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NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ZETA) resulting from allegations that Zeta Global may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Zeta Global securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31333 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On November 13, 2024 , Culper Research published a report entitled "Zeta Global Holdings Corp ZETA: Shams, Scams, and Spam." (the "Report"). The Report raised concerns about the company's reported financials. In addition, Culper Research announced that it believed that "Zeta has quietly spun up its own network of consent farms i.e., sham websites that hoodwink millions of consumers each month into handing their data over to Zeta under false pretenses, baited by job applications, stimulus money, or other rewards that simply do not exist." On this news, Zeta Global's stock price fell 37.1% on November 13, 2024 . Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rosen-law-firm-encourages-zeta-global-holdings-corp-investors-to-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation--zeta-302314487.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.The idea should be politically disqualifying: Imposing tariffs on imports raises prices paid by American consumers and businesses. No politician should be able to tell voters he’ll raise their costs, and receive their blessing. Yet Donald Trump does. He campaigned in the 2024 presidential race by promising aggressive new levies on imports from basically everywhere and won a convincing electoral college victory. Voters don’t seem to think Trump’s tariffs will harm them. Trump is now moving fast to put his tariffs into place once he takes office in January. He says one of his first-day priorities will be slapping a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a new 10% levy on goods from China. Those are America’s top three trading partners , and they ship about $1.3 trillion in goods to the United States each year. If those taxes go into effect, they’d raise the cost of those imports by about $236 billion. Most economists say across-the-board tariffs impede efficiency , depress growth , and kill jobs . The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates Trump’s full tariff plan would cost the typical household $2,600 per year in higher costs . Voters say, meh. Why the disconnect? Three reasons. First, tariffs are confusing. A recent Morning Consult poll asked voters about their views on tariffs and found that many people don’t even know what they are, exactly. Only 25% correctly said a tariff is a fee a US company pays to the US government to import a product. Sixty percent incorrectly said the foreign company or the foreign government pays the fee, and 15% said they don’t know. So most Americans mistakenly think somebody other than Americans pays the tariffs. Read more: How do tariffs work, and who really pays them? Yet 56% of Americans think US companies and consumers bear the majority of the costs imposed by tariffs. And they’re split on whether tariffs would be good or bad for the US economy. Thirty-eight percent think a 20% tariff would be good for the economy, while 41% think it would be bad, and 21% don’t know. The overall picture is that Americans have a poor understanding of tariffs and, not surprisingly, are conflicted about what they’re likely to accomplish. Second, Americans don’t feel like Trump’s tariffs caused any harm during his first term, when he placed new taxes on steel and aluminum imports and about half of all imports from China. Those tariffs did cause limited harm by raising costs to some US producers. But that came at a relatively benign time for the economy, when inflation was low and the massive COVID-era supply chain disruptions hadn’t happened yet. Trump also crafted those first-term tariffs in a way that raised the cost of intermediate goods, such as components, while keeping finished retail products off the list. Producers saw the price hikes but managed workarounds — such as getting components from Vietnam instead of China — that limited the impact felt by final purchasers, aka American shoppers. There was one exception: washing machines. Trump placed a 20% tariff on imported washing machines, which promptly raised the price of laundry equipment by 12% and boosted the profits of manufacturers. That’s a template for what’s likely to happen in Trump’s second term if he directly tariffs finished consumer goods. Third, Trump tends to threaten much larger tariffs than he actually imposes. When running for president in 2016, for instance, he said he might impose a 45% tariff on all Chinese imports. As president, however, he levied tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 25% on just half of Chinese imports, while exempting most finished consumer products. Trump watchers now understand that he threatens tariffs as a negotiating tactic. “While Trump is the 'Tariff Man' and will be willing to see through these proposals, we also see him as prepared and willing to back down in exchange for key policy concessions,” financial firm Raymond James explained in a Nov. 25 analysis. “The announcement of the tariffs — almost two months before Trump is sworn into office — should be viewed as a play to bring Mexico, Canada, and China to the negotiating table fairly early on." Trump wants China to crack down on illegal fentanyl shipments to the United States. He wants Mexico to do the same and also get better control of migrants passing through the country as they try to cross the US southwest border. It’s not clear what he wants from Canada, but he’ll assuredly come up with something. Economists versed in the unhappy history of tariffs worry that Trump will overplay his hand and tank the US economy. To many Americans, however, tariffs are an arcane concept that Trump uses to heckle adversaries with little impact on everyday life. If we’re lucky, it’ll stay that way. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance . Follow him on Twitter at @rickjnewman . Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices . Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Gisele Bündchen & Ex Tom Brady Share Birthday Tributes to Son BenjaminOgun State has emerged as the Best Overall Performing State in Digital Technology Development. This is the result of the collaborations between the State Government and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals, as well as startups, towards advancing the digital economy. Previously, the State received several awards in the sector, including the Most Digitally Compliant State in 2023 by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Best State in e-Governance Implementation Category by the National Council on Communications & Digital Economy (NCCDE), amongst others. Speaking while presenting the award at the 12th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE), held in Makurdi, Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Lormem Alia commended Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration in digitalization and tech entrepreneurship, which has positioned the state as the best among other states. He noted that the award was a testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Abiodun and called for more synergy between ICT professionals and governments at all levels to enable the country to attain a maximal level of information technology. Receiving the award on behalf of the Ogun State government, Special Adviser on ICT, Dayo Abiodun, attributed the feat to the digital initiatives of Governor Abiodun towards digitalizing the state through various training programs for the citizenry, especially the youth. The Special Adviser, who was represented by a Program Analyst from the Ogun State Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), Ridwan Odufowora, stated that the award would spur the state government to show more commitment towards harnessing the prospects of emerging digital innovations for the development of the state. The Council Meeting was an annual event aimed at strategizing on advancements in communications, fostering innovations, and promoting growth in the digital economy. In attendance were all the states of the federation, as they showcased their achievements in the digital economy.
Cloudflare Announces Date of Investor Day 2025Mason Maggio seems on the brink of securing a contract for the 2025 NASCAR season, as he's been hinting at future moves. When asked about his plans on the social media platform, now named X, Maggio simply replied, "soon". This has sparked excitement and discussions about his next steps in the racing world. The NASCAR community is abuzz with speculation about which team Maggio, a talented young driver, might end up with. Soon. ✍️ Mason Maggio is not your average 19-year-old. Born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, he has been racing since he was 11. His journey began with go-kart racing and quickly expanded to winning multiple championships in various racing series. Over the years, Maggio has competed in everything from Legend cars to the NASCAR Truck Series. In 2022, he made his debut as a rookie in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, followed by a race debut in the Xfinity Series in 2024, gaining invaluable experience with Reaume Brothers Racing and Joey Gase Motorsports. The rumor mill is buzzing with talks of Maggio possibly driving full-time in the Ryan Shane Sieg Racing no. 29 Ford or joining Joey Gase's racing team. Some are also considering his past ties with Floridian Motorsports as a potential factor in his decision-making process. Maggio's past racing involvement certainly plays a part in these speculations, as he's been associated with notable teams, including Floridian Motorsports, where he drove the No. 21 car during the 2024 season. His outstanding record is hard to ignore, and his potential full-time role in 2025 could hugely impact his career and the strategies of the team he chooses. Each team is likely to be eager to harness Maggio's skills and experience. As a driver with a track record of competence and success, Maggio could be the key to a team's successful season. For the 2024 racing season, Maggio's schedule included several vital tracks, such as World Wide Technology Raceway, Gateway, and Nashville Superspeedway. The public is deeply invested in Maggio's career moves, with his next choice being a real turning point for the driver. 2024 Xfinity Series Results
Sobot hosted its annual customer conference in Singapore this December, drawing customers from diverse industries to exchange insights and success stories. At the event, Co-founder and CEO Yi Xu presented Sobot's 2025 service standards, pledging to exceed 'good' service and establish a new benchmark for 'excellent' service within the SaaS sector. Yi Xu emphasized the transformative power of AI in enhancing customer experience while maintaining that impeccable service remains a crucial competitive edge for businesses. Sobot's commitment to superior service is driven by the belief that exceptional service fosters customer loyalty, repeat business, and valuable word-of-mouth recommendations. Data from Gartner confirms 82% of customers are more likely to repurchase when they experience real value, with 77% willing to recommend a company after a positive encounter, providing essential brand advocacy for SaaS firms. Sobot actively involves customer feedback through its annual conference and other channels, reinforcing its dedication to ongoing service refinement. In a standout example shared at the conference, a luxury travel retailer praised Sobot for swiftly implementing a system function upgrade, outperforming the previous provider's response time significantly. CEO Xu reaffirmed Sobot's 'customer-first' philosophy and commitment to continuously evolving service standards. The new service standards include three pillars: product support with an integrated AI-powered platform, personalized human support, and comprehensive operational support through every partnership stage. Sobot's solid customer satisfaction and net promoter scores reflect the company's successful service strategies, yet Xu remains focused on achieving new heights of service excellence. Under Xu's leadership, Sobot continues to redefine industry standards, guided by direct customer feedback and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. (With inputs from agencies.)Pardons for tūpuna, return of sacred sites in historic step for Ngāti HāuaRM1.5mil to set up complaints centreWASHINGTON — On a chaotic day at the Capitol, Maryland Democrats scrambled to ensure Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement funding remained in a catch-all spending bill that — in a two-day period — was endorsed and rejected by House Republicans who announced a new deal Thursday afternoon. The new agreement contained the federal commitment sought by Maryland lawmakers to pay the full cost of replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge following its March collapse, according to a Senate aide who requested anonymity because no announcement had been made yet. But another Maryland priority — making it easier for the NFL’s Washington Commanders to potentially move back to the District of Columbia — is not included in the new package, according to the aide. That provision was part of an agreement under which the team was to pay to redevelop the area surrounding the team’s current Prince George’s County stadium if the club left. Congress faces a Friday night deadline to pass the stopgap measure preventing a government shutdown that would disproportionately affect the state because of its thousands of federal workers. The 1,547-page measure was unveiled by House Republicans Tuesday night and promptly rejected by the GOP Wednesday after a string of critical social media posts by billionaire Elon Musk, an adviser