winph 777 Rights advocates decry the nomination of the Florida Republican, who has compared Palestinian civilians to Nazis. Washington, DC – Palestinian rights advocates in the United States are denouncing the selection of Republican Congressman Brian Mast to lead the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Mast, a pro-Israel hawk known for his incendiary remarks about Palestinians, was nominated on Monday by fellow Republicans to be the chair of the influential panel in the incoming Congress, sparking outrage. On Tuesday, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) highlighted Mast’s history of anti-Palestinian statements, including his vilification of civilians and his call for destroying infrastructure in Gaza . “Brian Mast might be the perfect person to serve as a spokesperson for the war criminals of the Israeli government, but he has no business running congressional hearings on sensitive international issues that impact our nation’s security,” CAIR government affairs director Robert McCaw said in a statement . Mast hit back at CAIR on Wednesday. “I’d be more concerned if they were supporting me. Pace yourselves and buckle up,” he wrote in a social media post. To assume leadership of the committee, the Florida Republican still needs to be elected by the full House, where his party holds a thin majority when the new chamber takes office early in January. If successful, Mast — who wore an Israeli army uniform to the US Capitol last year — will preside over the panel that oversees legislation related to foreign policy. Mast, a US army veteran who lost his legs in an attack in Afghanistan, has previously served as a civilian volunteer in the Israeli military. Comparing Palestinians to Nazis Since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza in October last year, Mast has publicly defended Israel’s right to use any means necessary to attack the Palestinian enclave. Last year, for example, Mast said humanitarian aid to Gaza “should be slowed down”, despite a suffocating Israeli siege that has caused deadly starvation in the enclave. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November for suspected war crimes, including the use of hunger as a weapon of war. Mast has also suggested that all Palestinians in Gaza are legitimate targets for Israeli violence and starvation. “I don’t think we would so lightly throw around the term ‘innocent Nazi civilians’ during World War II. It is not a far stretch to say there are very few innocent Palestinian civilians,” the US congressman said last year. The remarks prompted Democratic Congresswoman Sara Jacobs to lead an unsuccessful push to formally rebuke Mast in the House. “Brian Mast’s comments are incredibly dangerous and dehumanizing as we continue to push for humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in harm’s way in Gaza and as Islamophobic hate crimes rise,” Jacobs said in a statement at that time. Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the antiwar group Code Pink, described Mast as the “most cruel, heartless member of Congress”. “His total disregard for Palestinian civilians fans the flames of violence. His position as chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee bodes ill for a foreign policy that strives to protect human life and promote peace,” she told Al Jazeera. Benjamin and other activists confronted Mast on Capitol Hill about his views earlier this year. When asked whether he has seen pictures of Palestinian children killed by Israel, the Republican legislator responded: “These are not innocent Palestinian civilians.” Israel has killed at least 44,800 Palestinians, including more than 17,000 children, in Gaza since the start of the war, according to local health authorities. United Nations experts and rights groups have described the Israeli campaign as a genocide: an effort to destroy the Palestinian people in whole or in part. ‘Absurdity and fanaticism’ Mast rejects any criticism against Israel by international groups and the UN. He has also called for disbanding the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Yasmine Taeb, the legislative and political director at MPower Change, a Muslim American civic engagement group, highlighted Mast’s history of “inflammatory and dehumanizing remarks”. “Mast’s election as the next Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee just shows the utter absurdity and fanaticism we should expect from the House GOP next year,” Taeb told Al Jazeera in a statement. When asked for comment about the criticism, Mast’s office referred Al Jazeera to the congressman’s response to CAIR on social media. Critics fear Mast’s nomination is likely part of a larger trend towards unquestioning support for Israel’s war. While Democratic President Joe Biden has already provided billions of dollars in unconditional support to Israel, the incoming administration of Republican President Donald Trump is set to be dominated by even more staunchly pro-Israel officials. So Mast may be able to push foreign policy measures in coordination with allies at the White House. Republicans will also have a majority in the Senate. Hassan el-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a Quaker social justice group, called Mast one of the “most ferociously anti-Palestinian voices” in Congress. “His position unfortunately reflects a broader sentiment among too many Congress members who continue to supply unconditional weapons and military support to Israel, despite the Netanyahu government violating countless US laws and policies through its indiscriminate military campaign in Gaza and beyond,” el-Tayyab told Al Jazeera. Netanyahu’s office welcomed Mast’s nomination earlier this week, hailing the congressman as a “great American patriot and a true friend of Israel”.DALLAS — As Perry Minasian prepared to leave the winter meetings on Wednesday, he wasn’t sure what he’d actually accomplished during his few days in Dallas. The Angels didn’t acquire any players during the event — aside from a left-handed reliever picked in the Rule 5 draft — but Minasian said he hoped he laid some groundwork for deals that could come to fruition throughout the rest of the winter. “We’ll find out,” he said. “I hope so. There are a lot of conversations.” The Angels still need some of everything. Minasian, per usual, would not rank the needs. “We want to get better,” he said. “We want to get deeper. Is that the bullpen? Is that the position players? Is that infield? Is that outfield? Is that starting rotation? We’ll find out. But we would definitely like to add to the team, not only the 26 but below that too.” Considering what the Angels have done and what they have currently, the infield nonetheless still seems to be a pressing need. Shortstop Zach Neto, third baseman