ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. “We’ve seen the progression of Bo in continuing to get better and better each week and Sean giving him more each week and trusting him more and more to where last week we saw his best game of the year,” Elway said in a nod to Nix's first game with 300 yards and four touchdown throws in a rout of Atlanta. For that performance, Nix earned his second straight NFL Rookie of the Week honor along with the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. “I think the sky’s the limit," Elway said, “and that’s just going to continue to get better and better.” In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Elway also touted former coach Mike Shanahan's Hall of Fame credentials, spoke about the future of University of Colorado star and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter and discussed his ongoing bout with a chronic hand condition. Elway spent the last half of his decade as the Broncos’ GM in a futile search for a worthy successor to Peyton Manning, a pursuit that continued as he transitioned into a two-year consultant role that ended after the 2022 season. “You have all these young quarterbacks and you look at the ones that make it and the ones that don’t and it’s so important to have the right system and a coach that really knows how to tutelage quarterbacks, and Sean’s really good at that,” Elway said. “I think the combination of Bo’s maturity, having started 61 games in college, his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game has been such a tremendous help for him,'" Elway added. “But also Vance Joseph’s done a heck of a job on the defensive side to where all that pressure’s not being put on Bo and the offense to score all the time.” Payton and his staff have methodically expanded Nix’s repertoire and incorporated his speed into their blueprints. Elway lauded them for “what they’re doing offensively and how they’re breaking Bo into the NFL because it’s a huge jump and I think patience is something that goes a long way in the NFL when it comes down to quarterbacks.” Elway said he hopes to sit down with Nix at some point when things slow down for the rookie. Nix, whose six wins are one more than Elway had as a rookie, said he looks forward to meeting the man who won two Super Bowls during his Hall of Fame playing career and another from the front office. “He’s a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL," Nix said, adding, "most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain. It’s just awesome that I’m even in that situation.” Orange Crush linebacker Randy Gradishar joined Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, something Elway called “way, way overdue.” Elway suggested it's also long past time for the Hall to honor Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver with Elway at QB and whose footprint you see every weekend in the NFL because of his expansive coaching tree. Elway called University of Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders “both great athletes." He said he really hopes Sanders gets drafted by a team that will bring him along like the Broncos have done with Nix and he sees Hunter being able to play both ways in the pros but not full time. Elway said he thinks Hunter will be primarily a corner in the NFL but with significant contributions on offense: “He's great at both. He's got great instincts, and that's what you need at corner." It's been five years since Elway announced he was dealing with Dupuytren’s contracture, a chronic condition that typically appears after age 40 and causes one or more fingers to permanently bend toward the palm. Elway's ring fingers on both hands were originally affected and he said now the middle finger on his right hand is starting to pull forward. So, he’ll get another injection of a drug called Xiaflex, which is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, one that he's endorsing in an awareness campaign for the chronic condition that affects 17 million Americans. The condition can make it difficult to do everyday tasks such as shaking hands or picking up a coffee mug. Elway said what bothered him most was “I couldn't pick up a football and I could not imagine not being able to put my hand around a football." AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!PAU Scientist Dr. Poonam Aggarwal Sachdev Conferred Best Professor Award

