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fishing fafafafa TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navitas Semiconductor (Nasdaq: NVTS) the only pure-play, next-generation, power semiconductor company and industry leader in gallium nitride (GaN) power ICs and silicon carbide (SiC) technology, today announced that Dr. Ranbir Singh, formerly Executive Vice President at Navitas and the founder and CEO of GeneSiC Semiconductor, has been appointed to Navitas’ board of directors. “We are pleased to welcome Ranbir to the board of directors,” said Gene Sheridan, Chairman, President and CEO. “Ranbir has led the industry with over 20 years of SiC innovation as the founder and CEO of GeneSiC; and 8 years prior to that at Wolfspeed (formerly Cree, Inc.) and brings deep industry knowledge to the board. We look forward to his contributions as we grow our business with next-generation, clean-energy power for an efficient and sustainable future.” Dr. Singh joined Navitas with the acquisition of GeneSiC Semiconductor, which he founded in 2004. Dr. Singh has dedicated his life to the mission of high-performance, high-reliability silicon carbide technology, and is highly respected in the power electronics community, with several awards, over 200 journal and conference papers, a book and over 40 US patents. “I am excited to be joining the Navitas board at this pivotal moment as the company leads technical innovation with disruptive, wide band-gap technology, into fast-growing AI, EV and Mobile markets,” said Dr. Singh. “Navitas is executing a significant transformation in the semiconductor industry, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the company’s growth and innovation.” Dr. Singh holds a Bachelor of Technology, Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and both Master’s and PhD in Electrical Engineering – Power Semiconductors, from North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh. He was inducted into NCSU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022. About Navitas Navitas Semiconductor (Nasdaq: NVTS) is the only pure-play, next-generation power-semiconductor company, celebrating 10 years of power innovation founded in 2014. GaNFastTM power ICs integrate gallium nitride (GaN) power and drive, with control, sensing, and protection to enable faster charging, higher power density, and greater energy savings. Complementary GeneSiCTM power devices are optimized high-power, high-voltage, and high-reliability silicon carbide (SiC) solutions. Focus markets include AI datacenters, EV, solar, energy storage, home appliance / industrial, mobile and consumer. Over 300 Navitas patents are issued or pending, with the industry’s first and only 20-year GaNFast warranty . Navitas was the world’s first semiconductor company to be CarbonNeutral®-certified . Navitas Semiconductor, GaNFast, GaNSense, GeneSiC and the Navitas logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Navitas Semiconductor Limited and affiliates. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners. Contact Information Stephen Oliver, VP Investor Relations ir@navitassemi.com PR Image: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/513b17be-0667-4557-8fb3-d7665a6e81db .

Amagi Acquires Argoid AI, Strengthening AI-Powered Content

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV: REVV) (OTCQB: REVVF) (“Revolve” or the “Company”), a North American owner, operator and developer of renewable energy projects, is pleased to announce that CEO Myke Clark will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com , on December 5th, 2024. DATE: December 5th TIME: 11:30am ET LINK: https://bit.ly/3Yknp3z Mr. Clark is also available for 1x1 meetings. Mr. Clark will provide an update on Revolve’s renewable energy project pipeline and corporate catalysts, including: A review of Q1, F2025 results including a 300% increase in the Company’s long-term recurring revenue stream. The recent completion of a major interconnection milestone at the Company’s 49.6MW Primus Wind project in the U.S. The recent acquisition of a 30 MW solar development project in Alberta, Canada and the current permitting process. This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . About Revolve Revolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar, hydro and battery storage projects in the US, Canada and Mexico. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions which installs and operates sub 20MW “behind the meter” distributed generation (or “DG”) assets. Revolve’s portfolio includes the following: Operating Assets: 11MW (net) of operating assets under long term power purchase agreements across Canada and Mexico covering wind, solar, battery storage and hydro generation; Under Construction: a 3MW CHP project and a 450kWp rooftop solar project that are both under construction and expected to be operational later this year; and Development: a diverse portfolio of utility scale development projects across the US, Canada and Mexico with a combined capacity of over 3,000MWs as well as a 140MW+ distributed generation portfolio that is under development. Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from “greenfield” through to “ready to build” status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 1,550MW of projects. Going forward, Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US, Canada and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating DG assets. Non-IFRS Measures This press release refers to certain non-IFRS measures including Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”). Non-IFRS measures and industry metrics do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. The term EBITDA consists of net loss or gain and excludes interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The most directly comparable measure to EBITDA calculated in accordance with IFRS is net gain or net loss . The term EBITDA margin consists of the percentage of net loss or gain and excludes interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. These measures, have limitations, and are provided in addition to, and not as an alternative for, and should be read in conjunction with, the information contained in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP (including the notes), included in our filings on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca and posted on our website. Financial Projections The Company’s financial projections are inherently speculative and may prove to be inaccurate. Any financial projections provided in this press release have been prepared in good faith based upon the estimates and assumptions considered reasonable by management. However, projections are no more than estimates of possible events and should not be relied upon to predict the results that the Company may attain. Future oriented financial information in this press release includes statements with respect to forecasted revenues and EBITDA that are expected to be generated by the Project. There is a risk that the assumptions related to these revenue and EBITDA forecasts may not be met and that the Project will not meet the conditions to start construction. The projections are based upon several estimates and assumptions and have not been examined, reviewed or compiled by independent accountants or other third-party experts, including assumptions with respect to the anticipated expenses and future revenues from the Project. These assumptions may vary from the actual results. Accordingly, there is no assurance that future events will correspond to management’s assumptions for the Project. Any variations of actual results from projections related to the Project may be material and adverse. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking information generally, are, without limitation, based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company and management as at the date hereof. Our actual financial position and results of operations and the Project may differ materially from management’s current expectations and, as a result, our revenue, profitability, EBITDA may differ materially from any revenue, and profitability profiles provided in this press release. Such information is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be an indication of our actual financial position or results of operations. Revolve does not provide reconciliations for forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures as Revolve is unable to provide a meaningful or accurate calculation or estimation of reconciling items and the information is not available without unreasonable effort. This is due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting the timing or number of various events that have not yet occurred, are out of Revolve’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted, and that would impact the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure. For these same reasons, Revolve is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures may vary materially from the corresponding GAAP financial measures. Forward Looking Information The forward-looking statements contained in this news release constitute ‘‘forward-looking information’’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective policies, regulations and rules under such laws and ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, ‘‘forward-looking statements”). The words “will”, “expects”, “estimates”, “projections”, “forecast”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “targets” (and grammatical variations of such terms) and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Project. This forward-looking information and other forward-looking information are based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions considering our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Material factors underlying forward-looking information and management’s expectations include: the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals; the absence of material adverse regulatory decisions being received and the expectation of regulatory stability; the absence of any material equipment breakdown or failure; availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the stability of credit ratings of the Company and its subsidiaries; the absence of unexpected material liabilities or uninsured losses; the continued availability of commodity supplies and stability of commodity prices; the absence of interest rate increases or significant currency exchange rate fluctuations; the absence of significant operational, financial or supply chain disruptions or liability, including relating to import controls and tariffs; the continued ability to maintain systems and facilities to ensure their continued performance; the absence of a severe and prolonged downturn in general economic, credit, social or market conditions; the successful and timely development and construction of new projects; the absence of capital project or financing cost overruns; sufficient liquidity and capital resources; the continuation of long term weather patterns and trends; the absence of significant counterparty defaults; the continued competitiveness of electricity pricing when compared with alternative sources of energy; the realization of the anticipated benefits of the Company’s acquisitions and joint ventures; the absence of a change in applicable laws, political conditions, public policies and directions by governments, materially negatively affecting the Company; the ability to obtain and maintain licenses and permits; maintenance of adequate insurance coverage; the absence of material fluctuations in market energy prices; the absence of