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WASHINGTON — Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter after earlier promising he would do no such thing, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. That displeasure tracks with the bipartisan uproar in Washington that ignited over the president's about-face. The survey found that a relatively small share of Americans "strongly" or "somewhat" approve of the pardon, which came after the younger Biden was convicted on gun and tax charges. About half said they "strongly" or "somewhat" disapprove, and about 2 in 10 neither approve nor disapprove. The Democratic president said repeatedly that he would not use his pardon power for the benefit of his family, and the White House continued to insist, even after Republican Donald Trump's election win in November, that Biden's position had not changed — until it suddenly did. Hunter Biden leaves federal court Sept. 5 in Los Angeles after pleading guilty to federal tax charges. "I know it's not right to believe politicians as far as what they say compared to what they do, but he did explicitly say, 'I will not pardon my son,'" said Peter Prestia, a 59-year-old Republican from Woodland Park, New Jersey, just west of New York City, who said he strongly disagreed with the move. "So, it's just the fact that he went back on his word." In issuing a pardon Dec. 1, Biden argued that the Justice Department had presided over a "miscarriage of justice" in prosecuting his son. The president used some of the same kind of language that Trump does to describe the criminal cases against him and his other legal predicaments. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it was a decision that Biden struggled with but came to shortly before he made the announcement, "because of how politically infected these cases were" as well as "what his political opponents were trying to do." The poll found that about 4 in 10 Democrats approve of the pardon, while about 3 in 10 disapprove and about one-quarter did not have an opinion or did not know enough to say. The vast majority of Republicans and about half of independents had a negative opinion. President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden walk Nov. 29 in downtown Nantucket Mass. For some, it was easy to see family taking priority over politics. "Do you have kids?" asked Robert Jenkins, a 63-year-old Democrat who runs a lumber yard and gas station in Gallipolis, Ohio. "You're gonna leave office and not pardon your kid? I mean, it's a no-brainer to me." But Prestia, who is semiretired from working for a digital marketing conglomerate, said Biden would have been better off not making promises. "He does have that right to pardon anybody he wants. But he just should have kept his mouth shut, and he did it because it was before the election, so it's just a bold-faced lie," Prestia said. Despite the unpopularity of his decision, the president's approval rating has not shifted meaningfully since before his party lost the White House to Trump. About 4 in 10 Americans "somewhat" or "strongly" approve of the way Biden is handling his job as president, which is about where his approval rating stood in AP-NORC polls since January 2022. Still, the pardon keeps creating political shock waves, with Republicans, and even some top Democrats, decrying it. Older adults are more likely than younger ones to approve of Biden's pardoning his son, according to the poll, though their support is not especially strong. About one-third of those ages 60 and older approve, compared with about 2 in 10 adults under 60. The age divide is driven partially by the fact that younger adults are more likely than older ones to say they neither approve nor disapprove of the pardon or that they do not know enough to say. President Joe Biden walks with his son Hunter Biden on July 26 as he heads toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. About 6 in 10 white adults disapprove of the pardon, compared with slightly less than half of Hispanic adults and about 3 in 10 Black adults. Relatively large shares of Black and Hispanic Americans — about 3 in 10 — were neutral, the poll found. "Don't say you're gonna do something and then fall back," said Trinell Champ, 43, a Democrat from Nederland, Texas, who works in the home health industry and said she disapproved of the pardon. "At the end of the day, all you have is your word." Champ, who is Black, voted for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris over Trump. "I just had my hopes up for her, but I wasn't 100% positive," she said. Champ also said she does not approve of Biden's handling of the presidency and thinks the country is on the wrong track. "While he was in office, I felt like I really didn't see a lot of changes," she said. "I just felt like everything just kind of stayed the same," Champ said. Overall, though, the pardon did not appear to be a driving factor in many Americans' assessment of Biden's job performance. The share of Black Americans who approve of the way he is handling his job as president did fall slightly since October, but it is hard to assess what role the pardon may have played. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) carries both of his sons, Joseph R. III, left, and Robert H., during an appearance at the Democratic state convention last summer, 1972. At center is his wife Neilia Biden, who was killed in an auto crash, Dec. 20, 1972. With them are Governor-elect Sherman W. Tribbitt and his wife, Jeanne. (AP Photo) Joseph Biden, the newly-elected Democratic Senator from Delaware, is shown in Washington, Dec. 12, 1972. (AP Photo/Henry Griffin) 1972 - Is first elected to the Senate at age 29, defeating Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs. Wins re-election in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2002. The newly-elected Democratic senator from Delaware, Joe Biden, is shown, Dec. 13, 1972. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) kisses the cheek of an unidentified friend who offered consoling words after a memorial service in Wilmington, Del., Dec. 22, 1972, for Biden's wife Neilia, their 13-month-old daughter Naomi Christina, who perished in a car-truck crash. Biden's two sons were hospitalized with serious injuries. (AP Photo/Bill Ingraham) December 18, 1972 - While Christmas shopping, Biden's first wife, Neilia Hunter Biden, and daughter, Naomi Biden, are killed in a car accident. His sons are badly injured, but survive. January 5, 1973 - Is sworn in as US senator of Delaware at son Beau Biden's bedside in the hospital. In this Jan. 5, 1973 file photo, four-year-old Beau Biden, foreground, plays near his father, Joe Biden, center, being sworn in as the U.S. senator from Delaware, by Senate Secretary Frank Valeo, left, in ceremonies in a Wilmington hospital. Beau was injured in an accident that killed his mother and sister in December 1972. Biden's father, Robert Hunter, holds the Bible. (AP Photo/File) 1987-1995 - Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, rubs his temples while speaking during confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Robert H. Bork, Sept. 17, 1987, on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/John Duricka) June 9, 1987 - Enters the 1988 presidential race, but drops out three months later following reports of plagiarism and false claims about his academic record. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) waves from his train as he leaves Wilmington, Del., after announcing his candidacy for president, June 9, 1987. At right, son Beau carries daughter; to Biden's right is his wife Jill and son Hunter. (AP Photo/George Widman) February 1988 - Undergoes surgery to repair an aneurysm in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.), wearing a University of Delaware baseball cap, leaves Walter Reed Army Hospital accompanied by his son Hunter Biden, Thursday, March 24, 1988, Washington, D.C. Biden had been in the hospital for 11 days so that surgeons could implant a small umbrella-like filter in a vein to prevent blood clots from reaching his lungs. (AP Photo/Adele Starr) In this Oct. 12, 1991 file photo Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Biden, D-Del., points angrily at Clarence Thomas during comments at the end of hearings on Thomas' nomination to the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. looks on at right. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, File) January 20, 1990 - Introduces a bill that becomes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The act addresses sexual assault and domestic violence. It is signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), left, stands behind a flag as Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), second from right, along with other congresswomen meet reporters on Capitol Hill, Feb. 24, 1993, to discuss the Violence Against Women Act. From left are: Sen. Biden; Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.); Rep. Pat Schroeder (D-Colo); Sen. Boxer; and Rep. Constance Morella of Maryland. (AP Photo/Barry Thumma) In this April 9, 1993, file photo Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del. stands in front of a Danish armored personnel carrier at the UN-controlled Sarajevo Airport, making a statement about his trip to the besieged Bosnian capital. (AP Photo/Michael Stravato, File) Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, meets reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 to discuss the United Nations-Iraq vote. (AP Photo/Terry Ashe) Democratic presidential hopeful, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., presides over a hearing of the committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 to discuss the remaining options in Iraq. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook) Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden D-Del., smiles during the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Presidential Forum Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, in Waterloo, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) January 31, 2007 - Files a statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission to run for president. August 1, 2007 - His memoir, "Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics," is published. Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, listens as Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., responds to a question during the first Democratic presidential primary debate of the 2008 election hosted by the South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC., Thursday, April 26, 2007. At right is Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., speaks at a Caucus night rally in Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008. Biden abandoned his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday after a poor showing in the state's caucuses. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) In this Jan. 3, 2008, file photo, Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., rests his head on the shoulder of his wife, Jill, as they stand in a hallway awaiting his introductions for a rally at the UAW Hall in Dubuque, Iowa on the day of the Iowa caucus in Dubuque, Iowa. (AP Photo/Mark Hirsch, File) August 23, 2008 - Is named the vice-presidential running mate of Barack Obama. In this Aug. 23, 2008 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., and his vice presidential running mate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., appear together in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, file) In this Sept. 16, 2008 file photo, then Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del. arrives by Amtrak in Wilmington, Del., (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) In this Oct. 2,2008 file photo, Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., left, and Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin face off during the vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam, File) November 4, 2008 - Is elected vice president of the United States. President-elect Barack Obama, left, and Vice President-elect Joe Biden wave to the crowd after Obama's acceptance speech at his election night party at Grant Park in Chicago before giving his acceptance speech Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) January 20, 2009 - Is sworn in as vice president of the United States. Vice President Joe Biden, left, with his wife Jill at his side, taking the oath of office from Justice John Paul Stevens at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) February 7, 2009 - Delivers his first major speech as vice president at a security conference in Germany. US Vice President Joe Biden addresses the participants of the International Conference on Security Policy, Sicherheitskonferenz, at the hotel "Bayerischer Hof" in Munich, southern Germany, on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. September 1, 2010 - Presides over a ceremony in Iraq to formally mark the end of the US combat mission in Iraq. US Vice President Joe Biden, left, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, center, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen, right, stand while the US National Anthem is played during the United States Forces-Iraq change of command ceremony in Baghdad on Wednesday Sept. 1, 2010, as a new US military mission in Iraq was launched ending seven years of combat. (AP Photo/Jim Watson Pool) November 6, 2012 - Obama and Biden are reelected, defeating Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan. Vice President Joe Biden exits with his wife Jill Biden after voting at Alexis I. duPont High School, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Greenville, Del. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Vice President Joe Biden, with his wife Jill Biden, center, holding the Biden Family Bible, shakes hands with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor after taking the oath of office during an official ceremony at the Naval Observatory, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) October 2, 2014 - Speaking at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Biden tells attendees that ISIS has been inadvertently strengthened by actions taken by Turkey, the UAE and other Middle Eastern allies to help opposition groups fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In this Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 file photo, Vice President Joe Biden speaks to students, faculty and staff at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. Biden is due to headline a Democratic campaign rally in Las Vegas, with a downtown appearance Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, to talk about raising the minimum wage. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson,File) May 30, 2015 - Biden's eldest son, Beau Biden, passes away from brain cancer at age 46. In this June 6, 2015 file photo, Vice President Joe Biden, accompanied by his family, holds his hand over his heart as he watches an honor guard carry a casket containing the remains of his son, former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, into St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del. for funeral services. Beau Biden died of brain cancer May 30 at age 46. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) October 21, 2015 - Says he will not seek the presidency, announcing that the window for a successful campaign "has closed." December 6, 2016 - Doesn't rule out running for president in 2020, saying "I'm not committing not to run. I'm not committing to anything. I learned a long time ago fate has a strange way of intervening." President Barack Obama hugs Vice President Joe Biden as Biden waves at the end Biden's announcement in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, that he will not run for the presidential nomination. Jill Biden is at right. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Vice President Joe Biden pauses between mock swearing in ceremonies in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, as the 115th Congress begins. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) January 12, 2017 - Obama surprises Biden by presenting him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, during a White House ceremony. President Barack Obama presents Vice President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) February 1, 2017 - Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, launch the Biden Foundation, an organization that will work on seven issues: foreign policy; Biden's cancer initiative; community colleges and military families; protecting children; equality; ending violence against women; and strengthening the middle class. February 7, 2017 - Is named the Benjamin Franklin presidential practice professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he will lead the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. He will also serve as the founding chair of the University of Delaware's Biden Institute, the university announces. March 1, 2017 - Biden receives the Congressional Patriot Award from the Bipartisan Policy Center. He receives the honor in recognition of his work crafting bipartisan legislation with Republicans and Democrats. Former Vice President Joe Biden tucks notes into his jacket after speaking at an event to formally launch the Biden Institute, a research and policy center focused on domestic issues at the University of Delaware, in Newark, Del., Monday, March 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) In this March 26, 2019, file photo, former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the Biden Courage Awards in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File) April 25, 2019 - Announces he is running for president in a campaign video posted to social media. Hours later, the Biden Foundation board chair, Ted Kaufman, announces the immediate suspension of all the organization's operations. Former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden arrives at the Wilmington train station Thursday April 25, 2019 in Wilmington, Delaware. Biden announced his candidacy for president via video on Thursday morning. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) In this June 6, 2019, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the "I Will Vote" fundraising gala in Atlanta. Biden shifted to oppose longstanding restrictions on federal funding of abortion during his remarks. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden signs a copy of his book "Promise Me, Dad" at a campaign rally at Modern Woodmen Park, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Davenport, Iowa. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at a primary night election rally in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 after winning the South Carolina primary. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at a primary night election rally in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, after winning the South Carolina primary. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at a primary election night campaign rally Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) August 20, 2020: Joe Biden accepts the Democratic nomination for president Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, with Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., raise their arms up as fireworks go off in the background during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Del. Looking on are Jill Biden, far left, and Harris' husband Doug Emhoff, far right. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, right, with moderator Chris Wallace, center, of Fox News during the first presidential debate Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, right, and former President Barack Obama greet each other with an air elbow bump, at the conclusion of rally at Northwestern High School in Flint, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden arrives to speak at a rally at Belle Isle Casino in Detroit, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, which former President Barack Obama also attended. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) President-elect Joe Biden gestures on stage after speaking, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool) FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, from left, Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Harris, President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, stand on stage together, in Wilmington, Del. The theme for Biden’s inauguration will be “America United." Unity is an issue that’s long been a central focus for Biden but one that’s taken on added weight in the wake of the violence at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool, File) President-elect Joe Biden announces his climate and energy team nominees and appointees at The Queen Theater in Wilmington Del., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President Joe Biden speaks about his domestic agenda from the East Room of the White House in Washington on Oct. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) U.S. President Joe Biden, left, shakes hands with Pope Francis as they meet at the Vatican on Oct. 29, 2021. (Vatican Media via AP) President Joe Biden removes his face mask as he arrives in the East Room of the White House to speak about the evacuation of American citizens, their families, special immigrant visa applicants and vulnerable Afghans on Aug. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Cherelle Griner, wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner, speaks after President Joe Biden announced Brittney Griner's release in a prisoner swap with Russia on Dec. 8, 2022, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. Also attending are Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Vice President Kamala Harris. President Joe Biden holds the microphone to Chocolate, the national Thanksgiving turkey, during a pardoning ceremony Nov. 21, 2022, at the White House in Washington. President Joe Biden holds an Atlanta Braves jersey during an event celebrating the Major League Baseball 2021 World Series champion Atlanta Braves in the East Room of the White House on Sept. 26, 2022, in Washington. President Joe Biden receives his COVID-19 booster from a member of the White House medical unit during an event in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus on Oct. 25, 2022, in Washington. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive to give treats to trick-or-treaters on the South Lawn of the White House, on Halloween on Oct. 31, 2022, in Washington. U.S. President Joe Biden, left, talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during their bilateral meeting ahead of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, on Nov. 14, 2022. U.S. President Joe Biden, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit meeting Nov. 14, 2022, in Bali, Indonesia. President Joe Biden is greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport on Oct. 18, 2023, in Tel Aviv. President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House on Oct. 19, 2023, in Washington, about the war in Israel and Ukraine. President Joe Biden arrives to speak at the Amtrak Bear Maintenance Facility on Nov. 6, 2023, in Bear, Del. President Joe Biden pauses as he speaks to reporters in Nantucket, Mass. on Nov. 26, 2023, about hostages freed by Hamas in a third set of releases under a four-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House on Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy depart a news conference in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Campus on Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington. President Joe Biden arrives to deliver remarks on the economy on June 28, 2023, at the Old Post Office in Chicago. President Joe Biden, right, stands as an Army carry team moves the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga., at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Feb. 2, 2024. Sanders was killed in a drone attack in Jordan on Jan. 28, 2024. President Joe Biden speaks during the State of the Union address on Capitol Hill on March 7, 2024, in Washington, as Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Mike Johnson listen. Vice President Kamala Harris embraces President Joe Biden after a speech on health care in Raleigh, N.C., on March. 26, 2024. President Joe Biden greets Zion Schrode, 8 months, of Marin County, Calif., as he is held by his mother Erin Schrode during a Jewish American Heritage Month event, on May 20, 2024, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, left, and CEO Clark Hunt, right, watch as President Joe Biden, center, puts on a Chiefs helmet during an event with the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs on the South Lawn of the White House, on May 31, 2024, to celebrate their championship season and victory in Super Bowl LVIII. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden walk in the Normandy American Cemetery following a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, on June 6, 2024, in Normandy. U.S. President Joe Biden, right, greets Pope Francis ahead of a working session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa-Mediterranean, on day two of the 50th G7 summit at Borgo Egnazia, southern Italy, on June 14, 2024. President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event with former President Barack Obama moderated by Jimmy Kimmel at the Peacock Theater on June 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. President Joe Biden, right, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, participate in a presidential debate hosted by CNN on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. First lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff view the Independence Day firework display over the National Mall from the balcony of the White House, on July 4, 2024, in Washington. President Joe Biden, right, and the Rev. Dr. J. Louis Felton pray at a church service at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ on July 7, 2024, in Philadelphia. President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on July 14, 2024, about the assassination attempt of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. President Joe Biden pauses as he speaks at the Biden campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Del., on Feb. 3, 2024. President Joe Biden walks on stage to speak during the NAACP national convention July 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. President Joe Biden walks between tombstones as he arrives to attend a mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., on July 6, 2024. President Joe Biden, accompanied by Office of Management and Budget director Shalanda Young, left, and Women's Alzheimer's Movement founder Maria Shriver, right, gives first lady Jill Biden a kiss after giving her the pen he used to sign a presidential memorandum that will establish the first-ever White House Initiative on Women's Health Research in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 13, 2023, in Washington. President Joe Biden speaks during a funeral service for retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor at the Washington National Cathedral on Dec. 19, 2023, in Washington. O'Connor, an Arizona native and the first woman to serve on the nation's highest court, died Dec. 1, 2023, at age 93. The poll of 1,251 adults was conducted Dec. 5-9, 2024, using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.NEW ORLEANS — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Michelle Cheramie, founder of Zeus' Rescues, at her office in New Orleans on Dec. 9 with a whiteboard index of sheltered cats and dogs and a Scrim look-alike recuperating in the background. Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. Neighbor Tammy Murray had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues van toward reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim came to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter for stealth. Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, left, walks with Scrim on Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something," she said. "He's doing that, too.” Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim rests in a kennel Oct. 24 at the Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie, La. Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Scrim sits in the arms of Zoey Ponder on Oct. 24 at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. Scrim at the Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter in Louisiana. A Scrim sticker for sale Dec. 9 at Zeus' Rescues office to raise money for the shelter in New Orleans. A homemade portrait of Scrim hangs Dec. 9 in the Zeus' Rescues shelter in New Orleans. Scrim spends some time outside Oct. 24 with Michelle Cheramie, director of Zeus' Rescues, in a fenced-in area at Metairie Small Animal Hospital in Metairie. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

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Streaming giant Netflix will offer its strongest programming lineup in 2025 since it began producing original content, said co-CEO Theodore A. Sarandos, calling the coming year "an embarrassment of riches" for the world’s largest streaming platform, which boasts 283 million paid subscribers. Speaking at the UBS Global TMT Conference on December 10, Sarandos shared insights into Netflix’s ambitious plans for the remainder of 2024 and for 2025. He highlighted the return of Squid Game for its second season as a great way to end 2024. The groundbreaking series, which became a global phenomenon, will be released strategically after NFL football on Christmas Day, marking Netflix’s first-ever foray into airing football content. "In 2025, we will have an embarrassment of riches. I mean, it's probably the strongest slate of programming we've had since we started doing original programming," he said, adding that, unlike prior years impacted by COVID and the Hollywood writers' strikes, 2025 will be free of such interruptions, allowing Netflix to showcase its most robust offerings. Netflix's content lineup includes Squid Game (with another season in 2025 following the 2024 release), Stranger Things, with its fifth season set to build on the success of its predecessor, which even ranked as a top-five show in Japan; Wednesday, a global sensation; as well as returning seasons of shows like Ginny & Georgia, Emily in Paris, and 2023’s breakout hit, The Night Agent. 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Additionally, Netflix will stream Raw, WWE's flagship weekly program, in January 2025. The $5 billion WWE rights acquisition marked its first major venture into live sports streaming. Sarandos noted that when Netflix started, much of the world's television consumption consisted of US content that was dubbed or subtitled for international audiences. However, Netflix, when it started producing original programming, focused on creating content tailored to local markets. The emphasis is on "local authenticity," with stories deeply rooted in the cultural and social context of the regions they target. He cited Squid Game as an example of how a local Korean show achieved global success. "Don’t try to make global content from anywhere. There’s no such thing really as global. Storytelling in a way that sometimes it's so good, it’s mostly because it’s so authentic and real. And so, if you try to manufacture a global story, you really aren’t serving the local audience or the global audience. So you’re really making something for nobody," he noted. Beyond scripted series, Netflix is increasing its investment in local-language unscripted programming. Based on the success of localised unscripted content, Netflix plans to launch spin-offs and adapted formats in various markets, further leveraging the popularity of these shows. Sarandos emphasised that Netflix approaches investments and growth by addressing the specific challenges in underpenetrated markets. The company evaluates whether barriers to growth are financial, content-related, technological, or a combination of these. The focus is on creating programming that resonates deeply with local audiences, offering a product that aligns with their economic realities, and satisfying their demand for entertainment. He stated that even in Netflix’s most mature markets, the platform captures less than 10% of total television time, signalling significant room for growth in viewership, membership, and profitability. Outlining Netflix's approach to sports properties, Sarandos said that the platform's interest is in unique, global, and youth-orientated sports opportunities. He noted that sports leagues also want their audiences to be more global and younger for long-term success, especially given the competition from other entertainment forms like gaming, movies, and TV. Netflix's focus is not on acquiring specific sports leagues but on bespoke and event-driven sports content that resonates globally and captures broader audiences, he noted, highlighting the importance of making sports programming into global events. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Johnson’s tax returns show his family brought in just over $176,000 in wages for 2023, his first year as mayor of Chicago. His annual salary was $216,210 that year, and he began his term mid-May. After claiming the standard $27,700 deduction for filing jointly with his wife Stacie and a $6,000 child tax credit, records show Johnson paid $17,302 in federal taxes, an effective tax rate of 11.65%. Johnson didn’t claim any other income from investments, retirement fund distributions or capital gains in 2023. He separately paid just under $8,000 in state income taxes, after taking a $140 tax credit for the property taxes he paid on his Austin home. 2023 was the highest reported wage Johnson earned since 2019. Household income for the Johnson family will go up for next year’s return, since his 2024 wage as mayor of Chicago climbed to just over $221,000. The Tribune annually requests the Chicago mayor’s tax returns, a longstanding tradition in U.S. politics when it comes to major public offices. Politicians are not mandated to disclose their income tax forms, but many do so to demonstrate transparency about potential conflicts — a particular importance to many voters in Illinois, where generations of politicians have enriched themselves through their government roles. Johnson, who grew up in suburban Elgin and famously touts being a West Sider, has often drawn from his humble upbringing when pitching himself as a firebrand progressive seeking to enact a host of “tax the rich” proposals. During the 2023 campaign, he fought back against criticism over his unpaid water bills to the city by saying his debt indicates he understands the plight of struggling Chicagoans, although by then he was employed as a county commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union organizer. Still, Johnson’s tax forms show his income history is more modest than that of his predecessors, Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel, while they were in office. Lightfoot, who grew up in the working-class town of Massillon, Ohio, reported making $402,414 in adjusted gross income in 2021, the most recent year the Tribune requested her returns. She reported taking out $210,000 in early distributions from retirement accounts that year to supplement her mayoral salary. While working as a partner at the law firm Mayer Brown before becoming mayor, Lightfoot reported an average adjusted gross income of $971,626 from 2014 through 2017. Emanuel reported making $554,000 while mayor in 2017 , including $353,000 from interest, dividends and capital gains from investments. Johnson did not provide his full 2022 return, which the Tribune has also requested, but his latest filing and other returns dating back to 2018 that his campaign provided to the Tribune during the mayoral race show the family reported about $161,782 in 2022, $161,000 in 2021, and $160,000 in 2020. Between 2018 and 2022, Johnson worked two jobs as a county commissioner earning $85,000 annually, and a separate income for the Chicago Teachers Union. His pay at the union varied year to year. His highest gross salary before becoming mayor was in 2019, when he earned about $94,000 in addition to his county salary, according to CTU’s federal disclosures. Between 2018 and 2021, Johnson also reported income for his work as a “media personality.” He reported $1,350 in gross income for that side business in 2021, while wife Stacie reported just under $2,000 in income for work as a doula. Johnson was not paid for his show on radio station WCPT AM-820, but was compensated when filling in for other hosts, his campaign previously told the Tribune. As a candidate when running for mayor in 2023, Johnson released four years of tax returns to the Tribune, with the most recent year’s reported income being 2021. Johnson previously reported $108,019 in adjusted gross income for 2018 when he was a regional organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union. In 2019, Johnson reported $171,300 in gross adjusted income. He listed his occupation as regional organizer, though he also was serving his first full year on the county board. For 2020, Johnson reported $160,217 in gross adjusted income. Johnson also reported $2,530 in income as a “media personality.” The next year, Johnson reported $161,371 in gross adjusted income. He also reported $1,350 as a “media personality” but claimed $1,450 in expenses and reported a $100 loss. His wife also reported making $1,941 as a doula that year. Johnson’s most recent city economic disclosure statement reported no financial conflicts in 2023.Shopping for all the guys on your list can be a little daunting and stressful, especially for those who seem to have everything or for family members. Whether you are looking for a gift for your boyfriend, husband, dad or brother, we compiled a list of some great recommendations to inspire you to find that special item that they will be excited to receive. Curated gifts any new parent deserves this holiday Impressive and luxurious gifts she will truly adore Everything from traditional clothes and accessories to electronics and foodie gifts, this list has various options for many different types of guys. Presents for the music lovers, the ones that have their self-care regimens, love watches and even for the ones that are addicted to hot sauce or caffeine! These gifts are safe best as most would love to receive them. Scroll down and see if you find one that matches their personality. Lacoste Parfum You know that guy who appreciates the finer things—your dad or husband who knows what the iconic Lacoste crocodile stands for? This is his gift. This Lacoste Original Eau de Parfum blends fresh Bergamot, warm Sandalwood, and just a touch of Lavender, which results in a timeless and cool scent! Whether he’s a longtime fan (he probably wears the polos) or someone who values enduring style, he will love this gift! Stylish tote bag The All-Terrain Tote by Sympl is the briefcase’s cooler, younger cousin, made for the hip professional dude. With room for his laptop, tablet, headphones, water bottle, notebook, and sunglasses, it’s this generation’s answer to the classic work bag. Sleek, minimalist, and water-resistant, it’s stylish enough for the office and practical enough for his busy life. The bag also has a luggage pass-through designed to slide effortlessly onto a suitcase handle, also making it the perfect carry-on for trips. Whether heading to meetings or catching a flight, this tote has him looking sharp and staying organized. For boyfriends or husbands that like warm, stylish jackets The 90s hipster Y2K working man brand, Dickies, has a Duck Canvas High Pile Fleece Jacket that is an excellent gift for any guy that likes to look cool in the winter. The jacket has a relaxed fit, fleece lining, and an adjustable cuff and button closure. Dickies Duck Canvas High Pile Fleece Jacket For the stylish guys that don’t like being late or are always on time With this Nixon Staple digital watch, they can always be on time and look hip. The watch has a modern design and is also planet-friend, made with sustainable materials such as recycled ocean plastics. Plus it comes in 11 colors. Nixon Staple Digital Watch A good belt for all the men on your list Most men will appreciate a good belt, and The Groove Belt is so versatile that he could wear it to the office, on his adventures, and even on his weekend outings. The belt has a buckle with magnets for an easy, seamless snap-on/snap-off and enough stretch for a comfy feel and fit. The Groove Belt Black/Black For the men that take care of their skin This “Super” Serum by Jaxon Lane is a terrific gift for those men that take skincare seriously. It has a formula that includes antioxidants, adaptogens, and botanicals which restore visible skin damage and brighten and smooth their complexion with just a few drops. Jaxon Lane - Super Serum Airbnb gift card An Airbnb gift card is a present you seriously can’t go wrong with! It’s literally an experience waiting to happen. If the guy on your list is into exploring new cities, relaxing in a cabin, or kicking back on a staycation, it will give him the freedom to choose his perfect escape. It will be a hit, and he will thank you twice this Christmas and then when he enjoys it! For the stylish guy who appreciates a good pair of boots A pair of versatile and sturdy moccasin boots is a terrific gift for guys that are both stylish and traditional. This pair from Manitobah has an Indigenous design by Diné artist Dewayne Dale Jr., and it uses quality natural materials, including an EVA sole. Manitobah Mesa Chukka boot A perfume that's bold like him The Jimmy Choo Man Extreme parfum is a bold fragrance for a bold personality. With fiery red thyme, fresh geranium, and warm amber woods, it’s adventurous, confident, and undeniably masculine. And the bottle? A scarlet twist on the iconic silver-capped flask—it’s sleek, modern, and as striking as the scent inside. Perfect for the guy who loves making a statement. For the guys who can’t live without their music If your guy enjoys taking their music where ever he goes, whether it be the pool, the park or camping, he will totally appreciate this JBL Clip 4. It’s ultra-portable, can be clipped on a backpack, and has 10 hours of battery life! How can you go wrong with this gift? JBL Clip 4 For the guys that need a little luck to kickstart the year Let’s face it socks make the best Christmas gifts for all guys, and they always need more or new ones. This year step it up by gifting them some Lucky Socks by Gentlemen’s Hardware with fun designs that include the number seven, four-leaf clover and dice. The gift will be memorable, and they can start 2023 with a little bit of extra luck. For the organized guys that travel This Tech Kit from the brand July is the perfect gift for super neat guys that travel. He can pack and organize all his favorite tech accessories, from his cancelling-noise headphones and hard drive to his battery pack and chargers...all his techie treasures will be protected inside this “crushproof” translucent shell. Take the gift to the next level by personalizing the case with his name or initials. July - Tech Kit For the guys that practice good self-care A premium toothbrush is a terrific gift for any man. It is an essential daily item that they will undoubtedly use and appreciate. If you go with the Oral-B iO4 and iO5 electric brushes, they will not only maintain good dental health but also have a stunning smile. Oral-B iO4 and iO5 electric For the cold coffee drinking guys If they love to drink iced coffee for the 12 months of the year, they will absolutely dig this gift. Forget brewing your cold coffee the night before or drinking watery-iced coffee; with this Vinci Express Cold Brew coffee maker, they can have their cold brew quickly and whenever they want it! Vinci Express Cold Brew with Circle Flow Technology For the hair obsessed guys This K-beauty hair texture trio by British M is precisely what any hair obsessed guy would love to receive this Christmas! It includes its Dandy Hard Paste, Urban Matte Clay, and Regent Classic Pomade, three perfect hair products to style their hair and look modern and hip. British M: Dandy Hard Paste, Urban Matte Clay, and Regent Classic Pomade For the foodie guys that love HOT sauces If they are the foodie type that can’t get enough truffle-based flavored condiments and HOT sauces, this mouthwatering gift set is perfect! The Truff Variety Pack includes all their best-selling hot sauces made with jalapeños ripe red chili peppers, The Original, The Hotter, and their white truffle hot sauce. Give them a spicy Christmas! TRUFF Variety Pack For the guy whose resolution is to get better sleep This best-selling deep sleep pillow spray with Lavender, Camomile and Vetivert by This Works is perfect if you need a gift for a guy who needs more or better rest. And we are not the only ones recommending it; read the amazon reviews! One person said, “I can spray this on my pillow and be out within minutes.” This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray For the guy who loves his sneakers This present is an absolute winner for the guys in your life that love and take care of their favorite sneakers. They can use the RESHOEVN8R Water + Stain Repellent and protect their kicks and keep them new and fresh looking for as long as possible. For the guys with beards This King C. Gillette Cordless Beard Trimmer Kit is an excellent gift! He will keep his facial hair trimmed and look well-groomed and handsome.

Interim New Jersey Sen. George Helmy plans to step down so the newly elected Andy Kim can be sworn in early. Gov. Phil Murphy previously indicated the interim senator would step down so the senator-elect could enter Congress before the next session begins in January. Murphy said he wanted whoever won in November to have a smooth transition to the Senate. Helmy, a former aide to Gov. Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker, will step down this weekend, while Kim will be sworn in Monday to finish the current term. Kim, a three-term member of the U.S. House, defeated Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw in last month’s election. He’ll become the first Korean-American senator when he takes office. Helmy, the only Arab-American and first Coptic Christian in the Senate, was appointed over the summer when Bob Menendez resigned following his conviction on federal corruption charges . “It has been the honor of a lifetime representing the people of New Jersey in the Senate and I am eternally grateful to [Gov. Phil] Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Helmy said in a statement. “Looking back on my now 85 days and counting in this office, I am proud of the work my team and I have been able to accomplish.” “Andy and I have worked closely since his being elected to ensure a seamless transition and I have made myself readily available over the coming weeks to support this process,” Helmy said. “I look forward to witnessing what he will accomplish in the elevated role.” Herb Conaway , a Democrat, was elected to Kim’s former House seat and will be sworn in Jan. 3.U.S. President Joe Biden said Washington would attempt to reach a cease-fire deal in Gaza with Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Israel and others, as he welcomed the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Wednesday. "Now Hamas has a choice to make. Their only way out is to release the hostages, including American citizens, which they hold, and, in the process, bring an end to the fighting, which would make possible a surge of humanitarian relief," Biden said. "Over the coming days, the United States will make another push with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza. With the hostages released and the end of the war without Hamas in power, that becomes possible." Israel launched a brutal offensive on Gaza following an attack by Hamas in October 2023 and continues it to this day despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. The offensive, now in its second year, has killed over 44,000 people and injured 104,000, also leaving most of Gaza a devastated, uninhabitable wasteland, with food, medicine and water all in short supply. Months of attempts to negotiate a cease-fire have yielded scant progress, and negotiations are now on hold. Mediator Qatar suspended its efforts until the sides were prepared to make concessions. Last week, the United States vetoed another U.N. Security Council resolution for a cease-fire in Gaza. There are disagreements over Israel's continued military presence inside Gaza, particularly along the border with Egypt, the free movement of Palestinians inside the territory and the identity and number of prisoners to be freed in a swap. Türkiye has been fiercely critical of Israel’s brutal offensive in Gaza, which it and others say amounts to genocide. It has also slammed many Western allies for their support of Israel and repeatedly called for Muslim unity to facilitate a desperately needed cease-fire. Ankara urges Israel to reciprocate the constructive approach of the Palestinians in cease-fire negotiations and the international community to pressure Netanyahu’s government. Türkiye is a staunch supporter of Hamas, which it describes as a resistance movement, unlike the Western countries, which mostly define it as a terrorist group, and hosted Haniyeh several times to discuss cease-fire efforts and the humanitarian aid crisis in the blockaded enclave. It has formally applied to join South Africa's initiative to have Israel tried for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

NoneTaxi drivers who overcharge passengers, refuse short trips or don't use the pay meter are at risk of being chucked out of the industry. or signup to continue reading Dubbed the 'two strikes and you're out' laws, the NSW government will give the dodgy cabbies one chance to flout rules before banning them altogether if found guilty a second time. About 900 drivers have been hit with fines for those offences in the past two years, with more than 2500 passengers getting refunds for being overcharged. Other examples of bad taxi driver behaviours include trying to negotiate a fare that is not displayed on the meter, adding an extra surcharge or pinging passengers a maxi-taxi tariff if there are fewer than five people in the car. Drivers who have previously breached the rules will be told they are on their final warning before the crackdown starts on December 6. Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the rules would come in just in time for holiday period. "This is a really busy time for the taxi and rideshare industries ... Christmas parties are starting to kick off, people will be starting to come home through the airport, and then there are people rushing around for those last-minute gifts," she said. "We're sending a strong message to the minority of rogue drivers that if they continue overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares they now risk being kicked out of the industry." DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

Black Friday 2024 is right around the corner, and it's already shaping up to be one of the most competitive shopping events of the year. Top retailers and carriers are vying to bring you the best phone deals. Whether you're starting your holiday shopping early or making up for missing last month's Prime Day, there are incredible offers from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and Apple. Also: The best Black Friday deals live now The phone deals below will save you a significant amount of money on some of the best handsets we've tested and recommend at ZDNET. For example, carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile are offering " On Us " promotions that can get you the latest iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel for free with a qualifying trade-in. You'll also find links to the retailer with the best offer for various phones below, whether that's Best Buy , Amazon , or AT&T . Keep an eye out, as we'll be continuously updating the list with new deals this week. Our favorite smartphone deals for Black Friday 2024 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra : $1,300 (save $120 at Samsung): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 : $1,600 (save $300 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $800 with no trade-in required. iPhone 16 On Us : $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The carrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits. Apple iPhone 16 : $0.00/month (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple's base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan. Clicks Keyboard for iPhone 16 series : $139 (save $20 at Best Buy): A snap-on case that'll bring you back to the glory days of physical phone keyboards and quick dial. The Clicks Keyboard can also be programmable to fire up shortcuts, apps, and more. Nomad USB-C to USB-C ChargeKey : $19 (save $6 at Nomad): One of my essential travel accessories is this keychain with two USB-C connectors that can pump out up to 60W of power. Google Pixel 9 : $649 (save $150 at Amazon): Possibly the best Android phone for most people in 2024, the comfortably sized, very capable Pixel 9 is selling at close to its all-time low price. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold : $1,500 (save $300 at Amazon): In content for best foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an improved, more ergonomic design, a massive 8-inch display, and support for the latest Google AI tools. Google Pixel 8a : $400 (save $100 at Amazon): A fantastic, compact, and AI-ready Android that's priced to compete, the Pixel 8a is 20% off right now. OnePlus Open : $1,200 (save $500 at Amazon): One of the best foldable phones we've tested is selling at a $500 discount for Black Friday. OnePlus 12 : $550 (save $250 at Best Buy): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the US, with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day. Motorola Razr+ 2024 : $750 (save $250 at Best Buy): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $250 off and comes with 256GB of storage. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Current price: $950 Original price: $1,420 While the year hasn't ended yet, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra remains ZDNET's top pick for best phone of 2024. The big selling point with the Ultra model is its maximalist approach to being a smartphone, giving you all the features you could need, including a built-in S Pen stylus, upwards of 1TB of storage, and a quad-camera system. For a limited time, you can pick up the 512GB of storage variant for the same price as the 256GB. Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Google Pixel 9 Current price: $649 Original price: $799 The Google Pixel 9 is the phone I recommend to most people in 2024. It doesn't have the flashiest features, like a dedicated telephoto lens or LTPO display, but it's a well-rounded package that holds up against phones that cost hundreds of dollars more. With seven years of software support, Google AI features, and a very capable camera system, you've got one of the safest, best-value phones on sale for Black Friday. Review: Google Pixel 9 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Current price: $772 Original price: $1,100 One of the best flip phones on the market, you can buy Samsung's latest foldable for $300 off for Black Friday. For the money, you get a compact handset with dual cameras, dual screens, and up to seven years of software features, operating system, and security updates. The new Z Flip 6 model is also Samsung's most durable one yet. Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Apple iPhone 16 Pro Current price: $65 a month Original price: $999 Carrier deals are almost always too good to be true, but if you meet all the right requirements and are willing to exchange loyalty for a discounted iPhone, things may just work out. Case in point, this Boost Mobile deal will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 Pro, with the requirement being to enroll in the brand's wireless plan ($65 a month over 36 months). If you were already considering switching carrier plans or starting a new one, this deal is worth considering. Review: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Motorola Razr (2023) Current price: $350 Original price: $700 The Motorola Razr (2023) is one of the more accessible foldable phones on the market, and this Black Friday deal makes it even more so. While the outer display is not as large as the flagship flip phones, its inner display is the same size as Razr's more expensive sibling, Razr Plus. Right now, you can buy the Razr at a $350 mark-down. Review: Motorola Razr (2023) Best Black Friday Samsung phone deals Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra : $1,300 (save $120 at Samsung): The best phone we've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs. Samsung Galaxy S24 : $700 (save $100 at Amazon): The base model of the Galaxy S24 series has also been discounted by $100. It's a more compact option if you're not a fan of big phones. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 : $1,600 (save $300 at Samsung): If you opt for one of the special edition colors (Crafted Black or White), the Korean giant will discount a total of $700 with no trade-in required. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 : $772 (save $328 at Amazon): For a flagship foldable that won't break the bank, consider Samsung's latest Z Flip 6, which is selling for a record-low price, so long as you opt for the green color. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G : $300 (save $100 at Amazon): One of the best budget phones on the market, with a 120Hz display and triple camera setup. Best Black Friday iPhone deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET Apple iPhone 16 : $0/month (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple's base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan. Apple iPhone 16 Pro : $65/month (save $1,000 at Boost): Want a Pro iPhone that's actually comfortable to hold and use? Consider the smaller iPhone 16 Pro. Apple iPhone 16 Plus : $65/month (save $930 at Boost): Apple also offers the standard iPhone 16 in a Plus size, with a 6.7-inch display. Apple iPhone 16 On Us : $25/month (save up to $3,200 at T-Mobile): The uncarrier will sell you four iPhone 16 models for free when you trade in eligible devices, start 4 new lines at $25 per line, and agree to 24 months of bill credits. Best Black Friday Motorola phone deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET Motorola Razr+ 2024 : $750 (save $250 at Best Buy): The best flip phone you can buy right now is $250 off and comes with 256GB of storage. Motorola Razr+ 2023 : $550 (save $450 at Amazon): Another foldable phone contender, the higher-end Razr+ model is also discounted and is arguably a better flip phone than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip thanks to a more customizable and functional outer screen. Motorola Razr 2024 : $450 (save $250 at Best Buy): It's not as big of a discount, but if you want a Motorola Razr with more future-proofed specs, consider the 2024 model. Motorola Razr 2023 : $350 (save $350 at Motorola): The most affordable foldable phone on the market right now just got cheaper, with the 2023 Motorola Razr marked even lower at $350. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 : $237 (save $263 at Motorola): For a budget phone with stylus support, consider Motorola's G Stylus model, which comes with 256GB of storage. Motorola Moto G Power 2024 : $200 (save $100 at Best Buy): Motorola's G Power line doesn't have the flashiest features, but its large battery and efficient processor make it a fantastic pick-up for kids, students, elders, or a secondary device. Best Black Friday Google Pixel deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET Google Pixel 9 : $649 (save $150 at Amazon): Possibly the best Android phone for most people in 2024, the comfortably sized, very capable Pixel 9 is selling at close to its all-time low price. Google Pixel Fold : $1,120 (save $680 at Walmart): The brand's first foldable phone has a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold : $1,500 (save $300 at Amazon): In content for best foldable phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an improved, more ergonomic design, a massive 8-inch display, and support for the latest Google AI tools. Google Pixel 8a : $400 (save $100 at Amazon): A fantastic, compact, and AI-ready Android that's priced to compete, the Pixel 8a is 20% off right now. Google Pixel 9 Pro : $0.00/month (save $999 at T-Mobile): When you trade in an eligible device, are on a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan, and agree to a 24-month installment plan. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL : $5.55/month (save $1,200 at Verizon): When you trade in an eligible device, are on an eligible Unlimited plan, and agree to a 36-month installment plan. Google Pixel 7a : $350 (save $150 at Amazon): One of the best budget phones on the market, with Google AI features and a 90Hz display. Google Pixel 8 : $450 (save $250 at Amazon): Coming with 128GB of storage, the year-old Pixel 8 is still a fantastic mid-range option if you value camera quality above all else. Best Black Friday OnePlus deals Kerry Wan/ZDNET OnePlus Open : $1,200 (save $500 at Amazon): One of the best foldable phones we've tested is selling at a $500 discount for Black Friday. OnePlus Nord N30 5G : $230 (save $70 at Amazon): This is a great budget option with a large 6.7-inch screen, a 5,000mAh battery, and 50W wired charging. OnePlus 12 : $550 (save $250 at Best Buy): The OnePlus flagship is the fastest-charging phone you can buy in the U.S., with a beefy 5,400mAh battery that should last you well into a second day. OnePlus 12R : $400 (save $100 at OnePlus): A sleeper pick for the best mid-range Android phone this year, the OnePlus 12R is currently being sold at its lowest price in 30 days. Best Black Friday phone accessories deals Clicks Keyboard for iPhone 16 series : $139 (save $20 at Best Buy): A snap-on case that'll bring you back to the glory days of physical phone keyboards and quick dial. The Clicks Keyboard can also be programmable to fire up shortcuts, apps, and more. Nomad USB-C to USB-C ChargeKey : $19 (save $6 at Nomad): One of my essential travel accessories is this keychain with two USB-C connectors that can pump out up to 60W of power. Nomad Magnetic Leather Back : $36 (save $4 at Nomad): If you're not a case guy, consider this magnetic leather back cover, which gives you the texture, look, and smell of the material without adding much bulk to your phone. Spigen Tough Armor MagFit Case : $20 (save $40 at Amazon): For a protective phone case that's soft to the touch, highly functional (thanks to its magnetic ring mount and kickstand), and won't break the bank, consider the Spigen Tough Armor. Apple AirPods Pro 2 : $154 (save $95 at Amazon): You can now use your AirPods with your Apple Watch and as hearing aids , and this is a great deal on one of our favorite AirPod models. Torras MiniMag 5,000mAh MagSafe Battery Pack : $40 (save $13 at Amazon): ZDNET's favorite thin MagSafe battery pack is on sale right now. It's lightweight, powerful, and perfect for topping off your phone's battery on the go. FAQs Black Friday takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. However, expect retailers to begin early discounts and sales weeks before. Cyber Monday is happening on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, following Black Friday. Yes, phones, including recent iPhone models, are often cheaper on Black Friday, matching (if not beating) the level of discount you'd find during any other major shopping event. This is partly because Black Friday happens months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Apple have launched new devices. With the amount of time that has passed, you'll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time. iPhones are cheaper during this time because carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer competitive trade-in and sign-on promotions. As long as you read the fine print about the qualifications, most of these deals will cover the retail cost of the new iPhone. You'll just have to agree to a long-term installment plan that ranges between 24 months to 36 months. While Amazon has traditionally been the most competitive with its Black Friday smartphone deals, other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have caught up in recent years. In fact, we're seeing top offers available across a variety of stores versus just one, which is a good thing for the retail landscape. That said, I'd highly advise scanning the catalogs of the manufacturers themselves, such as Samsung , Motorola , Google , and Apple . Beyond discounts to the retail cost, manufacturers often bundle free wireless earbuds, chargers, and other accessories with your purchase. Since you're purchasing directly from the manufacturer, you'll also have a direct line with their customer support, should any problems with the product arise. While Black Friday's online presence has risen exponentially over the past decade, Cyber Monday was the original "online only" commerce event. Still, you'll find deals in-store and online for both occasions. In some cases, retailers will list new deals during Cyber Monday, especially for products or inventory that didn't sell as much during Black Friday a few days earlier. ZDNET chooses Black Friday deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product. We also look at deals from a wider scope, considering better alternatives, unique use cases, stock, and existing customer reviews on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a decent amount of money while giving you a truly worthwhile product. There's no beating in-person shopping that begins on the eve of Black Friday, and retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have made it a point to reward those who do. However, you can still find similar discounts online -- and with a higher chance of securing a product before it's snatched by someone else. Besides big-box retailers, most carriers and e-commerce brands will also host some form of Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion; simply visit your preferred destinations and see what's available. It won't hurt to try. ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category: Black Friday TV deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday laptop deals Black Friday gaming PC deals Black Friday smartwatch and fitness tracker deals Black Friday Amazon deals Black Friday Best Buy deals Black Friday Walmart deals Black Friday Sam's Club deals Black Friday Apple deals Black Friday iPad deals Black Friday AirPods deals Black Friday Apple Watch deals Black Friday Kindle deals Black Friday streaming deals Black Friday soundbar and speaker deals Black Friday robot vacuum deals Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals Black Friday PlayStation deals And more Black Friday deals: Black Friday deals under $25 Black Friday deals under $100 Black Friday Samsung deals Black Friday Verizon deals Black Friday headphone deals Black Friday tablet deals Black Friday monitor deals Black Friday gaming deals Black Friday security camera deals Black Friday storage and SSD deals Black Friday portable power station deals Black Friday VPN deals Black Friday Chromebook deals Black Friday HP deals Black Friday Dell deals Black Friday Roku deals Black Friday Roborock deals Best Black Friday deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday TV deals Black Friday laptop dealsBy ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. Related Articles National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration National Politics | Expecting challenges, blue states vow to create ‘firewall’ of abortion protections National Politics | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.

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has announced a new acquisition that will allow the company to offer biometric continuous identity assurance (BCIA) from New York-based startup . The Californian identity management firm aims to boost its workforce and customer identity and access management (IAM/CIAM) products with the new technology. Biometric continuous identity assurance allows securing sensitive data during a user’s entire session and helps protect from unauthorized access to sensitive information. The software uses continuous or one-time facial authentication and liveness detection to ensure the right user is logged in and present. It also detects when unauthorized people or mobile phones and cameras approach the device and prevents screen capturing and screen sharing. According to SecureAuth, these features will be sought after in environments with high-security needs, such as legal services, call centers and regulated industries like financial services, healthcare, defense and others. “Not having biometric continuous identity assurance after the initial login authentication creates a critical vulnerability,” says the company’s CEO Joseph Dhanapal. “The rest of the session remains unprotected, leaving organizations exposed to unauthorized access and malicious actions.” SecureAuth did not disclose the value of the acquisition but noted that SessionGuardian’s staff, contractors and other resources will become part of the company. In August, the firm also customer identity and access management (CIAM) provider Cloudentity. Following the acquisition, the company Dhanapal as its new CEO and conducted a of its flagship offerings. | | | | |Big announcement about rocket launches in South AfricaShettima commissions Nigeria’s Oriental Energy’s $315m oil facility in Dubai

Over 1L degrees, 227 awards to be conferred at NU’s 112th convocation