NoneNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.
Trump Asks Apex Court To Pause Law Threatening Tiktok
Business owners defrauded childhood friend out of $84K investment, authorities say
By HALELUYA HADERO, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”
FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at the end of Biden's term in January
Kymani McNeil capitalised on a defensive mistake to send Somerset Trojans into the First Division Shield final with a scrappy semi-final victory over Robin Hood at PHC Stadium on Friday night. Both sides began aggressively, with Robin Hood adopting a compact shape out of possession. They created the first clear-cut opportunity inside five minutes, but captain Chance Eve failed to hit the target from a well-placed ball by Samuel Carolo. Trojans grew into the game but struggled to string passes together as steady rain began to fall. Both teams found more success in wide areas as the midfield battle remained scrappy and physical, with Trojans slightly edging it. The lack of a focal point meant everything had to be played on the ground, but both sides showed a lack of quality in the final third. Somerset finished the first half stronger but had nothing to show for their efforts. Trojans took the lead early in the second half following a defensive lapse between Robin Hood’s defence and goalkeeper Nathaniel Swan, who was off his line while the team attempted to play out from the back. Keiaron Bean’s loose pass was intercepted by McNeil, who calmly rounded Swan and finished into the empty net. Robin Hood made three substitutions to change the game’s complexion, but Carolo missed a golden chance to equalise from inside the area just before the hour mark. The game became stop-start, with neither side taking control. However, Trojans ensured they retained their slender lead, showing hunger and desire to manage the match. Hood tried a more direct approach and focused on winning second balls but failed to break through Somerset’s resolute defence. Jaden Ratteray-Smith demonstrated Somerset’s game management when he took the ball toward the corner flag as time wound down during a counter-attack. Trojans completed a gritty display and held firm to secure their place in the Shield final, where they will face Boulevard on New Year’s Day. SCORERS Robin Hood 0 Somerset Trojans 1 K McNeil 46 TEAMS Robin Hood (4-2-3-1): N Swan 5 – S Madeiros 6, K Bean 6, J Cooper 6 (sub: C Tucker 51 5), L Horan 6 – S Carolo 6 (sub: R Ziai 88), C Booth 5 (sub: C Smith 51 5) – T Bean 5, H Dill 5 (sub: X Muwwakkil-Allen 85), K Naylor 5 – C Eve 5. Substitutes not used : B Tysen-Gooden, J Roberts; Booked : Dill. Somerset Trojans (4-2-3-1): K Symonds 6 – M Tear-DeLeon 6, T Outerbridge 6, E Shakir 6 (sub: J Brangman 87), Kameron McNeil 6 – J Greaves 5, P Robinson 6 – K Cann 5 (sub: J Powell 72), J Ratteray-Smith 7, J Shields 6 – Kymani McNeil 6 (sub: T Wade 72). Substitutes not used : I Francis, N Edwards, C Durham, E Mendes; Booked : Shakir, Shields. Referee : A FrancisPutin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot downThe author of ‘The Brewer’, surprised by meeting with Christian Cueva in ‘Mi Barrunto’ after the controversy over the unauthorized use of his song. The composer had demanded 200,000 soles as compensation and, in addition, criticized Cueva and Pamela Franco . The conflict between Christian Cueva and José María Yzazaga, author of the popular song El cervecero, took an unexpected turn. After the musician demanded payment of 200,000 soles for the unauthorized use of their theme by Cueva and Pamela Franco both characters finally met at the restaurant My Guess . This event, which initially seemed like a legal disagreement, could have reached a point of understanding, as reflected in the images released. The meeting occurred on November 22 in the afternoon. My Guess known for his close bond with the soccer player, published photographs on social networks showing Yzazaga and Cueva sharing a lunch. Although it has not been confirmed whether a financial agreement was reached, the meeting marks a key moment in this copyright controversy. Christian Cueva and composer of El cervecero meet in ‘Mi Barrunto’ The Mi Barrunto restaurant was the setting where José María Yzazaga composer of El cervecero, and Christian Cueva finally met face to face. The publication on social networks of the establishment, whose owner is a close friend of the footballer, gave details of the meeting: “BANKER ARRIVED... Christian Cueva and the composer of ‘El Cervecero’, Mr. José María Yzazaga Quispe, enjoyed lunch.” Christian Cueva with Jose María Yzazaga. Photo: Capture Instagram In the images, both looked calm and smiling, suggesting a possible resolution. Close sources indicated that the meeting included the tasting of a ceviche, courtesy of the soccer player, as a gesture of hospitality. However, it has not been made public whether this meeting meant a definitive settlement regarding the 200,000 soles demanded by Yzazaga. What had the composer of El cervecero said about Christian Cueva and Pamela Franco? Before the meeting in My Guess , José María Yzazaga had shown his annoyance with Christian Cueva and Pamela Franco for interpreting The brewer without your authorization. According to the composer, the footballer and the singer did not communicate directly with him, but instead sent their manager, Martin Pinto to manage the problem. “I’m not going to talk to him if the offenders are Pamela Franco and Christian Cueva,” he expressed indignantly in previous statements. Join our entertainment channel
