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Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks slipped in afternoon trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 was up by less than 0.1% and is on track for a loss for the week after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 58 points, or 0.1% to 43,856 as of 3 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq rose 0.1% and is hovering around its record. Broadcom surged 24.9% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company's big gain helped cushion the market's broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Even so, some big tech stocks were in the red Friday. Nvidia slid 2.6%, Meta Platforms dropped 1.7% and Netflix was down 0.7%. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 14.2% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. Wall Street's rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve's last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year . The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank's 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed's policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. “Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy,” he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.40% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.
Fox News contributor David Webb joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss anti-Israel protests on Thanksgiving in NYC, Biden's warning to journalists and Christian schools reportedly being targeted under Biden's Education Department. An anti-Israel convention that was recently held in a Chicago suburb offered advice to college students on how they could make their campus "Palestinian." The Free Press reported on the 17th Annual Convention for Palestine, which took place last week at the Tinley Park Convention Center, dubbing itself "the largest gathering for Palestine in the US" according to its website. There was a game called "Crisis Room" aimed at "figur[ing] out strategies" on how to combat an Israeli official appearing on their campus. "A war criminal is coming to your campus," Jenin Alharithi, a recent graduate of University of Illinois in Chicago who led the game, told the participants, according to the report . "What are you going to do?" ADL STUDY FINDS JEWISH JOBSEEKERS FACE SIGNIFICANT DISCRIMINATION IN US LABOR MARKET AHEAD OF NEW TRUMP ADMIN American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) hosts its 17th Annual Convention for Palestine, advocating for Palestine, in Tinley Park village of Illinois, United States on November 30, 2024. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images) A participant responded by saying the students should organize a protest and recruit demonstrators through the messaging app Telegram. Another raised concerns about accusations of antisemitism, suggesting the anti-Israel group Jewish Voice for Peace join the protest. "The first complaint is going to be ‘Oh, this is antisemitic,’ " she said. "I think we need like a JVP, or something like that, with Jewish people. We want White people, Jewish students there." AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL SLAMMED OVER REPORT CHARGING ISRAEL WITH GENOCIDE: ‘DOUBLE STANDARDS’ Hundreds gathered for the anti-Israel encampment at the University of Chicago last spring. (Joseph A. Wulfsohn/Fox News Digital) The convention was hosted by American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), a nonprofit the Free Press noted is currently under a congressional investigation over its alleged ties to Hamas. Among its speakers was Council on American-Islamic Relations executive director Nihad Awad, who sparked outrage last year when he said he was " happy to see " the terrorist attack unfold on October 7. Other sessions geared towards college students include "Make Your Campus Palestinian" to "amplify the voices of Palestinian students" and to effectively oppose "anti-Palestinianism." Another called "In Front of the Lens" trained them how to write press releases and address "tricky questions" from journalists like whether they "support terrorism" like Hamas. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS "I would say, ‘No, I do not support terrorism,’ and then I would go over the things that Israel does—I would say, ‘I do not support the eviction of innocent Palestinians, I do not support the shooting of Palestinian children,'" one participant responded. "You don’t want them to put you on the defensive. You have to put them on the defensive." There was also a session called "Bringing Activism to Professionalism" which taught students how they could integrate "Palestinian activism into their craft." Anti-Israel protesters disrupt the 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, U.S., November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (Reuters/Brendan McDermid) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP College campuses have had widespread anti-Israel protests following the events of Oct. 7. Last spring, student activists created encampments , causing tension with college administrators. More recently, a group of protesters temporarily disrupted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to joseph.wulfsohn@fox.com and on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JENNIFER PELTZ NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won’t include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn’t sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump” who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.
