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Daniel Farke hailed “old man” Sam Byram’s wonder goal as L eeds stormed back to the top of the Championship. The utility player, back in his second spell at Elland Road, scored a brilliant scissor-kick opener as United swept past Luton. It was the 31 year-old’s first goal of the season and it prompted beaming celebrations from team-mates and coaching staff alike. A smiling Farke said: “Even in training he celebrates his goals with a pistolero or something like this because he’s not that well known for scoring goals. But he’s dangerous out of set-pieces and this goal was a bit special. "A left/right movement and, normally for this magic, it’s players like Largie [Ramazani] or Willy [Gnonto]. So I like that the old man has shown this today. It was a crucial goal. "At 1-0, it’s always the most important. And I’m happy as he’s great. He’s so reliable. Whenever we need him he’s there. Sometimes when he’s not playing, he’s never complaining. He’s always there for the team. He’s a cornerstone of our group.” Joel Piroe and Dan James also netted as dominant United eased home on the night they saluted legendary Gary Speed. It’s been 13 years since the Leeds icon - who wore the No.11 shirt with such grace and distinction - tragically died aged just 42. Clearly, he will never be forgotten here. Fittingly, Byram’s classy strike came just moments before the Elland Road crowd rose as one to pay tribute to the former Wales ace in the 11th minute. Farke only made one change to the side that twice came from behind to win 4-3 in Sunday’s wild contest at Swansea. James enjoyed three assists in that game, including an injury-time assist for Willy Gnonto after a last-minute Swansea equaliser. But he was dropped to the bench with Gnonto coming into the starting line-up. In fairness, Italy winger Gnonto was one of Leeds’ liveliest players along with the excellent Ao Tanaka. But, with Piroe scoring their second in first half injury-time, James made sure of yet another victory in the 81st minute. Not long after replacing Gnonto, he latched onto Jayden Bogle’s brilliant through ball to coolly lob Thomas Kaminski. The West Yorkshire side dominated the first half, amassing a huge 78.5 percent of possession and, at times, toying with their 16th-placed opponents. But as United fans know, they never make it easy for themselves. After Byram's moment of magic, Luton arguably had the two clearest chances of the opening 45 minutes. Captain Pascal Struijk was needed to make a spectacular goalline clearance to deny Victor Moses an 18th minute equalizer. And Reece Burke wasted a gilt-edged opportunity, heading wide when left free from Carlton Morris’ cross in the 42nd minute. United made the most of that let-off with Piroe doubling their lead just before the break. Joe Rothwell swung in a corner, Struijk’s header forced a Kaminski save but Piroe was on hand to fire in the rebound for his seventh of the campaign. Leeds were relieved given Brenden Aaronson had already bombed one chance, trying to find Gnonto rather than shooting himself. Gnonto had also gone close in one of countless United raids. Leeds had already threatened plenty before Byram gave them a tenth minute lead. It came from some classy build-up play into the penalty area before the midfielder’s equally classy volley left Kaminski beaten. Luton, who have plummeted since last season’s relegation from the Premier League , arrived in decent nick. Saturday’s victory over Hull was a second win in three games. But Rob Edwards’ side never truly looked like scoring in the second period until a couple of late chances. And James’ superb finish reminded them how far off they still remain. Edwards conceded: "The frustrations for us are we made some poor decisions. We couldn’t find our balance. Ultimately, this is probably the most difficult place to come in the Championship at the moment - and it looked like that tonight. “We don’t see this [lack of confidence] at home but we do away. Clearly it’s a great clearance the first one and then Burkey’s chance was a big one. It’s all ifs, buts and maybes.”Money Research Collective’s editorial team solely created this content. Opinions are their own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear. Many featured companies advertise with us. . Gold has been a highly prized commodity for thousands of years, and yet much of it still remains within the Earth’s surface. A considerable amount of the precious metal can be found as deposits in gold mines around the world, most of which are owned and operated by gold mining companies. Operating a single gold...'A mistake': Colorado Democrats Jared Polis, Michael Bennet and Jason Crow slam Hunter Biden pardon
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled the City of Hamilton did not infringe on encampment residents' Charter rights when enforcing its bylaw that banned tents from parks. Justice James Ramsey sided with the city Monday in a scathing rebuke of encampments, following a three-day hearing last week. He wrote in his 15-page decision that the city is trying to find a solution to homelessness with limited resources, not showing "a disregard" for Charter rights, and should be left to do so without "micro-management by judges." "The public is generally sympathetic to the homeless, but it tires of seeing its public spaces appropriated by lawless, unsanitary encampments," he wrote. "There has to be a balance, and the democratic process is best equipped to achieve that balance." Hamilton encampment residents seek $445K from city over tent ban they say violated Charter rights Fourteen applicants, who've all experienced homelessness, were seeking a total of $445,000 from the city for evicting them from parks between August 2021 and 2023. Their lawyers, on behalf of the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, argued the city's encampment ban (in place until last summer) violated their right to life, liberty and security, and was discriminatory as women, people with disabilities and Indigenous people were disproportionately impacted. 