material disputes with taxation authorities or changes to applicable tax laws; continued maintenance of information technology infrastructure and the absence of a material breach of cybersecurity; the successful implementation of new information technology systems and infrastructure; favourable relations with external stakeholders; our ability to retain key personnel; our ability to maintain and expand distribution capabilities; and our ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support our growth. Such uncertainties and risks may include, among others, market conditions, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; the availability of financing, fluctuating prices, the possibility of project cost overruns, mechanical failure, unavailability of parts and supplies, labour disturbances, interruption in transportation or utilities, adverse weather conditions, and unanticipated costs and expenses, variations in the cost of energy or materials or supplies or environmental impacts on operations, disruptions to the Company’s supply chains; changes to regulatory environment, including interpretation of production tax credits; armed hostilities and geopolitical conflicts; risks related to the development and potential development of the Company’s projects; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy; as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca . There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned that given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company does not undertake to update this information at any time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. “Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.”Nick Saban 'obvious choice' for possible college football commissioner, Penn State coach says

NoneFederal authorities on Tuesday urged telecommunication companies to boost network security following a sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. The guidance issued by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. Officials who briefed reporters on the recommendations said the U.S. still doesn’t know the true scope of China’s attack or the extent to which Chinese hackers still have access to U.S. networks. In one sign of the global reach of China’s hacking efforts, the government’s warning was issued jointly with security agencies in New Zealand, Australia and Canada, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which also includes the U.S. and Britain. Dubbed Salt Typhoon by analysts, the wide-ranging cyberespionage campaign emerged earlier this year after hackers sought to penetrate the networks of multiple telecommunications companies. The hackers used their access to telecom networks to target the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. The hackers succeeded in retrieving the actual audio files of calls and content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. The FBI has contacted victims in this group, many of whom work in government or politics, but officials said it is up to telecom companies to notify customers included in the first, larger group. Despite months of investigation, the true scale of China’s operation, including the total number of victims or whether the hackers still have some access to information, is currently unknown. The FBI has said some of the information targeted by the hackers relates to U.S. law enforcement investigations and court orders, suggesting the hackers may have been trying to access programs subject to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. The law grants American spy agencies sweeping powers to surveil the communications of people suspected of being agents of a foreign power. But on Tuesday, officials said they think the hackers were more broadly motivated, hoping to burrow deeply into the nation’s telecommunications systems to gain wide access to Americans’ information. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the Salt Typhoon operation and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, said Jeff Greene, CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity and one of the officials who briefed reporters Tuesday. “We don’t have any illusion that once we kick off these actors they’re not going to come back,” Greene said. Several recent high-profile hacking incidents have been linked to China and what officials say is Beijing’s effort to steal technical and government secrets while also gaining access to critical infrastructure such as the electrical grid. In September, the FBI announced that it had disrupted a vast Chinese hacking operation that involved the installation of malicious software on more than 200,000 consumer devices, including cameras, video recorders and home and office routers. The devices were then used to create a massive network of infected computers, or botnet, that could then be used to carry out other cyber crimes. In October, officials said hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. China has rejected accusations from U.S. officials that it engages in cyberespionage directed against Americans. A message left with China’s embassy in Washington was not immediately returned Tuesday. Related: China’s Volt Typhoon Rebuilding Botnet Related: Chinese Hackers Target Tibetan Websites in Malware Attack, Cybersecurity Group Says Related: China-Linked Cyberespionage Operation Suggests Interest in SCADA Systems Related: China-Linked ‘BlackTech’ Hackers Start Targeting U.S.Mention the FBI, and many older Americans will likely think of a time when the agency was run by J. Edgar Hoover , who spent much of his nearly half-century tenure at the agency harassing political dissidents and abusing his power. But as former FBI counterterrorism expert Javed Ali explains, the role of both the FBI and its leader have dramatically shifted over time. The Conversation’s politics editor Naomi Schalit asked Ali, who now teaches courses in national security and intelligence at the University of Michigan, to explain just what a modern FBI director does as President-elect Donald Trump aims to name his own director to replace current FBI head Christopher Wray, whom Trump appointed in 2017 . Wray has said he will resign in January 2025. Naomi Schalit : Let’s start with FBI 101. What does the agency do? Javed Ali : The FBI began as the country’s lead federal criminal investigative agency in 1909, then named the Bureau of Investigation , or BOI. Previously, organizations like the Secret Service and the U.S. Marshall’s Service had responsibility for investigating federal crimes, but the introduction of the BOI began the tenure for what became the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1935 to now. Over this 100-plus-year stretch, the FBI has focused on investigating federal crimes on matters like racketeering, fraud, public corruption, illegal financial schemes and organized crime, to name a few. But despite the general public perceptions of the FBI as the nation’s premier crime-fighting organization, as revealed in the iconic FBI badge, logo and early depictions of “G-men,” the FBI has always focused on national security threats to the nation. That focus was evident as early as the 1910s – before World War I – as the FBI investigated suspected saboteurs and spies . During the 1930s and 1940s, the FBI focused on individuals linked to the Axis powers of Germany, Italy and Japan, and communists and Bolsheviks as the Soviet Union grew in power. During the Cold War, in the FBI’s zeal to root out and prevent Soviet influence in the United States, it began arguably the darkest chapter in the organization’s history. Beginning in the mid-1950s and called COINTELPRO , these efforts through the 1960s included domestic surveillance, intelligence collection and disinformation campaigns without court-ordered approvals against Americans suspected of receiving money or other forms of support from the Soviet Union – even though the factual bases for these concerns were often flimsy, at best. The FBI’s focus on terrorists and spies continued for decades after and intensified in the 1990s with the emergence of jihadist threats in the United States and abroad. Despite the warning signs of attacks in the run-up to 9/11, a number of gaps and challenges remained within the FBI, which contributed to those attacks and led to major reforms within the organization. While counterterrorism and counterintelligence have remained significant priorities since 9/11, the FBI also increased its efforts on cybersecurity , demonstrating the continuing evolution of the organization’s national security focus as new threats emerge and legacy threats recede. Schalit : What is the role of the head of the FBI? Ali : The FBI director is presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed, but is not a member of the cabinet. The FBI is a subagency within the Department of Justice , whose head, the attorney general, is a cabinet member. The FBI director is appointed to serve a full 10-year term that theoretically insulates the director from political pressure. There’s no one-size-fits-all background for the FBI director. Some have been chosen because of their familiarity and knowledge of federal law enforcement from the legal side or from the eyes of an agent. After Hoover, some have been former judges like William Webster , or former prosecutors or Department of Justice attorneys like James Comey , Robert Mueller , Christopher Wray or President Trump’s current nominee-designate, Kash Patel . One – Louis Freeh – was a former FBI special agent . Schalit : You were at the FBI working in the headquarters between 2007 and 2010. During this time, Robert Mueller was the director, and you worked closely enough that you were able to see how he ran the organization. What are the actual tasks that an FBI director undertakes? Ali : Mueller was very much focused on pulling the FBI as an organization into a different mindset, but also organizationally and bureaucratically, to face the terrorist threat landscape that the country was confronting after 9/11. Part of that entailed transforming the FBI into an intelligence-driven organization that used information to prevent national security threats from occurring, or disrupt them, rather than responding to and investigating crimes after they occurred. At times he would stay at the 50,000-foot level and think big picture thoughts and try to make sure that the bureau was moving in the direction that he had set forth, or doing what Congress and the White House wanted him to do. On the flip side, there were moments when Director Mueller would dive into the details of specific counterterrorism investigations and cases, and ask questions of his senior team in order to ensure he had a good understanding of what was happening in the field. These were the kind of questions any FBI director would ask of his staff about such investigations, such as: how many FBI resources were involved in conducting a particular operation, the value of any intelligence being collected, the ability of an individual or group under investigation to carry out an attack, and what, if any, legal basis existed to conduct an arrest on a federal criminal charge to prevent an attack from occurring. These kinds of high-stakes deliberations happened on a routine basis, underscoring the depth of the responsibilities an FBI director carries with the position. And knowing what is happening in the field is important, since the FBI is not just a Washington, D.C.-based organization. There are 55 field offices throughout the United States and Puerto Rico , and the bulk of the FBI workforce is distributed across those – with Washington, D.C., New York City and Los Angeles the three biggest – in addition to FBI personnel posted overseas as part of the legal attache program or on temporary assignments around the world. Schalit : Who sets the agenda of the FBI? Ali : The FBI director has to manage multiple relationships in order to carry out the duties of the position effectively. The director reports both to the attorney general and the president, is overseen by judiciary and intelligence committees in Congress, and likewise has to maintain the trust and confidence of the American people to investigate crimes and prevent national security threats. In some administrations, the relationship between the president and the FBI director has been lukewarm. In those cases, the attorney general is the one setting the course for the FBI. That’s where the president or other senior White House staff, for the most part, either have confidence in the FBI director and the attorney general and what they’re doing or it’s just not as much of a priority for them. And then there are other times where the president really wants to know what the FBI director is doing, making sure that they are moving on the priorities that the president sets. But again, that has to be confined to staying within the Constitution and staying within the FBI internal guidelines . This story is part of a series of profiles of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

Flamboyant is how one would describe Shaheel Shemont Flair, 26, of Naulu, Nakasi a name now popular in Fiji and abroad. Flair whose real name is Shaheel Sanil Prasad prefers to use a pseudonym. A sole breadwinner for a family of four, Flair said that he loves shopping at NewWorld Supermarket, Nakasi because of its cleanliness, variety and customer service. “It also has a very classy look and the wide range of meat and other goods that is available here is what attracts me to this supermarke,” Flair said. A meat lover whose favourite is chicken biryani cooked by his mother with potatoes says he does all their grocery shopping every fortnight while his mother goes to the market for the family’s supply of vegetables. “I love eating meat thus my shopping cart includes different varieties of meat and meat products, canned food, fruits and other essentials. “I spend around $250 to $300 for our grocery shopping and often bring my younger sister to push the trolley for me.” He shared that though we are encouraged to eat healthy food, the price of locally grown food often costs more than the imported food and pushes us towards unhealthy choices. “For example one bundle beans is $5 and that is not enough for one meal for a family of four so I would rather buy two cans of fish than vegetables which are locally produced but expensive.” Flair on talking about his fitness regime said that if he must lose weight he does not switch or leave certain foods but instead lessens his food portions and eating times. “I swear by yoga, and I think everyone should do it as we all love our food and at times it’s tough to forgo food we love to eat. “I used to have shoulder and back pain and that’s when I started my yoga journey by watching and learning simple poses on You Tube. Yoga is very underrated compared to workout centres or gyms but if only people knew the benefits of it — it would make a great difference in their life’s. “Yoga can be great complement to one’s love for food. It encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to appreciate their food more fully, while supporting digestion, improving flexibility, reducing stress and boosting overall energy,” he added. Flair a popular social media influencer who uses technology daily to create and upload his contents says the changing digital world such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is very intriguing but terrifying. “The way it generates photos and videos looks so realistic that it has become more easy for perpetrators to defame, humiliate, harass, bully and blackmail people through it.” Reflecting on a very low phase in his life a few years back, he said, that it is very important for people to know their self-worth and potential as this world can be a very cruel place to live in at times. “From my previous experiences I have learnt to enjoy the present and not to stress about the future or how people treat you as it is important to stay positive in all circumstances,” he shares.

Syracuse and Georgetown meet for the 100th time Saturday when the Orange host the Hoyas in the latest installment of their classic rivalry. As former Big East Conference rivals, Syracuse and Georgetown have staged many memorable contests over the decades with the Orange holding a 54-45 all-time advantage. The teams still meet annually despite the Orange now playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Syracuse has won five of the last seven meetings, including a 12-point triumph in Washington D.C. last December. "It definitely felt like a Big East game," Hoyas coach Ed Cooley said after last season's contest. This time around, Georgetown (7-2) is coming off a 73-60 loss to West Virginia in which the team shot under 38 percent from the floor and committed 14 turnovers. "When the ball has music, when the ball is singing, unbelievable music happens," Cooley said. "The music is the play. The music is body movement and screening an open shot. We didn't have good music today." Thomas Sorber is the team's leading scorer at 15.4 points per game, although the freshman has failed to reach that average in six of the last seven games. Syracuse (5-4), meanwhile, is coming off a 102-85 win over Albany despite the absence of leading scorer J.J. Starling (19.8 points), who is out indefinitely with a hand injury. In his stead, freshman Donnie Freeman supplied 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting despite playing just 23 minutes due to an illness. "Whatever (illness) he has, he needs to keep that, if he can keep playing like, whatever he was feeling," Orange coach Adrian Autry joked. Syracuse will be looking for more success from 3-point range after hitting 6-of-15 (40 percent) against Albany. In their previous game -- a five-point loss to Notre Dame -- the Orange failed to make a 3-pointer for the first time in more than a decade. No Syracuse player has made more than 11 3-pointers this season -- and even that player (Chris Bell) is only shooting 25 percent from long distance. --Field Level MediaWe might be a little biased, but Billboard firmly believes music is the best part of the holiday season every year. That includes songs from all time periods, and certainly some of the Christmas canon’s oldest classics — think Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” and Andy Williams’ “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Premiere artists of the latter half of the 20th century have also offered up a number of beloved contemporary carols, with special mentions spanning Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” Wham!’s “Last Christmas” and, of course, Mariah Carey’s incomparable “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” But with all due respect to the iconic pre-Y2K tracks that have won us over in decades past, the 2000s are also brimming with holiday musical excellence. Some of the best Christmas tracks of the 21st century are hidden gems, some of them are Billboard chart-toppers and some of them are already well on their way to becoming cross-generational classics joining the ranks of the tracks listed above — but all of them demonstrate that celebrating the best time of year through songwriting is a timeless art. From uptempo bangers from Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber that shoot holiday adrenaline through shopping-mall speakers each year to more understated tracks from Sufjan Stevens, Norah Jones and Colbie Caillat that capture the versatile beauty of the season, the past quarter-century or so has tied bows on numerous Christmas stand-outs. See Billboard ‘s top 25 Xmas tunes from this time period below. Year: 2006 Best lyric: “No one save you from Christmases past/ You’ll have to love him, or leave him at last” Year: 2013 Best lyric: “Nothing feels quite like a kiss does / And anyway it’s Christmas.” Year: 2019 Best lyric: “Find me on Broadway or at the ballet/ And I’m five years old again/ Making my wish list, but all I wish is/ For another Christmas in New York.” Year: 2021 Best lyric: “And the friends who feel like family/ With their secret angels holding me?/ And the snow is falling, can’t you see?/ Is it Christmas calling out to me?” Year: 2015 Best lyric: “Until you, every day was ordinary, it’s true/ And now every day’s like Christmas.” Year: 2014 Best lyric: “Text me Merry Christmas/ Let me know you care/ Just a word or two/ Of text from you/ Will remind me you’re still there.” Year: 2021 Best lyric: “Your light’s the only thing that keeps the cold out/ Moon in the summer night/ Whispering of the stars/ They’re singing like Christmas trees for us.” Year: 2020 Best lyric: “Magic fills the air/ Standin’ over there/ Santa hear my prayer/ Here under the mistletoe.” Year: 2023 Best lyric: “Wrap me up/ It’s like Christmas magic/ Wrap me up/ I’m the whole damn package.” Year: 2012 Best lyric: “Don’t need your winter coat, don’t need you winter hat/ Just grab the one you love and say, ‘You’re never coming back.'” Year: 2020 Best lyric: “Baby, won’t you take me home for Christmas, show me ’round your town?/ Take me where you used to watch the snow come down/ All of your traditions, I wanna know ’em all.” Year: 2022 Best lyric: “You’re my wish list/ Lookin’ at you got me thinkin’ Christmas/ Snowflakes in my stomach when we’re kissing.” Year: 2024 Best lyric: “And the toughest part is that we both know/ What happened to you/ Why you’re out on your own/ Merry Christmas, please don’t call.” Year: 2016 Best lyric: “I wonder if I’m the only one/ Whose broken heart still has broken parts/ Just wrapped in pretty paper/ And it’s always sad seeing mom and dad/ Getting a little grayer.” Year: 2013 Best lyric: “‘Cause I got five more nights of sleeping on my own/ Four more days until you’re coming home/ Three more dreams of you and mistletoe/ Two more reasons why I love you so.” Year: 2008 Best lyric: “This is my winter song/ December never felt so wrong/ ‘Cause you’re not where you belong/ Inside my arms.” Year: 2021 Best lyric: “You give of yourself so unselfishly/ So I, I wanna give with all the finest things/ I found a gift that’s perfect/ And you’re more than worth it.” Year: 2019 Best lyric: “And when I’m feelin’ alone/ You remind me of home/ Oh, baby, baby, Merry Christmas/ And when the world isn’t fair/ I pretend that we’re there/ Baby, baby, Merry Christmas.” Year: 2014 Best lyric: “I’ve got this Christmas song in my heart/ I’ve got the candles glowing in the dark/ I’m hanging all the stockings by the Christmas tree/ Oh, why? Cause that’s Christmas to me.” Year: 2011 Best lyric: “Oh but this evening can be a holy night/ So cozy on up by the fireplace/ And dim those Christmas lights.” Year: 2010 Best lyric: “I’ve been really, really, really good this year/ So put on that red suit and make him appear/ ‘Cause Christmas cheer/ Just ain’t the same without my baby.” Year: 2011 Best lyric: “I don’t wanna miss out on the holiday/ But I can’t stop starin’ at your face.” Year: 2017 Best lyric: “I want you to know that I’m never leaving/ ‘Cause I’m Mrs. Snow, ’til death we’ll be freezing.” Year: 2014 Best lyric: “I’ve been down this road before/ Fell in love on Christmas night/ But on New Year’s Day, I woke up and he wasn’t by my side.” Year: 2013 Best lyric: “It just wasn’t the same/ Alone on Christmas day/ Presents, what a beautiful sight/ Don’t mean a thing if you ain’t holding me tight.”

In the wake of Helene’s devastation, landslides and extended outages in Western North Carolina, the Christmas lights at Biltmore Estate in Asheville shine like a beacon of hope. Amid the unimaginable destruction, Biltmore remained relatively unscathed, suffering some flooding and limited damage to its entrance and farm. Crews clean up and repair the damage from Helene at the entrance to Biltmore Estate in late September. The late-1800s mansion reopened seven weeks after the storm, and “Christmas at Biltmore is back in all its traditional glory,” says Marissa Jamison, Biltmore’s public relations manager. “In the time since Helene, our community has made tremendous progress in rebuilding, reopening, and welcoming back visitors to our area,” Jamison says. “Almost all of downtown Asheville is open and ready for business, its infrastructure has remained largely untouched by the storm.” Downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, artist studios and restaurants are open, “alongside our neighbors in the towns of Weaverville and Black Mountain and in South Asheville,” she says. People are also reading... Visitors to the Asheville area "will help our economy during this critical period of recovery," Jamison says. Biltmore Estate during holiday season. Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately owned mansion, built by the Vanderbilt family. The French Renaissance home and surrounding estate are situated on an 8,000-acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Biltmore’s halls and gardens celebrate tradition and inspiration. The estate is a testament to the strength and perseverance of North Carolina’s top attraction at the holidays and every day of the year. Here’s how to make the most of Christmas at Biltmore, now through Jan. 5. Timeless holiday decor adorns every room at Biltmore this time of year. Daytime Christmas Tours: Holiday decorations that number in the thousands are on view inside the 250-room Biltmore House. Marvel at the breathtaking Christmas trees throughout the house, each beautifully adorned with unique themes. A towering 35-foot-tall Fraser Fir tree, laden with ornaments and wrapped packages tucked into its branches, serves as the seasonal centerpiece. Festive Evening Tours: Experience the grandeur of Biltmore by candlelight, as your self-guided tour showcases impressive Christmas decorations, by choosing the Candlelight Christmas Evenings ticket. Setting the scene is a 55-foot Norway spruce tree sparkling from the glow of more than 60,000 tiny lights in the center of the front lawn. Four hundred hand-lit luminaries line the walkway to Biltmore House. Musical performances by choirs and soloists take place in the Winter Garden during evening tours featuring holiday classics. The Banquet Hall highlights the mountain beauty with a natural and formal Christmas look. A couple of examples of this year’s design scheme in specific rooms in Biltmore House: Capture the Moment with Photos: With beautiful decorations and stunning backdrops, don’t forget to take photos around the estate among the holiday ambiance. A photographer is stationed close to Biltmore House for photos, if desired. Dale Chihuly Persian Ceiling, 2012 25 x 15' Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, installed 2013. Last season for Chihuly at Biltmore: Adding to the allure this Christmas, don’t miss the chance to see glass-artist Dale Chihuly’s works. This is the final season to see Chihuly’s masterpieces at Biltmore. All tickets that include the Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition include free access to Biltmore’s gardens and grounds on the next consecutive day. This is the final season to witness Dale Chihuly’s masterpieces at Biltmore.. Chihuly's Mille Fiori. A Tropical Oasis in Wintertime: Stroll through the beautifully adorned Conservatory, where hundreds of holiday poinsettias in different colors and patterns warm up the inside of the glass-roofed greenhouse, along with a large and unusual array of tropical plants. Outdoor Adventure s: Biltmore’s grounds feature numerous trails perfect for strolls to take in beautiful winter landscapes. The famed Biltmore Winery. Wine Tasting and Dining: A visit to the famed Biltmore Winery is an essential part of the holiday experience. Biltmore’s holiday commemorative wines will be available for sale in the Winery. Dine at estate restaurants to experience favorite seasonal dishes and craft cocktails. Carriage Rides: Meet the Biltmore horses and learn about Biltmore's history while enjoying stunning views from a hill overlooking Biltmore House on a 30-minute or one-hour carriage ride. It’s a unique experience that children love, especially the chance to pet the horses. Children under age 5 can ride free on the lap of a ticketed adult. Enjoy the bonfire locations along the path leading from the Village to Antler Hill Barn & Farmyard. Antler Hill Village Illuminated: As evening falls over Antler Hill Village, the estate’s European-inspired village, a constellation of holiday lights illuminate trees, quaint buildings, the Winery and walking paths for a mesmerizing light show. Enjoy the bonfire locations along the path leading from the Village to Antler Hill Barn & Farmyard. Ingredients for s’mores may be purchased at The Creamery in Antler Hill Village. Visits with Santa: Santa makes visits to the Antler Hill Village Bandstand where he’ll pose for pictures and listen to wish lists on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on select weekdays. Holiday Gingerbread: Each year, The Inn on Biltmore Estate’s talented pastry chefs construct a spectacular scene from Biltmore out of gingerbread, carefully crafting all the delicious details with a sampler of sweets including frosting, candies, cookies and more. The gingerbread house is a highlight of The Inn’s lobby décor. Antler Hill Barn, Farmyard & Pisgah Playground: Take children to the farmyard to learn about chickens and pet goats and watch cows graze. Directly across the playground is Pisgah Playground, a full-sized playground with a swing set, sand play area, climbing logs, a slide and more. Antler Hill Barn is the historic horse barn with a working blacksmith demonstrating his craft, along with other crafters and traditional games that kids can play. Holiday Stays at Biltmore : A stay at Biltmore for the holidays is a tradition for many families. It gives visitors the ultimate holiday experience and a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. Holiday packages are offered at the luxurious Four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate and at the cozy farmhouse-feel of Village Hotel, both decked out for the holidays. Historic cottages from Biltmore’s agricultural past now accommodate overnight guests too. Depending on the package, offerings include admission to Chihuly at Biltmore, Wine Welcome Socials and more. The Inn on Biltmore Estate has undergone renovations, and guests may request a newly renovated room when booking. The refreshed designs are inspired by the elegance, collections and the Gilded Age history of Biltmore House. In the renovated King Rooms, inspiration comes from the Bachelor Wing of Biltmore House, featuring rich layers of patterns and blue hues. The Inn’s renovated Double Rooms draw inspiration from Edith Vanderbilt’s Parisian years and feature light shades of blush and ivory. Timeless holiday decor adorns every room at Biltmore this time of year. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here . To learn what to expect at Biltmore and in Asheville following Helene, click here . The region’s recovery from Helene is expected to take years, with needs changing with each season, weather change and stage of recovery and rebuilding. You can help by supporting organizations serving the region, including: BeLoved Asheville : Provides essential aid and shelter, ongoing cleanup, long-term housing solutions and inclusive growth within the community. Always Asheville Fund : Through emergency grants, helps small independent travel and hospitality businesses throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. Samaritan's Purse : Serving mountain communities in eight counties through our rebuild program, replacing manufactured homes, rebuilding and repairing stick-built homes, and providing additional assistance in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Sign up for our twice-monthly Winston-Salem Magazine newsletter.In his final ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address of 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to four stalwarts of Indian cinema: Raj Kapoor, Mohammed Rafi, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Tapan Sinha. Recognizing their contributions during their centenary celebrations, PM Modi lauded their roles in shaping Indian cinema and its global appeal. Advertisement “These legends have given Indian cinema worldwide recognition. In 2024, as we celebrate the 100th birth anniversaries of these icons, we also honor the film industry for fostering the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ (One India, Great India),” PM Modi remarked. Advertisement Highlighting Raj Kapoor’s impact, he said, “Raj Kapoor ji showcased India’s soft power through his films.” He also praised Mohammed Rafi’s timeless voice, saying, “Rafi Sahab’s songs—whether devotional, romantic, or melancholic—touched every heart and brought emotions to life.” Turning his attention to Telugu cinema, PM Modi commended Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) for elevating its stature. “ANR Garu took Telugu cinema to new heights, beautifully portraying Indian traditions and values in his films,” he said. The heartfelt acknowledgment of ANR moved his son, actor Nagarjuna. Taking to social media platform X, Nagarjuna expressed his gratitude. Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister shri @narendramodi ji, for honoring my father, ANR Garu, on his centenary year alongside such iconic legends. His vision and contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations, and this recognition means the world to our family and... https://t.co/PK0kah9gHT pic.twitter.com/Yh5QSYm4cA — Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) December 29, 2024 “Thank you, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, for honoring my father, ANR Garu, alongside such legendary icons. His vision and contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations. This recognition means the world to our family and his admirers,” Nagarjuna wrote. PM Modi also emphasized the economic and cultural significance of India’s creative industries. “Our film and entertainment sector is massive, creating content in many Indian languages. It not only strengthens our economy but also showcases the potential of Indian creativity through globally popular TV shows and serials,” he said. ‘Mann Ki Baat’, launched in October 2014, is PM Modi’s monthly radio programme aimed at engaging with citizens on key national issues. Broadcast on the last Sunday of every month, it serves as a platform to connect with diverse sections of society, including women, youth, and senior citizens. AdvertisementAce Baldwin Jr. collected 23 points and 10 assists as Penn State topped visiting Penn 86-66 on Sunday in University Park, Pa. Yanic Konan Niederhauser chipped in 19 points and 15 rebounds as the Nittany Lions (11-2) ended the calendar year by winning their third straight game. Penn State shot just 4 of 18 from 3-point range, but the hosts authored a crisp 22-of-26 showing from the foul line, including 12 of 12 by Baldwin. Nick Kern added 13 points, while Puff Johnson and Fred Dilione V each contributed 11 points for the Nittany Lions. Michael Zanoni recorded 27 points for the Quakers (4-9), while Nick Spinoso pitched in with 13 points. Penn shot just 38.6 percent (22 of 57) from the floor and committed 17 turnovers, including nine by Spinoso. The Quakers were 11 of 12 from the free-throw line. Penn State led by two early in the second half when Konan Niederhauser and Dilione combined for all the offense in a 7-0 run that opened a 45-36 lead. With about 11 1/2 minutes left, AJ Levine's 3-pointer drew Penn within 51-44 before Penn State scored 16 of the next 18 points to end any chances of an upset. Johnson had a three-point play early in that sequence before he capped the run with a 3-pointer to make it 67-46 with 6:29 to play. Baldwin's two free throws with 3:02 left increased the lead to 25 for the first time. The Nittany Lions led by as many as 26 points down the stretch in improving to 8-0 at home. The first half was tight throughout, as neither team led by more than four points until Johnson's layup gave Penn State a 32-27 lead with 2:18 left in the half. Penn responded with buckets from Spinoso and Zanoni, but Konan Niederhauser's dunk in the final minute sent the Nittany Lions into the break with a 34-31 lead. The score remained close early in the second half. Spinoso's 3-pointer drew the Quakers within 38-36 with 17:40 remaining, but that was the end of the highlights for Penn. --Field Level Media

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WASHINGTON — President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter of tax fraud and gun convictions continued to stoke divisions among Democrats Tuesday — as the party prepares to turn the page on the retiring 82-year-old president’s tenure. Biden’s Sunday night pardon, made after both he and his top spokeswoman falsely claimed for months that respecting the American legal system trumped his son’s liberty, drew a surprisingly swift initial backlash from elected Democrats, even though DC insiders viewed it as an inevitable aboutface. “It’s a shame that President Biden put his family and personal life above the country,” a former Biden aide told The Post, adding they were “not surprised after we lost the election, but it will be a stain on his legacy.” Another former Biden adviser defended him, arguing that “real people” would “understand him giving a pardon to his addict son” and would “understand how his position on it evolved.” On-air Biden defenders argued that Biden needed to do it because President-elect Donald Trump could level new charges against Hunter, who frequently involved his father in business relationships that critics said amounted to illegal influence peddling — even though Trump himself said he was open to pardoning Hunter, 54. “I think [Biden and his spokespeople’s] only mishap was how much they said no — not that they pardoned him,” said a senior congressional Democratic source. That source added that Trump, who responded to the pardon by indicating he may pardon the hundreds of rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6., 2021, “will make this one look like a toddler crawl.” In a statement nearly 48 hours after the controversial pardon was announced, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries avoided weighing in — and called instead for mass pardons of nonviolent offenders. “During his final weeks in office, President Biden should exercise the high level of compassion he has consistently demonstrated throughout his life, including toward his son, and pardon on a case-by-case basis the working-class Americans in the federal prison system whose lives have been ruined by unjustly aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offenses,” Jeffries (D-NY) said. “This moment calls for liberty and justice for all.” ‘Very ill-considered decision’ A parade of Democratic office-holders bluntly rebuked Biden for the pardon — which comes on the heels of party members attributing Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory to Biden’s refusal to step aside earlier and only doing so in July after a prolonged intraparty mutiny over his perceived cognitive decline. “I think it was a very ill-considered decision by President Biden,” California Sen.-elect Adam Schiff told USA Today . “I understand as a father he wanted to help his son, but that precedent will almost certainly be abused by his successor, and he committed to not pardoning his son. He should have kept that,” Schiff said. “He didn’t need to tell the American public, ‘I will not do this,’ and he did. And when you make a promise, you got to keep it,” Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine said. Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet tweeted that Biden “put personal interest ahead of duty” and that it “further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” It’s unclear what if any electoral effect the pardon might have in two or four years, though some of the critics come from swing states. Michigan Sen. Gary Peters tweeted: “A president’s family and allies shouldn’t get special treatment. This was an improper use of power, it erodes trust in our government, and it emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.” “I respect President Biden, but I think he got this one wrong,” added Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Arizona) on X, who rebuked Biden for saying in his pardon statement that Hunter was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.” “This wasn’t a politically-motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies, and was convicted by a jury of his peers,” Stanton wrote. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner said in a statement, “I am disappointed President Biden went back on his pledge not to pardon his son. I am concerned about the precedent this sets, and the message it sends to Americans about how our justice system works.” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, the first high-profile Democrat to trash the decision said that “I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country.” “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” tweeted Polis, a possible 2028 presidential candidate. “Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” A Delaware jury in June convicted Hunter Biden of three gun felonies and the first son pleaded guilty in September to bilking the government of $1.4 million in taxes from income gained via foreign business relationships in which Joe Biden was involved. The troubled first son had been awaiting sentencing hearings in both cases for later this month.As part of its continued effort to drive sustainability in the maritime industry, German container line Hapag-Lloyd succeeds in reducing both emissions and operational costs through implementing Shipshave’s In Transit Cleaning of Hull (ITCH) solution, with the results documented and confirmed by class society DNV. In order to independently verify the benefit of proactive fouling removal, Shipshave in cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd commissioned DNV to analyse operational performance data from two Hapag-Lloyd container ships equipped with the ITCH solution. The vessels are of 8,749-TEU and 18,800-TEU, respectively, of different ages and with different trading profiles. The analysis included data harvested from both vessels over a 17-month period, allowing for an in-depth consideration of ‘trend over time’ to examine whether Hapag-Lloyd’s proactive approach to hull cleaning delivered a representative and consistent result. In its report following the assessment, DNV confirms that both ships achieved a significant fuel saving and reduction in emissions based on improved energy efficiency. According to the DNV study, the actual reduction in fuel and emissions varied between them due to their different dimensions and operating profile, but both were impressive. One saw a staggering 16% improvement in performance equal to a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 8.4 tons per day – which equates to removing the emissions of over 4,900 fossil-fuel-driven cars over the same time period. The other vessel showed better initial performance but still achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of just under 5%. The performance was maintained over time by regularly using the ITCH unit. These key figures clearly demonstrate how Hapag-Lloyd is maintaining its leadership in sustainability and efficiency, managing fouling to reduce drag and lower emissions for long-term benefits. “We are very pleased that this analysis from DNV confirms our internal assessment of the result achieved by the implementation of ITCH. This method reflects our proactive approach to reducing emissions caused by biofouling,” said Nikhilesh Bhatia, Director Fleet Energy Efficiency, being responsible for the ITCH project at Hapag-Lloyd. Over the assessment period, the ITCH system successfully managed hull biofouling, by initially reducing resistance. Additional fouling would accumulate over time without repeated hull cleaning. Proactive grooming prevents future degradation of vessel performance due to fouling re-growth. This long-term effect was not accounted for in the analysis and is likely to underestimate the total economic benefit of proactive cleaning with ITCH. Nevertheless, Return on Investment (ROI) from the ITCH system for the two vessels was under 3 months at sea in these cases. “The findings of this case study emphasize the critical role of minimizing biofouling in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. As outlined in our recent Maritime Forecast to 2050 report, regular or proactive hull cleaning remains one of the most effective strategies to achieve this goal,” said Dr. Uwe Hollenbach, Senior Principal Consultant at DNV Maritime Advisory, Ship Performance Center, Hamburg. Hapag-Lloyd’s Nikhilesh Bhatia said: “This is an excellent example of how Hapag-Lloyd promotes sustainable maritime transport, by implementing innovative technology leading to reduced emissions and improved financial performance both in the short and long term.” In summary, Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to sustainable shipping through innovative green technologies such as ITCH show the company’s dedication to responsible shipping practices. With ITCH, prioritising sustainability with a clean hull will lead to a healthier ocean, planet, and strengthen the bottom line. Source: ShipshaveOne day before Texas and Georgia face off in the Southeastern Conference championship game, the Longhorns earned a surprising victory over the Bulldogs on the recruiting trail. Justus Terry, a defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, announced Friday he would be leaving his home state to play for Texas next year. Terry, who also was considering Georgia and Auburn, had been the nation’s top remaining uncommitted 2025 prospect. The addition of Terry gives Texas the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. “We’re super pumped about this recruiting class,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday, before Terry had announced his decision. “This is a very talented group of players that I think not only fit the physical characteristics of what we’re looking for by position in our program, but I think meet the character and are going to fit nicely into our culture.” Although there will be an additional signing period in February, 247Sports officials said Texas should maintain its No. 1 standing. The overwhelming majority of Power Four recruits already finalized their college plans this week. The top 11 classes as of Friday afternoon include eight Southeastern Conference schools and three Big Ten programs. Alabama is second, with Georgia third, Oregon fourth and Ohio State fifth. Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Michigan and Tennessee round out the top 10. Florida is 11th. The highest-rated recruiting classes outside the SEC and Big Ten are Notre Dame at No. 12 and Miami at No. 14. Terry is the nation’s No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. His decision gives Texas nine of the 247Sports Composite’s top 66 prospects. Texas’ other recruits rated 66th or better include safety Jonah Williams (No. 8), wide receivers Kaliq Lockett (No. 22) and Jamie Ffrench (No. 32), defensive lineman Lance Jackson (No. 25), all-purpose athlete Michael Terry III (No. 43), cornerbacks Kade Phillips (No. 54) and Graceson Littleton (No. 65), and linebacker Elijah Barnes (No. 66). “I think it’s a really versatile class with a variety of positions, highlighted by high-level players,” Sarkisian said. “As always, we really pride ourselves on recruiting the high school ranks. We think when we can get players in here young, then immerse them into our culture, into our off-season conditioning program, develop them as we go throughout their career, that’s when we really reap the benefits of having these guys in our program. This class is no different.” With the early signing period concluding Friday, the focus on college roster construction now turns to transfers. The transfer portal window officially opens Monday, though numerous college players already went to social media this week to announce their intentions to transfer. The early signing period was moved up a few weeks this year so that high school seniors could get their decisions out of the way before the opening of the transfer portal window. This marked the first signing period since the demise of the national letters of intent that prospects had sent in the past after signing with their respective schools. Athletes now are signing their names to a financial aid agreement that can include name, image and likeness agreements along with the standard tuition and room and board details. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballDenver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers live stream info, start time, TV channel: How to watch NBA on TV, stream online

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weekslong delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transition of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. FILE - Susie Wiles watches as Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) "This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day," said Susie Wiles, Trump's designate to be White House chief of staff. The announcement came a week after the Trump transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office Jan. 20. The White House agreement was supposed to have been signed by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House issued both public and private appeals for Trump's team to sign on. Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts emphasized to Trump's team the importance of having cleared personnel before Inauguration Day so they could be fully briefed and ready to run the government. President-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 in Boca Chica, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Pool via AP) Republican Senators also insisted on FBI background checks for Trump's nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers were particularly interested in seeing the findings of reviews into Trump's designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence. "That's why it's so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee review of extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Monday. John Thune, incoming Senate Republican leader, said the Trump team "understands there's going to have to be a thorough vetting of all these nominees." Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr, a naval officer, Nobel Peace Prize winner and peanut farm operator who became governor of Georgia and later the 39th president of the United States , has died. Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died at the age of 100 on Sunday, December 29, his son announced. An immediate cause was not given. He served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981, but is just as well-known for his humanitarian service after leaving Washington, DC, working for Habitat for Humanity and negotiating peace deals. “Earlier in my life, I thought the things that mattered were the things that you could see, like your car, your house, your wealth, your property, your office. But as I’ve grown older I’ve become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can’t see—the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are,” Carter said. He continued his volunteer work for decades after leaving office until he entered hospice care in February 2023. Carter, who throughout his political life went by Jimmy rather than James, was a towering figure in Democratic politics, both during and after his time in the White House . As president, he emphasized human rights in his foreign policy, championed environmentalism at a time when it was not yet popular and appointed record numbers of women and people of color during his administration. However, he was considered a “failure” by some as president, a view Carter attributed to him only serving one term. But, he continued to serve the public after leaving office - including building homes for the poor through Habitat for Humanity. “In all of our lives, there are usually a few precious moments when we feel exalted — that is, when we reach above our normal level of existence to a higher plane of excitement and achievement,” Carter said in 2009 . “I predict that every one of you who volunteers to help others in need will feel this same sense of exaltation. I believe that, in making what seems to be a sacrifice, you will find fulfillment in the memorable experience of helping others less fortunate than yourself.” Carter was born in 1924 in the small farm town of Plains, Georgia. His father, James Earl Carter Sr, was a farm supply businessman, and his mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, was a nurse. The young Carter attended public school in Plains, and as a teenager, he used an acre of his father’s land to grow and sell peanuts. Carter continued his studies at Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1946, he obtained a bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy. Over the next several years, he devoted his life to the Navy, serving on submarines and earning the rank of lieutenant. While stationed in Schenectady, New York, he studied nuclear physics and became a senior officer on one of the United States’ first nuclear submarines. During his senior year of studying at the Naval Academy, he was reintroduced to a girl he knew in his childhood: Rosalynn Smith. “The moon was full in the sky, conversation came easy, and I was in love,” Rosalynn Carter described in her memoir First Lady from Plains . The two married in 1946, the year he graduated. The next year, their first child, Jack, was born, followed by James in 1950, Donnell in 1952 and Amy in 1967. After 77 years of marriage, Rosalynn died on 19 November 2023 at 96 years old. Carter attributed much of his success to Rosalynn saying, “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.” In 1952, James Carter Sr died. Upon learning of his father’s death, Carter resigned from the Navy and returned home to Plains, where he took over his family’s farms and business. He soon took on more of a leadership role in the community, serving on several county boards. In 1962, he ran for and won a seat in Georgia’s State Senate. In 1970, Carter ran again for governor of Georgia and won. In his inaugural address, he shocked many of his supporters by demanding an end to racial discrimination. As governor, he dramatically increased the number of Black judges and state employees, consolidated the state’s labyrinthian bureaucracies and enforced stricter oversight of budgets. In a preview of his presidency, however, he frequently clashed with the state’s legislature, which found him arrogant and difficult to work with. Meanwhile, Carter maneuvered his way toward the Democratic nomination for president. In 1974, just before his term as governor ended, he announced his candidacy for the White House – two years before the next presidential election. “With the shame of Watergate still with us and our 200th birthday just ahead, it is time for us to reaffirm and to strengthen our ethical and spiritual and political beliefs,” Carter said in December 1974. “There must be no lowering of these standards, no acceptance of mediocrity in any aspect of our private or public lives. “In our homes or at worship we are ever reminded of what we ought to do and what we ought to be. Our government can and must represent the best and the highest ideals of those of us who voluntarily submit to its authority.” Though he had little national support at first, Carter spent his ample lead time vigorously campaigning and cleverly positioned himself as a Washington outsider with strong Christian principles. After years of government lies about Vietnam and Watergate, that was just what many Americans thought they needed. By the 1976 Democratic convention, Carter had grown enough momentum to win the nomination on the first ballot. In the general election, he attended three debates with President Gerald Ford – the first presidential debates since the Kennedy-Nixon ones in 1960, and a template setter for the debates held since. In November, Carter narrowly won the presidential election, scoring 297 electoral votes against Ford’s 240. “I think it’s time to tap the tremendous strength and vitality and idealism and hope and patriotism and a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in this country to unify our nation, to make it great once again. It’s not...it’s not going to be easy for any of us,’ Carter said in November 1976. “I don’t claim to know all the answers, but I have said many times in my campaign around all 50 states that I’m not afraid to take on the responsibilities of President of the United States, because my strength and my courage and my advice and my counsel and my criticism comes from you.” What followed was a presidency full of ambition but beset with problems from the start. Even so, many leaders and historians have praised Carter’s conscientious approach to the presidency. Carter’s presidency was weighed down by multiple crises. In the 1970s, the economy struggled with a rare combination of simultaneous inflation and recession, an oil shortage sent gas prices soaring and the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, derailing negotiations for an important arms treaty. Notably, in a struggle that lasted almost as long as his presidency, Carter fought over an energy program that was structured to make fuel expensive enough that consumers would be encouraged to conserve it. The crisis required Carter to address the nation multiple times in 1979. “In order to control energy price, production, and distribution, the Federal bureaucracy and red tape have become so complicated, it is almost unbelievable. Energy prices are high, and they’re going higher, no matter what we do,” he said in an April 1979 speech. “There is no single answer. We must produce more. We must conserve more. And now we must join together in a great national effort to use American technology to give us energy security in the years ahead,” the president said. “The most effective action we can take to encourage both conservation and production here at home is to stop rewarding those who import foreign oil and to stop encouraging waste by holding the price of American oil down far below its replacement or its true value.” However, ultimately, what became cemented in Carter’s legacy were the failures of the Iran hostage crisis, when mobs ransacked the US embassy in Tehran capturing 52 people and holding them hostage for the duration of his presidency. Carter’s efforts to end the crisis were unsuccessful, including a failed rescue attempt. “We will not give up in our efforts,” Carter told the nation in 1980. “Throughout this extraordinarily difficult period, we have pursued and will continue to pursue every possible avenue to secure the release of the hostages. In these efforts, the support of the American people and of our friends throughout the world has been a most crucial element. That support of other nations is even more important now.” “We will seek to continue, along with other nations and with the officials of Iran, a prompt resolution of the crisis without any loss of life and through peaceful and diplomatic means.” The hostages were held for 444 days, a lengthy time that angered many Americans. It helped contribute to Carter’s loss to Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980. Carter would only win six states in the landslide election that saw him lose the popular vote by nearly 9 million votes. “I’ve not achieved all I set out to do; perhaps no one ever does. But we have faced the tough issues. We’ve stood for and we’ve fought for and we have achieved some very important goals for our country,’ Carter said after losing. “These efforts will not end with this administration. The effort must go on. Nor will the progress that we have made be lost when we leave office. The great principles that have guided this Nation since its very founding will continue to guide America through the challenges of the future.” In 1982, Carter and his wife founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing human rights, leading health initiatives and improving the quality of life for people around the world. Carter helped lead conflict resolutions, observed elections in nations with fraudulent voting processes and advised presidents on issues in more than 80 countries. Under Carter’s leadership, the Carter Center worked alongside the World Health Organisation to nearly eradicate Guinea worm disease, an infection that occurs due to contaminated drinking water. The incidence of the disease decreased from 3.5 million cases in 1986 to 13 in 2022, according to the Carter Center. Carter and his wife also spent one week a year volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that helps build homes for low-income people. His humanitarian work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. “I believe that anyone can be successful in life, regardless of natural talent or the environment within which we live. This is not based on measuring success by human competitiveness for wealth, possessions, influence, and fame, but adhering to God’s standards of truth, justice, humility, service, compassion, forgiveness, and love,” Carter once said. Though he was criticized as an ineffectual public speaker, Carter became a prolific writer, authoring more than a dozen books ranging from his memoirs to inspirational bestsellers. At the beginning of 2023, Carter entered hospice care following multiple hospital stays. His wife later entered hospice care and died on November 19, 2023. Carter, looking frail, attended her funeral but was seen smiling with others offering their condolences. Carter went on to celebrate his 100th birthday on 1 October 2024, making him the oldest president in American history. Surrounded by his loved ones, the frail, wheelchair-bound former president was seen in the backyard of his home watching a military flyover in his honor. His grandson Jason said he had been looking forward to voting for Kamala Harris in the November election. Carter is survived by his four children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

When the page turns on 2024, it will be time to say goodbye, once and for all, to the amateur athlete in college sports. In theory, the concept held on stubbornly via the quaint and now all-but-dead notion that student-athletes played only for pride, a scholarship and some meal money. In practice, the amateurs have been disappearing for years, washed away by the steady millions, now billions, that have flowed into college athletics, mostly through football and basketball both through legitimate and illicit means. In the coming year, the last vestiges of amateur college sports are expected to officially sputter out — the final step of a journey that has felt inevitable since 2021. That’s when the Supreme Court laid the foundation for paying college players in exchange for promotions — on social media, TV, video games, you name it — featuring their name, image or likeness (NIL). The changes have come in spasms so far, not always well thought out, not always fair and not regulated by any single entity like the NCAA or federal government, but rather by a collection of state laws, along with rules at individual schools and the leagues in which they play. But on April 7, the day final approval is expected for the landmark, $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement that lays the foundation for players to receive money directly from their schools, what was once considered anathema to the entire concept of college sports will become the norm. David Schnase, the NCAA’s vice president for academic and membership affairs, acknowledges that maintaining the unique essence of college sports is a challenge in the shifting landscape. “You can use the word ‘pro,’ you can use the word ‘amateur,’ you can attach whatever moniker you want to it, but those are just labels,” Schnase said. “It’s much less about labels and more about experiences and circumstances. Circumstances are different today than they were last year and they are likely going to be different in the foreseeable future.” Do athletes get rich off these new deals? Few would argue that college athletes should get something back for the billions they help produce in TV and ticket revenue, merchandise sales and the like. But is everyone going to cash in? Are college players really getting rich? Recent headlines suggest top quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood was lured to Michigan thanks to funding from billionaire Oracle founder Larry Ellison, and that a top basketball recruit, A.J. Dybantsa, is heading to BYU — not a hoops powerhouse — for the reported price of $7 million. For every Underwood or Dybantsa, though, there are even more Matthew Slukas and Beau Pribulas. Sluka’s agent says his son agreed to play quarterback at UNLV after a promise of receiving $100,000 and quit three games into the season after the checks never came. Pribula was the backup quarterback at Penn State who abruptly entered the transfer portal earlier this month, choosing the college version of free agency over a chance to play with the Nittany Lions in the College Football Playoff. He’s not the only one hitting the portal in hopes of getting rich before new regulations related to the NCAA settlement take effect. “We’ve got problems in college football,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. The settlement will overhaul the current system. Currently, players receive money via third-party collectives that are booster-funded groups affiliated with individual schools. Coming up fast: the schools paying the athletes directly — the term often used here is “revenue sharing” — with collectives still an option, but not the only one. “It’s going to be more transparent,” said Jeff Kessler, the plaintiffs’ attorney and antitrust veteran who helped shape the settlement. “If anything, having the schools handling all the payments is only going to improve the system.” The NCAA has started collecting data about NIL payments, which date to July 2021. Its first set of numbers, which includes data from more than 140 schools across more than 40 sports in 2024, show a bracing disconnect between have and have-nots. For instance, average earnings for football and men’s and women’s basketball players is nearly $38,000. But the median earning — the middle number among all the data points on the list — is only $1,328, a sign of how much the biggest contracts skew the average. Women make vastly less than men The statistics also show a vast difference in earnings between men and women, an issue that could impact schools’ ability to comply with Title IX. That 1972 law requires schools to provide equal athletic scholarships and financial aid but not necessarily that they spend the same dollar amount on men and women. Heading into 2025, there is no clarity on how this issue will play out. Regardless, the numbers are jarring. The NCAA data set shows the average earnings for women in 16 sports was $8,624, compared with $33,321 for men in 11 sports. Men,’s basketball players averaged $56,000 compared with $11,500 for women. Paying players could cost some, help others The biggest losers from this move toward a professional model could be all the swimmers and wrestlers and field hockey players — the athletes in the so-called non-revenue sports whose programs also happen to serve as the backbone of the U.S. Olympic team. Only a tiny percentage of those athletes are getting rich, and now that universities have to use revenue to pay the most sought-after players in their athletic programs, there could be cuts to the smaller sports. Also, someone’s going to have backfill the revenue that will now go to the players. Well-heeled donors like Ellison are not around for every school, nor have private equity firms started sending money. The average fan will have to pony up, and the last six months have seen dozens — if not hundreds — of athletic directors begging alumni for money and warning them of changes ahead. Already there are schools placing surcharges on tickets or concessions. How will fans respond to a more transactional model of college sports? “I don’t know that fans have this really great love for the idea of 100% pure amateurism,” said Nels Popp, a University of North Carolina sports business professor. “I think what they care about is the colors and the logos and the brand. I don’t know that it matters to them if the players are making a little bit of money or a lot of money. They’ve been making money for the last couple years, and I don’t know that that’s making fans really back off.” Olympics set the stage The last time amateurism came under such assault was in the 1980s, when the Olympics unwound the final remnants of pretending the vast majority of their athletes were anything other than full-time professionals. The transformation was tinged with a note of honesty: The people putting on the show should reap some benefits from it. Even 40 years later, there’s an good argument they remain underpaid. The contours of the same debate are shaping up in college sports. Athletes are pushing for a players’ association that would add more transparency to a business that, even with the changes coming, is still largely dictated by the schools. The NCAA, while acceding to the need to pay the players, wants nothing to do with turning them into actual employees of the schools they play for. It’s an expensive prospect that is winding its way through the legal system via lawsuits and labor hearings that many in college sports are desperate to avoid for fear it will push the entire industry off the financial cliff. Among the few things everyone agrees on is that things aren’t going back to a time when athletes pretended to play for pride while the money moved under tables and through shadows. And that this, in fact, could only be the start, not the end, of the transformation of college sports. “At some point, I think people might have to understand that maybe college athletes don’t go to college anymore,” Popp said. “Or maybe they don’t go to class during the season. There could be more radical changes, and as long as they’re wearing the right logo and the right colors, I’m not sure that fans really care.” Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!NoneQ: On December 4, the Romanian authorities released declassified documents regarding possible Russian interference in Romania’s presidential election. Do you have any comment? A: France is closely following the unfolding of the election process in Romania, which is an EU member state, an important strategic partner and a friend. In this regard, we express our serious concern following yesterday’s publication by the Romanian President’s office of declassified documents pointing to Russian interference, especially via Tik Tok, with the aim of distorting the integrity of the election process currently under way. France welcomes the European Commission’s announcement of measures to regulate digital services. We call for the mobilization of all the necessary tools in order to improve TikTok’s transparency and avert the systemic risks affecting the Romanian election process. The relevant French authorities stand ready to help European institutions and Romanian authorities analyze the situation on affected social media sites Useful links Diplomatic Photo Gallery France / Romania (in French) Links More information on the website of the ministry (in French) Embassy of France in Romania Embassy of Romania in France

Avengers: Doomsday Cast Adds Hayley Atwell as Agent Carter By Another friendly face from the will make their return, as Deadline reports has signed on for , where she’ll reprise her role as Agent Carter. Deadline’s report notes that Atwell will return to the film, but didn’t note any exact role she’ll play in the story. Atwell first played the role of Peggy Carter in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, and later starred in her own miniseries, Agent Carter, in 2013. Atwell would go on to appear in various MCU projects as Carter throughout the years, including in Captain America; The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, Avengers: Endgame, and as an alternate Earth version of herself in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Who else is in the Avengers: Doomsday cast? Atwell will be joining fellow former MCU members and in the project, with the latter set to play the role of Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom, in the film. Currently, it’s unclear exactly what Evans’ role in the film will be. Sign-up today for access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Doomsday will also see the return of MCU mainstays The Russo Brothers, with Joe and Anthony . does not have an official release date as of yet, although Marvel Studios has said the film is coming in May 2026. It was previously dated a year prior for May 2, 2025, but joined a as many movies saw rewrites and were impacted by the entertainment industry strikes throughout 2023. The film was previously named Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, but has since been renamed following the . While the plot of the film is unclear, the film will all but certainly focus on Doom, one of the most iconic and well-known villains in comic book history. (Source: ) Anthony Nash has been writing about games and the gaming industry for nearly a decade. When he’s not writing about games, he’s usually playing them. You can find him on Twitter talking about games or sports at @_anthonynash. Share articleTreasury Wine Estates Limited ( OTCMKTS:TSRYY – Get Free Report ) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 58,300 shares, an increase of 24.8% from the November 30th total of 46,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 273,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Treasury Wine Estates Stock Up 1.4 % Shares of OTCMKTS:TSRYY opened at $7.24 on Friday. Treasury Wine Estates has a 1-year low of $6.64 and a 1-year high of $8.86. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $7.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $7.81. About Treasury Wine Estates ( Get Free Report ) Read More Receive News & Ratings for Treasury Wine Estates Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Treasury Wine Estates and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Jimmy Carter dead: Former president dies at 100 after hospice care