René Bennett | (TNS) Bankrate.com If you’re an iPhone user, you might not realize that you already have access to Apple Cash. It’s a digital cash card that’s built into Apple devices and can be found in the default Wallet app. (Note: You must link an eligible debit card to use this service.) The main function of Apple Cash is to make it easier for Apple device users to send money to one another, including sending money through the iMessage app. But Apple Cash is more than just a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases. Apple Cash is a convenient way to transfer money between friends and family. Once it’s set up, a user can simply open the iMessage app and send money to a contact through their chat. It’s also useful for those who use Apple Pay, a separate service that allows Apple device users to make contactless payments with any linked card, including an Apple Cash card. Here are some important things to know about setting up and using Apple Cash. How Apple Cash works Apple Cash is a digital cash card that’s stored in the Wallet app of Apple devices, and it can be used for making P2P payments, as well as purchases through Apple Pay. When you receive money from another Apple Cash user, that money appears in your Apple Cash balance. The balance can then be spent or transferred to a linked bank account or debit card. Sending money to peers with Apple Cash can be done either directly from the digital Apple Cash card (in the Wallet app) or through the iMessage app. You can send or receive anywhere between $1 and $10,000 per message. The money shows up on the recipient’s Apple Cash card instantly, but it may take from one to three days for the balance to be transferred to a bank account. Instant transfers to a bank account are possible, but it comes with a 1.5% fee. There’s also an option to set up Apple Cash Family for children who are under 18 years old. This option limits the amount a child can send to $2,000 per message. Those younger than 18 also cannot add money to their Apple Cash card from a bank account; rather, their balance only grows when they receive money from another Apple Cash user. Difference between Apple Cash and Apple Pay Apple Cash is a digital card within your Wallet that allows you to spend your Apple Cash online, in stores and in apps as well send and receive money. Apple Pay, however, allows you to make purchases using any credit card or debit card you have stored in your Wallet — including Apple Cash. With Apple Pay, you add credit and debit cards to your Wallet and then have the ability to pay right with your phone (or other Apple product). How to use Apple Cash 1. Set up Apple Cash with a compatible device To set up Apple Cash, you’ll need three things: —A compatible Apple device. —Two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID (this can be done in Settings). —An eligible debit card to load funds onto the Apple Cash card. In the Settings app, you can turn on Apple Cash in the Wallet and Apple Pay section. Tap on the Apple Cash card icon and follow the instructions on the screen. You’ll be asked to agree to the terms and conditions, after which your device will set up Apple Cash for you. The Apple Cash card, once set up, can be found in your device’s Wallet app. If you want to set up Apple Cash Family, you’ll first need to have Family Sharing turned on, which can be done in Settings. The family organizer can add children to Apple Cash in the Family Sharing section of Settings. 2. Add money to your card You’ll need to have a debit card linked to your digital Wallet to add money to an Apple Cash card. You can add a debit card to Wallet in the same place where you set up Apple Cash — the Wallet and Apple Pay section of Settings. Once a debit card is linked to your Wallet, open Wallet and tap on the Apple Cash card. Then, tap the More button (an icon with three dots). This will open a page where you can see your Apple Cash balance, add money and transfer funds to a bank account. Tap Add Money and enter the amount you’d like to add (the minimum is $10). You’ll be asked to confirm which debit card you want to use to fund the Apple Cash balance, and then the money is added to the Apple Cash card. 3. Send a payment There are two ways to send a payment to someone using Apple Cash: directly from your Wallet or in the iMessage app. Both the sender and recipient need Apple Cash to send or receive money. From your Apple Wallet To send money from Wallet, simply tap the Apple Cash card in Wallet and then tap Send. Type in the contact name or phone number of the recipient. Enter the amount you’d like to send (between $1 and $10,000), then review the payment and confirm it with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. Via iMessages In iMessage, open the conversation with who you’d like to send money to, or start a new one. Tap on the app button, which appears next to the type bar, and then tap on the Apple Cash icon. You’ll be prompted to enter an amount (between $1 and $10,000). Once you’ve reviewed the amount, tap Send and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode. The first time money is sent to someone, the recipient will need to accept the payment within seven days for it to go through. After the first instance, payments are automatically accepted. If you’re using Apple Cash to make a purchase either online or in a store, you’ll need to pay using Apple Pay. 4. Request money To request money from your iPhone, open the conversation in the Messages app. Tap the plus icon, followed by Apple Cash. Then, tap Request. Tap the send button to send your payment request. Once the request is sent, the person you sent it to can confirm or change the amount they send to you. You can also request money from your Apple watch. Open your messages app, choose a conversation, tap the plus icon and then choose Apple Cash. Once you enter the amount you are requesting, swipe left on the Send button. Tap Request. 