'Lawless, dangerous and unsanitary' The city denied any Charter breaches and argued shutting encampments down is necessary to protect parks, property, economic and social wellbeing, and community health and safety. Its lawyers said the ban didn't directly harm any people experiencing homelessness. While Ramsey acknowledged the court offers protection to society's most vulnerable that doesn't necessarily mean only people who are unhoused. "I observe that the most vulnerable includes not only the homeless but also the elderly person and the child who want to use a sidewalk or a city park without tiptoeing through used needles and human faeces," he said. A major argument made successfully by the city was that it didn't evict encampment residents at night — only during the day, Ramsey said. It therefore didn't stop people from creating shelter — in the form of tents — when indoor shelters were full. Hamilton council defers vote on banning encampments in parks to next year Another 'elaborate' hole, generator found under Gage Park encampment, say Hamilton police He noted most indoor shelters also require people to move out every morning. Ramsey also accepted evidence from medical experts that there are health risks associated with encampments to both residents and the public. Lawyers with the legal clinic told the court last week encampments residents faced increased risks of hypothermia, dehydration and sexual and physical assault, and lost access to privacy, medical care and essential items they'd otherwise have if they were allowed to pitch tents. In his decision, Ramsey said enforcement of the bylaw isn't what's putting their life, liberty and security at risk, however. "They are put at risk by homelessness. Encampments contribute to this risk. They are lawless, dangerous and unsanitary."
Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of Regions Financial Co. ( NYSE:RF – Free Report ) by 2.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 112,692 shares of the bank’s stock after selling 2,802 shares during the quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Regions Financial were worth $2,629,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. American National Bank & Trust raised its stake in Regions Financial by 1,856.7% during the 3rd quarter. American National Bank & Trust now owns 1,174 shares of the bank’s stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 1,114 shares during the period. EntryPoint Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Regions Financial during the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Quarry LP lifted its holdings in shares of Regions Financial by 157.2% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,335 shares of the bank’s stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 816 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its position in Regions Financial by 530.0% in the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,493 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 1,256 shares during the period. Finally, Innealta Capital LLC bought a new stake in Regions Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. 79.39% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have weighed in on RF. Argus raised shares of Regions Financial from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $26.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. DA Davidson raised their price target on shares of Regions Financial from $27.00 to $29.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, October 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Regions Financial from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and lifted their price target for the company from $24.00 to $26.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Barclays increased their price objective on Regions Financial from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock an “underweight” rating in a research note on Monday, October 21st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Regions Financial from $24.00 to $28.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Friday, November 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $26.41. Regions Financial Trading Up 2.0 % Shares of RF stock opened at $27.28 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The firm has a market cap of $24.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.41, a PEG ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a 50 day moving average of $24.05 and a 200-day moving average of $21.82. Regions Financial Co. has a 12-month low of $15.79 and a 12-month high of $27.32. Regions Financial ( NYSE:RF – Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 18th. The bank reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.53 by ($0.04). Regions Financial had a return on equity of 12.60% and a net margin of 18.78%. The firm had revenue of $1.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.80 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.49 earnings per share. The business’s quarterly revenue was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Regions Financial Co. will post 2.12 earnings per share for the current year. Regions Financial Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.67%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 2nd. Regions Financial’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 56.50%. Regions Financial Company Profile ( Free Report ) Regions Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides banking and bank-related services to individual and corporate customers. It operates through three segments: Corporate Bank, Consumer Bank, and Wealth Management. The Corporate Bank segment offers commercial banking services, such as commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and investor real estate lending; equipment lease financing; deposit products; and securities underwriting and placement, loan syndication and placement, foreign exchange, derivatives, merger and acquisition, and other advisory services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Regions Financial Co. ( NYSE:RF – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Regions Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regions Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .What happened with five minutes left speaks volumes as Arne Slot's remarkable Liverpool beat Real Madrid
