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Mark Allen: I’m really struggling with myself and I’m fed up playing this way“Today is Election Day in Aruba once again. I have spent the past four years and four months on this island and am now experiencing my second parliamentary election due to a government that has already ‘fallen.’ The reasons some within the last coalition decided to pull the plug likely revolve around politics and strategy. Weather the question of what’s best for the people and the island was truly considered in that decision, I have my doubts,” said Jacco Vroegop, director of Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH), in a post on social media. He continued, “Many people in Aruba feel increasingly disconnected from politics. Their biggest concerns today are focused on essential aspects of life, such as the high cost of food, water, and electricity compared to their incomes. Quality education, secure housing—especially for undocumented individuals—and accessible healthcare (with one in five residents being undocumented) are pressing issues. Meanwhile, the lack of discussion about the ‘cost’ of autonomy and the focus on American tourists might be the elephant in the room.” In larger countries, changes in government usually have limited direct impact on institutions such as airports, ports, or hospitals. However, Aruba’s size makes the relationship between institutions and government extremely close. Stability is crucial for maintaining good relationships and coordinating necessary decisions. On the other hand, Vroegop pointed out, control is not always optimal. Both transparent and non-transparent factors related to “friends & family” networks often lead to unhealthy pressures on decision-making and appointments. These networks frequently place loyalists or associates of the government in strategic supervisory roles. While the population or representatives of the Dutch Kingdom may question this occasionally, real change remains challenging. For Aruba’s hospital, it is vital to follow a steady path guided by a clear vision. This means serving everyone who needs care while maintaining financial sustainability and remaining loyal to employees. “We are here for everyone, always—regardless of political affiliation or which government is in power,” Vroegop emphasized. “To demonstrate that we, as humans, must be united—especially when it comes to medical care—we invited all political leaders to show their support for the Aruba Hospital. This resulted in a unique photo taken in front of our hospital,” he shared. Vroegop concluded, “Let the best parties win today. Together with my outstanding team, I am ready to continue working to provide the best possible healthcare for Aruba, ensuring that care remains accessible to all without compromising quality.”Alberta working to get money’s worth on Turkish medication deal after 2 years

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(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts . Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.The Importance of Empowering CFOs Against Cyber ThreatsFrom VOA Mandarin: China’s ‘lifeless’ millennials struggle with rising cost of living

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A CEO was shot dead in cold blood. His alleged killer is being hailed as a folk hero. Why?

NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution's suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea "absurd." The Manhattan district attorney's office asked Judge Juan M. Merchan to "pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful," Trump's lawyers wrote in a 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump's lawyers filed paperwork this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won't include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn't sentenced and his appeal wasn't resolved because of presidential immunity. People are also reading... Former President Donald Trump appears May 30 at Manhattan criminal court during jury deliberations in his criminal hush money trial in New York. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney's office declined comment. It's unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump's request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution's suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump's parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution's suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the "ongoing threat" that he'll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. The prosecution's suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they contend. Attorney Todd Blanche listens May 30 as his client Donald Trump speaks at Manhattan criminal court during jury deliberations in his criminal hush money trial in New York. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump tapped for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution's novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to "fabricate" a solution "based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump" who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September "and a hypothetical dead defendant." Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what's already a unique case. "This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding," prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn't "precipitously discard" the "meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers." Prosecutors acknowledged that "presidential immunity requires accommodation" during Trump's impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury's verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Other world leaders don't enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation's wars in Lebanon and Gaza. President-elect Donald Trump attends a Dec. 7 meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Trump has fought for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. Trump's hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith ended his two federal cases, which pertained to Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in each case. Trump was scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November, but following Trump's Nov. 5 election win, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president's sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Here are the people Trump picked for key positions so far President-elect Donald Trump 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, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State 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, Secretary of Defense 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. Pam Bondi, Attorney General 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. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security 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. Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior 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., Secretary of Health and Human Services 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, Treasury Secretary 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. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner, Housing and Urban Development 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, Secretary of Transportation 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. Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy 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. Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education 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, Secretary of Agriculture 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. Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce 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. Trump Transition 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, White House press secretary 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. Tulsi Gabbard, National Intelligence Director 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. John Ratcliffe, Central Intelligence Agency Director 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, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director 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. Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator 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.” Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission 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. Paul Atkins, Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission 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, NASA Administrator 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. Elise Stefanik, Ambassador to the United Nations 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. Matt Whitaker, Ambassador to NATO 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. David Perdue, Ambassador to China 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. Pete Hoekstra, Ambassador to Canada 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.” Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel 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. Kimberly Guilfoyle, Ambassador to Greece 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.” Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East 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. Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia 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) Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser 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, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy 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. Tom Homan, ‘Border Czar’ 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. Rodney Scott, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner 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. Billy Long, Internal Revenue Service commissioner 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.” Kelly Loeffler, Small Business Administration administrator 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, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services administrator 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. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to advise White House on government efficiency Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought, Office of Management and Budget 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. Kari Lake, Voice of America Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world. Lake endeared herself to Trump through her dogmatic commitment to the falsehood that both she and Trump were the victims of election fraud. She has never acknowledged losing the gubernatorial race and called herself the “lawful governor” in her 2023 book, “Unafraid: Just Getting Started.” Additional selections to the incoming White House 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 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

In conclusion, by cultivating comprehensive systems and fully unleashing potential, and harnessing the dual wheel of consumption and investment, we can drive positive changes and usher in a new era of growth and prosperity. By building interconnected and sustainable structures, investing in education and skills development, and promoting responsible consumption and strategic investments, we can create a more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic economy that enables individuals and societies to thrive. As we continue to embrace this transformative approach, we can unlock new opportunities, unleash untapped potential, and build a better future for all.night fishing 。

By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There’s going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he’s pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl, Trump posted. Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation , while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would counter the move with tariffs on U.S. products. House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” “The economy department is preparing it,” Sheinbaum said. “If there are tariffs, Mexico would increase tariffs, it is a technical task about what would also benefit Mexico,” she said, suggesting her country would impose targeted import duties on U.S. goods in sensitive areas. Related Articles House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans’ coming control of both the House and Senate. “This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November’s election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world’s second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump’s tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they were ultimately somewhat modest. Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared to the overall economy. America’s gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump’s tariffs — if they’re imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices, just as many companies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 boosted food and energy costs and gave several major companies the space to raise prices, according to their own earnings calls with investors. But what Trump didn’t really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City.We all see how the rise of misinformation — whether intentional or accidental — has become a crisis we can no longer ignore. It threatens our relationships, our trust in institutions, and, as you can see, the very stability of our global society. And there’s only one single tool in our diplomatic toolkit that can fight fire with fire, that can truly match the speed and scale of the problem: digital diplomacy. Global crises fuelled by misinformation have been erupting with alarming frequency, from election meddling to pandemic conspiracies and these are not isolated incidents anymore. Who could forget the disinformation campaigns that swirled around the US presidential elections? Or the barrage of false health information that worsened the global pandemic response? These aren’t just minor glitches in our systems; they are full-scale attacks on the very trust that holds societies together. Think about it: when misinformation goes unchecked, it spreads like wildfire, igniting tensions, dismantling trust, and eroding the foundation of international co-operation. When nations act on false premises, the stakes are high — think of the disastrous consequences of military escalation, trade disputes, or even the collapse of international co-operation on issues like climate change or public health. In this information age, a single tweet or viral post can be more powerful than the speeches of 1,000 seasoned diplomats. If misinformation is a poison, then digital diplomacy is the antidote. This is not to say that traditional diplomacy no longer has a place. Far from it. It is vital as ever, especially in face-to-face negotiations where relationships are built and trust is cultivated. Considering the magnitude of misinformation, I only think that the traditional methods are no longer enough to tackle the scale of misinformation we face. Governments need to harness the power of social media, data analytics, and digital communications platforms to stay ahead of the curve. Digital diplomacy is the global megaphone we need. It has the power to amplify authentic voices, truthful narratives, and engage the global population in ways that traditional diplomacy never could. Imagine this: world leaders, public officials, and diplomats working in concert, responding to misinformation not with a slow, bureaucratic process, but with agility, transparency, and strategic digital engagement. This is the future of diplomacy! But here’s a sobering thought: In this digital age, the threat is always one click away, but so is the solution. The question is: Will we be proactive or reactive in defending the truth? To protect our societies, our relationships, and the stability of global governance, it’s time to turn the digital space into our most valuable asset. Digital diplomacy is not just an option — it is the most powerful response to the digital age’s biggest challenge. The world needs it now more than ever. Let’s make sure we answer the call. It’s time to make digital diplomacy our first line of defence. • Laura Iancu is an international strategist with over 15 years of experience across diverse industries, including telecommunications, semiconductors, digital marketing, event management, education, and diplomacy, in both the private and public sectors. As the founder of Diplomats.Digital, Laura regularly contributes to publications focused on digital diplomacy, highlighting its crucial role in today’s global landscape. IG handle: https://www.instagram.com/diplomats Related Story Qatar joins Global Coalition for Digital Safety 'Our screens are a platform for constructive dialogue, expression'

SPRINGFIELD — The minimum wage in Illinois will increase to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, completing a six-year transition period since the increase was approved in 2019. Beginning New Year’s Day, Illinois workers making minimum wage will see wages rise by $1 and tipped workers will see their paychecks bump to $9 an hour. Youth workers under 18 who work fewer than 650 hours a year will have a $13 minimum wage. The final increase, ending a six-year ramp which began with the minimum wage rising from $8.25 to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020, puts a bow on Gov. JB Pritzker’s first major legislative victory. He signed the wage increase in February 2019 about a month after being sworn in for his first term, checking off a top campaign promise. “Since day one of my administration, I’ve made it my mission to build an economy that works for everyone and raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour fulfills that promise to our working families,” Pritzker said in a statement. “This increase honors the workers who power our state and ensures they can better support their families, bringing us closer to a stronger, more equitable economy for all.” Illinois will be one of 10 states with a minimum wage of $15 or greater, according to the National Employment Law Project. Twenty-two other states are also increasing their wages on Jan. 1. The minimum wage increase is one of many economic changes that have happened since 2019, including effects of the pandemic, Illinois Chamber of Commerce CEO Lou Sandoval told Capitol News Illinois. He said those have caused businesses to adjust their operations in a variety of ways, such as increasing automation. “I think you’re starting to see businesses pivot in terms of how they’re adjusting,” Sandoval said. “You’re seeing this at the national chains.” Some restaurants, for example, are “moving away from larger sit-down areas into grab-and-go.” Illinois job growth has been slow since October 2019, according to a November report by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. The state has seen a net increase of 28,700 jobs from October 2019 through October 2024. That’s a growth rate of 0.5%, compared to the national rate of 4.9%. The rate of new job postings by businesses at the beginning of the year will shed some light on how the jump to $15 on Jan. 1 is impacting business operations, Sandoval said. To help small businesses with the change, the state provides a tax credit through 2027 to businesses with 50 or fewer employees for wages paid to minimum-wage workers. The 2019 minimum wage law marked the first increase since the wage hit $8.25 in 2010. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Westchester, introduced a bill to raise it to $15 an hour in 2017 that was passed by the General Assembly and vetoed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Lightford sponsored the initiative again in 2019. “As a state, we have helped countless workers make ends meet, reduce financial stress, and provide a more solid foundation for their futures,” Lightford said in a statement. “The $15 minimum wage is a testament to our commitment to economic justice and our belief that everyone who works full time deserves a living wage.” The value of a $15 minimum wage, however, has changed since lawmakers acted in 2019. A person making $8.25 in February 2019 would need to earn $10.30 today to have the same buying power after inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index. A $15 hourly wage today has the buying power that $12.02 had in February 2019. A person would need to make an $18.72 wage today to have the same buying power that $15 had in February 2019. Top Democrats didn’t say if they will push for new increases. “As a Senator of 25 years, history has shown my commitment of fighting to ensure workers are paid a living wage. That commitment still holds strong today,” Lightford said in an email statement. Pritzker said he supports ideas that will help workers make more money, but didn’t commit to supporting any plan to raise the minimum wage further when pressed about it at a news conference Dec. 11. “We always are thinking about how do you balance the need for higher wages with the needs that businesses have to hire people and do it affordably. But I think we did it the right way when we did it back in 2019,” Pritzker said. The new $15 wage equates to a 40-hour-per-week annual salary of $31,200 before taxes. That equals the federal government’s poverty level for a four-person household. The poverty level is $15,060 in a single-person household. But according to calculations in a national project by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, $15 hourly still doesn’t equate to a “living” wage in Illinois, based on U.S. Census Bureau cost of living and other cost estimates provided by federal agencies adjusted for inflation. A single adult with no children needs a $22.86 hourly salary to make a living wage in Illinois, while a two-parent household with two working adults and three children would each need to earn $31.69. In a two-parent household with one working adult and one child, the worker needs $36.49 to make a living wage, according to the MIT project. Inflation is making it hard for workers to benefit from wage increases, Sandoval said, adding rising wages also cause businesses to raise prices. “They might get the wage increase on one side, but their cost of living goes up accordingly,” Sandoval said. Gov. JB Pritzker announces support for stricter rules around hemp products like delta-8 THC during a news conference on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.One of the most significant aspects of the Trump 2.0 cabinet is the emphasis on continuity and experience. Several key appointees, such as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, are holdovers from the first term. Their reappointment signals a commitment to maintaining stability and consistency in crucial areas of policymaking. Mnuchin, in particular, has been praised for his handling of economic issues during the first term, and his reappointment is seen as a positive sign for the financial markets and investors.Money market funds have always been a popular investment choice for many individuals and institutions due to their relatively stable returns and low risk. However, the recent decline in the 7-day annualized yield has raised concerns among investors. The shift below the 1.5% threshold indicates a reduction in profitability and potential implications for the overall market sentiment.

Stranded fin whale becomes 'icy monument' outside AnchorageThe Holy Altar Duo, consisting of Liu Xuanxuan and Zhang Yuwei, has been making waves in the competitive world of badminton for several years now. Known for their exceptional teamwork, swift footwork, and strategic game play, these two talented athletes have consistently proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Brazilian police indict former President Bolsonaro and aides over alleged 2022 coup attempt

The case of the missing female postgraduate student serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that women face in society, and the importance of coming together as a community to ensure their safety and well-being. It also highlights the critical role that law enforcement and investigative agencies play in swiftly responding to and resolving such incidents.

World reaches $300 bn climate finance deal at COP29In conclusion, Lee Kang-In's impressive jersey sales are a reflection of his growing impact on the sport and his ability to connect with fans on a deeper level. His rise to prominence not only as a talented footballer but also as a cultural influencer is a testament to his versatility and charisma. As he continues to shine both on and off the pitch, Lee Kang-In's future in football looks brighter than ever, and his status as a fan favorite is sure to endure for years to come.