5. Transfer your balance to a bank account As you start to accumulate money on the Apple Cash card, you may want to move it to a debit card or a bank account . This can be done by going to the same place where you added funds to the card, by clicking the icon with three dots next to your digital card. Related Articles Slash your bills with a phone call: 7 pro negotiating tips Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties all seek property tax levy hikes 3 ways to earn an extra $500 for the holidays What’s new for Medicare in 2025? Homeownership is getting unaffordable for the middle class Enter an amount to be transferred, then tap Next. You’ll be asked whether you want to do an instant transfer (for a 1.5% fee) or a transfer in one to three business days for free. After making a selection, the screen will instruct you to set up a bank account if you don’t already have one set up. You’ll confirm the payment, and the transfer is initiated. Instant transfers can only be made to an eligible debit card, not a bank account. Money is sent within 30 minutes when you select instant transfer. Alternatives to Apple Cash —Zelle: If your bank is offers Zelle, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the P2P payment service. Zelle can be accessed directly from your bank’s mobile app, and it allows you to send instant transfers at no extra cost. —Venmo: Anyone can use Venmo, as long as they’ve downloaded the app. Unlike Apple Cash or Zelle, it’s a standalone P2P payment app. Venmo comes with a social element — users can follow each other and add fun emojis to their payments, although they can also keep their account activity private. —PayPal: This P2P payment service is a good option if you want to send money internationally. It also offers a PayPal Debit card, which, like the Apple Cash card, can be used to make purchases online or in stores. —Samsung Pay Cash: Samsung device users can use this option instead of Apple Cash. Similar to Apple Cash, it is a digital wallet that you can access from a Samsung mobile device. However, to take full advantage of Samsung Pay Cash, users will need to undergo an extra registration process to upgrade to a Full Card Account. Bottom line Apple Cash makes it easy for Apple device users to send money to each other. Users can simply tap the Apple Cash icon in their text messages to send money through iMessage. It can also be used as an extra repository for spending money and can be used for purchases anywhere Apple Pay is accepted. With that said, only Apple device users can send and receive money using Apple Cash, so those looking for a more universal payment service may want to consider other P2P payment apps . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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WASHINGTON − President-elect Donald Trump wants the Supreme Court to pause a law that could ban TikTok in the United States next month, arguing he can find a way to "save" the popular video platform without compromising national security or American's free speech rights. Trump alone, his attorneys told the justices in a filing Friday, has the "consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution." Trump takes office on Jan. 20, a day after TikTok must be divested from ByteDance, its Chinese-based parent company, or it will be banned in the United States. Will the Supreme Court save TikTok? What's ahead in the final legal showdown. TikTok has already asked the Supreme Court to pause enforcement of that requirement while the company continues to make their case for why the law is unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court this month said they won't decide whether to keep the Jan. 19 deadline until after the justices debate the merits of the law during oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10. Trump's filing Friday was part of a flurry of written briefs filed before those arguments.
Rewriting the constitution should be a breeze, given the overwhelming support for the effort to see it through in the House of Representatives. However, it is far from easy. The formidable hurdle standing in the way of success is the referendum. A referendum must be passed to authorise a wholesale change to the charter. Remnant of dictatorship This year has seen dramatic pushes primarily by the opposition People's Party and the ruling Pheu Thai Party to get the referendum business out of the way so the lawmakers could zero in on a constitutional redraft. The pushes were engineered on the premise the country's 20th constitution promulgated in 2017 was essentially a remnant of dictatorship, conceived and passed with the backing of coup-maker National Council for Peace and Order which swept the Prayut Chan-o-cha administrations to power. Critics pointed to a provisional clause in the charter which stipulated the Senate handpicked by the NCPO was duty-bound to join the MPs in co-electing a prime minister. The clause was blamed for PP former leader Pita Limjaroenrat missing out on the prime minister's seat with senators having voted down his nomination after last year's general