In a divisive and controversial case that has once again highlighted issues of race, justice, and violence in America, a former US veteran was recently acquitted by a jury after being accused of choking an African American man to death. The incident, which occurred in a small town in the southern United States, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability within the criminal justice system.A bid by The Onion satirical news outlet to buy Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform Infowars returned Monday to a Texas courtroom, where a judge heard arguments on whether a bankruptcy auction was properly run as Jones alleges collusion and fraud. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston is looking into the November auction and how a trustee chose The Onion over the only other bidder — a company affiliated with Jones that offered twice as much money as The Onion. The judge said the hearing would last into Monday evening and pick up again on Tuesday afternoon. The sale of Infowars is part of Jones' personal bankruptcy case , which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut. Jones repeatedly called the 2012 shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones' personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families to help satisfy judgments issued by juries and judges in state courts in Connecticut and Texas. Some proceeds will go to Jones' other creditors. The Onion, which wants to turn Infowars' website and social media accounts into parodies , offered $1.75 million for Infowars' assets in the auction, while First United American Companies — which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements — bid $3.5 million. The Onion's bid also included a pledge by many of the Sandy Hook families to forgo some or all of the auction proceeds due to them to give other creditors a total of $100,000 more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, chose The Onion, saying its proposal was better for creditors because they would receive more money. Joshua Wolfshohl, an attorney for Murray, told the judge Monday that no wrongdoing occurred during the auction. He called the complaints by Jones and First United American Companies unfounded. “The vast majority of their complaints are just fantastic, imagined conspiracy theories that have no basis in reality," he said. Jones' lawyer, Ben Broocks, questioned Murray's rationale for choosing The Onion and alleged that a recent deposition of the trustee showed improprieties. He also questioned the validity of The Onion's bid, saying it was technically valued at $7 million because of the incentive offered by the Sandy Hook families. An auction company executive involved in the sale testified most of the afternoon. In court filings, Jones and First United American Companies accused Murray, The Onion and the Sandy Hook families of illegally colluding on the bidding, committing fraud and violating the judge's rules for the auction. Murray, The Onion and the families deny the allegations. In his own court filing, Murray called the allegations “a disappointed bidder’s improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open auction process.” Up for sale at the auction were all the equipment and other assets in the Infowars studio in Austin, Texas, as well as its social media accounts, websites, video archive and product trademarks. Jones uses the studio to broadcast his far-right, conspiracy theory-filled shows on the Infowars website, his account on the social platform X and radio stations. Jones has set up another studio, websites and social media accounts in case The Onion wins approval to buy Infowars and kicks him out. Jones has said he could continue using the Infowars platforms if the auction winner is friendly to him. Jones is appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments citing free speech rights but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened . On Friday, a Connecticut appeals court reduced by $150 million the original $1.44 billion judgment against Jones in the lawsuit against him in that state, but upheld the rest of the award. Jones' lawyer said he will ask Connecticut's highest court to review the appellate ruling. Jones is also appealing a $50 million judgment in a similar Texas defamation lawsuit.

Court challenge over vote to extend post-Brexit trading arrangements dismissedNone

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Secretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”Moving forward, NVIDIA must address the issues raised by the investigation with transparency and accountability. The company's response to the allegations will be critical in determining its reputation and future success. At the same time, regulators must ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly and without bias, taking into account the complexities of the current geopolitical climate.

Title: Suspect in Shooting of American Insurance CEO Used 3D Printed Gun, Graduates from Prestigious University ImplicatedThe presence of a hidden camera in a place meant for the care and safety of young children has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood. Parents are left feeling violated and anxious about the potential breach of their children's privacy. The incident has underscored the importance of remaining vigilant and taking proactive measures to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.For consumers looking to determine the authenticity of products in Russian supermarkets, there are several factors to consider. One approach is to carefully examine the packaging and labels of products to see if they indicate the country of origin. Additionally, conducting research on the brand and manufacturer can provide insights into the production process and sourcing practices. Some Russian supermarkets may also provide information on their website or in-store about the provenance of their products, offering transparency to customers.

