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2 player poker game WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees . But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin topped $100,000 for the first time as a massive rally in the world's most popular cryptocurrency, largely accelerated by the election of Donald Trump, rolls on. The cryptocurrency officially to rose six figures Wednesday night, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin has soared since Trump won the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5. The asset climbed from $69,374 on Election Day, hitting as high as $103,713 Wednesday, according to CoinDesk. And the latest all-time high arrives just two years after bitcoin dropped below $17,000 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. Bitcoin fell below $102,000 by midday Thursday, but its price is still up nearly 7% over the last day. Even amid a massive rally that has more than doubled the value of bitcoin this year, some experts continue to warn of investment risks around the asset, which has quite a volatile history. Here’s what you need to know. Cryptocurrency has been around for a while now. But chances are you’ve heard about it more and more over the last few years. In basic terms, cryptocurrency is digital money. This kind of currency is designed to work through an online network without a central authority — meaning it’s typically not backed by any government or banking institution — and transactions get recorded with technology called a blockchain. Bitcoin is the largest and oldest cryptocurrency, although other assets like ethereum, XRP, tether and dogecoin have also gained popularity over the years. Some investors see cryptocurrency as a “digital alternative” to traditional money, but the large majority of daily financial transactions are still conducted using fiat currencies such as the dollar. Also, bitcoin can be very volatile, with its price reliant on larger market conditions. A lot of the recent action has to do with the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Trump, who was once a crypto skeptic, has pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he courted fans at a bitcoin conference in July. He also launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture with family members to trade cryptocurrencies. On Thursday morning, hours after bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark, Trump congratulated “BITCOINERS” on his social media platform Truth Social. He also appeared to take credit for the recent rally, writing, “YOU’RE WELCOME!!!” Top crypto players welcomed Trump’s election victory last month, in hopes that he would be able to push through legislative and regulatory changes that they’ve long lobbied for — which, generally speaking, aim for an increased sense of legitimacy without too much red tape. Trump made a move in that direction Wednesday when he said he intends to nominate Atkins to chair the SEC. Atkins was an SEC commissioner during the presidency of George W. Bush. In the years since leaving the agency, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. He joined the Token Alliance, a cryptocurrency advocacy organization, in 2017. Under current chair Gary Gensler, who will step down when Trump takes office, the SEC has cracked down on the crypto industry — penalizing a number of companies for violating securities laws. Gensler has also faced ample criticism from industry players in the process. One crypto-friendly move the SEC did make under Gensler was the approval in January of spot bitcoin ETFs, or exchange trade funds, which allow investors to have a stake in bitcoin without directly buying it. The spot ETFs were the dominant driver of bitcoin's price before Trump's win — but, like much of the crypto’s recent momentum, saw record inflows postelection. Bitcoin surpassing the coveted $100,000 mark has left much of the crypto world buzzing. “What we’re seeing isn’t just a rally — it’s a fundamental transformation of bitcoin’s place in the financial system,” Nathan McCauley, CEO and co-founder of crypto custodian Anchorage Digital, said in a statement — while pointing to the growth of who's entering the market, particularly with rising institutional adoption. Still, others note that the new heights of bitcoin's price don't necessarily mean the asset is going mainstream. The $100,000 level is “merely a psychological factor and ultimately just a number,” Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at British investment company AJ Bell, wrote in a Thursday commentary. That being said, bitcoin could keep climbing to more and more all-time highs — particularly if Trump makes good on his promises for more crypto-friendly regulation once in office. If Trump actually makes a bitcoin reserve, for example, supply changes could also propel the price forward. Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is never promised. Worldwide regulatory uncertainties and environmental concerns around bitcoin “mining" — the creation of new bitcoin, which consumes a lot of energy — are among factors that analysts like Coatsworth note could hamper future growth. And, as still a relatively-young asset with a history of volatility, longer-term adoption has yet to be seen through. Today's excitement around bitcoin may make many who aren't already in the space want to get in on the action, but experts continue to stress caution around crypto “FOMO," or the fear of missing out, especially for small-pocketed investors. “A lot of people have got rich from the cryptocurrency soaring in value this year, but this high-risk asset isn’t suitable for everyone,” Coatsworth noted Thursday. “It’s volatile, unpredictable and is driven by speculation, none of which makes for a sleep-at-night investment.” In short, history shows you can lose money in crypto as quickly as you’ve made it. Long-term price behavior relies on larger market conditions. Trading continues at all hours, every day. Coatsworth points to recent research from the Bank for International Settlements, a Switzerland-based global organization of central banks, which found that about three-quarters of retail buyers on crypto exchange apps likely lost money on their bitcoin investments between 2015 and 2022. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bitcoin stood at just over $5,000. Its price climbed to nearly $69,000 by November 2021, during high demand for technology assets, but later crashed during an aggressive series of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. And the late-2022 collapse of FTX significantly undermined confidence in crypto overall, with bitcoin falling below $17,000. Investors began returning in large numbers as inflation started to cool — and gains skyrocketed on the anticipation and then early success of spot ETFs, and again, now the post-election frenzy. But lighter regulation from the coming Trump administration could also mean less guardrails. “I would say, keep it simple. And don’t take on more risk than you can afford to,” Adam Morgan McCarthy, a research analyst at Kaiko, previously told The Associated Press — adding that there isn’t a “magic eight ball” to know for certain what comes next. This story has been corrected to refer to Anchorage Digital as a crypto custodian, not a crypto asset manager.

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has played down a message on social media by Julio Enciso after he was left out of the squad for the 3-1 defeat at Fulham . Enciso, pictured at the gym at the club’s training centre earlier today, stated: “Let no one extinguish your desire to achieve your dreams.” Advertisement Hurzeler, speaking after his side’s third league loss of the season at Craven Cottage said: “For sure I’m aware (of the posting). Julio is a young player, an important player. he has big dreams, wants to achieve things and he shows his willingness. I’m a big fan of this. “But in the end, I am the coach and I need to make tough decisions. I’ve said before this season it would be tough, because we have a big squad with a lot of offensive players. “Today it was case of going without Julio, but he is a player for us and we treat him like that. He is doing well in training and trying to improve, which is very positive.” Enciso has not started a Premier League game under Hurzeler, having been limited to seven substitute appearances in the first 14 games of the season. The 20-year-old was praised by Hurzeler last month for asking to play in the under-21s. He had 45 minutes in a 2-0 win against Anderlecht, a week after scoring a late equaliser for Paraguay in a 1-1 draw against Bolivia in South American World Cup qualifying. Enciso missed Brighton ’s pre-season tour of Japan in July after lobbying owner-chairman Tony Bloom to be allowed to represent his country in the Olympic Games in France, rather than taking an early opportunity to impress Hurzeler following the 31-year-old German’s June move from St Pauli. GO DEEPER Enciso is fulfilling his Olympics dream - but what will it mean for him and Brighton? (Top photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Enhances Winter Preparedness with Comprehensive Snow and Ice Response Plan 12-05-2024 11:24 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire PBOT unveils its Snow and Ice Response Plan to ensure safe winter travel in Portland. The plan includes resources like the Winter Weather Center and support from local businesses like Harlan Law Firm for weather-related incidents. Portland, OR - As winter approaches, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) [ https://www.portland.gov/transportation/weather/snow-ice ] is proactively implementing its Snow and Ice Response Plan to ensure the safety and mobility of all Portland residents during severe weather conditions. This initiative underscores PBOT's commitment to maintaining accessible transportation routes and providing essential services throughout the winter season. Key Components of PBOT's Winter Preparedness Plan: * 24/7 Operations: PBOT crews are prepared to work around the clock to clear hazards from city streets and keep emergency routes open during winter storms. * Designated Snow and Ice Routes: The bureau focuses on maintaining critical roads that serve police and fire stations, hospitals, schools, frequent bus routes, the downtown core, and central business districts-comprising about one-third of the city's street grid. * Public Transit Encouragement: To reduce accidents and bottlenecks, PBOT discourages private vehicle use during severe weather and encourages reliance on mass transit options. * Public Resources and Alerts: PBOT offers resources like the Winter Weather Center, which provides real-time information on plow activity, road closures, and traffic cameras. Residents are encouraged to sign up for PBOT alerts via text or email and follow @PBOTInfo on social media for the latest updates. Safety Recommendations for Residents: * Plan Ahead: Create an emergency plan with family and co-workers, stock up on necessary supplies, and prepare to work from home or use public transit during severe weather. * Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and PBOT communications to stay updated on road conditions and travel advisories. * Travel with Caution: If necessary, use public transit when possible. Drivers should equip their vehicles with snow chains and carry an emergency weather kit. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear appropriate gear and be vigilant of road conditions. * Property Maintenance: Property owners, tenants, and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks and driveways of snow and ice and warning the public about potential overhead hazards such as falling snow or ice. In case of accidents caused by icy roads or other winter hazards, residents can contact Harlan Law Firm [ https://maps.app.goo.gl/wG9rH8nAuDXFeDcL7 ], a trusted legal resource in the Portland area specializing in personal injury cases. Their experienced team can guide and support those affected by winter-related incidents. PBOT remains dedicated to collaborating with the community to navigate the challenges of winter weather effectively. By adhering to the Snow and Ice Response Plan and following recommended safety practices, Portlanders can contribute to a safer and more resilient city during winter. Please visit the PBOT Winter Weather Center for more detailed information on PBOT's winter weather resources and to access the Winter Weather Center. About PBOT: The Portland Bureau of Transportation manages the city's transportation system and is a community partner in shaping a livable city. PBOT plans, builds, operates, and maintains an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. About Harlan Law Firm: Serving Vancouver, WA [ https://harlanlaw.net/practice-areas/personal-injury/ ], and Portland, OR [ https://harlanlaw.net/practice-areas/personal-injury-portland-or/ ], Harlan Law Firm specializes in personal injury cases, including those arising from winter weather conditions [ https://harlanlaw.net/how-winter-weather-impacts-personal-injury-cases-in-vancouver-wa-and-portland-or/ ]. Our team has the experience and dedication to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on recovery. Media Contact Company Name: Harlan Law Firm Contact Person: Beau Harlan Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=portland-bureau-of-transportation-pbot-enhances-winter-preparedness-with-comprehensive-snow-and-ice-response-plan ] Phone: (360) 735-8200 Address:612 E. McLoughlin Blvd City: Vancouver State: WA Country: United States Website: https://harlanlaw.net This release was published on openPR.DETROIT — In the end, the amount and way the Red Wings were losing lately was simply too much to ignore. And with that, the Wings fired coach Derek Lalonde and replaced him with former San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan on Thursday. In a release just after noon, the Wings announced that Steve Yzerman, the Wings’ executive vice-president and general manager, named McLellan the team’s 29th head coach in franchise history and signed McLellan to a multi-year contract. The Wings also hired Trent Yawney as an assistant coach, replacing Bob Boughner, another former Sharks head coach who oversaw the defense and penalty-kill. McLellan will be behind the bench Friday, as the Wings return from the three-day NHL holiday break to host Toronto. Yzerman and McLellan will address the media on Friday. McLellan is San Jose’s all-time winningest coach, compiling a 311-155-63 mark over seven full seasons from 2008-15. He won three Pacific Division titles and had a 30-32 record in the postseason, reaching the conference finals in 2010 and 2011. McLellan’s Sharks teams finished with more than 100 points four times, winning the President’s Trophy in the 2008-09 season that also saw McLellan named a finalist for the Jack Adams Trophy as coach of the year. The Wings have struggled to a 13-17-4 record, good for 30 points, just two points above Buffalo for last place in the Eastern Conference. They trail Ottawa by eight points (38-30) for the final of two Eastern Conference wild-card positions. After just missing the playoffs last spring on the final night of the season on a tiebreaker, the Wings struggled from the start this season. They lost three of their first four games and have struggled mightily to get to, or above, the .500 mark ever since. The Wings have lost their last three games, and the way they did likely pushed Yzerman to replace Lalonde. The Wings let a third-period lead slip away at Little Caesars on Dec. 20 to Montreal and lost, 4-3, then lost the next night in Montreal, 5-1, watching the Canadiens score the last five goals consecutively with not a ton of pushback. Monday, the Wings were shut, 4-0, at LCA, looking listless, at times. The Wings were serenaded with a loud chorus of boos after each period, culminating with a lot of pent-up frustration at the end of the game. Lalonde, 52, ended his Wings career with an 89-86-23 record. This was his first NHL head-coaching job, and he was in his third season guiding the Wings. After last season’s exciting finish and near-playoff miss, there was plenty of optimism heading into this Wings season. The team’s overall defense needed to improve, and scoring was expected to be an issue because of the personnel losses the Wings had, but the roster appeared to be competitive. But Lalonde wasn’t able to appreciably fix any of the problem areas. The Wings rank 25th in goals-against (3.26), only slightly better than last season’s final average (3.35). Scoring goals has been a larger-than-expected issue. With the departures of Jake Walman, Shayne Gostisbehere, David Perron, Robby Fabbri and Daniel Sprong, the Wings were hoping for internal improvement, but it hasn’t happened. They currently rank 29th, at 2.56 goals scored per game (the Wings were 13th last season, scoring 3.12 goals per game). Add to that, a dismal penalty kill that ranks 31st (68.8%), and it’s made for a frustrating season. In steps McLellan, 57, who was an assistant coach under Mike Babcock from 2005-08. Yzerman, incidentally, was the captain in his final playing season and first season for McLellan in Detroit under Babcock. McLellan has 16 seasons of NHL head-coaching experience, posting a 598-412-134 regular-season record and a 42-46 postseason mark with the Los Angeles Kings (2019-24), Edmonton Oilers (2015-19) and Sharks (2008-15). His 598 regular-season wins are ranked 24th in NHL history and sixth-most among active coaches behind Paul Maurice (891), Lindy Ruff (876), Peter Laviolette (823), John Tortorella (757) and Peter DeBoer (632). Teams coached by McLellan have reached the 50-win mark three times and the 100-point plateau six times. McLellan’s teams have also advanced to the Stanley Cup playoffs nine times, including six consecutive postseason appearances with the Sharks. Known as an upbeat coach with strong communication skills, McLellan is regarded as an effective coach of young players dating back to a successful junior hockey coaching career. McLellan, along with Yzerman, will be under increasing pressure to end a Wings’ streak of not making the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons. Only Buffalo, at 13 seasons, has a longer current streak.

( MENAFN - IANS) Aden, Dec 27 (IANS) Israeli airstrikes targeted key infrastructure and Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen's capital Sanaa and Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, according to media reports. The strikes reportedly hit Sanaa International Airport and Hezyaz power station, both located in areas under the control of the Houthi group. Simultaneously, additional targets in Hodeidah were also subjected to Israeli airstrikes, Xinhua news agency reported. The airstrikes coincided with a televised speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. Israel's state-owned Kan TV also reported that Israel launched an intense air attack targeting Sanaa and Hodeidah. Citing an anonymous Israeli official, Kan TV reported that Israeli warplanes carried out several waves of airstrikes, focusing on Sanaa's airport and Hodeidah's port. Footage circulating on social media showed large explosions, with black smoke and fire rising above buildings in Yemen. The strikes were carried out based on an assessment that Houthi forces intended to escalate their attacks on Israel and shipping routes, the Israeli broadcaster said. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Thursday that it launched "intelligence-based" airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled military targets on Yemen's western coast and inland Yemen. The Israeli warplanes hit Houthi-used infrastructures in the Sanaa International Airport, and the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power stations, both located in Houthi-controlled areas, as well as the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib on the western coast, the military said in a statement, claiming that those sites were used by Houthis to smuggle Iranian weapons into the region and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Footage circulating on social media showed large explosions, with black smoke and fire rising above buildings in Yemen. Jamal Amer, foreign minister of the unrecognized Houthi government, said on social media platform X that the Israeli attack on the Sanaa International Airport killed two employees and injured a few others, including the assistant captain of a UN plane that was about to transport UN officials, including World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Amer said that the WHO chief was present in the VIP lounge of the airport when the strikes occurred, and that no immediate information has been provided on his condition. An official of the Houthis told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that 10 Israeli airstrikes destroyed fighter jets and helicopters stationed inside the al-Dailami Air Force Base adjoining the airport, which has been rendered non-operational. MENAFN26122024000231011071ID1109033633 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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Hut 8 Operations Update for November 2024Nina Goodwin, 40, wanted a maximum of two kids and never planned to have any in her 40s. Then, her first daughter was born with Down Syndrome. She didn't want her second daughter to be responsible her sister's care. Advertisement This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nina Goodwin. It has been edited for length and clarity. I never initially planned to have a baby in my 40s . Related Video Why one mother fled Texas to keep her child safe In fact, as I already had two kids and had never actually wanted a third, it was never something I thought I'd find myself pining for and trying so hard for — even at risk to my own health. My husband, Will, had wanted a big family . Two was my limit. I remember saying, "I'm the one who's got to carry that child." Everything changed when I gave birth to my first beautiful daughter, Mabel. We were told she has Down Syndrome . I found the shock and grief quite overwhelming. Advertisement I was focused on her Back then, the idea of having three kids was out of the question. All I could think about was how am I even going to parent this one child? The thought of having any more with the risk of them also being neurodivergent was too unbearable to imagine. Related stories Then, I connected with the Down Syndrome community and started processing it. I noticed many Down Syndrome kids had lots of siblings. I learned how they have more support and love the social aspect of being surrounded by people they trust and who love them. I wanted Mabel to grow up with a brother or sister who shared a close bond so she wouldn't feel isolated. So, along came Nancy. Advertisement I liked that she was another girl; it meant she'd be caring toward Mabel. My second child helped me a lot We knew there'd come a time when Nancy's development would overtake her older sister's. That's already happened — Mabel is 7, and Nancy is 5. If I can't get Mabel to do anything, you can guarantee Nancy will do it. She'll dress her. Put her on the toilet. Read to her. Mabel always says, "You be mom, Nancy, you be mom!" But as I saw this unfolding, I had a darker realization. Advertisement If Mabel was already seeing Nancy as a second mom, I saw that play out in the future. I didn't want all the burden of care to fall on Nancy for the rest of her life. What if something happened to me and Will, and she felt duty-bound to be Mabel's carer forever? Or when we naturally go, and all our kids outlive us? I didn't want Nancy to feel shackled. It made me feel guilty. Maybe Nancy will happily be the sibling carer. But maybe she wants to be a free spirit and travel the world, doing all the things young people should have the freedom to do. Yet she feels she has to compromise those dreams to care for her sister as her parents age, become more frail, and then die. Nancy never chose that for herself. I was maybe catastrophizing, but the guilt ate me up. Advertisement And so along came Edith, who's now 4 months old. People didn't understand why I wanted a 3rd It was a traumatic journey to have Edith. At first, some friends didn't understand why I'd have a third when I already found it tough having two kids and a full time banking job. I was determined, though. I had three miscarriages before having Edith. Physically and mentally, my body's really been through it, so I haven't come out of this pregnancy in great mental health. I don't feel seven years older than when I first became a mom; I feel 20 years older. It'll get better; I'm just trying to get used to life as a family of five. Advertisement The upside is that the crushing guilt I felt lifted the minute Edith arrived, and I relaxed a bit. Of course, Edith may also want to be her own person. But now the responsibility of care for Mabel is shared after I'm no longer here or able. Some of the grief about giving birth to a disabled child — which is taboo to discuss — has also been healed as a result. I feel terrible using the words "burden" or "responsibility," especially because Mabel may also develop into a very independent person. As the girls age, my message for them about Mabel will be the same as any mom's message to her kids: look after each other. Advertisement Financially, we've set up a trust for Mabel so she can do what she enjoys. She might want to go to college, or go on holidays, or go to raves. Ultimately, I want all my daughters to do two things in life: fulfill their potential and be happy. Now I have three — against all odds — I really feel I've done all I can to set them up for that.

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Enhances Winter Preparedness with Comprehensive Snow and Ice Response Plan

NCSOFT seeks rebound with spinoffs, restructuringWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect pick for intelligence chief fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about amid the of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm . Related Articles But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser.

Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst noncommittal on Trump's nomination to U.S. Defense Department

Tests keep coming for Auburn and Duke, who collide at Cameron Indoor Stadium in a typical prove-it game in a rare environment on Wednesday night. No. 2 Auburn and No. 9 Duke square off less than one month into the season as two of the most battle-tested teams in basketball. They're matched as one of the marquee games in the crossover showcase known as the ACC-SEC Challenge. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Clubs Casino compiled a ranking of the 10 biggest tournament cash prizes in poker history (adjusted for inflation) using data from The Hendon Mob. Click for more. The 10 biggest tournament cash prizes recorded in poker history

Disney’s “The Lion King” prequel rebounded on Christmas Day to overtake “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and win the holiday box-office with a $14.7 million haul on Wednesday – easily pushing the blue blur aside at $10.3 million. In fact, the SEGA game inspired film had to settle for third with the arrival of “Nosferatu” taking a big bite at the box-office – drawing $11.55 million from the necks of moviegoers on Wednesday. As such, it’s looking like “Mufasa” could hit closer to $80 million for the five-day Wednesday-Sunday holiday stretch. “Sonic” will likely come in second with just over $50 million and “Nosferatu” is headed for third with a $42 million take over that period – a good haul for a film with a $50 million budget. Fourth went to “A Complete Unknown,” the Bob Dylan biopic took in $7.2 million on Christmas Day (including Christmas Eve previews), while “Wicked” scored $5.4 million and “Moana 2” took $4.2 million. The films are looking to take $22 million, $26 million and $20 million respectively for their five-day hauls. A24’s Nicole Kidman erotic thriller “Babygirl” did $1.5 million on Christmas Day to take seventh while “The Fire Inside” did $1.25 million for eighth. Christmas Day ended up being a big draw day for crowds with $62 million spent at the domestic box-office – a 148% surge over Christmas Eve. Further details, including international numbers, will be reported over the weekend.

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Credo Reports Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results