2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animals
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History will doubtless judge him more generously Ex-Union minister Ashwani KumarGeneral Mills Inc. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading day
Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue just as the Christmas travel season kicks into overdrive and winter weather is threatening more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after a national ground stop order was issued by federal regulators Tuesday. The American groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street holds near breakeven ahead of Christmas Stock indexes are edging higher in morning trading on Wall Street as gains for some Big Tech stocks make up for weakness elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up 0.4% Tuesday. Chip company Broadcom was again helping to pull the index higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite was up 0.7%. American Airlines fell 1.2% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields rose. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global sports tourism market size is estimated to grow by USD 771.4 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview 1.1 Domestic sports tourism 1.2 International sports tourism 2.1 Soccer tourism 2.2 Cricket tourism 2.3 Tennis tourism 2.4 Others 3.1 Passive sports tourism 3.2 Active sports tourism 4.1 Europe 4.2 APAC 4.3 North America 4.4 South America 4.5 Middle East and Africa Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Domestic sports tourism is a significant segment in the global sports tourism market, with a large number of tourists traveling within their countries to attend various sports events. This includes both participation and spectating, as well as expenditures on hospitality and merchandise related to the sports event. The popularity of domestic sports tourism is due to several factors, such as the ease of transportation within regions, the use of a uniform regional currency, and the familiar cultural and regional backgrounds. Many domestic sports leagues are held across the world, and governments and sports teams are facilitating fan travel between venues, as seen in Qatar with free shuttle buses, the Doha Metro, taxis, and cab services, and dedicated lanes for fans. The growth of domestic sports tourism is also driven by the strong growth in developing economies, offering economic opportunities and regional benefits. The global domestic sports tourism market is expected to experience a steady YoY growth rate during the forecast period due to the familiarity it provides with a country's tourism policies, government rules, and adventure sports risks. Analyst Review The sports tourism market is a dynamic and growing sector that brings together the excitement of sports and the allure of travel. Motorsport, cricket, tennis, and soccer are just a few of the popular sports that attract fans and travelers from around the world. Major events like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League draw massive crowds, while Formula 1, NASCAR, marathons, and triathlons offer unique experiences for participants and spectators alike. The sports industries have recognized the potential of this market and have initiated strategic partnerships to host events in premier travel destinations. The destination appeal and visitor experiences are crucial for sustained growth in sports tourism. Leisure travelers and fans seek authentic and memorable experiences, making sports events an integral part of their travel plans. The Olympics, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer are other sports that contribute significantly to this thriving market. Market Overview The sports tourism market encompasses various segments, including Motorsport, Cricket, Tennis, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1, NASCAR, Marathons, Triathlons, Adventure races, and more. Travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality chains, event management companies, and Olympics are key players in this industry. Partnership initiatives between these entities and sports industries have led to the hosting of world-class sports events, making destinations premier travel attractions. Sports tourists seek adrenaline-fueled, experiences, driving sustained growth in the market. However, challenges include seasonal fluctuations, infrastructure limitations, and financial challenges for event organizers. The market caters to fans and travelers alike, offering leisure travel and live entertainment. Historical data shows a significant increase in visitor numbers, with top-tier athletes and host cities generating regional tourism revenues and economic growth. Sustainable practices, eco-friendly initiatives, and environmental awareness are becoming increasingly important to ensure long-term profitability and overall sustainability. Despite these challenges, the sports tourism market continues to be a captivating frontier, with safari tourism and travel & outdoor activities adding to its allure. Event organizers must address infrastructure limitations and carbon footprints while maintaining visitor experiences and overall sustainability. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
Donkey named Wonder gets new prosthetic leg for Christmas
(The Center Square) — California’s senators have sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg requesting last-minute federal funding for the state’s high-speed rail project before the Trump administration takes office in January. This move comes amid concerns that the incoming administration might pull federal funding from the now $135 billion project, and use California as a national example for redirecting federal funds from Democratic priorities. Once complete, the project is supposed to carry passengers from San Francisco to Los Angeles in under three hours, with one-way tickets priced at $86. It’s unclear how competitive this will be with air travel; one-way flights booked more than two weeks in advance currently cost $59 on Southwest, which includes two checked bags. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), proposed by the incoming Trump administration, aims to reduce what it views as wasteful government spending, recently spotlighted the project, and Congressmen Kevin Kiley, R-California, announced his bill to eliminate federal funding for the endeavor. Amid the state’s financial foes, a pause or withdrawal of federal funding could leave the state with no choice but to put the project on hold. During the spring, the California High Speed Rail Authority requested the use of state rainy day funding to plug the $8 billion to $10 billion funding shortfall for the system’s initial $30 billion to $33 billion, 171-mile segment connecting the cities of Bakersfield and Merced in the relatively sparsely populated Central Valley. But with the state’s legislative analyst now finding the state has “no capacity” for new spending and projecting annual deficits will soon rise to $30 billion, enhanced state support for the project is unlikely, leaving federal funding as the only option to fill the gap. The letter , signed by Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and Reps. Pete Aguilar, Zoe Lofgren, and Jim Costa, requests an additional $536 million to join $134 million in state funds to complete a 30%, or preliminary, design of one tunnel in Southern California and one tunnel in Northern California. The letter also recounted the federal government’s existing $6.8 billion in support for the project, and $22 billion from California for the project thus far. “By preparing for future final design and construction of complex tunnels in this corridor, the Project will advance both state and federal goals to improve safety, expand economic strength and global competitiveness, address equity issues, and implement sustainability practices to confront climate change,” wrote the federal legislators. “These investments will continue to support living wage jobs, provide small business opportunities, and equitably enhance the mobility of communities in need – including disadvantaged agricultural communities – all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” In 2012, the state legislative analyst’s office found the bullet train would increase overall greenhouse gas emissions for the first 30 years of its operation, putting the project’s emissions impact — and state funding based on emissions reductions — into question. Kiley, who is aiming to pass a bill in Congress ending federal support for the project, said even if a grant is approved, he hopes to keep that money away from California’s bullet train. “A small group of CA Democrats is asking Biden to send even more money for High-Speed Rail ... before Congress can pass my bill to deny further funding,” said Kiley on X. “If Biden complies, we will make sure that the grant is promptly revoked.” Because U.S. Congress holds “power of the purse,” Kiley’s bill could allow the federal government to withhold any further funding from the project – even spending that is already approved. However, it's less clear whether the Trump administration could unilaterally halt funding. As a discretionary grant under the Department of Transportation, such a decision might fall within its authority, but political and legal challenges could arise.