Anthony Rendon and utility infielder Luis Rengifo will all be coming off injuries. So far the Angels have only added Kevin Newman and Scott Kingery to provide depth behind that group. A player who can start at third or second would be ideal. The Angels have checked in on trades for at least three third basemen: Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals, Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A deal for any of those players could be costly — in terms of money with Arenado and talent with Bohm or Suarez. Among free agents, third baseman Alex Bregman is the top of the market, followed by second baseman Gleyber Torres. Bregman is certainly out of their price range, and Torres may be as well. One intriguing option below them would be Jorge Polanco, who is a 31-year-old bounce-back candidate who can play second, third or shortstop. He could likely be had for $8 million to $10 million. Polanco had a career .780 OPS over parts of 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins, but that dropped to .651 last season with the Seattle Mariners, who declined his option. Seattle is a notorious pitcher’s park, and Polanco had a .606 OPS at home, and a more reasonable .694 mark on the road. Some of last year’s decline could have been attributed to playing through knee issues that ultimately required surgery. He also had a .740 OPS with 11 homers in the second half. Polanco is also a switch-hitter who has been better from the left side over his career. The Angels are in need of any good hitters, but ideally they’d add some who are better against righties, because that was their weaker side last season. “You always want to balance the lineup as best as you can,” Minasian said. “It’s just about what’s available. So we wouldn’t pass on a right-handed hitter that we feel like is productive.” RULE 5 PICK The Angels selected left-handed reliever Garrett McDaniels from the Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft. McDaniels joins the Angels’ 40-man roster. They must keep him on the major league roster all season or else offer him back to the Dodgers. McDaniels, 24, had a 3.19 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 73 1⁄3 innings last season. He pitched just three innings at Double-A, and the rest were at two levels of Class-A. “Good arm, can spin two breaking balls, heater’s 94-95, combination of ground balls and strikeouts,” Minasian said. “Now, it’s at lower levels, but stuff is stuff. We felt like it was worth taking a look at him at spring training, and we’ll see if he can make the team. ... “You can never have too many lefties, and especially guys that can really spin the ball. It’s a good trait to have in the bullpen.” ARIZONA UPGRADES Before Minasian came to Dallas, he stopped in Arizona to get a look at the upgraded spring training facilities. The Angels re-did their clubhouse, weight room and offices, and they added pitching and hitting labs. “It looks great,” Minasian said. “I had a chance to walk through. It’s not completely finished. Obviously, we still have time. It blew me away. It’s better than I even thought it would be. The labs are awesome.” The Angels have been behind other organizations in terms of their technology. This facility should help them catch up, and Minasian believes it will translate to improved performance of their players. “I think it’s going to be significant,” Minasian said. “I really do. I think it will be a significant upgrade from what we had.” Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels win No. 2 pick in 2025 MLB draft lottery Los Angeles Angels | Nolan Arenado traded to the Dodgers or Angels? Not likely Los Angeles Angels | Angels open to adding a full-time third baseman, despite having oft-injured Anthony Rendon Los Angeles Angels | Angels look to continue upgrading as they head to winter meetings Los Angeles Angels | Alexander: Golden at-bat? It would only tarnish baseball KIKUCHI’S ROLE The Angels have made much of what they hope to gain by having veterans like Kyle Hendricks and Travis d’Arnaud around their young players, and that also applies to Yusei Kikuchi. Although it’s reasonable to think the language barrier might preclude Kikuchi from having the same type of influence, Minasian said he is “100%” certain that Kikuchi will help Angels young pitchers, both with his words and actions. “His English is pretty good,” Minasian said. “The work ethic and the the prep and the weight room stuff. People see him doing the work. If you ask people in Toronto and the short stay in Houston and even in Seattle, it’s real. It will be good for our guys.”NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global home and office paper shredders market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.42 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.06% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered End-user (Commercial and Residential), Product (Cross-cut, Micro-cut, and Strip-cut), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered ACCO Brands Corp., Aditya Systems, Arihant Maxsell Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Aurora Corp. Of America, AVANTI Business Machines Ltd., Bonsen Electronics Ltd., Dahle North America Inc., Elcoman Srl, Fellowes Inc., Fornnax Technology Pvt Ltd., HSM GmbH plus Co. KG, intimus International GmbH, Jiangsu Golden Hi-tech Digital Co. Ltd., Krug and Priester GmbH and Co. KG, Martin Yale Industries, Mitsui Matsushima Holdings Co., Ltd., Raj Electricals, Royal Consumer Information Products, SHREDDERS and SHREDDING CO., and Staples Inc. Regions Covered North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Region Outlook 1. North America - APAC is estimated to contribute 43%. To the growth of the global market. The Home And Office Paper Shredders Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The Home and Office Paper Shredders market in North America is currently the largest market globally. This dominance is attributed to the increasing consumer awareness, well-established business infrastructure, and the presence of several key players in the region. The US is the major contributor to this market, driven by technological advancements, product innovations, and differentiation. Notable vendors, such as Fellowes Brands , ACCO Brands, Swingline, and Aurora Corp. Of America, are introducing new and innovative products, significantly contributing to the market growth in North America . For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The commercial sector's reliance on paper shredders for document security is significant. Factors such as high shredding volume and frequency, nature of confidential data, and regulatory compliance drive this demand. Paper shredders are essential equipment in offices, providing document security, workspace