The current and future Democratic governors have filed a second lawsuit targeting a Republican-sponsored law that shifts powers from the governor to Republican officials. A 40-page lawsuit against Senate Bill 382 was filed Monday in Wake County Superior Court with Gov. Roy Cooper and Gov.-elect Josh Stein listed as plaintiffs. Defendants are Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland. SB382 contains language that strips from the governor the power to make appointments to the State Board of Elections and gives that power to the state auditor, a seat that will be held by Republican Dave Boliek. Boliek was elected in November and begins his first term as auditor in January. The bill also transfers to the auditor the power to appoint the chair of each county board of elections, a power traditionally held by the governor. People are also reading... Cooper and Stein said that shift clearly violates the separation of powers established in the N.C. Constitution. “We have had the same structure for our state board of elections for nearly a century and it has served North Carolina well, with fair and secure elections across our state through every cycle,” Cooper said in a statement. “These blatantly partisan efforts to give control over elections boards to a newly elected Republican will create distrust in our elections process and serve no legitimate purpose.” Stein said in a statement that "in recent years, these legislative leaders have repeatedly tried and failed to seize control of the State Board of Elections for their own partisan gain." “This latest move insults the voters who rejected their power grab, violates our Constitution, and must not stand." The lawsuit claims SB382 is the sixth time since 2016 that Berger, Moore and other legislative leaders have tried "to wrest executive authority over the State Board of Elections away from the governor." The lawsuit provides details on all six attempts. Transferring appointment power to the state auditor is being "done so not because the state auditor has any expertise or knowledge of election law or election administration. Indeed, the state auditor has never had any role in North Carolina elections," the suit says. "It appears that North Carolina is the only state that commits elections administration to the state auditor ... the only qualification for this newly assigned role is obvious — he’s a Republican with demonstrated fealty to legislative defendants." "This blatantly partisan restructuring of the State Board is — once again — unconstitutional." Berger said when the Senate voted 30-19 along party lines to override Cooper's veto of SB382 that “it’s no secret that our State Board of Elections has been plagued by political interference from the governor’s office." “Now, we are moving forward with a solution that will place the state board under the Office of the State Auditor and rid election administration of the blatant partisan politics that have destroyed the state board’s credibility and impartiality.” Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, said the appointments switch “is both unconstitutional and a pure power grab. The voters and the courts have turned down previous attempts to change the very successful processes we have in place.” On Dec. 12, Cooper and Stein asked a judge to block a provision of SB382 that would bar Stein from appointing a new commander of the N.C. Highway Patrol. In that lawsuit, besides Berger and Moore, the other defendant is Freddy Johnson, commander of the patrol. Johnson was appointed by Cooper in April 2021. Under SB382, Stein has no ability to supervise or remove Johnson or appointment someone to replace him. SB382 also removes powers from the attorney general, shifts certain oversight duties from the superintendent of Public Instruction, and allows the state treasurer to appoint a member to the Utilities Commission. SB382 appropriates an additional $227 million in Hurricane Helene disaster relief funding from the state’s rainy-day fund for a total commitment to date approaching $1.1 billion. However, the legislation doesn’t immediately disperse the funds. Cooper said that “it’s fundamental to our Constitution that the legislature can not both make the laws, and then choose the leaders who enforce them.” The lawsuit is likely headed to the Republican-controlled N.C. Supreme Court, “where the current majority has been reluctant to stand in the way of the General Assembly exercising its role as the representatives of the people,” said Mitch Kokai, senior policy analyst with conservative think tank John Locke Foundation. Stein said shortly after the successful veto override that “it is despicable for the Republicans in the General Assembly to use folks’ incredible need for aid to cloak their political pettiness. The legislature needs to step up and do its job.” “If they do, they will find a good faith partner in me. I’m ready to get to work.” Cooper rcraver@wsjournal.com 336-727-7376 @rcraverWSJ Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.SOUTH FLORIDA 74, PORTLAND 68
A handful of Kamala Harris campaign consultants made several shocking confessions while reflecting on the election cycle . David Plouffe, Stephanie Cutter, Quentin Fulks and Jen O'Malley Dillon sat down with hosts of the "Pod Save America" podcast this week to discuss her doomed campaign. The team shared their shock about post-debate public polling that contradicted their internal polling, explained why Harris struggled and afraid to differentiate herself from Joe Biden and addressed the no-show Joe Rogan podcast controversy, among other things. Worst storm for half a century blankets major city in 8 inches of snow Dr. Oz seeks to privatize Medicare as uninsured 'do not have right to health' The advisers admitted that they were "surprised" to see public polling showing Harris ahead of Donald Trump after the debate in September and October because their internal polling had her way behind. “We were behind. I mean, I think it surprised people because there were these public polls that came out in late September, early October, showing us with leads that we never saw,” said Plouffe, Harris’ senior campaign adviser. Harris/Walz senior advisor @DavidPlouffe says Democrats "have to dominate the moderate vote." Top Harris campaign staff tells us what went wrong in 2024 election in full PSA