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A civil jury in Ireland finds that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor assaulted a woman in a hotel. (CORRECTS: A previous APNewsAlert misstated the claim the jury found him liable for.)Aldi is set to reduce the prices of festive foods on Christmas Eve, with festive favourites like Cadbury's selection boxes, Yule logs, mince pies, stocking fillers, and Christmas puddings all seeing price cuts. Shoppers are encouraged to act swiftly as these offers are only available while stocks last. Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK, commented: "We stand by our promise to keep our prices as low as possible for customers and what better time to cut prices than just before the festive season." She added: "Our goal is to ensure products are made accessible to everyone, which is why we continue to see shoppers switch to Aldi." For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Aldi stores throughout the UK will welcome customers on Christmas Eve from 8am until 6pm, but will then close for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, giving staff an extended holiday break. The stores will reopen on Friday, December 27 at 8am. Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: "Christmas is such a special period for many of our colleagues, and by keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day, Aldi gives them more time to spend with their loved ones.", reports the Manchester Evening News . He also mentioned that customers can expect exciting Christmas ranges in the lead-up to the holiday. Below is a list of some of the items Aldi will discount on Christmas Eve. Christmas items being slashed in price
The Albanese government has faced mounting opposition to its proposed social media ban for children under 16 as a growing number of politicians have spoken out against it. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe and independent MP Andrew Wilkie both revealed on Wednesday their intention to oppose the bill. Ms Thorpe said, “I won’t be supporting Labor’s social media ban. Young people use social media to participate in politics and activism”. Mr Wilkie backflipped on his prior approval and said, “I got it wrong and I’ve changed my mind”. He told ABC Radio National, “I realise the whole thing’s nonsense and frankly I’m doubtful it will ever be realised”. This comes after Liberal MP Alex Antic and Nationals Senator Matt Canavan defied broad party support for the ban and said they would cross the floor. Nationals MP Keith Pitt and Senator Bridget Archer have both criticised the bill but have not confirmed a final position. Education Minister Jason Clare called on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to ensure the bill received Coalition endorsement at a press conference on Wednesday. “The opposition has said they want to pass the legislation this week as well. And I hope that that support sticks,” he told reporters. “I hope that the opposition leader can bring his party behind this.” Given Labor and broad Coalition support, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 has still been expected to pass through the parliament. The backlash has extended to the crossbench as the Greens and One Nation have accused Labor of being “rushed and reckless” with the bill. Many of the Teal Independents have not confirmed their final position, although David Pocock, Kylea Tink and Zoe Daniel have criticised the government’s approach. The government provided only 24 hours for the public to make submissions in response to the legislation and about 15,000 submissions were made. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth denied the government was hurrying the bill and called on the opposition to pass the ban on Tuesday. “I thought there was bipartisan support... Just a couple of weeks ago, Peter Dutton said he would facilitate this important piece of legislation,” she told the Today show. The majority of submissions published in the 24 hour period – including from UNICEF, Amnesty International and Shooters Fishers & Farmers Tasmania – opposed the bill. While most agree that social media can harm young people, there has also been widespread criticism of the government's blanket ban. The Australian Human Rights Commission argued social media offered young people “opportunities for inclusion and participation”. The Free Speech Union of Australia also condemned the bill as “draconian” and “authoritarian”, warning it could infringe upon fundamental online privacy rights. Digital Rights Watch similarly expressed concern the legislation “inadequately safeguards privacy and data protection”. The Digital Industry Group (DIGI), which represents tech giants like Meta, TikTok, Google, and X, also recently told Sky News the harms of a ban were as real as online harms. “A 21st-century response to these challenges means keeping young people safe when they’re on the internet,” Ms Bose said. “A 20th-century response aims to keep them off it.” The attempt to ban social media access for minors has included Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. YouTube, WhatsApp and Messenger Kids have been flagged as exemptions . The legislation will make it illegal for children under 16 to access banned platforms unless they meet specific age verification criteria. Social media companies will be threatened with $50 million fines for systematic failure to enforce the ban. Platforms will bear the onus of responsibility, and no penalties will be enforced against underage users who bypass the restrictions. The ban will come into effect 12 months after legislation passes parliament and will not be grandfathered in, meaning children already on social media will also be banned. This will impact millions of children and teenagers as some 97 per cent of youth use social media across an average of four platforms, surveys show.New manager Ruben Amorim is tempering any expectations of him transforming Manchester United's brand of football overnight