and ally of Republican President-elect Donald Trump. Musk, citing a pay increase for Congress among other objections, called the bill “dead,” and some House Republicans appeared ready to try to unseat Speaker Mike Johnson. “The House Republicans need to get their house in order,” Democratic Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday. “We had an agreement, and a tweet started by Elon Musk shouldn’t cause House Republicans to shake in their boots. We cannot have government by tweet.” Rep. Kweisi Mfume, a Democrat, told The Baltimore Sun the spending package, called a continuing resolution, or CR, “was a good agreement. It still is.” The measure’s rejection, Mfume quipped, “is a good look at what President Musk and Vice President Trump are up to.” But Thursday afternoon, Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, the House Appropriations Committee chair, told reporters a new agreement had been struck. No details were immediately available, and it was uncertain if Democrats had signed off or if enough rank and file Republicans would endorse the bill to secure passage. All of Maryland’s eight U.S. House members and two senators are Democrats except for GOP Rep. Andy Harris, whose district includes Harford County and the Eastern Shore. He did not respond to messages sent to his office on Thursday. The race to keep the government funded came as the offices of retiring lawmakers — such as longtime Baltimore County Democratic Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger — had already been cleared of furniture and equipment so new members could begin preparations to move in. The exit from his Rayburn House Office Building suite — which commands a view of the Capitol — left Ruppersberger, who has held public office for nearly 40 years, working remotely. “We are working around the clock to assist constituents with open casework but are unable to open any new ones without access to our House-issued technology,” said Ruppersberger spokesperson Jaime Lennon. “I’m still calling and emailing constituents.” Sen. Ben Cardin and Maryland Reps. John Sarbanes and David Trone, all Democrats, are also stepping down although Cardin and other senators were not required to pack up yet. Their terms end when the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3. Cardin, who has two weeks remaining in his 18-year Senate career, joked Thursday: “I’m glad to see it’s going to be a typical end to a legislative session.” He and other Maryland lawmakers have pushed for months to ensure a federal commitment to 100% Key Bridge funding. Federal highways are generally funded with 90% federal money and 10% from the affected state. But Marylanders say a 100% federal cost share is consistent with prior federal responses to such disasters. The new bridge cost is estimated at $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion. “I don’t think this is holding up an agreement,” Cardin told The Sun of the bridge funding. “I think we still have the support network.” A government shutdown would be “a devastating blow” to federal workers and others who depend on government services, the nation’s largest union of federal employees said Thursday. Such a hit could have an outsized effect in Maryland, where roughly 160,000 civilian federal workers would be at risk of furlough or working without pay around the holidays. “The prospect of a lengthy government shutdown is nothing short of a Christmas gift to America’s adversaries and a lump of coal in the stockings of the American people,” Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in a statement. The union represents about 30,000 workers in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia. It represents thousands more who work elsewhere but are employed by agencies headquartered in Maryland, like the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A shutdown, Mayor Brandon Scott said Thursday, would affect the Key Bridge “but will also impact the people who live in Baltimore who work for the federal government, and their families’ ability to get food. It will impact people’s ability to get services.” Maryland lawmakers also sought — unsuccessfully, the Senate aide added — to preserve language relating to the Commanders’ potential relocation. The Commanders and Washington elected officials have long expressed interest in the team returning to the RFK Stadium site where it played until moving to Landover in 1997. Because the RFK Stadium site is under federal control, legislation would be needed to allow the land to be developed with a new stadium and other projects. On Wednesday, Musk reposted a message falsely alleging — until it was edited — that the spending package contained billions of dollars for a new Commanders stadium. The measure does not include stadium funding. Maryland lawmakers also hope to preserve language granting its request to receive one of Washington’s two Air National Guard squadrons. The Senate aide that language was not contained in the latest agreement. Maryland has been trying to persuade the Air Force to preserve a flight mission in the state because the military is phasing out its A-10 “Warthog” attack aircraft, and no aircraft was designated to replace them. (Sam Janesch and Carson Swick contributed to this article.) ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will preside over a day of celebrations in Macau and inaugurate the city’s new leader on Friday to mark 25 years since the former colony was returned to China. Macau is regarded by China as a shining example of its “One Country, Two Systems” model, and Xi praised the city as a “pearl in the nation’s palm” at the start of his three-day visit. The Chinese casino hub has grown from a Portuguese trading outpost to the world’s casino capital by gaming revenue and a popular destination for Chinese tourists. When Macau reverted to Chinese rule on December 20, 1999, Beijing promised that the city’s “capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years”. Arriving in the city on Wednesday, Xi lauded Macau’s “world-recognised success” in implementing the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and said the city had a bright future. “Macau is a pearl in the nation’s palm, and I have always kept in my thoughts its development and the welfare of all its people,” Xi said. The Chinese president added that he would use his trip for “extensive and in-depth exchanges with our friends from all places, and discuss plans for Macau’s development”. Friday’s festivities will be centred around the inauguration of Sam Hou-fai, the former president of Macau’s apex court, as the city’s fourth post-handover leader, replacing Ho Iat-seng. Security was tight around the city on Thursday, with roadblocks set up around an event venue and authorities increasing checks on inbound visitors. – Casino hub – Following the end of 442 years of Portuguese rule, Macau’s fortunes have risen in lockstep with China’s economic growth. It is the only place in China where casino gambling is permitted and has long surpassed Las Vegas as the world’s top casino hub, fuelled by two decades of Chinese visitor spending. Macau, which has a resident population of 687,000, saw just over 29 million visitor arrivals in the first 10 months of the year. Its GDP has soared from $6.4 billion in 1999 to more than $47 billion last year, and its population is the richest in China on a per capita basis. Under orders from Beijing to diversify the economy, Macau leaders have proposed fields such as financial services, technology and Chinese medicine as new economic drivers. But as of November, gaming-related taxes still made up 81 percent of government revenue and experts say Macau is years away from weaning itself off casino wealth. Xi on Thursday visited the Macau University of Science and Technology and was “briefed on the development of two state-level key laboratories” that involved Chinese medicine and planetary science, according to state news agency Xinhua. He also visited the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone on Hengqin Island, speaking to residents and people there in charge of planning, construction, management and services, Xinhua reported. Hengqin Island, a landmass adjacent to Macau and three times its size, was partly leased by Beijing to Macau to boost its land supply for non-gaming development. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Day 2: WAFU B African Schools Football ChampionshipAP News Summary at 6:20 p.m. EST
( MENAFN - IANS) Seoul, Dec 30 (IANS) South Korean companies are poised to showcase their advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at CES 2025, the world's largest consumer Electronics and IT trade show, scheduled to open in Las Vegas next week. Not only will major home appliance companies like Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. participate, but other prominent Korean firms, such as SK hynix Inc., SK Telecom Co. and Hyundai Mobis Co., will also unveil cutting-edge innovations. AI is expected to dominate this year's CES, scheduled for January 7-10, at the Las Vegas convention Center under the theme "Dive In,” reports Yonhap news agency. Samsung Electronics, the world's largest mobile phone and memory chipmaker, will present its AI-powered smart home concept, "AI for All: Connectivity in the Age of AI." The company plans to introduce its latest home appliance lineup, including the new Bespoke refrigerator, washer and dryer, all integrated with its AI-driven SmartThings connectivity, enabling seamless integration and remote monitoring of its devices. In addition, Samsung will preview its first air-to-water heat pump lineup for the North American market at CES 2025, aiming to expand its footprint in the growing U.S. heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector. Currently available in Europe under the Eco Heating System (EHS) brand, these energy-efficient systems use ambient air heat for heating and hot water. Affiliates of Samsung Electronics -- Samsung SDS Co. and Samsung Display Co. -- will have separate booths to showcase their innovations to potential global clients. LG Electronics, which has been expanding its business portfolio to business-to-business segments, including automotive electronics and air solutions businesses, will also spotlight its latest AI-powered technologies. The company will host an interactive space featuring its in-cabin sensing solutions, designed to detect driver behavior and the interior conditions of vehicles. Visitors can experience a driving simulator that monitors not only their motions but also emotions, as well as heart rates, to provide alerts in case of emergencies. Additionally, LG will display its AI-powered refrigerators and dishwashers, further demonstrating its commitment to smart home solutions. SK Telecom and SK hynix will share a booth to present their efforts in AI data centres and chips. SK Telecom will feature a 6-meter LED pillar at the centre of its exhibit, highlighting four AI data centre solutions: energy, AI, operations and security. The company will also showcase its AI assistant, aster, slated for launch in the North American market next year, and announce its service plans. SK hynix, a leader in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) sector, will show off its 16-layer HBM3E chips, currently the most advanced HBM products available in the world. Hyundai Mobis Co., an auto parts-making affiliate of South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Group, also plans to join the upcoming CES to showcase its cutting-edge technologies, including its holographic windshield display and human-centric interior lighting system. -IANS na/ MENAFN29122024000231011071ID1109040227 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.
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. FCT, Abuja - Bishop David Abioye, the former vice president of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), had his first crusade after retirement at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The programme with the theme, "Revive Us Again" took place on Saturday, November 23. Highlights of the first weekend of the programme have emerged in short videos. Bishop Abioye via his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) @BishopDOAbioye, commented about the programme. PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! “The Hour of Revival was a powerful reminder of the importance of worship, and the impact it can have on our lives. “We’re always blessed when we come together to seek God’s revival in our hearts and lives.” In another tweet, he wrote: “At the Hour of Revival, we prayed for rejuvenation and transformation. Read also What would have happened had Peter Obi won 2023 election, Abaribe explains It was a heartfelt time of seeking God's presence and power. “We believe God for a move that will transform our lives, our community, and our nation.” He added that: “Thank You, Jesus, for the rain of revival that began on Saturday. “We have cried unto You in prayers, and we’re confident that You have answered us.” Abioye announces "next chapter" after leaving Oyedepo's church Legit.ng earlier reported that Abioye said the wait is over as he is ready to announce the next chapter of his life and ministry. Abioye retired from the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in October 2024 due to the new age of retirement in the ministry. According to the statement, the next chapter will be disclosed on the David Abioye Channel on YouTube on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, by 6am. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng
Australia news LIVE: PM believes synagogue firebombing was act of terrorism; New polls spell trouble for LaborOusted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside of a hotel in Manhattan. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. 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.
