Trump aims to appoint son-in-law’s father as US ambassador to FranceTrump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to FranceNone
Sedgwick shares major trends in Forecasting 2025 report
The Osun State Government on Friday unveiled 16-day events to mark Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second anniversary as governor of the state. Unveiling the events lined up for the celebrations, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, rated Adeleke high in terms of service delivery. Igbalaye said a health walk, novelty match, Jumaat, church service, state awards presentation, and project commissioning were some of the events that would be held during the celebrations. The SSG, who said ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, among others, would inaugurate some of the projects completed by the administration, also noted projects would be inaugurated across the 30 local government areas in the state. He added that Adeleke and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, would also perform the turning of sod for some new projects that would be flagged off during the second anniversary of the administration. Related News Adeleke accuses Ganduje of plotting to destabilise S'West Adeleke champions sports to curb youth restiveness, boost Osun economy Displaced Osun farmers seek end to land dispute “Some of the activities lined up include: Jumaat service, novelty football match, executive versus legislature, church service, and commissioning of Old Garage-Oke Fia Dual Carriage by ex President Olusegun Obasanjo. “Presentation of bond certificates to contributory pensioners and presentation of award to Governor Adeleke by the contributory pensioners would also be held. “There will also be commissioning of Osogbo Ring Road by Governor Makinde, as well as, foundation laying for Airport project by the Minister of Aviation/Works,” Igbalaye said. Commenting on the achievements of the administration in the past two years, Igbalaye, said Adeleke had surpassed expectations, assuring that an increase in political activities would not distract the governor from completing all ongoing projects.'Alarming' US mystery drones: Officials confounded, locals scared
U.S. stock indexes edged higher in morning trading Tuesday, as gains for some Big Tech stocks made up for weakness elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 14 points, or 0.1%, as of 9:58 a.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite was up 0.7%. Gains in technology, financial and other sectors tempered a pullback by health care, energy and other stocks. Chip company Broadcom rose 1.3%, while semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 1.2%. American Airlines fell 1.2% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. U.S. Steel slipped 0.5% a day after an influential government panel failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the nearly $15 billion proposed sale to Nippon Steel of Japan. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Monday. European markets were mostly higher. Markets in Asia mostly gained ground. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to this week, including a weekly update on unemployment benefits on Thursday.
Bangladesh: Creating another terroristan
LONDON (AP) — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men returned the verdict after deliberating for about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the “modest award.” Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. “She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” she said. “I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. “He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. “A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is.” Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him “no” as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, “now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times,” referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. “I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman’s complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said “she never said ‘no’ or stopped” and testified that everything she said was a lie. “It is a full blown lie among many lies,” he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. “How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings.” McGregor’s lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise,” attorney Remy Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.” The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor’s arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked “happy, happy, happy.” McGregor said he was “beyond petrified” when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor’s friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.