election. Instead, the Senate seconded Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate Srettha Thavisin. The prime minister co-election clause expired in May this year as the NCPO-chosen senators were succeeded by the cross-professionally elected replacements. Despite being dubbed the "cheat-buster" constitution, it is attacked for having excessively augmented the authority of the independent agencies. A case in point is the Constitutional Court whose ruling can remove political postholders including the prime minister from office, says the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw). Also contentious was the constitution's lack of pathway for people to petition for impeachment of public office-holders, contrary to the previous charters. The 1997 constitution permitted at least 50,000 eligible voters to lodge such petition with parliament and the 2007 charter reduced the minimum petitioners to 20,000. Simplify referendum PP and Pheu Thai have been at the forefront of the campaign to simplify and hasten the referendum process by doing away with what they contend to be the biggest underlying complication: the double-majority rule. The rule has proven to be much thornier an issue to thrash out than was originally anticipated. Resolving the divisions it has generated within the House has also been an exercise in futility. The first sign of trouble traces back to January when Pheu Thai sought the Constitutional Court's ruling on how many charter amendment referendums should be organised. An government-appointed committee was preoccupied with drawing up new guidelines for holding a referendum. It was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The Phumtham panel backed a proposal to hold three charter amendment referendums, as ruled by the court, costing 10.5 billion baht in total. The first one would ask if voters agree with a charter rewrite; a second whether Section 256 of the constitution, which makes way for the setting up a charter drafting assembly (CDA), needs amending; and a third on whether voters' support for a new charter should be adopted. The two-referendum calls involve asking people if they want the charter amended. If the first referendum is approved, a second would follow to let people decide whether to give the new version the green light. However, Pheu Thai's internal working team advocated only two referendums to save money and time, a stand shared by the now-dissolved main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), which was the PP's predecessor. The two largest parties also banded together and presented two bills to alter the Referendum Act -- one initiated by coalition parties and the other sponsored by the opposition bloc -- to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. In April, the cabinet gave nod to the Referendum Act 2021 being amended to abolish the "double majority" rule, which requires more than 50% of eligible voters to participate in a referendum and most of those voting to approve the new charter. The rule was criticised for making it tough for a referendum to achieve the minimum requirement and for impeding a smooth passage of essential laws, particularly bills seeking to amend the constitution. A special committee was formed in parliament to delve into altering the referendum law. Come the middle of June, the House accepted for consideration four bills seeking to rectify the Referendum Act at their first reading. Altogether 450 MPs voted in favour, with one abstention. The bills were tabled separately by the cabinet, the ruling Pheu Thai Party, the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), and the Bhumjaithai Party. They shared a common goal of removing the contentious "double majority" requirement under the Referendum Act and favoured only a single majority or more than half of the votes cast. The double majority refers to two conditions necessary before a referendum result can be considered binding under Section 13 of the Referendum Act. First, more than 50% of eligible voters must have participated in the referendum, and second, the majority of those who cast their votes must have approved. In July, the House panel vetting four bills seeking to amend the referendum law decided to adjust the timeframe for holding a referendum on a charter rewrite. Previously, the committee agreed the first referendum round on a charter rewrite would be held the same day as either a general election or a local election. Mr Nikorn said the panel has concluded the referendum will be held no sooner than 60 days before an election day and no later than 150 days after. In late August, tension began to escalate as the fate of the double majority was being decided. Senate for double majority A growing number of senators voiced stiff opposition to the referendum bill passed by the House. They resisted the bill replacing double majority requirement with a single majority trumpeted by the House of Representatives. At the same time, the third-rank Bhumjaithai made an about-face when it announced it no longer sided with the double-majority rule being axed. It took the Senate line that referendums decide significant national issues which demand a thorough approval process, so the bar must be raised high. PP list MP Parit Wacharasindhu said he feared the double-majority rule would encourage people in the wrong way. Voters out to sink a referendum would resort to abstaining from voting, forcing the double-majority rule to fall short. "This is not about increasing the ease of passing