Mitesco (OTCMKTS:MITI) Stock Price Down 2.8% – What’s Next?Barcelona coach Hansi Flick feels a disconnect between defence and attack is affecting his team after their winless run in LaLiga stretched to three games with a 2-1 loss to Las Palmas on Saturday. Sandro Ramirez and Fábio Silva scored either side of a Raphinha strike as Las Palmas stunned Barça at the Olympic Stadium and ruined their 125th anniversary celebrations. Editor's Picks Barça legend Ronaldinho nets throwback free kick 1d Adriana Garcia Barcelona's 125th anniversary: Greatest XI, key moments in club's history 1d Sam Marsden Messi misses Barça as club marks anniversary 1d Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens Barça are now without a league win since Nov. 3 and they could be knocked off the top of the table if Real Madrid , four points back, win their two games in hand. "I believe in the players," Flick said in a news conference when asked about his side's dip in form since winning 11 or their opening 12 LaLiga games. "We have a good team. The matches like today, it happens, OK. When I started here, I said to the players 'no excuses.' We have to keep going as a team. "When you play as a team, or better than as a team, and everyone defends well, including in the offence, and is well connected, we can play and win against every team. "But if it's not, if some players are disconnected, then it's not good and we have to speak about that." Poor defending in particular led to Las Palmas' second goal, scored by Silva after Raphinha's 14th goal of the campaign had got Barça back into the game, but Flick was insistent it is a team problem. "When you see how the Las Palmas goals are [scored], we make some mistakes, but it was not only the last four, it started also in front," he added. "And we have to speak about that." The loss to Las Palmas comes after a draw with Celta Vigo , when Barça surrendered a two-goal lead, and a defeat at Real Sociedad . It is a run of form which is threatening to derail Barça's season and all the good work they did early on, but Flick says confidence remains high in the squad going into successive away games against Mallorca , Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund . "The players believe in how they can play football, how strong they can be," he said. "I say it again, we need connection and today it was not [there]. "We can do it. We have the quality. Today we have 70% possession and 27 shots. I missed that [efficiency] in front of goal to score the goals. "At the end it's two goals for them and one for us. We have to accept it. It's a big disappointment today." Flick also confirmed that Dani Olmo didn't come off the bench because he had a knock, adding that he should return for Tiuesday's trip to Mallorca. Marc Casadó will also be back from suspension for that game, while Lamine Yamal is in contention to start after returning from an ankle injury as a substitute against Las Palmas.

Tests keep coming for Auburn and Duke, who collide at Cameron Indoor Stadium in a typical prove-it game in a rare environment on Wednesday night. No. 2 Auburn and No. 9 Duke square off less than one month into the season as two of the most battle-tested teams in basketball. They're matched as one of the marquee games in the crossover showcase known as the ACC-SEC Challenge. Auburn (7-0) jumped two spots in the latest Top 25 poll propelled by its Maui Invitational championship. In one of Feast Week's toughest brackets, the Tigers rallied from 18 points down to beat then-No. 4 Iowa State, handled then-No. 12 North Carolina 85-72 and rolled past Memphis 90-76 in the title game. With a week off to shed any remnants of jet lag returning from the islands, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is pointing to another potential resume-building win. "The confidence that we're going to get from (Maui) is that we know we can play with anybody," Pearl said. "I promise you this, we'll stay humble and hungry. We will not begin to think too much of ourselves." Helping lead Auburn in Maui was fifth-year power forward Johni Broome. The tournament's MVP, Broome averaged 21.7 points, 15 rebounds, 4.3 assists and three blocks in the three-game sweep. Spearheading a veteran Tigers roster, Broome couldn't care less about individual honors. "I wanted to come to a place where the foundation was already built, and that's why I came to Auburn," Broome said. "Winning player of the year doesn't matter to me. I care about winning games, and making sure I can help my team in any way." Broome's 20.