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General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. are emphasizing their ability to be flexible in responding to consumer demand in light of potential policy changes under President-elect Donald Trump's administration. The incoming administration could see the elimination of the Inflation Reduction Act's tax credit of up to $7,500 on plug-in vehicles, limits on the most aggressive fuel economy and carbon emission policies in the country's history passed by the Biden administration, greater influence from Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk potentially serving in his Cabinet, the renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and a federal framework for self-driving vehicles. Such changes could slow consumer adoption of electric vehicles and elongate the automakers' recuperation of investments in that technology. "The writing is on the wall," said Daniel Ives, analyst at investment firm Wedbush Securities Inc. "They are going to have to peal back their EV strategy. Until everything is official, everyone will stay middle of the road, but big change is coming." Executives of these two Detroit crosstown rivals both said it's unclear exactly what the future will hold, but they expressed confidence in their companies' abilities to navigate that future long-term. GM Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson emphasized manufacturing flexibility to switch between building internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs. Meanwhile, John Lawler, Ford's chief financial officer and vice chairman, said the Dearborn automaker's strength lies in its existing offerings of gas and diesel-powered vehicles, EVs and hybrids. Ford is forecasting with various models about potential scenarios, Lawler said. The company already understands that if the tax credits were to end, EV demand and production will decrease unless the company can find a way to bring prices down, though it's already losing money on its EVs. The company last week paused production on its F-150 Lightning truck in Dearborn into the new year to preserve profitability as it projects a $5 billion loss on its Model e EV division. It, however, has eliminated more than $1 billion in costs within the division this year. Consumers aren't willing to pay a premium on EVs, though they are for hybrids, added Sherry House, Ford's vice president of finance and incoming CFO. "What we do is provide choice: ICE, multi-energy hybrid, plug-in, HEV, others," Lawler said. "There'll be other multi-energy choices coming and then EVs, so the strategy is not going to change. We are going to provide consumers choice. They can choose the best propulsion system that fits their duty cycle." Lawler added: "Of course, the IRA plays into it, etc., all that's going to change. So, what we're doing is we're modeling various scenarios, and we will adjust accordingly. We're in pretty good shape, because we do have hybrid vehicles, and we can pivot." GM, on the other hand, doesn't have hybrids in North America after planning to go all in on EVs only to reverse that decision once EV adoption missed expectations. The automaker is planning to reintroduce plug-in hybrids in 2027, because that's the first year of the Biden administration's greenhouse gas tailpipe emission limits. GM also is more vulnerable to a tax credit elimination. Chevrolet has five vehicles that qualify for the full $7,500 and Cadillac has one. Executives expect to produce and wholesale about 200,000 EVs by the end of 2024. Ford has one vehicle that qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit, one for a $3,750 subsidy and luxury brand Lincoln has one eligible for a $3,750 incentive. Jacobson emphasized that the Detroit automaker will continue to reduce its costs and simplify products. The automaker last week announced more layoffs: 1,000 hourly and salaried employees globally in various departments, with a majority working out of the Detroit automaker's Global Technical Center in Warren. "We're going to continue to scale up with demand on the platform that we've established, and we're going to continue to lean into that, because we do believe that EV penetration is a long-term objective," Jacobson said. "We've got to make sure that we have reasonable regulation alongside where consumers are and where demand is. The technology is going to continue to win people over, but we've got to be able to produce vehicles that our customers want, and we have the unique position ... of having a lot of flexibility embedded into our operation, to be able to respond to where consumer demand is." He specifically referenced the Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. It's a flexible plant that produces both gas-powered and electric vehicles on the same line. Workers there build the Cadillac Lyriq EV and Cadillac XT5 and XT6 SUVs as well as Honda Motor Co. Ltd. EVs. Jacobson added that GM will work with the incoming administration on the best path forward while focusing on cutting costs. GM has a cost-reduction program with a $2 billion goal it's expecting to hit by the end of 2024. Ford is focused on further reducing costs, too. It has eliminated $2 billion is expenditures this year, and the company on Wednesday announced 4,000 layoffs in Europe by 2027. The company has a $7 billion cost disadvantage to its competition, Lawler said: about $4 billion from warranty costs, $2 billion from materials and $1 billion from footprint. "That's the big unlock for us," Lawler said, "when we think about these product launches." Footprint will change over time, Lawler said, though he noted a heavy U.S. footprint could become more of an advantage in light of potential increased tariffs on Mexican-built vehicles and components. "When we talk about some of our cost disadvantage versus competition, that's part of it," he said, "but maybe that becomes a positive going forward." Meanwhile, with Tesla prioritizing its large-margin business of self-driving semi-autonomous software, creating national standards for the deployment and regulation of that technology could be a priority. Ford especially has emphasized data and telematics software offerings with its Ford Pro commercial business. It also has been expanding the number of models on which consumers can use its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology, whose prices it slashed in October. GM has a similar Super Cruise technology. It's also rebooting Cruise LLC, its self-driving business, after a pedestrian crash in October 2023 led to major safety scrutiny. Cruise has started supervised driving in multiple markets. GM recently named Marc Whitten, a former Amazon executive and founding engineer at Xbox, as its new CEO. Cruise was a bragging point for GM at its Investor Day in 2021. Executives boasted the unit could deliver annual revenue of $50 billion by decade's end, helping to double the automaker's revenues to about $280 billion by 2030. At its October 2024 Investor Day event, GM CEO Mary Barra said the company would be disciplined with its investments in Cruise and that it was having discussions with potential partners. "For people that are worried about the future, I don't think GM goes to zero If Cruise isn't successful," Jacobson said. "It's a case of: Can we do what we've been doing really well, and is there a growth story attached to it that comes with software? So we're really prioritizing software execution and getting the vehicles to the level where they can support a whole host of over the-air upgrades. That takes a little bit of time, but it's progress that we're making." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Marrakech Film Festival bestows Palestinian film 'Happy Holidays' with top awardKaroline Leavitt , President-elect Donald Trump ’s incoming press secretary , showed off a giant MAGA gingerbread cookie featuring a frosted likeness of her boss on Monday. The human head-sized treat, which she noted came from baker Ginger Betty’s in Quincy, Massachusetts, features a “Ginger Donald” gingerbread man with frosted recreations of Trump’s pouting lips and red-haired eyebrows, baked into a larger, circular cookie with the frosted, seasonal salutation “Merry MAGA Christmas .” Rather than Trump’s usual red coif or similarly colored MAGA ballcap, the Ginger Donald sported a Santa hat. In an Instagram story, Leavitt asked: “How cute is this gingerbread MAGA cookie?” Meanwhile, she recently claimed that the Washington, D.C. press corps is secretly elated to have Trump—who has long bashed journalists, threatening to shut down news networks and imprison reporters—back in the White House. The It Ends With Us cast and creative team continues to rally around Blake Lively after she went public about an alleged coordinated attack on her reputation. Earlier this week, Colleen Hoover , who wrote the book the film is based on, as well as its screenplay, and actor Brandon Sklenar , who starred opposite Lively, released statements in support of the actress. Sony Pictures, which released the film, also backed Lively . Now, Jenny Slate, who played Lively’s sister in the film, is standing by her “loyal friend” and “trusted source of emotional support.” In a statement to Today.com , Slate said, “As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation. Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.” Lively filed a legal complaint on Dec. 20 against It Ends With Us director and lead actor Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and enlisting crisis managers to launch a smear campaign against her. “What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side,” Slate added. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Martin Scorsese. Bill and Hillary. Martha Steward. These are just some of the people we are unlikely to meet in person, but at least we can get up close and personal with them by taking their MasterClass online courses —and at a major discount for a limited time. The expert-led platform has a robust library of educational classes on far-ranging topics: science , music, arts , personal empowerment, and more. The classes are taught by industry experts and household names, including Gordon Ramsey, Mariah Carey, David Lynch, Jeff Koons, and many more. Right now, you can score up to 50 percent off on MasterClass subscriptions just in time for last-minute holiday gifting. You do have to take a short quiz to get to the deal, but honestly, it’s worth the 60 seconds. Honestly, whether you waited until the last minute or not, you’ll be gifting the dad in your life with intelligent, cultured content and giving them the opportunity to learn something new from someone famous. An Alaska Airlines passenger was too “anxious” to wait to exit the plane after her flight landed in Seattle on Sunday, so she opened the emergency exit and climbed out onto the plane’s wing, per Fox News . The flight had just landed and passengers