jolibet register

Even before taking office, a second Trump administration is already moving the macro-financial needle and raising downside risks for the global economy. The degree of ultimate policy implementation is a key unknown. Our preliminary policy read on the new U.S. administration is that positive growth effects will be minimal, inflation pressures will rise, and the Fed is likely to stop cutting rates earlier. This will lead to tighter financial conditions, a stronger dollar, and a more complicated macroeconomic picture elsewhere. Owing to a “wait and see” approach, our GDP growth forecasts have not moved much since the previous publication, other than incorporating changes related to base effects. Risks include the full implementation of the proposed U.S. agenda on taxes, trade, and immigration; the end of resilient consumer spending and labor demand; and bond market stress. AI is an upside. The global macroeconomic outlook is hostage to the policy implementation of the new U.S. administration. The recent macro pattern featuring an outperforming U.S. economy continues. But potentially large changes in fiscal, trade, and immigration policy from the U.S. are significant unknowns at this juncture. Specifically, it is unclear to what extent campaign promises will translate into policy, and when. Given the size of the U.S. economy, policy action on any of these fronts can move the global needle, affecting some economies more than others. For now, S&P Global Ratings has taken a probabilistic approach and is assuming partial implementation of U.S. campaign promises. Of course, to the extent that U.S. policy actions spill over to the rest of the world, other countries may respond in kind. We plan to update our forecasts, narratives, and risks as the picture becomes clearer. Recent Macro Pattern Continues While Markets Are Moving The recent pattern of real performance in the three largest economies is carrying on. The U.S. continues to outshine its peer group. GDP rose by 2.8% year on year in the third quarter (Q3), down fractionally from the second quarter (Q2), since services spending and labor demand remain strong. The eurozone economy continues its modest rebound from a borderline recession centered on Germany. GDP growth reached 1.6% quarter on quarter in Q3, also accompanied by strong services spending and labor demand. In China, growth is running below the official 5% target for the year, reflecting the ongoing effects of the property sector overhang. The policy response remains measured and consumer confidence and spending are still weak. Inflation continues to trend toward central bank targets in the major economies, but with emerging divergence. Progress in lowering inflation has stalled in the U.S., with the most recent readings for sequential inflation moving sideways. Services inflation in particular remains persistent. A similar story prevails in Australia and to a less extent in the U.K. Canada has seen the sharpest drop in inflation, which now stands below the central bank’s target. Elsewhere, the eurozone has seen an uptick in core inflation, which is currently tracking on target. Central banks continue to reduce their policy rates, mostly gradually. The Bank of Canada was first out of the gate and leads the pack with an accumulated 125 basis points (bps) of cuts since the middle of 2024. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) have both cut rates by 75 bps to date, while the Bank of England has cut by 50 bps. The Reserve Bank of Australia is the outlier, with no cuts to date. As expected, central banks are lowering policy rates at a much slower pace than they raised them in 2022 and early 2023, with only two 50 bps cuts in this group so far. Markets have significantly increased expectations that the Fed will stop cutting rates versus only a few months ago. This is most clear in forward pricing for the October 2025 meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee. Seen through this lens, market expectations for the Fed funds rate have moved higher by about 100 bps in the past two months to 3.9% from 2.9%. The movement reflects concerns over potential inflation pressures from tariffs, tax cuts, and restrictions on labor supply (as a consequence of immigration policy changes) that would require a forceful response from the Fed. Importantly, market views of policy rates for other major central banks have not shown this pattern. For example, the gap between the expected Fed funds rate and ECB deposit rate for October 2025 has more than doubled to over 200 bps in the past two months. Roughly in parallel with Fed funds rate expectations, U.S. 10-year yields have moved higher in recent months. From a trough of about 3.8% in September, yields have climbed to almost 4.5% in late November. In addition to higher inflation pressures, higher yields at the long end also reflect expectations about the supply of Treasuries. Supply is likely to be higher, given an estimated increase in the size of fiscal deficits under the Trump administration. Again, other major economies have not seen