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Ajay Sura is Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India Chandigarh. He covers news concerning the State of Haryana, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Defence & Military Affairs. He likes to analyse political developments and decoding judicial pronouncements. His hobbies include travelling, mountaineering and trekking. Read More How to make healthy Oats Palak Chilla for a kid's tiffin 10 best Fried Chicken dishes from around the world 10 ways to use turmeric in winters ​10 animals not allowed as pets in India​ 10 types of Dosa and how they are made Animals and their favourite foods 9 nuts to eat daily for hair growth in winters How to make South Indian Podi Dosa at home From tigers to cheetahs: India’s big cats and where to find them Weekend Special: How to make Multigrain ThaalipeethUnited Australia Party leader Ralph Babet will take the Commonwealth to the High Court over what chairman Clive Palmer says are “unconstitutional” election laws prohibiting the party’s sole senator running under the UAP banner. Mr Palmer, a billionaire businessman and former UAP leader, accused the federal government of attempting to “rig” the 2025 election by supporting “draconian” laws governing when deregistered parties can contest an election. The UAP, which claims to be the nation’s largest in terms of membership, was deregistered in September 2022 by Mr Babet due to “administrative reasons”, though Mr Babet at the time said they would still contest the 2025 ballot. Under the Commonwealth Electoral Act, a deregistered party cannot contest an election until the general election after next following the deregistration, meaning Mr Babet could not run as a member of the UAP until at least 2028. Mr Palmer said the provisions were not “conducive to running a free and fair election” as demanded by the constitution, and said he expected the High Court to handle the challenge with “urgency” ahead of next year’s vote. “Our party name, the United Australia Party, is already a trademark and has been through the legal process that we have exclusive use of it, so we think that’s just been put in the Act to be a negative detriment,” he said. Mr Palmer went on to add: “The Australian constitution is very clear. It states the Commonwealth parliament has the power to make laws in respect of elections. But, surely elections must be fair and free elections. “Surely all Australians, regardless of their political persuasion, should be allowed to stand for elections, as should all political parties. “It’s very, very dangerous for the government to have the power by legislation to stop people participating in our democracy. “That’s why we’ve commenced those proceedings.” A writ of summons, filed with the High Court of Australia in Brisbane, claimed the inclusion of a party name and logo was “a significant advantage which is only available to candidates for election who are endorsed by a registered political party”. It claimed Section 135(3) of the Act was invalid because it “it impermissibly excludes or impedes receipt by electors of information relevant to the making of an informed choice”, and discriminated against unregistered parties. As first plaintiff, Mr Babet is seeking, according to the document, for the provision to be found to be invalid, or for a declaration that it is “inoperative and of no effect to the extent it would render a party ineligible for registration for the next general election”. Mr Palmer said the provisions would stop Mr Babet being able to stand at the next election and that the UAP intended to call for candidates in all seats of the House of Representatives, as well as in the country’s Senate. The former MP said cost of living pressures were a “warning sign” for the government, and that minor parties looking to contest the next federal election would be looking at the outcome of the UAP’s High Court bid. “We look forward to our case with the High Court, where we hope we can stand as an example for the Australian people that they can participate in the elections, that we do have freedom of speech to the life in this country and the freedom of the press, and we respect the people’s right to know,” he said. “We’ve seen what happens in Vladimir Putin’s Russia, where they restrict democracy and who can and who can’t contest elections. Naturally, if I’m in power, I might want to stop other people standing against me. But that’s not the basis of the Western democracy. It’s not the basis that protects Australian rights. “So it’s a very important thing to be challenged, because this legislation bans our political party, even if we are registered, from contesting the election. So we’ve got to protest about that, not just for ourselves, but for all Australians.” Mr Babet was elected to the Senate for Victoria in the 2022 election, having taken over the reigns of the UAP from Craig Kelly. Of the $100m Mr Palmer spent on the campaign, he was the sole representative to get elected in their race. Of the High Court challenge, Mr Babet said the UAP had 82,000 members who he said were “being denied the right to vote for who they wanted”. “Labor is running scared. There will be a third force in the next election and it will be well supported. I am calling for all parties to join together to kick out the uni-party of Labor (and) Liberals which has destroyed our country,” Mr Palmer said. Originally published as Not ‘Putin’s Russia’: Palmer slams ‘unconstitutional’ election laws amid court bid to be included

Greenock-born Tory peer is 'leading contender' for Rangers chairman roleFLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets might be dealing with an opponent even tougher to overcome than their poor play, missed opportunities and ill-timed mistakes. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson suggested last Sunday a losing “gene” might be an explanation for the Jets’ inability to pull out victories after the team dropped to 3-10 with a loss at Miami. On Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers presented another perhaps more sinister reason. “I mean, it might be something like that," the quarterback said of Wilson's theory. "It might be some sort of curse we've got to snap as well.” Generations of frustrated Jets fans have half-jokingly insisted there have been negative forces at work against the franchise since Joe Namath delivered on his Super Bowl guarantee in January 1969. It remains the team's only appearance in the NFL's biggest game. Rodgers has been there once — and won — with Green Bay. The 41-year-old quarterback came to New York hoping to finally lead the Jets back to the Super Bowl. He even commented on how lonely the team's only Lombardi Trophy looked during his introductory news conference 20 months ago. Instead, Rodgers' first season in New York was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon just four snaps in, immediately resurrecting "curse” theories among jaded Jets fans. With its loss last Sunday, New York extended its playoff drought to 14 straight years, the longest active skid among the major North American sports leagues. And the team