interview, dropping tomorrow wherever you get your podcasts. #PodSaveAmerica #CrookedMedia ... pic.twitter.com/Ld5LA3xfmc — Pod Save America (@PodSaveAmerica) November 26, 2024 The team also expressed that the lack of cohesive messaging after Harris stepped into the race contributed to her losing every single swing state. Among the messaging failures, the team admits, including the struggle to separate and distance Harris from President Biden, whether on the economy, the border and immigration or Gaza. “She felt like she was part of the administration," Cutter explained. "So why should she look back and pick out, cherry-pick, some things that she would have done differently when she was part of it? She added that Harris "also had tremendous loyalty to President Biden." This issue came to a head when Harris said on ABC's "The View" that "nothing comes to mind" when asked how her administration would differ from her predecessor’s. Cutter added, “Imagine if we said, ‘Well, we would have taken this approach on the border.’ Imagine the round of stories coming out after that of people saying, ‘Well, she never said that in a meeting,’ or ‘What meeting when she said this,’ or ‘I remember when she did that.’ And it was just, it wasn’t going to give us what we needed because it wouldn’t be a clean break.” DON'T MISS... Donald Trump's plan to use NASCAR drivers to 'guide' America's military generals Trump 'hush money' sentencing postponed in major victory for President-elect Trump's election mandate was 'very shallow' busting huge myth, says data expert Harris Campaign Senior Advisor @StefCutter explains why Kamala Harris was unwilling to differentiate herself more from Joe Biden on policy. In an exclusive interview with PSA, top Harris campaign staff reflect on the 2024 election. Out now wherever you get your podcasts.... pic.twitter.com/iqyjycjEWs — Pod Save America (@PodSaveAmerica) November 26, 2024 Plouffe said it is “really hard for Democrats to win battleground states" while deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks argued Democrats are “losing the culture war.” Fulks argued that Democrats are “eating” their “own” through the “woke” culture compared to mostly unapologetic Republicans. “Until that stops, we’re not going to be able to address a lot of the things that just need to be said," he said. The team also reflected on and applauded the Republican campaign for taking advantage of right-wing media, whether reaching voters on TikTok or through podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience. “The Republicans have a well-tuned, well-oiled, well-invested echo chamber that exists beyond where they’re campaigning. And it’s online. It reverberates through TikTok. It reverberates through the culture,” Fulks said. “There is a cultural dynamic that’s at play in politics today where it is converging like we’ve never seen.” Plouffe also addressed the Joe Rogan controversy and explained that there was a scheduling issue, as Rogan previously admitted on social media, as he refused to interview unless it was in his podcast studio in Austin. In total, the Harris campaign spent an eyewatering $1.5 billion over 15 weeks compared to under $1.1 billion for Trump.
AP News Summary at 6:46 p.m. EST
Based on the evidence, Arne Slot is quick to get results. But even for him, it's some feat managing to cast off a decade-long Real Madrid inferiority complex inside six months at Liverpool. Eights games without a win, strewn across the last 10 years that have included two Champions League finals, were shrugged off here as the Premier League leaders put the 15-time champions of Europe to the swor d with yet another impressive performance for the growing catalogue of them this season. And in so many ways, this was the biggest statement of them all for Slot’s team. In recent years, Liverpool have been good bets to hand out a humiliation or two to Manchester United or the odd beating of Manchester City. Chelsea and Arsenal have also been negotiated with aplomb at times also, but not even at the zenith of Jurgen Klopp’s time could the Reds master the art of victory against the Real Madrid. Consign those unwanted memories to the dustbin, even if only for now. This was a remarkably complete for performance throughout the team. Liverpool player ratings as Conor Bradley and seven others brilliant as Real Madrid dismantled Kylian Mbappe gets Neymar treatment as Liverpool man becomes new talk of Anfield Across those eight games, the Spaniards have found so many perverse and painful ways to beat the Reds. From Loris Karius's Kiev calamities, behind-closed-doors game played at training grounds and even a surreal 5-2 comeback victory at Anfield, Liverpool fans have been made to take their medicine against the most successful side in European Cup history. Throw in one of the all-time goalkeeping performances in Paris two years ago by Thibaut Courtois in the final and it's tempting to ask if los Blancos had made a pact with the devil at some point when it came to clashes between these two. So this no doubt felt cathartic for those on the Kop, whose hopes of belated payback were carried out to the letter by the players. Liverpool are the best team in Europe right now and there can be little debate about it any longer. And with five minutes of normal time remaining, there was a chant that broke out on the Kop that supporters perhaps never thought they'd sing when faced against the La Liga giants. But their insistence that Liverpool were "taking the p***" was genuine. With a two-goal cushion as they pressed, probed and gave their struggling, exhausted visitors the runaround, it was hard to disagree, even if the scoreline did not immediately reflect their second-half dominance or their collective brilliance. They are getting used to singing about being top of the league too. Back at the summit of the revamped Champions League to fit nearly with their status as Premier League leaders. An absorbing first half was an enjoyable if incomplete watch which failed to yield any major, clear-cut chances for either side, but Darwin Nunez was lively throughout, forcing defenders into decisions with and without the ball and the running power and enthusiasm of the No.9 caused real problems throughout. The Reds dominated the ball at times but were unable to apply the killer pass or the required finish. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch also impressed against the exalted Madrid midfield containing Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham alongside Eduardo Camavinga. Nunez had the best chance of the half when his prod was saved by Courtois before the giant Belgian punched away Luis Diaz's attempts to play in the No.9 with a looping header across goal. One thunderous tackle from Conor Bradley on Kylian Mbappe to deny a counter-attack was celebrated like a goal by the Anfield crowd and led to a good spell shortly before the interval. Liverpool had their lead their second-half start deserved when Mac Allister and the outstanding Bradley linked up to devastating effect on the edge of Madrid's box before the latter smartly slid it past Courtois. It was a goal of real class. That was the signal for Carlo Ancelotti to shuffle his pack and Mbappe moved centrally before a penalty was won by substitute Lucas Vazquez. Up stepped France superstar Mbappe only to see Caoimhin Kelleher upstage him with an excellent stop. The Irishman, who was instantly mobbed by his team-mates, has been integral to this near-perfect run since Alisson Becker hobbled off at Crystal Palace in early October. He deserves the chance to shine once more when Manchester City come to town on Sunday. Mohamed Salah showed Ferland Mendy a clean pair of heels before he was tripped but the 12-goal Egyptian fluffed his lines from the penalty spot. It was a consolation for Mbappe as Salah proved that even the very best can miss from 12 yards occasionally... Cody Gakpo, on for Darwin Nunez, powered home a second from Robertson's cross and that was enough to extinguish any flickering hopes of a white-shirted fightback. Not this time. Liverpool, to a man, were excellent but a special word of praise needs reserving for Jones, whose performance at times veered on the spectacular. In a midfield battle that contained World Cup and Ballon d'Or winners in Mac Allister and Luka Modric, as well as one of the biggest stars in the game in £115m Jude Bellingham, it was the academy graduate who upstaged them all. His energy, class and maturity were all on display in spades and he simply has to start now this weekend. An honourable mention too for Bradley, who made light of the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold with a swashbuckling display that both nullified Mbappe and caused no end of problems for the visitors defensively too. A muscle injury in the closing stages was harsh and an anxious wait now ensues. The man himself will be best placed to inform but with Real Madrid here to be followed up by a visit from Manchester City in the Premier League to go 11 clear with victory, there's an argument to suggest this is the biggest week of Slot's coaching career. If that is accurate then part one could not possibly have gone better. If it's taken just six months to get the Real Madrid monkey of the Liverpool’s back, then just imagine what Slot can achieve in a full season. Sunday against Pep Guardiola might be hugely instructive towards that overall aim.Tom Homan Vows to Send 'Twice as Many' Officers to L.A. in Deportation PlanUK lawyer fifth death in Laos mass poisoning
Tesla shares fall as court rejects Musk's $56 bln pay packageNoneRALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina legislative Republicans moved closer Monday to enacting a measure that would erode the powers of the incoming governor and other Democratic officials, and also placing on the ballot constitutional amendments that could buttress GOP voting and tax policies. Along party lines, the GOP-dominated state Senate voted successfully to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that in part would weaken Gov.-elect Josh Stein, the next attorney general in Jeff Jackson and other Democrats also elected in November as lieutenant governor and schools superintendent. Those changes are within a 131-page measure initially approved two weeks ago during a lame-duck session of the General Assembly. Republicans advanced the measure as their current veto-proof majority over Cooper likely will end after this month as Democrats won additional House seats. That will give Stein, who takes office in January, a better chance to use his veto stamp to block successfully bills he opposes. Cooper vetoed the measure last week , calling the bill a “sham” that does very little financially to help with Hurricane Helene recovery, even as “disaster relief” was included in the bill's title. He also said provisions altering executive branch powers were unconstitutional. One provision starting in the spring would end the governor's authority to appoint the State Board of Elections and transfer it to the state auditor, who will now be Republican Dave Boliek. The bill now returns to the House, where last month three Republicans voted against the measure. Such a margin, if left intact, could scuttle the attempted override expected next week. Senate leader Phil Berger said after Monday’s vote he was confident that House Republicans would have the votes to complete the override. Even then, litigation is possible. The GOP-controlled legislature has tried to change the election board’s makeup for several years by passing laws that have been blocked by courts, including one last year that would move board appointment authority from the governor to the General Assembly. As with the Senate's initial debate on the bill two weeks ago, the chamber gallery was full of bill opponents who call it a Republican power grab after the electorate chose Democrats to top positions in the Nov. 5 elections. Republicans are “not listening to the voters in North Carolina,” said demonstrator Della Hann, 64, of Southport. “There are checks and balances in government and they need to be respected.” But Berger said in a news release that the provisions "actually balance our three branches of state government so that North Carolina remains on a positive trajectory, free from Democratic party and liberal activist obstruction.” Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Senate's presiding officer, ordered the Senate gallery cleared last month when visitors clapped once too often during a debate on the measure. On Monday, Robinson cleared the gallery again following disruptions after Cooper's veto message was read and right before the vote. “Everybody's got to go,” Robinson said before calling for a 10-minute recess. To avoid potential arrest, protesters left the Legislative Building or quieted down outside the gallery. Senate Republicans proceeded later to approve in separate bills proposed amendments to the North Carolina Constitution related to photo voter identification and a cap on income taxes. Each received 30 votes — exactly the number needed for a constitutional referendum. To be placed on ballots statewide in November 2026, these measures still would have to be voted on by the House by the end of the year and receive 72 votes. Constitutional amendments aren't subject to vetoes. One proposed referendum would, if approved by a majority of voters, amend the constitution to say all North Carolina voters must show photo identification before voting. The constitution currently only specifies that it's required for in-person voting. ID exceptions are allowed now and would remain with the amendment. The other referendum would set a rate cap on income taxes at 5%, down from the current 7%. Individual and corporate income tax rates are currently both below 5% in the state, and state laws separate from the constitution already direct that people voting by mail provide a photocopy of a qualifying identification. Senate Republicans backing the ID question said it's important to ensure that all forms of voting will be treated equally going forward as it relates to photo ID, which the GOP successfully got approved in 2018 but didn't take effect until last year. And with Republicans approving multiple income tax reductions over the years that have boosted the state economy, Cabarrus County Republican Sen . Paul Newton said, it's time again to let voters decide whether they should remain permanently lower. Democrats opposed to a lower tax cap say the state is already facing revenue challenges in light of lower tax rates that will make it harder to address major spending needs.KING Charles will deliver his Christmas Day address from a former hospital chapel to mark his ongoing cancer treatment. The 76-year-old recorded the speech a fortnight ago amid high security at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London. Advertisement 5 King Charles will deliver his Christmas Day address from this former hospital chapel to mark his ongoing cancer treatment Credit: PA 5 Pictured with Camilla in Sydney in October, the King will use his speech to reflect on his cancer battle Credit: Getty 5 The Fitzrovia Chapel, where the King chose to record his Christmas speech in a break with tradition Credit: PA He will mention his and the P rincess of Wales’s health battles in the first Christmas broadcast in 14 years to be filmed away from the royal estate. Charles was said to be “enchanted” by the stunning chapel. The monarch wanted to break from festive tradition at the end of a tumultuous year. He was then told about the chapel in central London, which served patients at nearby Middlesex Hospital and is now used by the community. Charles is said to have loved photos of the ornate 19th-century venue, and surprised passers-by when he arrived for filming amid high security a fortnight ago. Advertisement READ MORE ON THE ROYALS MESSAGE OF HOPE King picks ex-hospital for speech to reflect on year after cancer diagnosis WORDS OF HOPE Kate records special message of hope reflecting on 'hardest years of life' A Palace source said: “The King wanted to do things a bit differently this year and reach out into the community rather than just in the royal estates, which is a key theme of his work.” He loved the pictures and loved the story behind it and loved the place when he got there. He was completely enchanted. A source on Charles choosing the chapel The Royal Household scoured several locations for the address until finding “a clear favourite” which “ticked all the boxes”. Charles personally chose it before visiting for the first time on the day of filming on December 11, when the area close to Oxford Street was closed off. The source added: “It seemed logical it must have some healthcare connection, it had to be a community space there to bring communities together, that it was suitably beautiful and festive, and have a royal connection, and be in easy reach of Buckingham Palace. Advertisement Most read in Royals Breaking CRASH HORROR Man killed and toddler fighting for life after car smashes into pedestrians OFF THE SHELVES Warning to Scots as Tesco, Aldi & Morrisons recall Xmas dinner favourites AMA NEW MAN Rangers flop finds new club after five months in wilderness and buying COWS Gossip LOW BLOW Rangers 'open to transfer offers' for star once targeted by Manchester City “He loved the pictures and loved the story behind it and loved the place when he got there. He was completely enchanted.” Kate and Wills felt personally affected by Southport, you could see strain etched on their faces, says expert In 1987, Charles’s then-wife Princess Diana famously shook hands — without wearing gloves — with Aids patients when she opened Middlesex Hospital’s specialist Broderip Ward. Diana, who divorced Charles in 1996, also returned with then-First Lady Barbara Bush in 1991. Although the contents of tomorrow’s address are kept secret until it airs, it is understood Charles will mention his and the current Princess of Wales’s cancer struggles . Advertisement However, their health battles, which have loomed large in the royal year, will not be the “dominant theme”, it is claimed. It will touch on “international, national and personal challenges and coming together of communities” such as the response to the horrific killings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport . It will also record royal achievements such as Charles and Camilla’s tour of Australia and Samoa. Going behind the scenes One of the main themes is a plea for “peace”, it is understood. Advertisement Buckingham Palace yesterday issued a photograph of the King filming the address inside the Byzantine-inspired chapel. Just like last year, he stands for his address and wears one of his favourite blue ties. In another change from Queen Elizabeth’s broadcasts, the