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General Motors has made a series of moves in recent months to quietly restructure its business to be as agile as possible going into a wildly uncertain 2025, and analysts said the market should be applauding it. "GM is adjusting to a new reality, and they're become a leaner and a meaner GM," Dan Ives, managing director at Wedbush Securities, told the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday. "I'd say they're quasi-restructuring, meaning they are putting good assets after good and eliminating the bad." GM's most recent change came Tuesday when the automaker announced it would walk away from the billions of dollars it invested in Cruise's robotaxi fleet development since 2016 to instead focus on putting autonomous driving technology on personal vehicles that GM can sell to the public. GM is the largest stakeholder in the self-driving technology company Cruise. “When I first saw the news, I thought, ‘Oh thank God! It’s the new GM,’ “ Mike Ward, managing director of research at Freedom Capital Markets, told the Free Press Wednesday. “The old GM would have been stubborn and kept throwing billions at it. GM can’t compete with Waymo. GM doesn’t need to be in the robotaxi business. This move shows capital discipline. What got GM into bankruptcy in 2008? Undisciplined capital allocation, plain and simple.” Ives agreed, saying it was smart to cut the cord on a program that won't deliver profits anytime soon, if ever. But, he said, "It's bad that they spent all that money and they didn't get anything." Holiday deals: Shop this season’s top products and sales curated by our editors. The Cruise decision is just the latest big move announced by GM. Earlier this month, the company said it will sell back its investment in a battery cell plant being built in Lansing, Michigan to its Ultium Cells joint venture partner LG Energy Solution. That's expected to deliver about $1 billion to GM's coffers. But then GM said it will record a total of nearly $5 billion in non-cash charges against its fourth-quarter net income. GM is in the midst of a massive restructuring of its operations in China that is funded by its partners there. When that's completed, GM expects to be profitable in the world's largest auto market again. In November, GM cut a total of about 1,000 salaried and hourly employees globally as part of the new salaried employee ranking system as well as the "normal course of business" to achieve better operating efficiency. GM said it will also stop using its Yuma Desert Proving Grounds in Arizona for hot-weather vehicle testing. In September, GM inked a deal with Hyundai Motor Co . to look into areas where the two automakers might collaborate in the future. GM admits to considering a change in tactics Not all is lost in GM's latest move with Cruise. Ives and Ward acknowledge that Cruise did bring GM access to technology that has helped improve safety features across its broader lineup and helped attract top software engineers to the automaker. Two high-level software executives left GM earlier this year. Morningstar Autos Analyst David Whiston said GM is restructuring its business model in a sense, but that's good, noting that "the word (restructuring) tends to be associated with companies in trouble and needing a lot of work. In this case GM is not in trouble, but they know they need to change a lot to remain competitive versus Tesla and the Chinese," which are dominating the electric vehicle market globally. The industry as a whole is adjusting to slower-than-expected adoption of EVs , with added uncertainty in the U.S. from President-elect Donald Trump's expected elimination of incentives for people to buy the cars. GM recalls: Over 132,000 Chevrolet, GMC trucks recalled over tailgate issue: See affected models GM's decision to put the brakes on Cruise's robotaxi business reiterated the automaker's disciplined spending philosophy, a message that CFO Paul Jacobson has drilled into Wall Street analysts since earlier this fall. At GM's Investor Day in October, he said the company expects the auto industry to sell about 16 million new vehicles for all of next year, which is "consistent with where we have seen it.” That would be either flat or slightly below where sales could end up this year, based on predictions. Jacobson said that before the election, however. With a new administration heading to the White House, uncertainty rules the day. Trump has talked of repealing parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, notably the $7,500 federal tax credit to consumers for the purchase of electric vehicles, which has helped GM and other carmakers sell EVs despite a lagging public-charger infrastructure. The industry also faces the possibility that Trump will follow through on his threat to raise tariffs on products imported from Mexico and Canada, where all three Detroit automakers have factories in Mexico and Canada. An increase in tariffs, which are the taxes imposed on products when they cross borders, could mean huge cost bumps to automakers. Amid all of this, Jacobson has said that at some point next year, GM's losses on its EVs would narrow by $2 billion to $4 billion. On Dec. 4, an analyst asked Jacobson at the UBS Global Industrials and Transportation Conference in Florida if that goal holds true even if Trump repeals the federal tax credit on EV purchases and rolls back other environmental regulations next year. “I won’t speculate on what policy is going to do, other than to just to say we’ve got to remain agile. We’ve done that for more than a century across 