will be looking for a new general manager and coach after this season, and Rodgers' future in New York is very much up in the air. “Whatever the case, this team, this organization is going to figure out how to get over the hump at some point,” Rodgers said. “The culture is built by the players. There’s a framework set down by the organization, by the upper ups, by the staff. But in the end, it’s the players that make it come to life. "And at some point, everybody’s going to have to figure out what that special sauce is to turn those games that should be wins into wins.” The Jets have held the lead in the fourth quarter in five games this season. They've lost each of them, including the past three games. New York's inability to come away with wins in those prompted Wilson's “gene” theory. “I’m not exactly sure what he was talking about there,” Rodgers said with a smile. "I don’t know what the proper nomenclature is for the situation where we’ve lost some leads or haven’t been able to take the lead late in the game, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. We haven’t been great in situational football. “A lot of those games come down to the plays in the first and second, even third quarter, where if you make the play the game is not in that situation. But in those situations, we haven’t been very good on offense or defense or even (special) teams.” Rodgers said “it takes a conscious effort, it takes an intentional effort” to establish a winning culture, and it includes leadership, practice habits and setting standards inside and outside of the locker room. And this year's Jets, Rodgers said, are “on the edge” of that. “We just haven’t quite figured out how to get that special sauce worked out, mixed up,” he said. “It’s close and a lot of great guys are in the locker room. There’s some good mix of veterans and young guys, but we just haven’t quite put it all together.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

KP IGP for all possible measures to maintain peace KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akhtar Hayat Khan. — Facebook@pakhtunkhwapolice/File KOHAT: Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan on Saturday urged the officers to take all possible measures and use all the resources for anti-terrorism, protection of citizens, maintenance of government order and peace in the region. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); He was speaking at a meeting in Kohat regarding the law and order in the division. The IGP directed that the joint intelligence network between the districts should be further activated for regional peace and to counter criminal activities. “The establishment of peace and security is the first priority on which no compromise will be made. And the proactive policing process should be adapted to the challenges faced by the present day to suppress the elements responsible for unrest and criminal activities,” he added. By ensuring transparency at the police station level, the IGP said, the police should adhere to a common strategy to arrest the advertisers involved in serious cases. The efficiency should be increased further, he said, adding the drug dealers, gamblers, profiteers, aerial firing and other elements of social crimes should be dealt with strictly. The IGP directed the police officials to address the public matters on priority basis.Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Super Micro Computer. Our analysis of options history for Super Micro Computer SMCI revealed 28 unusual trades. Delving into the details, we found 39% of traders were bullish, while 46% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 15 were puts, with a value of $865,180, and 13 were calls, valued at $493,490. Expected Price Movements Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $7.0 to $90.0 for Super Micro Computer over the last 3 months. Analyzing Volume & Open Interest Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Super Micro Computer's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Super Micro Computer's significant trades, within a strike price range of $7.0 to $90.0, over the past month. Super Micro Computer 30-Day Option Volume & Interest Snapshot Significant Options Trades Detected: Symbol PUT/CALL Trade Type Sentiment Exp. Date Ask Bid Price Strike Price Total Trade Price Open Interest Volume SMCI PUT TRADE NEUTRAL 02/21/25 $19.05 $18.9 $18.98 $50.00 $189.8K 3.9K 150 SMCI PUT TRADE BEARISH 01/24/25 $19.5 $18.7 $19.4 $50.00 $96.9K 38 50 SMCI PUT TRADE BEARISH 01/17/25 $58.7 $57.9 $58.6 $90.00 $93.7K 686 16 SMCI PUT TRADE BEARISH 03/21/25 $6.7 $6.55 $6.65 $33.00 $66.5K 5.9K 203 SMCI CALL TRADE BULLISH 02/21/25 $6.35 $6.1 $6.27 $32.00 $62.7K 890 252 About Super Micro Computer Super Micro Computer Inc provides high-performance server technology services to cloud computing, data center, Big Data, high-performance computing, and "Internet of Things" embedded markets. Its solutions include server, storage, blade and workstations to full racks, networking devices, and server management software. The firm follows a modular architectural approach, which provides flexibility to deliver customized solutions. The Company operates in one operating segment that develops and provides high-performance server solutions based upon an innovative, modular and open-standard architecture. More than half of the firm's revenue is generated in the United States, with the rest coming from Europe, Asia, and other regions. Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Super Micro Computer, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance. Where Is Super Micro Computer Standing Right Now? With a volume of 31,110,491, the price of SMCI is up 3.09% at $32.2. RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought. Next earnings are expected to be released in 11 days. Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. Click here for access . Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Super Micro Computer with Benzinga Pro for real-time alerts. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Saturday, December 21, 2024 Imagine boarding a flight from San Francisco, settling into a plush seat, and knowing that 16 hours later, you’ll arrive in Singapore, one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. Starting in 2025, United Airlines will make that experience even more accessible by adding a third daily flight between San Francisco and Singapore. This expansion isn’t just about numbers—it’s about meeting the needs of travelers like you, who value flexibility, convenience, and comfort. This new flight is more than just an added service; it’s a lifeline for frequent flyers, business travelers, and adventurers alike. If you’ve ever scrambled to find a flight that fits your schedule, you’ll understand the relief of having more options. Business professionals can now plan their trips with greater precision, and leisure travelers will find it easier to embark on journeys to Asia, whether it’s for a dream vacation in Singapore or a multi-stop adventure through Malaysia and Thailand. The route also capitalizes on Singapore’s world-famous Changi Airport, a