As we confront the challenges posed by globalization and the interconnected nature of our world, it is essential that we remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the threats posed by invasive species. By working together and taking decisive action, we can protect our precious ecosystems and preserve biodiversity for future generations.In this challenging economic environment, the concept of passive income has become a coveted but elusive goal for many. While passive income streams such as rental properties, dividend-paying investments, and royalties offer the promise of financial independence and freedom from the daily grind, they require significant upfront investment, expertise, and ongoing management. For individuals already struggling to save and invest amidst rising living costs and stagnant wages, the prospect of generating passive income seems like a distant dream.NoneDrop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fans of I'm A Celebrity were left seeing red and threatened to turn their TVs off Sunday night. The evening's episode, hosted by duo Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, delivered all the latest jungle antics. Viewers watched Dean and Coleen tackle a gruelling trial, and the episode also saw the return of the Deals on Wheels challenge. Plus, Coleen gave an inside scoop on her and husband Wayne Rooney's surprising encounter with Donald Trump. But the mood among viewers soured when they learned Dean was nominated for yet another trial. Ant and Dec made their way into camp to announce the next trial contender, with everyone almost expecting Dean's name to come up. Irate fans took to social media to vent their irritation; one viewer tweeted: "At which point do the producers stop someone getting voted from doing trials every day in a row like this can't last until the end ... #ImACeleb," while another exclaimed: "FFS STOP VOTING FOR DEAN ITS GETTING BORING NOW! #ImACeleb.", reports the Express . Another chimed in: "Do you think if we all just stop watching Dean one night, that they'll finally get the point? #ImACeleb," as another wrote: "So bored of Dean doing the trials and getting all the camera time now.. he's not entertaining #ImACeleb." One penned: "Show to be renamed to 'Dean is a celeb get everyone else out of here' #imaceleb," and one more added: "Is this a fix because it gets a reaction on social media? Really beyond boring. Such a great cast, and all we see is Dean. What a shame." Earlier tonight, Coleen and Dean took on the Absolute Carnage trial on Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! The challenge saw Coleen locked inside the back of a car filled with stars, where they had to use tools found in the front of the car to unlock each of the different fastenings. Coleen was joined by cockroaches, crickets, giant mealworms and rats in her section, while Dean had fish guts poured on him as he tried to search for the different tools to help Coleen in the back. They had 12 minutes to get as many stars as they could and ended up with nine stars for camp. After the trial, Ant and Dec told Coleen: "You were very calm, very quiet, you just got on with it." She replied: "Yeah that is my way of coping, silence, the silent treatment," as Dean explained he felt he had finally got over his hate of fish guts, given that he quit one trial because had fish guts poured on his head. *I'm A Celebrity airs every day at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.Trump Adds Another Fox News Contributor to Administration, Tasks Him with Ending Russia-Ukraine War

In the aftermath of this historic competition, one thing remains clear - the world of weightlifting has once again been shaken to its core by the incredible talents and unwavering determination of these athletes. As we look ahead to the future, one thing is certain - the battle for supremacy in weightlifting will continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world, as athletes strive for greatness and push the limits of human potential.

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US President-elect Donald Trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his January 20 inauguration if it is not sold by its Chinese owner ByteDance. "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, to give him "the opportunity to pursue a political resolution." Trump was fiercely opposed to TikTok during his 2017-21 first term, and tried in vain to ban the video app on national security grounds. The Republican voiced concerns -- echoed by political rivals -- that the Chinese government might tap into US TikTok users' data or manipulate what they see on the platform. US officials had also voiced alarm over the popularity of the video-sharing app with young people, alleging that its parent company is subservient to Beijing and that the app is used to spread propaganda, claims denied by the company and the Chinese government. Trump called for a US company to buy TikTok, with the government sharing in the sale price, and his successor Joe Biden went one stage further -- signing a law to ban the app for the same reasons. Trump has now, however, reversed course. "Now (that) I'm thinking about it, I'm for TikTok, because you need competition," he recently told Bloomberg. "If you don't have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram -- and that's, you know, that's Zuckerberg." Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and part of his Meta tech empire, was among the social media networks that banned Trump after attacks by his supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The ban was driven by concerns that he would use the platform to promote more violence. Those bans on major social media platforms were later lifted. In the brief filed on Friday, Trump's lawyer made it clear the president-elect did not take a position on the legal merits of the current case. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," John Sauer wrote in the amicus curiae -- or "friend of the court" -- brief. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming Administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case." ft/aha

Khalistan Zindabad Force chief hails from J&K, is now in Pakistan

The South Carolina women's basketball team has been defeated for the first time since March 31, 2023. The No. 1 Gamecocks fell Sunday in Los Angeles as Lauren Betts posted a double-double effort to lead No. 5 UCLA to a 77-62 triumph. The Gamecocks (5-1) suffered their first defeat after 43 consecutive victories, dating back to the loss to Iowa 77-73 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. South Carolina defeated Iowa last season for the national championship. Betts finished with 11 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks to power the Bruins (5-0) to a historic victory. UCLA also got 15 points from Londynn Jones on 5-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, 13 points from Elina Aarnisalo and 11 each from Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jacquez. It's the first time UCLA has beaten South Carolina since 1981. The Bruins lost twice to the Gamecocks in the 2022-23 season, including in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Te-Hina Paopao had 18 points for South Carolina on 4-of-4 3-point shooting, while Tessa Johnson had 14 points. UCLA won the rebounding battle 41-34, marking the second time this season the Gamecocks have been outrebounded. South Carolina also got outscored in the paint 26-18. It's rare that a Dawn Staley-coached team -- units that typically revolve around dominant centers from A'ja Wilson to Aaliyah Boston to Kamilla Cardoso -- gets beat in the paint and on the glass, but with 6-foot-7 Betts, UCLA had the recipe to outmuscle the Gamecocks in those areas of the game. South Carolina never led after UCLA began the game with an 18-5 run, capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers from Jones. The Gamecocks cut the deficit to nine points in the second quarter, but the Bruins responded with a 17-5 run and entered halftime ahead by 21 points. Aarnisalo scored seven points during that run. From there, the Gamecocks never got within single digits of the lead in the second half. It's the first time in 21 tries that UCLA has beaten an AP-ranked No. 1 team. And it's the first time South Carolina lost a true road game since 2021, a streak of 33 games. The schedule doesn't get any easier for South Carolina. While UCLA faces UT Martin next on Friday, the Gamecocks play No. 8 Iowa State on Thursday. --Field Level MediaJudge in Alex Jones' bankruptcy case orders new hearing on The Onion's bid for Infowars

No. 5 UCLA snaps No. 1 South Carolina's 43-game win streak

Mike McDaniel stepped in to keep Dolphins from trading veteran DT Calais Campbell to RavensThe South Carolina women's basketball team has been defeated for the first time since March 31, 2023. The No. 1 Gamecocks fell Sunday in Los Angeles as Lauren Betts posted a double-double effort to lead No. 5 UCLA to a 77-62 triumph. The Gamecocks (5-1) suffered their first defeat after 43 consecutive victories, dating back to the loss to Iowa 77-73 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals. South Carolina defeated Iowa last season for the national championship. Betts finished with 11 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks to power the Bruins (5-0) to a historic victory. UCLA also got 15 points from Londynn Jones on 5-of-5 shooting from 3-point range, 13 points from Elina Aarnisalo and 11 each from Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jacquez. It's the first time UCLA has beaten South Carolina since 1981. The Bruins lost twice to the Gamecocks in the 2022-23 season, including in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Te-Hina Paopao had 18 points for South Carolina on 4-of-4 3-point shooting, while Tessa Johnson had 14 points. UCLA won the rebounding battle 41-34, marking the second time this season the Gamecocks have been outrebounded. South Carolina also got outscored in the paint 26-18. It's rare that a Dawn Staley-coached team -- units that typically revolve around dominant centers from A'ja Wilson to Aaliyah Boston to Kamilla Cardoso -- gets beat in the paint and on the glass, but with 6-foot-7 Betts, UCLA had the recipe to outmuscle the Gamecocks in those areas of the game. South Carolina never led after UCLA began the game with an 18-5 run, capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers from Jones. The Gamecocks cut the deficit to nine points in the second quarter, but the Bruins responded with a 17-5 run and entered halftime ahead by 21 points. Aarnisalo scored seven points during that run. From there, the Gamecocks never got within single digits of the lead in the second half. It's the first time in 21 tries that UCLA has beaten an AP-ranked No. 1 team. And it's the first time South Carolina lost a true road game since 2021, a streak of 33 games. The schedule doesn't get any easier for South Carolina. While UCLA faces UT Martin next on Friday, the Gamecocks play No. 8 Iowa State on Thursday. --Field Level MediaDelivering Optimized, Outbound-Focused Contact Center Solutions for Modern Businesses LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- outboundIQ www.outboundiq.com proudly announces its accreditation as a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner (CIP), a distinction that reflects its deep expertise in optimizing and streamlining outbound-focused contact center operations. With a team of seasoned Five9 veterans, expert programmers, and industry thought leaders, outboundIQ is uniquely equipped to help businesses of all sizes unlock the full potential of Five9's Virtual Contact Center platform. Optimized Solutions for Complex Contact Center Needs outboundIQ specializes in providing expedited, outbound-focused contact center implementations, integrating advanced features such as inbound and outbound Voice, SMS, Chat, Email, Salesforce Integration, and other third-party app integrations. Clients can also leverage ongoing optimization engagements and monthly retainers for strategic consulting designed to support long-term, outreach-focused success. "Who better to handle your domain configuration than the experts that understand the outbound contact center world. To be an outbound expert, you must know 3 things; how to configure the domain front end, how the architecture interprets that design, and how carriers respond to your dialing behavior as a result of the build. outboundIQ has the advantage of deeply understanding all 3 things. Our experts are seasoned professionals that will guide toward the best build for your business. You tell us about your business, your needs and your processes, and we will build you a domain fit for purpose. outboundIQ offers best in class Domain Optimization, Implementation and Consulting for customers of all sizes and complexity. Due to our methodology and proprietary automations, we are able to bring our customers' projects to life within accelerated timeframes." - Jessica Clay , VP Support and Services "We launched our business in June and were fortunate to connect with the incredible team at outboundIQ early on. Navigating the world of outbound calling and building efficient prospecting systems isn't easy, but the entire team at outboundIQ brought our vision to life seamlessly. They implemented our ideas quickly and executed them flawlessly. Since partnering with them, our contact rates have significantly improved, our conversions have increased, and our overall business is thriving. We're deeply grateful for this collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together on future endeavors!" - Tim, Lit Financial "I genuinely don't know enough ways to thank the entire outboundIQ team. I inherited a domain riddled with mistakes, tangled beyond belief, and I had essentially planned to scrap the whole thing and start over. That's when this team, led by Jessica Clay's brilliance, took over to understand exactly what I wanted to create and completely revitalized my domain. We are all beyond thankful as they continue to consult for us to this day and I see no reason to stop. Thank you, Jessica, Jason, Rudy, Bruno, Sandy and everyone who gets the pleasure of working with these domain geniuses!" - Michael, Lifetime Home Remodeling A Holistic Approach to Outbound Excellence Creating a competitive, consumer-focused outreach program requires more than just advanced technology. As outboundIQ explains, a thriving contact center functions like a high-performing racing team: The Car: Five9 Virtual Contact Center provides a cutting-edge technology foundation. The Driver: Strong Dialer Administrators who skillfully manage operations. The Pit Crew: IT/Support teams ensuring seamless functionality. The Spotters: Data Analytics and Reporting experts optimizing performance. The Fuel: High-quality data driving better outcomes. outboundIQ's professional services team brings these critical elements together, ensuring clients achieve best-in-class outbound operations that prioritize consumer experience while maintaining a competitive edge. A Call to Collaboration With its new CIP certification, outboundIQ invites businesses to explore select partnership opportunities and projects to reimagine their contact center operations. Whether through expedited implementations or ongoing strategic consulting, outboundIQ is committed to driving measurable results for its clients. About outboundIQ outboundIQ delivers optimized, outbound-focused contact center implementations, combining years of Five9 expertise with cutting-edge strategies to help businesses achieve exceptional outreach outcomes. As a Five9 Certified Implementation Partner, outboundIQ provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of modern organizations. About Five9 Five9 is a digital enterprise's leading cloud contact center and software provider. The Five9 Intelligent CX Platform is reliable, secure, compliant, and scalable, designed to create exceptional personalized customer experiences. www.five9.com Media contact: Sandy Tafur Phone: 404-660-5314 mail: [email protected] SOURCE outboundIQ

NEW YORK , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CLOSING PRICES AS OF 11/30/24 NAV 11.80 MKT 10.32 AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN AS OF 11/30/24 NAV (%) MKT (%) One-Month* 11.32 10.73 Year to Date* 19.30 18.23 One-Year 32.77 31.23 Three-Year 6.30 6.46 Five-Year 14.13 13.80 10-Year 10.17 9.69 *Not Annualized Important Performance and Expense Information All performance information reflects past performance, is presented on a total return basis, net of the Fund's investment advisory fee, and reflects the reinvestment of distributions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results Current performance may be higher or lower than performance quoted. Returns as of the recent month-end may be obtained at www.royceinvest.com . The market price of the Fund's shares will fluctuate, so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when sold. The Fund normally invests in micro-cap companies, which may involve considerably more risk than investing in larger-cap companies. The Fund's broadly diversified portfolio does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. PORTFOLIO DIAGNOSTICS Average Market Cap 1 $854.6M Weighted Average P/B 2 2.2x Net Assets $603.1M 1 Geometric Average : This weighted calculation uses each portfolio holding's market cap in a way designed to not skew the effect of very large or small holdings; instead, it aims to better identify the portfolio's center, which Royce believes offers a more accurate measure of average market cap than a simple mean or median. 2 Harmonic Average : This weighted calculation evaluates a portfolio as if it were a single stock and measures it overall. It compares the total market value of the portfolio to the portfolio's share in the earnings of its underlying stocks. The Price-to-Book , or P/B, Ratio is calculated by dividing a company's share price by its book value per share. Portfolio Composition TOP 10 POSITIONS % OF NET ASSETS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Transcat 1.8 Sprott 1.7 PAR Technology 1.6 Richardson Electronics 1.6 Universal Technical Institute 1.5 Applied Optoelectronics 1.5 BioLife Solutions 1.3 Mesa Laboratories 1.3 IES Holdings 1.2 nLIGHT 1.2 TOP FIVE SECTORS % OF NET ASSETS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Information Technology 23.3 Industrials 23.3 Financials 16.1 Health Care 11.8 Consumer Discretionary 5.7 Recent Developments Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc. is a closed-end diversified investment company whose shares of Common Stock (RMT) are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The Fund's investment goal is long-term capital growth, which it seeks by investing primarily in equity securities of companies that, at the time of investment, have market capitalization of $1 billion or less. Daily net asset values (NAVs) for Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc. are now available on our website and online through most ticker symbol lookup services and on broker terminals under the symbol XOTCX. For more information, please call The Royce Funds at (800) 221-4268 or visit our website at www.royceinvest.com An investor in Royce Micro-Cap Trust should consider the Fund's investment goals, risks, fees, and expenses carefully before investing. Important Disclosure Information Closed-End Funds are registered investment companies whose shares of common stock may trade at a discount to their net asset value. Shares of each Fund's common stock are also subject to the market risks of investing in the underlying portfolio securities held by the Fund. Royce Fund Services, LLC. ("RFS") is a member of FINRA and has filed this material with FINRA on behalf of each Fund. RFS does not serve as a distributor or as an underwriter to the closed-end funds. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royce-micro-cap-trust-nyse-rmt-as-of-nov-30-2024-302338580.html SOURCE Royce Micro-Cap Trust, Inc.A bankruptcy judge has ordered a new hearing in conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ effort to stop the satirical news outlet The Onion from buying Infowars and turning it into a parody. Jones alleges fraud and collusion marred the bankruptcy auction in which The Onion was named the winning bidder on November 14 over a company affiliated with him. US bankruptcy judge Christopher Lopez had been scheduled to hear an emergency motion to disqualify The Onion’s bid, but decided to put it off until either December 9 or December 17. That is also when the judge will hear arguments on a request to approve the sale of Infowars to The Onion. Mr Lopez said similar arguments are being made in both requests. He could allow The Onion to move forward with the sale, order a new auction or name the other bidder as the winner. At stake is whether Mr Jones gets to stay at Infowars’ studio in Austin, Texas, under a new owner friendly to him, or whether he gets kicked out by The Onion. The other bidder, First United American Companies, runs a website in Mr Jones’s name that sells nutritional supplements. Regardless, Mr Jones has set up a new studio, websites and social media accounts that would allow him to keep airing his show. His personal account with 3.3 million followers on the social platform X was not part of the sale, although Mr Lopez will be deciding whether it should be included in the liquidation and sold off later. In a new court filing on Monday, lawyers for X objected to any sale of the accounts of both Mr Jones and Infowars, saying X is the owner of the accounts and that it has not given consent for them to be sold or transferred. Mr Jones has praised X owner Elon Musk on his show and suggested that Mr Musk should buy Infowars. Mr Musk has not responded publicly to that suggestion and was not among the bidders. Mr Jones’ bankruptcy and the liquidation of his assets came about after he was ordered to pay nearly 1.5 billion dollars (£1.19 billion) to relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Mr Jones was found liable for defamation and emotional distress damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas for repeatedly calling the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators a hoax staged by actors to increase gun control. Proceeds from the liquidation are to go to Mr Jones’s creditors, including the Sandy Hook families who sued him. Mr Jones alleged The Onion’s bid was the result of fraud and collusion involving many of those families, the humour site and a court-appointed trustee who is overseeing the liquidation. First United American Companies submitted a 3.5 million dollar (£2.7 million) sealed bid, while The Onion offered 1.75 million dollars (£1.3 million) in cash. But The Onion’s bid also included a pledge by Sandy Hook families to forego some or all of the auction proceeds due to them giving other creditors a total of 100,000 dollars (£79,400) more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, said that made The Onion’s proposal better for creditors and he named it the winning bid. He has denied any wrongdoing. Mr Jones and First United American Companies claimed that the bid violated Mr Lopez’s rules for the auction by including multiple entities and lacking a valid dollar amount. Mr Jones also alleged Mr Murray improperly cancelled an expected round of live bidding and only selected among the sealed bids that were submitted. Mr Jones called the auction “rigged” and a “fraud” on his show, which airs on the Infowars website, radio stations and his X account. In a court filing, Mr Murray called the allegations “a disappointed bidder’s improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open auction process”. Mr Lopez’s September order on the auction procedures made a live bidding round optional. It gave broad authority to Mr Murray to conduct the sale, including the power to reject any bid, no matter how high, that was “contrary to the best interests” of Mr Jones, his company and their creditors. Hi friends! I wanted to give a quick update on The Onion’s purchase of InfoWars, which we can’t wait to relaunch as the dumbest site on the internet. Long and short of it: We won the bid and — you're not going to believe it — the previous InfoWars folks aren't taking it well. — follow @bencollins on bluesky (@oneunderscore__) November 16, 2024 But at a November 14 hearing, Mr Lopez said he was concerned about the process and transparency. “We’re all going to an evidentiary hearing and I’m going to figure out exactly what happened,” he said. “No one should feel comfortable with the results of this auction.” The assets of Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems, that were up for sale included the Austin studio, Infowars’ video archive, video production equipment, product trademarks, and Infowars’ websites and social media accounts. Mr Jones is appealing the 1.5 billion dollar (£1.19 billion) in judgments citing free speech rights but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened. Mr Jones has brought in millions of dollars a year in revenue by hawking nutritional supplements, clothing, survival gear and other merchandise from his Infowars Store website, according to court documents. Many of Mr Jones’ personal assets, including real estate as well as guns and other personal belongings, also are being sold as part of the bankruptcy.