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game lead the Tigers, while Chad Baker-Mazara adds 12.6 ppg and Denver Jones chips in 11.1. Auburn's next roadblock is earning its first-ever win against Duke. The Tigers are 0-3 all-time against the Blue Devils, including a six-point loss in the 2018 Maui Invitational. Duke (5-2) has already been through three games against ranked opponents. The Blue Devils had a 77-72 loss against then-No. 19 Kentucky, a 14-point win at then-No. 17 Arizona and a 75-72 defeat against No. 1 Kansas last week in Las Vegas. "Best team we've played so far," Pearl said of Duke. Bouncing back on Friday, the Blue Devils took down Seattle 70-48, holding the Redhawks to just 10 made field goals on 47 attempts (21.3 percent). Despite the suffocating defensive effort, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer knows his team has a long way to go. "I wasn't really happy with much tonight, to be honest," Scheyer said on Friday. "I thought we rushed some shots, had too many turnovers. We need to finish stronger, drive stronger, make extra passes, there were a whole bunch of things. ... We just need to get back to practice. In fairness to our guys, we've been traveling a lot and we just need practice time." Pacing the Blue Devils in scoring is five-star freshman Cooper Flagg. He's averaging 15.9 points per game to go along with 8.3 rebounds. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel adds 13.4 points per contest. Far less seasoned raw freshman, big man Khaman Maluach has given Duke's interior defense an edge it was lacking last season. A projected lottery pick who can be overshadowed by the Flagg publicity train, Maluach (7-2, 248) is averaging 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and has two three-block games. In last year's inaugural ACC-SEC Challenge, Duke lost at Arkansas 80-75 and Auburn topped Virginia Tech 74-57. --Field Level MediaVICTORIA, Seychelles, Dec. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are honored to announce that JOC (Japan Open Chain) has been listed on XT . JOC/USDT trading pair is opened in Main Zone(web3.0). Please take note of the official go-live schedule: Deposit: Opened Trading: 11:00 on December 23, 2024 (UTC) Withdrawal: 11:00 on December 24, 2024 (UTC) About JOC(Japan Open Chain) The Japan Open Chain (JOC) is a blockchain project designed to create an open, decentralized infrastructure to support a wide range of applications across various industries. The platform is focused on providing scalable and secure solutions that empower businesses and individuals, particularly in Japan, to develop and implement decentralized applications (dApps). By leveraging blockchain technology, JOC aims to enhance transparency, reduce reliance on traditional centralized systems, and offer users a secure and efficient environment for transactions and data management. The project is built to handle high transaction volumes quickly, addressing the scalability issues many blockchain networks face today. JOC’s primary focus is on the Japanese market, where it seeks to foster blockchain adoption by providing businesses and startups with the tools needed to integrate blockchain into their operations. While the project is rooted in Japan, its open-source nature and emphasis on interoperability mean that it can easily connect with other blockchain ecosystems, enabling seamless collaboration across different platforms. The Japan Open Chain is driven by a community-focused approach, encouraging active participation from developers, businesses, and users to contribute to the platform’s growth and evolution. The listing of JOC on XT is a key milestone for the Japan Open Chain project, enhancing its visibility and liquidity. This move provides global access to the project, opening up new opportunities for both institutional and retail investors. It also highlights XT's commitment to supporting innovative blockchain projects and expanding its offerings to meet diverse user needs. Website: https://www.japanopenchain.org/ Blockchain Browser: https://explorer.japanopenchain.org/ Whitepaper: https://www.jbfd.org/en/joc-whitepaper About XT.COM Founded in 2018, XT.COM now serves nearly 8 million registered users, over 1,000,000+ monthly active users, and 40+ million users in the ecosystem. Our platform supports 800+ high-quality tokens and 1000+ trading pairs, offering various trading options such as spot trading, margin trading, and futures trading. As the world’s first social-infused digital asset trading platform, XT.COM is dedicated to providing a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience. Our mission is to empower users to explore the infinite potential of blockchain technology. Website : xt.com X : twitter.com/XTexchange Telegram : t.me/XTsupport_EN XT Exchange Bella Wei Listing@xt.com JOC(Japan Open Chain) marketing@japanopenchain.org Disclaimer: This content is provided by XT exchange. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider.The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5431613-3e2d-434a-91af-23059d24667fHowever, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.