London police make 500 arrests using facial recognition tech LONDON: London ́s Metropolitan Police force said on Friday that it had used facial recognition technology to make more than 500 arrests in 2024 for offences ranging from shoplifting to rape. The force uses live facial recognition in specific areas of the UK capital, positioning a van equipped with cameras in a pre-agreed location. The cameras capture live footage of passers-by and compare their faces against a pre-approved watchlist, generating an alert if a match is detected.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 HBX Group, a leader in the B2B TravelTech space, has introduced a transformative AI-powered training solution designed to help customer service agents hone their skills in a dynamic, real-world environment. This innovative tool allows agents to practice conversations with simulated customers, providing them with the confidence and competence needed to excel in actual customer interactions. What makes this AI training platform truly stand out is its ability to create lifelike conversations in 13 different languages, allowing agents to engage in a wide variety of customer service scenarios. From simple queries to complex issues, the system adapts to the needs of each agent, offering four levels of difficulty, from beginner to expert. This customization makes it possible for each agent to progress at their own pace, ensuring a training experience that is as unique as they are. Whether just starting out or looking to fine-tune their skills, agents have the opportunity to learn in a way that best suits their individual needs. One of the most exciting features of the platform is how it lightens the load on trainers. The self-paced, AI-driven model means agents can train independently, reducing the need for constant supervision. This shift allows trainers to focus on more strategic tasks, like assessing team performance and identifying areas for improvement. As a result, companies not only get more out of their training budgets but also create more agile, skilled teams who are ready to deliver exceptional service. A Human-Centered Approach to Training in the Digital Age As businesses in the TravelTech sector face increasing pressure to meet the evolving expectations of customers, HBX Group’s AI training solution is a timely and much-needed innovation. By offering agents a safe space to practice and learn, the platform builds confidence and prepares them to handle even the toughest customer service challenges. In a world where technology can sometimes feel distant, this AI solution brings a human touch to the training process—allowing agents to feel supported, ready, and empowered. It’s not just about teaching agents how to respond to customers; it’s about making them feel heard, capable, and ready to deliver exceptional service with empathy and expertise. HBX Group’s AI tool is a glimpse into the future of workforce training—where technology enhances the human experience, helping people develop the skills they need to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-centric world. This is more than just a tech solution; it’s a tool that nurtures growth, both for the agents using it and the businesses they represent. With this AI-powered training, HBX Group is setting a new standard for how technology can make a real difference in the customer service industry. ‘The AI ‘trainer’ is a game-changer for customer service,” says Xabi Zabala, Chief Operations Officer of HBX Group. “It helps agents simulate a multitude of realistic situations and gain confidence much faster. They are better prepared to deliver excellent service, which improves customer experience.” HBX Group aims to extend the application of this technology across various operational and commercial areas, ensuring secure and efficient deployment as it takes the lead in driving innovation within the TravelTech sector.
When Sen. Elizabeth Warren begins her third term in the U.S. Senate next month, the dynamics in Washington, D.C., will change dramatically, and the outspoken Democrat is concerned about what Donald Trump's second term could mean for Massachusetts. During an interview for Sunday's episode of "On The Record," Warren spoke about the effort to lock down federal funding for the Sagamore Bridge replacement so it cannot be blocked or revoked by the incoming Trump administration. She shared that the Massachusetts delegation and Gov. Maura Healey's team are working together to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to finalize nearly $2 billion in federal funding. Because the total was pieced together through a number of grants and programs, she said it's not as simple as getting one check written. "With any other administration, of course, it would be guaranteed. It's already been allocated and so on," Warren said. "What we are working feverishly to do is literally to lock the doors and windows so there's no way to pull the money back." Warren also acknowledged that the funding they are working to ensure applies only to the Sagamore Bridge. Replacing its twin, the Bourne Bridge, will require the development of entirely new funding. The senator also stressed a political point about the fear of political retribution that the incoming Trump administration creates for so-called blue states like Massachusetts. "In the four years that Joe Biden was president and the eight years that Barack Obama was president, a lot more money actually went to red states on things like infrastructure and health care because the need was greater. The idea that what will happen in a Trump administration is just strike back simply because we are a blue state, I think it really tells us of a level of corruption — it's another form of corruption — it's about a political corruption that infects this administration and it troubles me deeply," Warren said.
Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks slipped in afternoon trading Friday as Wall Street closes out a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 was up by less than 0.1% and is on track for a loss for the week after three straight weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 58 points, or 0.1% to 43,856 as of 3 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq rose 0.1% and is hovering around its record. Broadcom surged 24.9% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. The company also raised its dividend. The company's big gain helped cushion the market's broader fall. Pricey stock values for technology companies like Broadcom give the sector more weight in pushing the market higher or lower. Artificial intelligence technology has been a focal point for the technology sector and the overall stock market over the last year. Tech companies, and Wall Street, expect demand for AI to continue driving growth for semiconductor and other technology companies. Even so, some big tech stocks were in the red Friday. Nvidia slid 2.6%, Meta Platforms dropped 1.7% and Netflix was down 0.7%. Furniture and housewares company RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged 14.2% after raising its forecast for revenue growth for the year. Wall Street's rally stalled this week amid mixed economic reports and ahead of the Federal Reserve's last meeting of the year. The central bank will meet next week and is widely expected to cut interest rates for a third time since September. Expectations of a series of rate cuts has driven the S&P 500 to 57 all-time highs so far this year . The Fed has been lowering its benchmark interest rate following an aggressive rate hiking policy that was meant to tame inflation. It raised rates from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023. Inflation eased under pressure from higher interest rates, nearly to the central bank's 2% target. The economy, including consumer spending and employment, held strong despite the squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. A slowing job market, though, has helped push a long-awaited reversal of the Fed's policy. Inflation rates have been warming up slightly over the last few months. A report on consumer prices this week showed an increase to 2.7% in November from 2.6% in October. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the personal consumption expenditures index, will be released next week. Wall Street expects it to show a 2.5% rise in November, up from 2.3% in October. The economy, though, remains solid heading into 2025 as consumers continue spending and employment remains healthy, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. “Still, the outlook is clouded by unusually high uncertainty surrounding regulatory, immigration, trade and tax policy,” he said. Treasury yields edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.40% from 4.34% late Thursday. European markets slipped. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.1%. Britain’s economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.1% month-on-month in October, following a 0.1% decline in September, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Asian markets closed mostly lower.