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Betis boss backs Vitor Roque amid Palmeiras & Spurs talkThis time, the decision appears relatively straightforward. On Friday Labour leader Ivana Bacik announced it was “unlikely” the party would go into government. The Social Democrats have yet to make a similar statement but all indications are that they will do so. Meanwhile, Green leader Roderic O’Gorman intends to start rebuilding his party in opposition. Many will regret their absence. All three parties share a commitment to action on climate change that is lacking in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and is entirely absent from the various Independents who now seem likely to make up the next governing majority. Labour and the Social Democrats also propose a more interventionist role for the State in addressing the housing crisis and a more cautious approach to the tax cuts and other measures in the larger parties’ manifestos which have been criticised as fiscally imprudent. A central plank of the proposition which both Labour and the Social Democrats put to the electorate was that they are parties that believe in going into government. Labour can also point to an impressive record of legislative accomplishments in previous coalitions. But parliamentary arithmetic matters. If either or both were to go into coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, they would be operating in an environment where the larger partners always had the option, if serious disagreement arose, of turning instead to Independents for support. That would be a very weak hand to play. Labour and the Social Democrats will also be mindful of he recent experience of the Greens, scapegoated by their government partners and punished by voters despite being able to point to a record of delivering on many of the promises they had made. A smaller partner in the next government is unlikely to have as much leverage as the Greens did in the last one. The decision to stay out, then, is due not to an excess of ideological purity but to an entirely rational assessment of the probable outcome, both legislatively and electorally. What would be inexcusable, though, would be if Labour and the Social Democrats, which share very similar worldviews, were to allow petty and often mainly personal inter-party rivalries to hinder co-operation on providing the effective and clear-eyed opposition that the country will need.
The jokes are writing themselves with the New England Patriots right now. New England announced on Tuesday that they have released guard Michael Jordan. The move is to make room for fellow guard Lester Cotton , whom the Patriots just claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins . Naturally, the roster move led to some great jokes on social media. Many X users started referencing the (slightly more popular) guard Michael Jordan of basketball fame. This is why LeBron is the GOAT — JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) November 26, 2024 For the football-playing Jordan to be released is actually somewhat of a surprise. The former fourth-round pick had started 11 of 12 games for the Patriots at left guard this season while Cotton still has yet to make a single start in 2024. But the 3-9 Patriots have decided to make a change regardless. That means these will be the last Air Jordan jokes in New England for a while to come (though there have been plenty of other jokes to get off about the Patriots this season ). This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.
Jimmy Carter , the 39th President of the United States, passed away on Monday at the age of 100. Known for his unwavering commitment to human rights, diplomacy, and public service, Carter’s death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to peace, integrity, and humanitarian efforts. From his rise as a Georgia governor to his presidency and post-presidential humanitarian work here is the political journey of Carter. Early Life and Political Beginnings Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, a rural town in the heart of the Deep South. Raised in a modest, Christian household, Carter’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work, personal integrity, and a deep respect for education. He attended the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, where he graduated in 1946. After serving in the US Navy, including time in the submarine service, Carter returned to Georgia, where he took over the family peanut farm. This move to the family farm helped him connect with his community and the people of Georgia, laying the groundwork for his political career. In 1962, Carter’s political journey took its first step when he entered the race for the Georgia State Senate. Though he was a political outsider with limited resources, Carter’s message of honesty and reform resonated with many Georgians who were tired of the entrenched political machines. He won his seat in the state senate and began his journey into the world of public service. Carter’s years in the Georgia Senate, from 1963 to 1967, were pivotal in his development as a politician. He advocated for reforms that focused on improving education, healthcare, and the environment. His time in the Senate also shaped his belief in the power of government to make a positive difference in people’s lives. However, his true political breakthrough came in 1970 when he was elected governor of Georgia. The Governorship of Georgia Jimmy Carter’s time as governor of Georgia, from 1971 to 1975, marked a period of profound transformation. Running on a platform of reform, he pushed for changes that would modernize the state and make government more efficient. He advocated for education reform, environmental protection, and civil rights. One of his most significant accomplishments was his push for desegregation in Georgia’s public schools, a stance that was both progressive and bold for a Southern politician of that era. Carter’s commitment to racial equality was evident throughout his time as governor. In 1971, he appointed the first African American to the Georgia State Board of Education. He also worked to expand voting rights for African Americans, a cause that was personal for him, given his Southern roots and the racial inequalities that had plagued the region for decades. While Carter’s progressive policies and stand on civil rights earned him praise, they also earned him enemies in Georgia’s political establishment. Many saw him as a threat to the traditional Southern political order. Nevertheless, Carter’s reputation as an honest and principled leader continued to grow, and by the time he left the governor’s mansion, he had positioned himself as a potential candidate for higher office. The 1976 Presidential Campaign In 1976, Carter made the decision to run for the presidency. At the time, the country was in the midst of a crisis of confidence in its government. The Watergate scandal had rocked the nation, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon . The American people were disillusioned with the political establishment, and many were searching for a candidate they could trust—someone who represented integrity, honesty, and a new direction for the country. Carter, with his background as a political outsider and his reputation for honesty, seemed to fit the bill. Carter’s campaign was a study in humility and transparency. He ran as a Washington outsider, promising to restore trust in the government. His famous pledge to the American people was simple yet profound: “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me.” This promise resonated deeply with voters who were weary of the scandals and dishonesty that had plagued the Nixon administration. Despite being largely unknown on the national stage, Carter’s grassroots campaign gained momentum. He won the Democratic nomination after a hard-fought battle against more established candidates, including George Wallace and Hubert Humphrey. Carter’s appeal was based on his image as a man of integrity, his outsider status, and his commitment to restoring honesty to the White House. On November 2, 1976, Carter narrowly defeated incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford, securing 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240, and became the 39th president of the United States. The Presidency (1977-1981) Jimmy Carter’s presidency was marked by a series of domestic and international challenges. Domestically, he faced an economy suffering from high inflation, rising energy costs, and unemployment. Internationally, the Cold War loomed large, and tensions with the Soviet Union, particularly over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, were high. Additionally, Carter had to contend with the ongoing energy crisis, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the complex politics of the Middle East. One of Carter’s most enduring accomplishments as president was his role in the Camp David Accords, which he brokered in 1978. The agreement brought together Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin , and it resulted in a peace agreement between the two nations. The success of the Camp David Accords earned Carter international acclaim and cemented his reputation as a peacemaker. Despite this achievement, Carter’s presidency was marked by significant challenges. The economy struggled with double-digit inflation, and Americans faced long lines at gas stations due to oil shortages. Perhaps the most defining event of Carter’s presidency was the Iranian hostage crisis, which began in November 1979 when 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage by Iranian militants. The crisis lasted for 444 days and became a symbol of Carter’s inability to resolve international conflicts swiftly. In 1980, the failed rescue attempt of the hostages further damaged Carter’s image, and his approval ratings plummeted. The economic troubles, combined with the hostage crisis, led to Carter’s defeat in the 1980 presidential election to Ronald Reagan , who won in a landslide. Post-Presidency and legacy Though Carter’s presidency was relatively short-lived, his post-presidential career has been nothing short of remarkable. After leaving the White House, Carter focused on humanitarian work through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982. The center focused on global health, conflict resolution, and human rights, and Carter became a leading advocate for disease eradication, democracy promotion, and peace. He also worked tirelessly to monitor elections in emerging democracies and mediate conflicts around the world. In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and human rights worldwide. He became the oldest living president in US history and continued to speak out on issues such as climate change, inequality, and global conflict. His ability to bridge political divides and his tireless work for peace and justice earned him widespread respect both in the United States and around the world. Despite facing criticism during his presidency, Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of service to humanity. His commitment to diplomacy, human rights, and public service stands as a model for future leaders, and his life’s work continues to inspire generations of Americans and people around the world. Jimmy Carter's political journey—from his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to the White House and beyond—represents a lifelong dedication to making the world a better place. While his presidency may have been fraught with challenges, his post-presidential work has solidified his place as one of the most respected and beloved figures in American history.
The Federal Trade Commission has announced it will issue refunds to nearly 630,000 Fortnite players after ruling that the maker of the popular video game, Epic Games, duped people “into making unwanted purchases.” The FTC said in a Dec. 9 press release that it will send more than $72 million to consumers. The average payment is expected to be around $114, according to the FTC. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are A settlement was first revealed in December 2022, at which time Epic Games was ordered to pay $245 million to clear up allegations that it used deceptive means to fool players into making unwanted purchases and allowed kids the ability to accrue charges without their parents’ knowledge. “The FTC alleged that Fortnite’s counterintuitive, inconsistent, and confusing button configuration led players of all ages to incur unwanted charges based on the press of a single button,” the FTC said in the Dec. 9 release. “For example, players could be charged while attempting to wake the game from sleep mode, while the game was in a loading screen, or by pressing an adjacent button while attempting simply to preview an item.” How do you know if you’re eligible for a refund? And how do you go about filing a claim? Here’s what to know. How to know if you’re eligible for a Fortnite refund The FTC listed on its website the requirements for a refund: Between January 2017 and September 2022, you were charged in the game for items you didn’t want. Between January 2017 and November 2018, your child charged your credit card in the game without your knowledge. Between January 2017 and September 2022, you were locked out of your account after you complained to your credit card about charges you didn’t want. If you already filed a claim after Oct. 8, you do not need to file anything further, according to the FTC. U.S. & World Bob Fernandez, 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, dies peacefully at home 83 years after bombing Jay-Z rape accuser comes forward to NBC News, acknowledges inconsistencies in her allegations How Fortnite players can apply for a refund Eligible consumers still have time to submit a claim at www.ftc.gov/fortnite . Anyone interested in learning more about their payments can call refund administrator Rust Consulting, Inc. at 833-915-0880 or send an email to admin@fortniterefund.com . People can also visit the FTC website to learn more about the refund process. he deadline to file a claim is Jan. 10, 2025, the FTC said. How Fortnite players receive their refunds The FTC said it is in the process of sending a first round of payments, with additional refunds expected at a later date. So far, there are a total of 629,344 total payments. Affected consumers chose how they’d like to be paid when they filled out a claim form. Those people who received money through PayPal should redeem payment within 30 days. Consumers who receive checks have 90 days to cash their payment. How to find your Epic account ID When submitting a claim for a refund , people are required to provide a claim number or an Epic account ID. Epic Games provided on its website steps to find your Epic account ID online: Visit www.epicgames.com . Click “sign in” in the top right corner and sign in. Hover over your Epic Games account name and click on “account.” Your account ID is listed under “account information.” This article first appeared on TODAY.com . Read more from TODAY here: Savannah Guthrie reveals her family’s 2024 holiday card — with a surprise announcement Dad shares bittersweet video of when his 13-year-old confronted him about Santa: 'Oh my heart' Hilary Duff’s 12-year-old son joins her for rare red carpet outingJimmy Carter, 39th US president, Nobel winner, dies at 100
Betis boss backs Vitor Roque amid Palmeiras & Spurs talkThis time, the decision appears relatively straightforward. On Friday Labour leader Ivana Bacik announced it was “unlikely” the party would go into government. The Social Democrats have yet to make a similar statement but all indications are that they will do so. Meanwhile, Green leader Roderic O’Gorman intends to start rebuilding his party in opposition. Many will regret their absence. All three parties share a commitment to action on climate change that is lacking in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and is entirely absent from the various Independents who now seem likely to make up the next governing majority. Labour and the Social Democrats also propose a more interventionist role for the State in addressing the housing crisis and a more cautious approach to the tax cuts and other measures in the larger parties’ manifestos which have been criticised as fiscally imprudent. A central plank of the proposition which both Labour and the Social Democrats put to the electorate was that they are parties that believe in going into government. Labour can also point to an impressive record of legislative accomplishments in previous coalitions. But parliamentary arithmetic matters. If either or both were to go into coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, they would be operating in an environment where the larger partners always had the option, if serious disagreement arose, of turning instead to Independents for support. That would be a very weak hand to play. Labour and the Social Democrats will also be mindful of he recent experience of the Greens, scapegoated by their government partners and punished by voters despite being able to point to a record of delivering on many of the promises they had made. A smaller partner in the next government is unlikely to have as much leverage as the Greens did in the last one. The decision to stay out, then, is due not to an excess of ideological purity but to an entirely rational assessment of the probable outcome, both legislatively and electorally. What would be inexcusable, though, would be if Labour and the Social Democrats, which share very similar worldviews, were to allow petty and often mainly personal inter-party rivalries to hinder co-operation on providing the effective and clear-eyed opposition that the country will need.
The jokes are writing themselves with the New England Patriots right now. New England announced on Tuesday that they have released guard Michael Jordan. The move is to make room for fellow guard Lester Cotton , whom the Patriots just claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins . Naturally, the roster move led to some great jokes on social media. Many X users started referencing the (slightly more popular) guard Michael Jordan of basketball fame. This is why LeBron is the GOAT — JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) November 26, 2024 For the football-playing Jordan to be released is actually somewhat of a surprise. The former fourth-round pick had started 11 of 12 games for the Patriots at left guard this season while Cotton still has yet to make a single start in 2024. But the 3-9 Patriots have decided to make a change regardless. That means these will be the last Air Jordan jokes in New England for a while to come (though there have been plenty of other jokes to get off about the Patriots this season ). This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.
Jimmy Carter , the 39th President of the United States, passed away on Monday at the age of 100. Known for his unwavering commitment to human rights, diplomacy, and public service, Carter’s death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to peace, integrity, and humanitarian efforts. From his rise as a Georgia governor to his presidency and post-presidential humanitarian work here is the political journey of Carter. Early Life and Political Beginnings Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, a rural town in the heart of the Deep South. Raised in a modest, Christian household, Carter’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work, personal integrity, and a deep respect for education. He attended the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, where he graduated in 1946. After serving in the US Navy, including time in the submarine service, Carter returned to Georgia, where he took over the family peanut farm. This move to the family farm helped him connect with his community and the people of Georgia, laying the groundwork for his political career. In 1962, Carter’s political journey took its first step when he entered the race for the Georgia State Senate. Though he was a political outsider with limited resources, Carter’s message of honesty and reform resonated with many Georgians who were tired of the entrenched political machines. He won his seat in the state senate and began his journey into the world of public service. Carter’s years in the Georgia Senate, from 1963 to 1967, were pivotal in his development as a politician. He advocated for reforms that focused on improving education, healthcare, and the environment. His time in the Senate also shaped his belief in the power of government to make a positive difference in people’s lives. However, his true political breakthrough came in 1970 when he was elected governor of Georgia. The Governorship of Georgia Jimmy Carter’s time as governor of Georgia, from 1971 to 1975, marked a period of profound transformation. Running on a platform of reform, he pushed for changes that would modernize the state and make government more efficient. He advocated for education reform, environmental protection, and civil rights. One of his most significant accomplishments was his push for desegregation in Georgia’s public schools, a stance that was both progressive and bold for a Southern politician of that era. Carter’s commitment to racial equality was evident throughout his time as governor. In 1971, he appointed the first African American to the Georgia State Board of Education. He also worked to expand voting rights for African Americans, a cause that was personal for him, given his Southern roots and the racial inequalities that had plagued the region for decades. While Carter’s progressive policies and stand on civil rights earned him praise, they also earned him enemies in Georgia’s political establishment. Many saw him as a threat to the traditional Southern political order. Nevertheless, Carter’s reputation as an honest and principled leader continued to grow, and by the time he left the governor’s mansion, he had positioned himself as a potential candidate for higher office. The 1976 Presidential Campaign In 1976, Carter made the decision to run for the presidency. At the time, the country was in the midst of a crisis of confidence in its government. The Watergate scandal had rocked the nation, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon . The American people were disillusioned with the political establishment, and many were searching for a candidate they could trust—someone who represented integrity, honesty, and a new direction for the country. Carter, with his background as a political outsider and his reputation for honesty, seemed to fit the bill. Carter’s campaign was a study in humility and transparency. He ran as a Washington outsider, promising to restore trust in the government. His famous pledge to the American people was simple yet profound: “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me.” This promise resonated deeply with voters who were weary of the scandals and dishonesty that had plagued the Nixon administration. Despite being largely unknown on the national stage, Carter’s grassroots campaign gained momentum. He won the Democratic nomination after a hard-fought battle against more established candidates, including George Wallace and Hubert Humphrey. Carter’s appeal was based on his image as a man of integrity, his outsider status, and his commitment to restoring honesty to the White House. On November 2, 1976, Carter narrowly defeated incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford, securing 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240, and became the 39th president of the United States. The Presidency (1977-1981) Jimmy Carter’s presidency was marked by a series of domestic and international challenges. Domestically, he faced an economy suffering from high inflation, rising energy costs, and unemployment. Internationally, the Cold War loomed large, and tensions with the Soviet Union, particularly over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, were high. Additionally, Carter had to contend with the ongoing energy crisis, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the complex politics of the Middle East. One of Carter’s most enduring accomplishments as president was his role in the Camp David Accords, which he brokered in 1978. The agreement brought together Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin , and it resulted in a peace agreement between the two nations. The success of the Camp David Accords earned Carter international acclaim and cemented his reputation as a peacemaker. Despite this achievement, Carter’s presidency was marked by significant challenges. The economy struggled with double-digit inflation, and Americans faced long lines at gas stations due to oil shortages. Perhaps the most defining event of Carter’s presidency was the Iranian hostage crisis, which began in November 1979 when 52 American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage by Iranian militants. The crisis lasted for 444 days and became a symbol of Carter’s inability to resolve international conflicts swiftly. In 1980, the failed rescue attempt of the hostages further damaged Carter’s image, and his approval ratings plummeted. The economic troubles, combined with the hostage crisis, led to Carter’s defeat in the 1980 presidential election to Ronald Reagan , who won in a landslide. Post-Presidency and legacy Though Carter’s presidency was relatively short-lived, his post-presidential career has been nothing short of remarkable. After leaving the White House, Carter focused on humanitarian work through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982. The center focused on global health, conflict resolution, and human rights, and Carter became a leading advocate for disease eradication, democracy promotion, and peace. He also worked tirelessly to monitor elections in emerging democracies and mediate conflicts around the world. In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and human rights worldwide. He became the oldest living president in US history and continued to speak out on issues such as climate change, inequality, and global conflict. His ability to bridge political divides and his tireless work for peace and justice earned him widespread respect both in the United States and around the world. Despite facing criticism during his presidency, Jimmy Carter’s legacy is one of service to humanity. His commitment to diplomacy, human rights, and public service stands as a model for future leaders, and his life’s work continues to inspire generations of Americans and people around the world. Jimmy Carter's political journey—from his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to the White House and beyond—represents a lifelong dedication to making the world a better place. While his presidency may have been fraught with challenges, his post-presidential work has solidified his place as one of the most respected and beloved figures in American history.
The Federal Trade Commission has announced it will issue refunds to nearly 630,000 Fortnite players after ruling that the maker of the popular video game, Epic Games, duped people “into making unwanted purchases.” The FTC said in a Dec. 9 press release that it will send more than $72 million to consumers. The average payment is expected to be around $114, according to the FTC. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are A settlement was first revealed in December 2022, at which time Epic Games was ordered to pay $245 million to clear up allegations that it used deceptive means to fool players into making unwanted purchases and allowed kids the ability to accrue charges without their parents’ knowledge. “The FTC alleged that Fortnite’s counterintuitive, inconsistent, and confusing button configuration led players of all ages to incur unwanted charges based on the press of a single button,” the FTC said in the Dec. 9 release. “For example, players could be charged while attempting to wake the game from sleep mode, while the game was in a loading screen, or by pressing an adjacent button while attempting simply to preview an item.” How do you know if you’re eligible for a refund? And how do you go about filing a claim? Here’s what to know. How to know if you’re eligible for a Fortnite refund The FTC listed on its website the requirements for a refund: Between January 2017 and September 2022, you were charged in the game for items you didn’t want. Between January 2017 and November 2018, your child charged your credit card in the game without your knowledge. Between January 2017 and September 2022, you were locked out of your account after you complained to your credit card about charges you didn’t want. If you already filed a claim after Oct. 8, you do not need to file anything further, according to the FTC. U.S. & World Bob Fernandez, 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor, dies peacefully at home 83 years after bombing Jay-Z rape accuser comes forward to NBC News, acknowledges inconsistencies in her allegations How Fortnite players can apply for a refund Eligible consumers still have time to submit a claim at www.ftc.gov/fortnite . Anyone interested in learning more about their payments can call refund administrator Rust Consulting, Inc. at 833-915-0880 or send an email to admin@fortniterefund.com . People can also visit the FTC website to learn more about the refund process. he deadline to file a claim is Jan. 10, 2025, the FTC said. How Fortnite players receive their refunds The FTC said it is in the process of sending a first round of payments, with additional refunds expected at a later date. So far, there are a total of 629,344 total payments. Affected consumers chose how they’d like to be paid when they filled out a claim form. Those people who received money through PayPal should redeem payment within 30 days. Consumers who receive checks have 90 days to cash their payment. How to find your Epic account ID When submitting a claim for a refund , people are required to provide a claim number or an Epic account ID. Epic Games provided on its website steps to find your Epic account ID online: Visit www.epicgames.com . Click “sign in” in the top right corner and sign in. Hover over your Epic Games account name and click on “account.” Your account ID is listed under “account information.” This article first appeared on TODAY.com . Read more from TODAY here: Savannah Guthrie reveals her family’s 2024 holiday card — with a surprise announcement Dad shares bittersweet video of when his 13-year-old confronted him about Santa: 'Oh my heart' Hilary Duff’s 12-year-old son joins her for rare red carpet outingJimmy Carter, 39th US president, Nobel winner, dies at 100