belittles, he mocks, because he can,” he said. But he said that a vacuum of leadership in Ottawa from an embattled prime minister is spurring “the freelancing of some of the provincial leaders” in response to Trump’s comments. Donald Trump’s son and close adviser, Eric, weighed in on the ongoing spat as well, sharing a picture on Monday of his father set to purchase Canada, Greenland and Panama Canal in his Amazon cart. “We are so back!!!” the executive vice president of the Trump Organization tweeted. We are so back!!! pic.twitter.com/PvybVULeAz Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state at a dinner meeting with Trudeau on Nov. 29 at Mar-A-Lago, his Flordia coastal estate. “It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!” Trump wrote following their meeting. — With files from The Canadian Press Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our politics newsletter, First Reading, here .A Montreal-based company building a Canadian test site for carbon removal technologies has received a US$40-million grant from Bill Gates' climate solutions venture firm. Canadian startup Deep Sky announced Wednesday it was awarded the grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to help build what it calls its Deep Sky Alpha project in Alberta. The project, being built north of Calgary in the town of Innisfail, is meant to be the world’s first direct air capture carbon removal test hub and commercialization centre. It is the first Canadian investment for Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, which funds commercial projects for emerging climate technologies in an effort to accelerate their adoption and reduce their costs. Direct air capture is a term that refers to physically removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming. It is different from the more carbon capture and storage, which refers to capturing carbon from smokestacks or other industrial emissions points. Pulling carbon dioxide directly from the air is seen by proponents as a way to clean up historic emissions that have already escaped into the atmosphere, meaning it could potentially help slow and even reverse climate change. But while the number of direct air capture pilot projects around the world is growing, the technology remains expensive and faces steep barriers to wide-scale deployment. At its Innisfail site, Deep Sky says it will be piloting up to 14 direct air capture projects from companies around the world, in an effort to see which ones work best and could be commercialized. Carbon dioxide captured at the site will be transported to an existing well at the Meadowbrook Carbon Storage Hub facility north of Edmonton, where it will be injected and stored two kilometres underground. The company expects its Deep Sky Alpha project to be up and running in the spring of next year. “Securing support from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst marks another milestone for our company and for the DAC industry,” Deep Sky CEO Damien Steel said in a news release. “The financial backing from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst will play a crucial role in helping Deep Sky realize its ambitious goals.” Mario Fernandez, head of Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, said in a release that Deep Sky’s project represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate several direct air capture technologies and gain a deeper understanding of their potential to lower costs and scale. “The world will ultimately need many approaches to carbon removal at prices far lower than is achievable today, but Deep Sky’s platform will enable and accelerate the kind of real-world innovation that could make affordable (direct air capture) achievable,” Fernandez said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2024.
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden faces a stark choice as he contemplates broad preemptive pardons to protect aides and allies from potential retribution by Donald Trump: Does he hew to the institutional norms he’s spent decades defending or flex the powers of the presidency in untested ways? The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But the president discussed the topic with senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. President Joe Biden speaks Thursday during a tree-lighting ceremony on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington. Biden is taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to another person familiar with the president’s discussions who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes — and usually to those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for some who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. The president could, if he chooses, issue blanket pardons to specific people whom Trump and his allies threatened to punish. Or he could pardon a broad class of people — not unlike pardons issued to those convicted of federal marijuana offenses or those ensnared in the “don't ask, don't tell” military policies. A federal judge rebuked President Joe Biden's pardon for his son, Hunter, who the president claims was unfairly prosecuted. Either way, he'd be using the powers of the presidency in a new way. Some worry that Trump and his allies, who talked of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for targeted people even if they don’t result in prosecutions. Biden already extended a broad pardon to his son, Hunter , who was convicted and pleaded guilty in tax and gun cases. He explained that decision by saying he believed the prosecution of his son was poisoned by politics. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden plans additional pardons before leaving office, though she would not elaborate on the process. She referenced “changing factors” that motivated the president to pardon his son despite promising he wouldn’t. She said Republicans continued to try to see Hunter Biden investigated for an array of alleged offenses, a rationale that could support additional pardons for Biden aides and allies. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks Friday during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. It was two weeks ago that one of the president’s closest allies in Congress, Rep, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, encouraged Biden to pardon his son Hunter. The morning after that conversation, Clyburn told Biden’s staff that he believed the president should also pardon those being targeted by Trump. “I was very forceful in my discussions with him about what I thought he ought to do regarding his son,” Clyburn said Friday. “But I also told them that I thought he ought to go even further, because all the noise about Jack Smith and Liz Cheney and Doctor Fauci and all of that.” Special Counsel Jack Smith has been investigating Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and for accusations he hoarded classified documents at his home. Liz Cheney, a conservative Republican , was the vice chairwoman of the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection and campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris. Fauci, an infectious-disease expert, was instrumental in the government's response to the coronavirus. All raised the ire of Trump. President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Joe Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden for federal gun and tax convictions, calling it a "miscarriage of justice." Trump highlighted individuals imprisoned for the January 6th Capitol riots, questioning whether they were included in Biden's pardon. Trump suggested he might consider pardoning Hunter Biden during an interview in October, expressing concern over its impact on the country. Hunter Biden's pardon prevents significant prison time, as he faced nearly forty years for gun and tax-related convictions. Clyburn said he told Biden’s team, only half jokingly, that because the Supreme Court already said the president has certain immunities, “let’s give that same immunity to Jack Smith for carrying out his duties and to, Doctor Fauci, Liz Cheney, they were carrying out their duties.” Among those mentioned publicly for possible presidential pardons, there are different sentiments on whether pardons would even be wanted. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the president’s move to pardon his son, but was silent on the speculation that Biden is considering additional pardons for her or others. A top Pelosi ally, Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic congressman who led Trump’s first impeachment, panned the idea of pardoning Biden's allies. He says “the courts are strong enough to withstand” the worst of Trump’s threats. “I don’t think a preemptive pardon makes sense,” the incoming senator told NPR recently. “I would urge the president not to do that. I think it would seem defensive and unnecessary,” Schiff said. Several people on President-elect Donald Trump's team are reportedly supporting efforts to make an Edward Snowden pardon happen. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead manager on Trump’s second impeachment on the charge of inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, said the speech and debate clause in the Constitution already protects members of Congress from prosecution for participating in their legislative duties. Raskin said figures like Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and John Kelly , Trump's former White House chief of staff, would similarly be protected by the First Amendment. Still, Raskin said the question is, “Should they go through the criminal investigation and prosecution for not doing anything wrong? I think that’s why this whole issue has erupted.” Raksin added that with Trump promising to pardon hundreds of people who assaulted police officers on Jan. 6, “I can hardly fault President Biden for exploring the use of the pardon to protect people from a fraudulent and unjust prosecution.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he’s had no conversations with the White House regarding any preemptive pardons for current or former members of Congress. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Joe Biden walks to the Oval Office after attending the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz arrive during a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) A delegate looks at her phone during the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie's Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Supporters of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump look on as a bus carrying Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris passes by following a campaign event, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Rochester, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Attendees look on at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Republican National Convention Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and former first lady Michelle Obama arrive to speak during a campaign rally, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A supporter greets Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump after a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A political advertisement for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is displayed on the Sphere, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks toward reporters to speak before boarding Air Force Two, as she departs Las Vegas from Harry Reid International Airport, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, en route to Arizona. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A voter works on her ballot at a polling place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Former President Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings in Manhattan criminal court, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York. Before testimony resumes Tuesday, the judge will hold a hearing on prosecutors' request to sanction and fine Trump over social media posts they say violate a gag order prohibiting him from attacking key witnesses. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign event Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris looks at a monitor of the event from backstage, just before taking the stage for her final campaign rally, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is prayed over with Pastor Paula White during the National Faith Summit at Worship With Wonders Church, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Powder Springs, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Forgiato Blow wears a necklace with a likeness of former President Donald Trump before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Elon Musk jumps on the stage as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Voters stand in line outside a polling place at Madison Church, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs President Biden during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Lee's Family Forum, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is reflected in the bullet proof glass as he finishes speaking at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pa., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, bottom center, greets supporters after speaking during a campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Mich. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) A young girl holds a "Black Voters for Harris-Walz" sign outside of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris' election night watch party at Howard University, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, shares a laugh with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, after reuniting in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, aboard Air Force Two, just before taking off from Pittsburgh for her final campaign rally in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool) With tears streaming down her face, a supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris applauds as Harris delivers a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Bikers show their support for President-elect Donald Trump while riding on I-84, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, near Lords Valley, Pa. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump stands on stage with steelworkers as he speaks during a campaign rally at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Latrobe, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Supporters cheer as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erie, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris appears on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," with Maya Rudolph, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in New York. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) A delegate wearing a small American flag on his ear watches as Republican presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris hugs a child after speaking during a campaign event at Washington Crossing Historic Park, in Washington Crossing, Pa., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) President Joe Biden pauses before he addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump departs after speaking at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) A voter watches the stage before former first lady Michelle Obama speaks at campaign rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in College Park, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.(Reuters) -Micron Technology forecast second-quarter revenue and profit below Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, as weakened prices of memory chips used in handsets and PCs weigh on earnings, sending its shares down 13.6% in extended trading. Micron’s stock has fallen more than 30% from the record high it hit in June, weighed by disappointing consumer demand. The market for DRAM chips, which account for most of Boise, Idaho-based Micron’s revenue, remains sluggish because of weak consumer demand and an ongoing supply glut. DRAM chips are used in data centers, personal computers, smartphones and other computing devices. Global PC shipments stood at 62.9 million units in the third quarter of calendar year 2024, a 1.3% decline from the previous year, according to research firm Gartner. “The PC refresh cycle is unfolding more gradually, and we expect PC unit volume growth to be flattish in calendar (year) 2024, slightly below prior expectations,” CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said in the company’s prepared remarks, released ahead of its conference call. “We remain optimistic about AI PC adoption over time.” Excluding items, Micron expects to earn $1.43 per share, plus or minus 10 cents, in the second quarter, compared to analysts’ expectation of $1.91, according to data compiled by LSEG. It expects to report second-quarter revenue of $7.90 billion, plus or minus $200 million, compared to analysts’ estimate of $8.98 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Demand for PCs and smartphones in key markets such as China remains weak, which has led to reduced inventory levels and an oversupply of memory chips. Micron is working on a 1,400-acre mega campus to make DRAM chips in central New York state. It also offers flash memory NAND chips, which serve the data storage market. (Reporting by Rishi Kant in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
Edmunds: Five dream-worthy vehicles you wish you got for the holidaysTürkiye to export first military ships to EU, NATO member Portugal
How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Stocks drift higher as US markets reopen after a holiday pause Stocks are drifting higher on Wall Street in light trading as U.S. markets reopen following the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite were up by less than 0.1% in midday trading Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%. Gains in technology companies overall and retailers helped boost the market, despite a pullback by some heavyweight Big Tech stocks. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military didn't immediate respond to questions about the WHO chief's statement. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. The US Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, climbed by 46,000 to 1.91 million for the week of Dec. 14. That’s more than analysts projected and the most since the week of Nov. 13, 2021. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.
Malique Ewin finished with team highs of 17 points and seven rebounds to lead the Florida State Seminoles to a 92-59 victory over the Massachusetts Minutemen in each team's final game of the Naismith Hall of Fame Tip-Off on Sunday afternoon in Uncasville, Conn. The Seminoles (6-1) won their third consecutive game and went 2-0 in the event as they pulled away in the second half, leading by as many as 36 points. It's Florida State's best start since the 2019-20 season when it went 7-1. UMass (1-5) dropped its fifth in a row following a season-opening win over New Hampshire despite a strong game on Sunday from Jaylen Curry, who scored 17 points. Curry, with six free throws, helped propel the Minutemen on a 10-0 run over a four-plus minute span in the first half to take a 24-23 lead with 4:22 left. FSU closed the half on a 13-3 run to lead 37-27 at halftime. A 15-4 surge to open the second half helped the Seminoles break the game open. Florida State's defense frustrated UMass shooters throughout the contest, especially on the perimeter, limiting the Minutemen to 3-for-24 shooting (12.5 percent) from 3-point range and 18-for-58 (31 percent) overall. The Seminoles finished with 22 points off 17 UMass turnovers. On the flipside, Florida State had one of its best shooting games of the season. The Seminoles moved the ball well throughout the game and finished with 25 assists while only turning the ball over 10 times. The Seminoles shot 33 for 58 (57 percent) from the field and made 9 of 18 three-pointers to put together a season-high scoring output. Once again, Florida State shined thanks to its depth as 10 players scored and four scored in double figures. The Seminoles were able to have 16 players participate in the game as well. Jamir Watkins finished with 14 points while Jerry Deng and Justin Thomas each had 10 points. For UMass, Daniel Rivera finished with 12 points and six rebounds while Nate Guerengomba had 10 points. Daniel Hankins-Sanford collected a game-high 13 rebounds. --Field Level MediaHow the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Stocks drift higher as US markets reopen after a holiday pause Stocks are drifting higher on Wall Street in light trading as U.S. markets reopen following the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite were up by less than 0.1% in midday trading Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%. Gains in technology companies overall and retailers helped boost the market, despite a pullback by some heavyweight Big Tech stocks. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military didn't immediate respond to questions about the WHO chief's statement. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. The US Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21. That’s fewer than the 223,000 analysts forecast. Continuing claims, the total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits, climbed by 46,000 to 1.91 million for the week of Dec. 14. That’s more than analysts projected and the most since the week of Nov. 13, 2021. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.