DEAR ABBY: When my son got married in 2003, we had many good times with him and his wife. Things have changed now that we have cellphones. It’s nearly impossible to have a relationship with her because when they come to our home, she’s always on her phone. My son talks to his dad, and I’m left sitting there wondering what I should do. Would you say anything to your daughter-in-law about this? She immediately gets on the phone when she arrives and stays on it most of the time. It wasn’t like this when cellphones weren’t as prolific. It hurts my feelings that she comes all the way to my house only to socialize with her Facebook friends and not us, because we rarely see them. Should I speak up? I don’t want to start trouble and I don’t want to isolate them. I love them, but I think it’s rude that she’s on her phone the whole time they’re here. It makes me feel like I’m not good enough for her to talk to me. I have two other daughters-in-law who may get on their phones occasionally, but not like this one. – Off the Phone in Kentucky DEAR OFF: Of course what your daughter-in-law is doing is rude. It is also insensitive. It won’t stop unless you and your husband say something. When you do, do not couch your message in terms of being “rude.” Instead, tell her it hurts your feelings and gives you the impression that she doesn’t value your company as much as you do hers. It also impedes high-quality visiting. If you express it this way, it may make her less defensive, because it is the truth. DEAR ABBY: My fiance and I have been together for many years. I have never really liked his mother – for valid reasons. She belittles and is disrespectful to her son. The last straw was when she came by two months ago and made a derogatory comment about him to me. (He was not present.) It was false, and I called her out on it. She, of course, had no rebuttal. She is negative even in her personal life and often lies. I talked to my fiance about this, and he does address the issues with her, but not in a way that makes her understand she must either respect him or risk no longer having a relationship with him. She uses others, is two-faced and rarely bathes. I am considering breaking off our engagement at this point. I’m tired of this woman’s lack of respect. Should I walk away from this relationship? – Disgusted and Appalled in the East DEAR DISGUSTED: If your tolerance level has reached its limit, you may have to walk away. However, I do not think you should give your fiance an ultimatum in which he must decide between you and his mother. As obnoxious and odiferous as she is, she is still his mother. I do think you should suggest that he talk with a licensed psychotherapist about his relationship with her. If it is as unhealthy as you have described, he might then, on his own, decide to distance himself from her. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.Provides 2000 A15 Hydro Bitcoin mining machines in initial order Continues global expansion with addition of new customer SINGAPORE , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN) ("Canaan" or the "Company"), a leading high-performance computing solutions provider, today announced that Canaan Creative Global Pte. Ltd. ("CCG"), a wholly owned Singapore subsidiary of the Company, has entered into a purchase agreement with AGM Group Holdings Inc. ("AGMH"), an integrated technology company specializing in fintech software services and production of high-performance hardware and computing equipment, for its Avalon A15 HydU 370T ("A15 Hydro") mining machines. As part of the agreement, Canaan will initially provide 2,000 Bitcoin mining machines to AGMH. The Company has also agreed to provide its customer with an option to acquire approximately 30,000 additional BTC mining units, potentially providing AGMH with a combined power capacity not exceeding 300 megawatts. The Avalon Miner A15 Hydro enhances the miner's performance and lifespan while reducing energy consumption and noise pollution, aligning with Canaan's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy. About Canaan Inc. Established in 2013, Canaan Inc. (NASDAQ: CAN), is a technology company focusing on ASIC high-performance computing chip design, chip research and development, computing equipment production, and software services. Canaan has extensive experience in chip design and streamlined production in the ASIC field. In 2013, Canaan's founding team shipped to its customers the world's first batch of mining machines incorporating ASIC technology in bitcoin 's history under the brand name Avalon. In 2019, Canaan completed its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Market. To learn more about Canaan, please visit https://www.canaan.io/ . Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward−looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward−looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Canaan Inc.'s strategic and operational plans, contain forward−looking statements. Canaan Inc. may also make written or oral forward−looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Canaan Inc.'s beliefs and expectations, are forward−looking statements. Forward−looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward−looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the bitcoin industry and the price of bitcoin ; the Company's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products, especially its bitcoin mining machines; the Company's expectations regarding maintaining and strengthening its relationships with production partners and customers; the Company's investment plans and strategies, fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; competition in its industry; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company and cryptocurrency . Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Canaan Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward−looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contacts Canaan Inc. Xi Zhang Email: IR@canaan-creative.com ICR, LLC. Robin Yang Tel: +1 (347) 396-3281 Email: canaan.ir@icrinc.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canaan-inc-signs-agreement-with-agm-group-holdings-inc-302330362.html SOURCE Canaan Inc. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers headline the action-packed Christmas Day lineup and will go against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors . James still looks forward to playing against his former foe during the holiday season because of their shared court experience. Fans will tune in to ESPN and ABC on Dec, 25 as the Lakers-Warriors game will be the fourth out of the five games on the special day. On Monday, James and his team suffered a 117-114 loss against the Detroit Pistons . The All-Star forward discussed playing his former adversary over the holidays after the game. “Anytime you get an opportunity to be on the court and compete versus one of the greats that have played this game,” James said. “You don’t take it for granted. Like I said, ‘How many more opportunities we’ll get them to go against each other, so it’s always fun.” Over the summer, James and Curry played together for Team USA, leading the national team to a gold medal finish. The Lakers star was asked what it would mean if he wins against his former national team colleague on Christmas. “Depends on what side I’m on,” he continued. “Got to see it this past summer with Team USA and it’s been a great feeling, I’ve seen on the other side and that’s what we’re for.” When the Lakers and Warriors match up Wednesday, it will be the 4th time LeBron James and Stephen Curry will have played each other on Christmas. LeBron: “I don’t know how many more opportunities we’re going to get to go against each other ...” pic.twitter.com/y8MCZJR1aD — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 24, 2024 James has been around in the league and appeared in 18 Christmas Day games. During that stretch, he’s averaged 26.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists with a 10-8 record. Curry, on the other hand, has played 10 games on the special holiday, earning a 4-6 record. During the holidays, he’s averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists. LeBron James wants the Lakers to play with more physicality Following the Lakers’ loss to the Pistons, LeBron James addressed one of the main issues the team has struggled with. According to him, Los Angeles needs to match the opposing team’s physicality to try and win. “We just gotta match physicality with physicality,” James said. “ I can’t speak for nobody but myself when it comes to there. I’m a football player so I don’t mind physicality, to be honest. As a team, we just gotta be better with it – just be strong, that’s all.” LeBron was asked if opposing teams’ physicality is getting the best of the Lakers. His response: “I’m a football player so I don’t mind physicality, to be honest.” (via @mcten ) pic.twitter.com/1eNGRLTdVr — Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 24, 2024 This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.
Anna Moneymaker A Fed rate hike in 2025 may not be out of the question. Forward contracts for the 3-month Treasury bill—specifically the 12-month and 18-month forward rates—are trading above the current 3-month Treasury bill spot rate. This indicates that the Join Reading The Markets Reading the Markets helps readers cut through all the noise, delivering daily video and written market commentaries to prepare you for upcoming events. We use a repeated and detailed process of watching the fundamental trends, technical charts, and options trading data. The process helps isolate and determine where a stock, sector, or market may be heading over various time frames. Michael Kramer is the founder of Mott Capital, and is a long-only investor who focuses on macro themes and studies trends and options activities to identify and assess entry and exit points for investments in his long-term focused thematic growth strategy. He is a former buy-side trader, analyst, and portfolio manager with 30 years of experience tracking market technicals, fundamentals, and options. Michael Kramer leads the investing group Reading the Markets, where he helps a devoted following of members to better understand what is driving trading and where the market is likely heading, both the short and long-term. Features of the investing group include: daily written commentary and videos analyzing the driving factors behind price action; general macro trend education to help members make well-informed decisions based on market conditions, interest rates, currency movements and how they all interact; chat for questions and community dialogue; and regular Zoom videos sessions to discuss current ideas and answer questions. The level of access RTM subscribers and the expertise of the source are unprecedented given that the subscription price is a fraction of similar technical coaching and mentoring services. Learn more. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Charts used with the permission of Bloomberg Finance L.P. This report contains independent commentary to be used for informational and educational purposes only. Michael Kramer is a member and investment adviser representative with Mott Capital Management. Mr. Kramer is not affiliated with this company and does not serve on the board of any related company that issued this stock. All opinions and analyses presented by Michael Kramer in this analysis or market report are solely Michael Kramer’s views. 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Dolphins pass rusher Bradley Chubb will not play this seasonNissan CFO Stephen Ma to step down amid restructuring- Bloomberg News