20 presidents," Jacobson said. "Things change. While there might be some changes that are pretty big shifts, we’ve always endeavored to say we want the products to sell themselves." GM will remain focused on the customer, Jacobson said, but he added, "it might mean we have to change tactics a little bit.” GM is prepared to shift its all-electric strategy , including its plan to bring plug-in hybrid technology to certain models in North America in 2027, if the Trump administration eases environmental regulations on new vehicles, he said. Barra pushes back as she considers the future Jacobson's comments, combined with GM's recent moves, provide a glimpse into the company's view of the future, experts said. "GM is thinking more about the long term than about 2025, which probably is going to be a difficult year," said Erik Gordon, business professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. "GM reconsidered what had been key pieces of its business plans — China and EVs and AVs — and now thinks they are less important, are drags on profits, and consume a lot of cash." GM committed to invest some $35 billion toward EV and AV development through 2025. Gordon noted that many investors thought the China market was a "crucial future market." "Analysts said that a car company that fell behind in EVs or AVs was doomed," Gordon added. "GM did what it was pushed to do. Now (CEO Mary Barra) is pushing back. She doesn't like markets where the company loses piles of money. She never has. That is why she got GM out of Europe in 2017." GM will be more profitable by conserving capital now to have it on hand later to develop new products as the market shifts in the future, Gordon said. Kevin Mixer, senior director analyst for automotive manufacturing at Gartner, said GM’s moves all signal that it’s preparing for the worst. “It does appear that the strategy has become ‘battening down the hatches’ to drive back to the basics of manufacturing consumer vehicles as the industry heads into uncertainties and economic headwinds,” Mixer told the Free Press on Wednesday. “Recent business ventures being rethought for near-term revenue contribution.” GM's response to Wall Street's calls China is still important to GM. It's the company's second-largest market behind the United States. But the restructuring happening there will be funded by GM's partners, the automaker does not need to infuse any cash in it. Regarding China, Jacobson said earlier this month at UBS: "We expect to be in a position to be profitable next year ... on a much smaller scale, but that’s OK as long as it’s not a significant capital draw. Some tough decisions have to be made in that space. But it preserves our ability to remain profitable." Similarly, Jacobson said Tuesday in relation to the Cruise news that the company realized that to continue down the path of deploying, maintaining and operating a robotaxi fleet would require a heavy capital investment on top of "the $10 billion we've already invested in it." It made more sense to direct resources to further advancing GM's existing hands-free technology in Super Cruise, which is offered on 20 vehicles. GM had been spending about $2 billion a year supporting Cruise and has never had a return on its investment since 2016. GM expects this restructuring to lower its spending on Cruise by more than $1 billion annually after the proposed plan is completed, which is expected in the first half of 2025. Cruise had been operating human-supervised fleets of self-driving vehicles in Phoenix, Dallas and Houston since summer after a pause caused by a pedestrian injury . Now, with the robotaxi idea dead, China's restructuring in the hands of its partners and the company having shed jobs it did not deem necessary, GM can focus on the strategic opportunities, while cutting costs, Ives said. "Wall Street wants to see a focused GM and Barra, and the team have heard the calls. It's why the stock has done so well this year," Ives said. Shares of the Detroit automaker have risen more than 50% this year, but some of that has been through $12.4 billion in stock buybacks since last November. GM has said it will continue making stock repurchases for the foreseeable future. The 'sea change' at GM Ives said GM is now set up well for whatever may come in 2025. Whiston agreed saying, "I don’t think they are pessimistic about 2025, but they are hyperfocused on capital efficiency and reducing costs." Others appear to agree. Morgan Stanley recently upgraded GM stock to "equal-weight" in its 2025 U.S. Autos Outlook. Autos analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a Wednesday research note that the Cruise robotaxi news is consistent with the "narrative-changing discipline" in GM's other recent moves that show improved execution and capital spending discipline, which led to that upgrade. Freedom Capital Market's Ward said people are not giving GM enough credit for its decision on Cruise, noting GM is not getting out of autonomous-active safety; it is just shifting it to various degrees of use on personal cars. “I think GM’s very optimistic about 2025," Ward said. "There’s been a sea change at General Motors. Their lack of capital discipline got them into trouble in the 1990s and 2000s. They’re doing a restructuring in China, but the Chinese joint venture is paying for it. When you’re looking at a new year and how you’re allocating capital, you look at this robotaxi and say does this make sense? No, it doesn’t. They made the right call on that." The Detroit Three automakers should always be cautious heading into the new year, Ward said, because the auto industry is capital-intensive, labor-intensive, cyclical, low growth, highly regulated and highly competitive. "So if you’re Paul Jacobson, the CFO at General Motors, and you have to present a capital plan to your constituents and have the board sign off on it," Ward said, "you better be conservative." Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com . Follow her on Twitter @ jlareauan .online casino real money 。

