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Amazon re:Invent creates positive implications for several semi, hardware stocksGwamnatin Benue ta ba da hutun mako 2US-Google face off as ad tech antitrust trial comes to closeCleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons have proven to be two of the top defensive players in all of the NFL, and that continued in Week 12. On "Thursday Night Football," the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 in Blizzard-like weather, a game Garrett finished with three sacks and a forced fumble. Meanwhile, the Dak Prescott-less Cowboys ended their five-game skid against the Washington Commanders with a 34-26 win in the nation's capital in one of the most chaotic finishes you may ever see. Parsons had one of his better games of 2024, recording a season-high eight tackles and two sacks. On Monday, Parsons took to social media to celebrate his performance with an Instagram post. It included multiple photos of himself at the game, along with a highlight clip and a picture of Russell Crowe's character Maximus from the movie "Gladiator." "Are you not entertained?!" Parsons captioned the post, taking inspiration from the 2000 film. View the original article to see embedded media. Garrett took notice of Parsons' play in the win and left his thoughts in the comment section. "This what we been waiting on," Garrett wrote. Both Garrett and Parsons have been elite over the previous three seasons, with the Cowboys star joining the league in 2021. In that time, both have made an All-Pro team each year while ranking toward the top of the league in sacks. But Garrett, the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL draft, has one-upped the former Penn State standout, winning the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. Scott Galvin-Imagn Images The Cowboys and Browns met in Week 1, with Dallas stealing a win on the road by a final score of 33-17. Still, both teams own a losing record going into Week 13 and both teams pulled off an upset win over teams with a record above .500 in Week 12. Related: Myles Garrett's Blunt Message To T.J. Watt After Browns-Steelers
NEW YORK (AP) — A number of President-elect Donald Trump 's most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks," Trump's transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses, she said. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. Leavitt said law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted and Trump and his transition team are grateful. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations ; Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general ; Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, whom Trump chose to lead the Department of Labor , and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Law enforcement officials are also looking into whether Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz’s replacement, and other incoming administration officials were also victims — as well as how each was targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation continues. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees" and was investigating with its law enforcement partners. White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma said President Joe Biden had been briefed and the White House is in touch with federal law enforcement and Trump's transition team. Biden “continues to monitor the situation closely," Sharma said, adding the president and his administration “condemn threats of political violence.” Stefanik's office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Police swept Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices, New York State Police said. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had also been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X . “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe." In Florida, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area" Wednesday. While a family member resides at the address, the office said, Gaetz “is NOT a resident.” No threatening devices were found. Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration after allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations ended with no charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Trump was also the subject of an Iranian murder-for-hire plot , with a man saying he had been tasked with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect. Also this week, authorities arrested a man they say posted videos on social media threatening to kill Trump, according to court documents. In one video posted on Nov. 13, Manuel Tamayo-Torres threatened to shoot the former president while holding what appeared to be an AR-15 style rifle, authorities said Among the other videos he posted was one from an arena in Glendale, Arizona on Aug. 23, the same day Trump held a campaign rally there, according to court papers. An attorney for Tamayo-Torres did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. About a year ago the FBI responded to an uptick in such incidents at the homes of public officials, state capitols and courthouses across the country around the holidays. Many were locked down and evacuated in early January after receiving bomb threats. No explosives were found and no one was hurt. Some of those targeted last year were Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio, received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats, with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that anytime a member of Congress is the victim of a swatting' incident, “we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners.” The force declined to provide further details, in part to “minimize the risk of copy-cats.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump," he wrote on X . “Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats.” He added: “It is not who we are in America.” ___ Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this report.
By ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Royal Caribbean has announced further cancellations of scheduled stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by its flagship cruise ship Symphony of the Seas. This comes as the capital city’s port continues to face extensive construction delays, leaving travelers disappointed and sparking growing frustration among cruisers. The cancellations affect itineraries for December 28, 2024, and January 12, 2025, as the pier remains unable to accommodate larger vessels. The Symphony of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world at 228,081 gross registered tons, was originally slated to visit San Juan as part of its Caribbean voyages. However, due to months of ongoing construction at the pier, Royal Caribbean has been forced to make significant changes to its planned itineraries, impacting passengers who were eagerly anticipating their stops in Puerto Rico. Affected travelers were notified of the itinerary changes via email. In these communications, Royal Caribbean cited construction delays as the primary reason for the disruption. The company expressed regret over the inconvenience and emphasized that they were working diligently to provide alternative destinations that would still deliver memorable experiences for their guests. For the December 28, 2024, sailing, passengers received notification of the itinerary change earlier this month. The revised schedule replaces the San Juan stop with alternate ports, though specific details on the substituted destinations vary depending on the itinerary. Similarly, the January 12, 2025, voyage will no longer include a stop in San Juan, with other Caribbean locations being added to the itinerary as replacements. Royal Caribbean’s email to cruisers highlighted the importance of maintaining a high-quality experience despite the changes. The company stated that the inability to dock in San Juan was beyond their control due to delays in the port’s redevelopment efforts. The email reassured passengers that every effort was being made to provide exciting alternatives, though it acknowledged the disappointment caused by missing the Puerto Rican capital. The ongoing construction at San Juan’s port has created a ripple effect across the cruise industry, particularly for larger ships in the Oasis class. These vessels, including Symphony of the Seas, require specific docking infrastructure due to their size and capacity. The construction project, initially expected to be completed earlier this year, has faced multiple setbacks, leaving the port authority unable to accommodate larger cruise ships. While San Juan remains a popular destination for Caribbean cruises, these delays have impacted its reputation as a reliable port of call. The city’s vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and local attractions make it a sought-after stop for cruise passengers. However, the inability to host some of the world’s largest ships has highlighted the importance of completing the construction project in a timely manner to restore confidence among cruise operators and travelers alike. News of the cancellations has been met with disappointment and frustration among passengers who had been looking forward to visiting San Juan. Many travelers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the itinerary changes, while others voiced concerns over the lack of a clear timeline for the pier’s completion. Royal Caribbean’s decision to remove San Juan from these itineraries reflects a broader trend of cruise lines prioritizing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction amid unforeseen challenges. While the company has emphasized its commitment to transparency and communication, the situation underscores the complexities of managing large-scale cruise operations in regions undergoing infrastructure upgrades. The ongoing delays in San Juan’s port construction have broader implications for Caribbean tourism. As one of the region’s most popular cruise destinations, Puerto Rico plays a vital role in attracting international travelers and supporting local economies. The inability to accommodate larger ships like the Symphony of the Seas not only impacts cruise operators but also affects local businesses that rely on the influx of tourists. Puerto Rico’s government and tourism officials have acknowledged the importance of resolving the construction delays and have pledged to expedite the completion of the pier project. However, with no clear timeline yet provided, stakeholders are left navigating the uncertainty of when the port will once again be fully operational. Royal Caribbean has reiterated its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for its passengers, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. The company has assured affected travelers that they will receive updates on any further changes and that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions to their vacations. In addition to revising itineraries, Royal Caribbean has also taken steps to enhance onboard activities and entertainment options for guests. These measures aim to ensure that passengers continue to enjoy a world-class cruising experience despite the alterations to their travel plans. As construction continues at San Juan’s port, the focus remains on finding solutions that will allow larger cruise ships to dock in the capital city once again. For now, travelers and cruise operators alike will need to adapt to the ongoing disruptions while awaiting updates on the project’s progress. Royal Caribbean’s decision to cancel additional visits to San Juan serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in coordinating large-scale travel operations. While the situation has posed challenges, it also highlights the resilience of the travel industry and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In the meantime, cruisers are encouraged to stay informed about itinerary changes and to remain flexible as the cruise line works to provide memorable alternatives. The hope is that once the construction project is completed, San Juan will regain its status as a premier destination for Caribbean cruises, welcoming travelers from around the world to experience its rich culture and vibrant attractions.