similar movements in their longer-term government yields. The yield on 10-year German bunds has been flat over the same period. The U.S. dollar rebounded before and after the election. This was in line with interest rate market moves and continued expected outperformance of the U.S. economy. According to the benchmark DXY index, the U.S. dollar has risen 7% since late September and is near levels last seen in the early 2000s. In bilateral terms against other major currencies, the moves since late September have been broadly consistent. Higher bond yields and a stronger currency both point to tighter financial conditions in the U.S., which have historically been a strong determinant of a slower expansion of output. Our Broadly Unchanged Forecasts Have Widening Confidence Bands Our new baseline growth forecasts are broadly in line with our previous quarterly Credit Conditions Committee (CCC) forecast (see table 1). U.S. GDP growth will slow gradually to 2% or below starting next year, consistent with a soft landing, before rising back to potential. The eurozone will continue its gradual recovery in 2025 to reach its potential growth rate. China’s growth will slow toward 4% as the U.S. tariffs weaken exports and investment. Elsewhere, the picture is mixed. In the advanced economies, Japan will rebound next year and settle at about 1% growth, with the U.K. following a similar pattern toward its trend growth of 1.5%. In the major emerging markets, India retains the global growth baton, where the rate of expansion should stay just below 7% over the next few years. Elsewhere in emerging markets, Brazil and Mexico should eventually converge to about 2% growth (with Mexico having a weaker 2025), while South Africa should pick up to about 1.5% growth in the next few years. United States: Uncertainty Looms As Trump Takes Office We forecast the economy will expand 2.0% in the next two years–incorporating a partial implementation of proposed Trump policies–following 2.7% GDP growth in 2024. We expect the Fed to reduce its policy rate more gradually than considered in our September forecast update and reach an assumed neutral rate of 3.1% by fourth-quarter 2026–from fourth-quarter 2025 previously. Uncertainty around our forecasts is high given unknowns about the extent President-elect Trump’s campaign promises will materialize. Trump’s policy proposals, at face value, could result in higher inflation in the near term and lower growth in the medium to long term. And the probability of a disruption to the Fed’s easing bias over the next two years has risen. Europe: Interest Rate Cuts To Accelerate We project eurozone GDP growth of 0.8% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2025, with Germany lagging its peers and Spain continuing to outperform. Changes to our previous forecast largely reflect revisions of past data. Due to a more pronounced drop in energy prices, we expect inflation will be marginally lower in 2025 than we anticipated. A long period of very stable macroeconomic forecasts might come to an end because new leaders in the U.S., EU, and Germany may take decisions early next year on tariffs, defense, and general spending that could reshape the economic outlook. We anticipate the ECB will cut interest rates more quickly than we previously expected due to persistently weak confidence and better visibility on the disinflation trajectory. That said, we do not expect the cuts will exceed our previous forecast. We now project that the main policy rate will reach 2.5% before summer {May?) 2025, compared with our previous expectation of September 2025. For our full report on the eurozone economy, see “Next Year Will Be A Game Changer,” published Nov. 26, 2024. Asia-Pacific: Slower Global Demand Hits Growth While China’s stimulus measures should support growth, we expect its economy to be hit by U.S. trade tariffs on its exports. In all, we now project 4.1% GDP growth in 2025 and 3.8% in 2026; that’s 0.2 percentage points (ppts) and 0.7 ppt lower than our forecast in September. Asia-Pacific’s growth will be impeded by slower global demand and U.S. trade policy. But lower interest rates and inflation should ease their drag on spending power. In emerging markets, robust domestic demand growth is also buoying GDP growth. Swings in capital flows driven by shifts in expectations about U.S. interest rates and trade policies require central banks to be vigilant and cautious. In turn, we expect Asia-Pacific central banks to take their time bringing policy rates down. For our full report on the Asia-Pacific economies, see “U.S. Trade Shift Blurs The Horizon,” published Nov. 25, 2024. Emerging Markets: Trade Protectionism Adds To Risks A likely increase in protectionist trade policies among major economies will hurt GDP growth in most emerging markets in the next couple of years. However, the magnitude of the effect will depend on the details, which will become clearer in the coming months. For now, we assume only a modest increase in tit-for-tat tariffs between the U.S. and China in 2025 and no new tariffs for the rest of the