US troops in Syria to prevent Islamic State resurgenceSEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) announced today that Scott Schenkel has been appointed as Expedia Group’s Chief Financial Officer, effective the day after Expedia Group files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (which is expected to be on or about February 7, 2025). As previously announced, Julie Whalen will remain in the CFO role through February to ensure a smooth transition. As CFO, Mr. Schenkel will be responsible for leading Expedia Group’s global finance organization and will be based in Seattle, reporting directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ariane Gorin. Mr. Schenkel has more than 30 years of global business and financial leadership expertise across e-commerce, healthcare, and technology businesses. As an operationally focused CFO, his experience spans company, business unit and functional leadership with extensive knowledge in financial planning, analytics, strategy, audit, mergers and acquisitions, integration, and process improvement. “Scott joins Expedia Group with extensive financial leadership experience across global businesses, particularly in e-commerce,” said Ariane Gorin, Chief Executive Officer, Expedia Group. “His expertise, operational acumen, and strategic insight will be instrumental as we strengthen our position as a global leader in travel. I look forward to working with Scott to drive our strategic goals forward. I also want to thank Julie for her significant contributions and dedication during her tenure as CFO, as well as for ensuring a smooth transition to Scott.” “I’m honored to join Expedia Group and excited about the opportunity to contribute to such an innovative and dynamic company,” said Scott Schenkel. “I look forward to collaborating with Ariane and the team to drive financial excellence and support the company’s mission of powering global travel experiences.” About Scott Schenkel Mr. Schenkel most recently served as the Interim CEO of eBay Inc. from September 2019 through April 2020 and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2015 to 2019. Prior to the eBay CFO role, he spent six years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of eBay Marketplace, having originally joined eBay in 2007 as Vice President of Global Financial Planning and Analytics. Prior to eBay, Mr. Schenkel spent nearly 17 years at General Electric Company in a variety of financial leadership roles. About Expedia Group Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Expedia Group’s three flagship consumer brands include: Expedia®, Hotels.com ®, and Vrbo®. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements regarding Expedia Group’s CFO transition. These statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "continue," "expect," "future," "position," "strategy," "will," and variations of such words and similar phrases. Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings. Expedia Group assumes no obligation to update the information contained herein unless required by applicable law. Please refer to Expedia Group’s reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. For more information, visit www.expediagroup.com . Follow us on X @expediagroup and check out our LinkedIn. © 2024 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. CST: 2029030-50 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219878769/en/ press@expedia.com KEYWORD: WASHINGTON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRANSPORTATION LODGING ONLINE RETAIL DESTINATIONS TECHNOLOGY VACATION TRAVEL ELECTRONIC COMMERCE RETAIL INTERNET OTHER TRAVEL SOURCE: Expedia Group, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 04:10 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 04:10 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219878769/en
NoneTAMPA, Fla.—A Florida engineer was given a four-year prison term for helping the Chinese regime collect intelligence on Chinese dissidents, such as practitioners of the persecuted faith Falun Gong. The man, Li Ping, is a naturalized U.S. citizen who had worked for Verizon for 30 years. He had acted on behalf of a Chinese intelligence official in the United States for more than a decade, according to court filings. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday also granted prosecutors’ request for a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. “It’s bitterly disappointing and upsetting to American citizens” that someone would come from a foreign country that’s a hostile power, take advantage of things such as the U.S. public school system, and then work with that hostile power, Merryday said at the hearing. Li’s lawyer, Daniel Fernandez, in part, blamed the Chinese intelligence official for using Li for the illegal acts, saying that his client felt “betrayed.” Li attended high school and college in China before coming to the United States three decades ago. While in high school, he befriended a student who later became a Ministry of State Security officer, according to a filing that his lawyer submitted. The two kept in touch over the years and met whenever Li visited his family in China. The officer, along with others from the ministry, took care of Li’s mother at his request. Through the officer, Li became acquainted with a second officer from the ministry, a connection that led to requests that crossed the legal line, according to court documents. One of his earliest tasks involved tracking a lawsuit that Falun Gong practitioners planned to mount against Chinese state officials. Six days later, in August 2012, Li wrote back thanking the officer for his help during Li’s China trip a month prior, then shared biographical details of a lawyer in St. Petersburg, Florida, who had written for a Falun Gong-related blog, prosecutors said. Li told the officer that the attorney had lent his wife Falun Gong books, the filings state. Prosecutors noted that Falun Gong practitioners “both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC [People’s Republic of China] government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government.” In the following two years, Li supplied information about two Israeli authors of a Falun Gong children’s book and a Falun Gong practitioner in California who had protested in the state’s Chinese Consulate. The officers also sought training applications that Verizon used for new employees, publicly available information regarding several politicians, and surveillance and hacking technologies, court filings show. Prosecutors said the Chinese intelligence officials also asked Li about the U.S. government’s wiretapping capabilities, telling him they needed the information to learn how to bypass U.S. companies’ cybersecurity defenses. One of the most recent instances cited was dated in June 2022. But even if Li could find the information through open source, the prosecutors said, it was nevertheless valuable given the internet restrictions in China. Further, Li’s Chinese handlers “simply may not understand how to find property, vehicle, or other information about U.S. persons,” they wrote in a memo that described Li’s actions as a “willful, decade-long criminal conduct.” As a “cooperative contact,” they wrote, Li had “aided Chinese intelligence services in both undermining the United States and suppressing political dissent.” The judge at the hearing sided with prosecutors in issuing a heavier sentence to deter future would-be actors. Li, who has a net worth of around $5.5 million with 12 rental properties and more than $30,000 in passive income each month, had made a calculation in doing what he did, and the exact consequences are still not known, Merryday said. He made the analogy of “shooting into a crowd of people but turning your head away when pulling the trigger.” “It’s astounding that you did this at all,” Merryday said. Li’s lawyer, after the hearing, said the outcome was “disappointing” but that he was “not surprised.” “I can’t defend his conduct,” he told The Epoch Times, but he insisted that Li hadn’t transmitted anything significantly harmful. The prosecutors rejected the argument. The Chinese authorities are using a “death by 1,000 cuts approach” against the United States, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Marcet said at the hearing. The Chinese regime “is not going to show all its cards,” he said, but Li was a small piece of the puzzle—he was playing a part. Merryday has ordered Li to voluntarily surrender himself to the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Florida’s Sumter County by Jan. 8, 2025. The fine is due immediately.without a care in the world is the best way to ring in 2025. or signup to continue reading But if you need something, . Here are the opening hours for major stores, supermarkets and bottleshops in each Australian state and territory so you're well-stocked to greet the new year. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24-hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24-hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Stores in Firle, Tea Tree, Munno Para, Ingle Farm, Kurralta Park, West Lakes, Port Noarlunga, Marion and Churchill are closed on New Year's Day. Adelaide metro stores are open on New Year's Eve but close on New Year's Day. Adelaide's Rundle Place supermarket is the exception, opening from 11am to 5pm. Supermarkets in Berri, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge Green, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Victor Harbor and Whyalla are open from 8am to 8pm on New Year's Day. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All regional Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. However the Millicent store and metropolitan stores are closed on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Some stores in SA will close on 1 January 2025. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. However the Northam store is closed on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Most Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Stores in Byford, Belmont, Trinity, Raine Square, Erskine, Altone Park, Bunbury, Gosnells and Geraldton Bluff Point are closed on New Year's Day. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and from 8am to 8pm on New Year's Day. However the Gove store opens at 9am and closes at 5pm on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles in Goondiwindi, Mt Isa and Ayr are closed on December 29, the supermarket said. Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Stores in Milton Village and Red Hill are closed on New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Most Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. The Red Hill and Milton Village shops are closed on New Year's Day. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. 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TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Libyan military officials said Monday they apprehended hundreds of migrants traversing the country’s vast desert hoping to ultimately cross the Mediterranean Sea in pursuit of a better life in Europe. The 444 Brigade, a powerful militia group that operates under the auspices of the Libyan army, said in a statement that its patrolling commanders detained more than 300 migrants and referred them to authorities. The group in a post on Facebook condemned smuggling and human trafficking and said its patrols would continue efforts to block smuggling routes. It posted satellite images of the desert and pictures of what appeared to be migrants sitting in rows in front of armed and masked militants. The apprehensions come as Libya remains a primary point of departure for men, women and children from the Middle East and Africa aiming to reach Europe. Many are escaping war or poverty and many employ smugglers to help them negotiate treacherous deserts and sea routes. Roughly 38,000 people have arrived in Italy and Malta from Libya this year, according to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. The overcrowded boats used by migrants and smugglers are known to routinely capsize and a key priority for European leaders has been to encourage North African countries to prevent migrants from reaching the sea. But unlike in Morocco and Tunisia — where tens of thousands of migrants also attempt to pass through en route to the southern shores of Europe — fighting between rival governments in Libya has added additional challenges to migration management partnerships. Migrant apprehensions are rarely reported in Libya, though the country’s state news service LANA reported more than 2,000 arrests in July. The oil-rich country plunged into turmoil after a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since then, the country has been divided between dueling governments in the east and west, each backed by militias and foreign powers. Human traffickers have for years benefited from the political chaos. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in July said migrants in the country had been subjected to torture, forced labor and starvation while being detained.Prosecutors play undercover recordings of Madigan at former speaker’s corruption trial
NoneMADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid conceded three goals in a Spanish league game for the first time this season but still managed to beat Sevilla 4-3 on Sunday with Antoine Griezmann's double helping to make it nine wins in a row for Diego Simeone’s in-form side. Third-place Madrid restored its three-point lead over fourth-place Athletic Bilbao, which beat Villarreal earlier Sunday. Rodrigo De Paul gave Atletico the perfect start when he lashed home a stunning opener in the 10th minute. However, goals from Dodi Lukébakio, Isaac Romero and Juanlu Sanchez put Sevilla 3-1 up early in the second half and Atletico, without the vocal support of some home fans in a dispute over tickets, seemed lost in an unusually quiet at Metropolitano Stadium. Simeone’s side, though, is known for its resilience and it was not long before the fightback began. Griezmann reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute and 17 minutes later, after Simeone made five substitutions in a quarter of an hour, Samuel Lino got the equalizer with a low shot from 30 yards. Griezmann himself got the winner in stoppage time to consolidate Atletico’s third place. The Madrid club now has 35 points, one behind city rival Real and three behind league leader Barcelona. “We struggled to get into the game,” Griezmann said. “We missed the support of the fans behind the goal. But in the end we managed to come back.” Fourth-place Bilbao beats Villarreal Athletic Bilbao consolidated fourth place with a comfortable 2-0 win over Villarreal, the team immediately below it in the table and one of its closest rivals for a Champions League spot. Aitor Paredes put Athletic ahead when he glanced home a corner kick in 14 minutes and Iñaki Williams made it 2-0 midway through the second half. It was the fourth consecutive league win for Athletic but the victory was marred by a silent protest from an organized fan group. The group refused to sing or chant in response to a rift between it and the club president, who reported threats to police earlier in the week. Several Athletic players expressed solidarity with the president and the team did not salute the fans behind the goal after the match. “It’s a very sad win and a time for everyone to pull together,” club captain Óscar De Marcos said in comments reported by newspaper Marca. “The silence was notable during the game but we need to keep doing our job.” Earlier Sunday, Real Sociedad won for the fourth time in a row, beating Leganes 3-0 at the Butarque stadium near Madrid. Three days after his extra-time goal gave Sociedad a 1-0 win at fourth-tier Conquense in the Copa del Rey, Brais Méndez scored again to give the visitors an early lead. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea’s first goal of the league season doubled its lead 10 minutes from time and then Mikel Oyarzabal added a third in stoppage time. It was only the fourth time in 16 matches that Sociedad has scored twice in a league game and the win lifted it into sixth, above Osasuna, which drew 2-2 with Alaves. Alaves took only 37 seconds for Kike Garcia to put the team ahead with a diving header. However, Ante Budimir and Rubén García scored early in the second half to put Osasuna in front before Kike Garcia got his second of the game to tie the scores at 2-2. The point was the first for new Alaves coach Eduardo Coudet but still leaves it in 15th place without a win in five games. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Complete guide to what's open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 2025UVALDE, Texas (AP) — A Texas judge on Thursday refused to throw out criminal charges accusing the former Uvalde schools police chief of putting children at risk during the slow response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, while a lawyer for his co-defendant said they want to move the upcoming trial out of the small town where the massacre occurred. At a court hearing in Uvalde, Judge Sid Harle rejected Pete Arredondo's claim that was he improperly charged and that only the shooter was responsible for putting the victims in danger. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in the shooting on May 24, 2022. Harle also set an Oct. 20, 2025, trial date. An attorney for Arredondo's co-defendant, former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzales, said he will ask for the trial to be moved out of Uvalde because his client cannot get a fair trial there. Uvalde County is mostly rural with fewer than 25,000 residents about 85 miles (140 kilometers) west of San Antonio. “Everybody knows everybody,” in Uvalde, Gonzales attorney Nico LaHood said. Both former officers attended the hearing. Nearly 400 law enforcement agents rushed to the school but waited more than 70 minutes to confront and kill the gunman in a fourth-grade classroom. Arredondo and Gonzales are the only two officers facing charges — a fact that has raised complaints from some victims' families. Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of abandoning or endangering a child, each of which carry punishment of up to two years in jail. Gonzales has not asked the judge to dismiss his charges. A federal investigation of the shooting identified Arredondo as the incident commander in charge, although he has argued that state police should have set up a command post outside the school and taken control. Gonzales was among the first officers to arrive on the scene. He was accused of abandoning his training and not confronting the shooter, even after hearing gunshots as he stood in a hallway. Arredondo has said he was scapegoated for the halting police response. The indictment alleges he did not follow his active shooter training and made critical decisions that slowed the police response while the gunman was “hunting” his victims. It alleges that instead of confronting the gunman immediately, Arredondo caused delays by telling officers to evacuate a hallway to wait for a SWAT team, evacuating students from other areas of the building first, and trying to negotiate with the shooter while victims inside the classroom were wounded and dying. Arredondo’s attorneys say the danger that day was not caused by him, but by the shooter. They argued Arredondo was blamed for trying to save the lives of the other children in the building, and have warned that prosecuting him would open many future law enforcement actions to similar charges. “Arredondo did nothing to put those children in the path of a gunman,” said Arredondo attorney Matthew Hefti. Uvalde County prosecutors told the judge Arredondo acted recklessly. Story continues below video “The state has alleged he is absolutely aware of the danger of the children,” said assistant district attorney Bill Turner. Jesse Rizo, the uncle of 9-year-old Jacklyn Cazares who was killed in the shooting, was one of several family members of victims at the hearing. “To me, it’s hurtful and painful to hear Arredondo’s attorneys try to persuade the judge to get the charges dismissed,” Rizo said. He called the wait for a trial exhausting and questioned whether moving the trial would help the defense. “The longer it takes, the longer the agony,” Rizo said. “I think what’s happened in Uvalde ... you’ll probably get a better chance at conviction if it’s moved. To hold their own accountable is going to be very difficult.” The massacre at Robb Elementary was one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history, and the law enforcement response has been widely condemned as a massive failure. Nearly 150 U.S. Border Patrol agents, 91 state police officers, as well and school and city police rushed to the campus. While terrified students and teachers called 911 from inside classrooms, dozens of officers stood in the hallway trying to figure out what to do. More than an hour later, a team of officers breached the classroom and killed the gunman. Within days of the shooting, the focus of the slow response turned on Arredondo, who was described by other responding agencies as the incident commander in charge. Multiple federal and state investigations have laid bare cascading problems in law enforcement training, communication, leadership and technology, and questioned whether officers prioritized their own lives over those of children and teachers. Several victims or their families have filed multiple state and federal lawsuits. Associated Press reporter Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, contributed. Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid conceded three goals in a Spanish league game for the first time this season but still managed to beat Sevilla 4-3 on Sunday with Antoine Griezmann's double helping to make it nine wins in a row for Diego Simeone’s in-form side. Third-place Madrid restored its three-point lead over fourth-place Athletic Bilbao, which beat Villarreal earlier Sunday. Rodrigo De Paul gave Atletico the perfect start when he lashed home a stunning opener in the 10th minute. However, goals from Dodi Lukébakio, Isaac Romero and Juanlu Sanchez put Sevilla 3-1 up early in the second half and Atletico, without the vocal support of some home fans in a dispute over tickets, seemed lost in an unusually quiet at Metropolitano Stadium. Simeone’s side, though, is known for its resilience and it was not long before the fightback began. Griezmann reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute and 17 minutes later, after Simeone made five substitutions in a quarter of an hour, Samuel Lino got the equalizer with a low shot from 30 yards. Griezmann himself got the winner in stoppage time to consolidate Atletico’s third place. The Madrid club now has 35 points, one behind city rival Real and three behind league leader Barcelona. “We struggled to get into the game,” Griezmann said. “We missed the support of the fans behind the goal. But in the end we managed to come back.” Athletic Bilbao consolidated fourth place with a comfortable 2-0 win over Villarreal, the team immediately below it in the table and one of its closest rivals for a Champions League spot. Aitor Paredes put Athletic ahead when he glanced home a corner kick in 14 minutes and Iñaki Williams made it 2-0 midway through the second half. It was the fourth consecutive league win for Athletic but the victory was marred by a silent protest from an organized fan group. The group refused to sing or chant in response to a rift between it and the club president, who reported threats to police earlier in the week. Several Athletic players expressed solidarity with the president and the team did not salute the fans behind the goal after the match. “It’s a very sad win and a time for everyone to pull together,” club captain Óscar De Marcos said in comments reported by newspaper Marca. “The silence was notable during the game but we need to keep doing our job.” Earlier Sunday, Real Sociedad won for the fourth time in a row, beating Leganes 3-0 at the Butarque stadium near Madrid. Three days after his extra-time goal gave Sociedad a 1-0 win at fourth-tier Conquense in the Copa del Rey, Brais Méndez scored again to give the visitors an early lead. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea’s first goal of the league season doubled its lead 10 minutes from time and then Mikel Oyarzabal added a third in stoppage time. It was only the fourth time in 16 matches that Sociedad has scored twice in a league game and the win lifted it into sixth, above Osasuna, which drew 2-2 with Alaves. Alaves took only 37 seconds for Kike Garcia to put the team ahead with a diving header. However, Ante Budimir and Rubén García scored early in the second half to put Osasuna in front before Kike Garcia got his second of the game to tie the scores at 2-2. The point was the first for new Alaves coach Eduardo Coudet but still leaves it in 15th place without a win in five games. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerNEW YORK (AP) — An early rebound for U.S. stocks petered out by the end of the day, leaving indexes close to flat. The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% Thursday, coming off one of its worst days of the year after the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates in 2025 than earlier thought. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.1%. Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market following reports showing the U.S. economy may be stronger than expected, but manufacturing may be contracting again. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are stabilizing Thursday following one of their worst days of the year . The S&P 500 rose 0.2% in late trading, a day after tumbling 2.9% when the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than earlier thought. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 136 points, or 0.3%, with less than an hour remaining in trading, following Wednesday’s drop of more than 1,100 points. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. Wednesday’s drop took some of the enthusiasm out of the market, which critics had already been warning was overly buoyant and would need everything to go correctly for it to justify its high prices. But indexes remain near their records , and the S&P 500 is still on track for one of its best years of the millennium . Traders are now expecting the Federal Reserve to deliver just one or maybe two cuts to interest rates next year, according to data from CME Group. Some are even betting on none. A month ago, the majority saw at least two cuts in 2025 as a safe bet. Wall Street loves lower interest rates because they give the economy a boost and goose prices for investments, but they can also provide fuel for inflation. Darden Restaurants, the company behind Olive Garden and other chains, helped lift the market after leaping 15.1%. It delivered profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations. The operator of LongHorn Steakhouses also gave a forecast for revenue for this fiscal year that topped analysts’. Accenture rose 6.7% after the professional services company likewise topped expectations for profit in the latest quarter. CEO Julie Sweet said it saw growth around the world, and the company raised its forecast for revenue this fiscal year. Amazon shares added 1.8%, even as workers at seven of its facilities went on strike Thursday in the middle of the online retail giant’s busiest time of the year. Amazon says it doesn’t expect an impact on its operations during what the workers’ union calls the largest strike against the company in U.S. history. They helped offset a tumble for Micron Technology, which fell 16.7% despite reporting stronger profit than expected. The computer memory company’s revenue fell short of Wall Street’s forecasts, and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said it expects demand from consumers to remain weaker in the near term. It gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that fell well short of what analysts were thinking. Lamb Weston, which makes French fries and other potato products, dropped 22.6% after falling short of analysts’ expectations for profit and revenue in the latest quarter. It also cut its financial targets for the fiscal year, saying demand for frozen potatoes is continuing to soften, particularly outside North America. The company replaced its chief executive. In the bond market, yields were mixed a day after shooting higher on expectations that the Fed would deliver fewer cuts to rates in 2025. Reports on the U.S. economy came in mixed. One showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The economy has remained remarkably resilient even though the Fed held its main interest rate at a two-decade high for a while before beginning to cut them in September. A separate report showed fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, an indication that the job market also remains solid. But a third report said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is unexpectedly contracting again despite economists’ expectations for growth. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.57% from 4.52% late Wednesday and from less than 4.20% earlier this month. But the two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for action by the Fed in the near term, eased back to 4.31% from 4.35%. The rise in longer-term yields has put pressure on the housing market by keeping mortgage rates higher. Homebuilder Lennar fell 4.8% after it reported weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Stuart Miller said that “the housing market that appeared to be improving as the Fed cut short-term interest rates, proved to be far more challenging as mortgage rates rose” through the quarter. “Even while demand remained strong, and the chronic supply shortage continued to drive the market, our results were driven by affordability limitations from higher interest rates,” he said. A report on Thursday may have offered some encouragement for the housing industry. It showed a pickup in sales of previously occupied homes. In stock markets abroad, London’s FTSE 100 fell 1.1% after the Bank of England paused its cuts to rates and kept its main interest rate unchanged on Thursday. The move comes as inflation there moved further above the central bank’s 2% target rate, while the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of Japan also kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, and Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.7%. Indexes likewise sank across much of the rest of Asia and Europe. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ZETA) resulting from allegations that Zeta Global may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Zeta Global securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31333 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On November 13, 2024 , Culper Research published a report entitled "Zeta Global Holdings Corp ZETA: Shams, Scams, and Spam." (the "Report"). The Report raised concerns about the company's reported financials. In addition, Culper Research announced that it believed that "Zeta has quietly spun up its own network of consent farms i.e., sham websites that hoodwink millions of consumers each month into handing their data over to Zeta under false pretenses, baited by job applications, stimulus money, or other rewards that simply do not exist." On this news, Zeta Global's stock price fell 37.1% on November 13, 2024 . Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rosen-law-firm-encourages-zeta-global-holdings-corp-investors-to-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation--zeta-302314487.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.The idea should be politically disqualifying: Imposing tariffs on imports raises prices paid by American consumers and businesses. No politician should be able to tell voters he’ll raise their costs, and receive their blessing. Yet Donald Trump does. He campaigned in the 2024 presidential race by promising aggressive new levies on imports from basically everywhere and won a convincing electoral college victory. Voters don’t seem to think Trump’s tariffs will harm them. Trump is now moving fast to put his tariffs into place once he takes office in January. He says one of his first-day priorities will be slapping a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a new 10% levy on goods from China. Those are America’s top three trading partners , and they ship about $1.3 trillion in goods to the United States each year. If those taxes go into effect, they’d raise the cost of those imports by about $236 billion. Most economists say across-the-board tariffs impede efficiency , depress growth , and kill jobs . The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates Trump’s full tariff plan would cost the typical household $2,600 per year in higher costs . Voters say, meh. Why the disconnect? Three reasons. First, tariffs are confusing. A recent Morning Consult poll asked voters about their views on tariffs and found that many people don’t even know what they are, exactly. Only 25% correctly said a tariff is a fee a US company pays to the US government to import a product. Sixty percent incorrectly said the foreign company or the foreign government pays the fee, and 15% said they don’t know. So most Americans mistakenly think somebody other than Americans pays the tariffs. Read more: How do tariffs work, and who really pays them? Yet 56% of Americans think US companies and consumers bear the majority of the costs imposed by tariffs. And they’re split on whether tariffs would be good or bad for the US economy. Thirty-eight percent think a 20% tariff would be good for the economy, while 41% think it would be bad, and 21% don’t know. The overall picture is that Americans have a poor understanding of tariffs and, not surprisingly, are conflicted about what they’re likely to accomplish. Second, Americans don’t feel like Trump’s tariffs caused any harm during his first term, when he placed new taxes on steel and aluminum imports and about half of all imports from China. Those tariffs did cause limited harm by raising costs to some US producers. But that came at a relatively benign time for the economy, when inflation was low and the massive COVID-era supply chain disruptions hadn’t happened yet. Trump also crafted those first-term tariffs in a way that raised the cost of intermediate goods, such as components, while keeping finished retail products off the list. Producers saw the price hikes but managed workarounds — such as getting components from Vietnam instead of China — that limited the impact felt by final purchasers, aka American shoppers. There was one exception: washing machines. Trump placed a 20% tariff on imported washing machines, which promptly raised the price of laundry equipment by 12% and boosted the profits of manufacturers. That’s a template for what’s likely to happen in Trump’s second term if he directly tariffs finished consumer goods. Third, Trump tends to threaten much larger tariffs than he actually imposes. When running for president in 2016, for instance, he said he might impose a 45% tariff on all Chinese imports. As president, however, he levied tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 25% on just half of Chinese imports, while exempting most finished consumer products. Trump watchers now understand that he threatens tariffs as a negotiating tactic. “While Trump is the 'Tariff Man' and will be willing to see through these proposals, we also see him as prepared and willing to back down in exchange for key policy concessions,” financial firm Raymond James explained in a Nov. 25 analysis. “The announcement of the tariffs — almost two months before Trump is sworn into office — should be viewed as a play to bring Mexico, Canada, and China to the negotiating table fairly early on." Trump wants China to crack down on illegal fentanyl shipments to the United States. He wants Mexico to do the same and also get better control of migrants passing through the country as they try to cross the US southwest border. It’s not clear what he wants from Canada, but he’ll assuredly come up with something. Economists versed in the unhappy history of tariffs worry that Trump will overplay his hand and tank the US economy. To many Americans, however, tariffs are an arcane concept that Trump uses to heckle adversaries with little impact on everyday life. If we’re lucky, it’ll stay that way. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance . Follow him on Twitter at @rickjnewman . Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices . Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Gisele Bündchen & Ex Tom Brady Share Birthday Tributes to Son BenjaminOgun State has emerged as the Best Overall Performing State in Digital Technology Development. This is the result of the collaborations between the State Government and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals, as well as startups, towards advancing the digital economy. Previously, the State received several awards in the sector, including the Most Digitally Compliant State in 2023 by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Best State in e-Governance Implementation Category by the National Council on Communications & Digital Economy (NCCDE), amongst others. Speaking while presenting the award at the 12th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE), held in Makurdi, Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Lormem Alia commended Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration in digitalization and tech entrepreneurship, which has positioned the state as the best among other states. He noted that the award was a testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Abiodun and called for more synergy between ICT professionals and governments at all levels to enable the country to attain a maximal level of information technology. Receiving the award on behalf of the Ogun State government, Special Adviser on ICT, Dayo Abiodun, attributed the feat to the digital initiatives of Governor Abiodun towards digitalizing the state through various training programs for the citizenry, especially the youth. The Special Adviser, who was represented by a Program Analyst from the Ogun State Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), Ridwan Odufowora, stated that the award would spur the state government to show more commitment towards harnessing the prospects of emerging digital innovations for the development of the state. The Council Meeting was an annual event aimed at strategizing on advancements in communications, fostering innovations, and promoting growth in the digital economy. In attendance were all the states of the federation, as they showcased their achievements in the digital economy.
Cloudflare Announces Date of Investor Day 2025Mason Maggio seems on the brink of securing a contract for the 2025 NASCAR season, as he's been hinting at future moves. When asked about his plans on the social media platform, now named X, Maggio simply replied, "soon". This has sparked excitement and discussions about his next steps in the racing world. The NASCAR community is abuzz with speculation about which team Maggio, a talented young driver, might end up with. Soon. ✍️ Mason Maggio is not your average 19-year-old. Born in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, he has been racing since he was 11. His journey began with go-kart racing and quickly expanded to winning multiple championships in various racing series. Over the years, Maggio has competed in everything from Legend cars to the NASCAR Truck Series. In 2022, he made his debut as a rookie in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, followed by a race debut in the Xfinity Series in 2024, gaining invaluable experience with Reaume Brothers Racing and Joey Gase Motorsports. The rumor mill is buzzing with talks of Maggio possibly driving full-time in the Ryan Shane Sieg Racing no. 29 Ford or joining Joey Gase's racing team. Some are also considering his past ties with Floridian Motorsports as a potential factor in his decision-making process. Maggio's past racing involvement certainly plays a part in these speculations, as he's been associated with notable teams, including Floridian Motorsports, where he drove the No. 21 car during the 2024 season. His outstanding record is hard to ignore, and his potential full-time role in 2025 could hugely impact his career and the strategies of the team he chooses. Each team is likely to be eager to harness Maggio's skills and experience. As a driver with a track record of competence and success, Maggio could be the key to a team's successful season. For the 2024 racing season, Maggio's schedule included several vital tracks, such as World Wide Technology Raceway, Gateway, and Nashville Superspeedway. The public is deeply invested in Maggio's career moves, with his next choice being a real turning point for the driver. 2024 Xfinity Series Results
Sobot hosted its annual customer conference in Singapore this December, drawing customers from diverse industries to exchange insights and success stories. At the event, Co-founder and CEO Yi Xu presented Sobot's 2025 service standards, pledging to exceed 'good' service and establish a new benchmark for 'excellent' service within the SaaS sector. Yi Xu emphasized the transformative power of AI in enhancing customer experience while maintaining that impeccable service remains a crucial competitive edge for businesses. Sobot's commitment to superior service is driven by the belief that exceptional service fosters customer loyalty, repeat business, and valuable word-of-mouth recommendations. Data from Gartner confirms 82% of customers are more likely to repurchase when they experience real value, with 77% willing to recommend a company after a positive encounter, providing essential brand advocacy for SaaS firms. Sobot actively involves customer feedback through its annual conference and other channels, reinforcing its dedication to ongoing service refinement. In a standout example shared at the conference, a luxury travel retailer praised Sobot for swiftly implementing a system function upgrade, outperforming the previous provider's response time significantly. CEO Xu reaffirmed Sobot's 'customer-first' philosophy and commitment to continuously evolving service standards. The new service standards include three pillars: product support with an integrated AI-powered platform, personalized human support, and comprehensive operational support through every partnership stage. Sobot's solid customer satisfaction and net promoter scores reflect the company's successful service strategies, yet Xu remains focused on achieving new heights of service excellence. Under Xu's leadership, Sobot continues to redefine industry standards, guided by direct customer feedback and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. (With inputs from agencies.)Pardons for tūpuna, return of sacred sites in historic step for Ngāti HāuaRM1.5mil to set up complaints centreWASHINGTON — On a chaotic day at the Capitol, Maryland Democrats scrambled to ensure Francis Scott Key Bridge replacement funding remained in a catch-all spending bill that — in a two-day period — was endorsed and rejected by House Republicans who announced a new deal Thursday afternoon. The new agreement contained the federal commitment sought by Maryland lawmakers to pay the full cost of replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge following its March collapse, according to a Senate aide who requested anonymity because no announcement had been made yet. But another Maryland priority — making it easier for