Bill Belichick had just been introduced Thursday as North Carolina's next football coach when chancellor Lee Roberts came armed with a gift: a short-sleeved gray hoodie — a bit of a trademark from Belichick's NFL coaching days — bearing a blue interlocking “NC” logo. It was the visual confirmation, which will take some getting used to, that the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach whose name became synonymous with NFL success has taken an unexpected first dive into college coaching. He now leads a program at a school with a national name brand but one that has been unable to sustain fleeting pockets of high-level success when it comes to football. “I've always wanted to coach in college football,” Belichick said during his introductory campus news conference. “It just never really worked out. Had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK.” The school's trustees approved terms of the deal to hire Belichick as the new football coach earlier Thursday. Specific terms have yet to be released, though the school said Wednesday there was a five-year agreement. Belichick arrived wearing a dark suit, a light blue dress shirt and a tie bearing a white-and-light-blue pattern. He sat between Roberts and athletic director Bubba Cunningham, who paid his own tribute by donning a suit jacket with the sleeves cut off to mimic Belichick's cut-off sideline look. “I’m here to, as Bubba said, teach, develop and build a program in the way that I believe in,” Belichick said. Moving on from the 73-year-old Mack Brown to hire the 72-year-old Belichick means UNC is turning to a coach who has never worked at the college level, yet had incredible success in the NFL alongside quarterback Tom Brady throughout most of his 24-year tenure with the Patriots, which ended last season. Belichick holds 333 career regular-season and postseason wins in the NFL, trailing only Don Shula’s 347 for the NFL record, while his 31 playoff wins are the most in league history. He had been linked to NFL jobs in the time since his departure from the Patriots, notably the Atlanta Falcons in January. That’s why word of Belichick’s conversations with UNC — first reported by Inside Carolina and confirmed by the AP last week — stirred such surprise as an unexpected and unconventional candidate. There’s also at least a small family tie to the UNC program for Belichick; his late father, Steve, was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1953-55. When asked about fan concerns that he might leave quickly for the next NFL job, Belichick said: “I didn't come here to leave." And when asked how long he might want to keep coaching, he quipped: “It beats working. My dad told me this: when you love what you do, it's not work. I love what I do. I love coaching." He’s arriving on campus at a time of rapid changes in college athletics, from free player movement through the transfer portal and athletes’ ability to cash in on endorsements to the looming arrival of revenue sharing. And he's taking over a program that for a school with a national name-brand — particularly as a tradition-rich blueblood in college basketball — has never sustained elite football success in its long history. RODRIGUEZ RETURNING TO WEST VIRGINIA Rich Rodriguez is returning to West Virginia for a second stint as head coach at his alma mater. Athletic director Wren Baker announced the hiring on Thursday, 17 years after Rodriguez made a hasty exit for what became a disastrous three-year experiment at Michigan. “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” Baker said in a statement. “Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program.” Rodriguez, who is the current coach at Jacksonville State, an architect of the spread offense and a polarizing figure in his home state, replaces Neal Brown, who was fired on Dec. 1 after going 37-35 in six seasons, including 6-6 this year. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University,” Rodriguez said. “My family and I are filled with gratitude to lead the Mountaineer football program again and look forward to working with the many supporters, fans, and friends to build the best football program in America! Take Me Home!” Rodriguez, 61, will be tasked with restoring a consistent winning climate at West Virginia, which hasn’t been ranked or had back-to-back winning seasons since 2018. The Mountaineers have yet to qualify for the Big 12 championship game since joining the league in 2012. Its best finish was a tie for second place in 2016. Success was a standard at West Virginia under Rodriguez, who went 60-26 from 2001 to 2007 after replacing Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen. With star players such as quarterback Pat White and running back Steve Slaton, Rodriguez led the Mountaineers to four Big East titles in five years and one of the greatest victories in school history, an upset win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl following the 2005 season. But many in the West Virginia fanbase remain jaded over his long-ago exit. Needing a win in their 2007 regular season finale to advance to the BCS national championship game, the Mountaineers lost at home to heavy underdog Pittsburgh, 13-9. “We picked an awful time to have our worst offensive game in years,” Rodriguez said after the game. Despite earning a berth in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma as a consolation prize, Rodriguez was gone two weeks later, taking some of his assistant coaches and recruits with him to Michigan. Rodriguez has insisted the Pitt loss had nothing to do with him leaving. He has said promises made by the school’s administration were not kept and his request for more money for his assistant coaches was rejected. Rodriguez said his relationship with then-athletic director Ed Pastilong had disintegrated by August 2007 to the point that the two men barely spoke.