A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders Tuesday, raising hopes and renewing difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has killed more than 3,700 people, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. But while the deal, set to take effect early Wednesday, could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, has previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. Here’s what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: The terms of the deal The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday (9 p.m. EST Tuesday). Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the U.S. would monitor compliance by all sides. Biden said the deal “was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL , does not provide “effective enforcement” of the deal. Lingering uncertainty A Hezbollah leader said the group's support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday that Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the deal also brokered by France. Where the fighting has left both sides After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signaling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has come not only in its ranks, but to the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israel’s advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israel’s overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the group’s effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israel’s massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their country’s fate to Gaza’s at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in grave condition. No answers for Gaza Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israel’s attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the group’s top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas offered a pointed reminder Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. “The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” he said in a speech to the U.N. read by his ambassador.I have a kinky fetish for Father Christmas - and I'm not the only one turned by Santa ClausWorld Bank pumps $225.5m to boost Nagaland, Tripura forest landscapes
A teenage West Ham academy goalkeeper has died aged 15 after suffering from cancer. Oscar Fairs from Benfleet, Essex, was diagnosed with a rare 7cm ependymoma brain tumour in August 2023 and underwent seven surgeries, one round of chemotherapy and one round of radiotherapy to be told palliative care was the only option. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family raise £100,000 towards a treatment trial in France. It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer. Rest in peace, brave Oscar. — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 13, 2024 West Ham footballers donated £27,000, chairman David Sullivan donated £10,000 and Arsenal footballer and former West Ham star Declan Rice gave £5,000, according to Ms Fairs. On Friday, West Ham announced that the 15-year-old had died. Sporting director Mark Noble said: “Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. “I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – (my son) Lenny and his teammates all loved him. “He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age. “The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.” All scheduled Academy fixtures over the weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect.U.S. Sen. Markey: the ‘life and death’ stakes of allowing RFK Jr. to lead HHS will be made clear
Shares of Pony AI Inc. surged more than 5% on Monday afternoon, reaching nearly two-week highs, following two bullish analyst calls from Wall Street. The autonomous-driving company, which specializes in robotaxi and robotruck services, has seen its retail sentiment on Stocktwits turn ‘extremely bullish.’ BofA Securities analyst Ming Hsun Lee initiated coverage on Pony AI with a ‘Buy’ rating and a price target of $18, implying an upside of approximately 30% from current levels. Lee highlighted Pony’s leadership in large-scale commercialization of autonomous mobility, supported by its proprietary Virtual Driver technology that combines in-house software, hardware, and services. This, the analyst said, positions the company for reliable and cost-effective autonomous solutions in diverse conditions. Lee also cited continued favorable Chinese government policies supporting robotaxi and robotruck services as a key growth driver. On Sunday, Goldman Sachs analyst Allen Chang also initiated coverage, giving Pony AI a ‘Buy’ rating and a price target of $19.60. Chang emphasized the company’s leadership in Level 4 autonomous mobility, particularly in China, where it operates a fleet of robotaxis and robotrucks. Pony is one of the first companies to operate fully driverless robotaxis in four tier-1 Chinese cities, with the necessary regulatory permits in place, according to Chang. Goldman Sachs expects strong growth in the coming years, forecasting a 27% revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024-2027 and a 158% CAGR from 2027-2030, with accelerated fleet expansion. The firm projects positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and net income by 2030. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment surged to 'extremely bullish' levels, with one user highlighting the stock’s attractiveness compared to established rivals like Tesla, particularly given its lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Since its Nasdaq debut in late November, Pony AI has garnered substantial retail attention, with its following on Stocktwits increasing by over 900%. Despite recent gains, Pony AI’s stock remains down 7.8% from its debut, but the company’s partnerships with Toyota and GMTC, along with its fleet of 250 robotaxis and 190 robotrucks, are seen as pivotal in its path to leadership in autonomous driving in China. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.<
The Himalayas, often referred to as the “third pole,” serve as the ecological backbone of South Asia, regulating climate patterns and sustaining millions of livelihoods. Within this vast expanse, Kashmir occupies a unique position, not only as a region of unparalleled beauty but also as a critical component in the battle against climate change. With its lush valleys, expansive glaciers, and biodiverse ecosystems, Kashmir’s role in preserving the Himalayan ecological balance is indispensable. However, the region faces mounting environmental challenges that demand urgent attention and collective action. Climate Change and Its Impact on the Himalayan Ecosystem The Himalayan ecosystem is one of the most climate-sensitive regions in the world. Rising temperatures have accelerated the melting of glaciers in Kashmir, threatening water security for millions. According to recent studies, Kolahoi Glacier, the largest in the Kashmir Valley, has shrunk by over 23% in the last five decades. This alarming retreat has far-reaching consequences for agriculture, hydropower, and biodiversity. Erratic weather patterns have exacerbated