Trump still hasn’t signed papers to officially start transition, White House says
Top business leaders and their companies have been trying to "curry favor" with Donald Trump by showering cash on his inaugural committee, according to government watchdogs. The committee has already landed reported $1 million planned donations from Jeff Bezos' Amazon, Mark Zuckerberg's Meta and OpenAI's Sam Altman, as well as $2 million from Robinhood Markets and $1 million each from Uber and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Ford Motor Company and hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, reported CNBC . “It really is a great opportunity for them to curry favor with the incoming administration,” said Brendan Glavin, director of research for the money-in-politics nonprofit OpenSecrets. Inaugural committees plan and fund the celebrations around the transfer of presidential power, and there are no limits to how much individuals, corporations or labor groups can donate to the tax-exempt committees. “One of the oldest adages in Washington is that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, and the price of admission to have a seat at the table keeps going up,” said Michael Beckel, research director of Issue One, a political reform advocacy group. ALSO READ: Presidential run eyed for 'relentless' Dem gov who beat brutal GOP opposition in key state Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee took in about $107 million, doubling the previous record set in Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009 and besting Joe Biden's $62 million haul in 2021, and his second inauguration has already surpassed its $150 million goal. The president-elect has made clear how much he values face-to-face meetings and public praise from business leaders, and he has also shown a willingness to favor their companies in exchange for their support and punish those who oppose him. “It’s all heightened now,” Glavin said. “None of these people, they don’t want to be Trump’s punching bag for four years.” The committee was formed four days after the November election and is co-chaired by real estate investor Steve Witkoff and former Republican senator Kelly Loeffler, and former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, GOP megadonor Miriam Adeslon and billionaire GOP donor Diane Hendricks serve as finance chairs. “We take a look through the history of the financing of inaugurations, and clearly it comes from very large donors, wealthy special interests and corporations, almost all of whom have business pending before the federal government,” said Craig Holman, government affairs lobbyist for the progressive nonprofit Public Citizen. Committees must publicly disclose the names of donors who give $200 or more, but if it has a surplus afterward it can difficult to determine how much is left over. “This is a real cesspool of buying favors," Holman said.In the fiercely competitive world of Italian football, every player dreams of achieving greatness on the field and leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the sport. One such player who possesses both talent and ambition is Gabia, a rising star in AC Milan's squad. With aspirations of one day becoming the captain of the team, Gabia has been working tirelessly to improve his skills and lead his teammates to victory.
Another key aspect of the meeting was the emphasis on promoting innovation and technological development as a key driver of economic growth. This could involve increased investment in research and development, incentives for high-tech industries, and measures to attract talent and expertise from around the world.Sickened by the politics of the NFL, Belichick aims for a college restart
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, Yun Fast Charge remains at the forefront of driving positive change and shaping the future of mobility. By participating in events such as the Anhui New Energy Vehicle Aftermarket Conference, Yun Fast Charge is showcasing its leadership and dedication to making sustainable transportation a reality. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction, Yun Fast Charge is poised to play a key role in advancing the adoption of electric vehicles and creating a cleaner and brighter future for all.As the attendees settled into the elegantly adorned conference hall, anticipation and excitement filled the air. The summit promised to be a platform for sharing cutting-edge insights and strategies in the realm of data intelligence, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence. Against this backdrop, Natural Beauty Group's presence was particularly significant, as the company has been at the forefront of leveraging technology and innovation in its omni-channel marketing and customer engagement strategies.
The DEI logo, which stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is a symbol of unity and acceptance that has been embraced by many individuals and organizations around the world. However, some netizens took issue with Dei's use of the logo, accusing him of appropriating a movement that he had no connection to. The criticism quickly escalated, with vicious comments and accusations being hurled at the designer from all corners of the internet.
The agreement to transfer power to the opposition comes after months of negotiations and deliberations between the government and the opposition forces. Both parties have demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground in order to end the conflict and bring about a sustainable solution to the crisis.