A number of officials and experts in the media field have underlined that Qatar TV has reached an advanced stage of leadership, development and creativity, making it one of the most important media outlets that shape the culture and awareness of the public. In special statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of World Television Day, which falls on Nov 21 of each year, they said that Qatar TV has been able, throughout its journey spanning from 1970 until today, to witness tremendous development, whether at the technical level or the level of programs and the diverse content it provides, including news, cultural, economic, social, artistic and other materials. In this regard, Ali bin Saleh al-Sada, Director of Qatar TV, said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the celebration at Qatar TV of World Television Day is based on its consideration of this national media institution as a great gain for spreading our culture, values and authentic heritage, and that this day represents a message to all followers inside and outside Qatar that it conveys their concerns, explores their dreams and ambitions and strives to be an honest mirror of their reality. He stressed that Qatar TV has become a window through which the world can see the creativity of the younger generation. The Director of Qatar TV noted that television has become stronger and more widespread with its innovative programs that are close to the people, but also with its active platforms on social media and its digital platforms that broadcast diverse and sophisticated cultural, entertainment, media and social content. Therefore, the desired integration has occurred between the screen and the digital platforms, and the exchange of content between them has become evidence that they succeed together. For his part, Saad bin Mohammed al-Rumaihi, Chairman of the Qatar Press Center, said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that this is an opportunity to look back on the long journey of Qatar TV, which began on Aug 15, 1970, passing through several stages until it reached its current state of remarkable development in various fields. He highlighted the distinguished programming and qualified technical cadres the institution has. He reviewed Qatar TV journey since 1974 when it converted to colour television, followed by the addition of channels called 37 and 49 as a parallel channel to present programs in English, in 1982. Al-Rumaihi, who previously held the position of Director of Qatar TV, pointed out that the television's journey was full, as it witnessed the presentation of many programs and coverage, whether live, documentary, drama programs, or others related to competitions, as well as sports programs, and many others Which distinguished Qatar TV, which made it gain a large share of followers in Qatar and the Gulf and those who receive Qatar TV transmissions. The chairman of the Qatar Press Center confirmed that the great effort made by the Ministers of Information who succeeded one another at the Ministry of Information contributed to enhancing the public's communication with television, making it a very important and valuable media process. He pointed out that Qatar TV, since the beginning of its career, has been distinguished by presenting a distinctive news bulletin, which is the 8:30 news bulletin, which enjoyed a large share of followers. Despite the presence of satellite channels at that time, this bulletin maintained its privacy because it covered many local news, and other news that the region was going through at that time. Al-Rumaihi said that Qatar TV kept up with events, especially before it switched to satellite broadcasting, including the political events that it was very distinguished by, and its keenness to be present and provide everything that is useful to the viewer. In turn, Mubarak bin Jaham al-Kuwari, former CEO of Qatar Media Corporation, confirmed in a similar statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), that television is considered one of the important media devices for every person, and therefore a world day was allocated for it, in recognition of what it offers, and because it is linked to peoples lives and touches their conditions, which made it an indispensable device within the family. He noted that throughout the history of television, it has witnessed many aspects of development, and was not limited to one field, as it was in the past, with the presence of terrestrial television, and its broadcast for a limited number of hours per day, but the situation went beyond it to satellite broadcasting, for specialized television channels to later appear, such as documentary, sports, news, drama channels, and others, which created diverse segments of viewers, in addition to other areas in media coverage. He added that among the developments witnessed by television is its presence on social media, which has made it more popular among viewers, and has gained new viewers as a result, which reflects the keenness of television to adapt to the technical development witnessed by the media field in general, noting that television in Qatar has had a share of this development since its inception, as it has been keen to be present in its Gulf and Arab surroundings, not just Qatar, until it has a long history in what it provides of purposeful content that meets the various segments of society. Mubarak bin Jaham al-Kuwari pointed to the State of Qatar's interest