The Bu case first came to public knowledge when a series of suspicious activities were reported in the residential area where Bu, the primary suspect, resided. As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that Bu was allegedly involved in a range of illicit activities, including fraud, money laundering, and other forms of criminal behavior. The discovery of these activities led law enforcement agencies to initiate a thorough investigation into Bu's connections and associates, resulting in the apprehension of several individuals linked to the case.SAN ANTONIO , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT has been named the Compact Truck of Texas at the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Truck Rodeo held Sept. 26-27, 2024 . The TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo is a prominent annual event where top automotive media evaluate new vehicles based on performance, value, and overall appeal. Competing against strong contenders, the updated 2025 Santa Cruz XRT impressed judges with its rugged design, advanced technology, and enhanced off-road capability. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagstar Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FLG) ( the "Company"), today announced the appointment of Lee Smith as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective December 27, 2024 . The appointment follows the decision of current CFO Craig Gifford to step down to reengage in personal endeavors outside of the banking industry. Gifford will remain with the Bank through March 31, 2025 , and work closely with Smith during the transition period, ensuring a seamless hand-over and continued support for the Bank's ongoing initiatives. "For more than a decade, Lee has been an instrumental member of Flagstar's executive team. He is a proven leader with a strong track record, has the requisite experience and expertise, and possesses deep knowledge of the Company. The Board of Directors and I have full faith and confidence in Lee to continue to help guide the Company in this financial leadership position," said Joseph M. Otting , Chairman, President, and CEO. Smith joined legacy Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. in 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and his transition to CFO comes after serving on Flagstar's executive management team for more than a decade, most recently as President of Mortgage. He has an extensive background in accounting, finance, mortgage, private equity, and operations, spanning more than 25 years. His experience in managing large-scale transactions, optimizing financials and operations, and working with regulators demonstrates a strong ability to drive financial performance, ensure compliance, and lead financial operations. Additionally, his leadership in M&A deals, capital markets, and financial management positions him well to oversee financial strategies, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency at a senior financial level. His prior roles include Partner at Matlin Patterson Global Advisers LLC, a private investment firm. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) since 1998 and has a BSc in Economics and Accountancy from Loughborough University in England . Otting added, "I want to express our sincere appreciation to Craig for his impactful contributions over the past year. His leadership during this time has been invaluable, and we wish him all the best. As all of our stakeholders know, we have been working relentlessly to elevate Flagstar to new heights. I also recognize the personal sacrifices and time commitment required away from our personal lives for this journey. Given the substantial progress we've made as a Company, I am comfortable that this is a good time for this transition, and I am confident the momentum we've gained will only strengthen as we move forward." About Flagstar Financial, Inc. Flagstar Financial, Inc. is the parent company of Flagstar Bank, N.A., one of the largest regional banks in the country. The Company is headquartered in Hicksville, New York . At September 30, 2024, the Company had $114.4 billion of assets, $73.0 billion of loans, deposits of $83 .0 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $8 .6 billion. Flagstar Bank, N.A. operates over 400 branches, including a significant presence in the Northeast and Midwest and locations in high growth markets in the Southeast and West Coast. In addition, the Bank has approximately 80 private banking teams located in over 10 cities in the metropolitan New York City region and on the West Coast, which serve the needs of high-net worth individuals and their businesses. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release may include forward‐looking statements by the Company and our authorized officers pertaining to such matters as our goals, beliefs, intentions, and expectations regarding (a) revenues, earnings, loan production, asset quality, liquidity position, capital levels, risk analysis, divestitures, acquisitions, and other material transactions, among other matters; (b) the future costs and benefits of the actions we may take; (c) our assessments of credit risk and probable losses on loans and associated allowances and reserves; (d) our assessments of interest rate and other market risks; (e) our ability to execute on our strategic plan, including the sufficiency of our internal resources, procedures and systems; (f) our ability to attract, incentivize, and retain key personnel and the roles of key personnel; (g) our ability to achieve our financial and other strategic goals, including those related to our merger with Flagstar Bancorp, Inc., which was completed on December 1, 2022, our acquisition of substantial portions of the former Signature Bank through an FDIC-assisted transaction, and our ability to fully and timely implement the risk management programs institutions greater than $100 billion in assets must maintain; (h) the effect on our capital ratios of the approval of certain proposals approved by our shareholders during our 2024 annual meeting of shareholders; (i) the conversion or exchange of shares of the Company's preferred stock; (j) the payment of dividends on shares of the Company's capital stock, including adjustments to the amount of dividends payable on shares of the