world, which would produce a relatively modest net impact on GDP in most major emerging markets outside China. However, downside risks to our forecast are high, and potential tightening in financial conditions because of trade-related uncertainty adds another hazard. For our full report on the emerging market economies, see “Trade Uncertainty Threatens Growth,” published Nov. 26, 2024. Risks Shift To Near-Team U.S. Policies The main risk to our baseline is the exact policy implementation of the incoming U.S. administration on tariffs, taxes, and immigration. In our current forecast round, we have assumed only partial implementation of campaign promises. Once the new administration takes office, actual policy implementation will become clearer. Let’s look at a scenario in which the U.S. imposes a 60% tariff on all imports from China plus new tariffs on other trading partners, cuts personal and corporate taxes, and deports millions of illegal immigrants. If that happens, we anticipate lower U.S. output, higher inflation pressures, and increased volatility and rates along the yield curve. These effects will spill over to other economies–very asymmetrically–in terms of activity, trade, and key financial variables. The durability of the nexus of strong services spending and labor demand also constitutes another downside risk. While in our baseline scenario we assume continued resilience, services spending could begin to crack, given still-high interest rates and rising uncertainty about U.S. policy. Should services spending slow and labor demand begin to fall, we would likely enter into a sharp slowdown/recession scenario. Another downside risk is the end of quiescence in the U.S. bond market. While 10-year yields rose before and after the election, the market has so far remained orderly. Stress in the bond market cannot be ruled out, given that deficits under the Trump administration are projected by the U.S. government as being higher than under a Harris administration, plus the uncertainties discussed above. A failed auction or a spike in yields could lead to higher volatility and spreads, closed access for parts of the market, and tighter financial conditions. On the upside, recent productivity gains in the U.S. could broaden and deepen. These gains have come from investments and new technologies around the energy transition, as well as AI, and have boosted potential growth by 40 bps-50 bps. While energy transition gains might be limited elsewhere, given the specific characteristics (subsidies) of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, AI capabilities are more widespread and only at a very early stage. This could boost productivity across a range of economies. Global Macro 2025: Fasten Your Seatbelts The global economy will start 2025 in a relatively good position. Macro resilience has been a key theme over the past few years. Higher interest rates in response to an unexpectedly sharp rise in post-pandemic inflation have not caused the sharp slowdown feared by most forecasters. Services spending has remained strong and labor demand robust. Losses in output and employment have been modest. Asset prices have risen and volatility has been low. Central banks are now cutting interest rates and a normally elusive soft landing appears within reach and remains our baseline scenario. Central to this positive global macro story has been the U.S. The world’s largest economy has continued to outperform and steady the global macro picture. That could be about to change. The new administration looks to “juice up” an economy that is already running at or above potential, raising the specter of higher inflation pressure, higher U.S. rates along the curve, and a stronger dollar. This tightens U.S. financial conditions and will spill over to a swathe of other economies, mainly emerging markets. More critically, U.S. trade policy could turn much more disruptive if implemented along the lines promised in the campaign. As we have shown in “How Would China Fare Under 60% U.S. Tariffs?,” published Nov. 17, 2024, maximum U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports could significantly damage that economy. And, like before, China is almost sure to retaliate. Tariffs on other trading partners are likely to cause commensurate damage to their economies, with the risk of retaliation as well. On balance, we think tariffs will be growth destroying and further contribute to ongoing economic (and political) fragmentation. Moreover, none of this will help narrow the U.S. trade and current account deficit, which reflects a lack of U.S. savings relative to investment. How much of the proposed policy agenda was campaign bluster versus actual intent remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: volatility will be a feature, not a bug. Buckle up. Source:

Nike ( NKE -0.23% ) has been through the wringer lately. The world's largest sportswear brand is suffering through one of the most challenging periods in its history. Revenue has now fallen for three quarters in a row and those declines are expected to continue. After a post-pandemic spike in 2022, revenue growth decelerated for seven quarters in a row, bottoming out with a 10% decline this summer. Along the way, Nike stock is down 57% from its peak in 2021, and it's ceded significant market share and mindshare to upstart rivals like On Holding and Deckers ' Hoka brand. Blame for the debacle was placed squarely on the shoulders of former CEO John Donahoe, who was ousted by the board in September. With a pedigree in tech rather than retail or consumer products, Donahoe seemed to lose sight of the company's priorities and made tactical errors like abandoning valuable wholesale partners and directing marketing dollars toward Google searches rather than the kind of brand-building campaigns the company is traditionally known for. Nike brought longtime company veteran Elliott Hill in to right the ship, and Hill hit many of the right notes on his first earnings call, saying he aims to return sport to the center of the company and accelerate innovation, design, product creation, and storytelling. Nike's latest round of results indicate that the business is still headed in the wrong direction with revenue in the fiscal second quarter down 8% to $12.3 billion and net income falling 26% to $1.16 billion. The company's struggles and the sell-off in the stock present investors with a classic dilemma -- whether to buy this blue chip stock on the dip or avoid it while it attempts to revamp its business. After all, not every turnaround turns. Under Armour famously collapsed in the mid-2010s and has never recovered. One investor betting on Nike's recovery is Bill Ackman, the billionaire head of Pershing Square Capital Management. In the third quarter, Ackman bought 13.2 million shares of Nike, bringing his total holdings in the stock to 16.3 million shares, which is worth about $1.25 billion currently. Why Ackman bought Nike Ackman hasn't directly addressed his purchase of Nike stock, but the billionaire is known as a contrarian and has bet big on distressed consumer brands in the past. For instance, Ackman piled into Chipotle stock when the company was dealing with its E. coli crisis. Eventually, with the help of a new CEO, the brand overcame it, and the stock soared in the following years. Ackman seems to be trying to apply the same playbook to Nike. The news that Donahoe would be leaving came late in the third quarter so it's unclear if that triggered Ackman's additional purchases or if he was buying the stock beforehand. According to The New York Post , Ackman supported bringing in Hill as Donahoe's replacement. The turnaround strategy takes shape Nike stock was initially up on the earnings report as its second-quarter numbers topped estimates, but investors were disappointed with the outlook. Hill outlined the key initiatives that the company is undertaking to turn around the business, and some of the moves will impact results over the next few quarters. Noting that the brand has become too promotional, Hill sees recapturing its premium status as key to its recovery and that means charging full price rather than leaning into discounting. Due to that strategy, the company plans to liquidate excess inventory in less profitable channels over the coming quarters and it's scaling back its orders for the summer. This fits with Hill's intention of returning Nike to a "pull market," meaning customer demand drives the business rather than aggressive marketing. Hill also recognizes that Nike's product needs to work for athletes first before it can work for consumers as he diagnosed the earlier challenges, saying: "We lost our obsession with sport. Moving forward, we will lead with sport and put the athlete at the center of every decision." The new Nike chief was able to hit the ground running because he already has relationships with Nike's top retail partners, sports leagues, sponsor athletes, and other key stakeholders, and he seems to be a good choice to restore the company to its historical leadership position in the industry. Is Nike a buy? Management's guidance made it clear that the turnaround is going to take time, and results in the fiscal second half of the year will be weak. For the third quarter, Nike is targeting a revenue decline in the low double-digits and gross margin compression of 300 to 350 basis points, which will lead to a substantial decline in profits, though the company didn't give bottom-line guidance. While that forecast disappointed investors and erased the stock's initial gains on the report, Nike seems to be on the right track here. It needs to reclaim the shelf space it's lost in recent years and the premium branding it's ceded. The stock doesn't look cheap based on current earnings, but profits are well below what they could be, and we could see a return to profit growth within a year. Given the 57% pullback in the stock, there's a lot of upside potential if Nike can execute Hill's strategy. Investors will have to be patient, but at the current beaten-down price, Nike stock has the makings of a double or better over the next few years as the turnaround story plays out.

Transform Smiles and Confidence in 2025 with Tryon Family DentistryA top US official sought to quell growing concern Sunday over reported drone sightings in the country's northeast, reiterating there was no known security threat as authorities monitor the situation. President Joe Biden's administration has faced mounting criticism for not clearly identifying origins of the objects seen hovering over parts of New York and New Jersey. The criticism has come even from Biden's own party, with top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer calling Sunday for action to make it easier for federal, state and local authorities to work together to detect and if need be "bring down" any drone seen to pose a threat. Video footage of mysterious airborne phenomena recently has clogged social media, with spottings also reported in Maryland and Virginia. "Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" program. "But there's no question that drones are being sighted," he said, noting there are more than one million registered across the United States. "I want to assure the American public that we are on it," he said. "If we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly. Right now, we are not aware of any." Even as Mayorkas sought to reassure the public, Boston police announced Sunday that two Massachusetts men had been arrested the previous night for allegedly conducting a "hazardous drone operation" near the city's Logan International Airport. State police were conducting a search for a third suspect, who authorities said fled the scene. Schumer, in a letter to Mayorkas Sunday, urged the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special drone-detection technology across New York and New Jersey, since traditional radar struggles to detect such small objects. He also called for passage of legislation to explicitly authorize state and local law enforcement to work with federal agencies to detect and "bring down drones that threaten critical facilities or mass gatherings." Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, meanwhile expressed frustration at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its communications around the issue. "The answer 'we don't know' is not a good enough answer," he told "Fox News Sunday." "When people are anxious... people will fill a vacuum with, you know, their fears and anxieties and conspiracy theories," he said, calling for the FAA to hold public briefings. White House national security spokesman John Kirby had previously said the aircraft could be lawfully operated planes or helicopters mistaken for drones. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities," he said Thursday, calling for Congress to pass new legislation to "extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities." New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Sunday that authorities had agreed to send a drone detection system to her state. "I am grateful for the support, but we need more. Congress must pass a law that will give us the power to deal directly with the drones," she said on X. On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump urged federal authorities to clearly identify the drones' origins. "Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" he posted on social media. As the price of drones has fallen -- small quadcopter models with Wi-Fi camera capability can be purchased for as little as $40 -- their numbers and popularity have soared, making their presence in American skies a greater concern. acb/des/bbk/mlm

HOUSTON (AP) — The Astros welcomed first baseman Christian Walker to the team Monday, in one of two moves that almost certainly marks the end of Alex Bregman’s time in Houston. Walker signed a $60 million, three-year contract that will pay him $20 million annually just more than a week after the Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from Cubs in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago . “The way I view it right now is Paredes is going to play third base and Walker is going to play first base,” general manager Dana Brown said Monday. “And Bregman’s still a free agent.” The Astros had hoped to re-sign Bregman, the team’s third baseman for the last nine seasons, but Brown said the negotiations stalled. “I thought we made a really competitive offer, showing that we wanted him back,” he said. “But we had to pursue other options. We couldn’t just sit there. We locked in Paredes early in that trade, knowing that he could play third or first and then when the opportunity to add another bat came up we just jumped on it.” The addition of a first baseman was a priority this offseason for the Astros after they released struggling first baseman José Abreu less than halfway through a $58.5 million, three-year contract. “We knew we had to get better at first base,” Brown said. “We pursued (Walker) and we’re excited to have him because we know that we’re going to have a really good first baseman that can defend and also hit the ball on the seats from time to time.” Walked was attracted by the sustained success of the Astros, who won their first two World Series titles in 2017 and '22. “I’ve been watching this team for a while now, and that edge, the energy, the expectation, you can tell that they’re going out there with a standard,” he said. “And I’m very excited to be a part of it.” Walker is looking forward playing on an infield with star second baseman Jose Altuve. He’s fascinated by the success and consistency Altuve has had over his 14-year career. “I get a chance to learn from Jose Altuve,” Walker said. “Nothing really gets better than that.” Brown was asked what he would tell fans disappointed to see the Astros lose another star after George Springer and