Unretired two-time Pro Bowl LB Shaquil Barrett signs to resume career with Tampa Bay BuccaneersResearchers have developed a new type of material that could make sodium batteries more efficient. Developed by an international team of interdisciplinary researchers, including the Canepa Research Laboratory at the University of Houston, the material could boost the energy performance of sodium batteries, paving the way for a more sustainable and affordable energy future. Researchers have highlighted that the new material, sodium vanadium phosphate with the chemical formula NaxV2(PO4)3, improves sodium-ion battery performance by increasing the energy density—the amount of energy stored per kilogram—by more than 15%. Higher energy density With a higher energy density of 458 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) compared to the 396 Wh/kg in older sodium-ion batteries , this material brings sodium technology closer to competing with lithium-ion batteries. Pieremanuele Canepa, Robert Welch assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at UH and lead researcher of the Canepa Lab, stated that sodium is nearly 50 times cheaper than lithium and can even be harvested from seawater, making it a much more sustainable option for large-scale energy storage. “Sodium-ion batteries could be cheaper and easier to produce, helping reduce reliance on lithium and making battery technology more accessible worldwide.” Battery prototype The researchers also created a battery prototype using the new material, NaxV2(PO4)3, demonstrating significant energy storage improvements. NaxV2(PO4)3, part of a group called “Na superionic conductors” or NaSICONs, is designed to let sodium ions move smoothly in and out of the battery during charging and discharging, according to a press release . The material has a unique way of handling sodium, allowing it to work as a single-phase system. This means it remains stable as it releases or takes in sodium ions. This allows the NaSICON to remain stable during charging and discharging while delivering a continuous voltage of 3.7 volts versus sodium metal, higher than the 3.37 volts in existing materials, according to researchers. Researchers have also claimed that while this difference may seem small, it significantly increases the battery’s energy density or how much energy it can store for its weight. The key to its efficiency is vanadium, which can exist in multiple stable states, allowing it to hold and release more energy. “The continuous voltage change is a key feature. It means the battery can perform more efficiently without compromising the electrode stability. That’s a game-changer for sodium-ion technology,” said Canepa. Researchers claimed that the implications of this work extend beyond sodium-ion batteries. The synthesis method used to create NaxV2(PO4)3 could be applied to other materials with similar chemistries, opening new possibilities for advanced energy storage technologies. That could, in turn, impact everything from more affordable, sustainable batteries to power our devices to help us transition to a cleaner energy economy, as per the release . Canepa stated that the researchers’ goal is to find clean, sustainable solutions for energy storage. It highlighted that this material shows that sodium-ion batteries can meet the high-energy demands of modern technology while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.World number one Luke Humphries continued his bid for back-to-back World Championship titles after easing through to the last 16. While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening. He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright. Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me. “I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. Earlier in the day Heta set the tournament alight on its resumption with a stunning nine-dart finish before bowing out. The Australian, seeded ninth, achieved darting perfection in the second set of his match with Luke Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday. However, his joy was short-lived as Woodhouse won a thrilling battle 4-3, having trailed 3-1. Heta was millimetres away from throwing a nine-darter in the previous round when he missed the double 12, but he made no mistake this time in the first match after the Christmas break. Heta’s feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist’s effort before Christmas. As well as landing the Australian a hefty payday, it also saw a lucky fan in Ally Pally win a £60,000, with £60,000 also being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. Price looked like he was going to have an easy night when he coasted into a 3-0 lead, but Cullen hit back to send it to a decider, which went all the way. Cullen landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout to send the tie to a sudden-death leg on his throw but Price hit some big numbers to steal victory. “That was tough, I just wanted to get over the winning line,” he said during his on-stage interview. “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him. “I thought I was going to lose, but I kept in there right to the end and got the win. “He played some good darts at the right times. I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it and I’m still in.” Seventh seed Jonny Clayton also battled to victory after squandering a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney. Gurney then had six darts to send the decider to a tiebreaker but lost his nerve and Clayton stole a 4-3 win. Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright, who was suffering from a chest infection, enjoyed much more safe passages with routine wins over Madars Razma and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.
