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Donald Trump is set to return to the White House for a second term with a Republican Trifecta allowing him to pursue his agenda. The policy decisions he will make beginning January 20, whether on the US economy, global geopolitics, his dealings with Iran, US tariffs or his relationship with Europe, will heavily influence how global economic growth will pan out next year. Europe, where growth has remained muted this year, is bracing for a transactional relationship with the incoming US administration. China, whose economic momentum was underwhelming in 2024, is signalling it is ready for a cordial trade relationship with the world’s biggest economy, but it is equally ready for a war of tariffs. Analysts say that people nominated by Mr Trump to run departments including treasury and trade tow the tagline of “America First” and will remain at the front and centre of decision-making once he assumes control of the Oval Office. “Donald Trump will pursue the campaign’s focal points at a fast pace in the first two years before the midterm elections change the composition of the Congress again,” says Nannette Hechler-Fayd’herbe, head of investment strategy, sustainability and research at Swiss wealth manager Lombard Odier. “This means many decrees in January and changes to US foreign policy, trade policy, migration policy, deregulation and more.” The world economy has so far remained resilient, although increasingly uneven across geographies, despite a significant rise in geopolitical risks in the Middle East and escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war in the past few months. The International Monetary Fund expects global growth next year to at least maintain the current level, however, the win of Mr Trump has added new dynamics, as the policy directions in the US are historically important for the global economy. In its pre-Trump win forecast in October, the IMF maintained its 2024 and next year global economic growth projection of 3.2 per cent amid softening inflation. However, the Washington-based fund warned of “a high degree of uncertainty” casting shadows on the outlook. “The magnitude of the impact of Mr Trump’s decisions on the global order will likely be larger than most expect,” Norman Villamin, group chief strategist at Swiss private bank UBP, says. Beyond the IMF’s one-year projections, the global economy is facing a feeble period of medium-term growth. It also made “sizeable downside” revisions to low-income and developing countries, due to intensifying conflicts. For many advanced and emerging market economies, the five-year forecast is weaker than the one-year forecast, “suggesting that persistent headwinds to growth will remain prevalent over the medium term”, IMF director of research Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said at the time. “We do not look for global growth to necessarily accelerate but we see it holding close to steady near current levels. However, growth is likely to improve from low levels in some economies such as Japan and the eurozone,” says Karine Kheirallah, managing director and head of investment strategy and research for the Middle East and Africa at State Street Global Advisers. Analysts say the global economy is already in choppy waters and is bound to face challenges without Mr Trump in power. Although the global economy skirted an energy price-driven recession last year, “there is a [still a] lingering recession risk”, Daniel Murray, deputy chief investment officer and global head of research at EFG Asset Management, says. “It is notable that the EU economy looks structurally very weak while some delinquency and default rates are on the rise in the US. And, of course, it is possible that China fails to deliver on its promised and expected stimulus packages.” All eyes will also remain fixed on how the US Federal Reserve will introduce rate cuts going forward amid anticipated expansionary policies of the new administration. Already, the Fed doesn’t appear in a rush to lower its benchmark rate, which can potentially impact how central banks around the world shape their monetary policy decisions. “The economy is not sending any signals that we need to be in a hurry to lower rates,” Fed chairman, Jerome Powell said earlier this month. Julius Baer chief economist David Kohl, in a recent co-authored note, said higher growth and inflation, as well as a more deficit-financed fiscal policy, have reduced the Fed’s scope for rate cuts. “We expect the Fed to pause at a Fed Funds target rate level of 4 per cent,” he said. With Mr Powell publicly stating the US election results would not affect monetary policy and that the Fed would respond as needed to changes in fiscal policy, once those fiscal changes are clear, the 25 basis point cut in December was “a coin toss due to the potential re-acceleration of inflation”, Saira Malik, chief investment officer at $1.3 trillion asset manager Nuveen, says. “The 100 basis points of cuts in 2025 may also be optimistic.” Mr Murray from EFG Asset management agrees, saying “US rate expectations have been highly volatile this year and that is expected to continue”, however, the market is “currently pricing three Fed rate cuts from here to the end of 2025”. Expectations for the European Central Bank are “more reasonable with five or six rate cuts forecast to the end of next year”. While the Bank of England is more closely aligned with the Fed, the Bank of Japan is a rare regulator, which is currently in the “hiking mode”, he adds. The anticipated economic policy actions by the incoming US administration would also likely transpire into quicker growth and “sticky inflation” that will not drop below this year’s levels. “This will probably prevent the Fed from cutting Fed fund rates all the way to estimated neutral levels,” says Ms Hechler-Fayd’herbe, who is also Lombard’s chief investment officer for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa region. “For the rest of the world, it means marginally less growth and therefore deeper central bank rate cuts as well as other stimulative measures and weaker currencies. In other words, Donald Trump’s policies are quite critical for the outlook for 2025.” Even without Mr Trump’s expected expansionary policies, UBP projects US inflation to bottom in early 2025 near 2 per cent and rebound by year-end to close to 3 per cent. “Depending on the timing and magnitude of the fiscal efforts rolled out by the incoming administration, a further impetus to this troughing in inflation we expect may emerge in 2025,” says Mr Villamin. “Markets are already beginning to price this prospect, both [in terms of] pricing rate cuts from the US Fed as well as pushing longer-term bond yields higher in late-2024.” Analysts say it is too early to estimate if the Trump administration’s push for balanced trade with the world would turn out to be a repeat of the retaliatory war, which the world endured during his first presidency. However, his nomination of Howard Lutnick, co-chair of his transition team, as his commerce secretary is an indication of a tougher stance on China. The US could impose about 40 per cent tariffs on imports from China next year, potentially cutting growth in the world’s second-biggest economy by up to a percentage point. However, the new administration will resist starting off with blanket 60 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods, a Reuters poll of economists showed. Mr Trump ran for office on the pledge that he would impose hefty tariffs on Chinese imports. He engaged in a tariff war and levied additional duties on goods from Europe, Canada and countries elsewhere in the world. His campaign promises of America First in trade are causing unease among US trade partners globally. “The extent to which Mr Trump’s policies will impact the rest of the world will depend primarily on how aggressively his trade team seek to redress US imbalances with other parts of the world. The higher and more wide-reaching the tariffs, the greater will the impact be,” Mr Murray says. Mr Trump has already said he would hit China, Mexico and Canada with new tariffs the very first day of his presidency. He plans to sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from Mexico and Canada, and will charge China an additional 10 per cent tariff, “above any additional tariffs”. At the end of November, Mr Trump threatened the Brics nations with 100 per cent tariffs if they moved against the US dollar. “The idea that the Brics countries are trying to move away from the dollar while we stand by and watch is over,” Mr Trump said on the Truth Social network. “We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new Brics currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar or, they will face 100 per cent tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy.” Geopolitics and the continuing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East remain among the biggest threats to the global economy next year. Although Mr Trump has pledged to end both wars after taking office in January, how successful he will be in his efforts remains to be seen. “There is clearly a risk that the situation in Ukraine does not get resolved and escalates, involving Nato troops on the ground,” Mr Murray says. “Similarly, the situation in the Middle East could deteriorate, for example, if one of the countries at the centre of the situation miscalculates in terms of the scale of retaliatory strikes.” The potential of the Israel-Gaza war turning into a pan-regional conflict involving Israel, Iran and Tehran-backed militias is a lingering threat to global energy supplies from the Middle East, home to some of the world’s largest crude exporters. Iran this year has twice launched barrages of missiles on sites in Israel, for killing senior leaders of the Iran-back Hezbollah’s leaders in Tehran and Lebanon. Israel in retaliation has hit military targets in Iran. The more than a year-long war has spilt beyond the Gaza borders into Lebanon where the civil population paid a heavy price of constant Israeli attacks and air strikes until a ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Lebanon at the end of last month. The economic impact of the war is already evident. The IMF has lowered its outlook for the Middle East and North Africa region by 0.6 per cent for this year from its April forecast to 2.1 per cent, underpinned by Saudi Arabia’s oil production cuts and the conflicts in the region. “Markets hate uncertainty, and while fundamentals are most important for investors, geopolitical tensions and military conflicts can’t be ignored and are undoubtedly some of the biggest challenges for the global economy and investors to navigate going into 2025,” Ms Malik says. After a stellar year in 2023, equity markets have been on the rise this year, driven higher by a multitude of factors, including bumper profits. Stocks hit multiple record highs before the November 5 presidential run for the White House and have not eased after the Republican control of Washington. Benchmark S&P 500 index has gained more than 25 per cent this year, on track for a second year of returns above 20 per cent – a run that’s occurred just four times in the past 100 years. Nasdaq has risen by 28 per cent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index has rallied more than 19 per cent since the beginning of this year. However, analysts are sceptical if markets will be able to deliver a third year of stellar returns, despite Mr Trump’s pro-growth and expansionary policies. “US equity markets have delivered nearly 25 per cent returns in not only 2024, but also in the year prior ... [with] another year of 20 per cent returns unlikely in 2025,” Mr Villamin says, adding that markets rarely outpace returns of two good years in a third consecutive year. “Only in 2021 amid pandemic-era quantitative easing did the S&P 500’s nearly 27 per cent price returns outpace the already strong 22 per cent [compound annual growth rate] returns seen in the prior two years.” Though company fundamentals will be the guiding yardstick for investors, policy action by the Trump administration could also determine investment trends in certain segments of the US market. “While market valuations and company-specific fundamentals are more important than politics, we think the change to a Republican administration is likely to result in a shift in the regulatory environment for the financial, energy and healthcare sectors,” says Ms Malik. “We may also see increased investment in traditional oil and gas exploration, which would serve as a relative benefit to those areas of the market.” EFG Asset Management expects Mr Trump’s pro-growth and low regulation policies to probably provide a tailwind to US markets next year. “We expect returns to be more broadly based, in contrast with the concentrated returns of this year [and] small and mid-cap [stocks] could do better in such a situation,” says Mr Murray. “It may be the case that the headline indices do not move by that much because the larger weighted stocks are rangebound, while there is a high proportion of stocks in the index with lower market caps that do relatively well.” Source: The NationalBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Justice Shoats had 18 points in Siena's 66-53 victory against Canisius on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Justice Shoats had 18 points in Siena's 66-53 victory against Canisius on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Justice Shoats had 18 points in Siena’s 66-53 victory against Canisius on Sunday. Shoats shot 6 of 15 from the field, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 6 from the free-throw line for the Saints (5-5, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Brendan Coyle scored 17 points and added nine rebounds. Major Freeman had 14 points and shot 5 for 9 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Paul McMillan IV led the Golden Griffins (0-10, 0-2) in scoring, finishing with 22 points and four assists. Jasman Sangha added 11 points and two steals for Canisius. Tana Kopa finished with six points. The Golden Griffins have lost 11 consecutive games, dating to a 72-56 defeat at the hands of Quinnipiac in the 2024 MAAC Tournament. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementFrustrated by ever-changing algorithms and limited visibility, the creator landscape in 2025 will be fuelled by the 3 D’s: data, direct messaging and durable partnerships . This is according to Tom Zsomborgi, CBO at Kinsta . Zsomborgi, together with Erin Gagnon, general manager of affiliate marketing platform BrandCycle , have explained to Digital Journal their predictions about how creators and brands are expected navigate the next 12 months. Beginning with Gagnon, the expert says we need to look towards Telegram, stating: “We’re seeing a shift not just with mass media publishers, but also among influencers who are increasingly turning to direct messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Frustrated by algorithms that can delay or limit the visibility of their content, creators are seeking dedicated channels where their followers can reliably see everything they share.” As to where else things may head, Gagnon notes: “This trend is especially effective for influencers using affiliate models, as it allows them to perfectly time their messages and pair them with strong calls to action—whether promoting a flash sale, product launch, or special offer.” Affiliate partnerships will prioritize stable rates over commissions Zsomborgi daws his attention to affiliate partnerships, explaining: “Affiliate partnerships are evolving beyond commissions alone. High-value influencers now prefer a stable rate, regardless of sales numbers, emphasizing quality over quick conversions. This reflects a new standard in affiliate marketing where content creators focus on reputation and long-term brand alignment.” Creators will turn to data for competitive advantage With the patterns to be adopted by creators, Gagnon predicts: “Next year, we’ll see affiliate creators gain a competitive edge through access to detailed sales data, empowering them to better understand and serve their audiences. While campaigns and collaborations that align with creators’ personal brands will remain popular in 2025, those relying solely on brand partnerships or sponsored posts may lack access to the valuable and timely insights affiliate creators can tap into.” As to the consequences of such measures, Gagnon thinks:” This data-driven approach positions affiliate creators for greater success in refining strategies and optimizing earnings next year.” Brand Awareness > Direct Sales Boosting the brand becomes very more important, explains Zsomborgi: “With the rise of ad blockers and reduced data visibility, brand awareness is becoming essential for success in affiliate marketing across both B2C and B2B. While B2C brands can still leverage influencers to drive direct sales for impulse buyers, B2B will need to focus on brand building and long-term engagement. The shift away from direct sales tactics means that creating an unforgettable brand presence is now crucial to keep customers coming back.” Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside of a hotel in Manhattan. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. First 12-team College Football Playoff set, Oregon seeded No. 1 and SMU edges Alabama for last spot SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs (11-2), losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama (9-3) of the SEC but one fewer loss. The first-of-its-kind 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, has died at 100
