super. ace "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.

Continuously optimize user experience, Baijiayun's live and on-demand products complete autumn upgradeLaura Benanti is blasting her former Broadway co-star Zachary Levi. The 44-year-old actress co-starred alongside Levi in the musical revival of She Loves Me in 2016. Levi is widely known for voicing the role of Flynn Ryder in Disney 's 2010 film Tangled . On, Wednesday, December 4, Benanti appeared on the That's a Gay Ass Podcast , hosted by comedian Eric Williams, and reflected on her time working with the Shazam actor. The Tony Award winner cursed out Levi, 45, as she claimed he was not a good person and that she saw through his facade. "I never liked him. Everyone was like, 'He's so great!' And I was like, 'No, he's not. He's sucking up all the f***ing energy in this room. He wants to mansplain everybody's part to them,'" the Gossip Girl alum told Williams. He really sucked everybody in with his, like, dance party energy. Like, 'We're doing a dance party at half-hour.' I was like, 'Good luck. Have fun.'" Benanti then spoke about how the former Chuck star used fellow Broadway actor Gavin Creel's death for his "political agenda." Creel — who was part of the She Loves Me cast — tragically passed away from a rare form of cancer in September at 48 years old. The following month, Levi, an anti-vaxxer, went on Instagram Live and implied the COVID-19 vaccine played a role in Creel's death. The Younger alum slammed Levi's comments on the podcast episode, saying, "But for him to use Gavin's memory, a person he was not friends with, to use his memory for his political agenda and to watch him try to make himself cry until he had one single tear, which he did not wipe away, I was like, 'F**k you forever.'" “I never liked him” -@Laura Benanti (full ep in bayou) #broadway #playbill #zacharylevi #broadwaymusical #theaterkid #podcast Williams posted a clip from the episode on his TikTok page on Friday, December 6, and fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts. "love how she [Benanti] openly talks about this bc ppl in this industry think it's unprofessional to speak up and we don't ever get to hear the real tea," one fan commented. "You got to love when you hate the person everyone loves, and then it turns out you're right," another person wrote. "Glad she's so honest about it! It sucks cause this was my favorite revival! 💕," somebody else commented. Levi has not yet responded to Benanti's comments.

Israel said Tuesday it had bombed more than 350 military sites in Syria during the previous 48 hours, targeting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the wave of airstrikes in neighboring Syria was necessary to keep the weapons from being used against Israel following the Syrian government’s stunning collapse . Israel also acknowledged its troops were pushing into a border buffer zone inside Syria, which was established after the 1973 Mideast war. However, Israel denied its forces were advancing Tuesday toward the Syrian capital of Damascus. Life in the capital was slowly returning to normal after jihadi-led Syrian insurgents ousted President Bashar Assad over the weekend. People celebrated for a third day in a main square, and shops and banks reopened. The United States said Tuesday it would recognize and support a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons stocks and protects the rights of minorities and women. Syria's nearly 14-year civil war killed nearly half a million people and displaced half of the country’s prewar population of 23 million, becoming a proxy battlefield for regional and international powers. Here's the Latest: Syria's rebel government will administer the country during transition period BEIRUT — Syria’s transitional government will made up of members from the rebel-led administration that ruled an insurgent stronghold in the country's northwest, the new prime minister said Tuesday, who called the task “a great challenge.” The caretaker Syrian government, which will oversee the country’s affairs until March, held its first meeting Tuesday since overthrowing former President Bashar Assad. It was attended by the departing Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali and other ministers along with new Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir. He had led the so-called “salvation government” in areas controlled by rebel groups — led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS — that have taken control of much of the country. “We were tasked by the general command with managing the affairs of the Syrian government during a transitional period,” Bashir said in a statement following the meeting in Damascus. He added that he hopes ministers in the former Syrian government will assist the new government during this transitional period. “The caretaker government was formed from a number of ministers of the revolutionary government, which is the Syrian Salvation Government, and this government is a temporary caretaker government that will last until March 2025, until the constitutional issues are resolved,” Bashir said. The insurgent alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant , Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who cut ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. Thousands scour Syria’s most horrific prison but find no sign of their loved ones SAYDNAYA, Syria — Tens of thousands came to Saydnaya Prison from all over Syria after the fall of former President Bashar Assad to search for their loved ones. The place so notorious for its horrors was long known as “the slaughterhouse.” For the past two days, all have been looking for signs of loved ones who disappeared years or even decades ago into the secretive, sprawling prison just outside Damascus. But hope gave way to despair Monday. People opened the heavy iron doors lining the hallways to find cells inside empty. With sledgehammers, shovels and drills, men pounded holes in floors and walls, looking for what they believed were secret dungeons, or chasing sounds they thought they heard from underground. They found nothing. Insurgents freed dozens of people from the Saydnaya military prison on Sunday when Damascus fell. Since then, almost no one has been found. “Where is everyone? Where are everyone’s children? Where are they?” said Ghada Assad, breaking down in tears. An estimated 150,000 people were detained or went missing in Syria since 2011 — and tens of thousands of them are believed to have gone through Saydnaya. A top US general was in eastern Syria meeting with Kurdish-led group WASHINGTON — The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East was on the ground in Syria on Tuesday, meeting with a Kurish-led, U.S.-allied force at several bases in the country's east, U.S. Central Command said. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla visited with U.S. military commanders and troops as well as the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. It wasn’t clear if he met with SDF leader Mazloum Abdi, and U.S. Central Command did not respond to a request for details about his visit or with whom he met. U.S. officials said they did not know what his message to the SDF was. The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. In a press release, Central Command said Kurilla received an “assessment of force protection measures, the rapidly evolving situation, and ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from exploiting the current situation.” Kurilla then went on to Iraq where he met with leaders in Baghdad. UN says humanitarian aid is still being looted in Syria UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations says it still getting reports about the looting of warehouses with humanitarian aid in a number of areas in Syria, including around the capital Damascus. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Tuesday that U.N. agencies and their partners are working to identify the extent of looting at the warehouses, including those of U.N. agencies and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Dujarric said U.N. aid officials report that “the humanitarian situation remains volatile across Syria, with reports of people continuing to be displaced.” Humanitarian officials reported that 25 trucks carrying U.N. aid crossed from Turkey to northwest Syria, which the situation is now relatively calm, the U.N. spokesman said. All 11 receptions opened in Idlib in the northwest to host newly displaced families were empty as of Monday, Dujarric said. In the northeast, he said, authorities report that as of Tuesday 100,000 people have been displaced due to fighting in Tal Rifaat and other parts of Aleppo governorate. Dujarric said the U.N.’s partners report that “reception centers in Tabqa and Raqqa have reached full capacity, and more than 200 sites – including municipal buildings, schools, mosques, and stadiums – are being used to accommodate newly displaced people.” Lebanon says 3 ‘unidentified gunmen’ briefly crossed the border from Syria BEIRUT — The Lebanese army said Tuesday that “unidentified gunmen” crossed the border from Syria into eastern Lebanon's Bekaa province and approached a Lebanese border post. In a statement, the army said the gunmen fired into the air and seized equipment from an evacuated Syrian army post in the outskirts of Kfar Fouq, near Rashaya al-Wadi, in the western part of Bekaa province. Lebanese army personnel responded with warning shots, forcing the group to retreat back into Syrian territory. The Lebanese army did not report any injuries or provide further details about the identity of the gunmen. Yemen's Houthi rebels fire drones and a missile at 3 commercial ships escorted by U.S. Navy WASHINGTON — Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched multiple drones and a missile at three commercial ships being escorted in the Gulf of Aden by U.S. Navy ships, a U.S. official said Tuesday. There was no damage and no injuries. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations, said U.S. Navy destroyers, and Navy helicopter and a French Air Force aircraft shot down four of the drones and the missile. The three U.S. affiliated flagged ships were sailing east toward Djibouti. The Iran-backed Houthis have targeted shipping through the key waterway for more than a year, attacks they say are meant to force an end to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel says it bombed hundreds of military sites across Syria in past 48 hours JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said it bombed more than 350 sites in Syria during the previous 48 hours, targeting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. There is concern that, with the sudden collapse of the Syrian government, weapons stockpiles could be seized by jihadi militants. Warplanes hit what Israel said were Syrian air defense systems, military airfields, missile depots, and dozens of weapons production sites in the cities of Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra, the Israeli army statement said. In naval operations overnight Monday, Israeli missile ships struck two Syrian navy facilities simultaneously — Al-Bayda port and Latakia port — where the army said 15 Syrian naval vessels were docked. Israeli did not specify how many Syrian naval vessels were hit. The private security firm Ambrey said it had seen evidence that at least six Soviet-era Syrian navy missile ships were hit. Israeli officials said earlier that Israel also targeted alleged chemical weapons sites. Netanyahu says Israel struck across Syria to knock out military assets JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Tuesday that his country’s military launched a wave of airstrikes across Syria to destroy the toppled government’s leftover “military capabilities,” and said Israel wants relations with the new government emerging Syria. Hours after Israeli warplanes pounded Syria, Netanyahu said Israeli doesn’t want to meddle in Syria’s internal affairs, but would take necessary steps to protect Israel's security and prevent jihadi militants from seizing the Syrian army assets. He warned that if the new Syrian government “allows Iran to re-establish itself in Syria or allows the transfer of Iranian weapons or any other weapons to Hezbollah, or attacks us -- we will respond forcefully and we will exact a heavy price from it.” He spoke in a video statement recorded at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, after his first day of testimony in his corruption trial. Crowds of Syrians are still celebrating Assad's fall in the main square of Damascus DAMASCUS, Syria — In Umayyad Square in Damascus, Syrians celebrated the fall of President Bashar Assad for the third day on Tuesday despite Israeli airstrikes across the country. Insurgents who recently took control of the capital city tried to impose a new rule banning the celebratory gunfire. There were a few violators, and much less deafening gunfire. Protesters climbed the square's central monument to wave the Syrian revolutionary flag. On the ground, crowds chanted: “Out with Bashar! Out with Bashar!” Assad fled to Russia over the weekend after a lightning rebel offensive toppled his brutal police state. Demonstrators from different provinces marched in the square in groups, celebrating Assad's fall. Men on motorcycles and horses paraded into the square. One woman from Idlib province shouted that the Israeli strikes ruined the joy of ousting Assad. “Why are you striking us? We just deposed a tyrant,” she said. “Give us peace. Leave us alone,” said Ahmed Jreida, 22, a dentist student, when asked about the Israeli airstrikes. Hamzeh Hamada, 22, said this was the first time he had gone out to a demonstration. “We want the country to get better, to live in dignity and be like other countries that respect citizens’ rights and where there are no bribes,” he said. “We have suffered a lot from bribes. ... We had to bribe people for very minor things; things that should be our right.” Abdul-Jalil Diab was taking a stroll with his brothers in another square in western Damascus. He said he came back from Jordan the day Damascus fell. He was there studying German to prepare to move to Germany and said he is now reconsidering his plans. He was ecstatic, saying words can’t describe how he feels. “We are happy to get rid of the corrupt regime that was based on bribes. The whole country feels better. Everyone is happy and celebrating,” Abdul-Jalil Diab said. Residents of northeast Syria describe strikes on a convoy carrying weapons seized after Assad’s fall QAMISHLI, Syria — Residents of northeast Syria in the area around Qamishli airport said Tuesday they heard explosions overnight after an airstrike hit trucks loaded with rockets and ammunition that were heading to a military base in Tartab. “We don’t know the story. It was only in the morning when we realized they are trucks loaded with ammunition, leftovers of the former army, the regime,” said Ibrahim al-Thalaj, who lives near the base. He said residents assumed that the strikes were Israeli. Israel has carried out a heavy wave of airstrikes across Syria targeting military infrastructure after Syrian insurgents toppled the government of Bashar Assad. However, Turkish security officials said Tuesday that the strike in Qamishli was carried out by Turkey, targeting weapons and ammunition that were abandoned by the Syrian army and seized by Syrian Kurdish militants. The explosions lasted for over 20 minutes after the strike, and many houses in the surrounding area were damaged as a result, residents of the area said. “We just felt a strike hitting. It hit the first one (truck) and we saw the other trucks retreating back, and from there rockets and shells started flying over,” said Hamid al-Asaad, an eyewitness from Qub al-Zeki village in Qamishli. “We were sitting when these explosions started to hit the house,” said Mahmoud Hamza of Tartab. “It was hitting randomly and we didn’t know where it was coming from. ... Once we got out of our house, a rocket hit the house.” There were no details released by the local Kurdish administration regarding the explosions, but members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces blocked the road to the base. Top EU diplomat fears Syria could shatter like Iraq, Libya or Afghanistan BRUSSELS — The European Union’s top diplomat is concerned that Syria might violently fall apart like neighboring Iraq, or Libya and Afghanistan if its territorial integrity and the rights of minorities are not protected. “The transition will present huge challenges in Syria and in the region,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told European lawmakers on Tuesday during a special hearing. “There are legitimate concerns about the risks of sectarian violence, extremist resurgence and the governance vacuum, all of which must be averted. We must avoid a repeat of the horrific scenarios of Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan,” she said. “The rights of all Syrians, including those of many minority groups, must be protected,” she said. “It is crucial to preserve the territorial integrity of Syria, and to respect its independence, its sovereignty, as well as the state institutions.” Kallas also said the collapse of the government has shown that Assad’s backers in Russia and Iran “could neither afford to do it any longer, nor had any interest of being present in the aftermath.” “They are weakened, distracted and overstretched in other theaters in the broader Middle East, but also in Ukraine,” she said. Turkey struck a Kurdish convoy in Syria allegedly carrying weapons seized after Assad's fall, officials say ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s intelligence agency, MIT, has attacked a convoy of trucks that was allegedly carrying missiles, heavy weapons and ammunition that were abandoned by the Syrian government and reportedly seized by Syrian Kurdish militias, Turkish security officials said Tuesday. The officials said 12 trucks, two tanks and two ammunition depots were “destroyed” in aerial strikes in the city of Qamishli, near the border with Turkey in northeast Syria. The officials provided the information on condition of anonymity in line with Turkish regulations. They did not say when the attack occurred. The officials said the intelligence agency detected that weapons left by the Syrian government forces were being moved to warehouses belonging to the Syrian Kurdish People’s Defense Units, or YPG. Turkey views the group as a terrorist organization because of its links to the banned Kurdish militants that have led a decadeslong insurgency in Turkey. According to the officials, he group was allegedly planning to use the equipment and supplies against Turkish security forces. By Suzan Fraser White House signals approval of Israeli seizure of buffer zone inside Syria WASHINGTON — The White House is signaling its approval of Israel’s strikes against Syrian military and alleged chemical weapons targets and the seizure of a buffer zone in the Syrian Golan Heights after the fall of the Assad government. “These are exigent operations to eliminate what they believe are imminent threats to their national security,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday, saying the U.S. would leave it up to the Israelis to discuss details of their operations. “They have as always the right to defend themselves,” Kirby said. He declined to detail and U.S. intelligence cooperation with the Israelis that went into the strikes. Kirby said the White House was reasserting its support of the 1974 Golan Heights disengagement agreement, but didn’t criticize the Israeli seizure of the demilitarized zone. Israel has a long history of seizing territory during wars with its neighbors and occupying it indefinitely , citing security concerns. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. US would recognize new Syrian government if it renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons and protects minorities WASHINGTON — The Biden administration says it will recognize and support a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons stocks and protects the rights of minorities and women. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Tuesday that the U.S. would work with groups in Syria and regional partners to ensure that the transition from President Bashar Assad’s deposed government runs smoothly. He was not specific about which groups the U.S. would work with. Blinken says Syrians should decide their future and that other countries should “support an inclusive and transparent process” and not interfere. “The United States will recognize and fully support a future Syria government that results from this process,” he said. “We stand prepared to lend all appropriate support to all of Syria’s diverse communities and constituencies.” Syrian civilians relish moments of freedom after Assad's fall DAMASCUS, Syria — Jihad Mustafa Shibani was taking his new motorcycle for a spin with a friend around the house of the deposed Syrian president in western Damascus on Tuesday. Shibani was released from prison a week before the capital Damascus fell, after he served two years on charges of buying his motorcycle using foreign currency on accusations he was dealing in dollars. He was tortured for 15 days and and given a quick trial where he was sentenced for two years, he said. He was released the day Aleppo fell to the insurgents. “Everything was banned in Syria. The (Assad loyalists) only could use it,” Shibani said. He said he has never been to this neighborhood, because it was taken over by Assad, his family and supporters. “For 50 years, my family’s house is near here, and we don’t know anything about it. ... The Syrian people had been oppressed, you can’t imagine.” Shibani said he has no fear of the rebel newcomers who have taken control of the country. “We are not afraid. There can be no one more unjust than Bashar. Impossible.” Lebanon is looking into reports that Syria's spy chief and other officials fled to Lebanon BEIRUT — Lebanon’s prime minister is in contact with security and judicial officials to follow up on reports that senior members of President Bashar Assad’s government have fled to Lebanon. Najib Mikati’s office quoted him as saying that Lebanon abides by international laws regarding people who cross its borders. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said that several top security officials have entered Lebanon over the past two days. Abdurrahman added that Syria’s former intelligence chief Ali Mamlouk, who is wanted in Lebanon over two bombings in 2012 in the northern city of Tripoli that killed dozens, was allegedly brought to Lebanon by the Hezbollah militant group and was staying in a southern suburb of Beirut where the group has deep support. Lebanon’s Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi, whose ministry is in charge of border crossings, told reporters Tuesday that no person who is wanted in Lebanon entered the country through legal border crossings. There are dozens of illegal border crossings between Lebanon and Syria where people are usually smuggled in and out of Lebanon, but it was not possible to independently confirm whether Mamlouk had entered Lebanon. UN resumes hu manitarian operations in two areas of northwest Syria GENEVA — The United Nations says humanitarian operations in two major areas in northwestern Syria have resumed, deploying food, medical supplies, fuel and other needed services and supplies. Spokesman Jens Laerke of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that some health facilities were “overwhelmed” – in part due to staff shortages – and many border crossings have been closed, disrupting supply chains. OCHA said humanitarian operations in some parts of northwestern Syria were put on hold in the early days of the recent escalation, and resumed on Monday. “As of yesterday, all humanitarian organizations in Idlib and northern Aleppo have resumed operations,” Laerke told reporters at a U.N. briefing in Geneva. He said the three border crossings from Turkey used by the U.N. to deliver assistance into Syria remain open and “we are providing assistance in the northwest, including to those who have been newly displaced.” Even before the latest escalation, which led President Bashar Assad to flee the country, nearly 17 million people in Syria needed humanitarian assistance. More than 1 million have been displaced across Idlib, Aleppo, Hama and Homs since the escalation. Israel's defense minister says Syrian naval fleet destroyed and Israel plans a demilitarized zone “in southern Syria” JERUSALEM — Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel's military destroyed Syria’s fleet overnight and intends to establish a demilitarized zone “in southern Syria” to prevent attacks on Israel. He also issued a warning to Syria’s rebels, saying that “whoever follows Assad’s path will end up like Assad — we will not allow an extremist Islamic terrorist entity to act against Israel across its border while putting its citizens at risk.” Speaking at a naval base in Haifa, Katz said the Israeli navy “operated last night to destroy the Syrian fleet and with great success.” Video showing the smoking wreckage of what appeared to be small Syrian naval ships in the port at Latakia was broadcast by Saudi-owned television station Al-Hadath on Tuesday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has closely tracked the conflict since the civil war erupted in 2011, said Israel targeted Syrian warships, military warehouses and an air-defense facility on the coast. Katz added that he had instructed the army to establish a “defense zone free of weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syria, without a permanent Israeli presence, in order to prevent terrorism in Syria from taking root and organizing.” It was unclear if the demilitarized zone would reach beyond the buffer zone that Israel has taken over in the border area. Israel has a long history of seizing territory during wars with its neighbors and occupying it indefinitely , citing security concerns. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. Syria’s government will gradually transfer power to interim cabinet DAMASCUS, Syria — Members of the Syrian government under ousted President Bashar Assad will gradually transfer power to a new transitional cabinet headed by Mohammed al-Bashir. The departing government met with al-Bashir for the first time since Assad fled Damascus over the weekend. Al-Bashir had previously led the “salvation government” running the rebel stronghold in northwest Syria. Al-Bashir told reporters after the meeting that the ministers discussed transferring the portfolios to the interim government during the transitional period until the beginning of March. He said that in the coming days the new government will decide on each ministry. Banks and shops reopen in Damascus DAMASCUS, Syria — Banks and shops are reopening in Damascus after the chaos and confusion of the first two days following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. Sadi Ahmad, manager of Syria Gulf Bank, said life is returning to normal. A customer who came to withdraw money from an ATM was surprised to see it functioning. At the historic Hamadiyeh market, fighters who seized power were still standing guard but shops had reopened — even an ice cream stand. Resident Maysoun Al-Qurabi said she was initially “against what happened,” referring to the insurgency, but changed her mind after seeing footage of rebels releasing inmates from the notorious Saydnaya prison. “People are at ease and secure now,” she said. “Before, people were hungry and scared.” Syrian Christians are cautious after insurgents seize power DAMASCUS, Syria — Minority Christians in Syria have been living in a state of uneasy anticipation since insurgents headed by the Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham took control after ousting President Bashar Assad. Mazen Kalash, a resident of Bab Touma, a Christian neighborhood in Damascus, said he wants to know the plans of the new government that will be formed by the rebels. “The important thing is to feel safe, bring order, law and respect to the citizens,” he said. “We need to be able to work whatever we want and do whatever we want without any interference from anyone.” The insurgents have so far attempted to reassure minorities that they will be protected. Large numbers of Syrian Christians, who made up 10% of the population, fled after the civil war erupted in 2011. Many of those who stayed supported Assad out of fear they might be targeted by Islamist insurgents. Netanyahu lashes out at media in his corruption trial TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at media during testimony at his corruption trial, which involves media moguls. “There has never been such a biased media in any democracy ... as there is in Israel,” Netanyahu told the court, describing his testy relationship with the press. He is accused of exchanging regulatory favors with media bosses for more positive coverage of himself and his family. He has denied wrongdoing. UN envoy says groups controlling Syria have been ‘sending good messages’ GENEVA — The U.N. envoy for Syria says armed groups that drove out President Bashar Assad have “been sending good messages” about national unity and inclusiveness but acknowledges that a Security Council resolution still counts the leading one as a terrorist group. With Syria’s future and stability still very much in flux since Assad’s departure over the weekend, Geir Pedersen suggested that the international community needs to help the country get through this turbulent moment. “We are still in what I would call a very fluid period. Things are not settled,” Pedersen told reporters at U.N. offices in Geneva on Tuesday. “There is a real opportunity for change, but this opportunity needs to be grasped by the Syrians themselves and supported by the U.N. and the international community.” Referring to Israeli military strikes in Syria, Pedersen said it was “extremely important that we now don’t see any action from any international country that destroys the possibility for this transformation in Syria to take place.” The insurgents are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which grew out of an al-Qaida-affiliate called the Nusra Front that the Security Council listed as a terror group in a 2015 resolution. “This is obviously a complicating factor for all of us,” Pedersen said. “But we also have to be honest, we have to look at the facts and to see what has happened during the last nine years.” “The reality so far is that the HTS and also the other armed groups have been sending good messages to the Syrian people,” he said. “They have been sending messages of unity, of inclusiveness, and frankly speaking, also, we have seen in (the captured cities of) Aleppo and in Hama ... reassuring things on the ground." Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency and the founder of both groups Nusra and HTS, cut ties with al-Qaida in 2016 and says he is committed to pluralism and religious tolerance. Turkey condemns Israeli seizure of a buffer zone on Syrian border ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey has “strongly” condemned Israel’s advance into Syrian territory, saying it was in violation of a 1974 agreement on a buffer zone inside Syria. “We strongly condemn Israel’s violation of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, its entry into the separation zone between Israel and Syria, and its advance into Syrian territory,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry accused Israel of “displaying a mentality of an occupier” at a time when the possibility of peace and stability had emerged in Syria. The statement also reiterated Turkey’s support to Syria’s “sovereignty, political unity, and territorial integrity.” Israeli troops on Sunday entered the buffer zone that had been established after the 1973 Mideast war and the military said it would deploy in “several other places necessary for (Israel’s’) defense.” Netanyahu testifies he works 17-18 hours daily engulfed in meetings TEL AVIV, Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he works 17 to 18 hours a day and that he is engulfed in meetings, especially during the past year that Israel has been fighting wars. Netanyahu was testifying in his long-running corruption trial. He has denied charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate cases. “If only I could steal away five minutes to enjoy some time with my wife,” he told the court Tuesday. Israeli military official says troops plan to seize a buffer zone inside Syria TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli military official says troops plan to seize a buffer zone inside Syria as well as “a few more points that have strategic meaning.” The official spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. The official dismissed reports of a larger Israeli invasion as “rumors.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli forces were moving to control a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) demilitarized buffer zone in Syrian territory. The buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights was created by the U.N. after the 1973 Mideast war. Following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, Israel sent troops into the buffer zone. It said the move was temporary and was aimed at preventing attacks. It said the 1974 agreement establishing the zone had collapsed and that Syrian troops had withdrawn from their positions. Israel has also carried out airstrikes across Syria in recent days targeting what it says are suspected chemical weapons and long-range rockets. Egypt and Saudi Arabia have condemned Israel’s incursion, accusing it of exploiting the disarray in Syria and violating international law. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community, except for the United States. The rest of the world views the strategic plateau as occupied Syrian territory. — By Joseph Krauss Israeli air force has launched hundreds of airstrikes in Syria, war monitor says DAMASCUS, Syria — Israel’s air force has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in different parts of Syria as its ground forces move north of the Golan Heights along the border with Lebanon, according to an opposition war monitor. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday that since the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government, Israel’s air force has carried out more than 300 airstrikes against research centers, arms depots and military infrastructure across Syria, as well as a naval base along the Mediterranean coast. Associated Press journalists in Damascus witnessed intense airstrikes on the city and its suburbs overnight into Tuesday morning. Photographs posted online by activists showed destroyed missile launchers, helicopters and warplanes. Meanwhile, Israeli troops marched along the border with Lebanon and now control a long stretch on the Syrian side facing Lebanon’s Rashaya region, according to the war monitor's head, Rami Abdurrahman, and the Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV, which has reporters in Syria. Israeli troops are now about 25 kilometers (15 miles) southwest of Damascus, according to the monitor. Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli incursion into a buffer zone in Syria DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s incursion into a buffer zone in Syria and a wave of Israeli airstrikes launched after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that “the assaults carried out by the Israeli occupation government, including the seizure of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, and the targeting of Syrian territory confirm Israel’s continued violation of the principles of international law and its determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability and territorial integrity.” Israel sent troops into a buffer zone inside Syria that had been established after the 1973 Mideast war. It said the move was temporary and was taken to prevent any cross-border attacks after Syrian troops withdrew. Israel has also carried out heavy airstrikes that it says are aimed at preventing suspected chemical weapons and long-range rockets from falling into the hands of extremists. Saudi Arabia has been in talks with the United States in recent years over normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for a U.S. defense pact, American assistance in establishing a civilian nuclear program and a pathway to the establishment of a Palestinian state. But the kingdom has also repeatedly condemned Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, where it is at war with the Hamas militant group. Last month, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and day-to-day ruler Mohammed bin Salman accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza , allegations Israel adamantly rejects.GameStop’s stock jumps on surprise third-quarter profit

Carraro India IPO gets 1.12 times subscriptionReviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. It’s no secret that Taylor Swift ’s Eras Tour has become an international phenomenon impacting many facets of pop culture, and fashion is no exception. Instead of simply emulating the pop star’s personal style or wearing the latest trends to the shows, fans have opted to wear outfits that are mostly DIY, or have handmade elements. These looks often took months of planning and had specific references to their favourite album, lyric, or past look of Taylor’s. Here were some of the outfits that caught our eye at the first night of the Vancouver shows. Mother and daughter Erin and Catori M. created a duet outfit, inspired by a very brief but memorable scene in the “Karma” music video. “I’m Olivia, Taylor’s cat,” Catori proudly exclaims. Mom Erin elaborates that “in the video, Taylor is laying on a giant Olivia, so I tried to create that exact cat... we loved that she can sit on my lap and she loves me, just like the lyrics.” While Catori’s fuzzy coat came from Goodwill, Erin bought her inexpensive dress purely for the colour, which was hard to replicate. “I couldn’t find any fabric that looked like her dress, so I stenciled and painted on the floral print myself.” The original dress that Taylor wore was from Erdem’s Spring 2023 collection. Cat mittens: Amazon ($24) Pearl necklace: Simons ($25) Like many other fans, Abby Vargas and Melinda Stewart were patiently waiting for Taylor to announce her re-recording of the Reputation album during the Vancouver leg of the tour, which inspired their outfits. “We bought the bodysuit on Amazon, and then we found the snake jewels on Etsy... we cut everything up and applied them ourselves,” Abby explains. “We also found all this snake jewelry, mostly from Amazon.” The bodysuits are directly inspired from the one-legged bodysuit Taylor wears while singing her songs from this e ra, which has a prevalent snake motif. “We took this trip together because we are going to be sisters-in-law in 2 months. We’ve been Taylor Swift fans since her first album. I was in middle school, and now we’re almost 30... we’ve grown up with her.” Boots: Amazon ($113) Bodysuit: Amazon ($42) Snake accessories: Amazon ($10) It was hard to miss Jessica and Megan Knell’s bright cardigans while walking through BC Place. Throughout the landslide of social media posts shared throughout the entire Eras Tour, we had never seen anything like them – and it turns out, it’s because these are completely bespoke. “I saw a graphic of Taylor online , and from there I created the crochet pattern,” Jessica shared. “It took me about 120 hours for each sweater, not including the beads on the pockets”, she said as she jingled the beaded friendship bracelets sewn onto the front. “We are diehard fans, so we wanted to wear something that nobody else would have.” Mission accomplished. Sisters Kayla and Felicity evoked the e vermore e ra for their matching looks. Even though they bought their entire outfits on Amazon as an homage to the cottagecore aesthetic of Taylor’s two 2020 albums, Swifties will notice another key detail: their lipstick. Taylor has worn a signature red lip for many years, and these fans made sure theirs was a perfect match. “Our lipstick is a dupe for Taylor’s signature red lipstick, Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in ‘Elson’ ($53), which was sold out. Ours is Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in ‘Exhilirator’ ($9).” Aubree’s outfit is an unmistakable recreation of Taylor’s cheerleading look in the “Shake it Off” music video from her 1989 album. Despite the look’s nearly identical match, everything was from Amazon and Etsy. “I could never pick what song I’m most excited for... I have been a diehard fan since 1989.” No detail was too small for Aubree to overlook, as she was sure to include blue eye makeup like Taylor’s in the video. She wore Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Eyeliner in ‘Galactic Cobalt’ ($12). Varsity Letters: Amazon ($22) | Etsy ($2 each) Skirt: Amazon ($26) No matter which era fans were referencing, there was a common denominator for all in attendance: friendship bracelets. This tradition is a reference to the song “You’re On Your Own, Kid” from Taylor’s Midnights album. The lyric “make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it” had a profound impact on fans, who now exchange bracelets as a symbol of connection, community, and a shared love of Swift’s music. Many fans had been beading for months, creating hundreds of bracelets they were proudly handing out and trading at the show. The fashion choices at the finale of Taylor Swift’s finale in Vancouver were a testament to the creativity, dedication, and deep personal connection fans feel towards the artist and her music. The sheer effort fans put into their looks highlighted the way Swift’s music transcends the stage, becoming a shared culture experience that has united people around the world. From sparkling snake bodysuits to meticulously hand-crocheted cardigans, Swifties proved that when it comes to celebrating their love for Taylor, they truly never go out of style. Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter .

Google has put its resources to work, and is keeping an eye on Santa’s flight path on Christmas Eve. The has a variety of games, a Santa selfie and elf maker options to entertain the family before the big man’s arrival. Google’s has educational and interactive activities for all ages, including coding, learning about holiday traditions around the world, and translations. According to , a site that reviews the latest tech gear, the Google Santa Tracker has been around since 2004. It uses Google Maps to trace Santa’s route around the world. You can download the , but the mobile site, is still good and is accessible for iPhone users. Another option to scout Santa’s whereabouts tonight is the site, which is also available online. As it gets closer to midnight tonight, Dec. 24, Santa should reach your neighbourhood in Ontario. Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our .

UPI transactions at retail stores in semi-urban and rural areas have risen by 33% this year, underscoring the rapid adoption of digital payments, according to a new report by PayNearby, a branchless banking and digital network provider. The report also highlights a significant growth in the insurance sector, with insurance policy purchases and premium collections seeing a 127% surge in transaction volume. New customer adoption in the insurance space grew 96% during the year, reflecting a strong shift towards digital financial services. "The data highlights the role digital retail stores play in overcoming the challenges of insurance penetration across Bharat," the report noted. The findings are based on real transaction data from over 1 million small retailers, including mobile recharge outlets, and other financial service providers in rural and semi-urban regions of India. The analysis compares business data from January to November 2024 with the same period in 2023. The report, Retail-O-Nomics, stated that there has been an impressive 297% volume rise across credit products, including business loans, gold loans, personal loans, and revolving credit in rural and semi-urban areas. This significant uptick reflects a growing awareness and demand for credit solutions at the grassroots level, it said. However, micro ATM and Aadhaar Enabled Payment Systems cash withdrawals saw a decline in 2024. Both transaction volumes and the average cash withdrawal per transaction saw a slight decline, with the latter dropping from Rs 2,624 in 2023 to Rs 2,482 in 2024, the report said. AePS withdrawals surged 35-45% during DBT releases, particularly under schemes like PM Kisan Yojana, compared to the rest of the year. "Cash withdrawals in Jammu and Kashmir recorded an impressive growth of 58% in value and 74% in volume," the report said. "By equipping local retailers with tools to offer diverse services like insurance, e-commerce, and lending, we are empowering them to become key enablers of financial access and economic progress at the grassroots," said Anand Kumar Bajaj, founder, managing director and chief executive officer. PayNearby is a branchless banking and digital network that operates on a B2B2C model. It has more than 10 lakh retail touchpoints comprising kirana stores, medical shops, travel agents and others. (With Inputs From PTI)High on wheelies

Robert W. Baird Issues Positive Forecast for Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) Stock Price

Heat failures worsen as Atlantic City Housing Authority heads back to court FridaySwiss National Bank reduced its stake in shares of AGCO Co. ( NYSE:AGCO – Free Report ) by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 123,900 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after selling 900 shares during the quarter. Swiss National Bank’s holdings in AGCO were worth $12,125,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Forum Financial Management LP lifted its position in AGCO by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 2,108 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $206,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the period. Capital Insight Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of AGCO by 2.6% in the second quarter. Capital Insight Partners LLC now owns 4,401 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $431,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of AGCO by 0.7% during the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 17,022 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $1,666,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in AGCO by 50.2% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 416 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SummerHaven Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in AGCO by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 5,604 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $549,000 after buying an additional 143 shares during the period. 78.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. AGCO Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of NYSE:AGCO opened at $98.43 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 1.25. The business’s 50 day moving average price is $96.49 and its 200-day moving average price is $97.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 0.72. AGCO Co. has a 1 year low of $84.35 and a 1 year high of $130.26. AGCO Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 15th will be given a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 15th. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.18%. AGCO’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 51.33%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AGCO has been the subject of several research reports. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on shares of AGCO from $139.00 to $129.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of AGCO in a report on Friday, August 9th. They issued a “market perform” rating and a $96.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup lifted their price objective on AGCO from $88.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on AGCO from $112.00 to $99.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 6th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price target on AGCO from $107.00 to $104.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $114.40. Get Our Latest Research Report on AGCO AGCO Company Profile ( Free Report ) AGCO Corporation manufactures and distributes agricultural equipment and related replacement parts worldwide. It offers horsepower tractors for row crop production, soil cultivation, planting, land leveling, seeding, and commercial hay operations; utility tractors for small- and medium-sized farms, as well as for dairy, livestock, orchards, and vineyards; and compact tractors for small farms, specialty agricultural industries, landscaping, equestrian, and residential uses. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AGCO Co. ( NYSE:AGCO – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for AGCO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGCO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Hyderabad: Migrant worker held for wife’s murderCLEMSON, S.C. — The expanded College Football Playoff brings something new for coaches who are used to planning for one game, maybe two: Rust vs. rest. The 12-team bracket released Sunday features four teams in Oregon, Georgia,Boise State and Arizona State with first-round byes, whose games will take place Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. First-round games — Clemson at Texas, SMU at Penn State, Indiana at Notre Dame and Tennessee at Ohio State — all take place on Dec. 20-21. The CFP committee intentionally or otherwise, gave first-round opponents an equal amount of rest. Clemson, Texas, SMU and Penn State all played in championship games Saturday. Indiana, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee all last played on Nov. 30. It’s in the quarterfinals when college football might find out if plenty of rest leads to some rust. The four top seeds get a long, welcome break from a grueling season. Georgia coach Kirby Smart made it clear accepting the trophy at the SEC championship game: “It means rest for a team that (SEC Commissioner) Greg Sankey and his staff sent on the road all year long. We get to take a little bit of a break and get ready for the College Football Playoff. This team needs some rest mentally, needs a little time off.” But they will face an opponent filled with momentum that’s already tasted playoff success. “You don’t stay the same during a bye week,” said Pete Shinnick, Towson football coach. “Your team changes. You just hope it gets you better.” Few know better than Shinnick. He was coach at Division II West Florida in 2019 when he and his Argonauts defeated regional top seed Valdosta State, coming off a bye week, and kicked off a surprise run to the national title. “We were a team of destiny, no doubt about it,” Shinnick recalled. Shinnick said he thinks teams like Clemson, Georgia and Ohio State that have played in the four-team CFP championship chase know how to keep their teams on point because they’ve done it before after lengthy layoffs. Newcomers like Boise State and Arizona State? “It will be an adjustment,” he said. Some head coaches don’t see the debate, focused instead on championship goals. “Are you asking me if I want to win a conference championship?” said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney two weeks ago before his Tigers secured their seventh CFP berth with a 34-31 win over SMU in the ACC championship game. While byes are a CFP first, other NCAA divisions have long had uneven bracketing in their playoffs. The Championship Subdivision has had a tournament since 1978. It had a 12-team field in 1982, set up like this year’s CFP. The grouping, then classified as Division I-AA, expanded to 16 playoff teams in 1986, 20 in 2010 and its current number of 24 in 2013. From 2013 through this season, minus the COVID-19 season of 2020, 18 of 88 non-seeded teams won against FCS top eight seeds that received an extra week of rest. None of those 18 winners advanced past the semifinals. Montana State coach Brent Vigen, whose team beat UT-Martin 49-17 on Saturday as the FCS’s top overall seed, was an assistant at North Dakota State for three national titles from 2011-13. He said the extra time off was essential to the Bison’s championship run. “It really allows you to reset in some ways, put the regular season behind you and certainly get healthier,” Vigen said. He concentrated on fundaments during bye week workouts to avoid coming out flat in their playoff opener. “We go good (players) on good,” Vigen said. “If you were just stone cold taking these weeks off, I think you’d be in trouble.” Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!FRANKFURT (AFP) – The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to cut interest rates again this week amid a darkening outlook, with political turbulence in the eurozone’s two biggest economies adding to the troubled picture. It would be the ECB’s third straight reduction as it increasingly focuses on spurring lending to boost consumer spending and business investment in the 20 countries that use the euro. The central bank hiked rates aggressively from mid-2022 to tame surging energy and food costs but, with inflation easing and the eurozone weakening, they have now turned their attention to cuts. Recent worse-than-expected data had fuelled speculation the ECB could deliver a hefty, half-percentage-point cut for the first time in its easing cycle when it meets on Thursday. But with inflation pressures still a concern – the indicator rebounded above the central bank’s two-percent target in November – most analysts now expect the ECB to continue at the same pace as before, with a quarter-point cut. “While there is a strong case for the ECB to accelerate the pace of policy easing by delivering a (half point) cut, a majority of the governing council seems to prefer” a quarter-point reduction, Capital Economics said in a note. It will be the Frankfurt-based institution’s fourth cut since June, and will take the key deposit rate to three per cent. ECB officials have repeatedly raised concerns about the weakening growth outlook in the single-currency area, signalling a shift away from being laser-focused on bringing down inflation. Eurozone inflation peaked at 10.6 per cent in late 2022 after surging in the wake of the war in Ukraine and amid post-pandemic supply chain woes. It fell back under the ECB’s two-per cent target in September but rebounded in subsequent months, reaching 2.3 per cent in November. In remarks last week to a European Parliament hearing, ECB President Christine Lagarde said recent data “suggest that growth will be weaker in the short term, on the back of slowing growth in the services sector and a continued contraction in manufacturing”. Analysts expect the weaker outlook to be reflected in updated ECB economic forecasts, to be released on Thursday alongside the rate call, and are predicting small downward revisions to growth and inflation estimates. Political headwinds are adding to the tricky terrain that rate-setters will have to navigate. Germany is heading for elections in February, seven months earlier than scheduled, after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s long-troubled coalition last month. Even before the latest turbulence, the eurozone’s biggest economy was struggling with a manufacturing slowdown, and its anaemic growth rates are weighing down the broader single currency area. Meanwhile in France, the eurozone’s second-biggest economy, Prime Minister Michel Barnier had to resign last week after losing a vote of no confidence in Parliament, deepening the country’s growing political and financial chaos. The ECB’s decision will come a week ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s next rate-setting meeting on December 17 and 18, with markets betting on another cut in borrowing costs in the world’s top economy. Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House will also loom over the ECB’s meeting, with some eurozone officials voicing alarm about his threats to impose new tariffs on all imports to the United States. While a rate cut seems a certainty on Thursday, investors will closely parse the ECB’s statement and follow Lagarde’s press conference for clues about the pace going forward. The ECB has for a long time been stressing that its decisions will be guided by incoming data and Lagarde insists she will not commit to any particular rate path. Nevertheless HSBC said in a note it expects a “dovish shift” in the ECB’s statement that would “set the scene for further cuts next year”.