Company's preferred stock; (k) the availability of equity and dilution of existing equity holders associated with amendments to the 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan; (l) the effects of the reverse stock split; and (m) transactions relating to the sale of our mortgage business and mortgage warehouse business. Forward‐looking statements are typically identified by such words as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "should," "confident," and other similar words and expressions, and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which change over time. Additionally, forward‐looking statements speak only as of the date they are made; the Company does not assume any duty, and does not undertake, to update our forward‐looking statements. Furthermore, because forward‐looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results or future events could differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in our statements, and our future performance could differ materially from our historical results. Our forward‐looking statements are subject to, among others, the following principal risks and uncertainties: general economic conditions and trends, either nationally or locally; conditions in the securities, credit and financial markets; changes in interest rates; changes in deposit flows, and in the demand for deposit, loan, and investment products and other financial services; changes in real estate values; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios, including associated allowances and reserves; changes in future allowance for credit losses, including changes required under relevant accounting and regulatory requirements; the ability to pay future dividends; changes in our capital management and balance sheet strategies and our ability to successfully implement such strategies; recent turnover in our Board of Directors and our executive management team; changes in our strategic plan, including changes in our internal resources, procedures and systems, and our ability to successfully implement such plan; changes in competitive pressures among financial institutions or from non‐financial institutions; changes in legislation, regulations, and policies; the imposition of restrictions on our operations by bank regulators; the outcome of pending or threatened litigation, or of investigations or any other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future; the success of our blockchain and fintech activities, investments and strategic partnerships; the restructuring of our mortgage business; our ability to recognize anticipated expense reductions and enhanced efficiencies with respect to our recently announced strategic workforce reduction; the impact of failures or disruptions in or breaches of the Company's operational or security systems, data or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyberattacks or campaigns; the impact of natural disasters, extreme weather events, military conflict (including the Russia / Ukraine conflict, the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas, the possible expansion of such conflicts and potential geopolitical consequences), terrorism or other geopolitical events; and a variety of other matters which, by their nature, are subject to significant uncertainties and/or are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to the following principal risks and uncertainties with respect to our merger with Flagstar Bancorp, which was completed on December 1, 2022 , and our acquisition of substantial portions of the former Signature Bank through an FDIC-assisted transaction: the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transactions will not be realized when expected or at all; the possibility of increased legal and compliance costs, including with respect to any litigation or regulatory actions related to the business practices of acquired companies or the combined business; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the possibility that the Company may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in or as a result of the transactions within the expected timeframes or at all; and revenues following the transactions may be lower than expected. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the Community Benefits Agreement entered into with NCRC, which was contingent upon the closing of the Company's merger with Flagstar Bancorp, Inc., will achieve the results or outcome originally expected or anticipated by us as a result of changes to our business strategy, performance of the U.S. economy, or changes to the laws and regulations affecting us, our customers, communities we serve, and the U.S. economy (including, but not limited to, tax laws and regulations). More information regarding some of these factors is provided in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10 ‐ K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023, Quarterly Report on Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 , June 30, 2024 , and September 30, 2024 , and in other SEC reports we file. Our forward ‐ looking statements may also be subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those we may discuss in this news release, on our conference call, during investor presentations, or in our SEC filings, which are accessible on our website and at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov . Investor Contact: Salvatore J. DiMartino (516) 683-4286 Media Contact: Steven Bodakowski (248) 312-5872 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flagstar-financial-inc-names-lee-smith-as-chief-financial-officer-302331680.html SOURCE Flagstar Financial, Inc.In conclusion, the successful outcome of China's foreign trade in 2021 reflects the collective efforts of multiple parties to build momentum, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable growth. By leveraging government support, business innovation, strategic partnerships, and adaptive strategies, China has demonstrated its capacity to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in the global marketplace. As we look towards the future, the continued collaboration and coordination of various stakeholders will be essential in ensuring the continued success of China's foreign trade and its contribution to global economic prosperity.