these issues. Unseasonal rainfall and prolonged droughts are disrupting traditional farming practices, leading to decreased yields of iconic crops like saffron and apples. Additionally, the region’s rich biodiversity is under threat. Species like the Kashmir stag (Hangul) and the snow leopard face habitat loss, endangering their survival. Challenges in Kashmir’s Ecosystem Deforestation and urbanization have significantly disrupted the region’s ecological balance. Illegal logging, often driven by short-term economic gains, has stripped forests of their ability to act as carbon sinks. This deforestation not only accelerates soil erosion but also heightens the risk of landslides and floods. Water scarcity is another pressing issue. Reduced snowmelt from receding glaciers has diminished the flow of rivers like the Jhelum, impacting both agriculture and daily living. Pollution in water bodies such as Dal Lake and Wular Lake further exacerbates the crisis. Once pristine, these lakes now face contamination from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff. A stark example of climate change’s impact is the declining yield of saffron, a crop deeply intertwined with Kashmiri identity. Over the past decade, irregular rainfall and temperature fluctuations have reduced saffron cultivation by nearly 40%, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Community Initiatives and Local Solutions Despite these challenges, local communities in Kashmir are at the forefront of ecological conservation. Afforestation drives, led by grassroots organizations, have successfully restored degraded lands. For instance, initiatives in South Kashmir’s Shopian district have seen the plantation of thousands of native trees, revitalizing the local ecosystem. Traditional water management systems like kuhls (ancient irrigation channels) are being revived. These systems, maintained collaboratively by communities, ensure equitable water distribution for agriculture and domestic use, even during periods of scarcity. Additionally, Kashmiri youth and NGOs are playing a pivotal role in creating awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable practices. The reforestation project in the Lidder Valley stands out as a notable success story. Passive restoration efforts, such as fencing off degraded forests in the region, have significantly improved soil health, increased tree density, and enhanced carbon storage. These initiatives not only combat deforestation but also create sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism. Policy and Governmental Efforts Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched several initiatives to combat climate change. The Green Jammu and Kashmir Drive aims to increase forest cover by planting millions of saplings annually. Meanwhile, wetland preservation programs are being implemented to protect vital ecosystems like Hokersar and Shallabugh wetlands. Renewable energy solutions are also gaining traction. Mini-hydropower projects and solar energy installations are being deployed to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. For instance, the government’s partnership with private firms has led to the establishment of solar power plants in remote villages, ensuring energy access while minimizing environmental impact. Cross-border cooperation is another promising avenue. Given that the Himalayas span multiple nations, regional collaboration on glacier monitoring, water resource management, and afforestation efforts can significantly bolster conservation efforts. Global Perspective and Opportunities for Kashmir Kashmir’s environmental challenges mirror global climate issues, making the region a microcosm of the broader struggle against climate change. However, this also presents opportunities for innovation and leadership. Eco-tourism is emerging as a sustainable development pathway. By leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Kashmir can attract environmentally conscious travelers. Initiatives like homestays in ecologically sensitive areas not only promote sustainable tourism but also provide economic benefits to local communities. International collaborations have also begun to bear fruit. Partnerships with organizations like the World Bank and UNDP have facilitated funding and technical expertise for conservation projects. Digital platforms are being used to create awareness and mobilize global support for preserving Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem. A Personal Vision for Preservation Having spent considerable time in Kashmir, I have witnessed both its unparalleled beauty and the urgent need for ecological preservation. Local communities’ efforts to restore balance, from planting saplings to reviving traditional water channels, are both inspiring and instructive. However, the scale of the challenge demands broader participation. Looking Ahead: A Collective Responsibility The path forward requires a collective approach. Expanding grassroots initiatives, integrating advanced technologies like AI for climate monitoring, and fostering global partnerships can accelerate progress. Education also plays a crucial role; by empowering the next generation with knowledge about sustainability, we can ensure lasting change. The establishment of eco-parks, development of renewable energy hubs, and strengthening policies against deforestation are tangible steps that can make a significant impact. Moreover, incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices can help farmers adapt to changing climates while preserving traditional crops like saffron. A Call to Action As the Himalayas face unprecedented environmental challenges, Kashmir’s role in preserving ecological balance is more critical than ever. The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities. By uniting local wisdom, governmental efforts, and global collaborations, we can forge a sustainable future for this fragile region. Kashmir’s story is not just one of challenges but also of resilience and hope. As stewards of one of the world’s most vital ecosystems, it is our collective duty to ensure that the Himalayas continue to thrive, sustaining life and inspiring generations to come. About the Author Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development.The Philadelphia Eagles are on a roll heading into their Week 12 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, as they have won their past six games to push their record to 8-2, which has allowed them to take control of the NFC East in the process. However, they