cleanliness, and waste disposal. Despite the increasing digitization trend, the paper shredder market is witnessing steady growth due to the importance of physical document security in the face of cyber threats. In regions like North America and Europe , where electronic products are prevalent, the paper shredder market continues to expand, ensuring the safe disposal of sensitive documents remains a priority. Research Analysis The Home and Office Paper Shredders market refers to the demand for electronic equipment designed to shred confidential documents into tiny pieces for secure disposal. With the increasing awareness of data security and environmental protection, the market for these shredding machines has seen significant growth. Bin capacity varies from small portable shredders to industrial-grade models. The shredding process helps protect sensitive data and confidential papers, including personnel records and financial information, from falling into the wrong hands. The carbon footprint of paper shredders is a concern, but advancements in technology are leading to more energy-efficient models. Consumption volumes are high among government agencies, small enterprises, private groups, and individuals. The shutdown of offices and reduction of commerce due to the pandemic have led to an increase in the demand for paper shredders. Smart features and automation, such as sensor systems and volume information, are becoming increasingly popular. The market offers a range of shredding techniques, including strip cut, which ensures thorough destruction of documents. Market Overview The Home and Office Paper Shredders market refers to the demand for electronic equipment designed to shred confidential documents, sensitive data, and other paper waste. With the increasing concern for data security and environmental protection, the market for paper shredders has seen significant growth. Bin capacity varies from small portable shredders for home use to industrial-grade machines for commercial usage sectors. Paper shredders use different techniques such as Strip Cut, Cross Cut, and Micro Cut to ensure thorough destruction of documents. Consumption volumes are driven by various sectors including government agencies, small enterprises, private groups, and individuals. The market caters to various industries such as banks, financial organizations, healthcare institutions, educational institutions, retailers, customer service industry, and more. The market also includes shredders for CDs, DVDs, loyalty cards, credit cards, and magnetic tapes. With advancements in technology, smart features and automation are becoming increasingly popular, including sensor systems and volume information. The reduction of commerce due to shutdowns and the shift towards soft copy preferences have also influenced the market. The working population and retail networks, as well as online platforms, are significant consumers of paper shredders. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/home-and-office-paper-shredders-market--43-of-growth-to-originate-from-apac-technavio-302331347.html SOURCE Technavio

Donald Trump is poised to ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, coinciding with his anticipated selection as Time magazine's 'Person of the Year', according to sources familiar with the matter. Time magazine has not commented on the selection. Trump's selection highlights his influential role on Wall Street, as reflected during his presidency when he often tied his success to the stock market's performance. Historically, the honor of ringing the opening bell is reserved for business leaders marking significant achievements, though some celebrities and politicians have done so as well. Trump was named Time's 'Person of the Year' in 2016. In 2020, the title was awarded to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, while Taylor Swift received the recognition last year. (With inputs from agencies.)A new Beef + Lamb New Zealand report confirms earlier estimates for fewer lambs in spring 2024, compared with last year, due to a declining ewe flock, and a moderate decrease in ewe lambing percentage. The Beef + Lamb NZ 2024 Lamb Crop Report indicates a decrease in lambs tailed/docked by 1.1 million head, or 5.2%, compared to 2023, bringing the total lamb crop to an estimated 19.2 million. This is a preliminary figure, with final figures for the South Island expected closer to Christmas. Beef + Lamb NZ said the report aimed to inform early processing decisions, particularly in the North Island , and offer insights into the current state of the sector. The decline in lamb crop is slightly greater than what Beef + Lamb NZ originally forecasted in the June Stock Number Survey.Musk's xAI plans massive expansion of AI supercomputer in Memphis

NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global online therapy services market size is estimated to grow by USD 16.16 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 28.09% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Report Attribute Details Base Year 2023 Forecast period 2024-2028 Historic Data for 2018 - 2022 Segments Covered Type (Cognitive behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Personal centered therapy), Application (Residential use and Commercial), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)) Key Companies Covered 7 Cups of Tea Co., American Well Corp., BreakThrough Counseling Services, Calmerry, CareMe Health, Cerebral Inc., Doctor On Demand Inc., DocVita Inc., Felicity, Heart it out, Manastha, MDLIVE Inc., Mind Voyage, ReGain, TALKSPACE INC, Teladoc Health Inc., ThriveTalk, Thriveworks Counseling, HopeQure Wellness Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Mental Fuel Inc. Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Region Outlook 1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 42%. To the growth of the global market. The Online Therapy Services Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The online therapy services market experienced significant growth in 2022, with North America leading the charge. The region's dominance can be attributed to the presence of major market players in the US and Canada . The increasing recognition of online therapy services and in substance abuse cases in the US are expected to fuel market expansion. According to The World Bank Group, US healthcare expenditure reached USD4.1 trillion or USD12,530 per person in 2020, representing a 9.7% increase. This substantial investment in healthcare creates a favorable environment for online therapy services to thrive. For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a significant segment in the thriving online therapy services market. Traditionally, CBT has utilized evidence-based techniques to tackle various mental health concerns. With digital platforms' emergence, CBT has transformed into a convenient and effective psychological support system for individuals worldwide. CBT combines cognitive and behavioral approaches, enabling users to recognize and modify detrimental thought patterns and behaviors causing emotional distress. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted the medical world's perspective on mental health. Lockdowns, social isolation, and heightened stressors led to in demand for remote mental health services. Online CBT, previously an excellent alternative, became a necessity. Post-pandemic, the future of online CBT remains promising. The pandemic normalized telehealth services, and users have grown accustomed to seeking therapy through digital channels. This trend is expected to persist. Online CBT's benefits, including convenience, accessibility, and privacy, make it an attractive choice for diverse users, such as busy professionals and those in remote areas with limited access to traditional therapy. These factors will fuel the expansion of the global online therapy services market during the forecast period. Research Analysis The Online Therapy Services market encompasses various forms of mental health treatment delivered through digital platforms. These include live video chat sessions, messaging apps, and mobile device apps. While traditional in-person therapy remains a gold standard, online therapy offers flexibility and convenience for individuals seeking help. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy are among the approaches offered through teletherapy and telehealth counseling. Qualified therapists provide online counseling using smartphone features to enhance the therapeutic experience. Patient privacy is a top priority, with secure platforms ensuring confidentiality. Commercial use of these services is on the rise, with relationship problems, depression, and anxiety among the common reasons for seeking online mental health resources. Mobile health apps, wearable technology, and digital apps are also part of the digital mental health landscape, offering additional tools for mental health treatment. In-person treatment remains an option for those who prefer it, but online therapy is becoming an increasingly viable alternative. Market Overview The Online Therapy Services Market encompasses various digital platforms that offer mental health treatment and support, including live video chat, messaging apps, and cell phones. These services cater to both residential and commercial use, providing alternatives to traditional in-person therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, person-centered therapy, and other therapeutic approaches are now available through mobile device apps and real-time instant messaging. Telephone and video conferencing are also popular methods for teletherapy and telehealth counseling. Mental health awareness and telehealth adoption have led to an increase in the use of online therapy services for various mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Artificial intelligence-based chatbots and machine learning technologies are being integrated into free therapy apps to provide additional resources. Dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR therapy, family therapy, and other forms of mental health treatment are also offered online. Qualified therapists provide online counseling through these platforms, ensuring patient privacy and confidentiality. Smartphone features, such as personalized reminders and progress tracking, enhance the user experience. The market includes various mental health resources, from digital apps and wearable technology to ambulatory centers, hospitals, and suicide prevention programs. Substance abuse disorders and prescription medications are also addressed through these services. Young people are increasingly turning to online therapy services for relationship issues and other mental health concerns. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/online-therapy-services-market--42-of-growth-to-originate-from-north-america-technavio-302331301.html SOURCE TechnavioThe partnership between President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk proved crucial in swinging the US election in favour of the 78-year-old. However, it seems that Trump is not the only one reaping benefits from this partnership. After becoming the 'first buddy' to arguably the most powerful political leader in the world, Elon Musk's net worth has soared. On Wednesday, the 53-year-old became the first person to have an estimated net worth of $400 billion - further cementing his place as the richest man on earth. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that Musk has become the first person to have an estimated net worth of $400 billion. This boost in wealth has come amidst a new deal that SpaceX - Musk's space technology company, signed. The deal has taken SpaceX's valuation to a whopping $350 billion. Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the company and its investors have agreed to purchase $1.25 billion of insider shares. As a result of this deal, Elon Musk's net worth has shot up by $20 billion. In the wake of the news, shares of Tesla in the New York Stock Exchange made record highs, trading at $415 as the market closed on Wednesday. It is a continuation of the rally Tesla shares have since November 5 - the day of the election. Tesla shares have surged as much as 65% since Trump won the election on the back of a massive support by Musk. Notably, Musk is the largest shareholder in Tesla. Also read: 'World's Most Valuable': Elon Musk Hints Tesla Could Sink Bill Gates' Fortune Bloomerg's Billionaires Index, which tracks the growth in wealth of the major global billionaires, shows that Elon Musk's wealth has grown by approximately $136 billion since Election Day. Notably, Musk is now $140 billion richer than the second richest man, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. While SpaceX is valued at approximately $350 billion, Musk's AI venture, xAI, doubled in value to $50 billion, while The Boring Company continues to attract investment interest, despite its valuation not being public. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Business Economy and around the world.If you’ve felt like things were moving backward instead of forward, you’re not imagining it — has been at play. From travel mishaps to philosophical debates that went nowhere, this slowdown tested our patience and perspective... and just in time for the ! Since began its journey in Sagittarius on Nov. 25, things have been in flux, particularly mercurial themes such as communication, logistics and dynamics within your immediate environment. Whether it was the endless rescheduling of plans, miscommunication in text messages or unexpected detours while traveling, life has likely felt chaotic... but good news is on the horizon! On Dec. 15, Mercury will officially station direct at 3:56 p.m. ET, clearing the fog and helping us regain momentum. Named after the swift messenger god, rules communication, thought processes, technology and travel. It’s the planet that keeps us connected to others and on top of our to-do lists. In optimistic , Mercury embodies the qualities of a philosopher and adventurer, inspiring us to think big, seek the truth and explore new horizons. However, isn’t the messenger planet’s ideal place to be, as this ’s love for big-picture thinking can often overwhelm Mercury’s fact-checking nature, leading to overpromising or losing sight of the details. When , the energy became even trickier to navigate. are a time to reflect, revise and reconsider, but while transiting a sign like , it could be manifested into doubts about your beliefs, struggles with long-term plans or even conflicts over differing perspectives. Travel delays, misinterpreted emails and philosophical debates that went nowhere might have felt like a common theme. Still, on a deeper level, this retrograde asked you to slow down and reevaluate your truth. What do you stand for? What’s worth pursuing? With Mercury going direct, it’s time to integrate these insights. You may feel a shift in clarity and confidence, but this is an opportunity to consider your ideas and reflections from the past few weeks so you can put a plan into action. The road ahead is open again, and it’s time to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and perspective. In the meantime, read on for what Mercury direct in Sagittarius could mean for you. Related: Get ready to embrace your adventurous spirit fully, ! If you’ve been dreaming of booking a flight but kept hitting travel delays, Mercury direct clears the runway for takeoff. Whether it's sorting out your passport issues or finally deciding between Bali and Barcelona, you're about to embrace your wanderlust with confidence. Don't be discouraged, . If the recent retrograde had you side-eyeing your bank statements or rethinking your shared assets, Mercury direct offers some much-needed clarity. Awkward financial encounters with a loved one or sobering conversations with the IRS will sort out, leaving room for deeper emotional connections or, ideally, a surprise refund! The relationship drama is dissipating, . Mercury retrograde may have stirred the pot with your partner or left you waiting for a reply from that person who left you on read. Now that it’s direct, the vibe shifts from miscommunication to clarity and understanding. Expect high-vibing convos that bring you perspective or, at the very least, a witty comeback text to make you smile. The chaos in your daily routine is finally starting to settle, . If you’ve been double-booking yourself or dealing with techie glitches at work, Mercury direct brings some much-needed structure to your day-to-day routine. You’ll finally conquer that pile of laundry, or at the very least, stop hitting snooze on your morning alarm. Related: Your mojo is back in full force, ! If your creative projects have felt stagnant or stuck in slow motion (or maybe your love life’s been giving you more eye rolls than butterflies), Mercury direct is here to reignite the spark. Get ready for spontaneous adventures, flirty DMs and inspiration that brings you back into the spotlight. Home is where the heart (and some overdue repairs) is, . If Mercury retrograde left you feeling overwhelmed and tangled in Wi-Fi issues or family quarrels, Mercury direct brings resolution. Expect more harmony on the home front — from bringing electronics back to speed to heartfelt moments and conversations with family. The communication chaos ends here, . If you’ve been struggling with scattered thoughts, missed appointments or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, Mercury direct brings clarity and restores your charm. It’s time to nail those presentations, catch up on texts you left on "read" and approach things from a brand-new perspective. Your values and money matters are starting to make sense again, . Whether it was unexpected bills or confusion over where you stand in a specific situation, Mercury direct clears up the fog. In addition to owning up to your self-worth, now’s the time to budget for something fun or splurge on that item you’ve been eyeing since Black Friday. Related: You made it to the other side, . Mercury retrograde in your sign could’ve very well felt like an identity crisis or a constant surge of hiccups and misunderstandings. Now that it’s back in motion, you’ll feel more like yourself — charismatic, witty and ready to take on the world. Do what you do best, and prepare to steal the show wherever you go. The deep introspection and revelations have been real, . If Mercury retrograde left you replaying old memories or second-guessing your instincts, Mercury direct offers some much-needed clarity. It’s time to take those “aha” moments and turn them into a plan of action or, at the very least, finally get a good night’s sleep. Dealing with friendship drama, ? If miscommunication with your crew had you debating whether to stay in the group chat, Mercury direct brings everyone back to basics, finally getting on the same page. Expect plans to solidify and group texts to stop being subtly awkward. You’ll also want to send that RSVP you accidentally ignored. You’re getting back on track with your career goals, . If you’ve been feeling stuck and uninspired or perhaps dealing with a stressful crossroads at work, Mercury direct restores order and presents you with a newfound perspective and inspiration. It’s time to focus on your goals, impress your boss and maybe even celebrate that overdue promotion or recognition. Read the original article onWASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request after it experienced trouble with its flight operating system, or FOS. The airline blamed technology from one of its vendors. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador: El Salvador’s Congress on Monday approved a bill promoted by President Nayib Bukele to roll back a ban on the mining of gold and other metals, dismaying environmentalists. The small Central American nation became the world’s first country to outlaw metal mining in 2017, warning of the harmful effects of the chemicals used, like cyanide and mercury. The move by Bukele’s predecessor, former left-wing rebel Salvador Sanchez Ceren, reflected a growing rejection of mining by rural communities in the region. But last month, Bukele, who is popular at home for his crackdown on street gangs, signaled that he wanted to change course. The bill to bring back metal mining was approved by 57 deputies out of a total of 60, said Ernesto Castro, head of the legislature—which is dominated by the ruling party—as environmental campaigners protested nearby. Critics fear that mining will pollute the Lempa River, which runs through a potential mining zone proposed by Bukele and supplies water to 70 percent of the inhabitants of the capital and surrounding areas. “This wretched mining will punish the people, it will contaminate our waters and rivers and that’s an attack on life,” activist Vidalina Morales told reporters. Bukele said last month that El Salvador, a country of 6.6 million people, had “potentially” the largest gold deposits per square kilometer in the world. “God placed a gigantic treasure underneath our feet,” he wrote on social media, arguing that the mining ban was “absurd.” “If we make responsible use of our natural resources, we can change the economy of El Salvador overnight,” he said. The new law stipulates that the state will be the only entity authorized to search for, extract and process mined metals. However, the government may do so through companies in which it is a shareholder. The bill prohibits the use of mercury in mining operations, which may not be carried out in protected natural areas or places with important water sources. A survey by Central American University published on Monday revealed that 59 percent of respondents do not consider El Salvador “an appropriate country for metal mining.” Since El Salvador dollarized its remittances-reliant economy in 2001, it has registered average annual growth of 2.1 percent. Twenty-seven percent of Salvadorans live in poverty, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, and 70 percent of the workforce operates in the informal sector. Elsewhere in the region, Costa Rica and Honduras have banned open-pit mining, and Panama declared a moratorium on new mining concessions last year after mass protests over plans for a huge copper mine. — AFP"(It was) a little too close for my comfort with my family being in the house,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday. “So we got personal security to take care of all of that. When we're on the road, we've got someone with my wife, got someone also at the house, surveying the house.” Tagovailoa, speaking days after the home of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow was broken into while the Bengals were playing a Monday night game at Dallas, also noted his security is armed, "so I hope that if you decide to go to my house, you think twice.” Burrow's home was the latest targeted in a string of burglaries of pro athletes' homes in the U.S., which included the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Mahomes' and Kelce's homes were broken into in October, prompting the NFL to issue a security alert to teams and the players' union warning that the houses of numerous pro athletes were “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups," according to a memo previously obtained by The Associated Press. Law enforcement officials noted these groups target the homes on days the athletes have games. Players were told to take precautions and implement home security measures to reduce the risk of being targeted. Tagovailoa's personal security has been in place since long before this string of break-ins. No one was injured in the Monday night break-in at Burrow's home, but it was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.’s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information, and the NBA later issued its own memo revealing 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.” Some of the groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. Tagovailoa, who just signed an extension with the Dolphins last offseason, said he doesn't necessarily feel like a target, "but I wouldn't want to play the chances with my family and kids sleeping, my wife sleeping, me sleeping at the house.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflDolphins, Tua can benefit from finally having Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle produce together again

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View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-buy-black-friday-hair-wigs-2024-302314320.html SOURCE Sunber HairBy KEVIN FREKING, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday passed a $895 billion measure that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed the House by a vote of 281-140 and will next move to the Senate, where lawmakers had sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. Lawmakers are touting the bill’s 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said service member pay has failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. “No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that’s exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. “This bill goes a long way to fixing that.” The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation’s borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators had wanted to increase defense spending some $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a “tremendous loss for our national defense,” though he agreed with many provisions within the bill. “We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it,” Wicker said. House Republicans don’t want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many non-defense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a “very real problem.” He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, have proven effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. “These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives,” Smith said. “And in this bill, we decided we’re going to bar servicemembers’ children from having access to that.” Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson’s office insisted upon the ban and said the provision “taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation.” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, “I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates.” Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, “and yet, here it is in this bill.