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The Biden administration boasted in an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report released Thursday about the unprecedented prosecution of a California man for “smuggling greenhouse gases” across the border from Mexico and selling them online. Michael Hart, 58, was arrested in March and pleaded guilty in September to charges related to transporting refrigerants into the US to peddle on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp and other online vendors between June and December 2022. Biden’s EPA touted the crackdown on Hart, the first-ever person charged for climate change-related bootlegging of refrigerants — namely, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) — without the agency’s approval, in its report . When charging the San Diego resident earlier this year, US Attorney Tara McGrath vowed “it will not be the last” case of its kind. “We are using every means possible to protect our planet from the harm caused by toxic pollutants, including bringing criminal charges,” the prosecutor from the Southern District of California said . Hart concealed the refrigerants, or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs), under a tarp and some tools in his pickup truck when crossing the border, according to federal prosecutors. The importation of HFCs, a synthetic refrigerant typically used in older air conditioning systems, is outlawed under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 — passed as part of a government spending bill in December of that year. In total, the EPA report revealed 121 criminal defendants have been charged with climate crimes in 2024 — the highest amount since Biden, 82, took office — and that it concluded more than 1,850 civil cases. The environmental authority also reported slapping $1.7 billion in penalties on climate offenders in the latest fiscal year, the highest level reached under Biden. The agency said its “enhanced efforts” at enforcing environmental laws held “polluters accountable” and provided “substantial environmental and public health benefits.” “In Fiscal Year 2024, EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance program produced its strongest results since 2017, focusing on efforts to combat climate change and tackling some of the nation’s most significant environmental threats to our shared air, water and land,” David Uhlmann, the assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, said in a statement. “The progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration has sent a clear signal that polluters will be held accountable and that protecting communities from harm is a top priority,” he added. Trump, who actually signed into law the greenhouse gas bill that resulted in Hart’s arrest, albeit as part of a government funding package, has tapped former New York GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as administrator of the EPA in his incoming administration. In an interview with the Associated Press, Uhlmann indicated that he expects the EPA under Trump to continue to hold polluters accountable. “Upholding the rule of law and making sure that polluters are held accountable and communities are protected from harmful pollution is not a partisan matter,” the EPA official said. “We do enforcement at EPA based on the law, based on the facts, without regard to politics.” “So, you know, communities should expect that EPA will continue to protect them from harmful pollution,” he added. Hart faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing date is scheduled for Dec. 9.NoneJimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, has died at 100
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams insisted he hasn't lost faith in General Manager Ryan Poles. Even with the team on a seven-game losing streak, he believes the franchise has the right person in place to build a winner. "The amount that he cares about us, the Chicago Bears and wanting to win is why my faith is in him and believing in him and making sure that we get it right," Williams said Thursday. "That's my short answer to it." The Bears (4-9) sure didn't think they would be in a position like this heading into their game at Minnesota (11-2) on Monday night. They came into the season expecting to contend for a playoff spot after making a series of high-profile moves, none bigger than drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. But a team that rolled into its bye with three straight wins and a 4-2 record has since done nothing but lose. Chicago fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in the wake of a 19-3 loss to New England in Week 10 at Soldier Field and promoted Thomas Brown from passing game coordinator. While Williams seemed to regain his footing after several rough outings, the losses continued to mount. The Bears fired a head coach in season for the first time when they let Matt Eberflus go the day after a Thanksgiving Day loss at Detroit, when they ran out of time for a potential tying field goal despite having one timeout remaining. It was just the latest in a string of bad late-game decisions. With Brown debuting as interim coach, the Bears got blown out 38-13 at San Francisco last week. Williams threw for just 134 yards with two late touchdowns and was sacked seven times in that game, a big drop in production from his first three games with Brown calling the plays, and the schedule sure doesn't get easier. The Vikings have won six in a row, including an overtime victory in Week 12 at Soldier Field in which Chicago scored 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. In one season at Oklahoma and two at Southern California, Williams' teams lost a total of 10 games. The Bears could equal that this week. "There's belief — belief, hope and faith — that we're going to get this right and however it may happen, that's how it's going to happen," Williams said. "That's kind of where I'm at with it. They drafted me here to go win games." Williams insisted his relationship with Poles has only gotten stronger and his faith in the general manager hasn't wavered. He pointed toward the acquisitions in the offseason, a list that included two wide receivers in six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen and No. 9 overall draft pick Rome Odunze as well as running back D'Andre Swift. "Keep going on with a list of people. He's done a good job," Williams said. Running backs Roschon Johnson (concussion) and D'Andre Swift (groin), guard Ryan Bates (concussion) and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (knee) would not have participated had the team held practice rather than a walk-through. Safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) would have been limited. Johnson sat out last week's game, while Bates and Hicks have missed the past three. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved
Apple AI Sends False BBC Notification Saying Luigi Mangione Shot HimselfPDF Solutions, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PDFS – Get Free Report ) hit a new 52-week low on Friday . The stock traded as low as $27.52 and last traded at $27.59, with a volume of 37724 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $28.76. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have issued reports on PDFS. StockNews.com upgraded PDF Solutions from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 12th. Rosenblatt Securities restated a “buy” rating and issued a $40.00 price objective on shares of PDF Solutions in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Finally, Northland Securities reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of PDF Solutions in a report on Tuesday, December 24th. View Our Latest Stock Report on PDFS PDF Solutions Stock Down 3.0 % Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Nancy Erba sold 2,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.81, for a total transaction of $61,620.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 13,739 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $423,298.59. This represents a 12.71 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, insider Andrzej Strojwas sold 5,030 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Monday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.85, for a total transaction of $155,175.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 94,717 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,922,019.45. The trade was a 5.04 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 11.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On PDF Solutions Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Needham Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of PDF Solutions by 32.3% during the third quarter. Needham Investment Management LLC now owns 1,759,550 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $55,743,000 after purchasing an additional 429,550 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in PDF Solutions by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,147,622 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $36,357,000 after buying an additional 23,148 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of PDF Solutions by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 917,627 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $33,383,000 after buying an additional 16,853 shares during the last quarter. Emerald Advisers LLC increased its holdings in shares of PDF Solutions by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Emerald Advisers LLC now owns 895,248 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $28,361,000 after buying an additional 19,673 shares during the last quarter. Finally, William Blair Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of PDF Solutions by 13.9% during the 2nd quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 743,635 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $27,053,000 after buying an additional 90,789 shares in the last quarter. 79.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About PDF Solutions ( Get Free Report ) PDF Solutions, Inc provides proprietary software and physical intellectual property products for integrated circuit designs, electrical measurement hardware tools, proven methodologies, and professional services in the United States, China, Japan, and internationally. The company offers Exensio software products, such as Manufacturing Analytics that store collected data in a common environment with a consistent view for enabling product engineers to identify and analyze production yield, performance, reliability, and other issues; Process Control that provides failure detection and classification capabilities for monitoring, alarming, and controlling manufacturing tool sets; Test Operations that offer data collection and analysis capabilities; and Assembly Operations that provide device manufacturers with the capability to link assembly and packaging data, including fabrication and characterization data over the product life cycle. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PDF Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PDF Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
A nonprofit leader who supports at-risk New Orleans youth. A social worker who fosters animals. A postdoctoral researcher. They are among the roughly 1,540 people whose sentences were commuted or who were pardoned by President Joe Biden on Thursday in what was the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. But not everyone was pleased by Biden’s decisions. A Republican state senator said a commutation for a woman who stole $54 million from a small town in Illinois was “a slap in the face” to residents. The Democratic governor of Pennsylvania said Biden "got it absolutely wrong” when he commuted the sentence of a judge who orchestrated a scheme to send children to for-profit jails in exchange for kickbacks. Here are some of their stories: Fulton was pardoned after pleading guilty to participating in a payroll fraud scheme while serving as a New Orleans middle school teacher in the early 2000s. She was convicted of a felony and sentenced to three years of probation in 2008. Fulton, who has two children and works as an elementary school teacher, said that for years she had lived with “a sense of embarrassment and shame” about the felony conviction. Even though she completed a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2017, Fulton felt that her criminal record disqualified her from applying for principal positions she felt she could handle. “The conviction has served as a mental barrier for me, limiting my ability to live a full life,” Fulton said. Nearly a decade after she first applied for a presidential pardon, Fulton this week received a phone call informing her that it had been granted. “It was astonishing for me, I wasn’t expecting a call,” Fulton said, adding that the pardon will enable her to explore more career opportunities. A White House news release commended Fulton as “someone who goes above and beyond for her community.” For years, Fulton has helped lead a nonprofit supporting at-risk New Orleans youth with hot meals, clothing and shelter and mental health referrals. Doyle applied for a pardon six years ago. It had been so long that she had all but forgotten about it — until Wednesday. “I was in shock,” Doyle said