have been dealt some tough injury news regarding wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Smith has been putting together another strong campaign with the Eagles, as he's racked up 41 receptions for 516 yards and four touchdowns through nine games of action. He's been dealing with a hamstring injury as of late that threw his status for Week 12 up in the air, though. Even with the long week after Philadelphia played against the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football in Week 11, Smith was unable to practice at all this week due to his injury. As a result, the team had no choice but to rule him out for their contest against the Rams on Friday afternoon. Friday's Injury Report #PHIvsLAR pic.twitter.com/hEyV5JAj0Q This is a tough blow for the Eagles, as you never want to be without one of your best players in a big primetime matchup against a team in the Rams that is arguably more desperate for a win than they are. Unfortunately, Smith's hamstring did not respond well throughout the week, and he will be forced to watch this one from the sidelines. In his absence, that will place more of a burden on A.J. Brown in the passing game, with Jahan Dotson set to step up and fill in Smith's WR2 role. Dallas Goedert will chip in at tight end, with Saquon Barkley also helping out in the passing game out the backfield. © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Given how hot the Eagles have been, folks could choose to ignore Smith's absence in the belief that they will roll past the Rams either way. It is worth noting, though, that one of Philly's two losses on the year came back in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which was the only other game on the year Smith was inactive for. Philadelphia will take on Los Angeles on Sunday Night Football in Week 12, with kickoff for this game being scheduled for 8:20 P.M. EST. Related: Eagles Release Veteran Quarterback On Thursday
NYPD captain under investigation over fracas with another commander over credit for gun bustSorry, but your browser does not support the video tag. (BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .
A civil jury in Ireland finds that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor assaulted a woman in a hotel. (CORRECTS: A previous APNewsAlert misstated the claim the jury found him liable for.)Teenage West Ham goalkeeper dies aged 15 after cancer battle
President-elect Donald Trump's repeated support for TikTok has sparked speculation about potential solutions to prevent the app's impending ban in the United States, though the path forward remains unclear. "We got to keep this sucker around for a little while," Trump told supporters on Sunday, just days after meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in Florida. Trump, who credits the wildly popular platform with delivering him a large young user base, opposes banning TikTok partly because he believes it would primarily benefit Meta, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company behind Instagram and Facebook. The situation is complex, according to University of Richmond School of Law professor Carl Tobias, given the various potential solutions and Trump's unpredictable nature. Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless Beijing-based ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. US officials and lawmakers grew wary of the potential for the Chinese government to influence ByteDance or access the data of TikTok's American users. Even with Trump's decisive election victory and incoming Republican-led Congress, acquiescing to the president-elect's desire and preventing the ban faces significant hurdles. The law enjoyed rare bipartisan support in a divided Washington, making its outright repeal through a vote in Congress politically unlikely even with Trump's influence over Republicans. The Supreme Court may offer the clearest path forward. TikTok has appealed to the nation's highest court, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The court, which is dominated by Trump-aligned conservatives, will hear the case on January 10, just nine days before the ban takes effect. This follows a lower appeals court's unanimous decision to uphold the law in December. Another possibility, according to Tobias, is that a Trump-led Department of Justice could determine ByteDance has addressed the law's national security concerns. However, such a move would likely be seen as caving to China by Congress and others. The final option is ByteDance selling to a non-Chinese buyer, though the company has consistently refused this possibility. With 170 million monthly active users, acquiring TikTok's US operations would require substantial resources. As president, Trump could extend the ban deadline by 90 days to facilitate a transaction. Few potential buyers have emerged, with major tech companies likely deterred by antitrust concerns. Former Trump Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, who runs a private equity fund backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund, has expressed interest. During a recent event with Trump, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son pledged to invest $100 billion in the US economy, though specific investments weren't detailed. Other contenders include US real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, who aims to make social media safer through his Project Liberty organization. Elon Musk, given his proximity to Trump and ownership of X, could also have a role to play, as he has expressed plans to transform the text-focused platform into something more like TikTok. A senior Republican lawmaker recently suggested Trump might orchestrate a "deal of the century" satisfying both US concerns and ByteDance's interests. The chairman of the US House committee on China, John Moolenaar, told Fox News Digital that once ByteDance accepts it must comply with US law, the situation could progress rapidly. Any agreement would need Beijing's approval, with US-China relations expected to remain tense during Trump's upcoming term. This isn't the first attempt to resolve TikTok's US status. In 2020, Trump also threatened a ban unless ByteDance sold its US operations. While Oracle and Walmart reached a preliminary agreement with ByteDance for ownership stakes, legal challenges and the transition to the Biden administration prevented the deal's completion. arp/mlmApply for change in regn plates for old vehicles from mid-JanCuomo sells himself as pro-Israel with New York City mayoral race incoming