Palace will release a teaser clip today. There will also be a behind-the-scenes making of the King’s Speech sent out on Boxing Day on social media. Advertisement Eyewitnesses said they were stunned to see Charles arrive at the chapel, which is next to aptly-named Middleton Place and The King and Queen pub, at around 3.30pm on December 11. They described it as “cloak and dagger”, with the King and his security team “literally in-out”. One said: “They just pulled up here and shut the door of the chapel and were there for about an hour. I was shocked when I saw him - I said ‘Oh my God it’s Charles!’” We end the year in such a positive place it is even beyond the most optimistic hopes of doctors. Source on the King's health An onlooker from a nearby building added: “There were close protection officers, we knew this because they had all their medals embroidered into their suits and were very coy. Advertisement "It was very cloak and dagger. We were up at the top window facing the whole thing. “There were three cars parked outside the chapel. There was a photographer here with the biggest camera in the world, but security wouldn’t let him go much further. "The whole thing was very fast, literally in-out.” Another passer-by said: “I came to work and the whole road was cordoned off. Advertisement "There were three cars and six police bikes and security all up that road, loads of them. "We weren’t told what was going on, I think they kept it all hush-hush.” The Christmas tree seen behind the King was decorated sustainably with recyclable pine cones, metal bells and glass baubles. It was subsequently donated to Croydon BME Forum and Macmillan Cancer Support’s “Can You C Me” project, and now sits at Royal Trinity Hospice, Clapham, South West London. Advertisement Although the King’s cancer treatment continues, the Palace say it is moving in a “positive direction”. A source told The Sun: “We end the year in such a positive place it is even beyond the most optimistic hopes of doctors.” Meanwhile, Kate, 42, announced in September she had completed chemotherapy after initially revealing her cancer diagnosis in March. 5 The King's speech will address global, national, and personal challenges, including the response to the Southport killings Credit: PA Advertisement 5 In 1987, Princess Diana famously shook hands without gloves with Aids patients at Middlesex Hospital's Broderip Ward Credit: Getty CHAPEL A QUIET SPOT FOR SOLACE By Matt Wilkinson FITZROVIA Chapel was built in the central courtyard of Middlesex Hospital to be used by patients and visitors. Its first service was on Christmas Day 1891, with an official opening by the Bishop of London the following June. However, its ornate interior was only completed in 1929, after the death of its designer, eminent architect John Loughborough Pearson. Middlesex Hospital began as an infirmary in 1745 for the “sick and lame of Soho”. It moved nearby 12 years later before it was demolished in 1924 after it was declared structurally unsafe. A new hospital was built on the site with a foundation stone laid by Charles’s grandfather, the future King George VI, in 1928 below. It was closed for good in 2005 before being knocked down again in 2008 — although the Grade II-listed chapel was given a £2million restoration. It is now used for religious services and a “space for quiet reflection for people of all faiths or none”. The monarch’s Christmas TV address has rarely been held outside royal residences since the first in 1957. The late Queen recorded at Royal Albert Hall in 1988, Combermere Barracks in Windsor in 2003, Southwark Cathedral in 2006 and Hampton Court in 2010. However, tomorrow’s address from Fitzrovia Chapel is the fourth different location in as many years. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun DECEMBRRR Scots blasted with snowfall days before Christmas as storms cause transport chaos FLOOR PHILLER Rangers boss Philippe Clement spotted dancing in popular Glasgow bar The late Queen filmed her final one in 2021 from Windsor Castle. A year later, for his first, the King pre-recorded from St George’s Chapel in Windsor, which hosted his mother’s committal service. Then last year he filmed his speech from Buckingham Palace. Timeline of King Charles' health battle A look at King Charles cancer diagnosis and recovery. January 17 : Buckingham Palace announces the King has been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate January 26 : The Sun exclusively photograph the King arriving at The London Clinic for his 'corrective procedure' January 29 : Seen waving and smiling as he left hospital after an extra night February 5 : Palace reveal while in hospital for his prostate operation doctors discovered the the King has a form of cancer February 10 : King issues 'heartfelt thanks' in a written statement February 21 : King tells Rishi Sunak he had been "reduced to tears" by get-well cards March 21 : The Princess of Wales and the King have lunch at Windsor Castle March 22 : Kate announces via video statement that she is being treated for cancer March 31: King attends Easter Sunday service and takes part in 'walkabout' with members of the public and aides say 'it was a significant step' as King had 'responded to treatment very encouragingly' April 4: The Sun exclusively reveals King has ordered aides to 'supercharge' his diary for the summer and is 'raring to go' April 10: King and Queen embark on break at Birkhall, in Scottish Highlands April 26: Buckingham Palace announce King will return to public-facing front-line duties April 30 : King marks his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital with the Queen Future: May 8 and 21: Buckingham Palace Garden Parties May 21 - 25 : Chelsea Flower Show June 6: 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France and UK June 15 : Trooping the Colour birthday parade in London June 17 : Garter Day parade at Windsor Castle June 18 - 22 : Royal Ascot Late June : State Visit by Emperor and Empress of Japan July 3 : Holyrood Week in Scotland October : Two or three-week tour of Australia