By Lauren Beavis An adorable little donkey named Wonder has received a new prosthetic leg to help her stand and walk - just in time for Christmas. Wonder was born with two deformed hooves leaving her unable to stand or walk. But since being fitted with a specialist prosthesis, the young mule is now able to walk "better than ever before". At a young age, she was admitted to Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire in the Netherlands - a center for neglected, abused, confiscated, sick or old donkeys . When veterinarians at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University heard about Wonder's condition, they got in touch with Wesley Michiels from Pet Orthopedics - a company that makes prostheses and braces for animals. Wesley Michiels, head of Pet Orthopedics , said: "The vets contacted us and explained that they wanted to amputate the leg - asking us how they could best go about it to ensure that the donkey would be able to walk again with a view to a prosthesis. "We were on site for about three weeks to carry out the measurements on Wonder." As the vets amputated her little hooves - the orthopedics were able to fit a prosthetic leg that grows as Wonder does. Wesley said: "The cooperation results in a perfect amputation stump so that the prosthetic device also fits perfectly. "Wonder is still a little donkey who still has to grow in the future, so the prosthesis is adaptive so we can adjust it when she grows. "In the beginning, she has to learn how to use the leg more - but with the prosthetic device she is now already walking better than before." Wesley says he has worked with donkeys before - but a full prosthesis for the species was a new task for him. He added the new technology has helped many species - from alpacas to dogs and now donkeys . Wesley said: "In the past, the legs of animals were completely amputated up to the shoulder or up to the hip for a problem with toes for example - then sometimes you couldn't do anything with one leg. "But now many vets first call us to ask for advice about the amputation, so that we can put a prosthesis afterwards."
Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon may be the future of the U of W women’s basketball program but they are already firmly entrenched in the present. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon may be the future of the U of W women’s basketball program but they are already firmly entrenched in the present. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon may be the future of the U of W women’s basketball program but they are already firmly entrenched in the present. The 19-year-old Winnipeggers, both sophomores, were part of the second wave of recruits assembled by head head coach Alyssa Cox. On Saturday, Birch and Kallon will be expected to play prominent roles when U of W takes on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack in quarterfinal action at the 57th running of the Wesmen Classic, Winnipeg’s holiday season tradition at the Duckworth Centre. DAVID LARKINS / WESMEN ATHLETICS Jazmin Birch (right), a high school sprint champion, is averaging 20.9 minutes of playing time, 9.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. The Classic, once the exclusive domain of men’s basketball, is now rotated annually between the school’s volleyball and basketball programs. “I did not realize how big of a deal this tournament really was,” said Kallon earlier this week. “I think it’s really cool experience, especially because of the fact it may only happen once in my entire U Sports career. I think it’ll be really cool just to play in front of family and friends and the whole basketball community. It’ll feel like the whole basketball community is out there to support us.” Kallon, a 5-9 River East grad playing forward and guard, is averaging 6.3 points per game and 4.1 rebounds in 19.3 minutes of playing time in eight Canada West regular-season outings this season. That’s up from 4.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 16.8 minutes in 2023-24. “Sometimes I don’t realize how much more fit I am compared to before, because we’re always lifting or always trying to get stronger, always trying to push ourselves and it doesn’t feel like we’re improving,” said Kallon, who has started six of eight conference games so far this season. “And then I look back to what I was doing in Grade 12, and it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m a lot more athletic than I used to be.’” Kallon has been working on becoming more of a scoring threat from three-point range. “I’ve really been focusing on if I have an open three, I’m shooting that at practice,” said Kallon, who didn’t play club basketball until Grade 11. “Because the more I do that at practice, the more I’ll see it fall and the confidence will come to shoot that in games. I’m definitely becoming a lot better of a catch-and-shoot three-point shooter.” Birch, a 5-10 1/2 forward, hasn’t started a conference game but is getting 20.9 minutes of playing time, 9.9 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. A year ago, she averaged 13.1 minutes, 6.4 points and 3.0 rebounds. “I put a lot of work in the off-season and I think I’ve improved a lot,” said Birch. “I’m not saying that I don’t have a lot left to learn but I came to sport very late, so there’s always room for improvement. One thing I’ve improved with is my aggression, which I struggled a lot with that last season... “I’m making it more of a habit to initiate contact instead of shying away.” Like Kallon, Birch is an superb athlete who consistently challenges an opponent’s ability to defend while creating turnovers and running on the break. DAVID LARKINS / WESMEN ATHLETICS U of W’s Jennifer Kallon (left) is averaging 6.3 points per game and 4.1 rebounds while averaging 19.3 minutes of playing time in eight Canada West regular-season games this season. At Collège Béliveau, where she was the AAA MVP in leading the Barracudas to an appearance in the 2023 provincial basketball final, Birch was also a star on the track. In Grade 11, she was the provincial high school champion in 100- and 200-metre varsity girls sprint events and followed that up a year later with a silver in the 100 and gold in the 200. While her speed and athletic ability are well-established, lately she’s been fine-tuning her shooting touch. “It’s not really something that I’m initially looking for because attacking, that’s my thing,” said Birch. “But I’ve been working on my three-point shooting a lot, especially this season. It’s one part of my game that I’d love to add.