Geron: A Strong Launch And Financial Deals Make It Attractive
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Tennessee-based financial services firm Celero Commerce has acquired electronic payments technology provider Precision Payments . With the deal, announced in a news release earlier this month, Celero’s annual card processing volume in North America is expected to surpass $28 billion. Based in Sarasota, Florida, and founded in 2009, Precision provides electronic payment solutions for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). According to the release, the company bolsters Celero’s presence in the “multilane retail industry” and widens its network of sales professionals serving local communities in North America. “Throughout our 15-year journey, we have remained focused on helping local businesses thrive,” said Joel King , founder of Precision. “Joining Celero provides our clients with access to an expanded range of innovative products and services that will improve our ability to support their growth.” PYMNTS explored the challenges facing SMBs earlier this month in a panel discussion with a pair of payments experts, Sarah Acton , chief customer officer at BILL , and Becky Munson , CPA, CITP, partner and CAS practice leader at EisnerAmper . The question posed to them : How can digital innovations help these small businesses unlock their own unique advantages, while also streamlining financial operations and fortifying their resilience? Their answer? “Automation, automation, automation.” SMBs have for years depended on manual, paper-based processes , a habit that Acton and Munson argued is becoming unsustainable. “ Automation is here to stay,” Acton said, adding that “for more and more businesses who are not adopting technology ... my worry is they get left behind.” Munson stressed that automation has gone from being a luxury for larger companies to a necessity for SMBs. “Our clients are looking for efficiency and productivity, but they’re also battling ‘app fatigue.’ ... They’re paying for more than they can manage, and they need solutions that deliver real impact,” she said. Automating financial workflows, such as payables, receivables and expense management, can provide better control over cash flow — the “lifeblood” of SMB’s operations. Both Acton and Munson agreed that digital transformation is critical to SMBs’ ability to adapt and thrive in the modern marketplace. “The pace of change can feel like a runaway train,” Munson said, pointing out that SMBs, focused on key business tasks, struggle to stay on top of new tech. Acton echoed this sentiment, saying automation provides a lifeline for SMBs to get back control and shift time toward growth initiatives. Celero’s acquisition of Precision Payments follows last year’s purchase of Finical , a Dallas-based provider of electronic payments technology. As PYMNTS wrote, that acquisition was designed to enhance Celero’s capabilities and let it process approximately $25 billion in annual card volume .Pete Hegseth decried out gay troops in US military as part of Marxist agendaFederal coalition to release nuclear power costings
Share Tweet Share Share Email The crypto presale scene is buzzing with top-tier projects energizing the sector. Amidst groundbreaking technological advancements, the crypto community is keenly scouting for ventures that seamlessly connect traditional and innovative realms. Two standout projects capturing attention are BlockDAG (BDAG) and RCO Finance (RCOF). RCO Finance is making strides with its AI-enhanced DeFi ecosystem, while BlockDAG is making waves with its advanced blockchain infrastructure and impressive presale results. Both initiatives introduce essential features that are reshaping the market. However, which one is gaining more traction within the crypto community? Let’s delve into RCOF and BlockDAG to see which is poised for enduring support. RCO Finance: AI-Powered DeFi Breakthrough RCO Finance has piqued investor interest as it approaches the $5 million milestone in its token presale. This project merges artificial intelligence with decentralized finance, forging a no-code investment platform that facilitates access to stocks, real-world assets, and bonds. By eliminating intermediaries, RCO Finance reduces fees and simplifies portfolio