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:05 p.m. EST

2025 NFL Draft order: Major shakeup at the top after Giants, Raiders and Jaguars all win in Week 17FCC CHAIRWOMEN ROSENWORCEL ANNOUNCES HER DEPARTURE FROM THE FCC and the Commissioners Adopt the Report and Order for Caller ID Authentication Rules

Aurangzeb expresses intention to shut down Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation, create alternative mechanism for maintaining strategic reserves Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting export-led growth, identifying agriculture and information technology (IT) as twin sectors to drive Pakistan’s sustainable economic growth. Speaking to farmers and stakeholders in Kamalia (Toba Tek Singh), Aurangzeb emphasised that agriculture and IT were crucial to Pakistan’s economic future. “We are very clear, agriculture and IT have to lead this country as we move forward,” he said. Aurangzeb optimistic about economic trajectory amid positive indicators He said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme was focused on stabilisation. “If agriculture and IT face difficulties, it will be because of us, so we should find solution and promote these sectors for sustainable economic development.” Aurangzeb expressed concern that despite numerous research institutions working to develop the agriculture sector, they could not produce desired results in promoting crop yields. He noted that a significant portion of finances (80%) go towards salaries, leaving only 20% for research work, which he said should have been otherwise. The minister stated that the government successfully achieved macroeconomic stability, a crucial foundation for GDP growth. “Building on this achievement, Pakistan’s economy is poised to transition towards sustainable growth from 2025 onwards. “Notably, this claim of economic stability isn’t just a government assertion, but has also been corroborated by independent sources, lending credibility to the country’s economic progress,” he added. Highlighted achievements he said that the government was successful in ensuring macroeconomic stability, reducing inflation to a single digit , and decreasing interest rates . He also mentioned an increase in consumption of cement and fertiliser, as well as a 58% surge in auto-sales, as indicators of the government’s prudent policies. Aurangzeb reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing reforms in taxation, energy, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) sectors, and emphasised the need to improve Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which currently stands at 9-10%, and aims to increase it to 13.5%. The minister also announced plans to simplify the taxation process, ensure digitisation, and reduce human intervention. On energy, Aurangzeb expressed hope that energy tariffs would come down, and efforts were underway to check leakages in DISCOS by bringing reforms with private sector engagement, the finance minister informed. He reiterated that the government’s role was to ensure regulations, while the private sector should lead the economy. The minister expressed intention to shut down Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) and create an alternative mechanism for maintaining strategic reserves, may be in private sector. He also questioned the effectiveness the Higher Education Commission. Aurangzeb assured farmers and stakeholders of his full support in addressing their grievances, emphasising the government’s commitment to serving the people of Pakistan.The US State and Treasury departments said they hit Georgian Dream party founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili with penalties “for undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation”, according to a statement. The designation of Mr Ivanishvili is the latest in a series of sanctions the US has placed on Georgian politicians and others this year. Those sanctions include freezes on assets and properties those targeted may have in US jurisdictions or that might enter US jurisdictions as well as travel bans on the targets and members of their families. “We strongly condemn Georgian Dream’s actions under Ivanishvili’s leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures,” the State Department said in a statement. “The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those undermining democracy and human rights in Georgia.” Mr Ivanishvili is a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and served briefly as Georgia’s prime minister. In 2012, he founded Georgian Dream, Georgia’s longtime ruling party. Critics have accused Georgian Dream of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted towards Moscow. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBT+ rights, prompting the European Union to suspend Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely. In October, Georgian Dream won another term in a divisive parliamentary election that has led to more mass protests. Last month, the country’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced a four-year suspension of talks on Georgia’s bid to join the European Union, fuelling further public outrage.