Navitas Semiconductor director Hendrix sells $88,914 in stock
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Businessmen Panel (BMP) on Sunday urged the government to ensure smooth gas supply to the local as well as the export industry so that local production and the exports could not be suffered, which have just started to show a positive trend after a long time. Expressing serious concerns over the threats of gas supply termination and notices of additional security payment by the SNGPL the FPCCI former president and BMP Chairman Mian Anjum Nisar argued that at a time when the exports data have showed some growth the government agencies, instead of taking business-friendly measures, are creating hurdles for the industry. He quoted the latest exports data and said the exports of readymade garments rose 23.17pc by value in the first quarter and 16.16pc by quantity, while knitwear rose 14.13pc by value and 2.17pc by quantity while bedwear posted a growth of 13.31pc in value and a growth of 14.55pc in quantity, which is an encouraging sign. The government should extend its full support to continue this positive trend of exports growth through uninterrupted gas supply to the captive power plants at afforadable and competitive rates. Mian Anjum Nisar called for swift implementation of a system based on modern technology for the selection and transmission of low-cost electricity. He wanted to complete all measures for the reform of the power sector within the specified timeline. He warned that the continued escalation of energy prices could result in the closure of industries, amplifying unemployment rates and diminishing Pakistan’s export capabilities. He emphasized the need for the government to explore and provide affordable energy alternatives for the industry, stressed that such measures are crucial for ensuring the competitiveness of Pakistani products in the global market. As the industrial sector grapples with the ramifications of the gas price hike, the BMP leader’s stance advocates for the preservation of industrial stability and the prevention of potential economic setbacks for Pakistan. He said that the repeated increase in the gas and electricity prices to an unbearable level by the government has left the trade and industry uncompetitive, blaming it for trapping the country in the IMF plans. Strongly opposing gas price surge, he said that the gas tariff hike has threatened the industrial sector, besides increasing unemployment, saying that the every government had poor economic policies that unleashed the free fall of rupee against the dollar, ensuing in input cost escalation to pull down the manufacturing growth. He demanded the government to take back the decision of hike in gas tariff in the larger interest of national economy and to save the industries from collapse. He warned that if the decision is not withdrawn the industries will close down, resulting in decline in exports and mass unemployment.
As 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the pet products that have truly stood out this year. From innovative gadgets to cozy comforts, these editor-approved picks include something for both dogs and cats. Best of all, most of these items are on sale right now, so it’s easier than ever to treat your furry friends (and yourself) to the best—all conveniently available on Amazon! Let’s talk enrichment for your four-legged friend. This , cleverly designed to rock and roll, is not merely a distraction but a mental workout for your dog. With room for dry treats or kibble, it’s a game of discovery that tailors to canine instincts. It’s conveniently top-rack dishwasher and freezer-safe too. It’s fun, developmental, and refreshingly earth-conscious. One more thing ticked off your list. Picture this: a , fit for every canine pal out there, from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane, and every beloved mutt in between. Its retractable design is your secret to fun, tangle-free outings with your four-legged friend while the quick-lock braking system puts you at the helm, controlling leash lengths at your whimsy. Nighttime walks just got safer with the reflective safety ring and leash tape that ensures visibility. Modern pet parenthood gets a stylish upgrade with this . Choose your personal design, engrave it, make it unique, et voila! A 32oz or 64oz bowl large enough to accommodate food, water, kibble, treats— anything a doggo or kitten heart desires. The best part? An anti-skid rubber ring at the base preventing those oh-so-familiar mealtime messes. Effortless and hassle-free canine potty training? It’s not a myth anymore. Welcome to the dynamic world of the . This intuitive instrument for your furry comrade gives them the ability to signify their restroom needs without the tiresome barking, scratching, or whining we’ve all grown to dread. Easy-to-install and versatile for indoor and outdoor use. Let’s make those stressful days a remnant of the past and embrace the tranquil toilet training era. Train smart, not hard. Take the guesswork out of your fur-buddy’s life with an insightful . Offering insights on a staggering 270+ health conditions, this tool empowers you to be proactive in your pup’s health, jet-boosting your way into early prevention strategies. Additionally, tapping into a database of 350+ breeds, you’ll unpack your pet’s lineage in fascinating detail. Beyond his charming looks, you can explore 55 different traits— shedding habits included! Experience fuss-free hydration for you and your furry friend using this dual-purpose gadget. An impressive 24-oz remains chilled for over 12 hours while also housing a handy 8-oz silicone boot for your pup’s thirst quenching needs. Now, relish those long walks knowing both you and your dog lead the pack in cool comfort! Establish a fuss-free feeding routine with our . It’s fail-safe with anti-jam technology and a safe feeding door. Triple seal freshness locks and desiccant compartments protect food from going stale. This dependable feeder can run on both power cable and batteries, never letting your pet miss a meal. Its tech-savvy features keep you inform of their feeding habits and allow you to customize feeding schedules. Embrace an odorless home with the complete . With a UV light to hunt hidden stains and a pet odor eliminator dispensing sweet citrus scents, you can confidently tackle any malodorous challenge. This product goes beyond household cleaning, making it equally effective for outdoor odors on your garments and trashcans. It’s user-friendly too, a simple shake, spray, and dry is all it takes. Who’s got time for fiddly ear cleanings? Not us, and certainly not our furry friends. These jumbo-sized, oatmeal-scented are here to change the game. They sweep away stubborn wax and lingering odors, all without causing a mess or discomfort. And the best part? They’re hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and packed with soothing aloe vera and chamomile. Feel that dread crawl up when you hear the word ‘litter-box’? Trust me, we’ve all been there. But take a glance at this open-top with an extended capacity. Finally, a litter box that adapts to your busy schedule and multi-cat household. It’s designed with an inclusive sizing and ensures a stress-free environment for your feline. What’s more? It even lets you track your cat’s bathroom habits. As if that’s not enough, it has a self-cleaning feature and a ‘Pull and Wrap’ system, ensuring your home stays fresh. Delight in a fresher, cleaner home with our powerful . A clever cocktail of activated charcoal and baking soda eradicates roughly 96.6% of unpleasantries, ensuring constant freshness in your living space. Crafted from 100% natural minerals, the litter forms clumps swiftly and powerfully, demonstrating an impressive 517% boost to clumping efficiency and subsequently making your life infinitely easier. The dust-free formula safeguards both your lungs and your cat’s tiny nostrils, and neatly sidesteps the pervasive dust issue. When it comes to pet upkeep, nothing quite hits the mark like . Let’s be frank, loose hair is a nightmare but don’t sweat, as this tool brushes through it like a dream, and works wonders on all furry friends – dogs, cats, and even rabbits. The dual-sided design means detangling and shedding is a one-two step process. It comes in handy for all coat types, ensuring stress-free and comfortable grooming. Here’s cheering to healthier pets and cleaner homes! Unleash a box of fun with this fantastic combo of and a sturdy cardboard scratch pad. An irresistible treat for your furry friend, these donut delights are infused with organic, chemical-free catnip sure to captivate your cat’s senses. Plus, with the inclusion of a scratch pad, this box doubles as a wonderful solution to meet your cat’s natural scratching urge. It’s exercise, play and a healthy bite of fun, all wrapped in one neat package. Ever been caught in a fluff-storm after a grooming session with your furry friend? This is where this ultra-quiet comes into play. It takes the fuss out of grooming and, with its 7 diverse attachments, effortlessly allows you to brush, detangle, deshed, trim, and even dry your pet! Thanks to the SilentGroom tech, your pet remains at ease, while the potent motor and HEPA filtration system ensure a near-perfect capture of hair, dust, dander, and pesky fleas. Here’s an unmissable treat for your furry friends: an . This product is packed with ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter for soothing relief to cracked skin – no harsh chemicals in sight. It’s a quick fix: just apply, massage for instant comfort, and watch your pet’s happiness bloom. Perfect for healing the toll of seasonal weather on delicate paws, it’s an utterly indulgent remedy for both cats and dogs. Peace of mind in a small tin! Thirst can strike your best bud anywhere–on a hike, during a road trip, or while playing fetch at the park. That’s where this light, foldable, 20-ounce comes in! With a single squeeze, your pet is hydrated, and a release ensures no H20 is wasted. Its brilliant leak-resistant composition ensures a mess-free experience. Crafted from safe, BPA-free, food-grade silicone, it’s top-rack dishwasher friendly and slips easily into cup holders. A carabiner completes the package, making it simple to tote along. Watering your pet has never been this refreshing and effortless. Think your training sessions with your furry friend could use a little spice? Flutter in with the that seamlessly dispenses kibble, adding a burst of fun to your playdates or obedience drills. Crafted from safe, food-grade silicone, this trusty treat pouch ensures durability and boasts controlled dispensing so your pet stays adequately rewarded yet healthy. With a handy carabiner, it hooks onto your belt for rewarding on the run and sports a one-hand operation for uninterrupted fun. It’s effortless, efficient, and seriously entertaining. Let’s be honest, our fluffy companions leave their mark wherever they go. Enter the ultimate – forget those lint rollers of yesteryear. This reusable, no-adhesive roller is poised to rescue your furniture, cars, and carpets from the relentless pet hair siege. Whisk away cat and dog hair with ease, and relax in your freshly reclaimed, fur-free spaces. Its convenient built-in receptacle makes cleanup a breeze – simply press, empty, and go again. Embrace the furry love, not the furry clutter! Looking for a game-changer in maintaining your furniture’s prime condition? Enter, this generously sized . It deters your feline friends from turning your beloved furniture into their makeshift scratching posts while preserving the texture of the fabric, thus giving your investment a fighting chance against those excited claws. However, leather-owners, take a raincheck. Equipped with an easy-to-install self-adhesive pad and supportive twist pins, it’s as low maintenance as it gets. Improve the security of your feline friend with this nifty . This chic accessory is not only fashionable, but also practical – easily housing an Air Tag and boasting a reflective tag for after-dark visibility. The one-size-fits-all design is adjustable from 8.2-inch to 13.7-inch, and its durable Velcro pocket ensures tag safety. Whisking away matted fur from your beloved pets should never be a hun-drum task, thanks to the two-in-one marvel of this . Designed smartly with 9 teeth for soothing de-matting and 17 teeth for efficient thinning and de-shedding, it’s your magic wand for all pet grooming. Its uniquely rounded teeth promise to keep your pet’s skin unscathed and pampered. Fancy a pet-friendly, all-in-one product? Meet the . One application ticks all boxes: it cleans, deodorizes, detangles, moisturizes, and conditions your dog’s coat. It’s all-natural, with an impressive 98.25% of ingredients sourced sustainably. Expect a clean, shiny, and ultra-soft coat, thanks to the miraculous mix of oats and aloe. Ideal for any breed or age over 12 weeks, bonus—it’s free from dyes, MEA, DEA, sulfates, and parabens. Pampering your pet with a blend of prebiotics and probiotics isn’t only indulgent, it’s smart. The canny formula that goes into provides valuable support to your four-legged buddy’s gut and immune system. It uses an effective prebiotic to foster good gut bacteria growth, and a probiotic thrown into the mix ensures smooth digestion and a balanced gut. This is the secret to a healthier pet that deals with fewer environmental stressors and diet changes. You and your pup know what’s essential: comfort, style, and a whole lot of coziness. Enter this extra large, , expertly topped with long-haired faux fur that’s tail-wagging good. It’s a total fit for any home, gracing your couch, bed, car, or dog crate with its luxe feel. Not only does it give your four-legged friend an exquisite snuggly spot, but its non-slip, multilayer bottom keeps your furniture untouched. Plus, staying clean is a breeze! Just unzip, toss in the machine on a gentle cycle, and let it air dry. At ease, pet lovers! Rejoice in an upgraded grooming solution that feels just like a warm, soothing massage delivered by 255 enhanced silicone tips. These easy-fit, brush away grime and ragged curls from your cherished fuzzy companion, effortlessly reaching even those elusive spots like the tail or face. Importantly, a gentle stroke will suffice, no more painful fur removal or unwanted skin scratching. Designed to suit all, with an adjustable wrist strap accentuating the comfort each use. Meet the , your new ally against pesky pet hair. Multitasking is its middle name, with a dual-sided design catering to both thick and thin fabrics. With 50% more grips than similar options, this brush drastically cuts clean-up time. It fearlessly banishes hair from couches, carpets, car interiors – you name it. And durability? It’s covered with interchangeable rubber strips. It’s an essential tool for pet owners, making life just that bit easier. Let’s face it, pet parenting can be stressful. But, a little help never goes amiss, right? These compact, with cranberry extract are made for just that – lending you a helping paw. Geared to bolster your pet’s urinary tract health, our drops are easy to administer; no tussle or fuss. Ideal as a natural dietary aid for kittens to adult dogs up to 36lbs. Misery strikes your heart every time you see your old pal stumped by joint pains. Wouldn’t it be nice to ease all that with a yummy snack? Just a few of these can turn the limping around. They’re packed with joint-soothing compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, plus anti-inflammatory turmeric. Crafted to be effective and safe, these treats are perfection—all-natural, No-GMO, and stripped of unnecessary sugars. Ideal for our pawesome friends of all sizes, they’re a tasty, healthier alternative to the traditional, chewable supplement. Brimming with dual-sided brilliance, this efficiently de-clogs your pet’s coat from stubborn mats and tangles, while effortlessly thinning it out. Sharp yet generously rounded teeth ensures unhindered removal of knots and loose hair, without the risk of irritation. Light as air itself with an anti-slip grip, this brush never strays as you groom. Double-coated, thick-furred pets? Fear not. This tool is a godsend, skillfully eliminating hidden dander and dirt. Keep those puppy-dog eyes gleaming. If mucus buildup or red, runny eyes are a constant worry, then this is your friend in need. See it work away tear stains and dissolve crusty discharges with subtle efficiency. Convenient for a daily de-rustle or urgent uses, the antibacterial formula ensures an itch-free, clear-eyed look. Inject a dash of fun and friendly competition into your canine companionship with an . This pet accessory enhances your bond, promotes interactive play, and steps up your dog’s excitement level. It has an ergonomic design that affords you a worry-free tug-of-war session as it ensures safety for your hand from dog’s teeth. Goodness in a bottle – Picture this: your four-legged companion bounding around with the energy of a puppy again. That’s the magic of this . It combines Green Lipped Mussel and Boswellia Serrata, powerhouses of joint health. The blend promotes cartilage development, eases stiffness and enhances overall bone strength. Thoughtfully sourced from non-GMO ingredients and proudly made in the USA, it’s the perfect tool to keep your dog active and happy. Every dog owner knows the thrill their pooch gets from a car ride. But an unrestrained pup can cause dangerous distractions. No need to worry though! Secure your furry friend with this . Made with a solid metal buckle and featuring an Aviation Aluminum carabiner clip, it can withstand a force of over 850+ lbs, offering your dog the security needed to safely enjoy the ride. The best part? It’s adjustable from 16 to 26 inches, ensuring comfort whether your dog wishes to sit, stand, or lay down. Chin up, pet lovers! This raised is here to enhance your furry friend’s dining experience significantly. Its intelligent design ensures food stays centralized, diminishing the struggle of reaching those last kibbles. An ingenious inner lip means no more accidental spills, translating to pristine floors and less clean-up for you. What’s more? It’s crafted from non-absorbent porcelain – both dishwasher and microwave safe. Now, that’s practical, efficient, and stylish! You’ll love these that transform tedious grooming sessions into a breeze. Comprising of naturally-sourced Iceland fish oil, these essentials are compatible with all breeds and ages and come in an easy-to-use pump. Apart from reducing shedding, they replenish the skin and fur making your feline pal appear plush and healthy. The plus point? These products are sustainability sourced, toxin-free, and can help combat allergies and itchiness. Reinvent their grooming routine – make it less messy, more fulfilling. Peeling mounds of pet hair off your favorite chair can be frustrating, but not anymore! Let’s address those daily grooming tasks with ease using this upgraded . Doubling as a bath brush, it gently massages your pet while detangling hair – catering to long, short or curly haired pets alike. The best part? Shedding hair sticks easily to the glove, making disposal a breeze. There’s a surge of joy that comes from watching your canine buddy effortlessly snatch a flying disc mid-air. These promise just that—a blend of durability to sustain eager chomps and lightweight design for impressive flight distances. The added thrill? They float, making them a perfect beach fetch toy! Vibrantly colored, they are easy to spot across distances, while their aerodynamic design maximizes your throw precision. Caught in a tug-of-war struggle of providing a healthy yet satisfying treat for your dog? Trust us, these all-natural, will get their tails wagging in delight. A perfect package of flavour, health, and novelty, it’s a 2-in-1 treat packed with the delightful blend of grass-fed cattle meat and bone. Slow-dried to seal in nutrients, it’s devoid of any artificial nasties. Add a breeze to your pet-caring routine with these . A specially designed brush prevents coat damage while an electric clipper makes grooming straightforward. For an added touch, a nozzle tool and cleaning brush tackle pet hair scattered around your home. Minimize trips to the bin with the substantial 2L dust cup, and give your best friend the haircut they deserve with an array of guard combs. Engineered with a low-noise design, the grooming session becomes a fear-free zone. A detachable soft hose ensures a gentle touch, and the included storage rack tidies up post-groom, keeping everything neatly in place. Admit it, Fido making a mess of his food gets under your skin. Cue this savvy – complete with a spill-containment silicone tray and anti-slide design. Say ‘peace-out’ to your pooch scattering kibble like confetti and hello to a cleaner eating area. Stainless steel bowls offer durability and simplicity (hello, dishwasher-friendly!). Perfect for small dogs and fussy felines alike, it makes feeding not just a task but a convenience. Paws down, this trio of are set to revolutionize your pet-loving life. Designed specifically for varied fabric types, you’ll be skimming hair off everything from rugs to car seats – and those formerly hair-clad clothes? Consider them reborn! Time-saving and infinitely reusable, they’ve got brains and beauty. And forget batteries, rolls or bags; their efficiency is matched only by their simplicity. A must-have in every home – these pet hair removers offer the bliss of a fur-free existence. You, the pet owner, are exhausted. Clingy pets are not a cute sight, particularly when you’re out and about. Here’s your answer – a that fits snugly around your body. It’s a practical width and depth with a secure, long shoulder strap. The security clasp is a genius addition, saying “no” to escape artists under 12 pounds. The material? Breathable, and effortlessly cleanable – because pets aren’t always dust-free angels. When out and about with your furry friend, let’s champion the cause for a cleaner environment by choosing . These sturdy bags are 100% leak-proof, ensuring a mess-free experience. Compact to tote, these extra-long, robust bags are made from 65% post-consumer recycled plastic, giving landfill-bound plastics a second life. They neatly roll out, tear off easily and even let you know when you’re getting low. Truly a dog-walking essential! Nurturing your young fur baby or aiding an elderly canine companion? Make way for this super-efficient . It’s a power pack brimming with proteins, fats, and essential vitamins, literally stepping in as mother nature to fill nutritional gaps. Add to that: supplementary digestive enzymes and immunoglobulin for digestive health, plus calcium for sturdy bones and sparkling teeth. Bonus? It’s tasty and extra digestible. Crafted in GMP-certified conditions, it’s safe and top-grade. Living the pet parent life can be a sneeze-filled saga if you’re amongst the 10% of Americans grappling with pet allergies, and our feline friends seem to be the regular culprits. Here’s a solution to keep the wheezes at bay – a simple, safe . This powerful concoction, recommended by leading veterinarians and allergists, binds and removes pesky allergy-causing proteins, reducing dander levels considerably, even in those finicky furballs that detest bathtime. With easy-to-use mitt and sprayer options, this non-toxic, vitamin-infused product might just be the secret to an allergy-free home. Imagine keeping your four-legged friend close and safe, while also granting them freedom to explore with our . Its unique quick-lock braking system provides effortless length control while the 360° tangle-free swivel clip bends to each exuberant leap or sniff. Combine this with the integrated poop bag holder for easy clean-ups, and our sophisticated leash transforms your daily walks, effortlessly tailoring to both large breeds and the smallest of pups. Just the ticket for thirsty pups on the go, this cleverly designed 22 oz is a boon. Hiking or hitting the road, your one-handed operation allows for minimal water wastage and maximum refreshments. Releasing your grip sends water back into the bottle – genius, right? A leak-tight shut-off valve keeps things dry when not in use, and it’s even car cup holder compatible. Plus, it’s BPA free and delightfully dishwasher safe. Now that’s making hydration a walk in the park! Own a feline? Consider the luxury of a foldable, . Intended for your convenience, the compact design can accommodate two cats and a travel litter box. A waterproof fleece mat takes the stress off of cleaning, and the large, mesh panels ensure optimal ventilation. Safe and reliable, the cage includes nifty zipper locks to prevent any curious paws from escaping. Talk about a game-changer. These slick and sturdy are designed for that dreaded pet owner task. Don’t sweat the mess – with these bags’ smart tab design and top-grade material, you’re handling it like a pro. The best part? You’re also doing Mother Nature a solid with this eco-conscious choice. These bags pack a punch even beyond poop patrol – think cat litter and other pet cleanup. Behold, the two-in-one secret weapon every pet parent needs. An effective that doubles as a pet brush, offering an easy and efficient way to keep your clothes, furniture and car free from fur. Crafted using a durable 100mm stainless steel blade and comfortable plastic handle, this versatile device is gentle on your pet’s skin, stimulating natural oil production for a healthier, shinier coat.Juve deepen Man City crisis, Barcelona into Champions League knockouts
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Middle East. Biden spoke at the White House hours after rebel groups completed a takeover of the country following more than a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership by Assad and his family . Biden said the United States was monitoring reports of the whereabouts of Assad, with Russian state media saying he had fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump were working to make sense of new threats and opportunities across the Middle East. Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria's backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad's grip on power. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East," Biden said, after a meeting with his national security team. Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled because close ally Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer.” Those comments on Trump's social media platform came a day after he used another post to decry the possibility of the U.S. intervening militarily in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT." The Biden administration said it had no intention of intervening. The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Biden said he intended for those troops to remain, adding that U.S. forces on Sunday conducted “precision air strikes" on IS camps and operations in Syria. U.S. Central Command said the operation hit more than 75 targets. “We’re clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try and take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its credibility, and create a safe haven," Biden said, using a different acronym for the group. "We will not let that happen.” The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , which the U.S. says is a terrorist organization with links to al-Qaida, although the group says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida. “We will remain vigilant,” Biden said. “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.” He added that the groups are “saying the right things now.” “But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions,” Biden said. A senior Biden administration official, when asked about contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders after Assad's departure, said Washington was in contact with Syrian groups of all kinds. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the situation and spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the U.S. has focused over the past several days on chemical weapons that had been controlled by the Assad government, aiming to ensure they were secured. Still, Assad's fall adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts — including Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and its fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Like Biden, Trump, who takes office in five-plus weeks, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and Russia's war in Ukraine , noting that Assad's allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now.” Vice President-elect JD Vance , a veteran of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, wrote on social media Sunday to express skepticism about the insurgents. “Many of ‘the rebels’ are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell,” he said. Trump has suggested that Assad's ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022. The president-elect wrote that Putin's government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and Trump called for an immediate ceasefire, a day after meeting in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders . Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict.” “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria’s minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said. “Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record, to include Assad’s horrific crimes, Russia’s indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS," he added. Shapiro also said “no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime.” As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition forces freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice renewed calls to find him. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Tice’s mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. "We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus as the civil war was intensifying. "We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family,” Biden said at the White House. "We believe he’s alive, we think we can get him back but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And Assad should be held accountable.” The president added: “We have to identify where he is." The U.S. has no new evidence that Tice is alive but continues to operate under the assumption that he is, according to a U.S. official. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly, added that the U.S. will continue to work to identify Tice's whereabouts and to try to bring him home. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter TodayMassive $20B Ad Agency Merger Set To Impect Tech & Appliance Brands Including Apple
Actor Keanu Reeves has said he joined the cast of Sonic The Hedgehog 3 as he is “a big fan” of the series. Reeves, 60, plays Shadow in the latest film adaption of the Sega video game, which will see Sonic, Knuckles and Tails battle him to protect the planet. Speaking at the movie’s London premiere on Tuesday, the Canadian star said: “I’m a big fan, I mean, I really enjoyed the first two films. “I really liked the character of Shadow, so I was really excited to try to be a part of it.” The Matrix actor went on to speak about the differences between voice acting and appearing on screen. He added: “It’s fun to play pretend, I love acting, so it’s fun to try and inhabit another character. “There’s an intensity to doing voice work and specificity, it’s kind of more like doing, it’s its own thing, because it’s kind of like theatre, but no audience. “So it’s like doing radio, and it’s just fun.” Canadian-American actor Jim Carrey co-stars as villain Doctor Eggman, a role he told the PA news agency it was “great” to be playing again. Carrey told PA: “I do like to play a character filled with disdain here and there, the Grinch was that. “But there were other characters like The Truman Show, he’s somebody who loves the world and believes in the world, and believes in the people in his life, and believes in his neighbours, and he’s just a good-hearted soul that finds out there’s something more in the world than what he knows and something beyond his own neighbourhood. “So it’s a lovely story, but they’re all different characters, they all have different desires, and you have to do something special with each one.” He added: “I just let it rip when they say action, it’s just a perfect excuse to be an obstreperous bloviating bag of ill will. “And then of course they say cut, and all of that horrible politeness and needing to be loved seeps back in.” Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will be released in UK cinemas on Friday December 20.
Carter’s foreign policy toward Cuba, Nicaragua and Haiti left huge marks on South Florida
President-elect Donald Trump trolled First Lady Jill Biden in an advertisement for his perfume and cologne line . Trump posted the ad for “Trump Perfumes & Colognes” on Truth Social, alongside a picture of him and the First Lady greeting one another at the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Saturday . The photo’s caption reads, “A fragrance your enemies can’t resist!” The president-elect’s “official” fragrance line describes itself as “for patriots who never back down, like President Trump.” The “Trump for Men” cologne and “Trump for Women” perfume both sell for $199, according to the website . The president-elect is also offering a buy one, get one 50 percent off sale. The president-elect is also selling “victory” perfume and cologne, both of which are sold out as of Sunday. Trump and the First Lady sat near one another at the ceremony, with photos showing them exchanging conversation. Paris marked Trump’s return to the geopolitical stage as he prepares to return to the White House on January 20. Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron while in Paris. “It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now,” the president-elect told reporters as he met Macron outside the Élysée Palace. “And we’ll be talking about that.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later joined the pair, and the three were photographed following a meeting on Saturday night before the ceremony. Zelensky later described the meeting as “good and productive.” “We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way,” he said. “We spoke about our people, the situation on the ground, and a just peace.” Following the meeting, Trump pushed Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach an immediate ceasefire deal with Ukraine . In a Sunday interview, Trump also told NBC he is working toward ending the war. “Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” Trump wrote on social media Sunday. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin,” he added. “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!”
KENT, Ohio (AP) — Jalen Sullinger led Kent State with 25 points and secured the victory with a 3-pointer with 43 seconds remaining as the Golden Flashes knocked off Heidelberg 84-80 on Sunday night. Sullinger shot 9 of 20 from the field, including 4 for 10 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 4 from the line for the Golden Flashes (9-3). VonCameron Davis scored 21 points while shooting 8 for 13 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line and added five rebounds and five assists. Mike Bekelja had 14 points and shot 4 for 5 from beyond the arc and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line. Eric Panning finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals for the Student Princes. Manny Hill added 15 points and seven rebounds for Heidelberg. Elijah Harden had 15 points. Sullinger scored 11 points in the first half and Kent State went into halftime trailing 42-36. Davis scored 15 points in the second half. Kent State outscored Heidelberg by 10 points over the final half. Kent State hosts Ball State in its next matchup on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Akamai Technologies Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors despite daily gains
Maybe it’s because there are so many games, or maybe it’s because the rise of digital distribution and subscriptions means there are more sub-groups of game-players and fewer massive mainstream hits, but it feels like this year the “best games” lists are more diverse and individual than ever. Even as someone who tries to play broadly across all platforms, there are some games cropping up on end-of-year lists that I didn’t play, and some of the best ones I did play draw blank looks when I discuss them with others. So, while it’s impossible to make anything approaching an objective list of the best, I’ve attempted it anyway. Here they are in no particular order. I didn’t have ‘help a rapping tree’ on my 2024 bingo card, but I’m glad it happened. Astro Bot PS5 At once a celebration of PlayStation’s 30-year history and a whimsical Nintendo-style platformer the likes of which the brand has never seen before, Astro Bot is a beautiful theme park of running and jumping, filled with hidden depth, incredible gimmicks and great music. I’m not a huge fan of the emotionless robot protagonist or the Sony branding, but the combination of flawless gameplay design, hilarious environments, oodles of nostalgia and cutting-edge tech puts this on par with some of Mario’s most memorable outings. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Side-scrolling platform adventure games are ubiquitous and there were heaps of good ones this year, but the best was also a return to relevance for a beloved franchise. The fictional Mount Qaf is a wonderful setting that blends Iranian history and Arabian mythology with the series’ penchant for vicious traps and time distortion, while new protagonist Sargon brings a fresh and edgy vibe that marries the acrobatic focus of the Sands of Time trilogy with the methodical platforming of older Prince adventures. By invoking familiar poker hands, Balatro brings the satisfying hook of a rougelite game to a wider pool of players who have no idea what that is. Balatro Android, Apple Arcade, iOS, PC, PS5, Switch Xbox In an industry plagued by gambling disguised as play, it’s gratifying that one of this year’s most successful games employs the aesthetic of cards and casinos with no gambling to be found. Upgrade and augment your deck with special powers and tarot effects, stack up game-changing jokers to synergise with your favourite cards, and try to break the game with impossibly powerful poker hands. The work of one individual developer, it’s incredible, and arguably addictive, but you’ll pay no more than the purchase price. Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch Mario Party is a dependable choice for casual group play or a family game night. But, unexpectedly, Jamboree is the absolute height of the series. There are heaps of playable characters, more than 100 great new minigames, seven unusually interesting and diverse game boards and extra modes for playing on your own or online with randos. But the icing on the cake is the ability to enforce “pro mode” to make the winner less chance-based, opening up the possibility of truly competitive play, and it’s so much fun. It may take its broad structure from one third of a decades-old game, but Rebirth has plenty original to say. Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth PS5 I was expecting a middle chapter for Square’s epic three-part remake of a 1997 classic, but this turned out to be so much more. From the layered character customisation and combat systems that feed seamlessly into one another, to the completely optional collectible card game that I quickly became obsessed with, this is unexpectedly a much broader, deeper and more open game than its predecessor. An astonishing RPG that more than stands on its own merits, and even overshadows part one for ambition and creativity, it’s a remarkable achievement. Star Wars Outlaws PC, PS5, Xbox A streamlined and multi-planet take on Ubisoft’s familiar open-world action, paired with an original-trilogy-era Star Wars tale that follows an up-and-coming scoundrel rather than a Jedi or Imperial, Outlaws has everything a long-suffering franchise fan could hope for in a sandbox scum and villainy game. The overarching story is a bit of a letdown, but the main appeal here is simply being able to exist in this rich and incredibly well-realised universe, being a dirtbag and pulling off heists. Fans of Monty Python or The Mighty Boosh will find a lot to love exploring Barnsworth. Thank Goodness You’re Here PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox A cartoony and hilariously vulgar adventure set in a small northern England town, this is a point-and-punch exploration game that’s fondly reminiscent of classic daft British sketch comedy, with heaps of funny visuals and sound effects plus the voice talents of Matt Berry and others. Mechanically it couldn’t be simpler, but the writing and timing are masterful. From an unexpected exposed penis in a seagull-gathering side-mission to a prolonged sequence combining fish and cigarettes, it’s crassly artful and unforgettable. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Switch Despite her name being in the titles, Princess Zelda has had few starring roles in Nintendo’s beloved adventure epics. This game marks a change in that regard, and introduces a brilliant new approach to items and combat where Zelda can copy and paste objects and enemies to fight and solve puzzles, but it’s otherwise business as usual for the series; this is a beautiful, joyful and surprising fantasy world to explore, with just the right mix of nostalgia and innovation. Eventually you’ll be filling out pages of details before you can even grasp the nature of the crime you’re supposed to be solving. And you’ll be loving it. The Rise of the Golden Idol Netflix, PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox The first Golden Idol was a wonderfully epic tale of paranormal serial murder, and Rise is even better. Set 200 years later, you’re tasked with solving 20 crimes, each painted as a beautifully grotesque painted moment. You analyse the scene to collect clues, words and names, then use those to fill in the blanks and uncover the truth. It’s like a multidimensional murder sudoku, which only gets more complex and tells a compelling alternate history detective story. Dragon Age: The Veilguard PC, PS5, Xbox Bioware is responsible for some of the greatest role-playing games ever, but this is their best in more than a decade. The narrative and fantasy settings are incredible, and the action-focused combat feels great, but the true strength is in the constant choice-making that affects your friendships in real and unexpected ways. Early on, the game makes you choose between two companions, the consequence of which leaves one with permanent visible bruises and scars for the rest of the game. This is Dragon Age telling you how it’s going to be. Unicorn Overlord has the familiar Vanillaware look, but it may be the studio’s deepest game yet. Unicorn Overlord PS5, Switch, Xbox Vanillaware has spent two decades crafting interesting and complex games with astounding hand-drawn art. The studio has a cult following but I think Unicorn Overlord might be its first true breakout hit. It’s a twist on the traditional turn-based tactical RPG, where instead of just skirmishing you define the parameters of each unit’s actions and priorities ahead of time, and then watch as they play out in battle. And, of course, it’s gorgeous. Sonic x Shadow Generations PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Since 2011’s excellent Sonic Generations was already a reimagining of the series’ high points, half of this new package is arguably remaking remakes. But the other half — an all-new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog — contains some of the most excellent 3D Sonic gameplay ever made. It serves as a great introduction to the character alongside his big-screen debut, but it also presents his tortured backstory and most memorable game moments in a surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable manner. No combat, no explanations, just a blob in a cursed VHS tape of ghostly animals. Animal Well PC, PS5, PS Plus, Switch, Xbox Animal Well , another amazing work from a solo developer, is on the surface a stunning CRT-filtered Metroid-like with a spooky animal theme. But dig a little deeper past the cursed herons and sleepy capybara and you’ll find a complex latticework of puzzles combined with interesting power-ups, a focus on physics play and a near total lack of combat. Some secrets require specific power-ups from around the world (a yo-yo, a slinky, a frisbee), while others need lateral thinking or knowledge gleaned from other areas. UFO 50 PC A package of 50 new games, styled and presented as a library of retro titles by a fictional company for their fictional home computer, this compilation evokes the feeling of finding a dusty 1980s machine and a box full of disks, and putting them in to see what you find. The games are all surprisingly full in scope, and they run the genre gamut from beat-em-ups to top-down driving games to narrative horror. Best of all are the two-player options, which offer a peerlessly strange retro bonding experience. The Great Circle takes Indy to many cultural epicentres around the globe, from Italy to Egypt to the Himalayas and more. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Game Pass, PC, Xbox Games based on movie franchises can go very wrong, but MachineGames (the Swedish studio known for the Nazi-hunting 2010s Wolfenstein series), had a clear vision for the world’s most famous archeologist . Each level is an exploratory puzzle with dozens of smaller riddles within, filled with fascists to sneak around and artefacts to recover. Combat is slapstick, gunplay is scarce, the iconic whip gets plenty of creative use and voice actor Troy Baker puts in an astonishing Harrison Ford impersonation. The narrative overall (concerning a trek across the globe to stop the Nazis achieving a mystical power) is the best the franchise has seen since 1989. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here.WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats' momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledgedhis rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. "He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn't. Stupid." The decision by the former reality TV star and real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris , who replaced him as the Democratic nominee , largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs. More than 6 in 10 voters in November's election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden. Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels. Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump's planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts. He also said that Trump's promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump's threatened action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal's CEO Council. “I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers," she said. Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025 , a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.” ___ Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report. Josh Boak, The Associated Press
LeSean McCoy reacts to Patrick Mahomes discussing the benefits of close games. The NFL scheduled a rare slate of Wednesday games this season to ensure it will have games played on Christmas Day, and Patrick Mahomes is not happy about it. The Kansas City Chiefs are one of four teams that will have to spend their Christmas at work with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Baltimore Ravens will play the Houston Texans later that night. That will also mean Mahomes and his teammates will play three games in 11 days. They play the Cleveland Browns Dec. 15 and the Houston Texans Dec. 21. Last year, the Chiefs faced the Las Vegas Raiders in a Christmas Day game, but that game was on a Monday. The Chiefs will have less time than usual to prepare for both the Texans and Steelers games. The Houston matchup will be played on a Saturday, and the Steelers game is on a Monday. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is pressured by Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller, left, during the first half Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) Mahomes, who already had to give up his holiday for a football game, agonized over the idea of playing all those games in that short amount of time. "It’s not a good feeling," Mahomes told reporters Wednesday. "You never want to play this amount of games in this short of time. It’s not great for your body. But, at the end of the day, it’s your job, your profession. You have to come to work and do it." Mahomes was asked whether he has ever had three games in such a short span. "I haven’t in football," he replied. "All you can do is focus on the game. The practice you have that day," Mahomes added. "I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch. That’s tailoring my workouts, tailoring how you practice and prepare. "And the coaches do a great job of taking care of us on the practice field. We practice as hard as anybody, but they know how to dial it back when needed." (L-R) Taylor Swift, Brittany Mahomes and Ashley Avignone react during the first half of an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) On top of a strenuous workload, Mahomes and his family will not be able to spend Christmas at home this year for the second year in a row. Mahomes and wife Brittany are both Christians . "My Christian faith plays a role in everything that I do," he told reporters before the Super Bowl in February 2023. "I always ask God to lead me in the right direction and let me be who I am for His name. So, it has a role in everything that I do. Obviously, we’ll be on that huge stage in the Super Bowl that He’s given me, and I want to make sure I’m glorifying Him while I do it. "I feel like I’ve grown in my faith these last few years, and I think that’s given me more sense of who I am and why I play the game. It just kind of relieves the pressure of playing a football game because I know that I’m on that football field to glorify Him before everything. So, it’s not about winning or losing. It's about going out there and being the best that I can in His name." BRETT FAVRE BACKS PATRICK MAHOMES ON PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT STANCE AMID TRUMP VS. TAYLOR SWIFT CONTROVERSY Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, says Super Bowl wins will never be the same after the shootings at the team's celebration rally Feb. 14, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (Tammy Ljungblad/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Brittany is pregnant with their third child. The NFL has played on Wednesday in the past. The most recent Wednesday game was played in 2020, when the Steelers and Ravens had their game pushed back because of a COVID-19 outbreak. In 2012, the NFL’s opener between the Giants and Cowboys was played on a Wednesday so the TV networks could broadcast Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. But before those games, the NFL had not had a Wednesday game since the Lions and Rams played Sept. 22, 1948. "It’s a unique situation. You just have to manage it," said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose team will have played on every day of the week but Tuesday this season. "It is what it is. You make the best of it." It’s not as if the games involved in the Christmas stretch are throwaways, either. Each has significant playoff ramifications. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) is congratulated by quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images) The Chiefs have already clinched the AFC West, but they are trying to fend off Buffalo and Pittsburgh for the No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye. The Steelers are two games ahead of the Ravens in the AFC North heading into this weekend and could clinch a playoff berth if things fall their way. The Texans are two games up on the Colts in the AFC South. "The main thing is you get guys ready for the game. Give them a chance to get ready for the game," Reid said. "They’re going to do whatever you present to them. You try to help them out with that. Right now we have a normal week right here. We have to take care of business here." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold tossed aside his stoic demeanor for a moment after realizing he was on the videoboard, aggressively twirling a towel to further stoke the crowd's fire after the Minnesota Vikings had pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons late in the game. “I just felt the buzz. That was pure passion, pure joy, man,” Darnold said. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.