MALCOLM in the Middle is returning with a reboot as Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston and other cast members have signed on for the limited revival. From Frankie, 39, leaving acting to become a race car driver to Bryan, 68, starring in career-defining roles, find out where the cast of Malcolm in the Middle is today. FRANKIE MUNIZ While playing Malcolm from 2000 to 2006, he starred in Agent Cody Banks, Big Fat Liar and more. But Frankie decided celebrity life wasn’t for him and he retired from acting. In 2023, he announced his career as a full-time professional race car driver after competing in races through the years. “It’s with the utmost excitement, optimism and gratitude that I’m joining Rette Jones Racing for the full ARCA Menards Series schedule this year,” he said at the time . Read more on Frankie Muniz “Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR, and it was important for me to partner with a team that aligned with my long-term objectives and vision, while providing every opportunity imaginable to grow mentally and physically as a full-time race car driver.” Frankie also raises his son Mauz Mosley Muniz with his wife Paige Price. Bryan Cranston After Malcolm in the Middle, Bryan moved on to a career-defining role on Breaking Bad from 2008 to 2013. He also appeared in other roles including How I Met Your Mother. Most read in Streaming Bryan, who played dad Hal, took a break from acting in 2023. He wrote on Instagram at the time, “I am not retiring. What I am going to do is hit the pause button for a year after I reach my 70th birthday in 2026. Holy crap - 70! “I’m not even sure what ‘pausing’ means entirely, but at this moment, I think it means that by taking a year off it will provide several things. “First, it will allow me to spend time with Robin (my beautiful wife of 34 years now) in a way that I haven’t been able to in the last 25 years...not as a wife of a celebrity, but as a loving married couple entering into - well, let’s be honest, our latter years, with new hopes and goals and experiences. “Secondly, it gives me a sort of ‘reset’ in my career. I’ve had such an unbelievable ride for over two decades - with playing characters on TV, films, and on stage that I could only have dreamt about... until it actually happened... That said, I feel as though I’m beginning to run out of fresh ideas in how to play characters that I’m being offered. "So exploring a more expanded life experience will give me the chance to replenish my soul and prepare for whatever roles I may be afforded in a more authentic way.” Jane Kaczmarek Jane Kaczmarek, who played mom Lois, is also returning for the reboot. After Malcolm in the Middle, Jane, 68, kept herself busy by appearing in This is Us, 6 Balloons, and Wolves at the Door and more. The mom of four took a social media break for a couple of years, as her announcement of appearing in the reboot marks her return to Instagram. CHRISTOPHER MASTERSON Christopher Masterson, who played Malcom's oldest brother Francis, also found luck in Hollywood after the role. He made appearances on a series of shows and movies. With his last credit on IMDB in 2019, he now works as a full-time DJ and producer. According to his Instagram, he appears to travel often. Chris, 44, is the younger brother of That 70s Show Danny Masterson, who was sentenced in 2023 to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women over two decades ago. It is unclear if he is appearing in the reboot, as he has not posted the trailer on his social media. JUSTIN BERFIELD Justin Berfield, 34, who played Malcom’s older brother Reese, acted in a handful of roles up until 2010. In May 2020, he became a father to a daughter. He reshared the trailer, hinting he's participating in the reboot. ERIK PER SULLIVAN Erik Per Sullivan played Dewey, the youngest brother in the family sitcom. Erik, 33, worked in Hollywood until 2010 . Today, he continues to post throwbacks from the series on his social media. His on-screen mom Jane gave an update on him earlier this year. She said, "He’s well, he’s very, very well. He did Malcolm for seven years, he started at seven, he ended at 14. He wasn’t interested in acting, at all. "He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that he’s asked us all to be quiet about and he loves Charles Dickens. "He’s doing graduate work in Victorian literature. I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world, it’s not for everyone." I have been waiting for this moment for 18 years." THEY'RE BACK! The series will