diversification, attracting a robust retail investor base. The AI robo-advisor, a key innovation, tailors investment strategies based on real-time data and user preferences. From providing financial projections to tax advice, this tool is set to transform how portfolios are managed. As a trailblazer in tokenizing real-world assets, RCO Finance allows fractional ownership of high-value investments like real estate, making it an attractive option for those seeking entry into markets usually out of reach. Currently, it has delivered early investors a 300% ROI. Industry experts anticipate a potential 1000x return should it debut at the forecasted price. However, its dependence on RCOF tokens for accessing ecosystem features might restrict its expansion beyond dedicated DeFi enthusiasts. BlockDAG: Sculpting the Future of Blockchain While RCO Finance streamlines investment processes, BlockDAG is revolutionizing blockchain technology fundamentals. Leveraging its Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) architecture, BlockDAG ensures exceptional transaction speed, scalability, and security, positioning it as a top-tier Layer 1 blockchain solution. BlockDAG has quickly exceeded market expectations, securing a remarkable $20 million within a mere 48 hours and raising a total of $150 million while distributing 16.4 billion coins at a presale price of $0.0234. Its early investors are now reaping a 2240% ROI, significantly surpassing the 300% ROI from RCOF. Additionally, experts are projecting a staggering 30,000x ROI for BlockDAG and foreseeing a potential price of $30 in the future. Unlike RCO Finance, which is tailored to specialized financial needs, BlockDAG provides a broad, developer-friendly environment. Its intuitive low-code/no-code tools allow users to easily create meme coins, NFTs, and utility tokens, transforming BlockDAG into a dynamic development hub. Currently, BlockDAG’s mainnet is in the audit phase, an essential milestone in its roadmap, indicating its readiness to uphold promises of scalability and efficiency. Where RCO Finance’s presale underscores its niche within DeFi, BlockDAG’s achievements reflect its widespread appeal. By offering robust infrastructure for various blockchain applications, BlockDAG is paving the way for extensive, long-term growth that RCO Finance’s scope doesn’t cover. BlockDAG Incentivizes its Community with BULLRUN100 Further enhancing BlockDAG’s allure is the BULLRUN100 bonus, an exclusive, time-sensitive offer designed to reward its community. This promotion, expiring in five days, provides buyers with the opportunity to double their BDAG coin purchases, effectively doubling their investment leverage. Another advantage of this offer is that buyers gain early access to their coins through airdrops. With the mainnet undergoing auditing, investors are focusing on the broader benefits: the 100% bonus is enticing, but early access to coins offers them a strategic advantage over much of the market. RCO Finance vs. BlockDAG: The Clear Winner RCO Finance has made its mark in the DeFi space with its AI-driven tools and a system that tokenizes real-world assets. Its presale results are solid, but its focus on specialized financial solutions may curb its long-term growth. While RCOF investors might experience gains, the project’s dependence on a specific sector could make it a riskier investment over time. In contrast, BlockDAG is on its way to establishing a blockchain dynasty. Its cutting-edge DAG technology, accessible low-code/no-code tools, and a record-setting presale have positioned it as a top choice for traders, further sweetened by the current BULLRUN100 bonus. With its impressive figures, forward-thinking vision, and robust technology, BlockDAG stands out as the frontrunner in this comparison. Related Items: Blockchain , BlockDAG Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Top 5 Altcoins Alert: BlockDAG, PEPU, Popcat, Bonk & Dogwifhat– Ready for Liftoff! Crypto Whales Inject $50M into BlockDAG, Driving Presale to $150M—Will AVAX and SUI Follow with Big Gains? BlockDAG Presale Hits $150M Mark Raising $20M in 48Hrs; Ethereum Price and Cardano’s ADA Poised for Breakout CommentsIn Duluth, we’ve seen our share of public officials rise and fall. The mayoral podium or county board seat may seem