marvel of efficiency and comfort. With its gardens, high-tech lounges, and seamless connections to over 70 destinations, it’s more than an airport—it’s a destination in itself. United isn’t just adding flights; it’s upgrading the entire travel experience. Their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are a step above, designed for long-haul comfort with reduced cabin altitude and advanced technology to make those 16 hours feel far less grueling. Whether you’re stretching out in Polaris business class or enjoying premium economy, every detail has been thought through to enhance your journey. On the ground, both San Francisco International Airport and Changi Airport are enhancing their lounges to provide a touch of luxury. Imagine sipping a freshly brewed espresso or enjoying a quiet nap in a private pod before your flight—it’s these little touches that make a world of difference. For those in the tech world, this route is a bridge between Silicon Valley and Singapore’s booming start-up scene. With over 150 venture capital firms fueling innovation in Singapore, the city is quickly becoming Asia’s answer to Silicon Valley. These flights will make it easier to connect, collaborate, and create across continents. For leisure travelers, Singapore is a gateway to experiences that awaken the senses. Picture strolling through the lush greenery of the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens, marveling at the futuristic Marina Bay Sands, or savoring a meal at a bustling hawker center for under $10. It’s more than a destination—it’s a journey filled with unforgettable experiences. If you’re a frequent flyer, this news gets even better. A roundtrip between San Francisco and Singapore could earn you up to 11,000 miles, inching you closer to elite status and those coveted upgrades. And with Singapore Airlines and United strengthening their collaboration, using your miles has never been easier. The competition between these airlines is already driving fares down. Imagine scoring a roundtrip ticket for under $600—a rare treat for transpacific travel. As airlines compete for passengers, travelers can look forward to more affordable fares and improved services that enhance the overall travel experience. At its heart, this expansion isn’t just about planes or schedules—it’s about people. It’s about making it easier for a mother to visit her family in Singapore, for a young entrepreneur to pitch their start-up idea in Silicon Valley, or for a curious traveler to experience the rich cultures of Asia. United and Singapore Airlines are investing not just in flights but in the stories of the people they carry. From the premium cabin upgrades to the expanded lounge services, every detail speaks to their commitment to making your journey memorable. The world feels a little smaller when connections are seamless and travel is enjoyable. This expansion between San Francisco and Singapore is more than a business move—it’s a step toward bringing people closer, fostering innovation, and sharing experiences across continents. So, whether you’re traveling for work, chasing an adventure, or visiting loved ones, these flights are designed with you in mind. As the skies grow busier and the world more interconnected, this route is a reminder of what travel is truly about: connections, opportunities, and the joy of discovering something new. Pack your bags—the future of transpacific travel is waiting.

Dallas plays Winnipeg after Marchment's 2-goal performance

Advisors Asset Management Inc. Purchases 679 Shares of TD SYNNEX Co. (NYSE:SNX)Pakistan launching national face biometrics authentication serviceThe story so far: In light of the legal immunity afforded to U.S. Presidents for official acts, Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Counsel Jack Smith recently moved to drop the charges against President-elect Donald Trump for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election, specifically the criminal charges for encouraging a violent mob to attack the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Mr. Smith’s request was granted by the District Judge hearing the case. What about the other cases? The DOJ has also filed motions to drop all federal charges against Mr. Trump that relate to the latter’s “mishandling” of classified documents. Two state-level cases against him are also in legal limbo: the election interference case in Georgia has been paused pending a decision by an appeals court; in the business fraud case in New York involving charges against Mr. Trump for paying off an adult film star for her silence over an alleged affair, his conviction has been indefinitely delayed. Scot-free: On a major legal reprieve for Donald Trump While the dropping of these charges marks the official end of Democrats’ hopes to hold Mr. Trump liable for several alleged crimes, it remains to be seen as to whether the 45th President will use this clean slate as a springboard to a bipartisan approach to policymaking, or whether it will merely strengthen his hand towards a second inning of the brand of divisive politics that has polarised the electorate of the country in recent years. What are the specific charges against Mr. Trump that have been dropped? Firstly, regarding the classified documents case, Mr. Trump was first indicted in June 2023 on 37 felony counts “related to mishandling classified documents that he took from the White House to his Florida home.” These charges included wilful retention of national defence information, conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements. While a Florida judge had earlier dismissed the case and Mr. Smith’s office had sought an appeal, those charges are all being dropped now. In August 2023, Mr. Trump was additionally indicted on four felony charges relating to his attempts to reverse the 2020 election results. These charges included conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding (a reference to the process of certification of the election results by Congress), obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. What view has the U.S. Supreme Court taken on the subject? The Supreme Court in July 2024 handed down its first ruling on the subject of presidential immunity when it determined, by an expected 6-3 majority, that former Presidents enjoyed broad immunity from prosecution. At the time, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority opinion of the court, “Under our constitutional structure of separated powers, the nature of presidential power entitles a former president to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within his conclusive and preclusive constitutional authority... And he is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for all his official acts. There is no immunity for unofficial acts.” The three liberal dissenting judges criticised the ruling as undermining the “core democratic principle that no person is above the law,” with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing that “in every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law” and that the protection afforded to Presidents by the court was “just as bad