in media expansions in the field of television, as channels such as Al Jazeera, Al Rayyan, beIN and Al Arabiya TV have emerged as a result of this interest, which reflects the keenness of the media in Qatar to have a television presence, starting from the early inception and launch, and reaching the stages of development. The celebration of World Television Day on November 21 of each year came under a UN resolution issued in 1996, and aims to recognize the increasing influence of television in decision-making by drawing public attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security, and its role in increasing focus on other key issues, including economic and social issues. This event came as a recognition of the increasing influence of television in the decision-making process, which means recognizing it as a basic means of conveying information to, communicating and influencing public opinion, and its impact on global politics, its presence in it and its influence on its course cannot be denied. Related Story QF signs pact to enhance cultural, religious education FBQ Museum hosts Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture exhibitionRICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Jaden Green and Geoffrey Jamiel scored on long plays in the fourth quarter and unseeded Lehigh rallied to defeat No. 9 Richmond 20-16 on Saturday in a first-round game of the FCS playoffs. Lehigh advances to a second-round game at eighth-seeded Idaho on Dec. 7. The Mountain Hawks trailed 16-7 early in the fourth quarter after Richmond's Sean Clarke scored on a 7-yard pass from Camden Coleman. Green dashed 65 yards for a touchdown on the next play from scrimmage and Lehigh trailed 16-14 with 10 1/2 minutes remaining. The Mountain Hawks (9-3) forced a three-and-out, then Jamiel and Hayden Johnson connected on a 56-yard pass play for the go-ahead touchdown. The Spiders were stopped short of midfield on their final drive but nearly came up with a huge play when Lehigh's Quanye Veney muffed the punt at his own 14-yard line. Ignatious Williams recovered the loose ball for Lehigh to preserve the win. Johnson completed 14 of 18 passes for 199 yards. Jamiel caught 10 for 137 yards. Coleman was 24-of-37 passing for 199 yards. Zach Palmer-Smith had 107 yards rushing for Richmond (10-3). Richmond had 249 yards of total offense in the first half but managed only three short field goals by Sean O'Haire. The scoring drives were 76, 70 and 64 yards and Richmond controlled the ball for nearly 21 minutes in the first half. Lehigh took a 7-6 lead on Johnson's 7-yard TD pass to Logan Galletta, but the Spiders answered with O'Haire's third field goal for a 9-7 halftime lead. This is 13-time Patriot League champion Lehigh's first playoff appearance since 2017. Lehigh and Richmond will have a rematch in the 2025 season opener at Lehigh. It will be Richmond's debut as a member of the Patriot League. 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-footballNEW YORK — Juan Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time Thursday after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. “They showed me a lot of love. ... How they're going to make it comfortable for me,” he said. "That's one of the things I was looking for." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, he was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. “They always talk about family. They always talk about stick(ing) together,” Soto said. “That's one of the things that opened my eyes.” Security men in gray suits wearing earpieces were off to the side. Soto walked in led by Boras, wearing a dark suit, black turtle neck shirt and gold chain with his No. 22. “I’m excited by the Mets future,” Cohen said. “I think this accelerates our goal of winning championships.” Soto chose the Mets' offer on Sunday, deciding to leave the Yankees after helping them reach the World Series in his only season in the Bronx. SAN FRANCISCO — Willy Adames wasted little time making one thing clear: He wants to play all 162 games for the San Francisco Giants. So when introduced as their new shortstop Thursday, Adames looked to his left and gently put a hand on manager Bob Melvin's right shoulder, smiled and said, “if he lets me.” Melvin might not need much convincing, thrilled to suddenly have stability at a position that lacked continuity this year in his first season as skipper. Adames didn't hesitate to also offer a thought to new boss Buster Posey: He plans to win a few championships with the Giants just like the catcher-turned-executive did here. Surrounded by his parents and other family and friends, Adames was formally introduced and welcomed at Oracle Park after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract — the first big, splashy move made by Posey since he became President of Baseball Operations in late September. “There’s no words to describe my feeling right now to be here in this beautiful city, I’m just so happy to be here,” Adames said. "... This is a dream come true for me. I’m thrilled to be here, I’m so excited. Hopefully we can win a few championships like you did, and that’s one of the main reasons I’m here.” PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, was postponed on Thursday and scheduled to resume June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Only three out of 31 witnesses arrived to the hearing on Thursday. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. “There is no case against Wander, for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now,” Franco's lead lawyer Teodosio Jáquez told The Associated Press after the hearing. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Microsoft is giving Copilot a new taskbar UI and keyboard shortcut on WindowsStrictly fans furious as they blast judges for ‘under-scoring’ star – saying ‘that should have been four tens’Firefighters are continuing to battle a fast-moving brush fire that erupted in Malibu, California, earlier this week, prompting thousands of residents to flee their homes, including local celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke, Gary Busey, and Cher. On Tuesday, the award-winning “Mary Poppins” star released a statement online, confirming that he and his wife, Arlene, had safely evacuated their home, taking all but one of their animals with them. Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, said the couple’s beloved cat, Bobo, managed to escape while they were leaving. Cher’s publicist, Liz Rosenberg, told the Associated Press that the singer fled her Malibu home and had checked into a hotel. The Epoch Times reached out to Rosenberg for further comment. However, another famous Malibu resident, Mark Hamill, told his social media followers that he was sheltering in place. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning earlier in the day for “dangerous fire weather conditions” across portions of Southern California, citing strong Santa Ana winds and very low humidity. Mandatory evacuations were subsequently issued for Serra Retreat, a gated community in Malibu, and later extended to the surrounding area, affecting about 12,600 residents. During a news conference held Tuesday evening, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the entire area remains under threat. “As long as the current red flag conditions persist, strong winds and low humidities will continue to challenge firefighters on the line and in the air as they struggle to contain the stubborn fire,” Marrone noted. As of Wednesday afternoon, the brush fire had burned more than 4,000 acres and was 7 percent contained. The official cause of the Franklin fire, which comes six years after the historic Woolsey Fire devastated the same region, is still under investigation. Public schools in the area will remain closed throughout the week. Pepperdine University, a private Christian university located in Malibu, also announced class cancellations and the postponement of semester finals due to the fire. The following day, Pepperdine said power had been restored to its Malibu campus. “We will do everything in our power to continue to support them in the days ahead,” Gash said. “As we emerge from this challenge, we will remain rooted in faith, leaning on one another, and serving our Malibu community together with God’s help.”
Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israel expels patients from a hospital in Gaza TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers raided a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya on Tuesday, as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.AP News Summary at 3:08 p.m. EST
Fluence Energy, Inc. Announces Closing of Offering of $400.0 Million of Convertible Senior Notes due 2030
NEW YORK — Juan Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time Thursday after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. “They showed me a lot of love. ... How they're going to make it comfortable for me,” he said. "That's one of the things I was looking for." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, he was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. “They always talk about family. They always talk about stick(ing) together,” Soto said. “That's one of the things that opened my eyes.” Security men in gray suits wearing earpieces were off to the side. Soto walked in led by Boras, wearing a dark suit, black turtle neck shirt and gold chain with his No. 22. “I’m excited by the Mets future,” Cohen said. “I think this accelerates our goal of winning championships.” Soto chose the Mets' offer on Sunday, deciding to leave the Yankees after helping them reach the World Series in his only season in the Bronx. SAN FRANCISCO — Willy Adames wasted little time making one thing clear: He wants to play all 162 games for the San Francisco Giants. So when introduced as their new shortstop Thursday, Adames looked to his left and gently put a hand on manager Bob Melvin's right shoulder, smiled and said, “if he lets me.” Melvin might not need much convincing, thrilled to suddenly have stability at a position that lacked continuity this year in his first season as skipper. Adames didn't hesitate to also offer a thought to new boss Buster Posey: He plans to win a few championships with the Giants just like the catcher-turned-executive did here. Surrounded by his parents and other family and friends, Adames was formally introduced and welcomed at Oracle Park after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract — the first big, splashy move made by Posey since he became President of Baseball Operations in late September. “There’s no words to describe my feeling right now to be here in this beautiful city, I’m just so happy to be here,” Adames said. "... This is a dream come true for me. I’m thrilled to be here, I’m so excited. Hopefully we can win a few championships like you did, and that’s one of the main reasons I’m here.” PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, was postponed on Thursday and scheduled to resume June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Only three out of 31 witnesses arrived to the hearing on Thursday. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. “There is no case against Wander, for as many witnesses as they present, there is no case now,” Franco's lead lawyer Teodosio Jáquez told The Associated Press after the hearing. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!MLB NOTES