the NFL’s Washington Commanders to potentially move back to the District of Columbia — is not included in the new package, according to the aide. That provision was part of an agreement under which the team was to pay to redevelop the area surrounding the team’s current Prince George’s County stadium if the club left. Congress faces a Friday night deadline to pass the stopgap measure preventing a government shutdown that would disproportionately affect the state because of its thousands of federal workers. The 1,547-page measure was unveiled by House Republicans Tuesday night and promptly rejected by the GOP Wednesday after a string of critical social media posts by billionaire Elon Musk, an adviser and ally of Republican President-elect Donald Trump. Musk, citing a pay increase for Congress among other objections, called the bill “dead,” and some House Republicans appeared ready to try to unseat Speaker Mike Johnson. “The House Republicans need to get their house in order,” Democratic Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday. “We had an agreement, and a tweet started by Elon Musk shouldn’t cause House Republicans to shake in their boots. We cannot have government by tweet.” Rep. Kweisi Mfume, a Democrat, told The Baltimore Sun the spending package, called a continuing resolution, or CR, “was a good agreement. It still is.” The measure’s rejection, Mfume quipped, “is a good look at what President Musk and Vice President Trump are up to.” But Thursday afternoon, Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, the House Appropriations Committee chair, told reporters a new agreement had been struck. No details were immediately available, and it was uncertain if Democrats had signed off or if enough rank and file Republicans would endorse the bill to secure passage. All of Maryland’s eight U.S. House members and two senators are Democrats except for GOP Rep. Andy Harris, whose district includes Harford County and the Eastern Shore. He did not respond to messages sent to his office on Thursday. The race to keep the government funded came as the offices of retiring lawmakers — such as longtime Baltimore County Democratic Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger — had already been cleared of furniture and equipment so new members could begin preparations to move in. The exit from his Rayburn House Office Building suite — which commands a view of the Capitol — left Ruppersberger, who has held public office for nearly 40 years, working remotely. “We are working around the clock to assist constituents with open casework but are unable to open any new ones without access to our House-issued technology,” said Ruppersberger spokesperson Jaime Lennon. “I’m still calling and emailing constituents.” Sen. Ben Cardin and Maryland Reps. John Sarbanes and David Trone, all Democrats, are also stepping down although Cardin and other senators were not required to pack up yet. Their terms end when the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3. Cardin, who has two weeks remaining in his 18-year Senate career, joked Thursday: “I’m glad to see it’s going to be a typical end to a legislative session.” He and other Maryland lawmakers have pushed for months to ensure a federal commitment to 100% Key Bridge funding. Federal highways are generally funded with 90% federal money and 10% from the affected state. But Marylanders say a 100% federal cost share is consistent with prior federal responses to such disasters. The new bridge cost is estimated at $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion. “I don’t think this is holding up an agreement,” Cardin told The Sun of the bridge funding. “I think we still have the support network.” A government shutdown would be “a devastating blow” to federal workers and others who depend on government services, the nation’s largest union of federal employees said Thursday. Such a hit could have an outsized effect in Maryland, where roughly 160,000 civilian federal workers would be at risk of furlough or working without pay around the holidays. “The prospect of a lengthy government shutdown is nothing short of a Christmas gift to America’s adversaries and a lump of coal in the stockings of the American people,” Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said in a statement. The union represents about 30,000 workers in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia. It represents thousands more who work elsewhere but are employed by agencies headquartered in Maryland, like the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A shutdown, Mayor Brandon Scott said Thursday, would affect the Key Bridge “but will also impact the people who live in Baltimore who work for the federal government, and their families’ ability to get food. It will impact people’s ability to get services.” Maryland lawmakers also sought — unsuccessfully, the Senate aide added — to preserve language relating to the Commanders’ potential relocation. The Commanders and Washington elected officials have long expressed interest in the team returning to the RFK Stadium site where it played until moving to Landover in 1997. Because the RFK Stadium site is under federal control, legislation would be needed to allow the land to be developed with a new stadium and other projects. On Wednesday, Musk reposted a message falsely alleging — until it was edited — that the spending package contained billions of dollars for a new Commanders stadium. The measure does not include stadium funding. Maryland lawmakers also hope to preserve language granting its request to receive one of Washington’s two Air National Guard squadrons. The Senate aide that language was not contained in the latest agreement. Maryland has been trying to persuade the Air Force to preserve a flight mission in the state because the military is phasing out its A-10 “Warthog” attack aircraft, and no aircraft was designated to replace them. (Sam Janesch and Carson Swick contributed to this article.) ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will preside over a day of celebrations in Macau and inaugurate the city’s new leader on Friday to mark 25 years since the former colony was returned to China. Macau is regarded by China as a shining example of its “One Country, Two Systems” model, and Xi praised the city as a “pearl in the nation’s palm” at the start of his three-day visit. The Chinese casino hub has grown from a Portuguese trading outpost to the world’s casino capital by gaming revenue and a popular destination for Chinese tourists. When Macau reverted to Chinese rule on December 20, 1999, Beijing promised that the city’s “capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years”. Arriving in the city on Wednesday, Xi lauded Macau’s “world-recognised success” in implementing the “One Country, Two Systems” framework and said the city had a bright future. “Macau is a pearl in the nation’s palm, and I have always kept in my thoughts its development and the welfare of all its people,” Xi said. The Chinese president added that he would use his trip for “extensive and in-depth exchanges with our friends from all places, and discuss plans for Macau’s development”. Friday’s festivities will be centred around the inauguration of Sam Hou-fai, the former president of Macau’s apex court, as the city’s fourth post-handover leader, replacing Ho Iat-seng. Security was tight around the city on Thursday, with roadblocks set up around an event venue and authorities increasing checks on inbound visitors. – Casino hub – Following the end of 442 years of Portuguese rule, Macau’s fortunes have risen in lockstep with China’s economic growth. It is the only place in China where casino gambling is permitted and has long surpassed Las Vegas as the world’s top casino hub, fuelled by two decades of Chinese visitor spending. Macau, which has a resident population of 687,000, saw just over 29 million visitor arrivals in the first 10 months of the year. Its GDP has soared from $6.4 billion in 1999 to more than $47 billion last year, and its population is the richest in China on a per capita basis. Under orders from Beijing to diversify the economy, Macau leaders have proposed fields such as financial services, technology and Chinese medicine as new economic drivers. But as of November, gaming-related taxes still made up 81 percent of government revenue and experts say Macau is years away from weaning itself off casino wealth. Xi on Thursday visited the Macau University of Science and Technology and was “briefed on the development of two state-level key laboratories” that involved Chinese medicine and planetary science, according to state news agency Xinhua. He also visited the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone on Hengqin Island, speaking to residents and people there in charge of planning, construction, management and services, Xinhua reported. Hengqin Island, a landmass adjacent to Macau and three times its size, was partly leased by Beijing to Macau to boost its land supply for non-gaming development. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
Day 2: WAFU B African Schools Football ChampionshipAP News Summary at 6:20 p.m. EST
( MENAFN - IANS) Seoul, Dec 30 (IANS) South Korean companies are poised to showcase their advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at CES 2025, the world's largest consumer Electronics and IT trade show, scheduled to open in Las Vegas next week. Not only will major home appliance companies like Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. participate, but other prominent Korean firms, such as SK hynix Inc., SK Telecom Co. and Hyundai Mobis Co., will also unveil cutting-edge innovations. AI is expected to dominate this year's CES, scheduled for January 7-10, at the Las Vegas convention Center under the theme "Dive In,” reports Yonhap news agency. Samsung Electronics, the world's largest mobile phone and memory chipmaker, will present its AI-powered smart home concept, "AI for All: Connectivity in the Age of AI." The company plans to introduce its latest home appliance lineup, including the new Bespoke refrigerator, washer and dryer, all integrated with its AI-driven SmartThings connectivity, enabling seamless integration and remote monitoring of its devices. In addition, Samsung will preview its first air-to-water heat pump lineup for the North American market at CES 2025, aiming to expand its footprint in the growing U.S. heating, ventilation and air conditioning sector. Currently available in Europe under the Eco Heating System (EHS) brand, these energy-efficient systems use ambient air heat for heating and hot water. Affiliates of Samsung Electronics -- Samsung SDS Co. and Samsung Display Co. -- will have separate booths to showcase their innovations to potential global clients. LG Electronics, which has been expanding its business portfolio to business-to-business segments, including automotive electronics and air solutions businesses, will also spotlight its latest AI-powered technologies. The company will host an interactive space featuring its in-cabin sensing solutions, designed to detect driver behavior and the interior conditions of vehicles. Visitors can experience a driving simulator that monitors not only their motions but also emotions, as well as heart rates, to provide alerts in case of emergencies. Additionally, LG will display its AI-powered refrigerators and dishwashers, further demonstrating its commitment to smart home solutions. SK Telecom and SK hynix will share a booth to present their efforts in AI data centres and chips. SK Telecom will feature a 6-meter LED pillar at the centre of its exhibit, highlighting four AI data centre solutions: energy, AI, operations and security. The company will also showcase its AI assistant, aster, slated for launch in the North American market next year, and announce its service plans. SK hynix, a leader in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) sector, will show off its 16-layer HBM3E chips, currently the most advanced HBM products available in the world. Hyundai Mobis Co., an auto parts-making affiliate of South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor Group, also plans to join the upcoming CES to showcase its cutting-edge technologies, including its holographic windshield display and human-centric interior lighting system. -IANS na/ MENAFN29122024000231011071ID1109040227 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.
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. FCT, Abuja - Bishop David Abioye, the former vice president of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), had his first crusade after retirement at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The programme with the theme, "Revive Us Again" took place on Saturday, November 23. Highlights of the first weekend of the programme have emerged in short videos. Bishop Abioye via his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) @BishopDOAbioye, commented about the programme. PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! “The Hour of Revival was a powerful reminder of the importance of worship, and the impact it can have on our lives. “We’re always blessed when we come together to seek God’s revival in our hearts and lives.” In another tweet, he wrote: “At the Hour of Revival, we prayed for rejuvenation and transformation. Read also What would have happened had Peter Obi won 2023 election, Abaribe explains It was a heartfelt time of seeking God's presence and power. “We believe God for a move that will transform our lives, our community, and our nation.” He added that: “Thank You, Jesus, for the rain of revival that began on Saturday. “We have cried unto You in prayers, and we’re confident that You have answered us.” Abioye announces "next chapter" after leaving Oyedepo's church Legit.ng earlier reported that Abioye said the wait is over as he is ready to announce the next chapter of his life and ministry. Abioye retired from the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in October 2024 due to the new age of retirement in the ministry. According to the statement, the next chapter will be disclosed on the David Abioye Channel on YouTube on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, by 6am. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng
Australia news LIVE: PM believes synagogue firebombing was act of terrorism; New polls spell trouble for LaborOusted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside of a hotel in Manhattan. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. 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.