as it sounds, and it is baseless.” Is Mr. Trump absolved of guilt? Not necessarily. In her latest ruling on the cases, District Judge Tanya Chutkan said that she was dismissing the election interference charges against Mr. Trump “without prejudice,” suggesting that the door to prosecuting Mr. Trump in the future has been left open, specifically after Mr. Trump demits office after his second term, and loses his legal immunity shield. Hinting at the DOJ’s view on the matter, Mr. Smith noted that the charges had been dropped because the DOJ “forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President,” while adding the decision to not proceed with the indictments and trials was “not based on the merits or strength of the case against the defendant.” Then there are the political views of liberals and progressives, possibly including a majority of the more than 74 million Americans who voted for Mr. Trump’s rival, incumbent Vice- President and Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, in the November 5 presidential election. While voter views on Mr. Trump may vary widely in general, polling as recently as six months ago found that nearly three in five Americans (59%) agreed that Mr. Trump was guilty of the 34 felony counts on which he was convicted in the New York case, compared to just 32% who believed he was innocent. Another poll around the same time found that a whopping 50% of respondents thought that Mr. Trump’s guilty verdict on all 34 counts in his hush money trial was correct. Similarly, a poll in April this year found that 53% of respondents believed that Mr. Trump committed “serious federal crimes.” Yet the fact that a poll in May 2024 suggested that 67% of voters — including 74% of independents — said that a conviction would make no difference for how they voted in the election offers a deeper insight into the political preferences of voters. Published - December 01, 2024 04:00 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Presidential felony: On the Trump verdict Trump 2.0 | Portentions of a second innings ​Scot-free: On a major legal reprieve for Donald Trump Watch: What led to the rise of Trump? Donald Trump becomes first former U.S. President convicted of felony crimes USA / crime / criminal / The Hindu Explains

Tax-obsessed Labour won't like it... but my radical plan to stop the poor paying any tax AT ALL would benefit every one of us, by LORD SAATCHI By LORD SAATCHI FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY Published: 11:43 EST, 28 December 2024 | Updated: 11:43 EST, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments Labour isn’t working. Those are the words used back in 1979 when – in the grip of a failing government and soaring unemployment – we masterminded an advertising campaign to propel the Tories back to power. It was the slogan my firm, Saatchi & Saatchi, chose – plastered on the now-iconic poster of hundreds waiting in the dole queue. Clearly it worked, propelling Margaret Thatcher into No 10 for the next decade. But, 45 years on, how depressingly relevant that poster remains. Today, 4.5 million adults aged 18 to 65 are not in employment, education or training. They cost the country billions in benefit payments every year. Labour’s undeclared dream is for the majority of people’s income to be taken in tax And the worst part? Labour prefers it that way. Sir Keir Starmer and his Cabinet believe that tethering people to State handouts will keep their government in power for longer. It is a cold political calculation – with terrible social and economic costs. Don’t suppose for a minute that the ‘economically inactive’ population consists merely of stupid or lazy people. On the contrary, any professor at the London School of Economics will tell you that very many have made a rational, financially sound decision not to work. They know there is no incentive to get out of bed in the morning because, after paying income tax and losing benefits, they would be worse off than staying on the dole. Working for a low salary that is taxed is pointless. My decades in business taught me that incentives are imperative – for customers, for the workforce and for employers. We all need sound reasons, including financial ones, to get out of bed. But in Britain today, there are countless compelling incentives to remain workless. Chief of these is income tax, which is payable above a salary level of £12,570. Any income above this threshold is subject to taxation, initially at 20 per cent. Yet the official ‘poverty line’ is below half of average earnings: £17,000 or less. It is utterly unjust – not to mention economically insane – that some of the poorest people, who earn £12,570 to £17,000, are forced to pay income tax. Even more perversely, in the vast majority of cases, they are then ‘reimbursed’ with benefits. Read More BRYONY: Starmer's lunacy has tipped me over the edge. He's a clown in donated designer clothes This situation has grown steadily worse. This year alone, the Government has pilfered £6 billion from the poorest by not raising the starting threshold for income tax in line with inflation. This trick is known as fiscal drag and it is doing a cruel job. The scandal is worsened by the fresh injustice of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s increased National Insurance levies on employers – another anti-work tax. How can these injustices be corrected? One obvious answer is for the lowest earners to keep more of their money before they start paying tax. That would immediately make it more worthwhile to work for a living. Among the 2.6 million benefit claimants who do work, a high proportion earn less than £17,000. Clearly, they’d be no worse off if their benefits were reduced, provided, of course, their income tax was cut by the same amount. In other words, the cost to the Treasury of raising the income tax threshold to £17,000 (estimated at £4 billion to £6 billion) would be cancelled out by the saving in benefits. Government spending would decrease and millions of people now caught in the bewildering complexity of the welfare system would be freed. Consider the ludicrously complicated mass of benefits, exemptions, credits and so on – which the citizen has to navigate. Some benefits, such as Universal Credit, are means-tested; others are not. Iniquitously, estimates suggest thousands of households are paying a marginal tax rate of up to 95 per cent on parts of their income – a figure approaching the 98 per cent levy on unearned income that was in place when Mrs Thatcher became PM. The solution to this shambolic mess must be radical reform. Raising the tax-free threshold would not only cut administrative costs but also reduce pressure on the NHS. After all, benefits claimants are more likely to suffer from health problems stemming from being isolated at home. The fact is that a rapidly expanding workforce would drive the economic growth that Labour has promised – and which the country desperately needs. Lord Saatchi says it’s time for a radical new approach and greater independence for all And, perhaps most notably, there would be a dramatic fall in immigration. Such reforms would mean