US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people Federal officials say the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said that federally required tallies taken across the country in January found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in the president-elect’s political movement into public display. The argument previews fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — that is, wealthy members of the tech world who want more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Israeli troops burn northern Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli troops have stormed one of the last hospitals operating in the territory's north on Friday and forced many of the staff and patients outside. Then they had to remove their clothes in winter weather. It was the latest assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Parts of it were set on fire. Staff say it has been hit multiple times in the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. Israel's military says Hamas uses the hospital as a base. It did not provide evidence, and hospital officials have denied it. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have said weapons fire may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed on Wednesday, killing 38 people. The statements from Rashad Nabiyev and White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Friday raised pressure on Russia. Officials in Moscow have said a drone attack was underway in the region that the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was destined for but have not addressed statements from aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defenses responding to a Ukrainian attack. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to Chechnya on Wednesday when it crashed, killing 38 people and leaving all 29 survivors injured. Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case ATLANTA (AP) — A judge has ruled that the Georgia state Senate can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. It's part of a inquiry into whether Willis has engaged in misconduct during her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump. But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram is giving Willis the chance to contest whether lawmakers’ demands are overly broad before Willis responds. A Republican-led committee was formed earlier this year and sent subpoenas to Willis in August seeking to compel her to testify during its September meeting and to produce scores of documents. Willis argued that the committee didn’t have the power to subpoena her. In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has a nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children. GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 argue that they are bolstering services for families. Recent research and an analysis by The Associated Press has found that from the time a Tennessee woman gets pregnant, she faces greater obstacles to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child and a financially stable family life than the average American mom. Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals' Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex. State officials say the company's leaders kept using so-called “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks. The federal complaint alleges Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates polluted the air and water around 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland with chemicals that have been linked to certain cancers, reproductive issues and high cholesterol. They’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. The company stopped using the harmful chemicals in 2014 and says it’s working with state regulators on testing and cleanup efforts. Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train has been indicted on state charges. A prosecutor announced Sebastian Zapeta’s indictment at a court hearing Friday. The development comes days after Zapeta’s arrest and subsequent police questioning in which they say he identified himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit. The indictment will be under seal until Jan. 7. He remains jailed. Federal immigration officials say the 33-year-old Zapeta is from Guatemala and entered the U.S. illegally. Authorities are continuing to work to identify the victim. Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is chasing the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin entered the season 42 goals short of breaking a record that long seemed unapproachable. He is set to play again Saturday at the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing more than a month with a broken left fibula. Ovechkin was on pace to get to 895 sometime in February before getting injured. At 868, he his 27 goals away from passing Gretzky.
None
Pierce's 20 lead Presbyterian past Youngstown State 67-42Donald Trump’s election interference and classified documents cases dismissed
A councillor at the centre of former UUP leader Doug Beattie’s resignation has removed any reference to the Ulster Unionist Party from his social media accounts. Cllr Darryl Wilson, who represents the Ballymoney area on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council , previously spoke of how he was “disillusioned and heartbroken” to be overlooked for the Assembly seat vacated by Robin Swann following the UK General Election. At the time, it had been reported that then party leader Doug Beattie favoured Cllr Wilson for the role only to be vetoed by party officers and the seat was then offered to Colin Crawford. Days later, Doug Beattie announced that he was to stand down as leader of the party, citing irreconcilable differences with party officers. When contacted by Belfast Live on Friday, Councillor Wilson refused to comment on his future within politics and if he had any plans to defect to another party. Later on Friday, Cllr Wilson removed all mention of the Ulster Unionist Party from his social media accounts, including changing his X handle from @DarrylUUP to @CllrDarrylW. Earlier this week, Cllr Wilson took to social media to reflect on the year that has passed and some of the challenges he faced. “This year has brought its challenges, with many high points and some low moments as well. However, I firmly believe that it is essential to focus on the positives and to learn from the less favorable [sic] experiences. A new year presents the perfect opportunity to reflect, adapt, and change what isn’t working,” he said. “As such, there will be some significant changes ahead for me in politics. That said, I want to assure you all that my commitment remains steadfast: to serve the people of Ballymoney and always put community and country above party politics.” The Ulster Unionist Party have been approached for comment. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.Kim Kardashian Has Apparently Reinstated Saint West's YouTube Page After Anti-Kamala Harris Content Got It Taken Down