US troops in Syria to prevent Islamic State resurgenceSEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 19, 2024-- Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE) announced today that Scott Schenkel has been appointed as Expedia Group’s Chief Financial Officer, effective the day after Expedia Group files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (which is expected to be on or about February 7, 2025). As previously announced, Julie Whalen will remain in the CFO role through February to ensure a smooth transition. As CFO, Mr. Schenkel will be responsible for leading Expedia Group’s global finance organization and will be based in Seattle, reporting directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ariane Gorin. Mr. Schenkel has more than 30 years of global business and financial leadership expertise across e-commerce, healthcare, and technology businesses. As an operationally focused CFO, his experience spans company, business unit and functional leadership with extensive knowledge in financial planning, analytics, strategy, audit, mergers and acquisitions, integration, and process improvement. “Scott joins Expedia Group with extensive financial leadership experience across global businesses, particularly in e-commerce,” said Ariane Gorin, Chief Executive Officer, Expedia Group. “His expertise, operational acumen, and strategic insight will be instrumental as we strengthen our position as a global leader in travel. I look forward to working with Scott to drive our strategic goals forward. I also want to thank Julie for her significant contributions and dedication during her tenure as CFO, as well as for ensuring a smooth transition to Scott.” “I’m honored to join Expedia Group and excited about the opportunity to contribute to such an innovative and dynamic company,” said Scott Schenkel. “I look forward to collaborating with Ariane and the team to drive financial excellence and support the company’s mission of powering global travel experiences.” About Scott Schenkel Mr. Schenkel most recently served as the Interim CEO of eBay Inc. from September 2019 through April 2020 and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2015 to 2019. Prior to the eBay CFO role, he spent six years as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of eBay Marketplace, having originally joined eBay in 2007 as Vice President of Global Financial Planning and Analytics. Prior to eBay, Mr. Schenkel spent nearly 17 years at General Electric Company in a variety of financial leadership roles. About Expedia Group Expedia Group, Inc. brands power travel for everyone, everywhere through our global platform. Driven by the core belief that travel is a force for good, we help people experience the world in new ways and build lasting connections. We provide industry-leading technology solutions to fuel partner growth and success, while facilitating memorable experiences for travelers. Expedia Group’s three flagship consumer brands include: Expedia®, Hotels.com ®, and Vrbo®. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements regarding Expedia Group’s CFO transition. These statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "continue," "expect," "future," "position," "strategy," "will," and variations of such words and similar phrases. Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings. Expedia Group assumes no obligation to update the information contained herein unless required by applicable law. Please refer to Expedia Group’s reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. For more information, visit www.expediagroup.com . Follow us on X @expediagroup and check out our LinkedIn. © 2024 Expedia, Inc., an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. CST: 2029030-50 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219878769/en/ press@expedia.com KEYWORD: WASHINGTON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRANSPORTATION LODGING ONLINE RETAIL DESTINATIONS TECHNOLOGY VACATION TRAVEL ELECTRONIC COMMERCE RETAIL INTERNET OTHER TRAVEL SOURCE: Expedia Group, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/19/2024 04:10 PM/DISC: 12/19/2024 04:10 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241219878769/en
NoneTAMPA, Fla.—A Florida engineer was given a four-year prison term for helping the Chinese regime collect intelligence on Chinese dissidents, such as practitioners of the persecuted faith Falun Gong. The man, Li Ping, is a naturalized U.S. citizen who had worked for Verizon for 30 years. He had acted on behalf of a Chinese intelligence official in the United States for more than a decade, according to court filings. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday also granted prosecutors’ request for a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. “It’s bitterly disappointing and upsetting to American citizens” that someone would come from a foreign country that’s a hostile power, take advantage of things such as the U.S. public school system, and then work with that hostile power, Merryday said at the hearing. Li’s lawyer, Daniel Fernandez, in part, blamed the Chinese intelligence official for using Li for the illegal acts, saying that his client felt “betrayed.” Li attended high school and college in China before coming to the United States three decades ago. While in high school, he befriended a student who later became a Ministry of State Security officer, according to a filing that his lawyer submitted. The two kept in touch over the years and met whenever Li visited his family in China. The officer, along with others from the ministry, took care of Li’s mother at his request. Through the officer, Li became acquainted with a second officer from the ministry, a connection that led to requests that crossed the legal line, according to court documents. One of his earliest tasks involved tracking a lawsuit that Falun Gong practitioners planned to mount against Chinese state officials. Six days later, in August 2012, Li wrote back thanking the officer for his help during Li’s China trip a month prior, then shared biographical details of a lawyer in St. Petersburg, Florida, who had written for a Falun Gong-related blog, prosecutors said. Li told the officer that the attorney had lent his wife Falun Gong books, the filings state. Prosecutors noted that Falun Gong practitioners “both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC [People’s Republic of China] government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government.” In the following two years, Li supplied information about two Israeli authors of a Falun Gong children’s book and a Falun Gong practitioner in California who had protested in the state’s Chinese Consulate. The officers also sought training applications that Verizon used for new employees, publicly available information regarding several politicians, and surveillance and hacking technologies, court filings show. Prosecutors said the Chinese intelligence officials also asked Li about the U.S. government’s wiretapping capabilities, telling him they needed the information to learn how to bypass U.S. companies’ cybersecurity defenses. One of the most recent instances cited was dated in June 2022. But even if Li could find the information through open source, the prosecutors said, it was nevertheless valuable given the internet restrictions in China. Further, Li’s Chinese handlers “simply may not understand how to find property, vehicle, or other information about U.S. persons,” they wrote in a memo that described Li’s actions as a “willful, decade-long criminal conduct.” As a “cooperative contact,” they wrote, Li had “aided Chinese intelligence services in both undermining the United States and suppressing political dissent.” The judge at the hearing sided with prosecutors in issuing a heavier sentence to deter future would-be actors. Li, who has a net worth of around $5.5 million with 12 rental properties and more than $30,000 in passive income each month, had made a calculation in doing what he did, and the exact consequences are still not known, Merryday said. He made the analogy of “shooting into a crowd of people but turning your head away when pulling the trigger.” “It’s astounding that you did this at all,” Merryday said. Li’s lawyer, after the hearing, said the outcome was “disappointing” but that he was “not surprised.” “I can’t defend his conduct,” he told The Epoch Times, but he insisted that Li hadn’t transmitted anything significantly harmful. The prosecutors rejected the argument. The Chinese authorities are using a “death by 1,000 cuts approach” against the United States, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Marcet said at the hearing. The Chinese regime “is not going to show all its cards,” he said, but Li was a small piece of the puzzle—he was playing a part. Merryday has ordered Li to voluntarily surrender himself to the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Florida’s Sumter County by Jan. 8, 2025. The fine is due immediately.without a care in the world is the best way to ring in 2025. or signup to continue reading But if you need something, . Here are the opening hours for major stores, supermarkets and bottleshops in each Australian state and territory so you're well-stocked to greet the new year. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24-hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24-hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Stores in Firle, Tea Tree, Munno Para, Ingle Farm, Kurralta Park, West Lakes, Port Noarlunga, Marion and Churchill are closed on New Year's Day. Adelaide metro stores are open on New Year's Eve but close on New Year's Day. Adelaide's Rundle Place supermarket is the exception, opening from 11am to 5pm. Supermarkets in Berri, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge Green, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Victor Harbor and Whyalla are open from 8am to 8pm on New Year's Day. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All regional Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. However the Millicent store and metropolitan stores are closed on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Some stores in SA will close on 1 January 2025. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. However the Northam store is closed on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Most Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Stores in Byford, Belmont, Trinity, Raine Square, Erskine, Altone Park, Bunbury, Gosnells and Geraldton Bluff Point are closed on New Year's Day. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and from 8am to 8pm on New Year's Day. However the Gove store opens at 9am and closes at 5pm on January 1. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Kmart stores open between 7am and 9am on New Year's Eve and will close, depending on the store, between 6pm and 10pm. Normal trading hours apply for 24 hour stores. Slightly reduced trading hours apply to some stores on New Year's Day and . Coles in Goondiwindi, Mt Isa and Ayr are closed on December 29, the supermarket said. Coles supermarkets are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. Opening and closing times may differ from normal at some stores but individual store trading hours are , Coles said. All Woolworths supermarkets are open until the end of the year and on New Year's Day. Individual store opening hours may change and the supermarket encourages customers to check the . All stores will have reduced trading hours on 31 December and 1 January 2025, ALDI said. Dan Murphy's stores are open on New Year's Eve from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Day stores are open from 10am to 7pm All BWS stores are open with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve. BWS said some stores may extend their opening hours on December 31. Stores are open on New Year's Day with public holiday trading hours. Normal trading hours apply for all First Choice Liquor Market stores on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Stores in Milton Village and Red Hill are closed on New Year's Day. Some trading hours may vary from store to store and , First Choice Liquor Market said. Most Liquorland stores are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with normal trading hours. The Red Hill and Milton Village shops are closed on New Year's Day. Liquorland said that although trading hours may differ from normal at some stores, individual store trading hours are . Vintage Cellars stores are open through the end of the year and into 2025 with normal trading hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some opening and closing hours may differ between stores but the , the liquor store said. Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. 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TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Libyan military officials said Monday they apprehended hundreds of migrants traversing the country’s vast desert hoping to ultimately cross the Mediterranean Sea in pursuit of a better life in Europe. The 444 Brigade, a powerful militia group that operates under the auspices of the Libyan army, said in a statement that its patrolling commanders detained more than 300 migrants and referred them to authorities. The group in a post on Facebook condemned smuggling and human trafficking and said its patrols would continue efforts to block smuggling routes. It posted satellite images of the desert and pictures of what appeared to be migrants sitting in rows in front of armed and masked militants. The apprehensions come as Libya remains a primary point of departure for men, women and children from the Middle East and Africa aiming to reach Europe. Many are escaping war or poverty and many employ smugglers to help them negotiate treacherous deserts and sea routes. Roughly 38,000 people have arrived in Italy and Malta from Libya this year, according to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. The overcrowded boats used by migrants and smugglers are known to routinely capsize and a key priority for European leaders has been to encourage North African countries to prevent migrants from reaching the sea. But unlike in Morocco and Tunisia — where tens of thousands of migrants also attempt to pass through en route to the southern shores of Europe — fighting between rival governments in Libya has added additional challenges to migration management partnerships. Migrant apprehensions are rarely reported in Libya, though the country’s state news service LANA reported more than 2,000 arrests in July. The oil-rich country plunged into turmoil after a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since then, the country has been divided between dueling governments in the east and west, each backed by militias and foreign powers. Human traffickers have for years benefited from the political chaos. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in July said migrants in the country had been subjected to torture, forced labor and starvation while being detained.Prosecutors play undercover recordings of Madigan at former speaker’s corruption trial
NoneMADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid conceded three goals in a Spanish league game for the first time this season but still managed to beat Sevilla 4-3 on Sunday with Antoine Griezmann's double helping to make it nine wins in a row for Diego Simeone’s in-form side. Third-place Madrid restored its three-point lead over fourth-place Athletic Bilbao, which beat Villarreal earlier Sunday. Rodrigo De Paul gave Atletico the perfect start when he lashed home a stunning opener in the 10th minute. However, goals from Dodi Lukébakio, Isaac Romero and Juanlu Sanchez put Sevilla 3-1 up early in the second half and Atletico, without the vocal support of some home fans in a dispute over tickets, seemed lost in an unusually quiet at Metropolitano Stadium. Simeone’s side, though, is known for its resilience and it was not long before the fightback began. Griezmann reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute and 17 minutes later, after Simeone made five substitutions in a quarter of an hour, Samuel Lino got the equalizer with a low shot from 30 yards. Griezmann himself got the winner in stoppage time to consolidate Atletico’s third place. The Madrid club now has 35 points, one behind city rival Real and three behind league leader Barcelona. “We struggled to get into the game,” Griezmann said. “We missed the support of the fans behind the goal. But in the end we managed to come back.” Fourth-place Bilbao beats Villarreal Athletic Bilbao consolidated fourth place with a comfortable 2-0 win over Villarreal, the team immediately below it in the table and one of its closest rivals for a Champions League spot. Aitor Paredes put Athletic ahead when he glanced home a corner kick in 14 minutes and Iñaki Williams made it 2-0 midway through the second half. It was the fourth consecutive league win for Athletic but the victory was marred by a silent protest from an organized fan group. The group refused to sing or chant in response to a rift between it and the club president, who reported threats to police earlier in the week. Several Athletic players expressed solidarity with the president and the team did not salute the fans behind the goal after the match. “It’s a very sad win and a time for everyone to pull together,” club captain Óscar De Marcos said in comments reported by newspaper Marca. “The silence was notable during the game but we need to keep doing our job.” Earlier Sunday, Real Sociedad won for the fourth time in a row, beating Leganes 3-0 at the Butarque stadium near Madrid. Three days after his extra-time goal gave Sociedad a 1-0 win at fourth-tier Conquense in the Copa del Rey, Brais Méndez scored again to give the visitors an early lead. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea’s first goal of the league season doubled its lead 10 minutes from time and then Mikel Oyarzabal added a third in stoppage time. It was only the fourth time in 16 matches that Sociedad has scored twice in a league game and the win lifted it into sixth, above Osasuna, which drew 2-2 with Alaves. Alaves took only 37 seconds for Kike Garcia to put the team ahead with a diving header. However, Ante Budimir and Rubén García scored early in the second half to put Osasuna in front before Kike Garcia got his second of the game to tie the scores at 2-2. The point was the first for new Alaves coach Eduardo Coudet but still leaves it in 15th place without a win in five games. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Complete guide to what's open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 2025UVALDE, Texas (AP) — A Texas judge on Thursday refused to throw out criminal charges accusing the former Uvalde schools police chief of putting children at risk during the slow response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, while a lawyer for his co-defendant said they want to move the upcoming trial out of the small town where the massacre occurred. At a court hearing in Uvalde, Judge Sid Harle rejected Pete Arredondo's claim that was he improperly charged and that only the shooter was responsible for putting the victims in danger. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in the shooting on May 24, 2022. Harle also set an Oct. 20, 2025, trial date. An attorney for Arredondo's co-defendant, former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzales, said he will ask for the trial to be moved out of Uvalde because his client cannot get a fair trial there. Uvalde County is mostly rural with fewer than 25,000 residents about 85 miles (140 kilometers) west of San Antonio. “Everybody knows everybody,” in Uvalde, Gonzales attorney Nico LaHood said. Both former officers attended the hearing. Nearly 400 law enforcement agents rushed to the school but waited more than 70 minutes to confront and kill the gunman in a fourth-grade classroom. Arredondo and Gonzales are the only two officers facing charges — a fact that has raised complaints from some victims' families. Both men have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of abandoning or endangering a child, each of which carry punishment of up to two years in jail. Gonzales has not asked the judge to dismiss his charges. A federal investigation of the shooting identified Arredondo as the incident commander in charge, although he has argued that state police should have set up a command post outside the school and taken control. Gonzales was among the first officers to arrive on the scene. He was accused of abandoning his training and not confronting the shooter, even after hearing gunshots as he stood in a hallway. Arredondo has said he was scapegoated for the halting police response. The indictment alleges he did not follow his active shooter training and made critical decisions that slowed the police response while the gunman was “hunting” his victims. It alleges that instead of confronting the gunman immediately, Arredondo caused delays by telling officers to evacuate a hallway to wait for a SWAT team, evacuating students from other areas of the building first, and trying to negotiate with the shooter while victims inside the classroom were wounded and dying. Arredondo’s attorneys say the danger that day was not caused by him, but by the shooter. They argued Arredondo was blamed for trying to save the lives of the other children in the building, and have warned that prosecuting him would open many future law enforcement actions to similar charges. “Arredondo did nothing to put those children in the path of a gunman,” said Arredondo attorney Matthew Hefti. Uvalde County prosecutors told the judge Arredondo acted recklessly. Story continues below video “The state has alleged he is absolutely aware of the danger of the children,” said assistant district attorney Bill Turner. Jesse Rizo, the uncle of 9-year-old Jacklyn Cazares who was killed in the shooting, was one of several family members of victims at the hearing. “To me, it’s hurtful and painful to hear Arredondo’s attorneys try to persuade the judge to get the charges dismissed,” Rizo said. He called the wait for a trial exhausting and questioned whether moving the trial would help the defense. “The longer it takes, the longer the agony,” Rizo said. “I think what’s happened in Uvalde ... you’ll probably get a better chance at conviction if it’s moved. To hold their own accountable is going to be very difficult.” The massacre at Robb Elementary was one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history, and the law enforcement response has been widely condemned as a massive failure. Nearly 150 U.S. Border Patrol agents, 91 state police officers, as well and school and city police rushed to the campus. While terrified students and teachers called 911 from inside classrooms, dozens of officers stood in the hallway trying to figure out what to do. More than an hour later, a team of officers breached the classroom and killed the gunman. Within days of the shooting, the focus of the slow response turned on Arredondo, who was described by other responding agencies as the incident commander in charge. Multiple federal and state investigations have laid bare cascading problems in law enforcement training, communication, leadership and technology, and questioned whether officers prioritized their own lives over those of children and teachers. Several victims or their families have filed multiple state and federal lawsuits. Associated Press reporter Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, contributed. Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid conceded three goals in a Spanish league game for the first time this season but still managed to beat Sevilla 4-3 on Sunday with Antoine Griezmann's double helping to make it nine wins in a row for Diego Simeone’s in-form side. Third-place Madrid restored its three-point lead over fourth-place Athletic Bilbao, which beat Villarreal earlier Sunday. Rodrigo De Paul gave Atletico the perfect start when he lashed home a stunning opener in the 10th minute. However, goals from Dodi Lukébakio, Isaac Romero and Juanlu Sanchez put Sevilla 3-1 up early in the second half and Atletico, without the vocal support of some home fans in a dispute over tickets, seemed lost in an unusually quiet at Metropolitano Stadium. Simeone’s side, though, is known for its resilience and it was not long before the fightback began. Griezmann reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute and 17 minutes later, after Simeone made five substitutions in a quarter of an hour, Samuel Lino got the equalizer with a low shot from 30 yards. Griezmann himself got the winner in stoppage time to consolidate Atletico’s third place. The Madrid club now has 35 points, one behind city rival Real and three behind league leader Barcelona. “We struggled to get into the game,” Griezmann said. “We missed the support of the fans behind the goal. But in the end we managed to come back.” Athletic Bilbao consolidated fourth place with a comfortable 2-0 win over Villarreal, the team immediately below it in the table and one of its closest rivals for a Champions League spot. Aitor Paredes put Athletic ahead when he glanced home a corner kick in 14 minutes and Iñaki Williams made it 2-0 midway through the second half. It was the fourth consecutive league win for Athletic but the victory was marred by a silent protest from an organized fan group. The group refused to sing or chant in response to a rift between it and the club president, who reported threats to police earlier in the week. Several Athletic players expressed solidarity with the president and the team did not salute the fans behind the goal after the match. “It’s a very sad win and a time for everyone to pull together,” club captain Óscar De Marcos said in comments reported by newspaper Marca. “The silence was notable during the game but we need to keep doing our job.” Earlier Sunday, Real Sociedad won for the fourth time in a row, beating Leganes 3-0 at the Butarque stadium near Madrid. Three days after his extra-time goal gave Sociedad a 1-0 win at fourth-tier Conquense in the Copa del Rey, Brais Méndez scored again to give the visitors an early lead. Substitute Ander Barrenetxea’s first goal of the league season doubled its lead 10 minutes from time and then Mikel Oyarzabal added a third in stoppage time. It was only the fourth time in 16 matches that Sociedad has scored twice in a league game and the win lifted it into sixth, above Osasuna, which drew 2-2 with Alaves. Alaves took only 37 seconds for Kike Garcia to put the team ahead with a diving header. However, Ante Budimir and Rubén García scored early in the second half to put Osasuna in front before Kike Garcia got his second of the game to tie the scores at 2-2. The point was the first for new Alaves coach Eduardo Coudet but still leaves it in 15th place without a win in five games. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerNEW YORK (AP) — An early rebound for U.S. stocks petered out by the end of the day, leaving indexes close to flat. The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% Thursday, coming off one of its worst days of the year after the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates in 2025 than earlier thought. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.1%. Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market following reports showing the U.S. economy may be stronger than expected, but manufacturing may be contracting again. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are stabilizing Thursday following one of their worst days of the year . The S&P 500 rose 0.2% in late trading, a day after tumbling 2.9% when the Federal Reserve said it may deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than earlier thought. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 136 points, or 0.3%, with less than an hour remaining in trading, following Wednesday’s drop of more than 1,100 points. The Nasdaq composite rose 0.3%. Wednesday’s drop took some of the enthusiasm out of the market, which critics had already been warning was overly buoyant and would need everything to go correctly for it to justify its high prices. But indexes remain near their records , and the S&P 500 is still on track for one of its best years of the millennium . Traders are now expecting the Federal Reserve to deliver just one or maybe two cuts to interest rates next year, according to data from CME Group. Some are even betting on none. A month ago, the majority saw at least two cuts in 2025 as a safe bet. Wall Street loves lower interest rates because they give the economy a boost and goose prices for investments, but they can also provide fuel for inflation. Darden Restaurants, the company behind Olive Garden and other chains, helped lift the market after leaping 15.1%. It delivered profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations. The operator of LongHorn Steakhouses also gave a forecast for revenue for this fiscal year that topped analysts’. Accenture rose 6.7% after the professional services company likewise topped expectations for profit in the latest quarter. CEO Julie Sweet said it saw growth around the world, and the company raised its forecast for revenue this fiscal year. Amazon shares added 1.8%, even as workers at seven of its facilities went on strike Thursday in the middle of the online retail giant’s busiest time of the year. Amazon says it doesn’t expect an impact on its operations during what the workers’ union calls the largest strike against the company in U.S. history. They helped offset a tumble for Micron Technology, which fell 16.7% despite reporting stronger profit than expected. The computer memory company’s revenue fell short of Wall Street’s forecasts, and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said it expects demand from consumers to remain weaker in the near term. It gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that fell well short of what analysts were thinking. Lamb Weston, which makes French fries and other potato products, dropped 22.6% after falling short of analysts’ expectations for profit and revenue in the latest quarter. It also cut its financial targets for the fiscal year, saying demand for frozen potatoes is continuing to soften, particularly outside North America. The company replaced its chief executive. In the bond market, yields were mixed a day after shooting higher on expectations that the Fed would deliver fewer cuts to rates in 2025. Reports on the U.S. economy came in mixed. One showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The economy has remained remarkably resilient even though the Fed held its main interest rate at a two-decade high for a while before beginning to cut them in September. A separate report showed fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, an indication that the job market also remains solid. But a third report said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is unexpectedly contracting again despite economists’ expectations for growth. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.57% from 4.52% late Wednesday and from less than 4.20% earlier this month. But the two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for action by the Fed in the near term, eased back to 4.31% from 4.35%. The rise in longer-term yields has put pressure on the housing market by keeping mortgage rates higher. Homebuilder Lennar fell 4.8% after it reported weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Stuart Miller said that “the housing market that appeared to be improving as the Fed cut short-term interest rates, proved to be far more challenging as mortgage rates rose” through the quarter. “Even while demand remained strong, and the chronic supply shortage continued to drive the market, our results were driven by affordability limitations from higher interest rates,” he said. A report on Thursday may have offered some encouragement for the housing industry. It showed a pickup in sales of previously occupied homes. In stock markets abroad, London’s FTSE 100 fell 1.1% after the Bank of England paused its cuts to rates and kept its main interest rate unchanged on Thursday. The move comes as inflation there moved further above the central bank’s 2% target rate, while the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of Japan also kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, and Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.7%. Indexes likewise sank across much of the rest of Asia and Europe. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
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