less need for immigrants to take the jobs that those who already live here have little incentive to fill. All this can happen only if Britain returns to traditional Conservative values: hard work, enterprise, fair pay and meritocracy. Those ought to be Labour values, too. But the Starmer government won power on the back of a cold calculation: the State buys popularity through benefit payments of one kind or another. Worse, Labour’s undeclared dream is for the majority of people’s income to be taken in tax. Eventually, that could get to the point where almost everyone is obliged to call on the State for assistance. This is little more than economic enslavement – in which the Government makes itself master by using the tax benefit system as a whip. The result, of course, isn’t economic growth, despite all the promises Reeves has made to business leaders. Instead, there is demoralisation. All surveys confirm that Britain has felt ‘worse off’ since Labour came to power – and very few people expect things to get any better in the next five years. But how can the national picture improve – when millions feel working will make them even poorer? A report by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn found that in the Yorkshire town of Barnsley, 70 per cent of people claiming sickness benefits said they wanted to work – but only ten per cent were actively in contact with employment services. How frustrating for them, and expensive for the rest of us. This madness suits nobody except self-serving Labour politicians. There are three million people of working age claiming sickness benefits, up by one million in just five years. A Channel 4 Dispatches documentary this month, Britain’s Benefits Scandal, spoke to people in Hull trapped on welfare benefits. A man called Michael said he’d applied to train as a plasterer but had to withdraw when told that, as soon as he began his apprenticeship, his benefits would stop. He wants to earn a living in a much-needed profession – but how is he supposed to eat or pay the rent while he learns? Gavin, a taxi-driver, contacted the Department for Work and Pensions to say he no longer needed sickness benefits. He was told to wait for reassessment. Three years later, he is still waiting... with the money still pouring in. This chaos cannot go on. The tax system should be a social glue – a means of binding the country together while enabling people to live better lives. But now it is little more than a political weapon. It’s time for a radical new approach and greater independence for all. The power of taxation can be used to the benefit of everyone – before that dole queue starts forming again to remind Sir Keir Starmer that he is not working. • Lord (Maurice) Saatchi was chairman of the Conservative party from 2003 to 2005. Labour Keir Starmer Margaret Thatcher Share or comment on this article: Tax-obsessed Labour won't like it... but my radical plan to stop the poor paying any tax AT ALL would benefit every one of us, by LORD SAATCHI e-mail Add comment More top storiesNYT Strands December 29, 2024: Clues, answers, Spangram for today

Gun found on suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO matches shell casings at scene, police say ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — New York City’s police commissioner says the gun found on the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO matches shell casings found at the crime scene. Commissioner Jessica Tisch also said Wednesday that lab results matched suspect Luigi Mangione’s prints to a water bottle and a snack bar wrapper found near the scene of the killing. Police had said earlier that they believed the gunman bought the items at a nearby coffee shop while awaiting his target. Mangione is jailed in Pennsylvania on weapon and forgery charges, but he also has been charged in New York with murder in Brian Thompson's death. His lawyer has noted that Mangione is presumed innocent. Authorities are scrutinizing evidence and the suspect’s experiences with the health care industry. Arguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer a glimpse into an unusual American moment Memes and online posts in support of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who's charged with killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO, have mushroomed online. Some cast Mangione as a hero. That's too far, says Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a rising Democrat who was almost the Democratic vice presidential nominee this year. CEO Brian Thompson's death touched off off these ripples. They offer a glimpse into how so many different aspects of 21st-century life can be surreally connected, from public violence to politics, from health care to humor, or attempts at it. FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in January WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray says he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January. The announcement Wednesday comes a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the position. His impending resignation will bring him three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations. Trump applauded the news Wednesday, saying it will end the weaponization of what he called the “Department of Injustice.” Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Atmospheric river brings weather whiplash to East Coast as bomb cyclone develops PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The East Coast is experiencing a whiplash-inducing stretch of weather. That's due in part to an atmospheric river and developing bomb cyclone. The storm is bringing heavy rain and fierce winds to many areas until Wednesday night, and flooding is possible. Utilities geared up for potential power outages from damage caused by winds that may exceed 60 mph. Forecasters say one of the key factors driving the weather is an atmospheric river, which is a long band of water vapor that can transport moisture from the tropics to more northern areas. US warns Russia may be ready to use new lethal missile against Ukraine again in 'coming days' WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says Russia could launch its lethal new intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine again soon. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh cited a U.S. intelligence assessment in telling reporters on Wednesday that an attack could come “in the coming days.” She says the U.S. does not consider the Oreshnik missile a game changer on the battlefield. But that Russia is using the weapon to intimidate Ukraine as both sides wrestle for an advantage that will give them leverage in any negotiations to end the war. The Russian Defense Ministry also is warning it may retaliate against Kyiv for an attack on a military base in the Rostov region in southern Russia on Wednesday. Israeli strikes on Gaza kill at least 33 including children, Palestinian medics say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medical officials say Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 33 people. One of the strikes hit a home where displaced people were sheltering in the isolated north, killing 19. A separate strike outside nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital killed a woman and her two children, and another strike in central Gaza killed at least seven people. Israel's military says it tries to avoid harming civilians and accuses militants of hiding among them, putting their lives in danger. Local health officials say Israel’s retaliatory offensive after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 has killed over 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Hannah Kobayashi, missing Hawaii woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search, is found safe LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe. That’s according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Kobayashi vanished last month in Los Angeles. The missing Hawaii woman's disappearance prompted a massive search and a missing persons investigation. It was not immediately clear where she was found, but police previously said she had voluntarily crossed the border into Mexico. The LAPD said Wednesday the department will wrap up its investigation. Kobayashi's family reported her missing to law enforcement on Nov. 11 after relatives received “strange and cryptic, just alarming” text messages. Kobayashi’s mother and sister said they are “grateful” she has been found safe. Syrians flock to morgues looking for loved ones who perished in Assad's prisons DAMASCUS (AP) — Many bodies have been found in Syrian detention centers and prisons since President Bashar al-Assad's government fell. Now Syrians around the world are circulating images of the corpses in hopes that they will see slain loved ones whose fate had been a mystery. At the morgue visited by The Associated Press on Wednesday in Damascus, families flocked to a wall where some of the pictures were pinned in a haunting gallery of the dead. Relatives desperately scanned the images for a recognizable face. Some of the prisoners died just weeks ago. Others perished months earlier. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly? ZURICH (AP) — Saudi Arabia scored a major win in its campaign to attract major sports events to the kingdom when it was formally appointed as the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday. Still, many questions remain about the tournament. Key issues include during which part of the year to stage the tournament, where to play the games, whether alcohol will be allowed at all and how to protect workers rights in the massive construction projects required to host the World Cup.With eye on NBA Cup quarters, Knicks face lowly Pelicans

Nikolas Lemmel says his online reputation firm Maximatic Media were called in by a London restaurant - who do not wish to be named - when they found their business targeted by online gangsters. He claims a shell-shocked London restaurant owner woke to find a barrage of one-star reviews had dragged her Google rating from 4.9 to 2.3 virtually overnight. Nikolas says the scathing reviews accused the independent eatery as being racist, giving guests food poisoning and offering all-round poor service. The owner then received an anonymous email from the review-bombing mafia to claim responsibility and demand £10,000 in cryptocurrency Bitcoin. He explains the attackers were using AI-powered bot farms across the world to dupe Google into thinking they were legitimate customers writing reviews from London on a smartphone. Maximatic Media worked with Google to remove the fake reviews and built a digital strategy that encouraged loyal customers to write positive ones. It's claimed they restored the restaurant's Google profile to a 4.8-star rating within a month and the establishment hasn't been contacted by the gang since. Google claim they use a combination of technology, expert analysts, and community reports to tackle fraudulent content and insist perpetrators can face account suspension and even legal action. Nikolas says he's witnessing a scary rise in automated attacks that put livelihoods in limbo. However he warned there isn't much you can do to stop this kind of attack and internet users should pray it doesn't happen to them. Nikolas said: “Usually we see competitors attempting to decrease the standing of a business within the eyes of a local customer base but this was an outside party. They were trying to extort money to remove these reviews. “They were like a review-bombing mafia. They were using bot farms to mask the IP address of the accounts and emulate a mobile device that was in the area of the restaurant. Usually if someone was to leave a review from a different country then it would be easy to get it removed but in this case it was a lot more difficult. She was extremely thankful that we got all of those reviews down and she didn't succumb to the extortion attempt. “There weren't many precautions she could have taken to stop the review-bombing mafia from demolishing her rating. There isn't much you can do other than pray you don't become a victim of this sort of attempt. It's scary. Unless your business is within the IT field this is above a lot of people's pay grades and that's why it's hard to work out where it's coming from or how to stop it. It's important people reach out to specialists in these sorts of situations because it's a tailored approach depending on what's happening.” If you see a business get hundreds of reviews within seconds then that's a very easy tell-tale sign that it's probably being targeted by an automated attack. Maximatic Media was founded in 2020 to help small businesses manage their online reputation through targeted PR strategies. Nikolas says they've recently ramped up their crisis-management work to combat online villains abusing modern technology to target businesses. He says the AI mafia continued to flood the restaurant with negative reviews while they worked with Google to remove them but over time they decreased. The owner was encouraged to post a statement on social media outlining what had happened and to contact loyal customers with incentives to support her during the difficult time. New positive reviews helped turn the tide against the attackers and restore the restaurant's reputation for the grateful owner. Nikolas believes many platforms and websites don't have the capabilities to deal with complex AI attacks yet and fears the attacks are becoming more complex. Nikolas said: “We've seen a rise of these sorts of situations where businesses are repeatedly facing these risks of having their livelihoods put into this limbo zone. It is something many websites and platforms are working on making improvements in but sadly the attacks are also becoming increasingly complex and advanced too so it's a never-ending game of catch-up.” A spokesperson for Google said: Our policies clearly state reviews must be based on real experiences and information, and we use a combination of technology, expert analysts, and community reports to monitor for fraudulent content. When we find scammers trying to mislead people, we take action ranging from content removal to account suspension and even litigation. You can find out more at the Maximatic Media website .