On the Monday after a recent loss, Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt held a group of players captivated by his locker. The 6-foot-6, 323-pound lineman, who signed a five-year, $100-million deal in the offseason, wasn’t talking about football. He was telling a life story, one of many that make him the heart of the Panthers’ locker room. A Locker Room Favorite Rookie center Andrew Raym , whose locker is next to Hunt’s, couldn’t hide his admiration. “Robert is probably the greatest personality we have in here,” Raym said. “He’s nothing but love, nothing but happiness all the time. People love talking to him. He’s always got a smile on his face, always has something funny to say. “It’s always about us and hanging out with the crew.” Hunt’s vibrant personality has been a stabilizing force for the Panthers during a challenging 4-12 season. His leadership has helped young players like Raym and veterans like left tackle Ikem Ekwonu stay motivated through struggles. On-Field Impact Hunt’s arrival significantly improved the Panthers’ offensive line, which had been a major concern. Last season, quarterback Bryce Young was sacked an NFL-high 62 times. This year, that number has dropped to 24, thanks in large part to Hunt’s presence. “He loves the game,” said do-it-all lineman Brady Christensen . “You can tell by the way he plays, that energy and excitement. And we feed off of him. He’s one of the best guards in the NFL.” While Hunt has been dominant in the run game, there’s room for improvement in pass protection. The Panthers’ offensive line ranks last in pass block win rate, holding blocks for 2.5 seconds just 51% of the time. Hunt ranks 44th out of 64 guards in pass block win rate, a decline from his 2023 performance with the Miami Dolphins when he had the lowest pressure rate (1.3%) among guards. Ekwonu, the team’s left tackle, also ranks near the bottom in pass and run block win rate. Upgrades in the offseason, particularly at left tackle, could further solidify the line. Leadership Beyond the Field Hunt’s energy extends beyond his play. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik praised his infectious enthusiasm, highlighting moments like Hunt celebrating downfield in Las Vegas or during Chuba Hubbard ’s big runs in Germany. “His energy,” Brad Idzik said. “It’s infectious. The plays you see, like [at Las] Vegas where he’s celebrating downfield ... in Germany he’s celebrating when Chuba is breaking free, that’s infectious. “You feel that in practice every day. He’s just loose and playing confident. ... And your personality comes through on tape.” Quarterback Bryce Young echoed the sentiment. “He represents somebody we want to be as an offense,” he said. “And he’s super cool to be around, funny to talk to.” “You can definitely see the non-verbal, the intensity he has, coming back saying little things like, ‘Let’s finish this,”’ Young said. “We all feel that energy, that intensity. We all play off that.” A Storyteller and Mentor Off the field, Hunt is known for his storytelling. Whether after a win or loss, he’s the same jovial presence, lifting spirits and keeping the team grounded. “I’m a good storyteller,” Hunt said with a grin. “I make you interested, reel you up, and then I give you the punchline. It may not be a good one, but I get you excited for it.” Hunt’s work ethic, however, is what inspires his teammates the most. “Being a dawg, being hungry in the run game, just working no matter what—that’s Rob,” said Hubbard, the NFL’s seventh-leading rusher with 1,195 yards. Ekwonu added, “That’s a little less obvious on the field, but it’s definitely cherished in the locker room. “He definitely keeps it light, and that’s always good. But he flips that switch when he’s on the field. It’s fun to watch.” No Regrets After the Dolphins made an offer Hunt felt undervalued his talent, he entered free agency. The Panthers moved quickly to sign him, addressing a glaring need after their guard-center combination allowed 35 sacks last season. Now 28, Hunt embraces his role as a veteran mentor and locker-room leader. He’s optimistic about the team’s future with Young developing into a franchise quarterback, but he remains focused on staying true to himself. “When I came here, I called one of my good friends that I look up to as a mentor,” Hunt said. “He’s like, ‘Just be you.’ And that’s what I’ve always done. If people gravitate to me, they do. If somebody thinks I’m some kind of different cat, they can think that. “But I’m gonna be me ’til the day I die.” This report used information from ESPN . This article first appeared on The Forkball and was syndicated with permission.Sinn Fein actively pursuing route into government, insists leader McDonald
How To Profit On Palantir Stock If It Makes A Big Move From HereLG's G4 OLED TV is my No. 1 pick for best picture quality, and it's 32% off for Cyber Monday
Hybrid Photonic Integrated Circuit Market | Business Growth, Development Factors, Current and Future Trends till 2031 | Seekway Technology Ltd. SeeReal Technologies GmbH Sony CorporationOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Creighton point guard Steven Ashworth likely won't play Tuesday in the No. 21 Bluejays' game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday, and coach Greg McDermott said he didn't know how long he would be out.