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Iowa followed its lowest-scoring game of the season with a 110-point eruption the next time out. The Hawkeyes will be one week removed from that scorching effort when they host Northwestern in Tuesday's Big Ten opener in Iowa City, but rust won't be the only roadblock for a potential repeat showing. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that remembers what you asked it to do last month? That’s the promise behind ChatGPT’s latest upgrade , which could push the technology beyond quick answers into managing long-term business tasks. The update lets ChatGPT track vendor payments and purchase orders over time, but companies weighing this AI workflow assistant face a core challenge. These systems may be getting smarter, but they still mix up facts and misunderstand requests — leaving businesses to decide how much they can trust AI with their daily operations. The update, dubbed Projects, provides a dedicated space to work on long-form tasks like documents or coding projects. It allows users to create, edit and iterate within a structured canvas alongside conversations in an attempt to improve focus and collaboration by keeping work organized and easily accessible during discussions. “While AI will undoubtedly transform project management, it’s unlikely to completely replace dedicated software companies,” Hikari Senju , CEO of AI company Omneky , told PYMNTS. “Instead, we’ll see a convergence of AI and project management tools, where AI augments existing platforms with intelligent features, such as automated task assignment, progress tracking and risk prediction. This will empower project managers to focus on higher-level strategic decisions and creative problem-solving.” ChatGPT Gets a Memory Upgrade Unlike standard chat threads, ChatGPT Projects provide a persistent canvas where work can be saved, updated and refined over time. This feature lets users seamlessly transition between conversations and ongoing tasks without losing context or progress. OpenAI was designed to support complex workflows, enabling better organization and smoother collaboration. The Projects feature aims to make ChatGPT more practical for professional and creative applications by keeping iterative work consolidated in one place. “AI, like ChatGPT Projects, won’t replace project management software but will disrupt it, forcing these platforms to evolve,” Ryan MacDonald , chief technology officer at Liquid Web , told PYMNTS. “Businesses are driving demand for tools that not only track tasks but also offer context, suggestions and proactive problem-solving. The shift is from passive tracking to intelligent decision support, raising the bar for traditional tools. Companies unable to adapt risk losing relevance in this new era. AI will serve as the connective tissue, automating and optimizing processes across these platforms, ensuring they stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.” ChatGPT’s new feature is part of a growing trend of AI tools aiming to help people tackle bigger, more complex tasks. These tools are designed to keep everything — documents, code, notes and conversations — organized in one place, making it easier to focus, collaborate and stay productive. OpenAI isn’t alone in this effort. Microsoft Copilot now works directly in Word and Excel , helping users draft and edit documents or analyze data without switching apps. Notion has added AI features that assist with brainstorming, writing and managing projects in a single workspace. For coders, GitHub’s Copilot suggests and refines code in their development environment, saving time and reducing context switching. AI Tools Raise Red Flags Over Data Security But as these AI tools become more deeply embedded in workplace software, security experts warn of growing risks. Suriel Arellano , a technology business consultant, told PYMNTS that there are well-founded concerns about whether competitors could access sensitive business data stored in ChatGPT Projects. Arellano said firms should encrypt data that’s being sent to and retrieved from the AI tool, as well as data that’s “at rest.” They should also be based on a zero-trust security model. They should establish and manage access controls with an eye to the potential risks involved with not only human access but also third-party application access. “It’s also important to remember that a “fortress” approach, where defenses are placed only at the edges of a system, isn’t sufficient,” he added. “And defenses placed solely at the level of access to an AI tool also need to be increased.” Another hurdle facing companies using AI systems stems from the quick pace of operation. While AI can analyze spending patterns and make recommendations within seconds, this rapid-fire capability poses risks for businesses trying to maintain financial control. Many firms now grapple with balancing AI’s swift decision-making against needing a thorough human review of spending proposals. “There are a few schools of thought in terms of what such a system might look like,” Arellano said. “One way is to have an extremely robust system for when the AI says “do this,” for anything that’s even close to the spending threshold, so that any time the AI suggests making a significant alteration in the way money is being spent, the system kicks in and a human being gives the order.”TV’s Dr. Oz invested in businesses regulated by agency Trump wants him to lead

AmeraCell Accessible Affordable Bio Hacking in Katy Texas an American Life Sciences Clinic 12-17-2024 08:12 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/c46306625cd5028d1dcf9ba4de05042c.png Katy, TX - AmeraCell, a pioneering life science company, is thrilled to announce its expansion into Katy, Texas. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in AmeraCell's mission to democratize access to innovative, life-changing therapies. AmeraCell's Katy location will offer a comprehensive range of life science solutions, including: - Bio-Hacking: Personalized wellness programs leveraging cutting-edge technology and medical expertise - Stem Cell Therapy: MSC stem cell joint injections and IV hydration treatments for chronic pain, inflammation, and degenerative diseases - Anti-Aging: Regenerative medicine solutions for rejuvenation and age management "AmeraCell is committed to empowering individuals with the latest advancements in life sciences," said AJ Pakpour, Founder. "Our expansion into Katy, Texas reflects our dedication to improving healthcare one cell at a time " AmeraCell's team of expert physicians clinicians and master injectors in Katy, Texas will provide personalized care and guidance to patients, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive experience. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit AmeraCell [ https://ameracell.com/pharmacy ] or call 407 801 2269 About AmeraCell AmeraCell is a life science company pioneering innovative therapies and treatments. With multiple locations nationwide, AmeraCell is revolutionizing healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sa=X&sca_esv=f406572c760609c9&hl=en-us&biw=430&bih=856&kgmid=%2Fg%2F11lmg5l1fm&q=AmeraCell%20Clinics&shndl=30&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3 Note to editor: - High-resolution images and interview opportunities available upon request. - AmeraCell's Katy location is now accepting patients and offering consultations. Media Contact Company Name: AmeraCell Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ameracell-accessible-affordable-bio-hacking-in-katy-texas-an-american-life-sciences-clinic ] Address:300 N Atlantic Ave #108 City: Cocoa Beach State: FL 32931 Country: United States Website: https://ameracell.com/pharmacy This release was published on openPR.

Arcadium Lithium Announces Shareholder Approval of Proposed Rio Tinto Transaction and Provides Regulatory Update

What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?Wide receiver Vance Spafford is one of Georgia's earliest commitments in the 2026 signing class , and he's already drawn comparisons to ex-Bulldogs wideout Ladd McConkey. The question is whether those comparisons are warranted for the four-star prospect out of Mission Viejo (Calif.). Spafford is the No. 105 player in the country and the No. 14 wide receiver in the 2026 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports ratings. Despite the immediate comparisons to McConkey, that is one notable difference. Spafford is a more heralded prospect than McConkey, who was a three-star recruit and the No. 1,131 player in the 2020 signing class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. The reason Spafford has gotten more buzz on the recruiting trail can be attributed to his performance on the 7v7 circuit this past offseason. 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins explained why Spafford turned so many heads. "Spafford had a huge sophomore season but really elevated his stock and brand the spring/summer before his junior year," Biggins said. "He dominated the 7v7 circuit and answered any questions about being just a reliable, 'possession guy,' with some big time track markers including a personal best 10.69-100m." While Spafford's 5-foot-11 and 175-pound frame isn't all that different from McConkey's, nor is his ability to run routes with expert precision. Biggins describes Spafford as an "elite route-runner" and says his football IQ is "off the charts." When asked how Spafford's game compares to that of McConkey, Biggins said the similarities are very real. "The player comps to Ladd McConkey are pretty obvious and it's not inaccurate," Biggins said. "Similar in size, explosive speed and flash the ability to be both a possession guy and a run-after-catch threat." Biggins expects Spafford to make an "immediate impact" for the Bulldogs, which would be another contrast from McConkey, who redshirted in 2020 before helping Georgia win back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. Of course, those comparisons probably don't even happen if Spafford had committed to one of the other two dozen schools that were recruiting him. One of those programs was Ole Miss, which was very much in the mix for Spafford's services. Blair Angulo, a 247Sports recruiting analyst who covered Spafford's recruitment, said the Rebels were Spafford's "childhood favorite team." Spafford's decision ultimately came down to his role in the Georgia offense, and the way offensive coordinator Mike Bobo used McConkey was a factor. "Spafford said he chose Georgia over more than two dozen other scholarship offers because of the offensive fit, including some comparisons to Ladd McConkey," Angulo said. "... Spafford loves the way offensive coordinator Mike Bobo calls plays, particularly with how he balances screens, mixes in play action and crossing patterns to get receivers in great spots to make plays." Spafford himself is well aware how often he gets likened to McConkey, and he addressed those comps with Angulo upon his commitment to Georgia . "I have heard the Ladd McConkey comparisons a little bit, but the coaches say I would be used in a different way because I'm a bit more dynamic and faster than he was at the same stage," Spafford said. "Coach Mike Bobo does an incredible job of play calling, balances a lot of screens and intermediate routes, uses play action well to get receivers in great spots. I'm really excited about how I fit into the scheme." If Spafford does follow a similar career path as McConkey, everything will work out for the four-star wide receiver and Georgia. The Bulldogs won a pair of national championships with McConkey playing a key role, and McConkey became a second-round NFL Draft pick who is flourishing at the next level.

Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week

Estes Industries Awarded U.S. Department of Energy ITAC Implementation Grant Penrose Colorado, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Penrose, CO - December 23, 2024- Estes Industries is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) ITAC Implementation Grant Program. This grant recognizes Estes Industries' commitment to advancing energy technology and innovation in alignment with national energy efficiency and sustainability goals. The ITAC Implementation Grant Program supports organizations driving transformative energy solutions and fostering partnerships that accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. This funding will enable Estes Industries to implement new projects that will significantly improve energy efficiency on the Estes campus. "We are thrilled and honored to receive this grant from the DOE,” said Mallory Langford, President at Estes Industries. "This support will allow us to advance our mission and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.” The DOE is currently finalizing the agreement, and Estes Industries looks forward to beginning implementation in the coming months. For more information about Estes Industries and updates on this grant project, please visit www.estesrockets.com . CONTACT: Heidi Muckenthaler Estes Industries 7193729870 [email protected]