In post-game interviews, Zeng Fanbo and Solomon both credited their success to their tireless work ethic and dedication to the game. "We put in the work every day in practice, and it pays off when we step onto the court," Zeng remarked. Solomon added, "It's not just about making shots, it's about making the right play at the right time. That's what separates good players from great players."In conclusion, Li Yunrui's stunning reveal of his sculpted physique serves as a reminder that true beauty comes in many forms. His confidence, dedication to fitness, and magnetic presence make him a standout figure in the entertainment industry. As fans continue to be mesmerized by his charm and allure, one thing is for certain - Li Yunrui's inherent magnetism and talent will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.Gateshead firm Recite Me secures £4.6m investment from backer BGF
Zheng Qinwen, known for her exceptional talent and remarkable performances throughout the season, was widely expected to be a top contender for the prestigious accolade. Her consistent results, impressive victories, and unwavering determination on the court had set her apart as a standout player in the women's tennis circuit. From defeating higher-ranked opponents to clinching titles at various tournaments, Zheng had undoubtedly made her mark on the tennis world in 2021.Overall, China's decision to include rare disease drugs in medical insurance represents a significant milestone in the country's healthcare system. By expanding coverage to support individuals with rare diseases, China is not only improving treatment accessibility but also demonstrating its commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of the rarity of their medical conditions. This proactive initiative sets a positive example for other countries to follow in their efforts to address the unique healthcare needs of individuals with rare diseases.
As Barcelona struggles to regain its footing and rediscover its winning ways, the road ahead appears long and uncertain. The wounds caused by the clashes between Lewandowski and his teammates run deep, and it may take a miraculous effort to heal the rifts and mend the broken relationships within the squad. Only time will tell whether Barcelona can rise from the ashes of this internal crisis and reclaim its status as a dominant force in world football.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Colorado secured what it said was record insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as the star duo opted to complete their college careers in the Alamo Bowl rather than sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. Colorado would not disclose the amount of insurance coverage each received, citing privacy laws. Coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George both said it was the largest in college football history. “We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft,” Sanders said Monday. “We all know who those two are and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football.” While college programs maintain insurance policies for their athletes in case of injury, Colorado increased disability coverage for its entire roster in the Alamo Bowl. Sanders, the coach of the No. 20 Buffaloes, ensured his QB son and two-way star Hunter received larger policies since both are expected to be among the top 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft. “It was his idea we should get disability insurance for our athletes for this game to ensure that they played and if there was some kind of injury that they would be well taken care of," George said. “So, we worked together on that. We’re excited about it. We think it’s great that all our players are playing in the game. That’s what all bowl games should be like.” Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. While most teams are scrambling with starters opting out of bowl games this year to enter the transfer portal or NFL draft, the Buffaloes did not lose any player on their two-deep roster. “It’s more than what I got (when he played at Kansas State),” Colorado linebackers coach Andre’ Hart said. “They gave us a helmet and said pop this on your leg and get out there and play. For them to get that (increased insurance coverage), I just think it’s beneficial. To talk about where the game is, where it’s going and how leadership is taking care of the players, I thought that’s excellent.” Shedeur Sanders completed 337 of 454 passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Many scouting services have Sanders rated as the top quarterback in this year's draft. Hunter received the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout at cornerback and wide receiver. He had 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns and as a cornerback had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and limited the opposition to 22 receptions on 688 defensive snaps. “They’ve taken care of us, everybody,” Colorado running back Micah Welch said. “It really means a lot to have every teammate up here. That's a big thing. What I like about Coach Prime, they’re taking care of us.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballAlabama flips RB Jace Clarizio from Michigan State
The decision to establish an AI data center comes as no surprise, given the exponential growth of data-driven technologies and the increasing demand for advanced data processing capabilities. By combining Sharp's expertise in hardware and KDDI's proficiency in telecommunications and data services, the new AI data center promises to deliver cutting-edge solutions that cater to a wide range of industries and applications.
Kyverna Therapeutics Strengthens Leadership Team to Accelerate Next Phase of GrowthArguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer glimpse into unusual American moment
The civilian population of Syria continues to bear the brunt of the violence, with millions displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. The destruction wrought by the airstrikes only serves to deepen the suffering of the Syrian people and hinder efforts to rebuild the country.The Chinese Foreign Ministry's decision to impose visa restrictions on certain US individuals comes as a response to their blatant disregard for China's stance on the Hong Kong issue. These individuals have been accused of spreading misinformation, engaging in inflammatory rhetoric, and promoting activities that undermine the stability of Hong Kong. Such actions have been interpreted as a direct challenge to China's authority and have been met with a firm response from the Chinese government.