Law enforcement from all over Cache Valley came together Saturday to take 50 kids Christmas shopping. The annual Shop with a Cop event was bigger than ever before. Each child or teenager was partnered with an officer or deputy and given $250 to spend on items for themselves and their families. North Park Police Chief Kent Goodrich, who oversaw the event, said the number of kids able to participate and the amount allotted to each has grown in the last few years thanks to generous donations from several people and businesses. Staff at the Family Place helped select the children who participated. The event started with breakfast at the Cache County Sheriff’s compound. The large group then made its way to the north Walmart in a procession of lights and sirens. The kids rode with their officers. Logan police officer Tim Stauffer walked circles around the store with 11-year-old Adlee Anderson, picking out items for herself and a few of her siblings. Three of Anderson’s six siblings were also there, paired with officers of their own. Anderson said she helped come up with her siblings’ shopping lists, and her mother helped make hers. While she said she was having fun picking items for herself, she got most excited choosing toys and clothes for her siblings. Her list was mostly necessities like socks, clothes and personal hygiene items. So, Stauffer helped her choose a few fun things she wanted, like a kitchen play set. “He’s my favorite, even though I just met him today,” Anderson said of Stauffer. This was Stauffer’s first year participating in Shop with a Cop, and he said it was “super fun.” “This is something I’ve been wanting to do,” Stauffer said. “I want to be a school resource officer. It is good to get to know the kids and learn their interests. To let them know we are here for them." Once they found everything they needed, the two made their way to check out, then to the gift wrapping stations. The stations were manned by volunteers from around the community. Jeni Theobald volunteered to help giftwrap after her brother, who works for Walmart, mentioned they needed help. “This has been a big eye opener to what our community, especially our law enforcement, does for others,” Theobald said. “It’s opened my eyes to see the kindness and the charity that our community has.” Hyde Park and North Logan City Council members and the Hyde Park Youth Council were among those who volunteered to help giftwrap. Stephanie Allred is the Hyde Park council member in charge of the Youth Council. Allred said this is their second year helping with the event. “My kids like to do it, it’s very satisfying,” Allred said. “Some of the kids don’t know how to wrap, but they will after this.” Allred gave Goodrich credit for working hard to get additional donations and taking the event to a new level this year. “I feel like it really pulls the community together,” Allred said. “The heartbreaking thing is when (the kids) choose gifts for their families and choose necessities over fun things. It kind of tugs at my heartstrings to realize that even the kids understand their circumstances.” In addition to the items the kids picked out, Goodrich said each family will receive a stocking with gift cards from local businesses. “It’s a pretty neat event,” Goodrich said. “It’s an opportunity to pause the day-to-day grind and lend a helping hand. Which is what law enforcement is all about.” Officers from every agency in the valley and a couple from out of the valley joined the event, including North Park, Logan City and Smithfield Police Departments, Cache County Sheriff’s deputies, Utah Highway Patrol and deputies from Preston and Franklin County Sheriff's offices. Department of Natural Resources and Division of Wildlife Resources officers also participated.Eagles receivers Smith and Brown complain about vanishing pass offense during winning streak

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the health insurance industry is undergoing a transformative shift. Online platforms are becoming the go-to channels for consumers to explore and purchase insurance products, making user-centered solutions more critical than ever. This need for innovation is especially pronounced in a complex and highly regulated industry like health insurance, where decision fatigue is a major challenge for consumers. Harsh Vaidya, a seasoned Product Manager specializing in e-commerce, has played a pivotal role in driving this evolution. His work on a leading health insurance marketplace exemplifies the power of strategic innovation in a competitive and intricate market. Navigating a Highly Regulated Industry Health insurance is a uniquely challenging field due to the layers of regulations and compliance requirements that govern its products. For end users, this complexity often translates into an overwhelming amount of information and decision fatigue. Many consumers struggle to compare plans, understand eligibility criteria, and make informed choices about their healthcare coverage. Harsh recognized these pain points early in the project and set out to create a streamlined, user-friendly experience that simplifies the insurance buying process without compromising on compliance. One of the most impactful features Harsh implemented was helping in the Implementation of the Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) system, which is closely linked to the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare). This system is designed to guide users through the health insurance enrollment process with ease, helping them navigate the regulatory maze and choose the right coverage for their needs. By integrating User friendly features to help customers choose the right policy, Harsh ensured that the platform offered a seamless experience that not only met regulatory standards but also empowered users to make informed decisions with confidence. Market Analysis and Competitor Assessment At the core of the project was a thorough market analysis and competitor assessment. Harsh’s strategic approach involved a deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of other health insurance platforms, which became the foundation for the product’s dynamic strategy. This well-informed strategy enabled the team to create a product that directly addressed gaps in the market, setting the platform apart from its competitors. Harsh’s emphasis on market research helped identify key pain points in the user experience. By leveraging these insights, he was able to prioritize features that simplified complex processes, such as plan comparisons and subsidy eligibility checks. This user-focused approach significantly boosted the platform’s engagement and conversion rates, resulting in increased adoption and user satisfaction. Managing Scrum Tracks and Agile Product Development As the Product Manager, Harsh was responsible for overseeing two critical Scrum tracks. His role involved managing product development, prioritizing the backlog, and planning sprints. This agile approach was instrumental in the successful launch of over 20 innovative features on the health insurance platform. These features ranged from personalized plan recommendations to interactive tools for calculating out-of-pocket expenses. The use of agile methodologies allowed the team to remain responsive to user feedback and evolving market needs. Regular sprint reviews ensured that the project stayed on track, with each iteration bringing meaningful improvements to the platform’s functionality and user experience. This structured, yet flexible approach was key to delivering a high-quality product that met both business and user objectives. Leveraging AI-Driven Recommendations to Enhance User Experience One of the standout initiatives under Harsh’s leadership was the integration of AI-driven recommendation engines. In a field as complex as health insurance, providing personalized guidance is crucial. Harsh and his team developed algorithms that analyzed user behavior, demographics, and healthcare needs to deliver tailored plan recommendations. This approach not only simplified the decision-making process for users but also significantly enhanced their overall experience. The AI-driven recommendation engine was integrated seamlessly into the platform’s sign-up and enrollment processes, offering personalized suggestions at critical decision points. As a result, user engagement saw a marked increase, with users spending more time exploring their options and ultimately making more confident choices. The success of this initiative underscores the impact of leveraging AI to deliver a more personalized and effective user experience, particularly in a high-stakes industry like health insurance. Enhancing User Experience Through Strategic UX and UI Improvements User experience was another key focus area in the project. Harsh collaborated closely with the UX design team to optimize the platform’s quoting and enrollment journey. Through strategic A/B testing, the team was able to fine-tune the user interface, making it more intuitive and easier to navigate. One of the major challenges they addressed was the high bounce rate during the plan comparison stage—a common issue in insurance marketplaces due to the overwhelming amount of information presented to users. By implementing targeted UI enhancements, such as collapsible information panels and simplified comparison tables, the team achieved a 25% reduction in bounce rates. This improvement made the shopping experience more user-friendly, encouraging users to explore different plans and make informed decisions. Harsh’s use of tools like Google Analytics for user journey mapping further refined these efforts, enabling the team to identify and address areas of friction in real time. Driving Growth Through Multi-Channel Marketing and Lead Generation To accelerate the platform’s growth, Harsh spearheaded a multi-channel marketing campaign aimed at driving awareness and generating leads. The campaign included a mix of digital advertising, content marketing, and targeted outreach to key demographics. Within the first few months, the campaign generated over 10,000 new leads, significantly boosting traffic to the platform. This surge in traffic translated into a 40% increase in user registrations and a 25% rise in brand awareness. Harsh’s ability to integrate product management with strategic marketing initiatives played a crucial role in achieving these results. By aligning marketing efforts with the platform’s unique value propositions, he was able to attract high-quality leads and drive meaningful engagement. Creating a Data-Driven Approach for Continuous Improvement Harsh’s data-driven approach ensured that the platform remained dynamic and responsive to user needs. By developing comprehensive reporting dashboards for admin users, he enabled real-time monitoring of key metrics, such as user engagement, plan selection trends, and dropout rates. This analytical capability allowed the team to make informed decisions on feature enhancements, content updates, and user support initiatives. The reporting tools are expected to increase data analysis efficiency by 30%, empowering the leadership team to steer the platform’s growth strategically. This focus on continuous optimization has positioned the platform for long-term success, with plans to expand its reach to new markets in the coming months. Cementing the Platform’s Market Position The impact of Harsh’s contributions to this health insurance marketplace has been substantial. The project not only led to significant increases in market share and revenue but also enhanced user satisfaction and engagement. These achievements have solidified the platform’s position as a leader in the online health insurance marketplace, setting new benchmarks for customer experience and operational excellence. Advancing Insurance Platform Intelligence Through Research-Backed Innovation Drawing from his research on "AI-Driven Machine Learning Techniques and Predictive Modeling" and "AI-Driven Multi-Modal Demand Forecasting," Harsh implemented sophisticated predictive analytics systems within the health insurance platform. His published work on combining social media sentiment with economic indicators proved particularly valuable in understanding consumer behavior patterns in insurance selection. The platform's recommendation engine was enhanced