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A NEW hub to bring cutting-edge science to businesses nationwide, in partnership with a Limerick university, has officially launched. The Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR), formerly known as Shannon ABC, has launched, marking a joint partnership between the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork. The centre aims to be a leading hub for transforming cutting-edge science and technology into real-world applications. CABR aims to help businesses the length and breadth of the country solve scientific and technical challenges, partnering with food, biotech, and life science companies. Marina Donohoe, divisional manager of research and innovation at Enterprise Ireland, said that the centre’s rebrand reflects the role that it plays in innovation. “We are thrilled to celebrate the rebranding of Shannon ABC to the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research. This new name reflects the centre’s pivotal role in advancing innovation and addressing the complex scientific and technical challenges faced by Irish businesses,” she said. “CABR continues to be a cornerstone of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, offering cutting-edge expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and a dedicated team that empowers companies to bring innovative solutions to life.” Dr Tim Yeomans, Centre Manager at the newly-launched Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, said that “Shannon ABC has been a fundamental support for hundreds of companies across Ireland for the past 16 years, the re-naming to the Centre for Applied Bioscience Research will provide a great springboard to support hundreds more”.
Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Announces Offering of Series A Preferred Stock
NYT Strands December 29, 2024: Clues, answers, Spangram for todaySan Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Packers with a sore throwing shoulder
It was a fine first win for Ruud van Nistelrooy , and perhaps one final defeat for Julen Lopetegui. Leicester marked Van Nistelrooy’s first match in charge of the team by surging to a 3-1 win over Lopetegui's West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday. Van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker, is back in English soccer this time as a manager, with Leicester taking something of a gamble on the Dutchman after his brief and impressive spell as interim coach at United this season following Erik ten Hag's departure. He faces the tough task of keeping Leicester, one of the top candidates for relegation, in the top division. For that to happen, he’s likely to need goals from Jamie Vardy — and the 37-year-old former England international delivered immediately. Nine years after breaking Van Nistelrooy’s record for scoring in consecutive games, Vardy scored the first goal of the Dutchman’s tenure at Leicester by beating the offside trap and slotting home a finish with less than two minutes gone. Morocco midfielder Bilal El Khannouss supplied the pass for Vardy’s goal and scored himself with a low shot in the 61st minute to make it 2-0. Patson Daka added a third for Leicester in the 90th minute, before a stoppage-time consolation by West Ham substitute Niclas Füllkrug. “We are very happy with the new manager," El Khannouss said of Van Nistelrooy. “He arrived two days ago, and there’s a new dynamic in the group.” Van Nistelrooy praised the “spirit and energy” in his team. “The foundation for us going forward is everyone working their socks off, fighting for every inch and defending together,” he said. “We can look further then, and they did that in an unbelievable way.” This dismal result for West Ham came three days after its 5-2 thrashing at home by Arsenal , which piled more pressure of Lopetegui early in the former Spain and Real Madrid coach's first season with the London club. West Ham's disgruntled traveling fans chanted "You’re getting sacked in the morning” toward Lopetegui during the second half — even if his team dominated large parts of the game but only had one goal to show from 31 shots on goal. “We're very frustrated but in the same way I can say nothing about the players — they fight until the end,” Lopetegui said. "It’s not easy to explain football some days.” West Ham has lost seven of its 14 games so far and is in 14th place in the 20-team league, one spot above Leicester. Crystal Palace won for just the second time in the league this season, beating relegation rival Ipswich 1-0 to pull clear of the bottom three. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the goal in the 59th minute. Palace’s only other league victory was against Tottenham in October. While Ipswich stayed in next-to-last place, Palace moved three points above the relegation zone. Much of the focus ahead of the game was on the teams’ captains , Sam Morsy of Ipswich and Marc Guehi of Palace, during another round when the Premier League was celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion in its campaign to promote equality and diversity. For the second straight game, Morsy chose against wearing a rainbow armband issued to the captain of each of the 20 teams in the league. He has made the decision “due to his religious beliefs,” Ipswich says. Guehi did wear the rainbow armband but defied Football Association rules by writing a religious message on the item. The message read “Jesus loves you” — using a heart sign instead of the word “loves.” During the match against Newcastle on Saturday, Guehi wrote “I love Jesus” — and was later contacted by the FA for acting in contravention of its regulations. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerChandigarh: Punjab social security, women, and child development minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Friday directed the officials concerned to intensify efforts to protect children from begging. The minister said the state govt was implementing the ‘ Jeevanjot Project ’ to eradicate child begging . The project aims to rescue children engaged in begging, rehabilitate them, and ensure they are guided towards a life free from exploitation, she said. As part of the campaign, 187 children have been rescued in various districts of the state since July. Of these, 18 children, who lacked shelter, have been placed in state-run children’s homes where they are being provided education, nutrition, healthcare, and other essential services, said the minister, adding the remaining children had been reunited with their parents through child welfare committee. Additionally, 15 children are set to benefit from the sponsorship scheme, steps are also being taken to enroll 80 children in schools. Three children have been admitted to anganwadi centres. Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Punjab govt has registered seven govt-run children’s homes and 39 non-governmental homes in the state. We also published the following articles recently Minister Nehru distributes nutritional kits to children in Trichy K.N. Nehru, the minister of municipal administration, launched the second phase of the "Uttachchathai Uruthi Sei" program in Trichy, providing nutritional support to malnourished children and mothers. The initiative, costing 22 crore, aims to benefit over 76,700 malnourished infants and their mothers across Tamil Nadu. Nehru distributed nutritional kits containing essential items like ghee, dates, and iron tonic. 19 children rescued, 4human traffickers held Nineteen children, bound for suspected child labor in Punjab and Haryana factories, were rescued from a train in Muzaffarpur. The Railway Protection Force (RPF), acting on a tip-off, apprehended four alleged traffickers during the operation. The children, hailing from Bihar's impoverished districts, were enticed with promises of monthly wages. Children from Tiljala shed community enjoy a fun-filled day out on Childrens Day Children from the Tiljala Shed community experienced a memorable Children's Day celebration at a renowned Park Street restaurant. The event, organized by a community development organization, treated the children to a specially curated menu, live entertainment, and engaging games.
Ex-Colorado footballer Bloom dedicates time to fulfilling wishes for older adults
Georgia QB Carson Beck declares for 2025 NFL DraftNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.
NoneFBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at the end of Biden's term in January
BOSTON — UConn coach Jim Mora pulled a move that would make Bill Belichick proud while preparing the Huskies to play the notoriously churlish former New England Patriot's next team in his old backyard. Mora and his players were more than 45 minutes late for what was scheduled as a 30-minute media availability a day before Saturday's Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora then gave a non-apology straight out of Belichick's playbook. "We practice at a certain time the day before a game," Mora said. "And we stuck to the script." A six-time Super Bowl winner in New England with Tom Brady, Belichick was fired after going 4-13 in 2023, leaving him just 14 wins short of matching Don Shula's all-time record for NFL victories. Unable to land a pro job at the age of 72, Belichick signed on with North Carolina — his first college gig — when they fired 73-year-old Mack Brown. Belichick hasn't taken over on the Tar Heels' sideline yet; interim coach Freddie Kitchens — another ex-Cleveland Browns coach — will lead them in the Fenway Bowl. But the future Hall of Famer's potential return to a football field in Boston has been the biggest story ahead of Saturday's game. Belichick did not attend media day, and Fenway Bowl executive director Brett Miller tried to preempt questions about him by asking reporters "to keep questions focusing on the players and coaches out here today." "I don't need to beat around the bush any more than that," he said in comments that would have been cryptic if it weren't so obvious to everyone who he meant. "I know there's probably a lot of questions that you guys have about next year, particularly one side. Please do your best to keep it to these guys, because they've earned the right to be here." The request wasn't completely successful, with Kitchens taking a question about Belichick specifically and saying he talks to his new boss every day. Earlier this month, Kitchens said: "He asks questions; I answer the questions." "I'm going to try to soak in all I can from him, and be a better coach because of it," Kitchens said after Belichick was hired. "I love Carolina, I want what's best for Carolina, and I know that right now at this moment in time, coach Belichick is what's best for Carolina. "At the end of the day, he's a ballcoach," he said, "and I enjoy working for ballcoaches." This was already a long season, one in which the Tar Heels saw their high hopes deflate quickly, one in which they had to suffer through the impossible task of burying a teammate, one in which they watched the coach who brought them here fired and an NFL legend hired to replace him. “It’s definitely been a challenge,” wide receiver J.J. Jones said. “I think this past season was probably one of the most mentally challenging seasons I’ve had since I’ve been here. We’ve had a lot of things to go wrong off the field and on the field. ... At the end of the day, we’re here to play one more football game. I know this is my last football game in the Tar Heels uniform, so I’m going out there and giving it my all.”The upcoming World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in 2025 is set to witness a substantial gathering of global leaders and industrial giants in Davos, Switzerland. Notable attendees include three chief ministers from India—Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrababu Naidu, and Revant Reddy—alongside over 100 CEOs and senior officials discussing 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.' This high-profile event, taking place from January 20, 2025, aims to strategically address pressing global geopolitical and macroeconomic issues, such as changes in US leadership, the Ukraine conflict, and ongoing tensions in West Asia. Indian economic strategies, particularly those driving localized innovation and startup growth, will be central to discussions, covering aspects of India's substantial rise above an 8% growth rate. The meeting seeks to establish a forum for diverse dialogue around revamping collaborative innovation, overcoming economic stagnation, and tapping into advancements across AI, biotech, and energy technology. By doing so, leaders hope to avoid global fragmentation and foster a cooperative, future-focused agenda for development. (With inputs from agencies.)