a referendum. But the rules should not permit one side to gain an undue advantage by campaigning for a referendum no-show," Mr Parit said. Many senators are believed to be "blue-affiliated." Blue is Bhumjaithai's colour. In early October, the House rejected the Senate's change to the referendum bill to reinstate the double majority rule on a vote of 348 to zero, with 65 abstentions. Bhumjaithai opted out of the rejection vote. Unable to resolve their dissenting views on the double-majority clause, the two Houses set up a joint committee to iron out their differences. The 28 seats on the panel were equally split between the two Houses, and the Senate was scheduled to name its committee members on Oct 15. However, the formation of the panel raised eyebrows when two MPs put their hands up and joined the Senate in a vote to install Pol Maj Gen Chattrawat Saengpet, a senator, as the committee chairman, a seat which could exert dominance at meetings where critical decisions must be reached. Seeing that neither House was willing to make concession, Nikorn Chamnong, secretary of the committee, proposed a "one and a half" majority rule, in which the motion backed by more than 50% of eligible voters in a referendum is retained, but the motion does not necessarily have to be backed by a majority. He said the option was mentioned in a report on charter amendments considered by the cabinet back in April. Pheu Thai, however, chided his input, which ended in a debacle, as being almost identical to the double majority. 'Cooling off' period The joint committee announced early this month that in light of the unresolved tussle, a mandatory 180-day "cooling off" period will apply before the move to amend the referendum bill resumes. It means a charter rewrite will not be finished within the tenure of the current government, according to the joint panel. After the period lapses, the House may insist on the single majority overriding the double majority and unilaterally pass the bill into law. Mr Nikorn said with the cooling-off period factored in, it is unlikely there will be enough time left within the current government's tenure to complete the charter rewrite. Wissanu Krea-ngam, a former deputy prime minister and legal expert, agreed the referendum presents what look to be insurmountable legal and technical hurdles in passing a wholesale constitutional amendment within the current term of the House of Representatives. The bill to prepare the groundwork for a referendum appears to be giving lawmakers more trouble than they need, he said. At least three referendums, as ruled by the court, must be organised with an approval vote before major changes can be made to the charter. Mr Wissanu said the best option was a 'limited charter amendment' where the constitution is rewritten section by section, which does not require a referendum to be conducted. Staying put Mr Parit, meanwhile, is still pushing two referendums. He recently proposed the creation of the charter drafting body should proceed in parliament during the cooling-off period, to save time. However, chief government whip Wisut Chainarun rejected his suggestion, insisting the 180-day suspension must be observed. While welcoming the possibility of having just two charter referendums, Mr Wisut said he had consulted parliament's legal team and parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha who insisted the 180-day suspension period needs to lapse before further action can be taken. He added the charter rewrite process is unlikely to be completed before the next election in 2027. The opposition party says two referendums are sufficient for the proposed charter rewrite and would not be in violation of a recent Constitutional Court ruling. This would have a new constitution up and running before the next election. However, analysts believe otherwise, especially after the lingering disagreement between the House and Senate over the referendum rules.
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Reliable Power Connections: Introducing the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector 12-27-2024 09:36 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire Separable connectors are essential components in medium- and high-voltage electrical systems, connecting polymeric cables to transformers, switchgear, motors, and various other equipment safely and reliably. The 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ], in particular, offers unique advantages for modern electrical installations, ensuring durability, flexibility, and enhanced safety. This article explores the key features, applications, and benefits of 24kV 630A separable connectors, with a focus on the T cable connector design. Image: https://c861.goodao.net/uploads/%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87132.png 1. Overview of Separable Connectors A separable connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ] is a high-voltage component designed to connect and disconnect cables quickly and securely. Often referred to as a deadbreak separable connector, this type of connector can only be engaged or disengaged when the circuit is dead, ensuring safety for technicians and preventing arc flash incidents. This makes it ideal for maintenance and service work, especially in substations and underground systems. 