like a pinnacle of respect, but history has a peculiar way of leveling the field. A celebrated public servant can easily find his or her reputation tarnished when ambition overrides humility — or when actions taken in haste, or hubris, come back to haunt. For those who serve, let this be a caution: No matter how good your deeds, power has a tendency to inflate egos, and inflated egos rarely escape the weight of reckoning. ADVERTISEMENT Take Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership in revitalizing New York City and his unwavering presence amid the devastation of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. His story serves as a stark reminder. Once the darling of the national stage, Giuliani now finds himself embroiled in legal battles that have reduced his larger-than-life persona to that of a man grasping to retain even a shred of dignity. No longer are there throngs of well-wishers chanting his name, nor the bright lights of City Hall welcoming him each morning. Today, Giuliani stands not in the embrace of the public’s admiration but under the glare of courtroom proceedings. A federal judge has issued warnings of contempt — words that sting like a parent’s scolding — as Giuliani scrambles to comply with orders that demand he surrender possessions both symbolic and practical: a Mercedes, a co-op, even the heirloom watch that ticks with echoes of generations past, all claimed under the weight of a court’s decree. What a peculiar twist for a man who once strode through life with the confidence of an urban knight, ready to defend the city’s honor with the fervor of a crusader. But time humbles even the mightiest, peeling away the layers of grandeur until what remains is a human being, exposed and vulnerable. Accusations stem from defamation — words spoken in passion or ambition that, like pebbles tossed into water, rippled far beyond their intended reach. Now, two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss, find themselves at the center of the Giuliani tale, seeking justice for reputations they say were shredded by him in the name of political theatrics. There is, of course, a sadness in watching someone who once commanded the highest podium in the room speaking from the stand of a defendant. “They can have all my property,” Giuliani reportedly said, a line laced with both defiance and weariness. It was the voice of a man who has spent many a night staring into the shadows, pondering how it all came to this. And then there is the staggering $148 million judgment, a figure so outsized that many Americans view it as a travesty, an unconstitutional overreach that transforms justice into something more akin to vengeance. Such a sum would be substantial even in cases involving loss of life, leaving some to question how defamation, however serious, could justify financial penalties that verge on punitive excess. The judge, unmoved by legacy or sentimental details — like that old watch passed down from Giuliani’s grandfather — responds with the cold precision of law: “The law is the law,” the judge said. ADVERTISEMENT And that, perhaps, is the ultimate lesson here: how swiftly and impartially the scales of justice or injustice tilt and how even the great and storied must answer for their choices when the scales demand balance. Here in Duluth, the lesson is clear for those who serve in public office, whether you sit on the City Council, represent the county, or wear the mayoral chain. Public service is not a shield against scrutiny or consequence. It is a calling that demands humility and accountability at every turn. History does not measure your deeds by the press clippings or the cheers at a parade. It measures them by the integrity of your actions and the way you treat even the least powerful among your constituents. So, we watch Giuliani’s saga unfold, a cautionary tale for leaders near and far. To our own local officials: let it be a reminder that the road to redemption or ruin is often paved with the choices made when the cameras are off. History, after all, has no shortage of examples to draw from. The question is, will you heed the warnings? John Grandson of Hill City, South Dakota, grew up in Lakewood Township and writes short stories in his retirement. He wrote this exclusively for the News Tribune.