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team was not telling Democrats how to vote on the bill. “There’s a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well,” Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration had requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.When Horace Roberts Jr. was freed after 20 years in prison following his conviction for the murder of a Jurupa Valley woman he did not commit, he emerged into a changed world. Among the innovations occurring while Roberts was behind bars from 1998 to 2018 was the improvement of DNA technology that allows investigators to identify criminal suspects more precisely and from smaller sample sizes. That technology sprung Roberts from his “lion’s den” and pointed authorities to three men who were convicted of killing Terry Cheek, Roberts’ former mistress, and who are scheduled to be imprisoned in January. Roberts testified against the men who not only let Roberts take the fall for the crime but also framed him. “I was relieved,” Roberts, 66, said in a recent interview about his post-prison life from his home in South Carolina. “I was just glad that they were found guilty of what they did.” While Roberts now says “I feel good about where I am” and an $11 million payout in 2021 from Riverside County to settle his wrongful-incarceration lawsuit has eased the transition, the return to a society that had moved on without him was initially difficult. Roberts would wake up at night and wonder whether he was still sleeping in a cell. “When I was in prison you had to think one way, and that was always survival. I had to put on this brave face and just stand my ground. When I got out, it’s different. It’s kind of hard to let my guard down and show that fear,” he said. “Getting around by myself, I was scared,” Roberts said. “Scared to move around; I didn’t know how to react to that. I had not been just locked up but locked in. I had to learn how to go about and do things, shop, and not only that but interact with people on the outside.” Michael Semanchik, who as an attorney for the California Innocence Project took up Roberts’ case and who now leads The Innocence Center, has seen others struggle to adapt after long prison stays. “It’s pretty common when people come home that they don’t like to be in big crowds, they keep their backs to the walls,” Semanchik said. “It’s an ingrained prison mentality that takes years to get past. Choices are so severely limited in prison. Horace could go to the commissary but there are like two types of toothpaste, and clients go into CVS and see 50 types of toothpaste, and that is overwhelming.” But Roberts was quickly able to surround himself with family members who he said “100%” believed he was innocent. Because his wife, Debra, moved east across the country with the 7-year-old twins and a 17-year-old stepdaughter to be closer to family, Roberts never saw his children during his incarceration in several California prisons. So it was an emotional moment when Roberts reunited with his children — now all grown up — at an airport. And yes, Debra waited for him. “It was pure joy. Tears of joy,” Roberts said. “It was like we had never left each other because we were able to communicate with them. I just wanted to be able to see them. I wouldn’t have traded that moment for the world.” Roberts acknowledged that he had some catching up to do in other areas. There was the creation in 2007 of a device that flummoxed Roberts, a computer that fits in your pocket with all sorts of gizmos embedded in it that can even make and receive phone calls. The iWhat? “A lot about these cell phones have changed,” Roberts said. I don’t know how to do anything other than (call and) answer, and I do a little texting. That technology, I’m 20 years behind it.” History also changed as Roberts watched from his cell block. Barack Obama, the first Black president, served two terms. “It was a proud moment for me, but also the Black race,” Roberts said. “Who would have thought we would have lived to see a Black president?” Donald Trump, who starred in the reality show “The Apprentice” while Roberts was imprisoned, had a new job — president of the United States — at the time Roberts was freed. Roberts lamented that he returned to a less-respectful and more angry society. Twice when he worked as a garbageman following his release, Roberts said, teens pulled guns on him over minor disputes. “Old fool, get out of the way,” one said, according to Roberts. “Things are too fast out there for these young people,” Roberts said. “They are too quick to react and not think. ... I never knew teenagers were like they are now. They would rather pick up a gun than put up two fists. It’s hard for me to relate to that.” As for that new DNA technology, Roberts is grateful that his attorney seized upon it to help him win his freedom. “Without Mike Semanchik and his (California) Innocence Project, I’d probably most likely still be in jail,” Roberts said. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Before doctor was killed, Texas man lay in wait for him at California clinic, prosecutors say Crime and Public Safety | Carjacker who ran over California man trying to rescue his van gets 25 years to life Crime and Public Safety | California couple shot and killed while on holiday in Mexico Crime and Public Safety | Monterey County man found guilty for attacking two brothers with an ax, killing one Crime and Public Safety | Homicide victim allegedly looking to rape prostitutes instead encountered an East Bay robbery crew trying to set up johns In April 1998, Cheek, 32, vanished on what was supposed to be a drive from her home in what is now Jurupa Valley to Roberts’ Temecula apartment to pick him up and drive to Quest Diagnostics in San Juan Capistrano, where Roberts supervised her on the night shift. That day, Cheek, according to testimony, was driving Roberts’ pickup, which she sometimes borrowed. But she never arrived at Roberts’ apartment. The pickup was found abandoned on the shoulder of the 15 Freeway about two miles from Lee Lake near Corona, where Cheek’s body was discovered on rocks several days later. Investigators zeroed in on Roberts, even though court records showed Cheek was going through a messy divorce with Googie Rene Harris Sr. Roberts didn’t help himself, trying to cover up his affair with Cheek when questioned by investigators and lying about his whereabouts the night she disappeared. Relatives of Cheek claimed to have found a distinctive black purse belonging to Cheek in Roberts’ apartment when they gathered her belongings. And Roberts mistakenly claimed ownership of a watch found near Cheek’s body. Roberts was convicted after a third trial and sentenced to life in prison. Harris Sr. testified in at least two of the trials and again at Roberts’ parole hearings. In 2013, Semanchik submitted DNA evidence that revealed a match with Googie Rene Harris Jr., who was Cheek’s stepson. DNA found under Cheek’s fingernails belonged to Joaquin Latee Leal III — Harris Sr.’s nephew — according to testimony. Prosecutors said Harris Sr. and Leal strangled Cheek in her garage as she left for work because Harris Sr. was concerned that his wife would take the home from him in the divorce. They loaded the body into the pickup and Harris Jr. and Leal took Cheek to the lake. The Harrises and Leal were