Couple in court after gardener dies working at £2.5 million country mansionTarke added seven rebounds for the Tigers (4-2). Tomiwa Sulaiman scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds. Christian May scored nine. The Bears (3-5) were led in scoring by Wynston Tabbs with 19 points. Kameron Hobbs had 13 points and Ahmarie Simpkins finished with nine points, three steals and two blocks. Towson went into halftime leading Morgan State 35-26. Tarke scored 14 points in the half. Towson used a 7-0 run in the second half to build an 11-point lead at 58-47 with 5:51 left in the half before finishing off the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Patna, Dec 26 (PTI) Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor on Thursday gave a three-day time to the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar to resolve issues related to the alleged question paper leak of a recent PSC exam. The state has been witnessing a widespread demonstration by civil service aspirants over the issue and the police faced criticism for using force on protesters. Kishor, whose Jan Suraaj party had last week written to Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena for cancellation of the examination held by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13, warned the police of protests if job seekers are baton-charged in future. The Jan Suraaj party chief on Thursday reached Gardani Bagh, the designated place for organising protests or dharna, where civil service aspirants have been holding a sit-in for the last several days and demanding cancellation of the December 13 exam. "The government must meet protesting students or their representatives and consider their demand for re-examination. I am giving an ultimatum to the state government. The administration must resolve this issue within three days," Kishor said. He extended support to the protesters and said he would join a march on Monday. "I am always here to support the students. I will also join protest march of the students tomorrow. I will be at the forefront. If the police resort to baton-charge, I will be the first to face that. The police action against students on Wednesday is highly condemnable," he said while addressing the protesting aspirants. Chaos erupted outside the BPSC office on Wednesday when police baton-charged the protesters who were seeking cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024. The demonstrators alleged irregularities in the exam, including paper leaks, and sought re-examination. A group of protesters marched towards the BPSC office to press their demands, and a confrontation between police personnel and the job seekers ensued after they were stopped. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad also condemned the police action against protesting job aspirants. "Police action against protesting students was wrong. Police should not have done this", Lalu told reporters in Patna on Thursday. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)ears of closely working with President have meant that Maj. Teddy Indra Wijaya has been entrusted with a crucial role in the President’s Red and White Cabinet, that of disciplining cabinet members embroiled in controversies. Born into a military family, the mid-ranking officer came to public attention when serving as Prabowo’s aide-de-camp in 2019, closely following the then-defense minister’s every step. He remained within Prabowo’s inner circle after the former Army general took office as president in October, appointed as cabinet secretary; a position usually responsible for supporting the sitting president in managing the cabinet. Since then, Prabowo has appeared to rely on his cabinet secretary to instill discipline among more than 100 cabinet members, as witnessed in how the President’s administration responded to a series of controversial remarks and misconduct by several officials. Among the recent instances that have occurred is Religious Development Envoy Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman getting himself embroiled in an online brouhaha. In a video that went viral on social media, Miftah, who is also a popular preacher, made inappropriate remarks toward a beverage seller by calling him “stupid” and mocking him for selling iced tea on a rainy day to attendees at a religious gathering. The video was reportedly made during an event in Magelang, Central Java, on Nov. 20. Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. The video quickly sparked protests and condemnation by the public who slammed Miftah for demeaning the dignity of the seller who was simply trying to make a living. Netizens then urged the President to dismiss him.NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their . But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. , gold and other investments also drove higher. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball’s Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year’s spurt of 24.2%. The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald will mean for the economy and the . The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It’s been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump’s election. He’s turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he’s named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the Gold’s rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It’s also benefited from the Fed’s cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. It’s a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it’s also a threshold that Tesla’s stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at . Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk’s close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. That’s how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial-intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia’s chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia’s worth to more than $3 trillion in total. after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he . That’s how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody’s. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. That’s through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024’s home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.
FNA DEADLINE NOTICE: ROSEN, TRUSTED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Paragon 28, Inc. Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important November 29 Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – FNA