METRO CHICAGO, Ill. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Calamos Investments ®* has announced monthly distributions and sources of distributions paid in December 2024 to shareholders of its seven closed-end funds (the Funds) pursuant to the Funds' respective distribution plans. Fund Distribution Payable date Record date Ex-dividend date CHI (inception 06/26/2002) Calamos Convertible Opportunities and Income Fund $0.0950 12/19/24 12/13/24 12/13/24 CHY (inception 05/28/2003) Calamos Convertible and High Income $0.1000 12/19/24 12/13/24 12/13/24 Fund CSQ (inception 03/26/2004) Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund $0.1025 12/19/24 12/13/24 12/13/24 CGO (inception 10/27/2005) Calamos Global Total Return Fund $0.0800 12/19/24 12/13/24 12/13/24 CHW (inception 06/27/2007) Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund $0.0500 12/19/24 12/13/24 12/13/24 CCD (inception 03/27/2015) Calamos Dynamic Convertible and $0.1950 12/19/24 12/13/24 12/13/24 Income Fund CPZ (inception 11/29/2019) Calamos Long/Short Equity & Dynamic Income Trust $0.1400 12/19/24 12/13/24 12/13/24 The following table provides estimates of Calamos Global Total Return Fund's and Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund's distribution sources, reflecting YTD cumulative experience. The Funds attribute these estimates equally to each regular distribution throughout the year. Distribution Components for December 2024's Payable Date CGO CHW Ordinary Income $0.0000 $0.0000 Short-Term Capital Gains $0.0800 $0.0500 Long-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 $0.0000 Return of Capital $0.0000 $0.0000 Total Distribution (Level Rate) $0.0800 $0.0500 2025 Fiscal YTD Data CGO CHW Ordinary Income $0.0000 $0.0000 Short-Term Capital Gains $0.1600 $0.1000 Long-Term Capital Gains $0.0000 $0.0000 Return of Capital $0.0000 $0.0000 Total Fiscal YTD Distribution (Level Rate) $0.1600 $0.1000 Regarding Calamos' remaining five closed-end funds, which operate under a managed distribution policy: The information below is required by an exemptive order granted to the Funds by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and includes the information sent to shareholders regarding the sources of the Funds' distributions. The following table sets forth the estimated amount of the sources of distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the related rules adopted thereunder. The Funds estimate the following percentages, of their respective total distribution amount per common share, attributable to (i) current and prior fiscal year net investment income, (ii) net realized short-term capital gain, (iii) net realized long- term capital gain and (iv) return of capital or other capital source as a percentage of the total distribution amount. These percentages are disclosed for the current distribution as well as the fiscal YTD cumulative distribution amount per common share for the Funds. The following table provides estimates of each Fund's distribution sources, reflecting YTD cumulative experience. The Funds attribute these estimates equally to each regular distribution throughout the year. Estimated Per Share Sources of Distribution Estimated Percentage of Distribution Per Share Net Short-Term Long-Term Return of Net Short-Term Long-Term Return of Fund Distribution Income Gains Gains Capital Income Gains Gains Capital CHI Current Month 0.0950 - - - 0.0950 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 100.0 % Fiscal YTD 0.1900 - 0.0950 - 0.0950 0.0 % 50.0 % 0.0 % 50.0 % Net Asset Value 10.52 CHY Current Month 0.1000 - - - 0.1000 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 100.0 % Fiscal YTD 0.2000 - 0.1000 - 0.1000 0.0 % 50.0 % 0.0 % 50.0 % Net Asset Value 11.13 CSQ Current Month 0.1025 - - - 0.1025 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 100.0 % Fiscal YTD 0.2050 - 0.1025 - 0.1025 0.0 % 50.0 % 0.0 % 50.0 % Net Asset Value 18.61 CCD Current Month 0.1950 - - - 0.1950 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 100.0 % Fiscal YTD 0.3900 - 0.1950 - 0.1950 0.0 % 50.0 % 0.0 % 50.0 % Net Asset Value 20.33 CPZ Current Month 0.1400 - 0.1400 - - 0.0 % 100.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Fiscal YTD 0.2800 0.0918 0.1882 - - 32.8 % 67.2 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Net Asset Value 17.43 Note: NAV returns are as of November 30, 2024 and Distribution Returns include the distribution announced today. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's plan. If the Fund(s) estimate(s) that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with 'yield' or 'income'. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this 19(a) notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for accounting and tax purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099 DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Return figures provided below are based on the change in the Fund's Net Asset Value per share ("NAV"), compared to the annualized distribution rate for this current distribution as a percentage of the NAV on the last day of the month prior to distribution record date. Annualized Fund 5-Year Fiscal YTD Fiscal YTD Fiscal YTD NAV Return (1) NAV Dist Rate NAV Return NAV Dist Rate CHI 9.38 % 10.84 % 5.65 % 1.81 % CHY 9.60 % 10.78 % 5.61 % 1.80 % CSQ 15.88 % 6.61 % 6.64 % 1.10 % CCD 10.29 % 11.51 % 6.61 % 1.92 % CPZ 6.76 % 9.64 % 0.32 % 1.61 % (1) Since inception for CPZ Note: NAV returns are as of November 30, 2024, and Distribution Returns include the distribution announced today. While the NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Monthly distributions offer shareholders the opportunity to accumulate more shares in a fund via the automatic dividend reinvestment plan. For example, if a fund's shares are trading at a premium, distributions will be automatically reinvested through the plan at NAV or 95% of the market price, whichever is greater; if shares are trading at a discount, distributions will be reinvested at the market price through an open market purchase program. Thus, the plan offers current shareholders an efficient method of accumulating additional shares with a potential for cost savings. Please see the dividend reinvestment plan for more information. Important Notes about Performance and Risk Past performance is no guarantee of future results. As with other investments, market price will fluctuate with the market and upon sale, your shares may have a market price that is above or below net asset value and may be worth more or less than your original investment. Returns at NAV reflect the deduction of the Fund's management fee, debt leverage costs and other expenses. You can purchase or sell common shares daily. Like any other stock, market price will fluctuate with the market. Upon sale, your shares may have a market price that is above or below net asset value and may be worth more or less than your original investment. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount which is a market price that is below their net asset value. About Calamos Calamos Investments is a diversified global investment firm offering innovative investment strategies including alternatives, multi-asset, convertible, fixed income, equity, and sustainable equity. The firm offers strategies through separately managed portfolios, mutual funds, closed-end funds, private funds, an interval fund, ETFs, and UCITS funds. Clients include major corporations, pension funds, endowments, foundations and individuals, as well as the financial advisors and consultants who serve them. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the firm also has offices in New York City , San Francisco , Milwaukee , Portland ( Oregon ), and the Miami area. For more information, please visit us on LinkedIn , on Twitter @Calamos , Instagram @calamos_investments , or at www.calamos.com . *Calamos Investments LLC, referred to heThere are already plenty of reasons to be wary of Kash Patel becoming FBI director — one of which is his status among believers of QAnon Patel has long thirsted to purge the federal government of the so-called “Deep State,” as have MAGA conspiracy theorists who are now hailing Donald Trump ’s nomination of Patel to fill a role where he would be well positioned to exact vengeance on the president-elect’s enemies. According to posts and social media clips that have resurfaced in the aftermath of Patel’s nomination, the prospective FBI director has frequently lauded QAnon believers and embraced their messaging. The unfounded, pro-Trump conspiracy theory holds that the United States is run by a cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles, and that Trump is a messianic figure who will eradicate this evil from the government. Media Matters Senior Researcher Alex Kaplan identified social media posts by Patel in which he uses QAnon imagery, and bragged about his supposed meetings with “@Q,” a Truth Social account created shortly after the platform’s launch that has suspected links to Truth Social’s developers. In 2022, Patel even signed copies of his pro-Trump children’s book The Plot Against The King 2,000 Mules , with the phrase “WWG1WGA,” a QAnon slogan meaning “where we go one, we go all.” (Patel claimed the slogan was simply something that resonated with him from an old movie.) The book is an election-denying sequel to his first pro-Trump children’s book, repackaging Dinesh D’Souza’s debunked conspiracy film 2,000 Mules for toddlers. On Monday, D’Souza issued a public apology to a man who sued him for defamation after the film accused him of being a “mule” who stuffed ballot boxes to rig the election against Trump, and acknowledged that the “data” film had used as the basis for its allegation of electoral fraud was bunk. In April 2022, Patel went on a media tour of QAnon-affiliated podcasts and digital shows to promote Truth Social — where he is a board member — to prospective new users. In one interview, Patel said that “whether it’s the Qs of the world — and I agree with some of what he does and I disagree with some of what he does — if it allows people to gather and focus on the truth and the facts, I’m all for it.” Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time In a separate June 2022 interview, Patel explained his overtures to the Q community. “We try to incorporate it into our overall messaging scheme to capture audiences because whoever that person is has certainly captured a widespread breadth of the MAGA and the America First movement,” he said. “And so what I try to do is — what I try to do with anything, Q or otherwise, is you can’t ignore that group of people that has such a strong dominant following.” “Q has been so right on so many things,” Patel added. “He should get credit for all the things he has accomplished, because it’s hard to establish a movement, let’s call it that, because it’s what it is. And he’s put out so many names, you know, not just mine, but he’s put out so many great American figures who have been out there like the Johnny Ratcliffes of the world, the Whitakers, the Grenells — all these folks that were in the Trump administration that people barely knew about, they know in large part because he was able to put out their work.” Patel also said in an interview that he was “blown away at the amount of acumen some of these people,” referring to QAnon adherents. Media Matters notes that in the aftermath of Patel’s nomination, prominent influencers within the Q ecosphere have been celebrating his prospective ascension as the coming of “an FBI Director who sees the Q movement in a positive light,” as one post put it. Related Content Hegseth Allegedly Chanted 'Kill All Muslims!' While Leading Vets Group Bernie Sanders Agrees With Elon Musk on Slashing the Pentagon's Budget DACA Recipients Concerned for Their Future Under Trump GOP Sen. Hagerty on Kash Patel Leading FBI: 'I Look Forward to Him Taking It Apart' On Sunday, retired Gen. Michael Flynn — who has become a major proponent of the conspiracy — responded to another QAnon influencer’s post celebrating Patel’s appointment with “Yup💯.” The post Flynn responded to contained a screenshot of a Q post telling followers that Kashyap Patel was a “name to remember.” It’s not hard to understand why the QAnon community is high on Patel. A fierce critic of the 2016 Russian election meddling investigation, Patel has long sought retribution against the “Deep State,” and has spoken publicly about prosecuting Trump’s political rivals and critics in the media. ​​“We’re going to come after you,” Patel explained to Steve Bannon last December. “Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’ll figure that out. But yeah, we’re putting you all on notice, and Steve [Bannon], this is why they hate us. This is why we’re tyrannical. This is why we’re dictators.” It’s a promise that cuts to the core of what QAnon believers desire.

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Recommended Videos Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America’s dominance of the global financial system . Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy." At a summit of BRIC nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of “weaponizing” the dollar and described it as a “big mistake.” “It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” Putin said at the time. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.” Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is "no chance" BRIC will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen "should wave goodbye to America.”

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term. With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned “this was just a first run.” “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Milanovic is an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents. The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanović has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, he has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatia’s political scene. Plenković, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanović “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him and Milanović is quite simple: Milanović is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme military commander. Milanović has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, though it is a member of both NATO and the EU. Milanović has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war.” His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East.” His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and featured prominently in pre-election debates. During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanović as divisive. Primorac was upbeat despite such a big defeat in the first round. “I know the difference (in votes) at first sight seems very big,” said Primorac, who insisted that the center-right votes had split among too many conservative candidates. “Now we have a great opportunity to face each other one on one and show who stands for what,” he said. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.