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The Wesmen, 4-4 in league play and 9-4 overall, plan to make a concerted push for the Canada West playoffs with the help of their dynamic sophomores. “From when I first saw them play last year, they’ve just both grown a lot,” said fifth-year point guard Anna Kernaghan. “They both had the athleticism coming in and I think what they’ve really worked on is just understanding more the speed and the concepts of the game. “They’ve done a great job developing that and I think it has shown in their play this year. They both had some really great games in the first half.” Four U of W women’s basketball greats will be inducted into the school’s ring of honour during the tournament. Included in that celebrated group are Angie Johnson (1971-77), Deb Steele (1977-80), Beth Cochran (1982-87) and Michelle (Chambers) Foreman (1988-93). mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Manitoba vs. Fraser Valley, 2 p.m. Brandon vs. Regina, 4 p.m. Winnipeg vs. Thompson Rivers, 6 p.m. Mount Royal vs. Guelph, 8 p.m. 2 p.m., 4 p.m. 6 p.m., 8 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Fans can purchase a tournament pass for $30. Day passes for the Dec. 28 and 29 will be sold for $10 and a day pass for Dec. 30 will be available for $15. All U of Winnipeg students and children under 12 will get in free. Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement AdvertisementWorld News | UAE Healthcare System Sets Global Standards in Preventive Medicine: CEO of M42Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence HOMS, Syria (AP) — Syria’s new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country’s fragile peace could break down. A tense calm prevailed Thursday after checkpoints were set up throughout the country’s third-largest city, which has a mixed population of Sunni and Shia Muslims, Alawites and Christians. The security forces are controlled by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the charge that unseated former President Bashar Assad. The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza. The internationally Famine Early Warning System Network issued the warning this week. The new report had warned that starvation deaths in north Gaza could reach famine levels as soon as next month. It cited what it called Israel's “near-total blockade” of food and water. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, criticized the finding as inaccurate and irresponsible. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the famine-monitoring group, told the AP it had asked for and gotten the report's retraction. USAID officials tell The Associated Press that it had asked the group for greater review of discrepancies in some of the data. Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. New York to charge fossil fuel companies for damage from climate change ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Large fossil fuel companies would have to pay fees to help New York fight the effects of climate change under a bill signed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. The governor signed the new law Thursday. It requires companies responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions to pay into a state infrastructure fund for repairs or projects that help avoid future damage from climate change. Lawmakers approved the bill earlier this year. It's meant to make big oil and gas companies contribute to the cost of repairs after extreme weather events or for resiliency projects. Such projects may include restoring coastal wetlands or upgrading roads, bridges and water drainage systems. Legal challenges to the new law are expected. Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts say that Russian air defense fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Azerbaijan is observing a nationwide day of mourning on Thursday for the victims of the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons yet unclear and crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan. Cellphone footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball. Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy battlefield losses KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region and face logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks. The intelligence agency said Thursday that Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean units. Ukraine's president said earlier this week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. It marked the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties several weeks after Kyiv announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost 3-year war. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Why this Mexican American woman played a vital role in the US sacramental peyote trade MIRANDO CITY, Texas (AP) — Amada Cardenas, a Mexican American woman who lived in the tiny border town of Mirando City in South Texas, played an important role in the history of the peyote trade. She and her husband were the first federally licensed peyote dealers who harvested and sold the sacramental plant to followers of the Native American Church in the 1930s. After her husband's death in 1967, Cardenas continued to welcome generations of Native American Church members to her home until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday.