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Trump base splits over Musk and Ramaswamy’s support for foreign worker visasThe large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the Hawk air defence system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. The new aid comes as Russia launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defence officials acknowledged that the US Defence Department may not be able to send all of the remaining 5.6 billion dollars (£4.5 billion) in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. Mr Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, and spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many US and European leaders are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine and they worry that he will not provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The aid in the new package is in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine. This latest assistance would reduce the remaining amount to about 4.35 billion dollars (£3.46 billion). Officials have said they hope that an influx of aid will help strengthen Ukraine’s hand, should Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky decide it is time to negotiate. One senior defence official said that while the US will continue to provide weapons to Ukraine until January 20, there may well be funds remaining that will be available for the incoming Trump administration to spend. According to the Pentagon, there is also about 1.2 billion dollars (£0.9 billion) remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more. Officials have said the administration anticipates releasing all of that money before the end of the calendar year. If the new package is included, the US will have provided more than 64 billion dollars (£50.8 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.Durham community network secures £1m funding to address rural challenges
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein will be activated from injured reserve and will play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Friday that Zuerlein is returning after missing seven games with a knee injury to his left, non-kicking leg. He had been shaky before the injury, but the Jets have since been unsettled at the position, with Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader and Anders Carlson all filling in. “He came back, looked healthy, kicked the ball well this week,” Ulbrich said of Zuerlein. “So, he’ll be our guy going forward here.” Zuerlein is officially listed as questionable to play, but was a full participant the final two practices. Wide receiver , but likely to play after participating on a limited basis Friday because of a hip ailment that held him out Thursday. Cornerback Sauce Gardner is also questionable with a hamstring injury that sidelined him in the second half of . Zuerlein, who re-signed with the Jets last offseason on a two-year deal, made just nine of 15 field goal attempts and missed one extra point in the first eight games this year. He had been one of the NFL's most consistently reliable kickers the previous two seasons with the Jets. Patterson kicked in one game after the Jets placed Zuerlein on IR. Shrader also kicked in one game before he was signed off the practice squad by Kansas City. Carlson had been the kicker the past five games, but missed a field goal and an extra point against the Rams and the Jets signed Greg Joseph to the practice squad to provide competition. Ulbrich said earlier in the week Zuerlein would also be in the mix after a long layoff. "I think sometimes that can be powerful, an opportunity just to take a deep breath, get his body healthy again and get a restart," Ulbrich said. “So I’m excited for him to do his thing these last two games and really demonstrate to everybody who he is as a kicker.” Adams said he was injured early in the game against the Rams, but was still able to catch seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. He said he was optimistic about his chances of playing at Buffalo. “We're still working on it,” Adams said after practice Friday. “We're treating it, trying to get it right so we can hopefully be there and ready by game time.” Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams could return after missing last week with a hamstring injury. He was listed as questionable and was limited at practice all week. Also questionable but expected to play are right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), safety Tony Adams (ankle), cornerback Michael Carter II (back), defensive end Haason Reddick (neck) and defensive lineman Braiden McGregor (ankle). Defensive tackle Leki Fotu was ruled out with a knee injury. AP NFL:No surprise — budgets are tight, and we’re all being a bit more intentional with our spending power. But with so many companies competing for our hard-earned cash, it can be hard to know which brands are worth the spend, if you’d like to support Canadian ones wherever possible! With that in mind, we’ve made a guide for you so you can put your $$$ towards homegrown companies. Whether you’re a plant parent, jewellery aficionado, or plan to make the swap to eco-friendly cleaning products, there’s bound to be a company on this list that’s up your alley. What used to take a trip to the nursery or your nearest garden centre can now be done right from your computer. That’s right: you can order PLANTS right to your house, thanks to Foli. The brand offers tons of greenery (big, small, and just right), and you can choose whether it comes in a pretty planter or a grow pot if you plan to re-plant upon arrival. They also offer and for those looking for gift options! Did you know that, on average, we spend a whopping third of our lives sleeping? By that logic, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t invest in quality bedding, and Silk & Snow is a great place to start. The brand specializes in , , hand-knitted , and even , though it has since dipped its toes into other textural home textiles (like , , and ). Though linen has been prized for centuries for both its durability and its comfort — it’s especially great for hot sleepers — those who find the fabric a wee bit scratchy will probably love the and options. It’s your one-stop shop for curated body care, fragrance, skincare, and bath goodies that you likely wouldn’t find anywhere else. Cult-fave brands like , , and call this boutique home, but you’ll also find undiscovered treasures like (whose Roma Heirloom Tomato products rival Loewe’s viral candle), , and that’ll bring a little luxury to your everyday routines. If the name didn’t already give it away, this brand’s all about handcare. And they take it seriously, offering everything from chic to to an all-in-one (a key product to keep hangnails and fungus at bay). To be more eco-friendly and sustainable, Paume uses acetate derived from wood pulp and even sells of its MVPs — to go with its , of course. This Montreal-based brand’s entire ethos is centred around the concept of buying less but buying . Its impeccably tailored products feature responsibly sourced materials, like , polished , and sustainable , with a special focus on the wearer’s lifestyle. That mentality translates to infinitely wearable (and timeless) pieces that’ll fit into your existing wardrobe. Though it’s still a fairly young company, Sundays has cemented itself as a force to be reckoned with in the (admittedly sometimes) barren furniture landscape in Canada. It’s famous for its impossibly squishy and snuggle-inducing , but its collection of , room , and is not to be missed. Unlike other brands whose style shifts depending on design trends, Sundays enthusiastically embraces its West Coast-meets-Scandinavia aesthetic that allows its pieces to become part of your interior design scheme (rather than overwhelming it). Hailing from Montreal, this spice brand is doing things differently — and the payoff is noticeable. Instead of focusing on “filler” ingredients, you can expect each spice blend to deliver on flavour in a big way, all while harnessing the unique profiles of each ingredient (and they’re certified organic wherever possible). It also forgoes traditional plastic packaging in favour of compostable and recyclable options. If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend grabbing the to get a good idea of what you can expect. Not only is every piece made in Canada, but they’re made of eco-friendly fabrics, so you can both look and feel good about the pieces you’re putting on your body. You won’t find anything too trendy here, as the brand’s whole ethos is creating timeless silhouettes that are meant to last for years to come. That looks like cozy recycled , relaxed , , and you can wear to the gym, around the house, or paired with your favourite trousers on the weekend. 100% natural body care is the name of the game. You can expect richly scented , that’ll transport you to a luxe spa, and hydrating that’ll leave it looking (you guessed it!) dewy as hell. The core brand principle centres on aromatherapy, which translates to the best-smelling body products I’ve probably ever tried (my husband and I fight over the body wash every morning). The brand also offers , like dry brushes and gua sha, to complete your self-care ritual. Take your nose on an olfactory tour of Western Canada by snagging yourself one of the brand’s locally-inspired candles. Roam offers distinctly scented options from iconic locales, like , , , and , each one housed in a minimalist vessel and sporting an eco-friendly wooden wick. Once you’ve burned your favourites down to the bottom, you can keep the party going by copping a of your favourites — a clever idea that’ll save you from keeping a stash of empty vessels on hand (because the ceramic containers are too nice to throw out if you ask us). If you’re unsure of where to start building your collection, take a peek at the brand’s . Comfort is king for this brand that makes some of the most wearable bras and underwear around. Instead of forcing its customers to choose between looking and feeling good, Knix offers gorgeous , buttery-soft , and you can wear comfortably while on your period. The brand is also famous for its use of real bodies in its campaigns, showing not only its inclusive size range but also championing body positivity in the process. We love to see it!!! Toys for all ages, children’s books, AND apparel? You betcha. This is your one-stop shop for all things kid-related, making parenting just a bit easier. The brand is well-stocked with big-name brands, like , , and , and offers options for tots of all ages (including ). Mix, match, and play — that’s the vibe with each and every piece from Montreal-based MJ. No matter what you’re into, be it with a modern twist, to dress up your lobes, , or , there’s a piece to suit your fancy (and your budget). The brand also counts several big-name celebs as fans, including AJ Mclean of Backstreet Boys fame, Victoria Justice, and Nicky Hilton, among others. Any skin issue you have could likely be tackled by one of this brand’s hard-hitting formulas. Those with should probably get themselves a bottle of award-winning , while anyone trying to wrangle their under control could find their problems immensely soothed by the . A lot of its offerings are accepted by the National Eczema Association and quite a few are refillable, making them an eco-friendlier skincare option. Comfort is the name of the game, but not at the expense of style. Think chic , minimalist , and versatile that’ll take you from the Pilates studio to your next lunch date. If you’re planning any warm-weather vacations this year (or just want to get a head start on Summer 2025), make sure to take a peek at its , too. “Unique footwear” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Whimsical, , and colourful, JF shoes make a statement all on their own, blending fantastical elements with ingenious engineering. Fabrics are , , glossy, crinkled, and , with designs that stand out from endless seas of black, browns, and greys — no basic options here. Though footwear is its forte, JF has since ventured into accessories, applying the same principles of irreverence and fun to things like , , and even . Fine jewellery doesn’t have to feel impersonal or generic, which is why you’ll find chic and unusual bling whenever you shop at Bluboho. We’re talking one-of-a-kind (who says it has to be a diamond?!), polished sporting cabochon-style gemstones, and unique for creating your own custom, curated collection of high-end pieces. Big, small, dainty, statement-making — the choice is entirely up to you, and since each piece is designed to coordinate with every other piece, you’ll be able to easily create an interchangeable “jewelleryscape.” Cleaning products never looked so good — and don’t even get us started on the brand’s efficacy. Nellie’s offers powerful that skips filler additives (like water) in favour of hard-working ingredients that clean your clothes, zero-plastic , and genius innovations like all-natural (so you can skip the synthetic stuff), just to name a few. Perhaps most iconic, though, is the brand’s , a powerful — and effective — solid stain remover that’s garnered a near-cult following for its ability to lift and release even the trickiest stains. Vancouver-based Droplet is focused on everyday coziness, bringing touches of luxury and comfort to your daily routines. That means you can expect organic , hand-loomed designs, and big enough to swaddle the entire family, all while being easy to care for (because we’re leaving “dry-clean-only” materials behind in 2025). In an oversaturated beauty market, it’s hard to find the right product (and even harder to decipher endless ingredient lists). Both of the Vancouver-based brand’s and oils are simple, consisting of bio-active elements like rosehip seed oil, neroli, sweet almond oil, and natural, non-toxic mica — no fillers, synthetic additives, or toxins. As an added bonus, each one is also vegan and cruelty-free! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your , add some , or transform your home into a , you’ll find what you’re looking for with this home automation company. Truthfully, it’s all about peace of mind! The brand also champions its refurbished program, whereby all thoroughly inspected and are resold at lower prices — and still come with the same warranty as new ones. Montreal-based DL makes each historically-inspired piece by hand, whether it’s an organically-shaped , textural , or vintage-style . Modern are also on the menu, as well as gorgeous and delicate dotted with petite gemstones. Each piece takes inspiration from ancient cultures from across the globe, resulting in timeless jewellery that pays homage to its roots and the centuries of art and design that inspired it. Let’s make our entire homes smell delightful, shall we? That’s what you can expect from each and every piece from Soja & Co. Whether it’s or , you’ll be able to banish bad smells to another dimension entirely — and feel good about the fact that every formula is environmentally-friendly and non-toxic (not to mention biodegradable at the end of its life).
The clean-up effort along the Santa Cruz coastline continued Friday, days after part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed due to pounding high surf as city officials try to assess what their plans might be to rebuild the collapsed section. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapse happened at around 12:45 p.m. Monday afternoon, city officials confirmed. The section of the wharf that collapsed included the Dolphin restaurant and one of the public bathrooms on the wharf. Santa Cruz Fire officials said two people needed assistance being pulled from the water by life guards and a third person was able to get out of the surf on their own without help. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keely later confirmed the individuals who went into the water were city personnel who were assessing the integrity of the section of the pier that fell into the ocean. The Santa Cruz Wharf has been closed to the public since the collapse, as have many of the area beaches due to the dangers presented by debris in the water. Officials with the Santa Cruz Wharf posted on social media Friday morning that city workers would be active in the area by the river mouth of the San Lorenzo River as crews work to remove the wharf bathroom that washed ashore during Monday's storm. The public was being asked to obey the beach closure and stay clear of the area. "This beach is closed for your safety," the post read. "The community's safety is our priority, and we need you to give city staff the space to clear this debris safely." Local officials are facing some tough questions about the future of the structure that draws upwards of two billion visitors each year. When asked about plans to rebuild the 150-foot section that broke off in Monday's storm during a press conference Friday, the city's mayor acknowledged that remains an open question given the growing risks posed by climate change. "We'd be irresponsible if we didn't ask the question what is the right thing to do here," said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keely. "But to say we're simply going to put it back is I think frankly much more risky and irresponsible than having a very serious conversation." The end of the wharf had already been closed for repairs after sustaining damage during the potent bomb cyclone storm of January 2023 that caused extensive destruction in Santa Cruz, Capitola and other coastal towns. City officials did not offer a time frame for when the wharf may be re-opened, but did say the city is working with the 20 or so businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing closure.SAINT PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Mariah Keopple and Alexandra Labelle scored their first goals of the season and the Montreal Victoire edged the Minnesota Frost 3-2 on Saturday. Marie-Philip Poulin’s goal almost six minutes into the second period was the difference as she converted a 2-on-1 from Laura Stacey and Jennifer Gardiner and Montreal (2-2-0-1), which went 0 for 3 on the power play, won its third straight while handing Minnesota (3-1-1-1) its first regulation loss of the season. Despite having the better control of the action from the start Montreal fell behind 1-0 near the middle of the first period when Claire Thompson and Taylor Heise set up Britta Curl-Salemme for her third goal of the season. But in the last five minutes of the period Keopple scored on a pass from Claire Dalton, and Labelle banged in a rebound of her initial shot. Minnesota pulled into a tie at just 3:17 into the second period when Brooke McQuigge picked up her first goal during a scramble in front of the Montreal goal. Barely 2 1/2 minutes later the Victoire were back on top on Poulin’s second goal of the season and Ann-Renee Desbiens, who made 22 saves, made that stand up. Maddie Rooney made 22 saves for Minnesota, which went 0-1 on the power play. Boston plays at Montreal on Monday. The Frost are home against Boston on Thursday. ___ AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockeyBy REBECCA SANTANA, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The picture of who will be in charge of executing President-elect Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration and border policies has come into sharper focus after he announced his picks to head Customs and Border Protection and also the agency tasked with deporting immigrants in the country illegally. Trump said late Thursday he was tapping Rodney Scott, a former Border Patrol chief who’s been a vocal supporter of tougher enforcement measures, for CBP commissioner. As acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Trump said he’d nominate Caleb Vitello, a career ICE official with more than 23 years in the agency who most recently has been the assistant director for firearms and tactical programs. They will work with an immigration leadership team that includes South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security ; former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement head Tom Homan as border czar ; and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Scott led during Trump’s first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country’s borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he joined the agency, San Diego was by far the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Traffic plummeted after the government dramatically increased enforcement there, but critics note the effort pushed people to remote parts of California and Arizona. San Diego was also where wall construction began in the 1990s, which shaped Scott’s belief that barriers work. He was named San Diego sector chief in 2017. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump’s policies. “He’s well known. He does know these issues and obviously is trusted by the administration,” said Gil Kerlikowske, the CBP commissioner under the Obama administration. Kerlikowske took issue with some of Scott’s past actions, including his refusal to fall in line with a Biden administration directive to stop using terms like “illegal alien” in favor of descriptions like “migrant,” and his decision as San Diego sector chief to fire tear gas into Mexico to disperse protesters. “You don’t launch projectiles into a foreign country,” Kerlikowske said. At the time Scott defended the agents’ decisions , saying they were being assaulted by “a hail of rocks.” While much of the focus of Trump’s administration may be on illegal immigration and security along the U.S.-Mexico border, Kerlikowske also stressed the importance of other parts of Customs and Border Protection’s mission. The agency is responsible for securing trade and international travel at airports, ports and land crossings around the country. Whoever runs the agency has to make sure that billions of dollars worth of trade and millions of passengers move swiftly and safely into and out of the country. And if Trump makes good on promises to ratchet up tariffs on Mexico, China and Canada, CBP will play an integral role in enforcing them. “There’s a huge amount of other responsibility on trade, on tourism, on cyber that take a significant amount of time and have a huge impact on the economy if it’s not done right,” Kerlikowske said. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s hard-line immigration agenda. He has appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He’s also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, he advocated for a return to Trump-era immigration policies and more pressure on Mexico to enforce immigration on its side of the border.
The Cincinnati Bengals were not guaranteed to have their No. 2 wide receiver Tee Higgins in the lineup for the Week 17 game against the Denver Broncos , but the former second-round pick ended up being active. Higgins was battling ankle and knee issues during the week but was still able to log three limited sessions before being listed as questionable. And, ultimately, Higgins was active when the Bengals released their list of inactives before kickoff. We expected Higgins to be involved early and often, especially with superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase getting shadow coverage from Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain, but that has not been the case. Here's the latest on Higgins' slow start in Week 17. Is Tee Higgins playing today? Higgins is indeed active and in the lineup, and we've seen him on the field. Sadly, he has yet to be targeted once over the team's first two drives. Hopefully things will get better for him as the game progresses. Tee Higgins stats today Stat Total Targets 0 Receptions 0 Receiving Yards 0 Touchdowns 0 MORE CINCINNATI BENGALS NEWS How Bengals can clinch improbable playoff berth Bengals vs. Broncos final Week 17 injury report Bengals' updated playoff chances going into Week 17
The six-week campaign matched employee donations and volunteer efforts to the American Red Cross in support of the company's core value of passionately serving local communities MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acentra Health , a technology and health solutions and services company dedicated to accelerating better outcomes for its government and commercial healthcare clients and the populations they serve, announced the company and its employees raised $31,000 in contributions to support relief efforts in the southeastern United States following the devastation from hurricanes Helene and Milton. More than half of the total funds raised during the corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaign were provided as a company match to support the American Red Cross' hurricane response. "As Americans gather to give thanks and celebrate this holiday season, we know that many others are still struggling to rebuild from the devastating loss of back-to-back hurricanes,” said CEO Todd Stottlemyer. "When the storms hit, Acentra Health employees embraced the opportunity to help our neighbors in need through donations of cash, food, and essential items, as well as hands-on volunteer work. I am thankful to work alongside so many who live out our company's core value of passionately serving our communities.” The company's Acentra Health Cares program invited employees to support the hurricane relief campaign in two meaningful ways, either by donating to a hurricane relief cause of their choosing or by volunteering with organizations that align with the company's core value of passionately serving local communities. Employees were also encouraged to use their Acentra Health volunteer time off benefit, which provides up to eight hours of annual paid leave for volunteering. In response, Acentra Health matched employee donations and donated a set dollar amount for each volunteer activity, further amplifying the positive impact on affected communities. At the campaign's close on November 15, 2024, Acentra Health employees supported more than 20 organizations providing direct hurricane relief in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, all also states where Acentra Health employees live and work. Employees also logged 176 hours of volunteer work, consisting of hurricane clean-up, sorting supplies, and loading delivery trucks. Acentra Health matched employee contributions in a lump sum to the American Red Cross, for a campaign grand total of $31,000. Acentra Health Cares provides corporate social responsibility opportunities for employees to live the company's core value of passionately serving its clients, communities, and colleagues through philanthropy and volunteering. The program focuses on making a positive impact on the social determinants of health affecting the individuals and communities where our employees live and work. About Acentra Health Acentra Health combines public sector knowledge, clinical expertise, and technological ingenuity to modernize the healthcare experience for its state, federal, and commercial partners, and the populations they serve. From designing and developing advanced claims, encounter, and provider solutions that drive efficiency and cost savings to delivering clinically focused service models for care management, clinical assessments, and quality oversight, Acentra Health is accelerating better health outcomes. Acentra Health is backed by Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG), a global investment firm. Learn more at acentra.com . Media Contact : Janice Moore Vice President, Corporate Communications 703-214-3552NoneNoneNEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration.
Ex-Raiders great makes final cut for Pro Football Hall of FameA look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming next week. LAYOFFS UPDATE The Labor Department issues its weekly tally of new unemployment benefit claims on Thursday. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady two weeks ago to a seasonally adjusted 219,000. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered a proxy for layoffs. Initial jobless benefit claims, weekly, seasonally adjusted: Nov. 15: 215,000 Nov. 22: 215,000 Nov. 29: 225,000 Dec. 6: 242,000 Dec. 13: 220,000 Dec. 20: 219,000 Source: FactSet KICKING OFF 2025 Also Thursday, U.S. financial markets re-open for the first trading day of 2025. U.S. stocks could be hard pressed to duplicate 2024's gains, especially the S & P 500, which was pushed to 57 all-time highs by a growing economy and a trio of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Big Tech, bitcoin and gold also look like big winners. MORTGAGE RATES Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac on Thursday delivers its weekly snapshot of average U.S. home loan rates. Last week, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.85%. Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have sidelined many would-be homebuyers and put home sales on track for their worst year since 1995. Average rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, weekly: Nov. 21: 6.84 Nov. 27: 6.81 Dec. 5: 6.69 Dec. 12: 6.60 Dec. 19: 6.72 Dec. 26: 6.85 Source: Freddie MacMeta shares hit record high after US appeals court upholds TikTok ban
Sir Rod Stewart spotted dining at Aberdeen restaurant before Celtic clashA spokesperson told Variety: "We have previously expressed our support for Blake in connection with her work on and for the film. We fully and firmly reiterate that support today. "Further, we strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her. Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society." In addition, SAG-AFTRA have also condemned the "startling and troubling allegations" and praised Blake's "courage in speaking out". A spokesperson for the union told Deadline: "We applaud Blake Lively's courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set." "Employees have every right to raise issues of concern or to file complaints. Retaliation for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior is illegal and wrong. "We all have a right to be treated with dignity and respect on the job and to work in an environment free of harassment, discrimination and retaliation." Blake submitted her 10-claim complaint with the California Civil Rights Department last week, in which she accused Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios and others involved with making the movie of sexual harassment and a "coordinated effort to destroy her reputation". The star claimed the film was shot amid a "hostile work environment that nearly derailed production" and alleged a campaign against her was launched by the actor - who also directed the movie - and his company after its release. What's more, the actress demanded "no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldoni's alleged previous 'pornography addiction', no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crew's genitalia, no more inquiries about Blake's weight, and no further mention of Blake's dead father". According to the lawsuit, Sony Pictures approved the former 'Gossip Girl' star's requests. But the actress has alleged that Justin subsequently engaged in a "social manipulation" campaign in a bid to "destroy" her reputation. The actor - who has been dropped by his talent agency, WME in the wake of the claims - has denied the allegations and accused Blake of making an attempt to "fix" her own "negative reputation".
By MICHELLE L. PRICE NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. Related Articles National Politics | Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff National Politics | President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction National Politics | Democrats stick with Schumer as leader, their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain National Politics | Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs National Politics | Democrats’ outgoing chair says Trump’s win forces party to reassess how it reaches voters In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report.‘It was tough’ – Michael Van Gerwen gives x-rated assessment of latest performance despite victory
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
How are A2 Milk shares set to perform in 2025? You're reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool's Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources , and more. Learn More A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares are set to close 2024 on a strong note. The stock has been up more than 36% this year. Shares in the specialist milk company currently fetch 5.81 apiece after surging more than 5% in the past month of trade. Zooming out, several catalysts are behind this rally in 2024, including an upgraded earnings guidance and the announcement of its first-ever payout policy. So, with 2025 just around the corner, can A2 Milk shares maintain this momentum? Let's see what the experts think. Guidance upgrade boosts confidence A2 Milk shares caught a strong bid in November after the company provided a trading update at its annual general meeting. Put simply, the news was better than expected. The company reported that revenue for the first half of FY25 has exceeded initial... Zach BristowPowell Industries VP Mauney sells $284,161 in stock

Trump base splits over Musk and Ramaswamy’s support for foreign worker visasThe large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the Hawk air defence system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. The new aid comes as Russia launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defence officials acknowledged that the US Defence Department may not be able to send all of the remaining 5.6 billion dollars (£4.5 billion) in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. Mr Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, and spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many US and European leaders are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine and they worry that he will not provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The aid in the new package is in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine. This latest assistance would reduce the remaining amount to about 4.35 billion dollars (£3.46 billion). Officials have said they hope that an influx of aid will help strengthen Ukraine’s hand, should Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky decide it is time to negotiate. One senior defence official said that while the US will continue to provide weapons to Ukraine until January 20, there may well be funds remaining that will be available for the incoming Trump administration to spend. According to the Pentagon, there is also about 1.2 billion dollars (£0.9 billion) remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more. Officials have said the administration anticipates releasing all of that money before the end of the calendar year. If the new package is included, the US will have provided more than 64 billion dollars (£50.8 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.Durham community network secures £1m funding to address rural challenges
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein will be activated from injured reserve and will play against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich announced Friday that Zuerlein is returning after missing seven games with a knee injury to his left, non-kicking leg. He had been shaky before the injury, but the Jets have since been unsettled at the position, with Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader and Anders Carlson all filling in. “He came back, looked healthy, kicked the ball well this week,” Ulbrich said of Zuerlein. “So, he’ll be our guy going forward here.” Zuerlein is officially listed as questionable to play, but was a full participant the final two practices. Wide receiver , but likely to play after participating on a limited basis Friday because of a hip ailment that held him out Thursday. Cornerback Sauce Gardner is also questionable with a hamstring injury that sidelined him in the second half of . Zuerlein, who re-signed with the Jets last offseason on a two-year deal, made just nine of 15 field goal attempts and missed one extra point in the first eight games this year. He had been one of the NFL's most consistently reliable kickers the previous two seasons with the Jets. Patterson kicked in one game after the Jets placed Zuerlein on IR. Shrader also kicked in one game before he was signed off the practice squad by Kansas City. Carlson had been the kicker the past five games, but missed a field goal and an extra point against the Rams and the Jets signed Greg Joseph to the practice squad to provide competition. Ulbrich said earlier in the week Zuerlein would also be in the mix after a long layoff. "I think sometimes that can be powerful, an opportunity just to take a deep breath, get his body healthy again and get a restart," Ulbrich said. “So I’m excited for him to do his thing these last two games and really demonstrate to everybody who he is as a kicker.” Adams said he was injured early in the game against the Rams, but was still able to catch seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. He said he was optimistic about his chances of playing at Buffalo. “We're still working on it,” Adams said after practice Friday. “We're treating it, trying to get it right so we can hopefully be there and ready by game time.” Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams could return after missing last week with a hamstring injury. He was listed as questionable and was limited at practice all week. Also questionable but expected to play are right tackle Morgan Moses (knee), safety Tony Adams (ankle), cornerback Michael Carter II (back), defensive end Haason Reddick (neck) and defensive lineman Braiden McGregor (ankle). Defensive tackle Leki Fotu was ruled out with a knee injury. AP NFL:No surprise — budgets are tight, and we’re all being a bit more intentional with our spending power. But with so many companies competing for our hard-earned cash, it can be hard to know which brands are worth the spend, if you’d like to support Canadian ones wherever possible! With that in mind, we’ve made a guide for you so you can put your $$$ towards homegrown companies. Whether you’re a plant parent, jewellery aficionado, or plan to make the swap to eco-friendly cleaning products, there’s bound to be a company on this list that’s up your alley. What used to take a trip to the nursery or your nearest garden centre can now be done right from your computer. That’s right: you can order PLANTS right to your house, thanks to Foli. The brand offers tons of greenery (big, small, and just right), and you can choose whether it comes in a pretty planter or a grow pot if you plan to re-plant upon arrival. They also offer and for those looking for gift options! Did you know that, on average, we spend a whopping third of our lives sleeping? By that logic, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t invest in quality bedding, and Silk & Snow is a great place to start. The brand specializes in , , hand-knitted , and even , though it has since dipped its toes into other textural home textiles (like , , and ). Though linen has been prized for centuries for both its durability and its comfort — it’s especially great for hot sleepers — those who find the fabric a wee bit scratchy will probably love the and options. It’s your one-stop shop for curated body care, fragrance, skincare, and bath goodies that you likely wouldn’t find anywhere else. Cult-fave brands like , , and call this boutique home, but you’ll also find undiscovered treasures like (whose Roma Heirloom Tomato products rival Loewe’s viral candle), , and that’ll bring a little luxury to your everyday routines. If the name didn’t already give it away, this brand’s all about handcare. And they take it seriously, offering everything from chic to to an all-in-one (a key product to keep hangnails and fungus at bay). To be more eco-friendly and sustainable, Paume uses acetate derived from wood pulp and even sells of its MVPs — to go with its , of course. This Montreal-based brand’s entire ethos is centred around the concept of buying less but buying . Its impeccably tailored products feature responsibly sourced materials, like , polished , and sustainable , with a special focus on the wearer’s lifestyle. That mentality translates to infinitely wearable (and timeless) pieces that’ll fit into your existing wardrobe. Though it’s still a fairly young company, Sundays has cemented itself as a force to be reckoned with in the (admittedly sometimes) barren furniture landscape in Canada. It’s famous for its impossibly squishy and snuggle-inducing , but its collection of , room , and is not to be missed. Unlike other brands whose style shifts depending on design trends, Sundays enthusiastically embraces its West Coast-meets-Scandinavia aesthetic that allows its pieces to become part of your interior design scheme (rather than overwhelming it). Hailing from Montreal, this spice brand is doing things differently — and the payoff is noticeable. Instead of focusing on “filler” ingredients, you can expect each spice blend to deliver on flavour in a big way, all while harnessing the unique profiles of each ingredient (and they’re certified organic wherever possible). It also forgoes traditional plastic packaging in favour of compostable and recyclable options. If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend grabbing the to get a good idea of what you can expect. Not only is every piece made in Canada, but they’re made of eco-friendly fabrics, so you can both look and feel good about the pieces you’re putting on your body. You won’t find anything too trendy here, as the brand’s whole ethos is creating timeless silhouettes that are meant to last for years to come. That looks like cozy recycled , relaxed , , and you can wear to the gym, around the house, or paired with your favourite trousers on the weekend. 100% natural body care is the name of the game. You can expect richly scented , that’ll transport you to a luxe spa, and hydrating that’ll leave it looking (you guessed it!) dewy as hell. The core brand principle centres on aromatherapy, which translates to the best-smelling body products I’ve probably ever tried (my husband and I fight over the body wash every morning). The brand also offers , like dry brushes and gua sha, to complete your self-care ritual. Take your nose on an olfactory tour of Western Canada by snagging yourself one of the brand’s locally-inspired candles. Roam offers distinctly scented options from iconic locales, like , , , and , each one housed in a minimalist vessel and sporting an eco-friendly wooden wick. Once you’ve burned your favourites down to the bottom, you can keep the party going by copping a of your favourites — a clever idea that’ll save you from keeping a stash of empty vessels on hand (because the ceramic containers are too nice to throw out if you ask us). If you’re unsure of where to start building your collection, take a peek at the brand’s . Comfort is king for this brand that makes some of the most wearable bras and underwear around. Instead of forcing its customers to choose between looking and feeling good, Knix offers gorgeous , buttery-soft , and you can wear comfortably while on your period. The brand is also famous for its use of real bodies in its campaigns, showing not only its inclusive size range but also championing body positivity in the process. We love to see it!!! Toys for all ages, children’s books, AND apparel? You betcha. This is your one-stop shop for all things kid-related, making parenting just a bit easier. The brand is well-stocked with big-name brands, like , , and , and offers options for tots of all ages (including ). Mix, match, and play — that’s the vibe with each and every piece from Montreal-based MJ. No matter what you’re into, be it with a modern twist, to dress up your lobes, , or , there’s a piece to suit your fancy (and your budget). The brand also counts several big-name celebs as fans, including AJ Mclean of Backstreet Boys fame, Victoria Justice, and Nicky Hilton, among others. Any skin issue you have could likely be tackled by one of this brand’s hard-hitting formulas. Those with should probably get themselves a bottle of award-winning , while anyone trying to wrangle their under control could find their problems immensely soothed by the . A lot of its offerings are accepted by the National Eczema Association and quite a few are refillable, making them an eco-friendlier skincare option. Comfort is the name of the game, but not at the expense of style. Think chic , minimalist , and versatile that’ll take you from the Pilates studio to your next lunch date. If you’re planning any warm-weather vacations this year (or just want to get a head start on Summer 2025), make sure to take a peek at its , too. “Unique footwear” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Whimsical, , and colourful, JF shoes make a statement all on their own, blending fantastical elements with ingenious engineering. Fabrics are , , glossy, crinkled, and , with designs that stand out from endless seas of black, browns, and greys — no basic options here. Though footwear is its forte, JF has since ventured into accessories, applying the same principles of irreverence and fun to things like , , and even . Fine jewellery doesn’t have to feel impersonal or generic, which is why you’ll find chic and unusual bling whenever you shop at Bluboho. We’re talking one-of-a-kind (who says it has to be a diamond?!), polished sporting cabochon-style gemstones, and unique for creating your own custom, curated collection of high-end pieces. Big, small, dainty, statement-making — the choice is entirely up to you, and since each piece is designed to coordinate with every other piece, you’ll be able to easily create an interchangeable “jewelleryscape.” Cleaning products never looked so good — and don’t even get us started on the brand’s efficacy. Nellie’s offers powerful that skips filler additives (like water) in favour of hard-working ingredients that clean your clothes, zero-plastic , and genius innovations like all-natural (so you can skip the synthetic stuff), just to name a few. Perhaps most iconic, though, is the brand’s , a powerful — and effective — solid stain remover that’s garnered a near-cult following for its ability to lift and release even the trickiest stains. Vancouver-based Droplet is focused on everyday coziness, bringing touches of luxury and comfort to your daily routines. That means you can expect organic , hand-loomed designs, and big enough to swaddle the entire family, all while being easy to care for (because we’re leaving “dry-clean-only” materials behind in 2025). In an oversaturated beauty market, it’s hard to find the right product (and even harder to decipher endless ingredient lists). Both of the Vancouver-based brand’s and oils are simple, consisting of bio-active elements like rosehip seed oil, neroli, sweet almond oil, and natural, non-toxic mica — no fillers, synthetic additives, or toxins. As an added bonus, each one is also vegan and cruelty-free! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your , add some , or transform your home into a , you’ll find what you’re looking for with this home automation company. Truthfully, it’s all about peace of mind! The brand also champions its refurbished program, whereby all thoroughly inspected and are resold at lower prices — and still come with the same warranty as new ones. Montreal-based DL makes each historically-inspired piece by hand, whether it’s an organically-shaped , textural , or vintage-style . Modern are also on the menu, as well as gorgeous and delicate dotted with petite gemstones. Each piece takes inspiration from ancient cultures from across the globe, resulting in timeless jewellery that pays homage to its roots and the centuries of art and design that inspired it. Let’s make our entire homes smell delightful, shall we? That’s what you can expect from each and every piece from Soja & Co. Whether it’s or , you’ll be able to banish bad smells to another dimension entirely — and feel good about the fact that every formula is environmentally-friendly and non-toxic (not to mention biodegradable at the end of its life).
The clean-up effort along the Santa Cruz coastline continued Friday, days after part of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed due to pounding high surf as city officials try to assess what their plans might be to rebuild the collapsed section. The Santa Cruz Wharf collapse happened at around 12:45 p.m. Monday afternoon, city officials confirmed. The section of the wharf that collapsed included the Dolphin restaurant and one of the public bathrooms on the wharf. Santa Cruz Fire officials said two people needed assistance being pulled from the water by life guards and a third person was able to get out of the surf on their own without help. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keely later confirmed the individuals who went into the water were city personnel who were assessing the integrity of the section of the pier that fell into the ocean. The Santa Cruz Wharf has been closed to the public since the collapse, as have many of the area beaches due to the dangers presented by debris in the water. Officials with the Santa Cruz Wharf posted on social media Friday morning that city workers would be active in the area by the river mouth of the San Lorenzo River as crews work to remove the wharf bathroom that washed ashore during Monday's storm. The public was being asked to obey the beach closure and stay clear of the area. "This beach is closed for your safety," the post read. "The community's safety is our priority, and we need you to give city staff the space to clear this debris safely." Local officials are facing some tough questions about the future of the structure that draws upwards of two billion visitors each year. When asked about plans to rebuild the 150-foot section that broke off in Monday's storm during a press conference Friday, the city's mayor acknowledged that remains an open question given the growing risks posed by climate change. "We'd be irresponsible if we didn't ask the question what is the right thing to do here," said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keely. "But to say we're simply going to put it back is I think frankly much more risky and irresponsible than having a very serious conversation." The end of the wharf had already been closed for repairs after sustaining damage during the potent bomb cyclone storm of January 2023 that caused extensive destruction in Santa Cruz, Capitola and other coastal towns. City officials did not offer a time frame for when the wharf may be re-opened, but did say the city is working with the 20 or so businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing closure.SAINT PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Mariah Keopple and Alexandra Labelle scored their first goals of the season and the Montreal Victoire edged the Minnesota Frost 3-2 on Saturday. Marie-Philip Poulin’s goal almost six minutes into the second period was the difference as she converted a 2-on-1 from Laura Stacey and Jennifer Gardiner and Montreal (2-2-0-1), which went 0 for 3 on the power play, won its third straight while handing Minnesota (3-1-1-1) its first regulation loss of the season. Despite having the better control of the action from the start Montreal fell behind 1-0 near the middle of the first period when Claire Thompson and Taylor Heise set up Britta Curl-Salemme for her third goal of the season. But in the last five minutes of the period Keopple scored on a pass from Claire Dalton, and Labelle banged in a rebound of her initial shot. Minnesota pulled into a tie at just 3:17 into the second period when Brooke McQuigge picked up her first goal during a scramble in front of the Montreal goal. Barely 2 1/2 minutes later the Victoire were back on top on Poulin’s second goal of the season and Ann-Renee Desbiens, who made 22 saves, made that stand up. Maddie Rooney made 22 saves for Minnesota, which went 0-1 on the power play. Boston plays at Montreal on Monday. The Frost are home against Boston on Thursday. ___ AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockeyBy REBECCA SANTANA, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The picture of who will be in charge of executing President-elect Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration and border policies has come into sharper focus after he announced his picks to head Customs and Border Protection and also the agency tasked with deporting immigrants in the country illegally. Trump said late Thursday he was tapping Rodney Scott, a former Border Patrol chief who’s been a vocal supporter of tougher enforcement measures, for CBP commissioner. As acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Trump said he’d nominate Caleb Vitello, a career ICE official with more than 23 years in the agency who most recently has been the assistant director for firearms and tactical programs. They will work with an immigration leadership team that includes South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security ; former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement head Tom Homan as border czar ; and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Scott led during Trump’s first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country’s borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he joined the agency, San Diego was by far the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. Traffic plummeted after the government dramatically increased enforcement there, but critics note the effort pushed people to remote parts of California and Arizona. San Diego was also where wall construction began in the 1990s, which shaped Scott’s belief that barriers work. He was named San Diego sector chief in 2017. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump’s policies. “He’s well known. He does know these issues and obviously is trusted by the administration,” said Gil Kerlikowske, the CBP commissioner under the Obama administration. Kerlikowske took issue with some of Scott’s past actions, including his refusal to fall in line with a Biden administration directive to stop using terms like “illegal alien” in favor of descriptions like “migrant,” and his decision as San Diego sector chief to fire tear gas into Mexico to disperse protesters. “You don’t launch projectiles into a foreign country,” Kerlikowske said. At the time Scott defended the agents’ decisions , saying they were being assaulted by “a hail of rocks.” While much of the focus of Trump’s administration may be on illegal immigration and security along the U.S.-Mexico border, Kerlikowske also stressed the importance of other parts of Customs and Border Protection’s mission. The agency is responsible for securing trade and international travel at airports, ports and land crossings around the country. Whoever runs the agency has to make sure that billions of dollars worth of trade and millions of passengers move swiftly and safely into and out of the country. And if Trump makes good on promises to ratchet up tariffs on Mexico, China and Canada, CBP will play an integral role in enforcing them. “There’s a huge amount of other responsibility on trade, on tourism, on cyber that take a significant amount of time and have a huge impact on the economy if it’s not done right,” Kerlikowske said. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s hard-line immigration agenda. He has appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He’s also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, he advocated for a return to Trump-era immigration policies and more pressure on Mexico to enforce immigration on its side of the border.
The Cincinnati Bengals were not guaranteed to have their No. 2 wide receiver Tee Higgins in the lineup for the Week 17 game against the Denver Broncos , but the former second-round pick ended up being active. Higgins was battling ankle and knee issues during the week but was still able to log three limited sessions before being listed as questionable. And, ultimately, Higgins was active when the Bengals released their list of inactives before kickoff. We expected Higgins to be involved early and often, especially with superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase getting shadow coverage from Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain, but that has not been the case. Here's the latest on Higgins' slow start in Week 17. Is Tee Higgins playing today? Higgins is indeed active and in the lineup, and we've seen him on the field. Sadly, he has yet to be targeted once over the team's first two drives. Hopefully things will get better for him as the game progresses. Tee Higgins stats today Stat Total Targets 0 Receptions 0 Receiving Yards 0 Touchdowns 0 MORE CINCINNATI BENGALS NEWS How Bengals can clinch improbable playoff berth Bengals vs. Broncos final Week 17 injury report Bengals' updated playoff chances going into Week 17
The six-week campaign matched employee donations and volunteer efforts to the American Red Cross in support of the company's core value of passionately serving local communities MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acentra Health , a technology and health solutions and services company dedicated to accelerating better outcomes for its government and commercial healthcare clients and the populations they serve, announced the company and its employees raised $31,000 in contributions to support relief efforts in the southeastern United States following the devastation from hurricanes Helene and Milton. More than half of the total funds raised during the corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaign were provided as a company match to support the American Red Cross' hurricane response. "As Americans gather to give thanks and celebrate this holiday season, we know that many others are still struggling to rebuild from the devastating loss of back-to-back hurricanes,” said CEO Todd Stottlemyer. "When the storms hit, Acentra Health employees embraced the opportunity to help our neighbors in need through donations of cash, food, and essential items, as well as hands-on volunteer work. I am thankful to work alongside so many who live out our company's core value of passionately serving our communities.” The company's Acentra Health Cares program invited employees to support the hurricane relief campaign in two meaningful ways, either by donating to a hurricane relief cause of their choosing or by volunteering with organizations that align with the company's core value of passionately serving local communities. Employees were also encouraged to use their Acentra Health volunteer time off benefit, which provides up to eight hours of annual paid leave for volunteering. In response, Acentra Health matched employee donations and donated a set dollar amount for each volunteer activity, further amplifying the positive impact on affected communities. At the campaign's close on November 15, 2024, Acentra Health employees supported more than 20 organizations providing direct hurricane relief in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, all also states where Acentra Health employees live and work. Employees also logged 176 hours of volunteer work, consisting of hurricane clean-up, sorting supplies, and loading delivery trucks. Acentra Health matched employee contributions in a lump sum to the American Red Cross, for a campaign grand total of $31,000. Acentra Health Cares provides corporate social responsibility opportunities for employees to live the company's core value of passionately serving its clients, communities, and colleagues through philanthropy and volunteering. The program focuses on making a positive impact on the social determinants of health affecting the individuals and communities where our employees live and work. About Acentra Health Acentra Health combines public sector knowledge, clinical expertise, and technological ingenuity to modernize the healthcare experience for its state, federal, and commercial partners, and the populations they serve. From designing and developing advanced claims, encounter, and provider solutions that drive efficiency and cost savings to delivering clinically focused service models for care management, clinical assessments, and quality oversight, Acentra Health is accelerating better health outcomes. Acentra Health is backed by Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG), a global investment firm. Learn more at acentra.com . Media Contact : Janice Moore Vice President, Corporate Communications 703-214-3552NoneNoneNEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration.