Telangana SSC exams clash with Ramzan, students raise concerns

NEW YORK, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interparfums, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: IPAR) ("Interparfums" or the "Company") today announced that its 72% owned French subsidiary, Interparfums SA, has obtained all Off-White brand names and registered trademarks for Class 3 fragrance and cosmetic products, subject to an existing license that expires on December 31, 2025, when Interparfums will begin commercial use of the fragrance brands. The two companies will build a long-term relationship to work in unison on strategies, category launches, and market initiatives. Founded in 2012, by the late designer Virgil Abloh, Off-White is known for its high-end streetwear influences and bold approach to youth luxury. When Virgil Abloh founded Off-White, he sought to establish a brand with a universal design language that was artistic, disruptive and a reflection of concepts explored in the realm of youth culture. Off-White is globally recognized for its: Conceptual and artistic dimension, viewing fashion as an art form; Deconstructionist aesthetic, including contrasting materials and functional details; Distinct and recurring brand symbols that have become icons in the fashion world, such as crossed arrows, quotation marks and the "X" logo; and Dedication to social and cultural causes, supporting initiatives for diversity and inclusion in the fashion sector, particularly in the field of design. Jean Madar, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Interparfums noted, "Off-White blends the worlds of streetwear and luxury in a spirit of talent and inventiveness. This is a tremendous opportunity for us considering the brand's unique positioning, not to mention Virgil Abloh's impressive creative legacy. This brand will help us explore new openings for fragrances in the luxury sector." About Interparfums, Inc.: Operating in the global fragrance business since 1982, Interparfums, Inc. produces and distributes a wide array of prestige fragrance and fragrance related products under license agreements with brand owners. The Company manages its business in two operating segments, European based operations, through its 72% owned subsidiary, Interparfums SA, and United States based operations, through wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and Italy. The portfolio of prestige brands includes Abercrombie & Fitch, Anna Sui, Boucheron, Coach, Donna Karan/DKNY, Emanuel Ungaro, Ferragamo, Graff, GUESS, Hollister, Jimmy Choo, Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Spade, Lacoste, MCM, Moncler, Montblanc, Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose products are distributed in over 120 countries around the world through an extensive and diverse network of distributors. Interparfums, Inc. is also the registered owner of several trademarks including Lanvin and Rochas. Forward-Looking Statements: Statements in this release which are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions, or expectations will be achieved. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by forward-looking words such as "anticipate, "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should", "will", and "would" or similar words. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because actual events or results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of important factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the headings "Forward Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Interparfums' annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and the reports Interparfums files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interparfums does not intend to and undertakes no duty to update the information contained in this press release. Contact Information: Interparfums, Inc. or The Equity Group Inc. Michel Atwood Karin Daly Chief Financial Officer Investor Relations Counsel (212) 983-2640 (212) 836-9623 / kdaly@equityny.com www.interparfumsinc.com www.theequitygroup.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

SIGNINGS Barbara Nickless — "The Drowning Game," 1-3 p.m. Jan. 18, Hooked on Books, 12 E. Bijou St.; 719-419-7660. CONTESTS Jean Ciavonne Poetry Contest — For students in grades 4-5. Submission accepted through March 1: ppld.org/poetrycontest . HOT OFF THE PRESS Recent regional author offerings: • “Omniscience” by Christopher Conard. Published by: Dorrance Publishing Co. Summary: In the aftermath of Covid-19 and the tumultuous events of the 2020s, Drs. David Shaw and Sharon Roberts work to develop a new kind of technology to help the world heal. Omniscience, this new technology, is meant to show people their future and instill in them confidence and assurance. It requires a chip to be implanted in the user's brain, but a science this new is bound to create maliciousness in those desperate to gain control over Omniscience. TUTORS NEEDED Children’s Literacy Center — 719-471-8672, childrensliteracycenter.org . AVAILABLE Chromebooks to Go — To check out for 21 days for patrons ages 12 and over who have had a PPLD library card for at least 90 days; ppld.org/chromebooks-to-go . Hoopla Digital — Pikes Peak Library District patrons can use Hoopla Digital for free access to videos, music and audiobooks from smartphones, tablets, PCs and Apple TV; hoopladigital.com . LIBRARY LISTINGS Pikes Peak Library District: ppld.org . • 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive • Calhan, 600 Bank St. • Cheyenne Mountain, 1785 S. 8th St. • East, 5550 N. Union Blvd. • Fountain, 230 S. Main St. • High Prairie, 7035 Old Meridian Road, Falcon • Manitou Springs, 515 Manitou Ave. — Manitou Springs Library will be temporarily closed to prepare for its move to the newly renovated Carnegie Library building, to open in early 2025. • Monument, 1706 Lake Woodmoor Drive • Old Colorado City, 2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave. • Palmer Lake, 66 Lower Glenway • Penrose, 20 N. Cascade Ave. • Ruth Holley, 685 N. Murray Blvd. • Sand Creek, 1821 S. Academy Blvd. • Ute Pass, 8010 Severy Ave., Cascade — CARLOTTA OLSON, THE GAZETTEHowever, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.