of the call she received from a Justice Department pardon attorney. “And honored.” Doyle, who was once addicted to meth, had pleaded guilty to drug possession and check forging charges when she was 24. She served more than two years in state and federal prison. Released in 2006, Doyle resolved to stay clean. She started a family, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and now works as a social worker with a behavioral health center. Doyle applied for a pardon in 2018 and heard nothing until 2020, when the FBI reached out — and the vetting began. “They talked to my boss, my boss’ boss, they talked to my mother’s boss, they called my doctors," Doyle said. “Just pretty much anybody that had any type of relationship with me in the past 20 years they contacted.” After the vetting was over, she would have to wait some more: four years, it turned out. “I just want people to know that are in the throes of addiction, or families to know that when they have somebody in their family that is addicted, that there is hope,” Doyle said Thursday. “This has just brought so much joy to me and my family and is just the continuation of my recovery.” She has five children and three grandchildren, volunteers in her community, fosters animals and competes in roller derby. Crundwell was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison in 2013 for stealing about $54 million over two decades when she was in charge of finances for Dixon, Illinois. She was released to a halfway house program in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic before moving to home confinement. Biden’s commutation releases Crundwell from any restrictions. Paul Gaziano, a lawyer who represented Crundwell in federal court, declined to comment Thursday. Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes said he believes most of the town is probably stunned, and maybe even angry, that Biden would provide clemency to Crundwell. Republican state Sen. Andrew Chesney called Biden’s act “nothing short of a slap in the face to the people of Dixon.” Dixon, best known as the childhood home of President Ronald Reagan, sued auditors and a bank after Crundwell’s theft was revealed and recovered $40 million in settlements. Crundwell, who was a horse breeder, told a judge in 2020 that more than $15 million was repaid from the sale of her horses and other assets. “I am going to do everything possible to make up for my mistakes," she told the judge in a handwritten letter that described various health problems. “I have taken responsibility for my actions since the first day.” Conahan was sentenced to 17 years in prison for helping orchestrate one of the worst judicial scandals in U.S. history: a scheme to send children to for-profit jails in exchange for kickbacks . Biden’s decision to commute his sentence angered many in northeastern Pennsylvania, from the governor to the families whose children were victimized by the disgraced former judge. Conahan had already served the vast majority of his sentence, which was handed down in 2011. “I do feel strongly that President Biden got it absolutely wrong and created a lot of pain here in northeastern Pennsylvania,” Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said Friday. A message seeking comment was sent to an attorney who recently represented Conahan, the former judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. In what came to be known as the kids-for-cash scandal, Conahan and Judge Mark Ciavarella shut down a county-run juvenile detention center and accepted $2.8 million in illegal payments from a friend of Conahan’s who built and co-owned two for-profit lockups. Sandy Fonzo, whose son killed himself at age 23 after Ciavarella locked him up as a teen, called Conahan’s commutation an “injustice.” “I am shocked and I am hurt,” Fonzo said in a statement provided to The Citizens’ Voice of Wilkes-Barre. “Conahan‘s actions destroyed families, including mine, and my son‘s death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of his abuse of power." The Juvenile Law Center, which represented plaintiffs in a $200 million civil judgment against Conahan and Ciavarella, said it “supported President Biden’s actions” but wants to see the “same kind of compassion and mercy” extended to juvenile defendants around the country. When he pleaded guilty in 2010, Conahan apologized to the youths he had hurt. “The system is not corrupt,” Conahan said at the time. “I was corrupt.” Becklin was 21 when she got into trouble, which she said was due to trying to get money to support her drug addiction. She pleaded guilty to a nonviolent felony charge for failing to provide information to police about a 2007 bank robbery. She served four months in a halfway house, four months of home confinement and three years of probation. She found out she was pregnant after she’d been out of custody for about a year. She said she had her “aha moment” when her son was 1 year old. “And I was living at home with my parents. I had, like, no job, no education, no future,” Becklin said. “Had a felony on my record. I had substance use history, you know, all these things. And he was 1. And I just remember, like looking at him and realizing that his whole life was, like, really dependent on what I did with mine.” Within days, she said, she enrolled at a community college. She recently earned her doctoral degree in comparative molecular biosciences at the University of Minnesota. For her doctorate, she used stem cell biology and genetic engineering to better understand how pediatric cancers grow and develop. She’s still working in the cell and gene therapy space, now as a postdoctoral researcher at the university. The White House noted in its announcement that Becklin also mentors currently and previously incarcerated people who are seeking to pursue higher education. She said she does it as part of a program called Prison to Professionals. They help guide people on the unique issues they’ll face in higher education and provide them with a support network. She said she still doesn’t know exactly how being pardoned and having her record cleared will affect her future. “I think there was a point in my life where it really mattered if I, like, had a certain career path or if I did that. But I have found that, kind of wherever I am, I find my purpose and my need there. And, you know, it’s kind of a beautiful way to live,” she said. Associated Press writers Jack Brook in New Orleans, Ed White in Detroit, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyo., Michael Rubinkam in Pennsylvania; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; and Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Wash., contributed to this report.
NEW YORK, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) between February 8, 2024 and October 29, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”) and those who purchased Chipotle call options or sold put options during the Class Period, of the important January 10, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Chipotle securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Chipotle class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30587 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 10, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Chipotle’s portion sizes were inconsistent and left many customers dissatisfied with the Company’s offerings; (2) in order to address the issue and retain customer loyalty, Chipotle would have to ensure more generous portion sizes, which would increase cost of sales; and (3) as a result, defendants’ statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Chipotle class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30587 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40 th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Amarion Dickerson had 27 points and 15 rebounds to help Robert Morris hold off Northern Kentucky 97-93 in triple overtime on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Amarion Dickerson had 27 points and 15 rebounds to help Robert Morris hold off Northern Kentucky 97-93 in triple overtime on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Amarion Dickerson had 27 points and 15 rebounds to help Robert Morris hold off Northern Kentucky 97-93 in triple overtime on Sunday. Dickerson blocked five shots and had three steals for the Colonials (9-5, 1-2 Horizon League). Sophomore Alvaro Folgueiras scored 21 points and added a career-high 19 rebounds and six assists. DJ Smith had 13 points. The Norse (7-7, 2-1) were led by LJ Wells, who finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Northern Kentucky also got 17 points and six rebounds from Trey Robinson. Randall Pettus II had 17 points. The Norse saw a five-game win streak come to an end. Dickerson’s dunk gave Robert Morris a 94-92 lead with 26 seconds left in the third OT. Dilen Miller made two free throws with 3 seconds left to wrap up the victory. Josh Dilling made the second of two free throws with 8 seconds left for the Norse, forcing a second OT tied at 80. Wells hit a 3-pointer with 2:05 left and neither team scored after that, forcing the third OT tied at 86. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementThousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has transported an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to a U.S. official, who says Travis Timmerman was flown out on a U.S. military helicopter. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Yankees to get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.
GREEN BAY, Wis. — While other teams around the NFL are seeing their injury lists grow as the season winds down, the Green Bay Packers appear to be getting healthy at just the right time. Not only is quarterback Jordan Love looking like himself after dealing with early-season left knee and groin injuries, but the rest of the roster is getting better, too. "I think every team that can realize their potential needs to be as healthy as they can be. And injuries are a part of this business," coach Matt LaFleur said. "It is what it is in terms of the next man up, but obviously, you want the guys that are your starters to be available — especially as you get closer to the end of the year." Love certainly has been rolling of late, completing 67.1% of his passes for 904 yards with six touchdowns and one interception (118.8 passer rating) over the past four games, owing some of his hot streak to simply being healthy again. "The name of the game is trying to stay as healthy as possible, especially late into the season," Love said. "There's definitely injuries that stack up and guys being out. To have everybody relatively healthy and to be able to have our top guys out there would be huge for us." The Packers (9-4) head into their Sunday night matchup with the Seahawks (8-5) in Seattle with only one player having been unable to take part in Wednesday's practice at all: safety Javon Bullard. LaFleur said Bullard was week-to-week with an ankle injury he suffered in the team's Dec. 5 loss at Detroit. The Packers got full participation from Jaire Alexander, who has missed four of the team's past five games with a knee injury suffered at Jacksonville on Oct. 27, and wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who has missed the past two games with a concussion he suffered against San Francisco on Nov. 24. Although Alexander had practiced on a limited basis in recent weeks, he has missed the past three games and pulled himself out of the team's Nov. 17 win at Chicago because of his knee. Getting Alexander back to face Seahawks receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba would give a major lift to the Packers' pass defense, currently ranked 21st with 222.2 yards per game allowed. "When I was watching him, he looked like he was moving around well, and we'll just see how it transpires throughout the course of the week," LaFleur said. "Hopefully, he'll be ready to roll." LaFleur said Doubs and rookie safety Evan Williams, who left the Packers' 34-31 loss to the Lions because of a concussion, still were in the concussion protocol. But Williams was able to practice on a limited basis. Meanwhile, tight end Luke Musgrave, who hasn't played a snap since injuring his left ankle during a Sept. 29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, has been designated for return from injured reserve. Musgrave took part in practice for the first time since undergoing surgery in early October to repair a torn ligament in the ankle. He said he only did individual drill work Wednesday, making it unlikely he would be activated this week. "Just going to ease back into it, but I feel good," Musgrave said. "Still getting the cutting back, but overall, it feels good." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JENNIFER PELTZ NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won’t include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn’t sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump” who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Broncos, left tackle Garett Bolles agree on 4-year extension to protect rookie quarterback Bo Nix
Viridian Therapeutics to Webcast Veligrotug Phase 3 THRIVE-2 Topline Results on December 16, 2024Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved
Police Chief's View / Goal for 2025: improve public safety downtown, across DuluthMIAMI — Lionel Messi, fresh off accepting his MLS MVP trophy, kicked off the holiday season by traveling 6,870 miles to Azerbaijan this week and brought along teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba for a private charity event in the capital city of Baku. Azerbaijan is a landlocked country in Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, Iran, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey. Messi and his friends attended a gathering on Wednesday at the Crystal Hall, a famous music and sports venue. The event included a concert featuring French singer Willy William and Romanian group Morandi. The Argentine legend received a personalized rug with an image of himself lifting the World Cup trophy. “I have discovered the culture and the people of Azerbaijan,” Messi said. “Thank you for the warm greeting. Thank you very much for the support.” Messi, Suárez, Busquets and Alba also paid a visit and laid flowers at the tomb of former Azerbaijani leader Heydar Aliyev, on the eve of the 21st anniversary of his death Dec. 12, 2003. That part of the visit drew some criticism on social media from opponents of Aliyev’s regime. Inter Miami vs. Club America in Las Vegas? Speaking of travel, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said last week that the club is not planning another four-country, seven-game globetrotting preseason tour, as it did last year. The team played in El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Japan in early 2024 and wound up dealing with injuries to a few players and a controversy when Messi sustained an injury and was unable to play in Hong Kong. Mas said the team does plan a trip abroad in early 2025, but it will be a more compact itinerary, and that a high-profile game was being planned in the United States. Deporte Total USA reported that Inter Miami will play Mexican power Club America in Las Vegas and that the game is tentatively set for Jan. 18. An MLS source confirmed that Inter Miami and Club America are in talks about a game, but details had not been finalized. Also, the club announced it will play a friendly match against Orlando City in Tampa on Feb. 14. CJ Dos Santos traded to San Diego FC Inter Miami traded backup goalkeeper CJ dos Santos to expansion club San Diego FC in exchange for $100,000 in 2025 general allocation money (GAM). Dos Santos, 24, signed for Inter Miami ahead of the 2022 MLS season. He made three appearances for the first team — two in MLS and one in the Leagues Cup, in which he kept a clean sheet against Mexican side Club Puebla in 2024 — and 28 matches for Inter Miami II in MLS NEXT Pro. New ‘Fortitude’ jersey unveiled Inter Miami on Thursday released its new “Fortitude” away jersey for the 2025 season. It has black and granite-gray blocks with the trademark pink trim. The club explained in a press release that the name came from the Latin word “Fortis,” which means strength, and the Spanish word “Fortaleza,” which stands for resilience and determination. This shirt also serves as a tribute to Fort Lauderdale, “a city that has become a fortress for Inter Miami CF and the stage for some of the Club’s most significant milestones”. This coming season will be the team’s final season in Fort Lauderdale before moving to Miami Freedom Park in 2026. The new kits are on sale at the team store at Chase Stadium beginning Thursday (Dec. 12), while supplies last. It is also available online at MLSstore.com and adidas.com . Royal Caribbean, the club’s official jersey partner, will soon have the jersey available for purchase on its ships. ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
As Pakistan prepares for its 5G spectrum auction scheduled for April 2025, the nation stands on the brink of a significant technological evolution. The introduction of 5G technology promises to revolutionise various sectors, offering unprecedented economic, social, and technological benefits. However, the journey towards successful implementation is fraught with challenges that require strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and robust government actions. The upcoming auction marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan's digital landscape. By allocating specific frequency bands to telecom operators, the government aims to facilitate the deployment of 5G networks nationwide. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity, improve service quality, and drive innovation across multiple industries. The deployment of 5G represents not only a step forward for telecommunications but also a broader push towards digital transformation, which is vital for keeping Pakistan competitive in the global economy. The economic potential of 5G deployment is immense. According to a report of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), 5G could contribute over $1.5 billion to Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. In the agricultural sector, improved rural 5G coverage could enhance productivity and reduce waste, potentially increasing long-term GDP by 1.8%. Additionally, industries like manufacturing and logistics are expected to get a significant boost, as 5G enables automation, real-time data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The 5G technology offers transformative benefits in critical areas such as education and healthcare. In education, it can enable virtual classrooms and interactive learning experiences, bridging the gap for students in remote regions. In healthcare, 5G-powered telemedicine services can provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring, resulting in better healthcare access for underserved communities. These applications have the potential to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis. While the prospects for 5G are promising, the path towards its successful implementation is riddled with challenges. One of the most significant barriers is infrastructure. Pakistan's existing telecom network lacks the necessary fibre optic coverage and small cell sites required for 5G deployment. Addressing these deficiencies will require substantial investment and technical expertise. Spectrum allocation and pricing are also critical issues. If spectrum licences are priced too high, they may discourage telecom operators from participating or investing in infrastructure upgrades. Moreover, the government's decision to auction the spectrum in foreign currency, rather than local currency, could create financial burdens and reduce competition. Another pressing challenge is the lack of a clear and transparent regulatory framework. Delays in licence renewals, the absence of a frequency spectrum roadmap, and bureaucratic hurdles like the Right of Way (RoW) granting process create uncertainties for telecom operators. Additionally, the availability of 5G-compatible devices is limited, and their high costs may deter widespread consumer adoption. Economic constraints add another layer of complexity. The high costs associated with 5G deployment, estimated at $8 billion, pose significant financial challenges for the telecom sector. With a depreciating local currency and the need for substantial foreign exchange, the financial environment for 5G investment remains precarious. Recognising the importance of 5G, the government of Pakistan has taken several steps to create a conducive environment for its deployment. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT) has established a 5G task force to develop a comprehensive roadmap. This task force focuses on spectrum management, infrastructure development, and addressing the challenges faced by telecom operators. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated consultations with stakeholders to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the auction process. Moreover, the government is exploring public-private partnerships to share the financial burden of infrastructure development. These partnerships aim to accelerate the expansion of fibre optic networks and small cell sites, critical for 5G technology. To promote investment, the government is considering tax incentives for telecom operators and subsidies for infrastructure development. Efforts are also underway to streamline bureaucratic processes, such as expediting the RoW approvals and resolving pending licence renewal issues. Additionally, the government plans to address consumer adoption challenges by collaborating with manufacturers to make 5G-compatible devices more affordable. Initiatives to educate the public about the benefits of 5G technology are also in the pipeline, aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance among users. To overcome the remaining challenges and ensure the success of 5G, several strategic measures are essential. Affordable spectrum pricing is crucial. Conducting the auction in local currency and setting reasonable prices will encourage participation from a broader range of telecom operators, fostering healthy competition and investment. Regulatory reforms are another key area. Streamlining bureaucratic processes, establishing a clear frequency spectrum roadmap, and addressing pending licence renewal issues can create a more supportive environment for 5G deployment. Infrastructure development must be prioritised. Public-private partnerships can help share the financial burden and accelerate the establishment of critical facilities like fibre optic networks and small cell sites. Consumer adoption will depend on the availability of affordable 5G-compatible devices. Collaboration with manufacturers to lower device costs and promote accessibility is vital. Furthermore, implementing supportive economic policies, such as tax incentives and subsidies, can alleviate the financial burden on telecom operators, making it easier for them to invest in 5G infrastructure. The forthcoming 5G spectrum auction in April 2025 presents a transformative opportunity for Pakistan to advance its digital infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. The benefits of 5G technology are far-reaching, from boosting productivity in key industries to improving access to education and healthcare. Realising these benefits will require addressing significant challenges, including infrastructure gaps, spectrum pricing, regulatory hurdles, and economic constraints. With proactive government actions, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts, Pakistan can harness the full potential of 5G technology. THE WRITER IS A MEMBER OF PEC AND HAS A MASTER'S IN ENGINEERING COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our