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Orchestra that allowed youths to film performances on their phones lets grime rappers Lady Leshurr and Big Dog Yogo into its ranks to boost classical music audiences By TOM LAWRENCE Published: 14:58 EST, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 15:13 EST, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments A British orchestra is teaming up with two UK grime artists in a bid to encourage more young listeners to get interested in classical music. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has been taking radical steps to try to appeal to a younger audience and earlier this year caused a stir over their policy to allow people to film during their shows. Tenor Ian Bostridge stopped a performance at Birmingham Symphony Hall last month criticising audience members using their phones during the show, although he later said he was unaware about the relaxation of the rules. Emma Stenning, the chief executive of the CBSO, told The Times that it was launching a 'listening project' in 2025 that would relax rules and allow widespread use of phones in the concert hall, to see if there was a desire for audience members to do so. She said: 'How do we make the symphony hall more welcoming and a place where people feel comfortable and themselves and how do we protect that space so that it is right for artists and so that people engage in the music in the best possible way?' The concert is being produced in collaboration with Punch Records, which will see some of its artists including Big Dog Yogo and Lady Leshurr perform live with the orchestra. The Legacy gig, which will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Birmingham Symphony Hall, has stemmed from a book and documentary of the same name by the Punch Records agency, about the untold stories of Birmingham's grime, hip-hop, and rap scene Ms Stenning said the CBSO and other orchestras need to experiment to keep classical music alive for future generations. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are experimenting with new ways to attract a younger audience British singer and grime artist Lady Leshurr is set to perform with the CBSO in the special concert Grime artist Big Dog Yogo is also set to join the orchestra for the performance in April She told The Times: 'All the research that we do into new audiences says that people are really wanting a more immersive experience, something that speaks more directly to the music they might listen to at home and feels more relevant in their day-to-day lives,' Stenning said, adding that the grime concert was one of the projects trying to 'bring new people into the concert hall'. Tom Spurgin, the creative director of the CBSO, said that orchestral music and grime acts were not as far apart as they first seemed. He said: 'A huge amount of grime music is based on orchestral samples, so many of the bass lines those artists work with are tubas, trombones, bass trombones and double basses.' Mr Spurgin said the orchestra's musicians were supportive of the project and were transfixed when conductor Phil Meadows took them through the arrangements for the show. In May, Mr Bostridge urged the orchestra to reverse the policy on allowing phones in the concerts, after halting his performance. He clarified that he 'wasn't making a protest' but was simply unable to concentrate due to the distraction from at least two individuals filming. He said: 'You're looking at the audience and it's very interrupting and distracting to have phones being held up. It breaks the spell'. 'I didn't know about this policy and I wasn't making a protest of any sort to begin with, I simply couldn't carry on because I couldn't concentrate.' The concert is being produced in collaboration with Punch Records, which will see some of its artists including Big Dog Yogo performing Emma Stenning said the CBSO and other orchestras need to experiment to keep classical music alive for future generations The Classical Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in action (stock photo) Read More Singer who halted concert after audience on phones insists he 'wasn't making a protest' but urges orchestra to stop allowing filming during shows He added that 'almost all' of the audience applauded after he halted the concert. Despite Bostridge's criticisms, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra vowed to continue challenging concert hall conventions by permitting mobile phone filming, sparking backlash from traditionalists. However, Emma Stenning, the orchestra's chief executive, defended the decision, telling The Times that the orchestra cannot expect young listeners 'to come on the old rules'. Ms Stenning, who is due to meet Mr Bostridge this month, told the paper that some of the audience members were actually reading the translation of the French on their digital program - not recording. To prevent future distraction she said the orchestra was creating a 'dark more' setting on its website to prevent too much light from appearing. And the chief executive said there were also discussions being had about introducing 'quiet carriages' in the concert hall, like those on trains, where phones were not allowed. The CBSO Centre, the home and rehearsal centre of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra High-profile tenor Ian Bostridge (pictured) stopped an ongoing performance at the city's Symphony Hall to lambast audience members who were using their phones To this, Bostridge said: 'We do have an issue attracting new audiences but I don't think this is the way to go. 'And in general I don't think that radically changing the way that concerts happen is a good idea either because the special thing about this sort of concert, classical concerts is it's a space where people come and they concentrate on what's happening onstage. 'I certainly haven't met or spoken to a single musician or singer in the past few days who doesn't think I'm right about this.' 'I hope they [Birmingham's orchestra] will' change their minds. New York Times Lady Leshurr Share or comment on this article: Orchestra that allowed youths to film performances on their phones lets grime rappers Lady Leshurr and Big Dog Yogo into its ranks to boost classical music audiences e-mail Add commentIrwindale Speedway, seen here on September 30, 2022, and the 63 acres of land on which it sits recently sold to IDS Real Estate, which plans on turning the site into an industrial business park dubbed Speedway Commerce Center. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG) Irwindale Speedway, seen here on September 30, 2022, and the 63 acres of land on which it sits recently sold to IDS Real Estate, which plans on turning the site into an industrial business park dubbed Speedway Commerce Center. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG) Santa’s Speedway in Irwindale returns as a walk-through attraction this year. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru with a Santa’s Village, a 110-foot tall Christmas tree, thousands of lights as you drive on the actually track at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) The Black Flag Cancer Derby Divas compete in The Relay For Life demolition derby in support of cancer awareness at Irwindale Speedway on Saturday, October 9, 2021. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer) Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru with a Santa’s Village, a 110-foot tall Christmas tree, thousands of lights as you drive on the actually track at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru with a Santa’s Village, a 110-foot tall Christmas tree, thousands of lights as you drive on the actually track at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru with a Santa’s Village, a 110-foot tall Christmas tree, thousands of lights as you drive on the actually track at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Gerrit Cromsigt (#85) leads the pack to an eventual win during the Late Model Trophy Dash at the Irwindale Speedway. (JOSH ESTEY, TSPORT) Night of Destruction on Saturday at Irwindale Speedway will feature Trailer Racing, Enduro Racing, the popular Figure 8 competition, and skid plate racing (Photo by Peter Choi) A car drives on the track at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale from this 2015 file photo. At the time, it was thought that an outlet mall would replace the track, but that did not happen. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda/ San Gabriel Valley Tribune) In this Oct. 2, 2013 file photo, a car speeds around Irwindale Speedway.(AP Photo/San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Walt Mancini, File) Angel Rodriguez, who was sentenced to community service after engaging in illegal street racing, will be legally racing against an off duty police officer Sgt. J. “Jesse” Garcia as part of the Granada Hills-based MotorGospel Ministries’ inaugural “Beat the Heat” series at the Irwindale Drag Strip at the Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., on Thursday, April 12, 2018. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG) Linny White (99) exits turn 2 during the SPEARS Southwest Tour 100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas at Irwindale Speedway Saturday night July 14, 2018. (Photo by Will Lester) A car drives on the track at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale on Thursday, March 26, 2015. Irwindale Speedway has postponed the opening of a holiday drive-thru event due to the rise in COVID-19 cases . (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda/ San Gabriel Valley Tribune) Irwindale Speedway, seen here on September 30, 2022, and the 63 acres of land on which it sits recently sold to IDS Real Estate, which plans on turning the site into an industrial business park dubbed Speedway Commerce Center. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG) Stacey Kent saw Irwindale Speedway built literally from the ground up. She worked for the team that helped construct the short track circuit in the late 1990s. Next weekend, Kent and the entire Southern California racing community will see the track take its final bow after 25 years as a staple of the San Gabriel Valley, and a draw for scores of visitors from around Southern California. On Saturday, Dec. 21, Irwindale Speedway is hosting a “Farewell Extravaganza” starting at 1 p.m., which will include a NASCAR short-track series, Night of Destruction events like Figure 8-s and trailer races, a Drift invitational and the ARCA Menards Series West. It will be another blow for the region’s racing culture, which now adds Irwindale to a roster of now long-lost eulogized sites, such as Ontario Motor Speedway and Riverside International Raceway. The closure of the iconic venue is to make way for the Speedway Commerce Center Specific Plan , a proposed project to turn the speedway site into a industrial/commercial/business park. “I’m sad for the city of Irwindale, too, because frankly that’s something that helps put Irwindale on the map,” Kent said. “Another in the how many hundreds of industrial parks and industrial buildings that they have in Irwindale. What does that do for them?” A little over a week before the last event at the speedway, Kent recalled the grand opening. It was a cold night in March 1999 with a packed house full of excited racing fans. “You could just feel it in the air,” Kent said. It’s the passionate racing fans, drivers and participants that Kent feels for the most. “They put their blood, sweat and tears and their hard earned money into being in events at Irwindale Speedway and I’m really sad for them,” Kent said. IDS Real Estate Group purchased the 63 acres of land in 2022 . The plan splits the site into a 56 acre industrial business park development and a 7.3 acre area for commercial development. Prior to the speedway, the Pacific Road Quarry mined sand and gravel for construction on the site through the 1960s. The quarry was then backfilled as part of the Nu-Way Landfill that operated from 1973 until 1993. This history has led to environmental headaches for future developers. But it’s also been rich in car culture. Irwindale’s racing history stretches back to the 1960s and 1970s when the San Gabriel Valley Speedway, later dubbed the 605 Speedway, hosted events. For years, it has joined a larger racing community in Southern California , where fans have seen the loss beloved tracks. The Ontario Motor Speedway opened in August 1970, at a cost of $25.5 million. At the time, the state-of-the-art facility was designed to be the “Indianapolis of the West.” The 800-acre venue made its mark, hosting races including Indy-style open-wheel, stock cars, and drag racing. But it fell victim to disappointing revenues and rising land values. It closed in December 1980. The Riverside International Raceway opened in September 1957. It was known as one of the finest tracks in the country, before it closed in July 1989 to make way for a shopping center and residential homes. Auto Club Speedway in Fontana built in 1997, remains the Inland Empire’s only large-scale auto racing facility. But 2023’s Pala Casino 400 was said to be the last for NASCAR on the 2-mile track as the site will be redeveloped. A short track is supposed to be on the site when it’s completed. The Perris Auto Speedway opened in 1996 near Perris, maintains racing on its half-mile oval track, and the historic Orange Show Speedway still hosts a variety of races. Back in Irwindale, a page on the city’s website with information about the project includes in a message in all caps and bolded which reads, “The city of Irwindale does not own the Irwindale Speedway.” “The City takes great pride in the contributions that the Irwindale Speedway has made to the racing community and will fondly look back on the memories created on the track and in the grandstands of the Irwindale Speedway,” a statement from the city read. NASCAR driver Ryan Vargas was 9 years old when his dad took him to Irwindale Speedway. From his seat in the grandstands seeing the cars whoosh by, Vargas became a NASCAR fan. “My dad takes me to Irwindale Speedway and I fall in love with the sport and I fell in love with racing,” Vargas, now 24, said. Next weekend, Vargas, originally from La Mirada, will be driving the #23 Swann Security/Sandy Vans pro late model car as part of the track’s farewell event. It’s a full-circle moment for Vargas, who took his first laps around the speedway at age 12 in a Bandolero race car powered by a 30-horsepower Briggs and Stratton lawn-mower engine. The #23 car has a bit more juice. The pro late model’s 602 crate engine has about 350-370 horse power. Vargas called Irwindale the perfect short track and fun to race because of its width. “You could choose from several different lanes to make a pass,” Vargas said. “I love a race track where you can make moves and pass and dictate your own runs and Irwindale is that.” In addition to the track, the speedway’s drag strip provided an opportunity for people of all ages to take part in legal street racing and sanctioned competitions. Mike Gonzaga runs the junior drag racing program for children 6 to 17. His connection with the speedway started about 10 years ago because of his daughter Jacelyn’s passion for drag racing. Jacelyn got her NHRA license at 8 and now 17, she recently won the final junior comp championship held at Irwindale Speedway. “I won’t be here forever. For her, I think she wants to take her career to the next level,” Gonzaga said. “She will always forever have that memory and we will always have that memory together there.” Gonzaga said Irwindale’s location made it unique in bringing people together from all over Southern California to one place. He likened the environment at the track to Sam Malone’s bar in the T.V. series “Cheers.” “Everybody knows your name and it was home for a very long time,” Gonzaga said. “That was the type of community that it was.” He called Irwindale Speedway President Tim Huddleston and his staff first class and the reason for the welcoming feeling. “They knew everybody by first name. They treated everybody the same and it was just fantastic,” Gonzaga said. “They made everybody feel at home” In a statement announcing the final event, the speedway said its assets and events will transition to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in Bakersfield for 2025. Vargas said while the loss of short tracks like Irwindale is disheartening, the West Coast continues to have healthy racing series. He said local racing fans should visit Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino, what Vargas described as a West Coast version of North Carolina’s Bowman Gray Stadium. He urged fans to support their local short tracks. “At the end of the day they’re not the NASCAR tracks where people don’t show up, ‘well the T.V. dollars are coming in,’” Vargas said. “No, these tracks rely on not just the competitors but they rely on fans to be there.” For more information, visit irwindalespeedway.com . History of Irwindale Speedway: May 1993: Nu-Way Landfill closed and decommissioned March 1999: Irwindale Speedway opens 2015: Plans to turn the site into a 700,000-square-foot outdoor mall approved. December 2017: Tim Huddleston and his team save the speedway from it’s slated January 2018 closure. 2022: IDS Real Estate purchases the speedway property Dec. 21, 2024: Irwindale hosts its “Farewell Extravaganza”

