Middle East latest: Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 6 medics in GazaBy MICHELLE L. PRICE NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. Related Articles National Politics | Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff National Politics | President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction National Politics | Democrats stick with Schumer as leader, their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain National Politics | Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs National Politics | Democrats’ outgoing chair says Trump’s win forces party to reassess how it reaches voters In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report.
People want to see Bilawal as PM, says governor LAHORE:Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has said that the people of Pakistan want to see Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the prime minister of the country. He said this while talking to a delegation of People's Lawyers Forum (PLF) Gujranwala Division which called on him at the Governor’s House here on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Punjab governor said that the People's Lawyers Forum has played a key role in the restoration of democracy. He said that civil disobedience call by a political party is equal to anti-nation call. He stated that the dialogue is the best solution and every problem can be resolved on negotiation table. He said that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has a historic role in the establishment of constitutional bench. The governor said that due to the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the path of conspiratorial elements working against democracy was blocked. He further said that every person, including lawyers, has to play a positive role for the development and prosperity of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is currently facing internal and external conspiracies which have to be thwarted together.
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Seafood Academy, strategically located at the Marketplace in Fagatogo facing the waterfront, is inviting interested local fishermen to enroll in its 11-week training program, with classes slated to begin in January 2025. Spearheaded by the Department of Commerce (DOC), this program is designed to teach participants basic navigation and boat handling skills, how to longline and bottom fish, proper fish handling and quality control best practices, how to create their own economic and job opportunities, and how to support a new fresh fish industry. The training program will have two tracks. One will teach deckhands how to fish using longlines and electric reels, and the second will teach captains about operating the vessels, the fishing industry, using navigational devices, and fisheries regulations. Through the course of the 11-week syllabus compiled by DOC in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), participants will initially be taught the theory in a classroom setting and eventually progress into the practical part of the program aboard the super alia. They will learn how to handle and operate the recently acquired super alia fishing boat and utilize its state-of-the-art equipment and features. The inaugural class will be highly selective, with only ten slots available and candidates will be chosen based on their experience and commitment. With this development, the much-publicized Super Alia Project is one step away from being fully implemented. According to DOC Fisheries Economic Development Officer Tamatoa Tony Langkilde, the end result of the training is to create a workforce that will be able to fish on the super alia and also ensure a stable supply of fresh fish. He said the main target for the catch from these vessels is the local market including restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, the School Lunch Program, and LBJ Medical Center nutritional initiatives as well as exports to Hawaii fresh fish market outlets. The American Samoa Seafood Academy was proposed as a vital part of the grant application for funding the Super Alia Project. The goal was to enhance the skills and capabilities of local fishermen with the aid of technology on the super alia, promoting sustainable fishing practices at a higher level, and thereby boosting the local fishing industry. He elaborated that when the grant application for $1.3 million to build the super alia and establish a training center was submitted to the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which operates under the auspices of the USDOC, the initiative garnered somuch support that the EDA advised resubmitting the application for funds to build four boats and a training center. Subsequently, it was resubmitted and the EDA awarded a total of $5.1 million. This was after the approval of an initial grant application by the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) under the Department of the Interior (USDOI), which awarded a total of $64,000 to design the Super Alia, and recently in 2023 approved $200,000 to assist and improve the training & education center. "The super alia concept was initiated under former Governor Lolo Moliga's leadership," Langkilde revealed. "Governor Lolo first brought up the idea during a chance meeting in Hawaii in 2015, where he lamented the scarcity of fresh fish on the island despite being surrounded by a sea full of fish." Inside the cockpit of the Tautai Mua Super Alia with the steering wheel, navigational instruments, and state-of-the-art features necessary for enhanced commercial fishing. Next to the controls area is the opening to the sleeping quarters where crew members can sleep or rest. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Thus, the Super Alia Project was conceived. Langkilde was tasked with coordinating the project and teamed up with the late Wally Thompson to design the boat. "We wanted to design a boat that would be a more modern version of the locally-built alias," Langkilde recounted. "A boat that was bigger, safer, could go farther out at sea, has a larger capacity to store fish, and could stay out longer — from 3 to 5 days — before returning with a fresh catch." The first super alia, named "Tautai Mua," was built by Armstrong Consolidated Incorporated (ACI Boats) in Port Townsend, Washington, and was dedicated in June 5, 2024. With enhanced size, safety features, and an extended range, the vessel demonstrates the capacity to return with substantial catches and is touted to revolutionize the way fishing is conducted in American Samoa and potentially the region. One of the vessel’s key features is its ability to stay at sea for extended periods, ranging from 3 to 5 days, thanks to its advanced technology and provisions. Utilizing multipurpose fishing methods, including a 12-mile mini spool longline gear and electric bottomfish reels, the super alia guarantees a plentiful catch. "The key is to educate our people on how to use the boat,"; Langkilde said. "Hopefully, the founding class of the American Samoa Seafood Academy will be manning the Tautai Mua after completing their training early next year." The two course facilitators are experts in their fields with a combined experience of more than 50 years in the fishing industry. William Chute is the Master Fisherman and is also a qualified Sea Captain, while Qaravanua Tovilea, the Captain is also a qualified Chief Engineer. The two Fiji nationals will be teaching both the theory and practical parts of the training. The two course facilitators at the American Samoa Seafood Academy are Qaravanua Tovilea (left), the Captain, who is also a qualified Chief Engineer, and William Chute, the Master Fisherman, who is also a qualified Sea Captain. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Three more super alia vessels will be made available under the project funded by the USDOC's Economic Development Administration. The second vessel should arrive in January, the third one six months after that and the final vessel should be here towards the end of 2025. The Tautai Mua will function as a training platform while the other three will serve as business incubators for boat owners and crew. According to Langkilde, successive participants taking the training and graduating will progress to operate the other three boats as they arrive until all four boats are operational and bring in fresh catches. Other graduates who do not get a chance to work on the super alias can use their newly gained knowledge to find jobs on other fishing boats if they choose. Meanwhile, other money making opportunities, such as processing, packaging and marketing the fish to local consumers, are also viable options. Langkilde emphasized that the four super alias are government-owned property and cannot be sold or leased. The DOC Fisheries Economic Development Officer revealed that all participants who work on the super alias, whether as deckhands, fishermen, or captains, will have their hours of operation monitored and recorded by the American Samoa Seafood Academy and DMWR. This includes tracking the number of fish, the weight of the catch, and the different species of fish caught as well as how many trips per year. Captains who want to buy a super alia to run their own operations must demonstrate a clear understanding of why they want to own boats. "They can express their intentions to us, and we can discuss their commitment because a super alia with all its features and state-of-the-art equipment costs more than $700,000," Langkilde stressed. “We can help determine the appropriate boat size and the equipment needed for their super alia, after which they can apply for a loan from ASDOC SSBCI Program. To support their loan application, we can include the data we recorded of their hours and trips on the boats they operate.” DOC Director Petti Matila encouraged local fishermen and new recruits to take up the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge and fishing skills with the aid of modern technology, thus boosting the local fishing industry. Director Matila also acknowledged former Governor Lolo Moliga for initiating the project, Governor Lemanu for continuing Lolo's vision, and everyone who was involved in ensuring it came to fruition. "This is one of the many achievements of the government to improve not only the economy with regard to the fishing industry but more importantly, the quality of life for our people," the DOC Director stated. "I am humbled and honored to have been part of this project and I hope it continues to benefit our people."76ers center Joel Embiid sidelined due to swelling in his left knee and will miss two games PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers say center Joel Embiid is managing swelling in his left knee and will miss a second consecutive game Sunday. The Sixers issued a statement on the condition of the 2023 NBA MVP at halftime of Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets, saying the decision to sideline Embiid was made along with the team’s medical staff. Embiid was ruled out prior to Friday’s game against the Nets due to what the team described as left knee injury maintenance. The Sixers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Austin Hays, Kyle Finnegan, Brendan Rodgers and Jordan Romano among 62 new free agents NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Austin Hays, right-hander Kyle Finnegan and second baseman Brendan Rodgers were among 62 players who became free agents when their teams failed to offer 2025 contracts. Right-hander Jordan Romano, left-hander Patrick Sandoval and outfielders Michael Tauchman and Ramón Laureano also were among the players cut loose, many of whom would have been eligible for salary arbitration. Washington cut right-hander Tanner Rainey, its last remaining player from the 2019 World Series champions. Finnegan and Hays are former All-Stars. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Russell puts Mercedes on pole at Las Vegas and Verstappen nips Norris in championship battle LAS VEGAS (AP) — George Russell put Mercedes on the pole for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in an upset over teammate Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was fastest in the first two practice sessions with Russell fastest in Friday night’s third and final session. But come qualifying, Hamilton made two mistakes in the final group and wound up a distant 10th. Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc seemed to sweep the front row until Russell’s late lap pushed Sainz to second. Pierre Gasly slid into third, and Leclerc wound up fourth. Championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull qualified fifth for Saturday night's race. Verstappen needs only to score three points more than challenger Lando Norris to win his fourth straight world championship. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. Chase Elliott named NASCAR's most popular driver for 7th straight season CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh straight year. He was announced Friday at NASCAR's annual season-ending awards ceremony. It's the only major NASCAR award determined solely by the vote of race fans. Elliott beat out Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, per results released by the National Motorsports Press Association. Bill Elliott, Chase's father who is nicknamed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” was named NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 16 times before removing his name from the ballot. Either an Elliott or Earnhardt has won NASCAR’s most popular driver award for 34 consecutive years. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn’t improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. Lawyer says ex-Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller met with NCAA for hours amid gambling probe PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A lawyer for former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller says the 22-year-old sat for a long interview with the NCAA amid an investigation into unusual gambling activity. But neither the lawyer nor federal law enforcement officials on Friday would confirm reports that a federal probe is now under way. Lawyer Jason Bologna says Miller cooperated because he hopes to play again. Miller was released last month after transferring to Virginia Tech. Temple President John Fry says the Philadelphia school has not been asked for any information from federal law enforcement officials.