Trans People Shouldn't Be Scapegoated for Democrats' Failures Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage during a Pride celebration on June 28, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images for GLAAD) Donald Trump's election victory foreshadows an administration that will likely seek to not just dismantle but destroy the regulatory state, while promoting a narrow vision of what America should be and who should benefit from living here. But as election results continue to trickle in, it has also become clear that the governing majority needed to achieve these goals may not be as robust as it was projected on election night. Trump failed to win 50 percent of the popular vote, and the GOP's House and Senate majorities are both razor-thin. Yet instead of thinking about how this unexpectedly small mandate on how this could be used for their advantage, a subset of Democrats have decided to spend their time saying that the true reason for the 2024 election loss lies with some of their coalition's most vulnerable members: transgender Americans and the allies that seek to protect their civil rights. Almost immediately after Trump's victory, a number of Democratic politicians, as well as major advisers in the party's inner and outer circles, rushed to the airwaves and their social media accounts to say that the party had lost touch with the average... https://www.thenation.com/authorsJohn Bolton warns: I’m ‘very worried’ about how Trump would handle ‘much more likely’ international crisisBad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in perilP-plater allegedly caught speeding nearly 100km over the limit
It turns out, Vice President Sara Duterte is, indeed, a poor copy of her father—a problematic original to begin with. Not only does she lack her father’s spontaneity and wit, she is also far from what the mathematician Nassim Taleb famously described as ”antifragile.” Amid manifold controversies over her conduct in both the Department of Education and as the Vice President of the Philippines, her trust and approval ratings have nosedived—underscoring the absence of the so-called ”Teflon effect.” Popularity is never a perfect indicator of either political capital or competence. But for the notorious dynasty from Davao, popularity ratings were always their main bragging right. Sara Duterte, however, is now beginning to struggle even in that department. According to the latest Pulse Asia Survey, which was conducted between Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, Sara Duterte had a net approval rating of only 22 percent. As many as 28 percent of respondents were unhappy with her performance and as many as 22 percent remained undecided. In fact, her barely majority approval rating (50 percent) was mainly due to inelastic support from her home island of Mindanao (80 percent) and relatively high support from Class E or poorest Filipinos (68 percent). Her support in the National Capital Region, the country’s seat of power, is now down to only 34 percent, though slightly higher in Luzon (40 percent). On a quarterly basis, Sara Duterte’s approval rating was down by 10 percent nationwide and 20 percent in the Visayas. Crucially, she also saw a 13 percent drop in her approval ratings in Mindanao, reflecting potential fractures in the “Solid South” vote base if current trend lines hold. Her numbers are a far cry from the heyday of the “UniTeam” when Sara Duterte enjoyed a solid majority across all major demographics and near-universal support in Mindanao. Back in September, I explained in these pages (“Dutertismo: A Scam Exposed?”) how throughout “a succession of public relations disasters, followed by even more disastrous performance during multiple legislative hearings, Sara Duterte has exposed herself as a poor copy of her father.” Over the succeeding weeks, she worsened her situation by openly threatening the lives of the President, the First Lady and the Speaker of the House. Aside from her own personal limitations and abysmal performance in office, however, Sara Duterte is suffering from another structural weakness: the absence of “fear factor.” Throughout his singularly destructive reign, former president Rodrigo Duterte maintained sky-high approval ratings, which only partly reflected his art for performative governance. Yes, Duterte was a master of the ”Art of Budol,” namely projecting strength and competence while gradually setting democratic institutions and our economy on fire. But Duterte also knew how to scare people. It’s quite telling that as many as eight out of 10 Filipinos expressed fear of ending up as a victim of extrajudicial killings, according to the Social Weather Stations. Duterte’s monopoly of assistance funds coupled with the weaponization of cyber libel laws during the COVID-19 pandemic sealed the deal. Urban poor Filipinos, who constitute the majority of voters, constituted the demographic that was hit hardest by extrajudicial killings. In an exhaustive journal article entitled “Pretending to Support?” Japanese social scientists Yuko Kasuya and Hirofumi Miwa systematically examined how “preference falsification” could be the best explanation for Duterte’s historic approval ratings, especially among class D voters. As I repeatedly asked pollsters back in the day: What is the incentive of respondents to honestly express dissatisfaction with President Duterte when they just watched a neighbor gunned down in impunity the other day? Duterte’s loss, however, is not necessarily the Marcos camp’s gain. President Marcos’ approval ratings are below 50 percent, which is extremely low compared to his two immediate predecessors. His cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, is doing even worse, with barely a quarter of voters approving his performance. Overall, what we are witnessing is ”mutual destruction” between the two most powerful dynasties in the country. The biggest winners, so far, are the Tulfo brothers. While Erwin and Ben Tulfo are vying for the top spots in next year’s senatorial race, Sen. Raffy Tulfo has overtaken Sara Duterte in pre-election surveys for the 2028 presidential race. Dutertismo may be on the way out, but ”Tulfismo” is having its moment in the sun. In many ways, unabashed populism is seemingly still the only game in town. —————- Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . [email protected]
Daines, Zinke secure priorities in EXPLORE actBillionToOne to Present at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference