Iron Castings Market: 68% Growth to Originate from APAC, with AI Driving Market Transformation - TechnavioDA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump's hush money case while upholding conviction

S. Korean shipbuilders to retain edge in high-value vessels despite order slumpNigel Farage has said he would be willing to help incoming ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson negotiate with the Trump administration. Labour peer Lord Mandelson has indicated he believes the Reform UK leader, a friend of Mr Trump, could serve as a link between the British Government and the Republican president-elect. But Downing Street would not be drawn on whether Sir Keir Starmer would like Lord Mandelson to work with Mr Farage, saying when asked only that the Prime Minister had “already started to begin to build a relationship with President-elect Trump”. Mr Farage has previously offered to use his relationship with Mr Trump and his team to act as a bridge between them and the UK Government. He told The Telegraph he would be willing to work with people in the Labour Party if it was in the “national interest”. “I am no fan of any of the people in the Labour Party, but if it is in the national interest I have always thought I could be a useful asset if they want to use that – but if they don’t, more fool them,” the Clacton MP said. Mr Farage said he could help with talks on trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing and countering terrorism because “a lot of the members of the president’s cabinet are friends of mine, and many of them long-term friends”. He said: “I know these people, and in terms of trade, in terms of defence and in terms of intelligence, the US is our most important relationship in the world – forget Brussels.” He said free trade deal talks were likely to be done sector by sector. “I would help even if it is to the Government’s benefit because it is in the national interest. But they are so split they might not want to take up my offer.” Lord Mandelson will take up the role in early 2025. His trade experience is seen as a strength amid concerns over what the second Trump presidency could mean for the UK, with the Republican politician having pledged to introduce wide-ranging tariffs. However, the Labour grandee’s past remarks about Mr Trump – who he once described as “little short of a white nationalist and racist” – may yet plague attempts to foster close US-UK relations.

Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid mixed trading on Monday. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 3.2% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 0.5% after the chip company said CEO Pat Gelsinger . Intel is looking for Gelsinger's replacement, and its chair said the company is "committed to restoring investor confidence." Intel recently lost its spot in the Dow Jones Industrial Average to Nvidia. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the announcement of its . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot at the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën, and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world's fourth-largest automaker's stock fell 6.3% in Milan. Retailers were mixed amid what's expected to be the best Cyber Monday on record and coming off Black Friday. Target, which recently gave a forecast for the holiday season that left investors discouraged, fell 1.2%. Walmart, which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.2%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.4%.JPMorgan Chase & Co. Sells 5,149,931 Shares of Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index ETF (NASDAQ:VGSH)

New Delhi Amid concerns flagged by the Congress, the Election Commission on Tuesday said there were no arbitrary additions or deletions of voters in Maharashtra where assembly polls were held recently. The poll body focussed on two primary concerns raised by the Congress – arbitrary deletion of voters and subsequent additions in the electoral rolls of Maharashtra, and changes in voter turnout data figures on the day of polling between 5pm and 11.30pm. After meeting the ECI on December 3, senior Congress leader Manu Abhishek Singhvi had claimed that in 118 constituencies in the state, of which the BJP won 102, each constituency saw voter turnout increase by about 25,000 persons per constituency, compared to the general elections between the general and the state elections. In its November 29 letter to the ECI, the party had claimed that in the 50 assembly constituencies that saw an average increase of 50,000 electors, the BJP won 47 of them. The ECI claimed that this was a “baseless accusation” that “creates unnecessary and avoidable doubts and anxiety in the mind of the public”. On discrepancy in voter turnout between 5 pm and 11:30 pm, the ECI said, “At the time of counting, data entered in Form 17C is tallied with data in EVM in presence of the counting agents and therefore allegation of gap between voting percentage data released 5:00 PM on poll day and final polling percentage data is superfluous.” “Commission trusts that INC should not have any clarification missing after these elaborations. Commission is committed to a respectful collaborative relation with all political parties, so critical for a healthy democracy and welcomes suggestions for any improvement in the electoral process,” the response signed by ECI secretary SK Das said. It said that there were only six assembly constituencies, not 50 as claimed by Congress, where more than 50,000 electors were added. Copies of the draft rolls, and claim and objections were provided to Congress in all constituencies, the ECI said. “INC representatives indeed participated in revision of electoral rolls at various stages till the finalisation of electoral rolls,” the ECI said. It said that in the five month-period between the general and state elections, there was an addition of 4,881,610 electors and deletion of 800,391 (average of 2,779 electors per assembly constituency), resulting in a net addition of 4,081,228 electors in the state. This is because, in December 2021 (brought into force in August 2022), the Representation of People Act, 1951, was amended to increase the number of qualifying dates for registration in electoral rolls from only January 1 to April 1, July 1 and October 1. As July 1 and October 1 fell in the five-month period, people who turned 18 years olf also became eligible to registered for the state elections and were enrolled. Of the 4,081,228 net additions, 872,094 (21.4%) were between the ages of 18 and 19, while 1,774,514 (43.5%) were between the ages of 20-29, accounting for 64.8% net additions. The ECI said that returning officers and the district election officers, under the supervision of the ECI, prepare the electoral rolls which are revised annually. The final roll is published around January 5 each year and is then continuously updated until October. The draft roll is published until October. After this publication, both the public and political parties can file claims and objections. In addition, ahead of all state assembly elections, the ECI carries out Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the rolls which involves house to house survey, physical field verification by the booth level officers, random checking by higher-ups, and regular meetings with political parties. Political parties appoint booth level agents to oversee the process. The ECI said that monthly lists of additions, deletions and modifications to the rolls are published on the website, and the draft and final rolls are available on the CEO/DEO’s websites. Free copies of part-wise draft and final rolls are provided to all recognized political parties while general public can get a copy by paying a “nominal fee”. The ECI said that two copies of the electoral rolls, one hard copy with images of the electors and one soft copy without the images, is made available at ERO level. “These instructions are uniformly followed in the entire country,” the ECI said. The ECI also said that the list of all claims and objections is shared with recognized political parties on a weekly basis. Congress had claimed that voters were arbitrarily deleted from the rolls in the five-month period between the general elections and the Maharashtra assembly polls. The party had asked for the raw data and the forms involved. The ECI outlined the standard operating procedure around deletion from the rolls. It said that deletions due to registered death require proper verification, including submission of a death certificate. For unregistered deaths and change in address, the necessary forms (Form 7 and Form 8, respectively) must be received. For each deletion, the BLO must submit a field verification identity. For all proposed deletions, except registered deaths, the ECI said that a notice is issued and the concerned elector is given “reasonable opportunity” to be heard. If more than 2% of all electors are proposed to be deleted from one polling station, the electoral registration officer must personally “cross verify” each case of deletion. The ERO must also personally cross verify deletions is the same person objects to the deletion in more than five cases. On discrepancy in voter turnout, the ECI said, “[T]he Commission has decided to not only inform you once again, but also educate citizens at large about the concept of statutory sharing of VTR with candidates contesting the elections in Form 17C, and the very different concept of non-statutory framework of sharing VTR on VTR APP designed for the general public and underline the difference between the two,” the ECI wrote. During the general elections, the changes in voter turnout had been a major sticking point, resulting in a scathing letter from the ECI to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The ECI said that “voter turnout” is not a legally defined concept nor is its publication legally required at any level. It reiterated that Form 17C (part I), is the “immutable co-shared record”, with details of the number of votes recorded, that is shared with the polling agents of the candidates at the end of the poll after it is filled out by the presiding officer of the polling station. The data given in the voter turnout app is a “facilitative measure” by the ECI which is not a statutory requirement. It is collected by sector magistrates every two hours starting at 9 am through various media including phone, in person visits to the booth, messaging group, etc. “It is possible that sector magistrates may not get accurate upgraded trends from some PSs in some cycles of data collection,” the ECI wrote. These trends are not a substitute for the data in Form 17C, it said. “Considering 5:00 PM data as the final voter turnout or as its closest approximation is merely a misconception,” the ECI said and called it “interim data of approximate voter turnout”. Polling can continue even after 6 pm, the ECI said. After polling ends, the presiding officer has to perform “multiple statutory, non-statutory and administrative functions”, the poll body said. Form 17C Part I (with data from the EVM about the number of votes registered on the machines, votes polled during mock poll, number of votes cast, etc.), is given to the candidates or their agents at the end of the poll, on the polling day itself, the ECI said. On the polling day, the returning officer must collect and securely store EVMs in strongrooms. “Updation of the poll turnout data on the VTR APP coming around the same time, is only a next priority,” the ECI said. “The voting data provided at 11:45 PM on the day of poll can also not be considered as final voter turnout, as it is also not possible to provide the final voter turnout data before scrutiny of Election Papers, which is held on the next day of poll in the presence of the candidates and observers. Also, some polling parties may not have been able to return/submit their documents by that time,” The ECI said that the scrutiny of Form 17A (list of people who voted at booth level) is done a day after polling. In certain cases, some polling parties return on P+2 or P+3 days day to difficulties in “geography, security concerns and weather conditions”.Country superstar LeAnn Rimes brings her “Joy: The Holiday Tour” to Table Mountain Casino on Wednesday. It’ll be an acoustic performance. Rimes has sold more than 48 million units globally. Her career defining hit “How Do I Live” holds the record as Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time No. 1 hit by a female artist and ranks No. 6 on Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time: Hot 100 Songs” list. She has released two Christmas albums. Expect her to perform renditions of holiday classic tunes and possibly some originals. Her version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a popular choice on holiday radio every year. Get your tickets . . Related Story: 95th Annual Fresno Christmas Parade The 95th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade will sleigh ride through Fulton Street from Inyo to Calaveras on Saturday. The theme this year is Under the Tree, showcasing all of the gifts, toys, games, and more that add fun to the season. Enjoy the floats, music, performances, and holiday cheer. The Downtown Fresno Ice Rink returns for those looking to do some Christmas skating. After the parade, there will be vendor booths, photos with Santa and more. The fun begins at 11 a.m. For more information click . Related Story: Central California Ballet’s The Nutcracker Ballet The Lively Arts Foundation Presents: Central California Ballet—The Nutcracker at Saroyan Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. It has been recognized in Dance Magazine for its resurrection of the vengeful Mouse Queen from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original Nutcracker fairy tale. This year’s guest artists are Sava Milojevic from Serbia and Melissa Chapski from Massachusetts. The performers will dance to Tchaikovsky’s endearing music. The foundation promises pageantry and holiday delight. Get your tickets . Jingle Bell Run Dash through Christmas Tree Lane for the Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots on Saturday. There’s a 5k run, 2 mile walk, and a virtual run. It’s the last race in the CLASSIC Holiday Run Series. Participants will receive a Christmas themed sweatshirt, jingle bells, a Santa hat, age group awards, Christmas Goodies, and a medallion. They’ll play Christmas music on a decorated course where snowflakes will fall at the finish-line. Get your tickets . Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer Candlelight’s The Best of Hans Zimmer comes to The Grand 1401 on Friday. Zimmer is one of the most prominent film composers. He’s worked with high profile directors like Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, Denis Villeneuve, amongst others. He’s won two Oscars, four Grammys, and has been nominated for three Emmys and a Tony award. The Listeso String Quartet will perform definitive themes and suites from films like “The Dark Knight,” “Gladiator,” and “Sherlock Holmes.” Get your tickets . 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Jeremy Tunraluk, the newly elected president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., spent the day after Monday’s election accepting congratulations and charting out his presidency. “It’s a very emotional day,” he said Tuesday morning, less than 12 hours after the votes were counted. “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing.” Tunraluk won the top job at NTI, the organization responsible for ensuring obligations to Inuit under the Nunavut Agreement are met, by a 515-vote margin. He took 5,730 votes, winning over second-place finisher Cathy Towtongie’s 5,215 votes. Andrew Nakashuk came third with 3,628 votes and Nicole Camphaug finished fourth with 2,092 votes, according to unofficial results posted on NTI’s website Tuesday morning. The day after the election, he met with Premier P.J. Akeeagok, who dropped by the NTI office in Iqaluit to offer his congratulations. “I told the Premier, we’re not always going to agree,” said Tunraluk, a 38-year-old former secretary-treasurer at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the same organization Akeeagok led before he became premier. “Looking to the future, I would like to work side by side with the government.” Hanging over their emerging relationship is a lawsuit NTI filed against the Government of Nunavut in October 2021, arguing the territorial government is not providing Inuktut language education to the same extent as English and French instruction. In November, the GN asked the Supreme Court of Canada to kill NTI’s lawsuit, after the Nunavut Court of Appeal ruled the matter could go to trial. Tunraluk said he wants to offer a second chance in the form of another last-ditch round of negotiations before heading back to court. “If we can work things out and avoid going to court, I would like to,” he said. “If we’re able to slow things down and make sure the language law is actually able to serve Inuit better, we can work things out. That’s my attitude — is to work together.” According to Monday’s unofficial vote count, Tunraluk’s support was heavily weighted in the Qikiqtani region, where he led voting in eight of 13 communities. By comparison, he won two of the Kivalliq region’s seven communities, and didn’t win any of the five Kitikmeot region communities. But that won’t influence Tunraluk’s approach to the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions, he said. “I grew up being told that I need to treat everybody the same, no matter what region,” he said. “These things don’t matter to me. I’m not the type of person to hold any grudges.” His recipe for addressing what were the most prominent issues of the campaign — transparency and accountability — is to meet early and often with residents of the communities. “I would like to meet with all the hamlet councils, the (hunter and trapper organizations) and with residents of these communities and make sure we listen to each community,” he said. During the campaign, Tunraluk visited Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit, as a way to bridge the gap he perceives between NTI and Nunavut’s Inuit beneficiaries. The campaign is over but Tunraluk’s commitment to tour all the communities continues, he said. “When I was campaigning, I would tell people, I would tell everybody — the radio, the newspaper — everybody, that I will be visiting each community or have a team visit each community and listen to the people and what they, what they need,” he said. Regular financial reports are also a priority, he added, along with accessibility. “I will have to be working really closely with the presidents and the vice-presidents of our regional Inuit associations and make sure that they’re able to come into my office and speak to me,” he said. “It’s been a good campaign, and the number of voters indicates that we are moving forward and we will make sure that we’re getting closer to Inuit.”

( MENAFN - The Rio Times) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Christians worldwide for their unwavering support as Israel faces challenges on multiple fronts. In a Christmas Eve video message, Netanyahu addressed the Christian community from the Holy Land. He acknowledged their steadfast backing as Israel defends itself against what he termed "barbarism." The Prime Minister's message comes at a time of heightened tension in the region. Israel currently engages in conflicts on seven different fronts. Netanyahu emphasized the unity of the Israeli people in defending their nation against existential threats. He stressed Israel 's commitment to peace with those who seek it. Netanyahu's words highlight the complex relationship between Israel and its Christian supporters. Christians make up a small but significant portion of Israel's population. Recent data shows about 187,900 Christians live in Israel, comprising 1.9% of the total population. This number represents a 1.3% growth from the previous year. The majority of Christians in Israel are Arab Christians. They constitute 75.3% of the Christian population and 6.9% of the total Arab population in Israel. Challenges Faced by Christian Communities These demographics underscore the diverse religious landscape of the country. Christian communities in Israel face unique challenges as minorities within a Jewish-majority state. Christmas celebrations in the Holy Land, particularly in Bethlehem, reflect the ongoing conflicts. Bethlehem, revered as Jesus' birthplace, experiences a somber Christmas for the second consecutive year. The city's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, suffers greatly. Unemployment rates in Bethlehem approach 50%, according to Mayor Anton Salman. The situation extends beyond Bethlehem, affecting Christians across the Middle East. In Syria, Christians face uncertainty under new leadership. Lebanon sees some Christian areas in Beirut decorated despite recent conflicts. Gaza 's small Christian community endures particularly difficult circumstances. Security measures intensify across the region during the holiday season. Palestinian security forces deploy around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Many churches receive heavy guarding, and community gatherings shrink due to safety concerns. These measures reflect the ongoing tensions and security challenges in the area. The Christian exodus from the region continues due to instability and conflicts. In Bethlehem alone, about 470 Christian families left the greater area in the past year. Many Christians contemplate emigration, citing the unstable political situation and continuous wars as primary reasons. Despite these challenges, some Christians maintain hope for peace. Religious ceremonies and prayers continue, including the midnight mass at the Church of Nativity. The resilience of the Christian community in the face of adversity stands out as a testament to their faith and determination. In addition, Netanyahu's message highlights the complex interplay of religion, politics, and security in this historically significant region. The current situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories further underscores these challenges. As Christmas passes, the challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land remain at the forefront of international concern. MENAFN24122024007421016031ID1109028440 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.According to an undergraduate, having pocket money from the Sarawak government eases the financial burden off from students who live far from their families. — Bernama photo KUCHING (Dec 11): The RM1,200 pocket money initiative for Sarawakian university students, announced last month, has been met with enthusiasm by many. However, some of them are questioning its long-term effectiveness and economic impact. Russell Floyd Albert For Russell Floyd Albert, he agrees that the programme offers immediate relief. “This is helpful for us in terms of our budgeting and pocket money. We, the students, can use the money to buy books, stationery items, clothes and other essential things for us to use every day,” the fourth-year student of a public institution of higher learning (IPTA) told The Borneo Post. Adding on, Russell said this incentive would alleviate some burden off the students and help to keep them focused on their studies, instead of having to do part-time jobs to cover their living expenses and also university fees. “Some of my friends said: ‘Abang Jo terbaik!’ (Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is the best!) as this initiative by him would reduce the burden of living costs and school fees off the students,” he added. Dzul Iqnizarith Zahren Mohamad Yakup Dzul Iqnizarith Zahren Mohamad Yakup, a third-year IPTA student, was also all praise for the aid programme. “Having pocket money from the Sarawak government eases the financial burden off from the students who live far from their families. “We, students, won’t have to stress about how to cover our daily expenses. It supports our social activities too, allowing us to attend gatherings, dine out with friends, or work on group projects without always depending on others. “Ultimately, this assistance helps us lead a more stable and productive life during our studies.” Private university student J. Lee agreed, calling the initiative a good way of promoting tertiary education. “It would help cover postgraduate study costs like printing materials and transportation.” However, not all students view the RM1,200 aid as a major lifeline. Anselm Mcbryan Devric For another IPTA student, Anselm Mcbryan Devric, he praised the initiative for helping those from the B40 (low-income) and M40 (medium-income) families, but also pointed out that RM1,200 would not be enough for the whole year. “At least, it alleviates our burden,” he said. Anselm, a member of his university’s Executive Welfare Committee, also said some of his friends were curious about the procedures involved in the channelling of the RM1,200. “They are eager to know clearer instructions on the distribution process.” Meanwhile, academician Prof Dr Jerome Kueh gave a more cautious perspective. The Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) praised the ‘spirit of inclusivity’ in the initiative, but at the same time, questioned its sustainability. “This can continue if the state is able to maintain its revenue diversification. “Also, the funds used for students’ cash aid may divert the resources from long-term investments like educational infrastructure or skills programmes,” he said. Kueh also warned about ‘unintended consequences’ such as students becoming too reliant on government aid, or spending the funds on non-essential items. “Without financial literacy programmes, the students may misallocate the money, which would defeat the initiative’s purpose.” The lecturer also highlighted potential inflationary effects, saying increased student spending could drive up prices for food, accommodation and transportation near campuses. In this respect, he suggested that pairing the RM1,200 incentive with financial education could further maximise its benefits. “Teaching students to handle their budget wisely and to prioritise their expenses can foster financial independence and responsible-spending habits.”

-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Since backing away from Donald Trump 's attorney general nomination and resigning from Congress as a whole, Matt Gaetz has had some time on his hands — when not occupied with fulfilling video orders on Cameo — but his evenings are about to be a lot more busy. On Tuesday, One America News ( OAN ) announced that Gaetz has signed on to anchor his own primetime show for the conservative network, confirming rumblings of his new gig that floated around social media at the start of the week. Related Gaetz joins Cameo after withdrawing from Cabinet nomination “Matt Gaetz has earned a reputation as a relentless champion of conservative values, taking on entrenched Washington bureaucrats and exposing government overreach,” the network said in a statement. “While serving on key committees including the House Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, Gaetz was a leading voice in defending President Donald Trump and advocating for an unapologetic America-first agenda. His knack for connecting with grassroots Americans and shaking up the status quo makes him a dynamic and timely addition to OAN’s team.” Further details on the gig were issued by the network in a press release, answering questions about the format of Gaetz's new show: “The former eight-year member of the U.S. Congress and recent U.S. Attorney General nominee will be hosting a one-hour political talk show every weeknight. 'The Matt Gaetz Show' will air at 6 p.m. ET every weeknight." "OAN is blazing a trail in media, embracing not just traditional news but the platforms where Americans are going—streaming, apps, podcasts, and social media," Gaetz said in a statement of his own. "I couldn't be more thrilled to join OAN's forward-thinking team and be part of this revolutionary expansion." Read more about this topic "Most satanic year in history": "SNL" revives Church Lady to roast Gaetz, Hunter Biden Matt Gaetz rules out return to Congress, saying he will now fight from a "new perch" OAN must pay Rachel Maddow $250K in legal fees after failed libel lawsuit MORE FROM Kelly McClure Advertisement:Colorado adds record insurance coverage for Sanders and Hunter with both playing in Alamo Bowl

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:02 p.m. ESTLuigi Mangione's lawyer claims he will be pleading not guilty to the charges he faces in Pennsylvania. Mangione was arrested in a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Monday after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Chilling note found inside Brian Thompson person of interest's 'manifesto' Pentagon's chilling 12-day simulation of how nuclear World War 3 would unfold "We’ve pled not guilty, at least to the charges in Pennsylvania. Like I said I’m not aware of any actual charges in New York ," Tom Dickey, Mangione's defense attorney, said. "I’m telling you as his lawyer, he didn’t have any ... representation until I got involved this afternoon. And I’m telling you he’s pleading not guilty." Dickey said his client "shut his mouth" after being told to kept quiet following an outburst while they were in court for an extradition hearing on Tuesday, adding: "Which is good, that’s what he needs to do. Hopefully there won’t be anymore of that." Mangione's lawyer believes the suspect should have been granted bail, but he will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon. Dickey questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it. "To simply say no bail, with all due respect to the judge, I believe bail should have been set," Dickey told reporters on Tuesday. "The judge could set $1 million bail. It could be $5 million bail, but damn it, you get bail. That’s what you do," he said. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. Peter Weeks, the Blair County district attorney, says he’ll work with New York officials to try to return suspect Luigi Mangione there to face charges. Weeks said the New York charges are “more serious” than in Blair County. “We believe their charges take precedent,” Weeks said, promising to do what’s needed to accommodate New York ’s prosecution first. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and ski cap. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. Mangione’s cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione, announced Tuesday morning that he’s postponing a fundraiser planned later this week at the Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore, which was purchased by the Mangione family in 1986. “Because of the nature of this terrible situation involving my Cousin I do not believe it is appropriate to hold my fundraising event scheduled for this Thursday at Hayfields,” Nino Mangione said in a social media post. “I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. My family and I are heartbroken and ask that you remember the family of Mr. Thompson in your prayers. Thank you.”

Nvidia’s Record-Breaking Year: Key Details Revealed Nvidia, the tech titan known for its powerful AI chips, has made headlines this year with a string of groundbreaking achievements. Renowned for its high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs), Nvidia has experienced an extraordinary surge in demand that has propelled the company to unprecedented heights. This momentum has not only driven record earnings but has also catapulted Nvidia to become, albeit briefly, the largest company by market value, even surpassing Apple. This year has been nothing short of revolutionary for Nvidia, as the company garnered an invitation to the prestigious Dow Jones Industrial Average. It also topped benchmarks as the best-performing stock. Now, Nvidia reaches yet another milestone, capturing nearly $30 billion in net inflows from retail investors — a massive leap from $11 billion last year, showcasing its rising popularity among everyday investors. The GPU Revolution and Continued Growth Initially driving video games, Nvidia’s GPUs have expanded into artificial intelligence due to their ability to handle many simultaneous tasks. This expansion has fueled explosive revenue growth, with Nvidia reporting a staggering $35 billion in revenue last quarter. With a strong profit margin exceeding 70%, the company confidently presses forward with its innovative Blackwell architecture launch, promising even greater advancements. Is Nvidia a Buy for 2025? Despite its soaring valuation, Nvidia’s growth trajectory, amplified by new launches, indicates substantial future potential. CEO Jensen Huang highlights a $1 trillion opportunity as outdated computers worldwide will require Nvidia’s accelerated computing power. This, combined with the strong demand for its Blackwell system, suggests that Nvidia remains well-poised to be a top choice for retail investors moving into 2025. Nvidia’s Meteoric Rise: What Lies Ahead? Unpacking The Trends and Innovations That Define Nvidia’s Future Nvidia has transformed the landscape of technology in recent years, particularly through its highly advanced AI chips and GPUs. Its dedication to innovation has not only sustained but enhanced its market position, enabling Nvidia to eclipse industry giants and capture the attention of investors worldwide. As of this year, the company has demonstrated unprecedented growth, which invites us to delve deeper into various key aspects that might shape its future trajectory. Pros and Cons of Investing in Nvidia Pros: 1. Superlative Market Performance: Nvidia has consistently outpaced its competitors and topped stock performance charts, indicating strong investor confidence. 2. Cutting-edge Innovations: The forthcoming Blackwell architecture exemplifies Nvidia’s commitment to leading AI and computing technologies, suggesting a promising pipeline. 3. Dimensional Market Presence: By expanding GPU applications beyond gaming into AI and other industries, Nvidia has diversified its revenue streams effectively. Cons: 1. High Valuation Concerns: The soaring valuation could make it riskier for new investors to enter the market at current price points. 2. Market Saturation and Competition: While Nvidia is a leader, increased competition and market saturation could present challenges ahead. Nvidia’s Growing Influence: Insightful Comparisons Compared to its peers, such as AMD and Intel, Nvidia has outperformed in capturing market share, particularly in AI. This surge can be partly attributed to its strategic focus on integrating advanced AI functionalities with robust GPU performance, setting Nvidia apart in terms of innovation and consumer appeal. Sustainability Initiatives: Paving the Way for a Greener Future Nvidia is not only leading in technological innovation but also in sustainability efforts. The company has been investing in energy-efficient technologies that aim to reduce environmental impact. Their new data centers and product designs reflect a commitment to a sustainable future, potentially appealing to environmentally conscious investors. Predictions for Nvidia in 2025 Many analysts predict that Nvidia will continue its upward trajectory, mainly due to its strategic positioning and ongoing R&D investments. The company plans to address a $1 trillion market opportunity related to the global demand for better computational power, especially as industries transition to more sophisticated AI systems. Security Aspects: A Robust Infrastructure Nvidia is advancing its security posture with infrastructure investments that protect data integrity and offer robust defense against potential threats. This focus on cybersecurity elevates Nvidia’s trustworthiness in deploying large-scale AI solutions. For more information and updates on Nvidia’s groundbreaking innovations, visit their official website .League suspends Naji Marshall, Jusuf Nurkic, P.J. Washington for altercation

By Kemberley Washington, CPA, Bankrate.com The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the child and dependent care credit , among others. An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. For the 2025 tax season: To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use Direct File . Same goes for IRA contributions or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the standard deduction — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: student loan interest , educator expenses and health savings account contributions . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim education credits , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the adoption expense credit , you can’t use the Direct File program. More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit this IRS Direct File page to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the Free File program, in which it partners with online tax software providers to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your adjusted gross income had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this IRS page . ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Nigerian and Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has joined compatriot Alex Iwobi in putting smiles on people’s faces this Christmas season by giving out free food to people at Sint-Vincentius in Genk, The PUNCH reports. According to a report on a Belgian website, tvl.be/nieuws, Arokodare, along with his three other Genk teammates, participated in an initiative with Vincentius, a local charity in Genk, to distribute food parcels to families in need during the festive period. “At the initiative of Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, he and three other teammates went to prepare food parcels at Sint-Vincentius in Genk,” the website wrote. “In this way, they want to give those in need a boost during this Christmas period. Traditionally, it is a busy period for the organisation. Related News Genk coach hails ‘top striker’ Arokodare Belgium okays maternity leave, pension for sex workers Arokodare scores 10th goal of season “Sint-Vincentius Genk Zutendaal distributes 20 tonnes of food every month and even more during the holidays.” Arokodare, who has been linked with a move to Girona, joined Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi in showing love to people after the Fulham star brought Christmas cheer to east London on Sunday as he gave out free food, including turkeys, to struggling families at his temporary shop. The Genk’s striker charitable work comes amid an impressive run of form that has helped the Belgian club to the top of the table in the Belgian Pro League with 41 points from 19 games. The 24-year-old Nigerian forward has netted 11 goals and provided five assists in 19 league games for Genk this season.France's Michel Barnier faced an abrupt end to his premiership on Monday after key opposition parties said they would back a no-confidence motion against his government after only three months in power. Certain that the National Assembly would deny him a majority backing the government's social security financing plan for next year, Barnier forced through the bill without a vote, using executive powers under article 49.3 of the French constitution. The conservative premier, who formed a minority government in September after an inconclusive general election, has lived under the constant threat of a no-confidence vote that could force him to quit. The government could be toppled as early as Wednesday, when a vote is expected. Barnier called it "a moment of truth in which everybody must take their responsibilities", warning against lawmakers putting "partisan interests" before the "best interest of the nation". Far-left opposition party LFI said immediately it would bring a no-confidence motion which the far-right National Rally (RN) - the largest single party in France's parliament - said it would vote in favour of, after accusing Barnier of failing to negotiate on some of the bill's provisions. Key to any such vote is Marine Le Pen, the parliamentary leader of the RN that has opposed several parts of the government's 2025 budget plan, including the social security financing bill submitted to the assembly on Monday. In a last-ditch concession to the RN, Barnier's office said it was scrapping plans for a less generous prescription drug reimbursement policy from next year. But the nod to Le Pen's concerns was not enough to avert the no-confidence motion for Barnier, who has little hope of finding any left-wing support. (AFP)

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz on Monday shared a note that he purportedly received from President-elect Donald Trump , posting a photo of the message online after the House Ethics Committee said it found evidence that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and illegal drug use while in Congress. The image — shared on X, formerly Twitter — showed a printout of a November article about allegations at the center of the report, which was made public this week. Published by conservative outlet The Federalist , the article had questioned the credibility of people speaking out against Gaetz. At the top of the printout, a handwritten message addressed to Gaetz reads, “Very Unfair!” “I got a great note from President Trump!” the former Florida representative wrote beside the image. It was not clear when the photo was taken. This comes after the House report , released earlier Monday, accused Gaetz of breaking state and federal laws, saying it had found “substantial evidence” against him. It alleged that he’d paid tens of thousands of dollars to women “likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use,” claiming that he had used or possessed illegal substances like cocaine and ecstasy. It further alleged that he had paid a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017. The House Ethics Committee suggested that Gaetz “violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” according to the report. However, the report said it didn’t find that Gaetz had violated federal sex trafficking laws. The Department of Justice had previously launched a sex trafficking probe targeting Gaetz, but it dropped its investigation last year with no charges being filed . The House Ethics Committee wrote that it heard from “over half a dozen witnesses who attended parties, events, and trips with Representative Gaetz from 2017-2020,” including an associate named Joel Greenberg. Greenberg is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple federal crimes, including sex trafficking, as a part of a deal with prosecutors in 2021. Greenberg was among the witnesses suggested to be “unreliable” by the Federalist article seen in Monday’s photo from Gaetz, as the DOJ had reportedly worried that he would lack credibility to a jury. Gaetz, who has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, similarly questioned the credibility of those who spoke to officials about his conduct. In a post on X, he wrote that “the very ‘witnesses’ DOJ deemed not-credible were assembled by House Ethics to repeat their claims absent any cross-examination or challenge from me or my attorneys. I’ve had no chance to ever confront any accusers. I’ve never been charged. I’ve never been sued.” He said that he “often sent funds to women” he’d dated but added that he “NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18.” “My 30’s were an era of working very hard - and playing hard too,” he wrote. “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now.” Gaetz resigned from Congress in November after being named by Trump to be the next attorney general, but ultimately withdrew his bid for the post amid concerns around the House investigation into him. The House Ethics Committee at the time declined to release its findings, but reversed that decision earlier this month, making way for the report to become public. Matt Gaetz Paid Thousands For Drugs And Sex, House Ethics Report Shows House Panel Reportedly Voted In Secret To Release Matt Gaetz Ethics Report Social Media Has Strong Reactions To Matt Gaetz Ethics ReportPastor Trained in MMA Subdues Axe-Wielding Thanksgiving Burglar

Gov. Jared Polis digitally reached across the aisle last month by for Health and Human Services Secretary by President-elect Donald Trump. As an advocate who seeks bipartisan paths to advance public health policy, I welcomed the willingness to build a bridge with the incoming administration. However, when you ask Colorado voters of all political stripes, he was building a bridge to a dangerous place. When the governor posted that RFK Jr. “helped us defeat vaccine mandates in Colorado in 2019 and will help make Americans healthy again,” it reminded me of the oddest moment I’ve experienced at the Colorado state Capitol. In 2020, I was testifying in support of legislation to improve immunization rates among school-aged children. The bill was a modest compromise made with the governor and others, after a version from 2019 that included immunization mandates was defeated at the governor’s behest. Nonetheless, the chamber was swarmed with anti-vaccine activists who had been mobilized by figures including Kennedy. As I stood after finishing my testimony, an unwelcome chin was perched on my right shoulder from behind. It belonged to an opponent of the bill, who whispered in my ear, “sweet dreams ...” There was nothing problematic about the governor’s description of his successful partnership with Kennedy in defeating our bipartisan bill – that was accurate. The problem is that many of Kennedy’s views are well outside both the scientific consensus and bipartisan mainstream, and the health of Americans may suffer as a result. In Colorado, that’s already happening. Child immunization rates in our state are falling, putting kids at needless risk for illnesses that we had nearly driven into oblivion. In the 2022-23 school year, Colorado ranked 45th in the nation in kindergarten coverage rates for measles, at 86.8%, below the 92-94% community immunity threshold. Meanwhile, Coloradans support even stronger action than what’s currently being applied to protect children, as about three-quarters of voters believe that “before being able to send their children to schools and childcare centers, parents should be required to have them vaccinated for contagious diseases,” per a survey conducted this month by a bipartisan polling team for the organization I run, Healthier Colorado. President Eisenhower said, “every parent and every child should be grateful” when polio was essentially eradicated during his presidency over six decades ago. Now, even that vaccine is under attack by Kennedy, drawing the ire of polio survivor and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell. This adds to a string of dangerous and disproven positions taken by RFK, Jr., including the false linkage between vaccines and autism. We must not go back to proliferating the diseases of yesteryear, and a bipartisan majority of voters are pointing the way forward on health issues at the state and federal level. Here in Colorado, we have experienced the nation’s largest net decline in Medicaid enrollment since the pandemic, with more than half of that decline resulting from state bureaucratic failings. People who qualify for Medicaid are being excluded from coverage, leaving them without access to health care, and putting health providers into a financial bind with an increase in uninsured patients. Fortunately, 78% of Colorado voters, including over 68% of Republicans, are in favor of investing taxpayer dollars to fix this problem. Colorado can benefit from a strong working relationship with the Trump administration in selected areas, and Governor Polis is wise to pursue one. However, Coloradans reject Kennedy’s fringe views on vaccines, and a plurality believes that “doctors and scientists” have “too little” influence over public health policy. This isn’t an elitist view, it’s common sense – only 28% percent of Coloradans with a high school education or less think that doctors and scientists have “too much” influence. Poll after poll shows that Polis is on the right track with his successful effort to save people money on health care. Moreover, this month’s poll showed alignment with the sentiment expressed by the governor and Kennedy about the influence of the pharmaceutical and processed foods industries, as about 7 in 10 Colorado voters agree. On these and other issues, we can take a pragmatic approach that moves us forward, not backward, so we can improve people’s well-being and save lives.