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets might be dealing with an opponent even tougher to overcome than their poor play, missed opportunities and ill-timed mistakes. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson suggested last Sunday a losing “gene” might be an explanation for after the team dropped to 3-10 with a loss at Miami. On Wednesday, Aaron Rodgers presented another perhaps more sinister reason. “I mean, it might be something like that,” the quarterback said of Wilson’s theory. “It might be some sort of curse we’ve got to snap as well.” Generations of frustrated Jets fans have half-jokingly insisted there have been negative forces at work against the franchise since Joe Namath delivered on his Super Bowl guarantee in January 1969. It remains the team’s only appearance in the NFL’s biggest game. Rodgers has been there once — and won — with Green Bay. The 41-year-old quarterback came to New York hoping to finally lead the Jets back to the Super Bowl. He even commented on how lonely the team’s only Lombardi Trophy looked during his introductory news conference 20 months ago. Instead, Rodgers’ first season in New York was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon just four snaps in, immediately resurrecting “curse” theories among jaded Jets fans. With its loss last Sunday, New York extended its playoff drought to 14 straight years, the longest active skid among the major North American sports leagues. And the team will be looking for a new general manager and coach after this season, and Rodgers’ future in New York is very much up in the air. “Whatever the case, this team, this organization is going to figure out how to get over the hump at some point,” Rodgers said. “The culture is built by the players. There’s a framework set down by the organization, by the upper ups, by the staff. But in the end, it’s the players that make it come to life. “And at some point, everybody’s going to have to figure out what that special sauce is to turn those games that should be wins into wins.” The Jets have held the lead in the fourth quarter in five games this season. They’ve lost each of them, including the past three games. New York’s inability to come away with wins in those prompted Wilson’s “gene” theory. “I’m not exactly sure what he was talking about there,” Rodgers said with a smile. “I don’t know what the proper nomenclature is for the situation where we’ve lost some leads or haven’t been able to take the lead late in the game, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. We haven’t been great in situational football. “A lot of those games come down to the plays in the first and second, even third quarter, where if you make the play the game is not in that situation. But in those situations, we haven’t been very good on offense or defense or even (special) teams.” Rodgers said “it takes a conscious effort, it takes an intentional effort” to establish a winning culture, and it includes leadership, practice habits and setting standards inside and outside of the locker room. And this year’s Jets, Rodgers said, are “on the edge” of that. “We just haven’t quite figured out how to get that special sauce worked out, mixed up,” he said. “It’s close and a lot of great guys are in the locker room. There’s some good mix of veterans and young guys, but we just haven’t quite put it all together.” ___ AP NFL:Global Mining Truck Market To Reach $37.39 Billion By 2028 With A Growth Rate Of 6.4%

Canadian ministers met Trump aides over tariff risks, immigrationDALLAS — Petra and the Beast , one of Dallas' most acclaimed restaurants led by James Beard Award finalist Misti Norris, announced it would be closing its location on Abrams Road, and the final dinner service was scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 29. "This decision wasn’t made lightly, and while it’s bittersweet, it’s also a moment of reflection and growth," Norris wrote on Facebook . "While this chapter is coming to an end, I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons I’ve learned. Petra taught me so much about what matters most to me as a chef and as a storyteller." Norris said when the restaurant moved into its larger space, Petra "lost the soul that made it so special: The intimacy, the romance, and the storytelling that defined the old Petra were hard to preserve." Norris said she looks forward to moving into a new space. With a heavy heart, I’m announcing that the last dinner service at Petra will take place on Sunday 12/29. This decision... More Texas headlines : Related Articles Purple tree in North Texas honors teen's struggle, raises fentanyl awareness North Texas companies among major donors to Trump's inauguration Stein: Luka Doncic's home burglarized, police report saysThree episodes into Dexter: Original Sin , it’s clear the show has a good sense of humor about itself — this episode has a lot of talking-parrot moments — and also isn’t afraid to embrace the gruesomeness of the original series. But as we delve further into flashbacks involving Harry and his doomed informant, Laura Moser, it’s becoming less clear what story the show is trying to tell that we don’t already know. At least “Miami Vice” delivers a brand-new victim for Dexter’s burgeoning serial-killer journey, not to mention the first time I’ve seen a jai alai ball used as a weapon in anything. The episode begins with a press conference about Judge Powell’s son, Jimmy, who is still missing, minus the severed finger. Miami Metro is on high alert, with Harry particularly concerned about how the whole situation might trigger Dexter. (Harry’s misunderstanding of how past the point of no return Dex is kind of irks me — like, you did train him to be a serial killer!) But the cops are also on edge thanks to the arrival of a new detective, Maria LaGuerta, played here by Christina Milian. She’s transferred over after a scathing opinion piece lambasting the department for its abysmal clearance rate when it comes to N.H.I. (No Humans Involved) victims: drug users, sex workers, and the homeless. Good for her, even if this particular storyline does feel quite progressive for 1991 Miami. Dexter is still interested in finding Jimmy’s kidnapper, but his primary focus is “Handsome Tony” Ferrer, the loan shark he’s decided to make his second victim. Because of the code, Dex has to be sure anyone he kills is actually guilty of murder, so he begins his own investigation. That involves breaking into Ferrer’s house and getting startled by a parrot who keeps saying, “Honey, I’m home.” (Dexter’s voiceover replies, “Polly want a killer?” Cute.) Dex finds Ferrer’s book of clients, and he’s able to determine that there have been disappearances and deaths tied to Handsome Tony’s aggressive collection tactics. But he’ll need more concrete information before he can make his move. Back at home, Dexter is cooking breakfast for dinner — we even get an origin story for the opening credits! — when Debra and Sofia arrive, with Sofia wearing