Academia-industry gapNew York Jets running back Breece Hall sat out practice Wednesday with an injured knee and it's uncertain if he'll play Sunday against Seattle. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Hall hurt the knee in the Jets’ 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 17, but was able to finish the game. Hall experienced some soreness, so the team is being cautious with its leading rusher. “We’re going to protect him from himself a little bit today, but we’ll see how the week goes along,” Ulbrich said. “Still hopeful that he’s going to play for us, but we’ll see.” Hall has 632 yards rushing and four touchdowns, along with 46 catches for 401 yards and two scores for the Jets, who were holding their first full practice since returning from their bye-week break. Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis would likely fill in if Hall can't play. Left tackle Tyron Smith remains sidelined with a neck injury and Ulbrich acknowledged Smith could be a candidate for the injured reserve list. Smith, in his first season with New York after 13 in Dallas, missed the game against the Colts after leaving the Jets' loss in Arizona with the neck injury. Rookie Olu Fashanu would be in line to start again in Smith's place. “Just not enough improvement at this point,” Ulbrich said of Smith. “It’s really become apparent that we might have to do what’s best for Tyron in that way. But (we're) still collecting information.” Ulbrich said Smith, whose injury hasn't been specified, has been splitting his time between being at the facility and having exams elsewhere. “He's getting stuff done,” Ulbrich said. “He's got the best doctors on Earth working with him.” The Jets could get linebacker C.J. Mosley back from a herniated disk in his neck that sidelined him the past four games. Mosley, who was injured during pregame warmups on Oct. 27, fully practiced Wednesday. “He's going to give it a run,” Ulbrich said before practice. “We're going to see what it looks like. ... And then tomorrow will be the big test. You know, get pads on him, get him to contact and see how he responds with that. If things go well, which I’m hopeful they will, he’ll go. If not, he won’t.” Wide receiver Malachi Corley didn't practice because of an illness and cornerback Quan'tez Stiggers was out for personal reasons. Offensive lineman Xavier Newman was limited after having his practice window opened. Newman has been on injured reserve since hurting his neck at Pittsburgh last month and being taken to the hospital. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Iconic El Pelón Taqueria in Boston's Fenway Bids Farewell After 25 Years
Honda and Nissan expect big benefits from their potential merger to create the world's third-largest auto group but intense competition from China raises questions about whether they can make it work in time. The Japanese carmakers said on Monday they had agreed to begin formal talks on a merger. While the outcome is not certain and will depend partly on troubled Nissan making progress in its turnaround, they aim to finalise the deal by August 2026. Nissan's junior partner, Mitsubishi, will decide by next month whether it plans to take part. The carmakers are targeting more than 1-trillion yen (R119.7bn) in synergies by leveraging a common platform, shared research & development (R&D) and joint procurement. Their operating profit target of more than 3-trillion yen represents a 54% increase on their combined results last year. But the full effect of synergies is not likely to be felt until after 2030, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe told a joint press conference on Monday. The companies need to build up capabilities to take on Chinese rivals by then, he said, or face being “beaten”. Analysts question whether they have that much time. The biggest immediate hurdle for both may be their model line-up. Neither are particularly strong in EVs. Nissan, though an early pioneer with the Leaf, later stumbled. A new EV, the Ariya, was supposed to challenge Tesla's Model Y but was hampered by production problems. Honda has focused more on hybrids and unlike Nissan offers the models in the US, where demand for the cars has surged. “Both companies lack compelling EV offerings, and the combined entity would still face the challenge of a new EV model pipeline and R&D in technology,” said Vincent Sun, a senior analyst at Morningstar. A standardised vehicle platform would produce cost synergies, but that, too, would take time to develop. It “may take longer than anticipated” to fix the business, Sun said. Lost ground In China, the shift to electrified cars has seen consumer interest focus on software-driven features and the digital experience inside the car, areas where the Chinese makers excel. BYD and other domestic brands have zoomed past legacy carmakers, rolling out EVs and hybrids loaded with innovative software. Both Honda and Nissan have lost ground in China, the world's biggest car market. Honda reported a 15% drop in quarterly profit last month, and has been scaling back its workforce in China. Nissan has already announced plans to cut 9,000 jobs globally and manufacturing capacity by 20% due to slumping sales in both China and the US. Turning around their sizeable China operations will entail “significant execution risk”, Dean Enjo, a senior analyst at Moody's Ratings, wrote in a note to clients. Both carmakers are also focused on the US and Japan. That “significant overlap” means the merger won't deliver big benefits in terms of geographic diversification, Enjo said. However, the integration could help them weather any potential impact from import tariffs under incoming US President Donald Trump, Enjo said. Big deal Honda is Japan's second-largest carmaker, while Nissan is the country's No.3. Combined, they would become the world's third-largest auto group by vehicle sales after Toyota and Volkswagen. The merger would also be the biggest reshaping in the global auto industry since Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA merged in 2021 to create Stellantis in a $52bn (R972.18bn) deal. The size of the deal highlights the gravity of the threat from Chinese rivals, especially as they have been making inroads in regions like Southeast Asia, where Japanese carmakers were once dominant. For Japan, a threat to the auto industry is a threat to its economic lifeblood, as the country's influence in once-key industries such as consumer electronics and chips has waned over the years. The technological challenge means that legacy car companies that don't find new partners risk the prospect of becoming smaller companies with higher capital expenditure and R&D costs per vehicle, analysts at Morgan Stanley said in a note earlier this month, when reports of the potential tie-up first surfaced. “Given the industry dynamic, there could be more consolidation to come,” they said.Jannik Sinner leads Italy back to the Davis Cup semifinals and a rematch against Australia