Bitcoin has surpassed the $100,000 mark as the post-election rally continues. What's next?

Green Bay looks to rebound on the road against Seattle on Sunday nightATLANTA — A month after the November election, a series of major developments has shaken up Georgia’s political landscape as Donald Trump prepares his return to the White House. The president-elect’s announcement Wednesday that he will nominate former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler to his Cabinet was his second appointment that will have broad implications for Georgia’s 2026 races. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) — PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) — Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) on Thursday reported fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $4.32 billion. On a per-share basis, the Palo Alto, California-based company said it had net income of 90 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were $1.42 per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.39 per share. The chipmaker posted revenue of $14.05 billion in the period, which did not meet Street forecasts. Ten analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $14.06 billion. For the year, the company reported profit of $5.9 billion, or $1.23 per share. Revenue was reported as $51.57 billion. For the current quarter ending in January, Broadcom Inc. said it expects revenue in the range of $14.6 billion. Broadcom Inc. shares have climbed 62% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P's 500 index has risen 27%. In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, shares hit $180.66, a rise of 68% in the last 12 months. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on AVGO at https://www.zacks.com/ap/AVGOAlexandria transforms into a winter wonderland with magical Christmas village

THINGS you don’t expect to see of a Friday morning in Wales: Rob Brydon “raw-dogging” a red pepper, James Corden being serenaded by a trumpet and Ruth Jones sipping a warm, fake white wine. But, on Barry Island, anything goes. 6 Clemmie Moodie on set with James Corden and Ruth Jones Credit: Supplied 6 The Gavin and Stacey cast line up for the show's last instalment Credit: BBC 6 Nessa, Smithy and Gavin in a scene from the final show Credit: BBC Ahead of its hugely anticipated Christmas Day return, I have been invited down for an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at Gavin & Stacey. Millions of viewers are expected to tune in to the last show of the cult BBC One comedy drama, a series that made household names of its ridiculously talented writers, James and Ruth. “We’ve thrown absolutely everything at this to try to make it be as satisfactory as it can be for a big audience,” James says. “We started writing 20 years ago and it’s nuts, inconceivable, that it means more to people now than it did 20 years ago. READ MORE ON GAVIN AND STACEY TURN THE PAGE Gavin and Stacey's Joanna Page reveals new role worlds away from BBC comedy WHAT'S OCCURING? Gavin and Stacey’s Joanna Page lands new TV gig days before final episode “I still feel pressure — there’s pressure all the time because you don’t want to let anybody down. “I think it’s the closest you could get to being called up to the England team in terms of something meaning a lot to a lot of people. “You are representing your country right now in a sense, you know? “And so, it’s a lot . . . but we’ve really tried our absolute best.” Most read in News TV A GOOD SPORT BBC star QUITS show after seven years - admitting morning alarms ‘are brutal’ SCREEN TIME STV reveals Hogmanay lineup including Lorraine Kelly and Still Game OFF THE AIR 'Gutted to hear this', fans cry as BBC Scotland series axed after 19 years BRAVE STAR Hollyoaks’ Ali Bastian issues health update to fans amid breast cancer battle Thrillingly though, I have been cast as an extra. But, alas, a stringent NDA code-named “Toffee” means I am not allowed to give away any spoilers or, should I stumble upon a major plot twist, reveal it. I take my role very seriously: Sitting in a beer garden, nursing a zero per cent wine opposite Ruth. I’m in the background (very background) of “scene 32”. Hotel changes name to 'What's Occur-Inn' for last Gavin and Stacey episode Coquettishly, I keep flicking my hair, smiling and laughing unnecessarily, and generally trying to steal the scene. This could be my big break. “I wouldn’t over-think it,” a cameraman later tells me. “We’ll be lucky if we get your shoulder in.” Oh. Still, I am sort of, if you squint, part of Gavin & Stacey folklore now and soon get “papped” by the 100 or so watching fans monitoring uber-Stan account Barrybados — an Instagram fanzine tracking the cast and crew’s every moment. Earlier in the week, 500 of them had gathered on Barry’s Trinity Street, chanting “Oggy, Oggy, Oggy!” on their last day of filming there. Barry Island has done more for Welsh tourism than any PR agency ever could. Genuine chemistry There is also a Premier League football twist to this episode, with one club such a fan of the show, they gifted the cast first team replica shirts (“Toffee” forbids me from saying anything else). For the 0.2 per cent of the population who haven’t seen the show, let’s recap. Gavin & Stacey, centred around the lives of two families: One in Billericay, Essex, the other in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, with Mat Horne and Joanna Page playing the title characters. James, 46, and Ruth, 58, star as Smithy and Nessa, the pair’s best friends, who have a love/hate relationship. Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb star as Gavin’s parents, Pam and Mick, Melanie Walters plays Stacey’s mother Gwen, and Rob Brydon plays Stacey’s uncle Bryn. Imbued with warmth, gentle humour and characters with genuine chemistry, what started life as a BBC Three show quickly garnered a word-of-mouth following, eventually reaching BBC One primetime. 6 Smithy, Pam and Bryn enjoy one last dance Credit: BBC 6 Joanna Page plays Stacey, one of the title characters Credit: BBC The last episode, on December 25, 2019, was the most viewed non-sporting event of the decade, and was left on a cliff-hanger when Nessa proposed to Smithy in the street. Of course, on screen, Ruth is loud-mouthed, larger-than-life and heavily tattooed. Frankly, she is not someone you’d want to bump into on a cold, dark night in winter. Off it, she is softly spoken, incredibly warm and down to earth. Although she is not filming on the day I’m there, she is busy behind the camera, directing proceedings between takes. Her average day sees her arrive on set at 6.30am and spend an hour and a half in make-up, which largely consists of getting her giant Welsh dragon tattoo inked on. Between takes, a team of make-up artists, watching from a small marquee, rush on to set to touch up hair and make-up. Nessa is a chain smoker — so Ruth, a non-smoker, is given honey and rose petal herbal cigarettes to puff away on. Filming finishes around 7pm, and includes an hour’s break for lunch in trailers on an industrial estate nearby. These are long days. I’m blessed with the fact that Nessa is a very static character Ruth Jones Says Ruth, sipping from her pretend drink: “I’m quite old now and I’m quite tired, and the days are pretty full-on. In series one, Nessa was wearing boots, like I am now. But they had a heel, quite a high heel on them, and quite a narrow stiletto heel. “I look at them and think, ‘How the hell did I ever wear these?’. “And now, 17 years later, I’m just having to get my orthotics, so I’ve got a much lower heel. “But also I’m blessed with the fact that Nessa is a very static character. There’s a sort-of bovine elegance to her, I feel, and she moves with great authority, but she doesn’t move fast. “So that’s quite good for me.” You see? Ruth: Very, very funny on and off screen. It is also her birthday, and mid-afternoon the cast interrupt an indoor pub scene for James to present her with a giant cake. Rob gives her some flowers and everyone sings a raucous version of Happy Birthday. Ruth gives a brilliant speech, thanking everyone for being “so wonderful”, and ending it: “Right, let’s all go out tonight and have an orgy later!” “God,” quips Rob, nodding pointedly at me. Fiercely loyal “That’s just what the BBC needs — to be embroiled in yet another sex scandal.” At this point, Rob casually picks up a red pepper and starts loudly and methodically munching on it, stalk and all. “You’ll doubtless be fascinated to hear I also like celery,” he adds, looking at my notebook. It’s clear the cast are good pals. After chatting to James over a canteen aubergine gratin (he has to wash his fork and give it to me when I drop mine down the back of his sofa) the cast gather round as someone plays a mini trumpet. Ruth and James met 25 years ago on the set of ITV drama Fat Friends and have remained, well, real friends ever since. Like any nice baby, Gavin & Stacey was conceived in the Crowne Plaza in Leeds, James reveals (Blue Plaque incoming). They wrote their first episode in a London hotel near Selfridges, on the morning of a This Morning appearance to promote Fat Friends. Ruth, awarded an MBE for services to entertainment in 2014, has enjoyed roles on stage and TV, including Stella, ever since. She has also become a Sunday Times best-selling author and is about to publish her fourth novel. She remains modest, though, insisting she is rarely recognised in real life. “There’s usually places that are more Nessa receptive than others: Marks and Spencer Culverhouse Cross is quite a specific one,” she says. Because I’m not on social media at all, I can’t contact people the normal way really Ruth Jones Her best mate, meanwhile, has gone on to have a meteoric rise to fame, culminating in award-winning roles in Broadway and on the West End, as well as his own smash-hit chat show Stateside, where he attracted the great and good of Hollywood. And Prince Harry. Indeed, the finale is getting the Hollywood treatment. It is made by production company Fulwell 73, the firm behind James’ chat show and some of the world’s starriest movies, music videos and documentaries, and Tidy, Ruth’s own company. Despite rumours that James and co-star Mat don’t get on — the pair were once best friends — it is clear there is no animosity whatsoever. They laugh between takes and are staying in the same five-star Cardiff hotel during my time in Wales . Certainly, Ruth and James’ friendship is stronger than ever. Ruth, being brilliant, is fiercely loyal to her best mate and she has even been known to contact people who have been unkind. She explains: “Honestly, because I’m not on social media at all, I can’t contact people the normal way really. But I have written to people — one a Guardian writer — who was mean about James. I won’t have it.” 