Ex-Raiders great makes final cut for Pro Football Hall of FameA look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming next week. LAYOFFS UPDATE The Labor Department issues its weekly tally of new unemployment benefit claims on Thursday. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady two weeks ago to a seasonally adjusted 219,000. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered a proxy for layoffs. Initial jobless benefit claims, weekly, seasonally adjusted: Nov. 15: 215,000 Nov. 22: 215,000 Nov. 29: 225,000 Dec. 6: 242,000 Dec. 13: 220,000 Dec. 20: 219,000 Source: FactSet KICKING OFF 2025 Also Thursday, U.S. financial markets re-open for the first trading day of 2025. U.S. stocks could be hard pressed to duplicate 2024's gains, especially the S & P 500, which was pushed to 57 all-time highs by a growing economy and a trio of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Big Tech, bitcoin and gold also look like big winners. MORTGAGE RATES Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac on Thursday delivers its weekly snapshot of average U.S. home loan rates. Last week, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.85%. Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have sidelined many would-be homebuyers and put home sales on track for their worst year since 1995. Average rate on the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, weekly: Nov. 21: 6.84 Nov. 27: 6.81 Dec. 5: 6.69 Dec. 12: 6.60 Dec. 19: 6.72 Dec. 26: 6.85 Source: Freddie MacMeta shares hit record high after US appeals court upholds TikTok ban
Sir Rod Stewart spotted dining at Aberdeen restaurant before Celtic clashA spokesperson told Variety: "We have previously expressed our support for Blake in connection with her work on and for the film. We fully and firmly reiterate that support today. "Further, we strongly condemn any reputational attacks on her. Any such attacks have no place in our business or in a civil society." In addition, SAG-AFTRA have also condemned the "startling and troubling allegations" and praised Blake's "courage in speaking out". A spokesperson for the union told Deadline: "We applaud Blake Lively's courage in speaking out on issues of retaliation and harassment and for her request to have an intimacy coordinator for all scenes with nudity or sexual content. This is an important step that helps ensure a safe set." "Employees have every right to raise issues of concern or to file complaints. Retaliation for reporting misconduct or inappropriate behavior is illegal and wrong. "We all have a right to be treated with dignity and respect on the job and to work in an environment free of harassment, discrimination and retaliation." Blake submitted her 10-claim complaint with the California Civil Rights Department last week, in which she accused Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios and others involved with making the movie of sexual harassment and a "coordinated effort to destroy her reputation". The star claimed the film was shot amid a "hostile work environment that nearly derailed production" and alleged a campaign against her was launched by the actor - who also directed the movie - and his company after its release. What's more, the actress demanded "no more showing nude videos or images of women to Blake, no more mention of Baldoni's alleged previous 'pornography addiction', no more discussions about sexual conquests in front of Blake and others, no further mentions of cast and crew's genitalia, no more inquiries about Blake's weight, and no further mention of Blake's dead father". According to the lawsuit, Sony Pictures approved the former 'Gossip Girl' star's requests. But the actress has alleged that Justin subsequently engaged in a "social manipulation" campaign in a bid to "destroy" her reputation. The actor - who has been dropped by his talent agency, WME in the wake of the claims - has denied the allegations and accused Blake of making an attempt to "fix" her own "negative reputation".
By MICHELLE L. PRICE NEW YORK (AP) — Chad Chronister, Donald Trump’s pick to run the Drug Enforcement Administration, said Tuesday he was withdrawing his name from consideration, becoming the second person selected by the president-elect to bow out quickly after being nominated for a position requiring Senate confirmation. Sheriff Chronister, the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County, Florida, said in a post on X that he was backing away from the opportunity, which he called “the honor of a lifetime.” “Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I’ve concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration,” Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Chronister follows former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz , Trump’s first pick to serve as attorney general, in withdrawing his name for a post in the administration. Gaetz withdrew following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. Trump’s pick of Chronister for the DEA job drew backlash from conservatives, who raised concerns over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and his saying that his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities.” In March 2020, Chronister arrested the pastor of a megachurch who held services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place aimed at limiting the spread of the Covid virus. “Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said at the time. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.” U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky, was among those airing public complaints, saying Chronister should be “disqualified” for the arrest. Others flagged comments Chronister made in a video about Florida’s immigration laws that he released in 2023 that circulated again online after Trump named him last weekend. Related Articles National Politics | Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staff National Politics | President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money conviction National Politics | Democrats stick with Schumer as leader, their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain National Politics | Trump vows to block Japanese steelmaker from buying US Steel, pledges tax incentives and tariffs National Politics | Democrats’ outgoing chair says Trump’s win forces party to reassess how it reaches voters In the video, Chronister praised the “rich diversity” of his community and called it “a place where people from all walks of life come together.” He said it was important to note his office “does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. We do not target individuals based on their immigration status. That’s the authority of federal agencies.” Trump has made a sweeping crackdown on immigration a central focus of his campaign and his aims for his coming administration. Associated Press writer Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida contributed to this report.‘It was tough’ – Michael Van Gerwen gives x-rated assessment of latest performance despite victory
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
How are A2 Milk shares set to perform in 2025? You're reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool's Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources , and more. Learn More A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) shares are set to close 2024 on a strong note. The stock has been up more than 36% this year. Shares in the specialist milk company currently fetch 5.81 apiece after surging more than 5% in the past month of trade. Zooming out, several catalysts are behind this rally in 2024, including an upgraded earnings guidance and the announcement of its first-ever payout policy. So, with 2025 just around the corner, can A2 Milk shares maintain this momentum? Let's see what the experts think. Guidance upgrade boosts confidence A2 Milk shares caught a strong bid in November after the company provided a trading update at its annual general meeting. Put simply, the news was better than expected. The company reported that revenue for the first half of FY25 has exceeded initial... Zach BristowPowell Industries VP Mauney sells $284,161 in stock