were queuing to exit when the incident took place, prompting Port of Seattle fire services and Seattle Police to intervene and help her safely off of the aircraft. The passenger was then taken for a medical evaluation. Though no other explanation for the bizarre move was reported, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson told Fox the “matter was safely resolved.” In addition to thanking their employees for their “swift response,” the airline is still trying to understand what took place. The spokesperson added, “We are working with our crew and airport officials to gather more details about what may have transpired.” No injuries were reported. An attempt to reinstate involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin over the deadly shooting on the set of the movie Rust was withdrawn Monday, authorities in New Mexico said. First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies disclosed that special prosecutor Kari Morrissey ended the state’s appeal of a lower court decision to dismiss the charges against Baldwin, who was holding a prop gun on the set in October 2021 when it discharged, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. The movie’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for Hutchins’ death. Baldwin pleaded not guilty in the case, stating he did not pull the trigger of the gun. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case in July, ruling that prosecutors and police withheld evidence that could have helped determine the source of the live round that killed Hutchins. Carmack-Altwies said the district attorney’s office “supports the Hutchins’ family and their continued fight for justice in civil court.” During a podcast appearance with fellow actor David Duchovny last week, Baldwin accused media outlets of wanting him “to die” because of the charges and said he intends to “expose what really happened” that led to the fatal shooting on the Rust set. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 2025 is quickly approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with 2024’s cocktail du jour—the espresso martini. It’s the perfect way to toast 2025 with sophistication, flavor, and an energy boost. Think you can’t make the buzzy beverage at home because you’re not a bartender? Think again. You can create this beloved cocktail effortlessly with just a cocktail shaker, fresh espresso, vodka, coffee beans, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur . It all starts in the land Down Under—Australia. Mr Black sources its ingredients, including 100 percent specialty-grade Arabica coffee, from local farmers and cooperatives. The liqueur is then slowly brewed with purified cold water to preserve its delicate, complex flavors. The result? A bittersweet masterpiece with bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and a lasting coffee kick. Its rich, coffee-forward taste is a crowd-pleaser, and the sleek bottle design adds a touch of elegance to any bar cart. Making an espresso martini is simple. Combine Mr Black , vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until cold. Then, strain the mixture into a martini glass and finish with three coffee beans as a garnish. Skip the champagne toast this year and ensure you stay awake for the countdown to 2025 with a Mr Black espresso martini. Actor Brandon Sklenar on Monday urged his followers to read a complaint filed by his It Ends With Us co-star, Blake Lively , accusing the film’s director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and attempting to ruin her reputation. “For the love of God read this,” Sklenar wrote in an Instagram story, which also linked to the full complaint Lively filed against Baldoni and others with the California Civil Rights Department. The filing accuses him of sexual harassment during the shoot for It Ends With Us —which Baldoni also starred in—and alleges that he hired a company to launch a “social manipulation” campaign to “destroy” her reputation after she raised concerns about his behavior on set. An attorney for Baldoni has called the claims “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious.” Since the allegations emerged, Baldoni has been dropped by his talent agency WME and Liz Plank, the co-host of his “Man Enough” podcast, announced her departure from the show Monday. Sony Pictures, which distributed It Ends With Us , also sent a statement to Variety backing Lively. “We strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her,” the statement said. “Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society.” A man who claims to have worked as an executive assistant for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sued the embattled hip hop mogul for sexual battery in Los Angeles, Variety reported, adding another case to the slew of accusations that have been leveled against him. In a new suit filed on Monday, a plaintiff named Phillip Pines claimed he was hired as Diddy’s “personal lackey” and served at the legendary producer’s “beck and call” from 2019 through 2021. As part of his job, the plaintiff alleged that he was responsible for organizing sex parties called “Wild King Nights,” which involved procuring illegal drugs, alcohol, and even some of the mogul’s now-notorious “baby oil.” The suit also claims that he was in charge of cleaning up after the parties—removing stains of bodily fluids and leaving hotel staff large tips. Diddy, who is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking, has denied any wrongdoing. A representative told the entertainment publication that Diddy was “confident he will prevail in court.” He is also facing a number of other lawsuits alleging sexual assault and other charges over his decades-long career in the music industry. A research manager for ESPN has died after a two-year fight with colorectal cancer, the network announced Monday. Zach Jones, 41, had joined ESPN in 2010, and moved to its Stats and Information team eight years later, “SportsCenter” anchor Randy Scott said while paying an emotional on-air tribute to Jones. “You may have never seen him on your screens, but you saw his work on our live golf coverage, on our women’s basketball coverage or any of our ‘SportsCenter’ shows,” Scott told viewers. “But more important than that, he got married here. He started a family here. The Stanford graduate loved the Cardinal and he loved golf. He loved his wife, Amber. And he loved his son, Silas, who turned 10 last month—and he lost his dad three days before Christmas.” Scott added: ”I saw Zach in the cafeteria just a couple of weeks ago. He was hopeful, but he was also reflective. He said he just wanted his family to be OK after a recent move to Texas. He fought like hell. He gets to rest now. We love you, buddy.” We remembered Zach Jones on SportsCenter this morning. Our friend, Amber’s husband, and Silas’s dad. pic.twitter.com/YAMMhg9Y5l An award recognizing Justin Baldoni’s efforts in “advocating on behalf of women and girls” from nonprofit organization Vital Voices has been rescinded following a lawsuit filed by Blake Lively accusing the actor of sexual harassment and coordinating a smear campaign against her. On Dec. 9, a little over a week before Lively filed her complaint, Baldoni was awarded the “Voices of Solidarity” Award from Vital Voices, which celebrates “remarkable men” who’ve shown “courage and compassion” in advocating for women. The NGO has since released a statement clarifying it has rescinded the award, writing in a post on Instagram Monday: “The communications among Mr. Baldoni and his publicists included in the lawsuit—and the PR effort they indicate—are, alone, contrary to the values of Vital Voices and the spirit of the Award. We have notified Mr. Baldoni that we have rescinded this award.” Along with sexual harassment, Lively’s complaint also accused Baldoni of orchestrating a smear campaign against her with the help of his public relations team. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, told the Associated Press in a statement that the claims were “completely false” and “outrageous.” A post shared by Vital Voices (@vitalvoices) Managing your period shouldn’t feel like a full-time job—you already have one of those. That’s why Knix’s leakproof period underwear is an incredibly thoughtful holiday gift for yourself or someone special. What makes Knix underwear special is the unique gusset. Built into the underwear’s crotch section, the gusset is a liner that—depending on the style chosen—absorbs up to five tampons worth of liquid. Knix offers more than just underwear, too. You’ll also find supportive wireless bras, silhouette-accentuating bodysuits, and ultra-comfy PJs (perfect for those tough, crampy days). Right now, you can score up to 60 percent off sitewide, including shapewear, leakproof underwear, loungewear, activewear, and more during its epic end-of-the-year sale . This is one of Knix’s biggest sales of the year, so if you’ve been wanting to try the brand or restock some of your favorite items, now’s the time to get shopping. Shane Lamond , a former lieutenant in the Washington, D.C. police department, was found guilty in federal court on Monday of tipping off a Proud Boys leader about a warrant, and then repeatedly lying to federal investigators about it. Lamond, who had been on the force for 24 years, alerted Henry “Enrique” Tarrio about his impending arrest for burning a Black Lives Matter banner that had been stolen from a predominantly African-American church in late 2020. “Whatever the relationship had been before, after the banner burning the defendant was not using Tarrio as a source; it was the other way around,” District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said. “He knew then, and he knows now, that it was wrong.” In 2023, Tarrio was one of several Proud Boys leaders who were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their actions relating to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Tarrio received a 22-year prison sentence. Lamond is due to be sentenced April 3. He could face 30 years for obstruction of justice and five years for each count of making false statements, though Lamond is a first-time offender, meaning his sentence will likely be shorter. Universal Pictures put the speculation to rest on Monday, announcing that director Christopher Nolan’s next film will be The Odyssey , based on Homer’s epic poem and a central story of Greek mythology. “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the studio posted on X. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.” No specific casting has been announced, but the film is expected to star real-life couple and former Spider-Man co-stars Tom Holland and Zendaya along with Matt Damon ( Oppenheimer ), Anne Hathaway ( Interstellar ), Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. As recently as last week, Holland was being coy about the details of the film, saying in a podcast interview , “To be perfectly honest, I don’t really know what it’s about. I’m super excited, but it’s been pretty quiet about the project. I met with [Nolan] and it was awesome. He kind of loosely pitched what it is, and I’m sure when he’s ready he’ll announce what it’s about.”Aadi Bioscience Transforms with In-Licensing of Novel ADC Portfolio, $100 Million Sale of FYARRO® and $100 Million PIPE FinancingSome quotations from Jimmy Carter . We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” ___ Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” ___ I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” ___ Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. ___ This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. READ: ___ It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. ___ But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. ___ We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. ___ War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. ___ Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” ___ I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. ___ I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. ___ I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. ___ You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. ___ I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” ___ I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks ___ We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary - which is wonderful - but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. ___ I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. ___ The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Accelerate Announces Updated Monthly, Quarterly Distributions, and Estimated Reinvested Annual Distributions
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A businessman with no experience in public office is taking over as mayor of Oregon’s biggest city as it embraces an entirely new system of government — one that’s so different, the City Council chambers had to be completely renovated. Portland voters last month elected Keith Wilson, a trucking company executive and founder of a nonprofit working to increase homeless shelter capacity. He ran on an ambitious pledge to end unsheltered homelessness within a year and will be sworn in Thursday alongside a council expanded from five seats to 12. Portland is contending with homelessness, public drug use and a rising cost of living. Wilson, a Portland native, plans to reach his goal of ending unsheltered homelessness by increasing the number of nighttime walk-in emergency shelters in facilities such as churches and community centers. His message appeared to have resonated in a city where surveys conducted over the past few years have shown that residents view homelessness as a top issue. He ran against three outgoing City Council members. The mayoral race , which featured 19 candidates, was thrown open when Mayor Ted Wheeler decided against seeking reelection after holding the city’s top post since 2017. Wheeler rose to national prominence in 2020 as nightly protests erupted on Portland streets and around the country in response to the police killing of George Floyd . The field of candidates in council races was crowded as well, with nearly 100 running for the new seats that were elected by voters in individual districts rather than citywide. The 130-year-old City Hall was renovated for $8.3 million to accommodate the increase in members. The new dais can now seat 12 people; floor layouts were changed to create more office space; and technology, seismic and accessibility updates were added throughout the building. “Remodeling council chambers is a once-in-a-generation activity,” Maty Sauter, director of Portland’s Bureau of Fleet and Facilities, told the outgoing City Council as it held its last meeting on Wednesday in the new chambers. “We’ve been able to reuse this 1895 facility and make it modern, contemporary and useful.” It’s going to take time for the new government to figure out which of the many changes are working, said Chris Shortell, associate professor of political science at Portland State University. In another first for City Hall, Wilson and the incoming Council members were elected under Portland’s new system of ranked-choice voting . A candidate would win if they were the first choice of more than 50% of voters in the first round. Otherwise, a second round would eliminate the candidate with the fewest votes and their supporters’ votes go to their next choice. The process would repeat until someone emerges with a majority of votes. Some 34% of voters ranked Wilson as their first choice, according to final results. The new City Council will hold its first meeting in January.CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Ali Abdou Dibba had 19 points in Southern Illinois' 73-70 win over Southern Indiana on Saturday. Dibba added three steals for the Salukis (4-6, 0-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Jarrett Hensley added 16 points while shooting 4 for 10 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 7 of 10 from the free-throw line while he also had 11 rebounds. Kennard Davis finished 5 of 10 from the field to finish with 11 points. Stephen Olowoniyi finished with 24 points for the Screaming Eagles (4-5). Jayland Randall added 22 points and two steals for Southern Indiana. Jack Mielke finished with six points and six rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100