'Didn't sit right' We all need a Ruth in our corner. After Gavin & Stacey’s return was mooted earlier this year, there was talk of it being snapped up by Netflix. So how close was the Corporation to losing arguably the greatest jewel in its crown? James says: “Yeah, I think it felt like that probably was something that could have been there. This show is a very special thing, an extraordinary thing, and I’m just really excited for people to see it James Corden “But I also think it would be very harsh on the place that gave us its first chance, you know? “We did think for a moment, though not for very long, about possibly doing a film. “And then we just thought, I don’t know if these are characters you want to see on a big screen. “I think they are people that belong in the corner of your living room on Christmas Day. Read more on the Scottish Sun WARMING UP Scots set for 21C swing as temperature rise to bring an end to sub zero freeze HOT BUY Shoppers race to Primark for fleecy £14 hoodie will keep you cosy on frosty days “So, all that other stuff, the idea of taking it anywhere else, the idea of doing anything else, it didn’t sit right. “This show is a very special thing, an extraordinary thing, and I’m just really excited for people to see it.” 6 The Sun's Clemmie Moodie behind the scenes during filming Credit: Supplied

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NFL stands by Jay-Z amid rape allegation: 'Our relationship is not changing,' Roger Goodell says

Police release new photos as they search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO NEW YORK (AP) — Two law enforcement officials say a masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk used ammunition emblazoned with the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose." The official were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke Thursday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Police also released photos of a person they say is wanted for questioning in the ambush the day before of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The words on the ammunition may have been a reference to tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are bringing Trump's DOGE to Capitol Hill WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s DOGE time at the U.S. Capitol. Billionaire Elon Musk and fellow business titan Vivek Ramaswamy arrived on Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. The two are heading up President-elect Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with its plans to “dismantle” the federal government. Trump tapped the duo to come up with ways for firing federal workers, cutting government programs and slashing federal regulations — all part of Trump's agenda for a second-term at the White House. House Speaker Mike Johnson said there's going to be “a lot of change” in Washington. Hegseth faces senators' concerns not only about his behavior but also his views on women in combat WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth has spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Defense in the wake of high-profile allegations about excessive drinking and sexual assault. But senators in both parties have also expressed concern about another issue — Hegseth’s frequent comments that women should not serve in frontline military combat jobs. As he meets with senators for a fourth day Thursday, his professional views on women troops are coming under deeper scrutiny. Hegseth said this week that “we have amazing women who serve our military.” Pressed if they should serve in combat, Hegseth said they already do. Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatus ISTANBUL (AP) — A Hamas official says that after a weekslong hiatus international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended its talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States over frustration with a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political wing, said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press that there has been a “reactivation” of efforts to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Why the rebel capture of Syria's Hama, a city with a dark history, matters BEIRUT (AP) — One of the darkest moments in the modern history of the Arab world happened more than four decades ago, when then-Syrian President Hafez Assad launched what came to be known as the Hama Massacre. The slaughter was named for the Syrian city where 10,000 to 40,000 people were killed or disappeared in a government attack that began on Feb. 2, 1982, and lasted for nearly a month. Hama was turned into ruins. The memory of the assault and the monthlong siege on the city remains visceral in Syrian and Arab minds. Now Islamist insurgents have captured the city in a moment many Syrians have awaited for over 40 years. France's Macron vows to stay in office till end of term, says he'll name a new prime minister soon PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027 and announced that he will name a new prime minister within days. In his address to the nation on Thursday, Macron came out fighting, laying blame at the door of his opponents on the far right for bringing down the government of Michel Barnier. He said they chose “not to do but to undo” and that they “chose disorder.” The president also said the far right and the far left had united in what he called “an anti-Republican front.” He said he’ll name a new prime minister within days but gave no hints who that might be. 7.0 earthquake off Northern California prompts brief tsunami warning SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The National Weather Service has canceled its tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after there was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. According to the U.S. Geological Survey on Thursday, at least 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning after the earthquake struck. It was felt as far south as San Francisco, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injury. Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s president has replaced his defense minister as opposition parties moved to impeach both men over the stunning-but-brief imposition of martial law that brought armed troops into Seoul streets. Opposition parties are pushing for a vote on motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday evening. They hold 192 seats but need 200 votes for the motion to pass. Yoon’s office said he decided to replace Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun with Choi Byung Hyuk, a retired general who is South Korea’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Kim earlier apologized and said he ordered troops to carry out duties related to martial law. The Foreign Ministry also worked to mitigate the backlash and concern over South Korea's democracy. The US government is closing a women's prison and other facilities after years of abuse and decay WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the federal Bureau of Prisons is permanently closing its “rape club” women’s prison in California and will idle six facilities in a sweeping realignment after years of abuse, decay and mismanagement. The agency informed employees and Congress on Thursday that it plans to shutter the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, and its deactivate minimum-security prison camps in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Florida. Staff and inmates are being moved to other facilities. The closures come amid an AP investigation that has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons. From outsider to the Oval Office, bitcoin surges as a new administration embraces crypto NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin burst on the scene after trust had withered in the financial system and Washington’s ability to protect people from it. Now, it’s Washington’s embrace of bitcoin that’s sending it to records. Bitcoin briefly surged above $103,000 after President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate Paul Atkins, who's seen as friendly to crypto, to be the Securities and Exchange Commission's next chair. The crypto industry, meanwhile, did its part to bring politicians friendly to digital currencies into Washington. It's a twist from bitcoin's early days, when it was lauded as a kind of electronic cash that wouldn’t be beholden to any government or financial institution.PHOENIX — Several people were treated for injuries after a flight from Seattle to Phoenix experienced severe turbulence Thursday night. The Alaska Airlines flight was traveling to Phoenix around 2:30 p.m. when it began to experience turbulence, according to Alaska Airlines officials. According to the FAA, the flight landed at 3:10 p.m. after crew members reported a medical emergency due to turbulence. The FAA is investigating. >> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app Medical professionals met several crew members and one passenger at the gate. In a statement about the incident Alaska Airlines said " We apologize for any concern this experience may have caused our guests. We are appreciative of our dedicated crew for their skill and professionalism in responding to this situation, and are supporting them as they seek additional medical attention." Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV . 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account , or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

'They’re going through hell': TLC Foundation treats children with cancer to free shopping spreeCan't get your kid off their screen? Here's what to doOmdia: Small medium OLED shipment to hit 1 billion units for the first time in 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Daniel Penny chose not to testify and defense lawyers rested their case Friday at his trial in the death of an agitated man he choked on a subway train. Closing arguments are expected after Thanksgiving in the closely watched manslaughter case about the death of Jordan Neely , 30. The encounter between Penny, a white Marine veteran, and Neely, a homeless Black man with mental health and drug problems, has been drawn into U.S. political divides over race, public safety and cities’ ability to handle mental illness and social ills. Penny, 26, has pleaded not guilty. Many criminal defendants don’t take the stand, and juries are routinely instructed that they cannot hold defendants’ silence — a constitutional right — against them. One of Penny’s lawyers, Daniel Kenniff, noted after court that jurors did hear from Penny, in the form of his recorded statements to police minutes and hours after he put Neely in a chokehold. “Virtually everything he said then is consistent with credible testimony of his fellow passengers,” Kenniff said. Penny told police that he wrapped his arm around Neely’s neck, took him to the floor and “put him out” because he was angrily throwing things and making threatening comments. Penny said on police video that he hadn’t wanted to injure Neely but rather to keep him from hurting anyone else. RELATED COVERAGE Pathologist disputes finding that Marine veteran’s chokehold caused subway rider’s death Sister of ex-Marine charged in subway chokehold death testifies to his ‘calm’ spirit and patriotism Former Marine misused a combat technique in fatal chokehold of NYC subway rider, trainer testifies A number of other passengers testified that they were scared of Neely and relieved that Penny grabbed hold of him. A man who later stepped in and held down Neely’s arms, however, told jurors that he urged Penny to let go but that the veteran kept choking Neely for a time. Prosecutors say Penny meant to protect people but recklessly used too much force, overlooking Neely’s humanity and making no effort to spare his life. City medical examiners ruled that the chokehold killed Neely. A pathologist hired by Penny’s defense disputed that finding . Prosecutors, defense lawyers and the judge are set to meet Monday to hash out jury instructions.CAF Confederation Cup: Unuanel backs Enyimba to qualify for quarter-final