2. Key Features of the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector The 24kV 630A T Cable Connector is a powerful solution for high-voltage electrical applications. This connector type is specifically designed for connecting polymeric cables to equipment like transformers, switchgear, and motors. Here are some of its most important features: a. Fully Screened and Fully Submersible Design The 24kV 630A T cable connector is fully screened, meaning it is encased in a conductive layer that ensures consistent voltage distribution and minimizes electrical stress. This screening enhances operator safety and extends the lifespan of the connector by reducing the risk of partial discharges, which can deteriorate the insulating material over time. Additionally, it is fully submersible, enabling reliable performance even in harsh environments, such as underground or outdoor installations where the connector may come in contact with water. This submersible quality makes it suitable for installations where moisture and water exposure are constant concerns. b. Compatibility with Premoulded Bushings and Plugs When paired with the appropriate bushing or plug, the 24kV 630A T cable connector forms a fully insulated and secure connection. This compatibility with premoulded separable connectors allows for versatile use across a range of equipment. Premoulded designs ensure a tight fit and provide high resistance to external elements, ensuring stable and reliable connections in various conditions. c. Capacitance Test Point for Easy Circuit Monitoring One of the most valuable features of this connector is its optional capacitance test point. The test point provides a safe, accessible location to test circuit voltage levels, allowing operators to easily monitor the circuit status or install a fault indicator. This test point is beneficial for routine maintenance and diagnostics, helping technicians verify circuit integrity without having to disassemble connections, reducing downtime and enhancing safety. d. Constructed from High-Quality EPDM Rubber The 24kV 630A T cable connector is constructed from EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber, a high-quality, durable material known for its flexibility, weather resistance, and electrical insulation properties. EPDM provides exceptional performance in high-voltage applications, as it withstands temperature variations, UV exposure, and electrical stress without degrading. This construction ensures that the separable connector remains reliable over time, even in challenging environments. 3. Applications of the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector The 24kV 630A separable connector [ https://www.ahelek.com/24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector-product/ ] is an essential component for industries and applications where high-voltage cable connections need to be safe, reliable, and flexible. Common applications include: * Power Distribution Systems: Ideal for substations and switchgear, the connector facilitates safe connections between power distribution equipment and cables. * Transformers: Provides a reliable interface for connecting medium-voltage cables to transformers, ensuring safe power flow and reducing the risk of electrical faults. * Motors: Particularly in industrial applications, the connector is used to connect cables to high-voltage motors, ensuring stable operation. * Renewable Energy Installations: Renewable energy sites, such as wind and solar farms, often require robust connections to handle high-voltage output from generators to transformers and switchgear. By offering a fully submersible, deadbreak design, the 24kV 630A connector provides peace of mind in these demanding applications, where equipment failure can lead to costly downtime and safety risks. Image: https://c861.goodao.net/uploads/%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87141.png 4. Advantages of Using the 24kV 630A Separable Connector Separable connectors are integral to electrical systems for several reasons. The 24kV 630A T Cable Connector provides distinct advantages over other types of connectors: a. Enhanced Safety The deadbreak design of the 24kV 630A separable connector ensures that it can only be disconnected when the circuit is de-energized, greatly reducing the risk of electrical shock and arc flash. Additionally, the fully screened feature prevents accidental contact with live parts, making this connector especially safe for both operators and equipment. b. Reliable, Submersible Connections Fully submersible connectors are crucial for high-moisture environments. The water resistance of this separable connector ensures a long lifespan in wet or challenging conditions, such as underground installations. This makes it highly suitable for applications where reliability is paramount. c. Capacitance Test Point for Diagnostic Ease The capacitance test point is an invaluable tool for routine maintenance. Technicians can quickly test the circuit status or detect faults without disturbing the connection, saving time and reducing the need for additional tools or equipment. This feature is particularly useful in environments where rapid diagnostics are needed, such as power distribution and renewable energy installations. d. Durability with High-Quality EPDM Rubber Constructed from durable EPDM, the 24kV 630A T cable connector withstands environmental stress, extreme temperatures, and mechanical impact. The material's resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and moisture contributes to the long service life of the connector, reducing maintenance requirements and the likelihood of unexpected failure. 