with multi-modal analysis capabilities, incorporating not just demographic data but also broader market trends and social indicators to predict user preferences. This research-backed approach resulted in a 35% improvement in recommendation accuracy and a significant increase in user satisfaction with suggested insurance plans. Leveraging Chatbot Intelligence and Search Optimization Building upon his research publications on "Chatbot Detection with the Help of Artificial Intelligence" and "Search and Recommendation Procedure with the Help of Artificial Intelligence," Harsh revolutionized the platform's customer support and search capabilities. The implementation of AI-powered chatbots, designed using principles from his research on reducing bias in predictive models, provided users with 24/7 personalized assistance in understanding complex insurance terms and coverage options. The enhanced search functionality, integrated with his work on managed ETL platforms, enabled real-time processing of user queries and dynamic filtering of insurance plans based on individual preferences and needs. This integration of research-backed AI solutions resulted in a 45% reduction in customer support response times and a 60% improvement in search result relevancy, significantly streamlining the insurance selection process for users. About Harsh Vaidya Harsh Vaidya’s career is defined by a passion for blending strategic market analysis with user-centered design. With extensive experience in managing cross-functional teams and driving agile product development, Harsh has consistently delivered innovative solutions that achieve business objectives. The success of this project has further honed Harsh’s skills in data-driven decision-making and continuous optimization. Today, Harsh continues to push the boundaries in the e-commerce and insurance industries, striving to make a lasting impact through his work. Harsh’s work is set to redefine the way consumers interact with complex insurance products, making it easier for millions of users to find the right coverage and secure their future. His contributions are paving the way for a new era of digital transformation in the insurance industry, where technology and user experience go hand-in-hand to deliver unparalleled value.None

WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee's long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations, including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican's bid to lead the Justice Department. Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., closes a door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report's release Monday, slammed the committee's findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. "Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn't ask for — and that isn't 'charged' for sex is now prostitution?!?" Gaetz wrote in one post Monday. "There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses." Here's a look at some of the committee's key findings: The committee found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women "likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use." He paid the women using through online services such as PayPal, Venmo and CashApp and with cash or check, the committee said. The committee said it found evidence that Gaetz understood the "transactional nature" of his relationships with the women. The report points to one text exchange in which Gaetz balked at a woman's request that he send her money, "claiming she only gave him a 'drive by.'" Women interviewed by the committee said there was a "general expectation of sex," the report said. One woman who received more than $5,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 said that "99 percent of the time" that when she hung out with Gaetz "there was sex involved." However, Gaetz was in a long-term relationship with one of the women he paid, so "some of the payments may have been of a legitimate nature," the committee said. Text messages obtained by the committee also show that Gaetz would ask the women to bring drugs to their "rendezvous," the report said. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. While most of his encounters with the women were in Florida, the committee said Gaetz also traveled "on several occasions" with women whom he paid for sex. The report includes text message exchanges in which Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, initially connected with women through an online service. In one text with a 20-year-old woman, Greenberg suggested if she had a friend, the four of them could meet up. The woman responded that she usually does "$400 per meet." Greenberg replied: "He understands the deal," along with a smiley face emoji. Greenberg asked if they were old enough to drink alcohol, and sent the woman a picture of Gaetz. The woman responded that her friend found him "really cute." "Well, he's down here for only for the day, we work hard and play hard," Greenberg replied. The report details a party in July 2017 in which Gaetz is accused of having sex with "multiple women, including the 17-year-old, for which they were paid." The committee pointed to "credible testimony" from the now-woman herself as well as "multiple individuals" who corroborated the allegation. The then-17-year-old — who had just completed her junior year in high school — told the committee that Gaetz paid her $400 in cash that night, "which she understood to be payment for sex," according to the report. The woman acknowledged that she had taken ecstasy the night of the party, but told the committee that she was "certain" of her sexual encounters with the then-congressman. There's no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn't tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and he didn't ask how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for "commercial sex" again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. In sum, the committee said it authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. But when the committee subpoenaed Gaetz for his testimony, he failed to comply. "Gaetz pointed to evidence that would 'exonerate' him yet failed to produce any such materials," the committee said. Gaetz "continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed." The report details a months-long process that dragged into a year as it sought information from Gaetz that he decried as "nosey" and a "weaponization" of government against him. In one notable exchange, investigators were seeking information about the expenses for a 2018 getaway with multiple women to the Bahamas. Gaetz ultimately offered up his plane ticket receipt "to" the destination, but declined to share his return "from" the Bahamas. The report said his return on a private plane and other expenses paid by an associate were in violation of House gift rules. In another Gaetz told the committee he would "welcome" the opportunity to respond to written questions. Yet, after it sent a list of 16 questions, Gaetz said publicly he would "no longer" voluntarily cooperate. He called the investigation "frivolous," adding, "Every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration." The report said that while Gaetz's obstruction of the investigation does not rise to a criminal violation it is inconsistent with the requirement that all members of Congress "act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House." The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021 and deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request. It renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation without filing any charges against him. The committee sought records from the Justice Department about the probe, but the agency refused, saying it doesn't disclose information about investigations that don't result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department, and after a back-and-forth between officials and the committee, the department handed over "publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual," according to the report. "To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses," the committee said. Many of the women who the committee spoke to had already given statements to the Justice Department and didn't want to "relive their experience," the committee said. "They were particularly concerned with providing additional testimony about a sitting congressman in light of DOJ's lack of action on their prior testimony," the report said. The Justice Department, however, never handed over the women's statements. The agency's lack of cooperation — along with its request that the committee pause its investigation — significantly delayed the committee's probe, lawmakers said. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. FILE - Former Rep. Doug Collins speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Oct. 15, 2024, in Atlanta. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump's 2020 campaign and became engaged to Don Jr. in 2020. Trump called her “a close friend and ally” and praised her “sharp intellect make her supremely qualified.” Guilfoyle was on stage with the family on election night. “I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First,” Don Jr. posted. The ambassador positions must be approved by the U.S. Senate. Guilfoyle said in a social media post that she was “honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate.” Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Ron Johnson, Ambassador to Mexico Johnson — not the Republican senator — served as ambassador to El Salvador during Trump's first administration. His nomination comes as the president-elect has been threatening tariffs on Mexican imports and the mass deportation of migrants who have arrived to the U.S.-Mexico border. Johnson is also a former U.S. Army veteran and was in the Central Intelligence Agency. Tom Barrack, Ambassador to Turkey Barrack, a wealthy financier, met Trump in the 1980s while helping negotiate Trump’s purchase of the renowned Plaza Hotel. He was charged with using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates, but was acquitted of all counts at a federal trial in 2022. Trump called him a “well-respected and experienced voice of reason.” Andrew Ferguson, Federal Trade Commission Ferguson, who is already one of the FTC's five commissioners, will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. “Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country’s History.” Jacob Helberg, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment Dan Bishop, deputy director for budget at the Office of Budget and Management Leandro Rizzuto, Ambassador to the Washington-based Organization of American States Dan Newlin, Ambassador to Colombia Peter Lamelas, Ambassador to Argentina Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Pep Guardiola: It’s my responsibility to solve Manchester City’s poor run

US stock indices edged higher on Tuesday in a truncated trading session ahead of Christmas, led by gains in Big Tech shares. At 09:42 am the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 32.38 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 42,939.33, the S&P 500 gained 21.68 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 5,995.75, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 116.55 points, or 0.59 per cent, to 19,881.43. US markets will close at 1 pm Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. Market participants are hoping for a historic strong period called the "Santa Claus rally", a phenomenon in which markets rise on last five days of December and first two days of January. Among tech stocks, Broadcom and Nvidia advanced 1.3 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively. American Airlines stock fell 1.9 per cent after the carrier briefly grounded all its flights in the United States due to a technical issue. NeueHealth stock soared 64 per cent after the company said its largest shareholder New Enterprise Associates and a group of existing investors will take the firm private in a $1.3 billion deal. US Steel stock lost 0.5 per cent a day after a government panel failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the nearly $15 billion proposed sale to Japan’s Nippon Steel. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62 per cent from 4.59 per cent late on Monday.