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NEW YORK – President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” The Manhattan district attorney's office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. Recommended Videos In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won't include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn't sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump" who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.Arkansas DE Landon Jackson carted off field and taken to hospital with neck injuryMALAGA, Spain (AP) — The last man to face — and beat — Rafael Nadal in professional tennis, 80th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp , converted his 10th match point Friday to finally close out a 6-4, 6-7 (12), 6-3 victory over Daniel Altmaier and help the Netherlands reach its first Davis Cup final by sweeping Germany. Tallon Griekspoor, who is ranked 40th, sealed the 2-0 win for the Dutch in the best-of-three-match semifinal by hitting 25 aces and coming back to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-4. When it ended, appropriately, on an ace, Griekspoor shut his eyes, dropped to his knees and spread his arms wide. “We have been talking about this for two, three years,” Griekspoor said. “We believed in ourselves so much. We always felt like this was possible. To do it now feels unbelievable.” The other semifinal is Saturday, with No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner and defending champion Italy taking on Australia . The championship will be decided Sunday. “We don’t have that top 5 player. We don’t that top 10 player. We don’t have that top 15 player,” Dutch captain Paul Harhuuis said. “But it’s a team effort. ... So proud of these guys.” In Friday's opener, van de Zandschulp was up a set and just a point away from leading 5-2 in the second when Altmaier began playing more aggressively and interacting more with the German fans, yelling and throwing uppercuts or raising his arms after key points. In the tiebreaker, Altmaier managed to save five match points before converting his own fourth set point to extend the contest. But van de Zandschulp — who upset four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open — quickly moved out front in the final set, even if he eventually needed five more match points in the last game before serving it out. “At some point, I didn’t know what to do any more on the match points,” van de Zandschulp said. “I had the toughest match of my life on Tuesday (against Nadal), so everything that comes next is maybe a little bit easier.” In the quarterfinals, van de Zandschulp outplayed Nadal for a 6-4, 6-4 result that marked the end of the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career because the Netherlands went on to eliminate Spain 2-1. The 38-year-old Nadal announced last month that the Davis Cup would be his final event before retiring. Presumably because people purchased tickets ahead of time with plans to watch Nadal compete in the semifinals, there were hundreds of unoccupied blue or gray seats surrounding the indoor hard court at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martina Carpena in southern Spain on Friday. Now truly a neutral site, the place was not nearly as loud and rowdy as on Tuesday, although there were shouts of “Vamos, Rafa!” that drew laughter while van de Zandschulp played the 88th-ranked Altmaier. It took Griekspoor more than 75 minutes and nearly two full sets to figure out how to break No. 43 Struff and then did it twice in a row — to lead 6-5 in the second set, and then go up 1-0 in the third. That was plenty, because Griekspoor saved the only two break points he faced. The Netherlands hadn’t been to the semifinals since 2001. The Germans — whose best current player, two-time major finalist Alexander Zverev, is not on the team in Malaga — have won three Davis Cups, but not since 1993, when 1991 Wimbledon champion Michael Stich led them to the title. AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Incumbent Board has Destroyed Stockholder Value and Imperiled AIM’s Future through Breaches of Fiduciary Duty and Bad Faith Actions Stock Price has Declined by More than 99%, Clinical Strategy has Failed and AIM is on the Brink of Insolvency Act Now to Save AIM Before it is Too Late – The Kellner Group Can Turn AIM Around and Finally Start Creating Value for Stockholders Vote “ FOR ” All Four Kellner Group Nominees for Urgently Needed Change Kellner Group Owns 5.04% of Outstanding Shares and is Fully Aligned with Stockholders NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dear AIM Stockholders: Ted Kellner, as the nominating stockholder and a nominee, together with his other nominees, Todd Deutsch, Robert L. Chioini and Paul W. Sweeney (collectively, the “Kellner Group,” “we” or “us” and, as nominees, the “Kellner Group Nominees”), are issuing this open letter to stockholders regarding the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AIM ImmunoTech Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AIM” or the “Company”), to solicit your vote to elect each of us to AIM’s Board. We urge you to carefully read our proxy statement and our subsequent communications because they contain important information. Our proxy statement and our other communications are available at https://okapivote.com/AIM/ . Substantial and Immediate Overhaul of the AIM Board is Critical The urgent need for drastic, immediate transformation within the AIM Board is indisputable. Each of the three leading independent proxy advisory firms have acknowledged this in recommending for the election of Mr. Kellner. Two of the three firms acknowledged that the incumbent Board cannot remain in control and recommended for the election of both Mr. Kellner and Mr. Sweeney and against Mr. Equels. 1 Incremental change would be wholly inadequate in this situation. This is not a case of competing visions or differing opinions on AIM’s strategic direction. The incumbent Board has no vision for AIM’s future and no coherent strategy to move the company forward. The scale of value destruction under the incumbent Board’s leadership, combined with their blatant breaches of fiduciary duties (as found by the Delaware Supreme Court), unethical actions, and brazen disregard of stockholders and corporate governance norms, is unprecedented. We urge you to take decisive action by voting on the Gold card for all of the Kellner Group Nominees. The Incumbent Board has Completely Failed and Destroyed Stockholder Value The incumbent Board has controlled AIM for almost nine years since 2016 and failed epically, and dating back even further, Equels (16 years on the Board), Mitchell (26 years on the Board) and Appelrouth (13 years on the Board and consulting) each played a central role in leading AIM down the path of failure and value destruction. 4 When given the opportunity to show they could be responsive to stockholders and fulfill their promise to appoint two new independent directors, the incumbent Board failed yet again. Instead, they appointed Bryan – hand-picked by Equels, without an independent search firm, based solely on a pre-existing relationship with AIM and Equels. This appointment was rubber-stamped by Mitchell and Appelrouth, and Bryan has predictably fallen right in line with their failed leadership. 5 ISS accurately noted that “AIM shareholders did not get an independent voice they were hoping for with Bryan’s appointment.” 6 This is just another example of the incumbent Board’s consistent failure to act in the best interest of stockholders. The following two facts demonstrate beyond question the utter and complete failure of the incumbent Board: AIM’s stock price has declined by over 99% since 2016 when Equels became CEO and Equels, Mitchell and Appelrouth took control of the Board . 7 AIM’s financial condition has deteriorated to the point of functional insolvency, with substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern, insufficient stockholders’ equity to comply with NYSE American listing standards and a lack of viable financing options . 8 The manner in which the incumbent Board brought AIM to this very dire position is even more troubling: They have utterly failed to advance AIM’s clinical program . 9 They have failed to bring a single trial to completion and failed to achieve any FDA approvals. The incumbent Board has consistently neglected to invest in R&D for Company-sponsored clinical trials, and there is no clear strategy or follow-through. Instead, they shift focus aimlessly, chasing fleeting publicity with press releases that are empty of substance, while neglecting to drive trials to completion, secure approvals, or pursue commercialization with any sense of urgency. They delivered zero material process on any of the key clinical indications of Ampligen, failing to advance even a single company-sponsored study to completion. The incumbent Board attempts to hide their failures behind a veil of opacity, but the truth is unmistakable: a stalled program with no direction or visibility or timeline to approvals or revenues. This lack of transparency is, in effect, the only “strategy” the incumbent Board has for its clinical program – and it is failing. They have wasted funds on compensation and unethical litigation to entrench themselves and overseen massive, and increasing, losses . 11 Net losses have totaled over $120 million since 2016 and have accelerated. This is driven by increased G&A, increasing by 2.5x from 2021 to 2023, to support excessive compensation and unethical entrenchment efforts. G&A has been approximately double R&D in recent periods, a totally inappropriate and irresponsible ratio for a clinical stage biotech firm. The incumbent Board, with an average tenure of over 10 years, has not only violated their fiduciary duties but has also shamelessly paid themselves excessive compensation while the stock price has plummeted to less than a quarter. Their failure to act in the best interests of stockholders has directly contributed to the destruction of value, enriching themselves at the expense of AIM’s future. Their corporate governance practices have been abysmal, demonstrating a complete failure of leadership and accountability . 13 These practices include (1) ignoring the will of stockholders by completely disregarding three consecutive failed “say-on-pay” votes, with no meaningful action taken to address the overwhelming disapproval of their compensation practices, (2) making hollow promises to add two new independent directors and review executive compensation, only to betray stockholders by appointing a pre-selected, hand-picked director with deep ties to AIM and Equels, bypassing any independent search process, then engaged the same compensation consultant that had previously recommended excessive pay to conduct a shallow, self-serving review, (3) maintaining a non-stockholder approved poison pill for over 25 years, a blatant disregard for stockholder rights that continues to entrench their control and harm AIM’s long-term value; and (4) launching an aggressive and harmful campaign against stockholders, relentlessly attacking those who seek change and severely damaged the Company financially and strategically and disenfranchised its stockholders. They have violated their fiduciary duties and conducted an egregious self-interested entrenchment campaign that has results in massive waste and destroyed virtually all stockholder value. 16 The Delaware Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that the incumbent Board breached its fiduciary duties. In describing the Board’s adoption of amended bylaws, the court stated that the “ primary purpose was to interfere with Kellner’s nomination notice, reject his nominees, and maintain control ” and that the bylaws were “ product of an improper motive and purpose, which constitutes a breach of the duty of loyalty .” 17 (emphasis added) This illegal behavior by the AIM Board was not an isolated incident. A federal district court in Florida sanctioned AIM and its counsel in 2024 in its Section 13(d) claims against members of the Kellner Group and others – claims that have been dismissed multiple times – for pursuing arguments that were “factually and legally frivolous and advanced for an improper purpose .” 18 The cost of these bad faith actions has been staggering and directly and severely harmed the Company. We estimate the incumbent Board spent between $15 to $20 million in the past two-plus years in pursuit of its self-interested entrenchment campaign . 19 The purpose of this waste was to prevent a meaningful stockholder vote – to deprive stockholders of their basic right to have a say in who represents them on the Board. Now that the incumbent Board has exhausted litigation options to prevent a vote, they have attempted to pad the vote by awarding fully vested shares to executives before the record date, as an advance on future pay – something there is no rational justification for and is a clear continuation of their bad faith and improper purpose. This is shocking and unconscionable behavior – blatantly putting their own self-interest ahead of the Company and its stockholders – to a degree that we have never seen before. The Kellner Group Nominees are the Only Viable Path to Rescue, Rebuild and Revive AIM Collectively, the Kellner Group Nominees will bring a wealth of business, financial, clinical trial, life science and corporate governance experience and much needed credibility to the Board. The incumbent Board does not have the skill set that the Kellner Group does and has no plan to change course . Against all reason, despite overwhelming evidence of their incompetence, and unethical and self-serving actions, they simply ask stockholders to place blind trust in them and their same empty promises that progress is right around the corner. But after nearly nine years of treating AIM like their personal piggy bank, the incumbent Board’s complete and total failure is indisputable. Faced with this harsh reality, they have resorted to attacking us with misleading narratives and outright lies to divert attention from their own disastrous and self-serving record. Here is the undeniable truth: Mr. Kellner and Mr. Deutsch are two of AIM’s largest and long-standing stockholders. We have invested a significant amount in AIM and our sole motivation is to improve performance and create value for all stockholders. We are fully aligned with stockholders and committed to their success . The false narrative being pushed by the incumbent Board – suggesting Mr. Kellner is motivated by personal financial gain to seek reimbursement or will exploit company resources – could not be further from the truth. These claims are completely divorced from reality. Mr. Kellner has spent decades building his business reputation as a trusted investment fiduciary, and this reputation is a testament to his integrity and commitment to the best interests of the investors. All of the Kellner Group Nominees are committed to acting as responsible fiduciaries, focused on financially stabilizing AIM and creating value for all stockholders. This stands in stark contrast to the incumbent Board members, who have egregiously violated their fiduciary duties by prioritizing their own self-interest, resulting in gross waste and destructive value erosion. Similarly, the incumbent Board’s deceitful misrepresentations of settlement discussions is nothing more than bad faith, deliberate attempt to mislead and distort facts. These discussions are a direct result of the incumbent Board’s unlawful entrenchment efforts and involve numerous lawsuits and people unrelated to the Kellner Group. Mr. Kellner remains fully committed to AIM and to using his resources and network to create value if the Kellner Group Nominees are elected . Mr. Kellner and Mr. Sweeney have been transparent about their business relationship – it was disclosed in detail in our proxy statement and Mr. Kellner’s notice. 21 They have long and proven track records of successful investing and running businesses, earning them the trust of their respective investors through exceptional performance and responsible stewardship over many years. Their demonstrated success is a significant strength of our slate and exactly the kind of leadership AIM desperately needs to address its desperate financial situation and secure its successful future. There are absolutely no third parties involved in our efforts that have not been publicly disclosed. None of the participants in our solicitation have any criminal history whatsoever. The incumbent Board’s claims that criminals are involved in the Kellner Group are completely baseless, desperate and outright false . But the incumbent Board needs to look in the mirror – AIM continues to utilize and pay a CRO that was co-founded by a convicted felon, recently convicted of securities fraud related deceiving investors about FDA submissions. This individual was quoted in several AIM press releases in recent years, including promoting clinical progress that did not occur. The parallels are extremely troubling. AIM also resorted to seeking usurious financing from an individual whom the SEC labeled a “recidivist violator of the federal securities laws.” AIM also grossly mischaracterizes Mr. Chioini’s history at Rockwell Medical. Mr. Chioini founded Rockwell and served as CEO for 23 years, and under his leadership became the 2nd largest dialysate supplier in the US with four manufacturing facilities and 330 employees, executed multiple large clinical trials that resulted in multiple FDA approvals, commercialized products, obtained funding through multi-million dollar licensing deals with large pharmaceutical firms and built a business that had a market cap of almost $1.0 billion at its peak. Since Mr. Chioini left Rockwell in 2018, the stock price has declined significantly, losing approximately 95% of its value (Nasdaq: RMTI). AIM also continues to willfully and falsely insist that Mr. Chioini was fired, despite a public record that clearly disproves this claim, including the incumbent Board sitting through a trial that directly dispelled this claim. The truth is that he reached a settlement agreement that resulted in a significant payment to him after a dispute with conflicted board members involving whistleblower retaliation claims made by both him and Rockwell’s former CFO. The incumbent Board’s deliberate misrepresentation of these facts is an outright distortion of the truth, further reflecting their pattern of dishonesty. None of the successes Mr. Chioini achieved at Rockwell have materialized at AIM under the incumbent Board’s leadership, so his proven ability to drive growth, secure FDA approvals, and create value is exactly what AIM urgently needs to turn things around and deliver meaningful results for stockholders. The degree of dishonesty that we have seen from the incumbent Board is staggering . As just one example, they shamelessly attempted to deceive stockholders that the AIM stock price did not decline by over 99% by displaying a 2016 document referencing an unadjusted stock price that did not account for subsequent 1-for-528 reverse stock splits. When we pointed out this blatant misrepresentation, they had the audacity to call us liars. This kind of behavior is not only bizarre, but it shows you can’t believe anything these say – it is like the pot calling the kettle black, and then claiming the sky is not blue. This is their consistent approach – their entire campaign against us revolves around attacking our qualifications, characters, motivations and relationships. But none of it is based in reality whatsoever and it is an intentional, brazen attempt to mislead stockholders and distract from the incumbent Board’s catastrophic failures. The reality is simple: Nothing from the incumbent Board should be trusted . Our Plan will Create Value for Stockholders The Kellner Group is committed to implementing a bold, focused, responsible plan to reverse AIM’s downward trajectory by stabilizing its financial situation, revitalizing its clinical program and restoring real value to stockholders. First and foremost, the Kellner Group will stabilize AIM and ensure it has the financial resources required to continue operations. It is imperative that AIM raise substantial funding in a sustainable way given the catastrophic damage the incumbent Board has inflicted on the Company’s financial health. The Kellner Group Nominees have each successfully raised significant capital, and collectively, have raised over $1.0 billion in investment capital over the years. We have the resources, networks, and credibility to successfully raise the necessary funds and provide the essential runway to finally create value for stockholders and invest in the future of Ampligen. In stark contrast, the incumbent Board simply does not have the credibility, expertise, networks and resources to secure the capital that AIM desperately needs. The incumbent Board’s financing efforts have been disastrous – extremely dilutive and reliant on ATMs, equity lines and excessive warrant coverage. 22 They have failed to secure long-term financing, leaving AIM burdened with massive overhang that has only driven down the stock price. When they have raised capital, they squandered it on self-serving entrenchment efforts, and wasteful G&A and compensation, rather than on meaningful and strategic clinical efforts. 23 The Kellner Group Nominees will draw on their decades of collective experience in generating value for investors, and the trust, credibility and relationships they have built over the years, to attract long-term investment to AIM. We will direct that funding into a sharply focused clinical program. By being transparent with stockholders about AIM’s clinical program and setting clear, achievable goals and timelines, we are confident we can rebuild investor trust of investors and continue to attract capital. The contrast with the incumbent Board could not be more glaring. Once AIM’s financial condition stabilized, the Kellner Group Nominees will take decisive action and implement their plan to revitalize AIM’s clinical program. We will conduct a comprehensive review of the available data on Ampligen, as well as the status of the various ongoing and past trials. This work will begin immediately and will proceed with the urgency it deserves. We will collaborate with AIM’s existing personnel, but will also bring in outside experts in oncology and other relevant fields to ensure AIM’s success. We bring a vast and powerful network of scientific and industry expertise, forged through Mr. Chioini’s extensive career in biotech and pharmaceuticals and Mr. Kellner’s leadership on numerous boards, including the Wisconsin Medical College Board. This network will be instrumental in driving AIM’s turnaround and ensuring its success. Even more compelling, in the past week, we announced the full support of the co-inventor of Ampligen and former CEO of AIM, Dr. Carter, and another former AIM executive, Mr. Springate. Both of these individuals reached out to us due to their deep experience with AIM and Ampligen and their desire to help us deliver the fundamental change AIM so urgently needs. These powerful endorsements underscore the credibility and trust that our team has within the industry and further validates our plan to turn AIM around. This is clear indication that our group has the proven ability to attract the right people, with the right expertise, to collaboratively and effectively work toward turning AIM around and generating meaningful, long-term value for stockholders. The pillars of our clinical program will be as follows: ME/CFS – We will assess whether initiating another Phase 3 trial is viable in the near term, based on the FDA's feedback from 2013. This could potentially accelerate progress and bring us closer to commercialization. Alferon N – We will evaluate the feasibility of restarting production and commercialization of this FDA-approved product, which could generate revenue and strengthen our financial position. Ampligen in Argentina – We will examine whether regulatory and operational efforts can be expedited to launch commercial sales, potentially creating meaningful revenues in the short term. Lastly, but by no means least, we will implement governance reforms and investor outreach that have been completely absent under the incumbent Board. The incumbent Board has not only utterly failed to establish an effective governance structure, but has fostered a toxic, dysfunctional environment marked by unethical conduct, disloyalty to the Company, a constant financial crisis, missed opportunities, and gross mismanagement. Their actions have created a culture of neglect and self-interest that has left AIM in a state of perpetual instability and underperformance. We are committed to making the necessary changes, starting immediately: Board Composition and Independence . We will identify and appoint an additional independent director, with a focus on finding a candidate with no prior history with AIM, with scientific or other relevant expertise, and with a diverse background that reflects a forward-thinking perspective. Compensation Overhaul . We will engage a new, independent compensation consultant to completely restructure AIM’s compensation practices. Our focus will be on slashing guaranteed compensation, reducing executive and director fixed and cash pay, and implementing a performance-driven incentive-based compensation structure with objective performance measures. Poison Pill Review . Review AIM’s poison pill, which has been in effect for almost 25 years without stockholder approval, with consideration of putting it to a stockholder vote if it will be maintained long-term. Investor Communications. Initiate outreach in a transparent manner to stockholders and new investors to tell our story and keep them informed. Unlike the incumbent Board, we will not make empty promises – we will deliver on these critical commitments overhaul the governance structure at AIM to ensure transparency, accountability and long-term stockholder value. The incumbent Board has destroyed stockholder value and imperiled AIM’s future through breaches of its fiduciary duties and bad faith conduct. Stockholders must act now to save AIM before it is too late. We urge stockholders to vote “ FOR ” all four Kellner Group Nominees for urgently needed change. We believe that if the Kellner Group Nominees are elected, AIM’s future will be bright and we stand ready and able to lead a turn around and create value for all stockholders. But if the Kellner Group Nominees do not control the Board, stockholders can expect more of the same value destruction and self-dealing from the incumbent Board and we fear that AIM will have no future at all. Thank you for your support and consideration. The Kellner Group THE KELLNER GROUP URGES ALL STOCKHOLDERS TO VOTE ON THE GOLD PROXY CARD TODAY TO ELECT TED D. KELLNER, TODD DEUTSCH, ROBERT L. CHIOINI AND PAUL SWEENEY If you have any questions, require assistance in voting your GOLD proxy card, or need additional copies of the Kellner Group’s proxy materials, please contact Okapi Partners at the phone numbers or email address listed below. Please also visit https://okapivote.com/AIM/ for additional information. Contact: Okapi Partners LLC 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10036 Stockholders may call toll-free: (844) 343-2621 Banks and brokers call: (212) 297-0720 Email: info@okapipartners.com Important Information and Participants in the Solicitation The Kellner Group has filed a definitive proxy statement and associated GOLD proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to be used to solicit votes for the election of its slate of highly-qualified director nominees at the upcoming annual meeting of stockholders of AIM. Details regarding the Kellner Group nominees are included in its proxy statement. THE KELLNER GROUP STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF AIM TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Information regarding the identity of participants in the Kellner Group’s solicitation, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Kellner Group’s proxy statement and additional proxy materials filed with the SEC. Stockholders can obtain a copy of the proxy statement, and any amendments or supplements thereto and other documents filed by the Kellner Group with the SEC for no charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Copies will also be available at no charge at the following website: https://www.okapivote.com/AIM . Investors can also contact Okapi Partners LLC at the telephone number or email address set for the above. _____________________________________________ 1 The third proxy firm, Glass Lewis, did not meet with us. 2 Permission to use quotations from ISS was neither sought nor obtained. 3 Permission to use quotations from Egan-Jones was neither sought nor obtained. 4 See the definitive proxy statement filed by the Kellner Group with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 6, 2024 (the “Proxy Statement”), pg. 17. 5 See the Proxy Statement, pg. 17. 6 Permission to use quotations from ISS was neither sought nor obtained. 7 See the Proxy Statement, pg. 13. 8 See the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2024 (the “2024 Third Quarter 10-Q”). 9 See the Proxy Statement, pg. 16; see also Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022; the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023; and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. 10 Permission to use quotations from ISS was neither sought nor obtained. 11 See the Proxy Statement, pg. 17; see also the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC on August 14, 2024; and the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets included in the 2024 Third Quarter 10-Q. 12 Permission to use quotations from ISS was neither sought nor obtained. 13 See the Proxy Statement, pgs. 17-18. 14 Permission to use quotations from ISS was neither sought nor obtained. 15 Permission to use quotations from Egan-Jones was neither sought nor obtained. 16 See Proxy Statement, pgs. 8-11. 17 Emphasis added. 18 Emphasis added. 19 Represents Kellner Group estimate based on increase in Company’s G&A expense from 2021 to 2023 and explanations provided as disclosed in AIM’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for past two years, together with continued elevated G&A expenses in 2024 to date as disclosed AIM’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 20 Permission to use quotations from Egan-Jones was neither sought nor obtained. 21 See Proxy Statement, pg. 11 and Schedule 13D/A filed by the Kellner Group on September 11, 2024, Exhibit 99.1. With no basis whatsoever, the incumbent Board has tried to claim that this relationship was not fully disclosed. Once proxy advisory firms began recommending for the election of Mr. Kellner and Mr. Sweeney, the incumbent Board leaned into this allegation that was fabricated out of whole cloth in an attempt to question their characters and deceive stockholders. Rather than honestly explain to stockholders why they believe this successful investing relationship would not be beneficial, which they could have done when it was fully disclosed in detail in the notice months ago, the incumbent Board resorts to craven dishonesty and spins false narratives. It is their modus operandi and they have done it throughout this proxy contest and their self-interested entrenchment campaign. 22 See the Proxy Statement, pgs. 15-16. 23 See the Proxy Statement, pgs. 16-18.