charged with murder — and Harris Sr. with a sentencing enhancement of murder for financial gain — and Roberts was declared factually innocent . Harris Sr. and Leal were convicted of murder in August; a jury recommended that Harris Sr. — who still maintains his innocence — receive the death penalty and Leal be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A judge is scheduled to rule on their sentences on Jan. 10. Harris Jr., who testified against Leal and his father, pleaded guilty to accessory to a felony and is scheduled to report to jail in January to serve a one-year sentence. Roberts stayed the night in a cottage in San Diego the day he was freed. “The first thing that following day, I got up, walked outside and I looked up and I was so thankful and grateful for that moment, just to be able to get out and do what I wanted to do and not have someone directing me on what they want me to do. It was so peaceful, and I enjoyed that peace,” Roberts said. Roberts said he likes keeping things simple these days. He lives in Ladson, about 20 miles from Charleston, with Debra and their grandchildren, ages 3, 4 and 9. Roberts used the lawsuit settlement from Riverside County to purchase a home and a couple of cars. He said he has no interest in traveling the world, even though he can afford it. One of his big goals was to learn taekwondo; He said he will receive a black belt in the martial art in March. “It was easy to come home and it seemed like I fit right in,” Roberts said. “Home is where my heart is, anyway. Being home keeps me rooted and grounded. I don’t have to go outside of that and do too much or want anything. It’s all right here. “I am in the right place, I believe,” Roberts said.Aston Villa return to winning ways by blowing away Brentford

Islamabad: Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja disclosed on Thursday that Pakistan is in discussions with Starlink to bring its services to the country. The minister's statement came during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on IT and Telecommunication. The statement follows the worst internet disruptions in the country and billions of rupees in losses to the national economy. Chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the session discussed issues plaguing the nation's internet infrastructure and its impact on the IT sector. "We are in talks with Starlink to bring them to Pakistan," Khawaja told committee members as she also announced plans to auction the 5G spectrum in April 2024, positioning it as a step towards modernising the nation's digital infrastructure. However, she acknowledged significant challenges, including the absence of investment in the IT sector over the past three years, which has strained the country's ability to meet rising internet usage demands.

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‘He’s Been Waiting For His Moment’: Trevelin Queen Leads Magic To Victory In First NBA StartPope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israel expels patients from a hospital in Gaza TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers raided a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya on Tuesday, as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.By CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced significant consumer-focused changes on Monday with the release of the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024. Among the key updates is the directive for telecom operators to introduce tariff plans exclusively offering SMS and voice call benefits. This initiative aims to cater to the needs of approximately 150 million 2G users and those who use a second SIM solely for calls and messaging, enabling them to pay only for the services they actually use. ALSO READ | This New Instagram Feature Will Help You See Missed Story Highlights — Check Details Currently, many 2G users are compelled to purchase bundled plans that include data benefits, which are often unnecessary for their needs. This policy change could impact service providers like Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi), which still offer 2G services, unlike Reliance Jio, which operates solely on 4G and 5G networks. Other Instructions By TRAI Meanwhile, telecom operators have been focusing on bundled plans that combine voice, data, SMS, and even OTT services to increase their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The new regulations challenge this approach by advocating for simpler, more cost-effective options for consumers. TRAI noted that these changes were introduced following extensive consumer surveys and feedback from various stakeholders. The amendments are designed to ensure users get better value for their money while addressing the diverse needs of telecom subscribers. Another significant update in the regulations is the extension of validity for Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs). Operators are now required to offer STVs with a validity period of up to 365 days, compared to the current limit of 90 days. These vouchers are typically more affordable than standard plans and offer a range of tailored benefits, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious users. Additionally, TRAI has directed telecom companies to introduce top-up vouchers in multiple denominations, starting at a minimum of Rs 10. This move is expected to provide more flexibility and affordability for consumers, particularly those with limited budgets.

And today, through madame’s Instagram account, we learn that the Gallagher family is growing. They are expecting their first child this winter. Congratulations to Brendan Gallagher and his wife, Emma Fortin, who are expecting their first child! ( : IG/emmafortin14) — RDS (@RDSca) One can say that this child will be showered with gifts during the holidays. Not only does his father have an excellent salary, but the proximity of Christmas and his birthday will promise a rather exciting time for him. And he can count himself lucky to see his father around as he grows up. Indeed, Gally is still only 32 years old and has just two and a half years left on his contract with the CH. Let’s expect him to miss one or two games soon when baby Gallagher finally arrives. – Well done. 50 YEARS OF CARRIERE FOR BERG Michel Bergeron had no idea that a special tribute awaited him when he appeared on the JiC set for his segment. His reaction... — TVA Sports (@TVASports) – To watch. Kirill Kaprizov has entered the early MVP conversation as he quickly climbs the Wild’s all-time scoring charts. Don’t miss this one from : — Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) – A new challenge for the legend. The experienced coach is back in action. — TVA Sports (@TVASports)Angara inherits problem left by Sara at DepEd