Chandigarh: Haryana chief secretary Vivek Joshi on Sunday asked senior officials to establish operational systems in their respective departments to prioritise rapid resolution of public grievances. Joshi emphasised leveraging modern technologies and expert services as a key strategy for achieving this goal. We also published the following articles recently Promote public welfare through new technologies, expert services: Chief secretary Vivek Joshi Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi, during a high-level meeting in Chandigarh, urged officials to prioritize swift resolution of public grievances using technology and expert services. Joshi emphasized strict action against contractors failing to meet standards and called for prompt resolution of issues related to basic amenities. Allegations are Cong strategy to deflect attention from their inadequacies: Joshi Union Minister Pralhad Joshi claimed former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah encouraged his party members to join the BJP during the previous government formation. Joshi refuted allegations of the BJP attempting to destabilize the current Congress government, calling them a diversion tactic. Prioritise health, welfare of tribals in forest fringes: ZP CEO KM Gayathri, the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, has directed officials to prioritize the well-being of tribal communities residing near forests in HD Kote and Saragaru. She emphasized providing housing, sanitation facilities, and employment opportunities through various government schemes. Gayathri urged officials to address land issues, promote self-employment, and ensure access to essential documents and healthcare services. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom IPL 2025 Auction: Updated Full Team SquadsNoneDior Conners hits game-winning 3 with a second left as Appalachian State tops William & Mary, 79-76
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No. 24 Arizona is coming off consecutive defeats for the first time in the Tommy Lloyd era when it faces undefeated Davidson on Wednesday to begin the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Arizona (2-2) lost at Wisconsin 103-88 on Nov. 15 and followed that with a home loss against Duke 69-55 on Friday. The Wildcats have dropped 15 spots in the Associated Press Top 25 poll in two weeks. Arizona's record is .500 this early in a season for the first time since it was 3-3 to start the 2017-18 schedule. "I've got work to do, so let's get to work," said Lloyd, in his fourth year as Arizona's head coach. "Let's see where we're at in a month, and if we're still struggling, you know what I'll do? I still got work to do, but I'm gonna get to it." Arizona shot 39.6 percent from the field against Duke, and just 26.1 percent (6 of 23) from 3-point range. The Wildcats were outrebounded by 43-30 and their 15 turnovers led to 19 points. Jaden Bradley led Arizona with 18 points and KJ Lewis added 12. Preseason All-American Caleb Love had eight points on 3-of-13 shooting from the field, including 1-of-9 from 3-point range. Arizona made only one field goal in the last 5:39 as Duke pulled away after its lead was trimmed to six points. "We didn't play great," Lloyd said. "Now we need to take a step back and figure out why. Are there some schematic problems? Are there some problems with how our personnel is kind of put together? "We got to figure out what our certainties are, and the things we have to have, and then over the course of the next couple of days, if there's adjustments we need to make, we need to figure out what those are." Davidson is 4-0 after a 15-17 record last season, in which it lost its last six games to put an end to postseason hopes. A 93-66 win over visiting VMI on Friday followed a 91-85 win at Bowling Green and 76-70 victory over visiting East Tennessee State. The two wins by 10 points or fewer are important because Davidson was 6-12 in such games last season. It was 4-11 in games decided by five points or fewer. "The goal (is) to get better," Davidson head coach Matt McKillop said after the season opener. "We talk about fighting to win every possession. I think we had to figure out what that really felt like with the lights on." Davidson made 13 shots from 3-point range in the win over VMI. Reed Bailey had 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Bobby Durkin added 19 points, including 17 of them and a career-best five 3-pointers in the first half. Bailey leads Davidson in scoring (19 points per game) and rebounding (7.8). Durkin is shooting 57.9 percent (22 of 38) from the field and 54.2 percent (13 of 24) from 3-point range. By contrast, Arizona's Love is shooting 32 percent (16 of 50) from the field and 21.4 percent (6 of 28) from beyond the arc. Bradley leads Arizona with 15.5 points per game. He is shooting 50 percent (24 of 48) from the field and is 35.7 percent (5 of 14) from 3-point range. --Field Level MediaCHICAGO (AP) — As Donald Trump’s Cabinet begins to take shape, those on both sides of the abortion debate are watching closely for clues about how his picks might affect reproductive rights policy in the president-elect’s second term . Trump’s cabinet picks offer a preview of how his administration could handle abortion after he repeatedly flip-flopped on the issue on the campaign trail. He attempted to distance himself from anti-abortion allies by deferring to states on abortion policy, even while boasting about nominating three Supreme Court justices who helped strike down the constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for half a century. In an NBC News interview that aired Sunday, Trump said he doesn't plan to restrict medication abortion but also seemed to leave the door open, saying “things change.” “Things do change, but I don't think it's going to change at all,” he said. The early lineup of his new administration , including nominations to lead health agencies, the Justice Department and event the Department of Veterans Affairs, has garnered mixed — but generally positive — reactions from anti-abortion groups. Abortion law experts said Trump's decision to include fewer candidates with deep ties to the anti-abortion movement could indicate that abortion will not be a priority for Trump's administration. “It almost seems to