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Michigan upsets No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 for Wolverines' 4th straight win over bitter rivalHUNTINGTON, W.V. -- Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It's the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven't played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Overall, the recent Political Bureau meeting has provided valuable insights into the government's economic policy direction and priorities. The emphasis on unconventional approaches, moderate stimulus, and a comprehensive strategy for growth sets a positive tone for the country's economic outlook. By staying vigilant, proactive, and adaptive in the face of challenges, China is well-positioned to navigate the current uncertainties and emerge stronger in the post-pandemic era.fishing pond 。

The incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans and netizens praising Xiao Hua for his incredible technique and precision. Some even joked that he must possess supernatural powers to be able to give a haircut without a single hair being lost. The attention to detail and dedication to his craft displayed by Xiao Hua has further solidified his status as a top hairstylist in the industry.Why your favorite catalogs are smaller this holiday season

Australian synagogue fire declared terrorism in a decision that increases investigation resourcesIn contrast, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United find themselves in an unexpected 13th place in the Premier League standings. The Red Devils have struggled to find consistency this season, with defensive frailties and lackluster performances hindering their progress. Despite having a talented squad that includes the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United will need to address their issues to climb up the table.However, Inter will not have an easy task securing the services of the talented defender, as three other European giants have thrown their hats into the ring in a bid to lure him to their respective clubs. The competition for his signature is fierce, with each club offering lucrative deals and the promise of playing at the highest level of European football.

In conclusion, the November CPI data from the National Bureau of Statistics highlights the resilience of China's economy amid global uncertainties and domestic challenges. The marginal increase in CPI and the decline in housing prices signal a complex economic landscape that requires prudent policy measures and strategic planning to ensure sustainable development. By staying vigilant and proactive in addressing economic issues, China can maintain stability and promote long-term growth for the benefit of its citizens and the global economy as a whole.This weekend is one of the busiest of the year for Christmas tree farms all over the region, as the holidays approach and people start decorating their trees. At Johnston Brothers Tree Farm, located about 71 kilometres south of Ottawa, it's no sweat for founder Pud Johnston. Johnston is 99-years-old and it's his 72nd season selling Christmas trees. "I'm 99 and going for 100," he said. Johnston started the business in 1952 with his brother Eric and they worked alongside each other until he passed away in 2009. Johnston's son Kerry is now the main operator of the farm but he is still engaged every day, spending Sunday pruning some of the smaller trees. "I think it's a healthy activity," Johnston said. "I think it's provided lots of exercise and kept me fit and kept me young, and I wouldn't be 99-years-old now if I hadn't been Christmas tree farming." Pud didn't start the business until his late 20's but for Kerry, it's all he's known his whole life, cutting his first tree when he was about 8-years-old. "Ever since then, I've been in the tree business," Kerry said. "I know nothing else apart from growing up on a tree farm." As for the trees themselves, they can take up to a decade to fully grow. The Johnston's say it takes patience and discipline to run a Christmas tree farm. The Johnston Brothers Tree Farm allows customers to either cut their own trees or choose from the wholesale section. Trees start at $80 with the price depending on the size. Some of the trees on the lot can grow up to 20 feet. Because they've been established in the community for so long, it's allowed them to build a strong clientele, despite customers only needing to visit once per year. "Generally, our business is steady, It's the same people," said Kerry. "They come here because the trees are good. It's a different experience." Christmas trees at Johnston Brothers Tree farm near Kemptville, Ont. on Dec. 8, 2024. (Jack Richardson/CTV News Ottawa) Picking out a tree at the farm has become a tradition for Lisa Haddow-Green, her husband Mike and their 5-year-old son Jack. "We came here our first year with Jack when he was just a baby," she said. "So, we make it a tradition to come here every year." Brockville, Ont. resident Jackson Traynor has cut down a tree here with his dad and sister every Christmas for over 20 years. They say it wouldn't be the holidays without a real tree in their home. "It's just part of the tradition at this point," he said, after cutting down a tree that stood about six feet tall. "Something about the smell of a fresh Christmas tree and the process of you coming out here and you spend way too long picking the right one." Family is what drives Kerry to continue the operation for years to come, just like his dad. "It's been a long tradition that we've all worked together for as long as we can remember. And that will continue through my children and hopefully their children," Kerry said. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Wintery weather warnings in effect for southern Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued several snowfall, winter storm and freezing rain warnings for much of southern Manitoba. RCMP investigate suspicious death of 25-year-old man Island Lake RCMP have launched a homicide investigation after the suspicious death of a 25-year-old man from St. Theresa Point First Nation. Calgary Kiwanis Club and Toys ‘R’ Us team up to give hundreds of kids Christmas gifts Northmount Kiwanis Club of Calgary invited 500 kids to Toys "R" Us for its annual Toy Project Sunday. Calgary police stage checkstop on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day Calgary police launched their first holiday checkstop Saturday night on Stoney Trail. Calgarians flocking to markets with local vendors for Christmas Shopping As Christmas is on the horizon, Calgarians headed to the markets across the city on Saturday to get some shopping done while also supporting local businesses. Edmonton Drivers face slippery road conditions east of Edmonton into Saskatchewan Freezing rain, snow and plummeting temperatures on Sunday in east-central Alberta are making road conditions slippery. Baby found dead in south Edmonton parking lot: police Police are investigating the death of an infant in south Edmonton. McDavid, Skinner help Oilers beat Blues 4-2 Connor McDavid had a goal and an assist and Leon Draisaitl had two helpers as the Edmonton Oilers won their second game in a row, defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Saturday. Regina Sask. RCMP arrest 1 suspect in White Bear First Nation killing, 1 still at large Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested one suspect in connection to the Dec. 3rd death of Talon Lonethunder on White Bear First Nation. The remaining suspect in the killing remains at large. Trudeau says fall of Assad 'ends decades of brutal oppression' for Syria Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a new chapter for Syria can begin that's free of terrorism and suffering for its people. Regina holiday market booming as vendors encourage local shopping amid postal strike The holidays are the busiest time of year for countless businesses, but many Regina vendors are hoping Christmas shoppers will come to them this year amid ongoing job action at Canada Post. Saskatoon Saskatoon under winter storm warning with freezing rain, heavy snow forecasted A winter storm warning has been issued for the city of Saskatoon and parts of west central Saskatchewan by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). No injuries reported following semi rollover on Sask. highway Battlefords RCMP were on the scene of a single semi rollover on Highway 16 between Delmas and North Battleford Sunday afternoon. Sask. RCMP arrest 1 suspect in White Bear First Nation killing, 1 still at large Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested one suspect in connection to the Dec. 3rd death of Talon Lonethunder on White Bear First Nation. The remaining suspect in the killing remains at large. Vancouver End of the Eras Tour, with Taylor Swift to take final bow in Vancouver After 149 shows, an estimated US$2 billion in revenue and countless outfit changes, Taylor Swift takes to the stage tonight in Vancouver for the final show of her record-smashing Eras Tour. Here’s when parking passes are required for Mount Seymour People visiting Mount Seymour Provincial Park during the peak winter season will need to book a parking spot in advance, starting on Dec. 12. Do you recognize these men? RCMP seek Metro Vancouver grandparent scam suspects Mounties in Metro Vancouver have released photos of two men alleged to have been involved in “numerous” so-called grandparent scams earlier this year, hoping the public can help identify them. Vancouver Island B.C. NDP provincial director hospitalized after 'serious medical emergency' The former B.C. NDP MLA for Chilliwack and newly appointed provincial director, Dan Coulter, is in hospital after suffering a “serious medical emergency,” according to the party. Prince George Taylor Swift fans rent car after flight to Vancouver cancelled A diehard Taylor Swift fan who lives in Prince George, B.C., says a flight cancellation forced her and a group of other Swifties to rent a car and make the near 800-kilometre journey to Vancouver to catch the last dates of the Eras Tour. Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction." Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay Connected

In conclusion, Trump's threat to suggest exiting NATO has injected a new sense of urgency and unpredictability into the alliance, raising fundamental questions about its future direction and relevance in a rapidly changing world. The coming months will undoubtedly be critical in determining the fate of NATO and the future of transatlantic security cooperation.

Title: "Indiana Jones: The Ancient Ring" Peaks at 12,000 Concurrent Players on Steam! Is Fighting Nazis Fun?Title: Trump Advisor Takes Aim at Zelensky's Attire, Sparking Controversy

Another key player expected to feature in the starting lineup is Luka Modric. The Croatian midfield maestro has been a linchpin for Real Madrid for many years, and his experience and quality on the ball make him an indispensable asset for the team. Modric's vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game will be crucial in unlocking the opponent's defense and creating scoring opportunities.The scene unfolded during a friendly match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, with tensions rising as the two teams battled it out. In a crucial moment, Mbappé found himself one-on-one with Messi, the veteran player who has dominated the football world for years. Instead of resorting to competitive instincts, Messi surprised everyone by turning to Mbappé and saying, "You've already won the World Cup, let me win this time."