A 27-year-old Chicago man faces felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly taking part in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Patrick Gorski, 27, was arrested Thursday and charged with a felony count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and four misdemeanor offenses: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. He was released pending trial, according to court documents. Gorski joins more than 50 other Illinois residents charged in relation to the insurrection, according to prosecutors with the Northern District Court of Illinois. Gorski attended the “Stop the Steal” rally before marching toward the Capitol building with others, prosecutors said. Wearing a “Make America Great Again” hoodie and hat, he climbed a wall onto the northwest stairs, taking selfies and helping other rioters remove tarps from the inaugural scaffolding and passing a bike rack to others in the mob. The group broke the police line while Gorski allegedly shouted “This is our house” and “Let us in,” before he made his way to the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, prosecutors said. He is then alleged to have entered again near the Senate Wing door at 3:14 p.m. before trying to re-enter the building through the East Rotunda Doors, though police kept him and others out. Gorski, who previously worked as a freelance photographer in Chicago, told investigators he hadn’t been at the riot but was in Washington sightseeing, according to court documents. He also said anyone who alleged he was there was only doing so because of his political views. In messages obtained by investigators, Gorski often shared election conspiracies and later discussed being there with friends, according to court documents. “Last time this happened it was done by the British in 1812 regardless this was one of the most historical things ever,” he wrote in a message to a friend Jan. 6, 2021. “Zero media covering it when it was actually happening [sic] I was the closest thing to a photographer there.” After at least four tips identified him as someone who had been part of the riot, he began messaging people he thought had sent the tips, according to court documents. “I did nothing wrong lol please put me in the select j6 committee [sic] to show it was people like you that gave up our country,” he said to a friend he believed gave the FBI tips on his whereabouts that day. “I don’t know what you thought you’d get out of it by submitting my name to a database when it is already public.” Another Illinois man charged in the attack, Theodore Middendorf of McLeansboro , has now sought to delay a guilty plea resulting from the riot. His lawyer argued that Trump’s election means “there will be an upcoming, likely significant, change in administration and uncertainty” around how such cases will play out. Trump has promised to pardon those who have been prosecuted for their role in the attack, which more than 50 Illinois residents were charged for. Contributing: Jon Seidel

The King seemed amused as he laughed at British comedian Matt Forde’s impression of President-elect Donald Trump on the stage of the Royal Variety Performance. Charles attended the show at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the first time as patron of the Royal Variety charity, following in the footsteps of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. In a statement from Buckingham Palace, he said: “The charity’s crucial work in assisting those who have fallen ill, had an accident or hit hard times is as essential now as it ever has been. “I would like to thank all of those who have worked so hard to stage this year’s production and wish everyone a very enjoyable evening.” The performance saw political comic Forde reference the unfounded claims Mr Trump repeated during his presidential debate against Democrat candidate Kamala Harris earlier this year, that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating locals’ pets in the small Ohio city of Springfield. Forde exclaimed in the president-elect’s voice: “They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs!” He then turned to address Charles from the stage, saying in Mr Trump’s voice: “Your Majesty King Charles, you’re named after a spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive.” The King was seen laughing in response to the joke from the royal box. Charles appeared at the event without the Queen, who insisted the “show must go on” after pulling out of attending the performance on Friday evening as doctors advised that she should prioritise rest. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest. “With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.” A royal source said the Queen was “naturally disappointed to miss the evening’s entertainments and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved, but is a great believer that ‘the show must go on'”. “She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon,” the source added. The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December. Money raised from the show will go to help people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity launching an initiative to help those with mental health issues this year.

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