Nurse Mary’s earrings. Dex is horrified to see his murder trophies on his sister’s bestie’s ears, but of course she takes his interest in her jewelry as flirtation. Harry is equally distressed when he learns the truth, reiterating that the first rule of the code is not getting caught. But he’s specifically upset to discover that his serial killer son is doing serial killer things. (Harry! Catch up!) Dexter demands that Deb get the earrings back from Sofia, and she agrees to help ... if he can score her some coke for her volleyball team party. In the episode’s silliest storyline, Debra wants to make playoff captain to win a scholarship to FSU, but she’s in a tight competition with the cooler, richer Tiff, so she’s promised cocaine to the rest of the team to earn their votes. It’s like an R-rated family-sitcom plot. Dexter has more pressing concerns, however, namely killing Ferrer. After Masuka hooks him up with a fake ID — turns out “Patrick Bateman” was his earliest alias, and a very timely one, since American Psycho came out in March 1991 — Dexter heads to a jai alai game. There, he strikes up a conversation with Ferrer and pretty quickly asks to borrow some money. Handsome Tony gives him $500 but makes it clear there will be severe consequences if he can’t meet the payment schedule. While Dex swears he’s going to use the money for a job interview, he takes some of it to buy Sofia replacement earrings at Limited Too. This is Deb’s plan to get the Nurse Mary earrings back after Dexter smartly lies and says he had bought them as a gift for their mother, so they have sentimental value. He also makes the wise choice to not procure actual cocaine for his teen sister and her friends, instead whipping up a concoction of crushed caffeine pills and benzocaine that should be able to fool a bunch of high-schoolers. At Ernie’s Taproom, Dexter makes sure that Ferrer sees him lose money at pool, so that when the loan shark tries to collect, Dex can explain that he just lost what he was about to pay him. Ferrer takes Dexter outside, and kudos to our budding sociopath for his brilliant performance as someone genuinely fearful for his life. In what seems like a very risky plan, he coerces Ferrer into firing a warning shot — the man loves warning shots! — into a tree. Dex recovers the bullet and is able to use Miami Metro forensics lab technology to compare it to the bullet that killed Rene’s mother. He calmly explains this all to Harry, noting that the code has now been satisfied, and he has free rein to kill Ferrer. Harry thinks Nurse Mary would be enough (what show are you watching!) and then offers to come with Dexter to keep him safe. I am having some serious concerns about this man’s judgment. Thankfully, Dex insists that he’s killing Handsome Tony tonight and doing it solo — but Harry says everything his son does will now have to go through him first. When Ferrer arrives home that evening, he’s surprised to find his beloved parrot out of her cage — but he’s even more startled by Dexter, who somehow manages to subdue him with a chokehold. (I’m not sure I buy Young Dexter being this efficient at overpowering a violent criminal, but whatever, this is not a documentary.) Dex also frees the “honey, I’m home” parrot with a poignant, “Find yourself a new home, honey.” I love his whimsy. He’s a lot more serious once he has Ferrer on the kill table, confronting him about his past crimes and even lobbing a jai alai ball right into his face. (Easter egg alert: It cuts his cheek much like Dexter will later do with his scalpel.) Handsome Tony naturally offers Dex money for his life, but that was never going to work. “I’ve got an itch that money can’t scratch,” Dexter tells him before going in for the kill. Dexter’s prep work and second murder take up the bulk of “Miami Vice,” but we also get ample flashbacks throughout. Harry has gotten Laura to start selling drugs to high-end buyers, all to attract the attention of Estrada, Miami Metro’s ultimate target. He even puts a wire on her when she meets with Councilman Aldana, assuring her that “You’re making Miami safer for everyone, for your boys.” (Dramatic irony!) Laura’s odd behavior soon gets clocked by the higher-ups, and she’s picked up by Santos, who starts driving her to the shipping yard (with a frantic Harry in pursuit). Those of us who know what Santos eventually does to Laura in a shipping yard have alarm bells going off, but we’re not at that point in the story yet — and Laura is surprisingly adept at talking her way out of trouble. Harry realizes he’s overly attached to his informant, though he turns down her sexual advances. I realize that prequels are tough in that the events are already prescribed, but the Harry-Laura scenes, in particular, feel like they’re dragging the show down. I’m just not sure what these flashbacks are meant to unlock about Harry beyond the fact that he made a lot of reckless choices and is, on some cosmic level, responsible for Dexter becoming who he is. That’s information we’re getting in Original Sin ’s main timeline and something we already knew from the parent series. Perhaps there’s a twist ahead that will make it all worthwhile — until then, I’ll remain more interested in Dexter’s storyline. After killing Ferrer, he dumps his body parts in Alligator Alley: “Alligators eating alligator shoes ... circle of life.” Unfortunately for Dex, Tony’s arm floats up out of the water after he’s gone, so Ferrer’s murder is likely to become a case for Miami Metro. Sounds like a crime Detective LaGuerta might be very keen on solving. • LaGuerta is here, and not a moment too soon. Lauren Vélez is a tough act to follow, but we’ll see what Christina Milian brings to the table. • Meanwhile, I remain concerned about Tanya’s longevity. I winced when she said, “It’s a fucked-up world, Dexter. Glad you’re team Miami Metro.” Just sounds like the kind of thing she’ll come to regret later! On the other hand, this show needs to give SMG more juicier material, and having her square off against Dex would be a delight to watch. • Even though her storyline in this episode is goofy, it’s nice to see Deb and her brother getting along. That was a core part of the original series and the sibling rivalry stuff can get tiresome pretty quickly. • At the same time, I don’t buy the one-sided Sofia romance at all. It’s not that Patrick Gibson isn’t dreamy; it’s just that Dexter’s awkwardness and borderline asexuality make it hard to believe a 17-year-old would throw herself at him with, “God, you are so fucking sexy.” When he responds to her kiss with a fist bump, that should be the end of it, but Debra certainly thinks Sofia and Dexter are dating now. • Shoutout to the effects team for some really impressive grotesquerie, including Ferrer’s severed head at the end of the episode. The original Dexter did a good job of balancing humor and gore — and finding the humor in gore — so it’s nice to see the spinoff doing the same. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.