5. How to Select the Right 24kV 630A Separable Connector Choosing the right separable connector involves considering the specific requirements of your system. Key factors to keep in mind include: * Voltage and Current Ratings: Ensure the connector can handle the voltage (24kV) and current (630A) required by your system. * Compatibility with Equipment: Verify that the connector is compatible with the bushing or plug in use, as well as the cable insulation and diameter. * Environmental Considerations: If the connector will be exposed to harsh conditions, ensure it has a fully submersible, screened design like the 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector. * Testing Requirements: If regular diagnostics are essential, choose a connector with a capacitance test point for convenient status checks. 6. Installation and Maintenance Considerations Proper installation and maintenance are key to maximizing the lifespan and performance of the 24kV 630A separable connector. Here are some best practices: * Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the connector is correctly mated to the equipment. * Use Appropriate Tools: Ensure that technicians have access to suitable tools and test equipment, particularly for checking the capacitance test point. * Regular Inspections: Periodic inspections of the connector's physical condition, especially in outdoor or underground installations, can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems. * Environmental Monitoring: In environments with temperature extremes or high moisture levels, consider additional protection or maintenance to extend the connector's service life. Conclusion The 24kV 630A Deadbreak Separable Connector is an advanced, reliable component for high-voltage applications. Its fully screened and submersible design, compatibility with premoulded bushings, capacitance test point, and high-quality EPDM construction make it ideal for use in power distribution, transformers, motors, and renewable energy installations. Offering unmatched safety, flexibility, and durability, this separable connector is a vital asset in ensuring efficient and safe power connections across diverse applications. Whether in a switchgear cabinet, transformer station, or renewable energy site, the 24kV 630A separable connector stands out as a dependable solution for modern electrical systems, making it an essential component for industries demanding high reliability and consistent performance. Media Contact Company Name: Anhuang Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=reliable-power-connections-introducing-the-24kv-630a-deadbreak-separable-connector ] Country: China Website: https://www.ahelek.com/ This release was published on openPR.
New York, United Nations, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Nations Global Compact launched the CEO Agenda, a dedicated leadership platform designed to empower CEOs worldwide to embrace bold leadership as the defining growth imperative for sustainable business, today. In an era marked by interconnected crises - spanning economic, social and geopolitical challenges - CEOs can no longer stand on the sidelines of global challenges. This new platform calls on business leaders to drive ambition, advocacy and sustainable growth addressing critical societal challenges while fostering resilience and long-term prosperity. The CEO Agenda equips business leaders with the tools, insights and connections needed to transform their organizations, and lead the charge toward sustainable growth. Key platform features include: As sustainability reshapes corporate priorities, the CEO Agenda emphasizes the evolving role of the C-suite. Leaders in finance, marketing and legal disciplines are stepping up to address risks and opportunities that transcend traditional boundaries, and integrating social, environmental and political dimensions into their strategies. "This platform is a rallying call for business leadership to be bold and inclusive,” said Sanda Ojiambo , CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. "Business leaders want a seat at the table to work collaboratively with governments to meet common goals. By equipping CEOs with resources, insights, and engagement opportunities, the CEO Agenda amplifies their voices and accelerates both sustainable business and sustainable development.” The UN Global Compact invites CEOs to explore the CEO Agenda and join a growing network of leaders committed to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for all. Notes to Editors: About the UN Global Compact The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative - one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information on the CEO Agenda, visit https://unglobalcompact.org/ceo-agenda CONTACT: United Nations Global Compact (212) 907-1301 [email protected]
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump was on the verge of backing a 16-week federal abortion ban earlier this year when aides staged an intervention. According to Time magazine's cover story on his selection as its 2024 Person of the Year, Trump's aides first raised concerns in mid-March that the abortion cutoff being pushed by some allies would be stricter than existing law in numerous states. It was seen as a potential political liability amid ongoing fallout over the overturning of Roe v. Wade by a conservative majority on the Supreme Court that includes three justices nominated by Trump in his first term. Trump political director James Blair went to work assembling a slide deck — eventually titled “How a national abortion ban will cost Trump the election" — that argued a 16-week ban would hurt the Republican candidate in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, the magazine reported. “After flipping through Blair’s presentation" on a flight to a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in April, Trump dropped the idea, according to the report. "So we leave it to the states, right?" Trump was quoted as saying. He soon released a video articulating that position. At the time, Trump’s campaign denied that he was considering supporting the 16-week ban, calling it “fake news” and saying Trump planned to “negotiate a deal” on abortion if elected to the White House. Here are other highlights from the story and the president-elect's 65-minute interview with the magazine: Jan. 6 pardons could start in the ‘first nine minutes’ Trump reaffirmed his plans to pardon most of those convicted for their actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. “It’s going to start in the first hour,” he said of the pardons. “Maybe the first nine minutes.” Trump said he would look at individuals on a “case-by-case" basis, but that “a vast majority of them should not be in jail.” More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot that left more than 100 police officers injured and sent lawmakers running into hiding as they met to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory . More than 1,000 defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial of charges, including misdemeanor trespassing offenses, assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy. Trump is open to holding detained migrants in camps Trump insisted he has the authority to use the military to assist with his promised mass deportations , even though, as his interviewers noted, the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. “It doesn’t stop the military if it’s an invasion of our country, and I consider it an invasion of our country," he said. “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows. And I think in many cases, the sheriffs and law enforcement is going to need help." Trump did not deny that camps would be needed to hold detained migrants as they are processed for deportation. “Whatever it takes to get them out. I don’t care," he said. “I hope we’re not going to need too many because I want to get them out and I don’t want them sitting in camp for the next 20 years.” Trump told Time he does not plan to restore the policy of separating children from their families to deter border crossings, but he did not rule it out. The practice led to thousands of children being separated from their parents and was condemned around the globe as inhumane. “I don’t believe we’ll have to because we will send the whole family back,” he said. “I would much rather deport them together, yes, than separate.” Musk prioritizes the country over his business interests, Trump insists Trump dismissed the idea that Elon Musk will face conflicts of interest as he takes the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency , an advisory group that Trump has selected him to lead. The panel is supposed to find waste and cut regulations, including many that could affect Musk's wide-ranging interests , which include electric cars, rockets and telecommunications. “I don’t think so," Trump said. “I think that Elon puts the country long before his company. ... He considers this to be his most important project." Trump acknowledges the difficulty of lowering grocery prices Trump lowered expectations about his ability to drive down grocery prices. “I’d like to bring them down. It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard. But I think that they will,” he said. Trump plans ‘virtual closure’ of the Education Department Trump said he is planning “a virtual closure" of the "Department of Education in Washington.” “You’re going to need some people just to make sure they’re teaching English in the schools," he said. “But we want to move education back to the states.” Yet Trump has proposed exerting enormous influence over schools. He has threatened to cut funding for schools with vaccine mandates while forcing them to “teach students to love their country" and promote “the nuclear family,” including “the roles of mothers and fathers” and the “things that make men and women different and unique.” Trump offers conflicting answers on future of abortion pills Asked to clarify whether he was committed to preventing the Food and Drug Administration from stripping access to abortion pills , Trump replied, “It’s always been my commitment.” But Trump has offered numerous conflicting stances on the issue, including to Time. Earlier in the interview, he was asked whether he would promise that his FDA would not do anything to limit access to medication abortion or abortion pills. "We’re going to take a look at all of that,” he said, before calling the prospect “very unlikely.” “Look, I’ve stated it very clearly and I just stated it again very clearly. I think it would be highly unlikely. I can’t imagine, but with, you know, we’re looking at everything, but highly unlikely. I guess I could say probably as close to ruling it out as possible, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to do anything now.” Trump says US support for Ukraine will be leverage for a deal with Russia Pressed on whether he would abandon Ukraine in its efforts to stave off Russia's invasion , Trump said he would use U.S. support for Kyiv as leverage against Moscow in negotiating