Silent Hill 2 Is Just $30 at Walmart for Black FridayElon Musk blasts Ben Stiller with shock slur after actor said 'woke' Hollywood is killing 'edgier' comedy Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com Follow DailyMail.com's politics live blog for all the latest news and updates By JUSTIN ENRIQUEZ FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 19:09 GMT, 27 November 2024 | Updated: 19:49 GMT, 27 November 2024 e-mail 15 View comments Elon Musk has blasted Ben Stiller , and even used a shock slur from the film Tropic Thunder, after the actor expressed doubts that the movie would have been greenlit in today's woke climate. The 53-year-old Tesla boss - who has been named as co-head of Donald Trump 's new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) - took to his X (formally Twitter ) platform to take a shot at the 58-year-old comedy actor. Elon reposted an X user's screenshot of a DailyMail.com story about Stiller with the headline ' Ben Stiller says woke America killed "edgier" comedy ' along a photo of one of Ben's characters in Tropic Thunder named Simple Jack. The user captioned it: 'Says this..... Endorsed Kamala....' Elon referenced the 2008 film by captioning the repost: 'Damn he went full r***** [two laughing rolling on the floor while crying emojis]' The slur was not censored on the platform. Stiller's Simple Jack character was a mentally challenged farm boy who can talk to animals. Elon Musk (pictured in Beverly Hills back in May) has blasted Ben Stiller and even used a shock slur from the film Tropic Thunder after the actor expressed doubts that the movie would have been greenlit in today's woke climate. The 53-year-old Tesla boss - who has been named as co-head of Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) - took to his X (formally Twitter) platform to take a shot at the 58-year-old comedy actor The controversy began when Stiller, who directed and starred in the now-controversial comedy/action film, said 'edgier' comedy is 'just harder to do' now in an interview with Collider . When asked if a film like Tropic Thunder — which has since been labelled as racially offensive — could be made in the current environment, he replied, 'I doubt it.' Read More Ben Stiller says woke America killed 'edgier' comedy He added: 'Definitely not at the scale we made it at, too, in terms of the economics of the business.' 'I think even at the time we were fortunate to get it made, and I credit that, actually, to Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks. He read it and was like, "Alright, let's make this thing." It's a very inside movie when you think about it.' Stiller then referenced Robert Downey J r.'s 'dicey' role in the movie, which has been criticized for its use of 'blackface.' Downey Jr.'s character undergoes a fictional procedure called 'pigmentation alteration' to portray a Black soldier in a film. 'The idea of Robert playing that character who's playing an African American character, I mean, incredibly dicey,' Stiller said. 'Even at the time, of course, it was dicey too. The only reason we attempted it was I felt like the joke was very clear in terms of who that joke was on – actors trying to do anything to win awards.' Ben's Simple Jack character from the 2008 comedy film was a mentally challenged farm boy who can talk to animals Meanwhile, the controversy began when Ben, who directed and starred in the now-controversial comedy/action film, said 'edgier' comedy is 'just harder to do' now, in a new interview with Collider; he is pictured November 10 in West Hollywood The actor, who directed and starred in the now-controversial 2008 film, said 'edgier' comedy is 'just harder to do' in this environment, in a new interview with Collider; seen in a still 'But now, in this environment, I don't even know if I would have ventured to do it, to tell you the truth. I'm being honest.' Last year, Stiller staunchly defended Tropic Thunder — which also starred Tom Cruise , Jack Black , Brandon T. Jackson and Matthew McConaughey — and insisted he's 'proud' of the hit film after it was slammed by woke mob for Downey Jr.'s 'blackface.' Read More 'I make no apologies': Ben Stiller staunchly defends Tropic Thunder and insists he's 'proud' of hit film after it was slammed by woke mob for Robert Downey, Jr's 'blackface' He denied issuing an apology on behalf of his hit comedy after it was targeted by woke millennials for perceived racist undertones and offensive depictions of the disabled. The Stiller directed film about a group of hapless actors who are forced to fend for themselves after getting lost while filming a war movie on location in Vietnamese jungle was a global hit following its release in 2008. However, it recent years it's been considered racially insensitive in parts due to Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Kirk Lazarus, an Australian method actor who surgically darkens the pigment of his skin to play an African-American soldier. Stiller defended the film in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and insisted he has never apologized for his decision to develop the film from an original screenplay co-written by the actor and Justin Theroux. His admission was a response to one of numerous posts issued in defense of the film. '@BenStiller Please stop apologizing for doing this movie. It was and still is funny AF... Even funnier now with cancel culture the way it is. It's a MOVIE. When asked if a film like that — which has since been labelled racially offensive — could be made now, he replied, 'I doubt it' He then referenced Robert Downey Jr.'s 'dicey' role in the movie, which has been criticized for its use of 'blackface'; Stiller pictured in a still with Donwey Jr. 'Even at the time, of course, it was dicey too. The only reason we attempted it was I felt like the joke was very clear in terms of who that joke was on – actors trying to do anything to win awards,' Stiller stated; Downey Jr. pictured in a still 'But now, in this environment, I don't even know if I would have ventured to do it, to tell you the truth. I'm being honest,' he added 'Ya'll [sic] can just get over it. I was DYING laughing when I first saw it back in the day and so was everyone else,' the post read. In response, Stiller tweeted: 'I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. Don’t know who told you that. It’s always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it.' A second social media follower drew attention to an historic tweet from actor, posted in response to a lighthearted claim that Tropic Thunder should be banned after US snowboarder Shaun White dressed as Simple Jack, a disabled character in the film, for Halloween in 2018 . Commenting at the time, Stiller wrote: 'Actually Tropic Thunder was boycotted 10 years ago when it came out, and I apologized then.' 'It was always meant to make fun of actors trying to do anything to win awards. I stand by my apology, the movie, Shaun White, And the great people and work of the @SpecialOlympics.' Following its release the film sparked a coalition of more than 20 disability advocacy groups, among them the Special Olympics, to protest against its liberal use of the word "retard." More recently Downey Jr. has been targeted by woke millennials for his role as a white actor portraying a black character, despite the self-aware nature of Stiller's script and his decision to seek approval from the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) before it as released. The Stiller directed film about a group of hapless actors who are forced to fend for themselves after getting lost in Vietnamese jungle was a hit following its release in 2008 Last year, Stiller staunchly defended Tropic Thunder — which also starred Tom Cruise, Jack Black, Brandon T. Jackson and Matthew McConaughey — and insisted he's 'proud' of the film A second social media follower drew attention to an historic tweet from actor, posted in response to a lighthearted claim that Tropic Thunder should be banned His admission was a response to one of numerous posts issued in defense of the film Discussing the film in 2020, Downey Jr. admitted he had his own reservations about taking the role, which ultimately won him a 2009 Oscar nomination, before having a change of heart. 'I thought: "Yeah, I’ll do that. I’ll do that after Iron Man,"' he told The Joe Rogan Experience. 'And then I started thinking, "This is a terrible idea." 'I thought: "Hold on, dude. Get real here. Where is your heart?" My heart is a) I get to be black for a summer in my mind, so there’s something in it for me. 'The other thing is I get to hold up to nature the insane, self-involved hypocrisy of artists and what they think they’re allowed to do on occasion.' Donald Trump Ben Stiller Steven Spielberg Share or comment on this article: Elon Musk blasts Ben Stiller with shock slur after actor said 'woke' Hollywood is killing 'edgier' comedy e-mail Add comment( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Vancouver, British Columbia and Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2024) - Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX: PTM) (NYSE American: PLG) (" Platinum Group ", " PTM " or the " Company ") reports the Company's financial results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, and provides an update and outlook. The Company is focused on advancing the Waterberg project located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa (the " Waterberg Project "). The Waterberg Project is planned as a fully mechanised, shallow, decline access platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (" 4E " or " PGM ") mine, including by-product copper and nickel production, and is projected to be one of the largest and lowest cost underground platinum group metals (" PGM " or " PGMs ") mines globally. The Company's near-term objectives are to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision including the arrangement of construction financing and concentrate offtake agreements. The Company is also advancing an initiative through Lion Battery Technologies Inc. (" Lion ") using platinum and palladium in lithium battery technologies in collaboration with Anglo American Platinum Limited (" Amplats ") and Florida International University (" FIU "). The Company has filed its audited consolidated financial statements (the " Financial Statements ") for the year ended August 31, 2024, Annual Information Form (" AIF "), and Management's Discussion and Analysis (" MD&A ") with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ ( ). The Company has also filed a Form 40-F annual report (" Form 40-F "), including the Financial Statements, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC ") on EDGAR ( ). Shareholders are encouraged to visit the Company's website at . Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the complete Financial Statements and MD&A from the Company free of charge upon request. All amounts herein are reported in United States dollars unless otherwise specified. The Company holds cash in Canadian dollars, United States dollars and South African Rand. Changes in exchange rates may create variances in the cash holdings or results reported. Project Ownership As of August 31, 2024, the Waterberg Project is owned by Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) Ltd. (" Waterberg JV Co ."), which is in turn owned by Platinum Group (37.19%), Mnombo Wethu Consultants Proprietary Limited (" Mnombo ") (26.0%), HJ Platinum Metals Company Ltd. (" HJM ") (21.95%) and Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (" Implats ") (14.86%). Platinum Group holds a further 12.97% indirect interest in Waterberg JV Co. through a 49.9% interest in Mnombo. HJM was established in 2023 by Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (" JOGMEC ") and Hanwa Co. Ltd. (" Hanwa ") as a special purpose company to hold and fund their aggregate future equity interests in the Waterberg Project. The combined Waterberg JV Co. ownership of JOGMEC (12.195%) and Hanwa (9.755%) were consolidated into a 21.95% interest for HJM going forward, with JOGMEC to fund 75% of future equity investments into HJM and Hanwa the remaining 25%. Recent Events On September 16, 2024, the Company reported positive results from an Independent Definitive Feasibility Study Update (the " Waterberg DFS Update ") for the Waterberg Project. The associated technical report entitled "Waterberg Definitive Feasibility Study Update, Bushveld Igneous Complex, Republic of South Africa", with an effective date of August 31, 2024, was filed on SEDAR+ on October 9, 2024 . The Waterberg DFS Update was prepared by independent qualified persons in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 ") and Subpart 229.1300 and Item 601(b)(96) of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation S-K (collectively, " S-K 1300 "). The Waterberg DFS Update is an update to the Waterberg Project's original Independent Definitive Feasibility Study published in September 2019 (the " 2019 DFS ") for a safe, large-scale, shallow, decline-accessible, mechanised, PGM mine. Key findings of the Waterberg DFS Update include: On April 3, 2024 , the directors and shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. unanimously approved a $1.35 million stage four budget (the " Stage Four Budget ") to allow the continuation of work programs underway while finalizing the Waterberg DFS Update. The Stage Four Budget, covering the period from March 2024 to approximately August 2024, was a subcomponent of a $21.0 million pre-construction work program (the " Work Program ") approved for the Waterberg Project by the directors and shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. on October 18, 2022. With regard to the Stage Four Budget, Implats advised that its 2023 group wide restriction on capital expenditures remained in effect and they could not fund their share of current cash calls. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024, Implats' interest was diluted by 0.087% to approximately 14.864%. Platinum Group has funded Implats shortfall and the Company's direct interest in Waterberg JV Co. has increased concurrently with Implats dilution. Implats stated they would consider the funding of subsequent cash calls as future circumstances allow. On December 20, 2023 , the Company announced a Cooperation Agreement (the " Cooperation Agreement ") with Ajlan & Bros Mining and Metals Co. (" Ajlan ") to study the establishment of a stand-alone PGM smelter (" PGM Smelter ") and base metal refinery (" BMR ") in Saudi Arabia. Ajlan is a subsidiary of Ajlan & Bros Holdings, one of the largest private sector diversified conglomerates in the Middle East. The Cooperation Agreement encompasses three phases: a global PGM concentrate market study (the " Market Study "), a Definitive Feasibility Study for the construction and operation of the PGM Smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia (the " Smelter DFS "), and an option to form an incorporated 50:50 joint venture following the completion of the Smelter DFS. An initial trade-off study was completed in mid 2023 to first determine the viability of exporting PGM concentrate from South Africa to Saudi Arabia. The Market Study was completed subsequent to August 31, 2024 by a globally recognized consulting group specializing in PGEs and associated base metal by-products. Based on the analysis, the combination of concentrate from the Waterberg Project and end of life auto catalysts and petrochemical catalysts, sourced from the Gulf Region, could justify the scale required to construct a long term PGE smelting and refining complex in Saudi Arabia. Other sources of mined PGE concentrate from Southern Africa could be considered over the longer term. Sources beyond South Africa are considered to be too early stage, too low in PGE content and too far away to be transported economically. Ajlan and the Company are now considering the commissioning of the Smelter DFS. A key requirement would be to secure a long-term permit for the export of unrefined precious metals in concentrate from South Africa. Platinum Group has been working with the Government of South Africa to identify local beneficiation opportunities and to analyze the possible impact of exporting concentrate on the value chain. The Smelter DFS will assume the export of PGM concentrate from the Waterberg Project in South Africa to a port facility in Saudi Arabia and will encompass options related to infrastructure, location, technical specifications, capital, and operating costs. All expenses related to the Smelter DFS, expected to cost approximately US $4.0 million, are to be split on a 50:50 basis between Platinum Group and Ajlan, including certain costs already incurred by Platinum Group in previous independent beneficiation studies. On December 11, 2023 , the directors, and shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. unanimously approved a stage three budget of $1.65 million (the " Stage Three Budget ") for continued work on the Waterberg Project covering the period from September 2023 to approximately February 2024. In conjunction with its approval, Implats advised that due to a restriction on capital expenditure across their portfolio, it could not fund its 15% share of the Stage Three Budget. As a result, Implats' interest in Waterberg JV Co. was diluted to approximately 14.951% during the third fiscal quarter of 2024. Platinum Group elected to fund Implats' funding shortfall and the Company's direct interest in Waterberg JV Co. increased concurrently with Implats' dilution. On September 18, 2023 , the Company reported the closing of a non-brokered private placement of common shares at a price of $1.18 per common share. An aggregate of 2,118,645 common shares were subscribed for and issued to existing major beneficial shareholder, Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (" HCI "), through its subsidiary Deepkloof Limited, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $2.5 million (the " Private Placement "). Closing of the Private Placement allowed HCI to return to more than a 26% interest in the Company. Results For The Year Ended August 31, 2024 During the fiscal year August 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $4.58 million (August 31, 2023 – net loss of $5.66 million). General and administrative expenses during the period were lower at $3.42 million (August 31, 2023 - $3.89 million). Share based compensation was $1.36 million (August 31, 2023 - $1.98 million). The foreign exchange gain recognized in the current period was $4 thousand (August 31, 2023 - $0.25 million) due primarily to the U.S. Dollar increasing in value relative to the Canadian Dollar during the period. At August 31, 2024, finance income consisting of interest earned in the twelve month period amounted to $0.44 million (August 31, 2023 – $0.58 million). Basic and diluted loss per share for the year ended August 31, 2024, was $0.05 (August 31, 2023 - $0.06). Accounts receivable at August 31, 2024, totalled $0.23 million (August 31, 2023 - $0.22 million) while accounts payable and other liabilities amounted to $0.90 million (August 31, 2023 – $1.37 million). Accounts receivable was comprised primarily of value added taxes repayable to the Company in South Africa. Accounts payable consisted primarily of accruals and payables related to accounting costs, legal costs and project engineering and maintenance costs on the Waterberg Project. Total expenditures on the Waterberg Project, before partner reimbursements, for the year ended August 31, 2024, were approximately $3.0 million (August 31, 2023 – $4.9 million). At period end, $47.03 million (August 31, 2023 – $41.61 million) in accumulated net costs were capitalized to the Waterberg Project. Total expenditures on the property since inception to August 31, 2024, are approximately $89 million. For more information on mineral properties, see Note 4 of the Financial Statements. Outlook The Company's primary business objective is to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision. PTM is the operator of the Waterberg Project as directed by a technical committee comprised of representatives from joint venture partners Implats, Mnombo, and HJM. On October 18, 2022, Waterberg JV Co. approved in principle the Work Program, including proposed work on initial road access, water supply, essential site facilities, a first phase accommodation lodge, a site construction power supply from state utility Eskom and advancement of the Waterberg Social & Labour Plan. Work to prepare the Waterberg DFS Update, including updated mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, was also approved and has been completed. Before a construction decision can be undertaken, arrangements will be required for Waterberg Project concentrate offtake or processing. The Company and Waterberg JV Co. are assessing commercial alternatives for mine development financing and concentrate offtake. In addition to the Company's investigation of smelting and base metal refining options in Saudi Arabia, the Company is also in discussion with several South African smelter operators, including Implats, with a view to negotiating formal concentrate offtake arrangements for the Waterberg Project. The Company continues to work closely with regional and local communities and their leadership on mine development plans to achieve optimal outcomes and best value to all stakeholders. As the world seeks to decarbonize and look for solutions to climate change, the adoption of battery electric vehicles is forecast to reduce the future demand for PGMs used in autocatalysis. The unique properties of PGMs as powerful catalysts are being applied to various technologies as possible solutions for more efficient energy generation and storage, which may create new demand for PGMs. The Company's battery technology initiative through Lion with partner Amplats represents one such new opportunity in the high-profile lithium battery research and innovation field. The investment in Lion creates a potential vertical integration with a broader industrial market development strategy to bring new technologies to market which use palladium and platinum. Research and development efforts by FIU on behalf of Lion continue. Technical results from Lion's research may have application to most lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur battery chemistries. For more detail, please see the Company's MD&A and AIF. Environmental, Social and Governance Platinum Group recently received its fourth annual Environmental, Social and Governance (" ESG ") disclosure report from Digbee Ltd. (" Digbee "), a United Kingdom based company that has developed an industry standard ESG disclosure framework for the mining sector providing a right-sized, future looking set of frameworks against which they can credibly disclose, track, compare and improve their ESG performance. For 2024, Platinum Group achieved an overall score of BBB with a range of CC to AAA based on the information provided. Digbee ESG has been developed in consultation with mining companies, ESG specialists and capital providers and is endorsed by leading financial institutions, producing mining companies and other industry stakeholders. Digbee's reporting framework is aligned with global standards, including the Equator Principles. For more details about the Company's 2024 Digbee ESG Report please refer to the Company's MD&A, Annual Information Form (" AIF ") and Annual Report on Form 40-F (" Form 40-F "). Regulatory The Company advises that its consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, included in the Company's Form 40-F, contain an audit report from its independent registered public accounting firm that includes a going concern emphasis of matter. The foregoing statement is required by Section 610(b) of the NYSE American Company Guide. As well as the discussions within this news release, the reader is encouraged to also see the Company's disclosure made under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's current AIF and Form 40-F. Qualified Person Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., a consultant geologist to the Company and a former employee, is an independent qualified person as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. van Egmond has reviewed, validated and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and has previously visited the Waterberg Project site. About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and the Waterberg Project Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is the operator of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground palladium and platinum deposit located in South Africa. The Waterberg Project was discovered by Platinum Group and is being jointly developed with Implats, Mnombo, and HJM. On behalf of the Board of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Frank R. Hallam President, CEO and Director For further information contact: Kris Begic, VP, Corporate Development Platinum Group Metals Ltd., Vancouver Tel: (604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450 Disclosure The TSX and the NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management. This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "may", "plans", "would", "will", "could", "can", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the success of the Company's objective to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision, the findings of the Waterberg DFS Update, the plan for and development of the Waterberg Project and the potential benefits and results thereof including that it is projected to become one of the largest and lowest cost underground PGM mines globally, financing and mine development of the Waterberg Project, potential commercial alternatives for mine development, obtaining concentrate offtake or processing, the size and cost of the Waterberg Project, the economic feasibility of establishing a new PGM smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia, work with local communities, the ability of the Company to obtain all required permitting, surface access, and infrastructure servitudes, the effect of battery electric vehicles on the market for PGMs, the use of PGMs in solutions to climate change, and the Company's other future plans and expectations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including rising global inflation and increased potential supply chain disruptions; international conflict and other geopolitical tensions and events; the Company's inability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise additional capital, and to comply with the terms of any new indebtedness; additional financing requirements; and any new indebtedness may be secured, which potentially could result in the loss of any assets pledged by the Company; the Company's history of losses and negative cash flow; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production; uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project as reported in the Waterberg DFS Update; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production; fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the South African Rand and the Canadian Dollar; volatility in metals prices; the uncertainty of alternative funding sources for Waterberg JV Co.; the Company may become subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act; the failure of the Company or the other shareholders to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project; any disputes or disagreements with the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; conflicts of interest; litigation or other administrative proceedings brought against the Company; actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and South Africa; equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire necessary access rights and infrastructure for its mineral properties; environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences; extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits; risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation; pandemics and other public health crises; the Company's common shares may be delisted from the NYSE American or the TSX if it cannot maintain compliance with the applicable listing requirements; and other risk factors described in the Company's most recent AIF and Form 40-F, other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at and , respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa, if implemented as proposed, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and potential interest in projects. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or results or otherwise. The Waterberg DFS Update has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and S-K 1300. The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the standards adopted by the SEC. Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained in this news release, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: Platinum Group Metals Ltd. MENAFN27112024004218003983ID1108934110 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.To contend for the title, Atlanta must rely on a strong team effort and cohesion. Tactinardi stressed the importance of teamwork and unity, stating that a cohesive unit is more likely to overcome challenges and achieve success. He called on Atlanta's players to work together, support each other, and never lose sight of their goal of winning the championship.Furthermore, military registration provides individuals with the opportunity to contribute to the defense of their nation in a meaningful way. By registering for military service, young men demonstrate their willingness to serve and defend their country when called upon. This sense of duty and patriotism is essential for building a strong and unified national defense.

Nate Johnson scores 25 as Akron defeats Alabama State 97-78In the world of table tennis, competitiveness and sportsmanship often go hand in hand. Recently, the table tennis community was abuzz with excitement as Wang Chuqin, a rising star in the sport, responded to a challenge from Eagle Eye, another formidable player known for his sharp skills and keen eye for detail. The challenge issued by Eagle Eye was simple yet significant - to make the game fairer for all players involved.

Years ago, every time the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots clashed, it was appointment viewing for NFL fans league wide. For more than a decade, each contest featured Tom Brady squaring off against Peyton Manning, and later Andrew Luck. However, the last three meetings ahead of the AFC foes' Week 12 contest have all featured different quarterbacks under center for Indianapolis. While each game between the two since 2018 saw Mac Jones take leadership of New England, 2024's contest in Massachusetts pits rookie quarterback Drake Maye against second-year gunslinger Anthony Richardson. Despite recent games between the Colts and Patriots not harboring nearly as much excitement as those in the past did, neither squad has been able to win consecutive games since New England beat Indianapolis eight straight times from 2010-2018. That trend may change in Week 12, as the Colts are favored to beat the Patriots by 2.5 points on the road, according to BetMGM . Indianapolis heads to Foxborough with a 5-6 record while New England sits at 3-9. The over/under set for the contest is at 42.5 points, considering the fact that the Patriots average 16.4 points per game and surrenders 23.5 through the first 12 weeks of the season. The Colts average 20.2 per contest while allowing 22.8 points per game. BetMGM's winning team model projects 75.5% confidence in an Indianapolis win, but it predicts New England to cover the spread with 59.3% confidence. Indianapolis has lost four of its last five contests whereas New England has lost three games in that same span. However, the Patriots are 0-3 against AFC South opponents this season while the Colts are 2-1 against AFC East foes, sporting a loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. MORE NFL: Where the Colts stand in the AFC playoff picture in Week 13None

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Last week you learned about Troy telegrapher Silas Watson Ford, who discovered the first Devonian era fossils in Troy’s Beman Park. A second Trojan, George M. Phelps didn’t discover any fossils but he did make a mark as an inventor in the telegraph industry. Born in Watervliet, then West Troy, in 1820, he apprenticed as [...]Alceon’s IT biz efex acquires specialist Medihost SolutionsTERRYVILLE – Waldermar “Wally” Ward, 71, of Terryville, passed away Dec. 5, 2024, peacefully at the side of his significant other of 24 years, Melanie Adamowich. Wally was born in Germany on Oct. 6, 1953, the son of the late Harvey and Hannelore (Murth) Ward. Fondly known to called Wally, this kind soul was a genuine person and friend in both heart and mind. He was loved and cared for as he pursued and achieved his life’s purpose of perfecting his game of golf; especially for almost a decade of consistent club championship wins at Pequabuck Golf Club. Wally was a proud member of his commitment toward practicing/playing golf and served as treasurer of the club. He was very proud of winning three club championships at Pequabuck in 2019. Wally’s two fur-boys and Melanie will miss him dearly, but he lives on in our hearts forever. He leaves a son, Jason and his wife Kelly, granddaughter Olivia, of Vernon; sister Angelika Donavan, of Watertown; aunt Anna Darm of Naugatuck; nephews and nieces; and significant other Melanie Adamowich of Terryville. No services at this time. The Dunn Funeral Home, 191 West St., Bristol, is in charge of the arrangements. Dunnfh.com.

The 27-year-old achieved the feat with a 23-yard run during the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ crushing 41-7 success at Lincoln Financial Field. Barkley is 100 yards short of Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams, ahead of next week’s regular season finale against the New York Giants. Single-season rushing record in reach. @saquon @Eagles pic.twitter.com/iSHyXeMLv1 — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 However, he could be rested for that game in order to protect him from injury ahead of the play-offs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept alive their dreams of reaching the play-offs by overcoming the Carolina Panthers 48-14. Veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield produced a dominant performance at Raymond James Stadium, registering five passing touchdowns to equal a Buccaneers franchise record. he BAKED today 👨‍🍳 pic.twitter.com/eFX9fd1w5P — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 The Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC conference number two seed for the post season with a 40-14 success over the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen passed for 182 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for another. Buffalo finish the 2024 regular season undefeated at home, with eight wins from as many games. The Indianapolis Colts’ hopes of reaching the play-offs were ended by a 45-33 defeat to the Giants. FINAL: Drew Lock accounts for 5 TDs in the @Giants victory! #INDvsNYG pic.twitter.com/N8HJYth09F — NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024 Malik Nabers exploded for 171 yards and two touchdowns and Ihmir Smith-Marsette broke a 100-yard kick-off return to give the Giants their highest-scoring output under head coach Brian Daboll. Quarterback Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and accounted for a fifth on the ground to seal the win. Elsewhere, Mac Jones threw two touchdowns to help the Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the Tennessee Titans 20-13, while the Las Vegas Raiders beat the New Orleans Saints 25-10.– Hip-hop mogul 50 Cent seized an opportunity to mock JAY-Z amid a lawsuit alleging serious misconduct involving both Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, accuses the two rap icons of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl after the 2000 Video Music Awards, claims both men have vehemently denied. The lawsuit, which originally named Diddy as the sole defendant when filed in October, was amended on December 8 to include JAY-Z. It alleges the two men “took turns assaulting the minor” while an unnamed female celebrity reportedly observed. In a statement, JAY-Z called the allegations “heinous” and accused the attorney of engaging in “theatrics” rather than pursuing justice. “Whoever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away. Would you not agree? These alleged victims deserve real justice if that were the case,” JAY-Z said. He vowed to defend his name, adding, “You have made a terrible error in judgment thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the same. I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the projects of Brooklyn... We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children.” 50 Cent, known for his provocative online persona, reacted with a thinly veiled jab, referencing JAY-Z’s NFL partnership and role in the Super Bowl. “Ok I don’t know what’s going on, but are we gonna still have the Super Bowl?” he quipped on Instagram. “I’m just asking for a friend!” Although he didn’t explicitly name JAY-Z or Diddy, 50 Cent’s comment added fuel to the social media frenzy surrounding the lawsuit. The allegations have sparked widespread shock and debate online, with fans and critics alike expressing disbelief and demanding accountability. Both JAY-Z and Diddy continue to deny any wrongdoing, with their legal teams vowing to fight the claims in court. As the case unfolds, the lawsuit highlights the intersection of fame, power, and allegations of abuse, raising serious questions about accountability in the entertainment industry. Source:

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After a string of sales misses from its recent games lineup, it looks like Square Enix has hit it big with its latest Dragon Quest RPG. Instead of just re-releasing older games in their original formats ad infinitum, Square Enix had the unique idea to supercharge classic RPGs with a mix of both old-school and new-school graphics. The result is a charming visual style that appeals to anyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, the kind of warm and magical style found in Octopath Traveller. Square has turned this new reinvigorated lens to one of its best-selling franchises of all time: Dragon Quest. Fans have showed up for the new Dragon Quest III HD-2D release en masse. The game has sold more than 2 million copies combined across PS5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC, which bodes well for Square Enix. Typically, these HD-2D projects cost less to produce and ship than big AAA projects like Final Fantasy XVI. Square plans to release the new HD-2D remakes of Dragon Quest I & II as a 2-in-1 release sometime next year. Check below for more info on the game, or click here to check the Steam listing.

Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is expected to clear waivers Monday and have a new home on a one-year deal sooner rather than later, league sources told ESPN. No team is expected to claim the balance of Jones' contract -- $11,833,333 for this season in addition to the $23 million in injury guarantees for after this season -- making him officially free to sign with another team after 4 p.m. ET on Monday. Jones, who was officially waived Saturday by the Giants, is expected to have multiple options but likely will prefer to finish this season on a playoff-contending team, where he will be involved in big games, rather than going to a meandering quarterback-needy team not remotely in playoff contention, according to sources. Editor's Picks How it all fell apart for Daniel Jones and the Giants 1d Jordan Raanan Barkley: Hoping Jones can find 'same fresh start' 8h Could Daniel Jones still have success in the NFL? His case for another shot, plus five team fits 1d Ben Solak Multiple playoff-contending teams are likely to inquire about Jones and his level of interest, but it will not be long before Jones is finishing out the season somewhere other than New York. New York announced its intention to part ways with Jones on Friday, ending the former first-round draft pick's stint with the Giants after five-plus seasons. Giants owner John Mara said in a statement that the organization and Jones "mutually agreed" that the move "would be best for him and for the team." Once the Giants informed Jones earlier this week that they were benching him, events surrounding the quarterback happened quickly. Jones effectively was no longer on the depth chart because the Giants would not take any risk of an injury, with Tommy DeVito as their starter, Drew Lock as the backup and the newly signed Tim Boyle at third string. Jones took individual reps and even helped out the squad when he played scout-team safety in practice Thursday during a walkthrough, before asking for and being granted his release Friday. None of this should have been overly surprising; similar scenarios unfolded four times in the NFL over the past two seasons before the Giants' turn with Jones this week. Last season in Denver, the Broncos benched Russell Wilson before he could potentially suffer an injury and trigger a $37 million guarantee for 2024. Also last season, the Raiders benched Jimmy Garoppolo rather than risking an injury to the quarterback, which could have guaranteed an additional $11.25 million that would have been due this season. In 2022, the Colts benched Matt Ryan in October, decreasing the risk of having to pay the veteran quarterback a $7.5 million roster bonus in March 2023. Later that year, the Raiders benched Derek Carr to avoid his $32.9 million salary for the 2023 season and $7.5 million of his 2024 salary becoming guaranteed if he suffered a significant injury. Now Jones and the Giants have expedited their divorce, freeing the quarterback to find a new home next week. One team unlikely to pursue Jones right now is the Eagles , who already signed former Giants running back Saquon Barkley . Barkley was selected second overall by the Giants in the 2018 draft -- one year before New York used the sixth overall pick on Jones. The two-time Pro Bowler said he has been in contact with his former teammate and knows there are bright days ahead for Jones. "Our friendship has stayed close throughout the whole process of me being here," Barkley told reporters Friday. "It sucks to see how everything went down for him over there. I've got nothing but great things to say about him. You're not going to really find anybody that can say negative things about him. "It's the NFL. Hopefully, wherever he ends up next, they're going to get a guy who come in and work. It didn't work for me over there, and I'm doing well over here. Hopefully, he can find the same fresh start and success."

Potential suitors have again begun circling ITV, Britain’s biggest terrestrial commercial broadcaster, after a prolonged period of share price weakness and renewed questions about its long-term strategic destiny. Sky News has learnt that a number of possible bidders for parts or all of the company, whose biggest shows include Love Island, have in recent weeks held early-stage discussions about teaming up to pursue a potential transaction. TV industry sources said this weekend that CVC Capital Partners and a major European broadcaster - thought to be France's Groupe TF1 - were among those which had been starting to study the merits of a potential offer. The sources added that RedBird Capital-owned All3Media and Mediawan, which is backed by the private equity giant KKR, were also on the list of potential suitors for the ITV Studios production arm. One cautioned this weekend that none of the work on potential bids was at a sufficiently advanced stage to require disclosure under the UK's stock market disclosure rules, and suggested that ITV's board - chaired by Andrew Cosslett - had not received any recent unsolicited approaches. That meant that the prospects of any formal approach materialising was highly uncertain. The person added, however, that Dame Carolyn McCall, ITV's long-serving chief executive, had been discussing with the company's financial advisers the merits of a demerger or other form of separation of its two main business units. Its main banking advisers are Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Robey Warshaw. ITV's shares are languishing at just 65.5p, giving the whole company a market capitalisation of £2.51bn. The stock rose more than 5% on Friday amid vague market chatter about a possible takeover bid. Bankers and analysts believe that ITV Studios, which made Disney+'s hit show, Rivals, would be worth more than the entire company's market capitalisation in a break-up of ITV. People close to the situation said that under one possible plan being studied, CVC could be interested in acquiring ITV Studios, with a European broadcast partner taking over its broadcasting arm, including the ITVX streaming platform. "At the right price, it would make sense if CVC wanted the undervalued production business, with TF1 wanting an English language streaming service in ITVX, along with the cashflows of the declining channels," one broadcasting industry veteran said this weekend. "They would only get the assets, though, in a deal worth double the current share price." Takeover speculation about ITV, which competes with Sky News' parent company, has been a recurring theme since the company was created from the merger of Carlton and Granada more than 20 years ago. ITV said this month that it would seek additional cost savings of £20m this year as it continued to deal with the fallout from last year's strikes by Hollywood writers and actors. It added that revenues at the Studios arm would decline over the current financial year, with advertising revenues sharply lower in the fourth quarter than in the same period a year earlier because of the tough comparison with 2023's Rugby World Cup. Allies of Dame Carolyn, who has run ITV since 2018, argue that she has transformed ITV, diversifying further into production and overhauling its digital capabilities. The majority of ITV's revenue now comes from profitable and growing areas, including ITVX and the Studios arm, they said. By 2026, those areas are expected to account for more than two-thirds of the group's sales. This year, its production arm was responsible for the most-viewed drama of the year on any channel or platform, Mr Bates versus The Post Office. In its third-quarter update earlier this month, Dame Carolyn said the company's "good strategic progress has continued in the first nine months of 2024 driven by strong execution and industry-leading creativity". "ITV Studios is performing well despite the expected impact of both the writer's strike and a softer market from free-to-air broadcasters." She said the unit would achieve record profits this year. ITV and CVC declined to comment, while TF1, RedBird and Mediawan did not respond to requests for comment.Jimmy Carter, the 39th president and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has died at 100