be rebooted for four new episodes on Disney+ and will air in 2025. President of Disney Branded Television Ayo Davis told Variety , “ Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and reliability. "Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again. "With Linwood Boomer and the creative team at the helm, these new episodes will have all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved — along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.” Frankie, Bryan, Jane and Justin posted a video announcing the reboot. Frankie said, “I have been waiting for this moment for 18 years. Let’s find out where Malcolm and his family are.” Bryan added, “I am so excited that I may have peed just a little. Excuse me.” Read More on The US Sun Jane then joked, “What a delight that I get to yell at that kid again! "We are very, very excited about coming back together and seeing where this family is up to.”A social media presence might be essential, but with social media platforms in a state of flux, which is the best one for a photographer to call home? The fast-growing Bluesky platform could be a breath of fresh air for photographers tired of their work being hidden behind a pay-to-play paywall. I’m going to come right out and admit upfront that I’m a fan of the fairly new Bluesky social media platform—or perhaps I should qualify this by saying, “so far, so good, at least.” Looking to fill the unmet needs of many social media users who are tired of the relentless exploitation of their content by traditional social media platforms, and of their lack of control over how that content is used and presented, the Bluesky platform aims to provide a decentralized and more egalitarian social media forum that strives to place the needs of its users over corporate greed. The decentralized structure of the platform is apparently driven by the desire to offer its users more control over their own content, as well as making it “billionaire proof”—heading off any attempt by some well-heeled individual or group to buy it out from under the feet of its users and turn it into some kind of toxic tarpit whose owners impoverish their users while simultaneously (and metaphorically) feeding off their flesh to enrich themselves. I know—this sounds like some kind of far-fetched nightmare from a dystopian world very different from our own, but maybe it could happen! I have been using Bluesky for a short time now, and I have to say that I am quite surprised and impressed at how refreshingly different it feels from the other, more traditional social media platforms. As an example of this, when I post one of my photographs, I typically receive ten times more responses from my few followers on Bluesky than I do from my orders-of-magnitude larger followings on the other platforms. So when this video about using Bluesky as a photographer appeared in my YouTube feed, I felt I had to share it with you. Andy Hutchinson is a straight-talking photographer from down under, whose enjoyable, no-nonsense style is featured front and center on his of the same name. In his latest video, Andy describes his experience using the relatively new Bluesky social media platform as a photographer and offers some valuable and very practical advice to photographers who might be interested in establishing a presence on it. Before you watch it, I should just warn you that Andy does not mince his words in any way, and his sometimes strident opinions about the various social media platforms are often peppered with some colorful language that you might not want your kids to hear. You have been warned! Gordon Webster is a professional photographer based in New England. He has worked with clients from a wide range of sectors, including retail, publishing, music, independent film production, technology, hospitality, law, energy, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, medical, veterinary, and education.In conclusion, the A-shares' rally and the rise of the big consumption sector are emblematic of the exciting times ahead for investors in China. As market participants navigate through the waves of optimism and volatility, one thing remains certain – the Chinese stock market's potential for growth and prosperity is limitless. By staying informed, keeping a keen eye on market trends, and making informed investment decisions, investors can ride the wave of success in the A-share market and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the booming big consumption sector.Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warship