suggest that President Trump might be focusing his administration in other directions," said Greer Donley, an associate law professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Karen Stone, vice president of public policy at Planned Parenthood Action Fund , said while many of the nominees have “extensive records against reproductive health care,” some do not. She cautioned against making assumptions based on Trump's initial cabinet selections. Still, many abortion rights groups are wary, in part because many of the nominees hold strong anti-abortion views even if they do not have direct ties to anti-abortion activists. They're concerned that an administration filled with top-level officials who are personally opposed to abortion could take steps to restrict access to the procedure and funding. After Trump’s ambiguity about abortion during his campaign, "there’s still a lot we don’t know about what policy is going to look like," said Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law. That approach may be revealed as the staffs within key departments are announced. Trump announced he would nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which anti-abortion forces have long targeted as central to curtailing abortion rights nationwide. Yet Kennedy shifted on the issue during his own presidential campaign. In campaign videos, Kennedy said he supports abortion access until viability , which doctors say is sometime after 21 weeks, although there is no defined timeframe. But he also said “every abortion is a tragedy” and argued for a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a stance he quickly walked back. The head of Health and Human Services oversees Title X funding for a host of family planning services and has sweeping authority over agencies that directly affect abortion access, including the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The role is especially vital amid legal battles over a federal law known as EMTALA, which President Joe Biden’s administration has argued requires emergency abortion access nationwide, and FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Mini Timmaraju, president of the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, called Kennedy an “unfit, unqualified extremist who cannot be trusted to protect the health, safety and reproductive freedom of American families.” His potential nomination also has caused waves in the anti-abortion movement. Former Vice President Mike Pence , a staunch abortion opponent, urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said the group had its own concerns about Kennedy. “There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary," she said. Fox News correspondent Marty Makary is Trump’s pick to lead the FDA, which plays a critical role in access to medication abortion and contraception. Abortion rights groups have accused him of sharing misinformation about abortion on air. Russell Vought , a staunch anti-abortion conservative, has been nominated for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought was a key architect of Project 2025 , a right-wing blueprint for running the federal government. Among other actions to limit reproductive rights, it calls for eliminating access to medication abortion nationwide, cutting Medicaid funding for abortion and restricting access to contraceptive care, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUD’s. Despite distancing himself from the conservative manifesto on the campaign trail, Trump is stocking his administration with people who played central roles in developing Project 2025. Trump acknowledged that drafters of the report would be part of his incoming administration during the Sunday interview with NBC News, saying “Many of those things I happen to agree with.” “These cabinet appointments all confirm that Project 2025 was in fact the blueprint all along, and the alarm we saw about it was warranted,” said Amy Williams Navarro, director of government relations for Reproductive Freedom for All. Dr. Mehmet Oz , Trump’s choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a former television talk show host who has been accused of hawking dubious medical treatments and products. He voiced contradictory abortion views during his failed Senate run in 2022. Oz has described himself as “strongly pro-life, praised the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade , claimed “life starts at conception” and referred to abortion as “murder.” But he also has echoed Trump’s states-rights approach, arguing the federal government should not be involved in abortion decisions. “I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves,” he said during a Senate debate two years ago. An array of reproductive rights groups opposed his Senate run. As CMS administrator, Oz would be in a key position to determine Medicaid coverage for family planning services and investigate potential EMTALA violations. As Florida’s attorney general, Pam Bondi defended abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. Now she’s Trump’s choice for attorney general . Her nomination is being celebrated by abortion opponents but denounced by abortion rights groups concerned she may revive the Comstock Act , an anti-vice law passed by Congress in 1873 that, among other things, bans mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion. An anti-abortion and anti-vaccine former Florida congressman, David Weldon, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects and monitors abortion data across the country. Former Republican congressman Doug Collins is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs amid a political battle over abortion access and funding for troops and veterans. Collins voted consistently to restrict funding and access to abortion and celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “This is a team that the pro-life movement can work with," said Kristin Hawkins, president of the national anti-abortion organization Students for Life. ___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here . The AP is solely responsible for all content. Christine Fernando, The Associated PressGame Blog | Colts commit season-high 10 penalties in 24-6 loss to Lions
Red-faced Dec Donnelly leaves I’m A Celeb in hysterics after embarrassing blunder on live TV