Alimentation Couche-Tard earns US$708.8 million in second quarter LAVAL, Que. — Alimentation Couche-Tard says its earnings attributable to shareholders were US$708.8 million in its second quarter. That's down 13.5 per cent from US$819.2 million a year earlier. The Laval, Que. The Canadian Press Nov 25, 2024 3:01 PM Nov 25, 2024 3:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message A Couche-Tard sign is seen in Montreal, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi LAVAL, Que. — Alimentation Couche-Tard says its earnings attributable to shareholders were US$708.8 million in its second quarter. That's down 13.5 per cent from US$819.2 million a year earlier. The Laval, Que.-based company says total revenues were US$17.4 billion, up six per cent from US$16.4 billion. Earnings per diluted share were 75 cents US, down from 85 cents US during the same quarter last year. The company says its adjusted net earnings were reduced primarily due to a lower road transportation fuel gross margin in the U.S. as well as softer consumer traffic and demand and other factors. President and CEO Alex Miller says parts of the company's fuel and convenience business continued to feel the effects of careful consumer spending, and the company is confident in its long-term strategic growth plan. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:ATD) The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix Germany's Merkel recalls Putin's 'power games' and contrasting US presidents in her memoirs Nov 25, 2024 3:04 PM CDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changes Nov 25, 2024 3:04 PM 'We need an industry': Crowsnest Pass residents voting on support for new coal mine Nov 25, 2024 2:52 PM Featured FlyerHigh school highlights for Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the party could not buck the trend in Ireland of junior coalition partners in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail governments losing support in subsequent elections. He said they expected to retain two to three seats out of the 12 they had won in the 2020 election on the back of a worldwide “Green wave”. “Undoubtedly it’s a disappointing result for our party today,” Mr O’Gorman told reporters in Ongar, Dublin. “It’s hard for a smaller party in government, that’s long been the tradition, the history in Ireland. We hoped going into the election to buck that but we haven’t been able to buck that today.” Mr O’Gorman, a candidate in Dublin West, is among the outgoing Green Party TDs in a battle to retain their seats. Culture Minister Catherine Martin, who is fighting to remain a Green Party TD for Dublin Rathdown, said it was a “very tight” race in her four-seat constituency. “We go in (to government) not afraid of that because the issue of the climate and biodiversity crisis is (greater) than our survival,” she said on RTE Radio. “I stand over and am proud of our track record of delivery.” Green candidate in Waterford Marc O Cathasaigh said he would not be “in the shake-up” to retain his seat in that constituency, while junior minister Ossian Smyth looks at risk of losing his seat in Dun Laoghaire. Junior minister Joe O’Brien is expected to lose his seat in Dublin Fingal, Neasa Hourigan is at risk in Dublin Central, while Wicklow’s Steven Matthews garnered just 4% of first preferences. Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, who announced his retirement from frontline politics in June, said his party had not had a good day. Arriving at the count centre at the RDS in Dublin, the outgoing environment minister told reporters: “If you don’t get elected you accept that, but you come back stronger and you learn lessons, and we’ve done that in the past and we will do that again.” He added: “No matter what the results today there will be a strong Green Party in Ireland, we have deep roots in the community and it’s a very distinct political philosophy and I think there is still space for that in Irish politics, for sure.” Mr Ryan said he did not believe his decision to retire, and the timing of his announcement, had affected the party’s showing. “Unfortunately – and this is just one of those days – we didn’t get the number of votes,” he said. He added: “We’ll look back and see what are the lessons, and what can we learn and what can we do differently. “It’s just one of those days when we didn’t have a good day.
KUWAIT: The 696th Lord Mayor of the City of London concluded his visit to Kuwait as the final leg of his first overseas trip in office. Elected annually from the City of London’s Court of Aldermen, the Lord Mayor represents the UK’s financial, professional, legal, and maritime sectors while leading the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile. During his two-day visit, Lord Mayor Alastair King met with senior Kuwaiti officials, including His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Minister of Finance Noura Al-Fassam, Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority Sheikh Saoud Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, and Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait Basel Al-Haroon. He also engaged with representatives from private investors, commercial banks, businesses, and prominent trading families to explore opportunities for expanding UK-Kuwait trade and investment ties. The lord mayor explained his focus on the Gulf as he highlighted the strong trade and investment relations between the UK and GCC countries. Specifically, UK-Kuwait trade reached £5.9 billion between July 2023 and June 2024, a 14.8 percent increase from the previous year. He also emphasized the long-standing investment relationship, exemplified by the Kuwait Investment Office’s 71-year presence in the City of London and the Sovereign Investment Partnership signed during His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s visit to the UK. Regarding Brexit and the UK’s recent political changes, Lord Mayor King affirmed London’s continued strength as a global financial hub. “Over 100,000 additional professionals now work in the city’s financial and professional services sector compared to 2016. In comparisons to other European hubs, London’s financial services workforce exceeds the entire population of Frankfurt,” he said. Lord Mayor King assured Kuwaiti investors that the City of London and the UK remain open for business. The UK’s stable political and fiscal environment, strong financial returns, robust legal system, and international workforce, with nearly 40 percent of London’s financial services professionals coming from abroad. Outlining his vision for enhanced collaboration, the lord mayor identified insurance, legal services, asset management, and banking as key sectors with growth potential. He emphasized the UK’s expertise in adapting to specific needs, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations and Sharia compliance. He also encouraged more British companies to explore opportunities in Kuwait, where over 100 UK firms are already active. Lord Mayor King concluded by expressing gratitude for Kuwait’s hospitality and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. He expressed hope that the enduring relationship between the UK and Kuwait would continue to thrive as the two nations celebrate the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