an end to the war. “I want to reach an agreement,” he said, “and the only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon.” Does he trust Netanyahu? ‘I don’t trust anybody' Trump would not commit to supporting a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel, as he had previously. “I support whatever solution we can do to get peace," he said. "There are other ideas other than two state, but I support whatever, whatever is necessary to get not just peace, a lasting peace. It can’t go on where every five years you end up in tragedy. There are other alternatives.” Asked whether he trusted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , he told Time: “I don’t trust anybody.” War with Iran? ‘Anything can happen,’ he says Trump would not rule out the possibility of war with Iran during his second term. “Anything can happen. It’s a very volatile situation," he said. Trump mum on conversations with Putin Asked if he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since the Nov. 5 election, Trump continued to play coy: "I can’t tell you. It’s just inappropriate.” Trump insists he had the votes to confirm Gaetz as attorney general Trump insisted that his bid to install Matt Gaetz as attorney general ”wasn’t blocked. I had the votes (in the Senate) if I needed them, but I had to work very hard.” When the scope of resistance to the former Republican congressman from Florida became clear, Trump said, “I talked to him, and I said, ‘You know, Matt, I don’t think this is worth the fight.'" Gaetz pulled out amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations, and Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the Cabinet post. Trump is open to changes for childhood vaccines Trump, who has named anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, did not rule out the possibility of eliminating some childhood vaccinations even though they have been proved safe in extensive studies and real world use in hundreds of millions of people over decades and are considered among the most effective public health measures in modern history. Pressed on whether “getting rid of some vaccinations” — neither Trump nor the interviewers specified which ones — might be part of the plan to improve the health of the country, Trump responded: “It could if I think it’s dangerous, if I think they are not beneficial, but I don’t think it’s going to be very controversial in the end.” Trump weighs in on family political dynasty “I think there could be, yeah," Trump said of the prospect of others in his family continuing in his footsteps. He pointed to daughter-in-law Lara Trump , who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and is now being talked about as a potential replacement for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, whom Trump has chosen for secretary of state. Melania Trump will return to the White House, he says Trump said the former and soon-to-be first lady Melania Trump will be joining him at the White House during second term and will "be active, when she needs to be.” “Oh yes,” he said. “She’s very beloved by the people, Melania. And they like the fact that she’s not out there in your face all the time for many reasons.” Jill Colvin, The Associated Press
AI was everywhere in 2024. Here are the biggest stories of the year.Three firefighters and a dozen passengers were injured in Florida on Saturday after a fire truck drove around rail crossing arms and into the path of a high-speed passenger train after waiting for another train to pass, according to a person briefed on what happened. The crash happened at 10:45 a.m. in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. In the aftermath the Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck. Its ladder was ripped off and in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel reported . The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. The person familiar with the details of the crash, who was not authorized to disclose what happened because of the ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the fire truck stopped at the crossing and waited for a freight train to go by before maneuvering around the lowered crossing arms. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Amaral said. Brightline did not immediately release a statement about the crash. The Federal Railroad Administration will investigate. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said in the afternoon that it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether to investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing in Melbourne along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 — giving the railroad the worst death rate in the nation. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths. Railroad safety has been a concern since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, spilling toxic chemicals that caught fire. Regulators urged the industry to improve safety and members of Congress proposed a package of reforms, but railroads have not made many major changes to their operations and the bill has stalled. Earlier this month the two operators of a Union Pacific train were killed after it collided with a semitrailer truck that was blocking a crossing in the small West Texas town of Pecos. Three other people were injured, and the local Chamber of Commerce building was damaged. ___ Associated Press writers Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, Chevel Johnson in New Orleans and Julie Walker in New York contributed.