Carlos Correa left as free agents in recent years. “I would just tell the fans that look, we are very focused on remaining competitive,” he said. “We’re very focused on winning division and going back to the World Series, and I think with these additions that we have the ability to do that. So, I feel strongly that we’re going to be picked to win the division first off. And if our pitching holds up, which I feel strongly about, as well, I think we’ll get deep into the postseason.” The Astros won the AL West for a fourth straight year this season before being swept by the Tigers in an AL Wild Card Series. Walker, who turns 34 during the opening week of the season, hit .251 with 26 homers, 84 RBIs, 55 walks and 133 strikeouts this year. That was down from 2023, when he batted .258 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series. Walker played in 130 games this year, down from 157 in 2023 and 160 in 2022. He was sidelined between July 29 and Sept. 3 by a strained left oblique. He spent the last eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, where he hit 146 homers with 442 RBIs and a .251 batting average. He didn’t secure a full-time job in the big leagues until 2019. He’s provided consistent power over the past six seasons and has grown into an elite defensive first baseman, winning Gold Gloves in each of the past three seasons. Walker played college ball at South Carolina and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2014 but couldn’t stick in the majors and was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, Cincinnati and Arizona in a five-week span. Walker’s contract has a limited no-trade provision allowing him to block deals to six teams without his consent. He would earn $200,000 for winning an MVP, $175,000 for second, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth and $100,000 for fifth. Walker also would get $100,000 for World Series MVP, $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $75,000 apiece for making the All-Star Game or winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Award. Infielder Grae Kessinger was designated for assignment to open a roster spot. AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

Ruhullah leads protest on reservation; PDP, other party leaders participate"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.President-elect Donald Trump said Friday he's in favor of eliminating daylight saving time, calling it "inconvenient" and "very costly" as his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directors also push for action on the matter. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn't! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation," Trump posted on Truth Social Friday. While Trump tweeted, "Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is O.K. with me," in 2019, he appears to be changing course now. This comes as his DOGE directors, Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk and Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, have advocated for the time change to be eliminated. "Looks like the people want to abolish the annoying time change," Musk posted in response to a poll on X calling for DST to be abolished. "It's inefficient & easy to change," Ramaswamy responded. Any changes would need to be passed by Congress, and legislation on the issue has been considered before in recent years.

Analytical Standards Market to Grow by USD 657.8 Million (2024-2028), Report on AI-Powered Market Evolution and Life Science Industry Growth - Technavio

Getting whipped by a downtrodden Oklahoma squad came back to haunt Alabama. So did a historic loss to Vanderbilt. That's because the Crimson Tide (9-3) were passed over for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff when the selections were announced on Sunday. Alabama appeared in good shape to make the playoffs until visiting the Sooners and losing 24-3 on Nov. 23. Oklahoma finished the regular season with a 6-6 mark. SMU (11-2) earned the final at-large spot despite losing to Clemson 34-31 in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on Saturday night. "I think it's the right decision," Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee told CBS Sports said. "... We didn't ever have a bad loss." Selection committee chairman Warde Manuel said it was a tough choice to take the Mustangs over the Crimson Tide. "We looked at the number of wins Alabama had against ranked opponents," Manuel, the Michigan athletic director, told ESPN. "We looked at SMU's schedule and they were undefeated in conference. Their losses were to ranked teams. "We also looked at Alabama's losses to unranked teams. It was quite a debate. We value strength of schedule and that's why Alabama as a three-loss team is ranked ahead of teams that have two losses." SMU's loss to then-No. 17 Clemson came on a last-second field goal in Saturday night's Atlantic Coast Conference title game. The Mustangs also lost 18-15 at BYU on Sept. 6. SMU beat then-No. 22 Louisville on the road and then-No. 18 Pitt in Dallas. "Losing on a last-second field goal ... we felt SMU still had the nod over Alabama," Manuel said of the Mustangs' loss to Clemson. "... It's just looking at the entire body of work over both teams." Alabama's other two losses included the shocking 40-35 stumble at Vanderbilt on Oct. 5 that marked the Commodores' first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked team. The Crimson Tide also lost 24-17 to then-No. 11 Tennessee on Oct. 19. The Crimson Tide posted three ranked victories, beating then-No. 2 Georgia, then-No. 21 Missouri and then-No. 15 LSU. Alabama will face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Dec. 31. It is a rematch from last season when the Wolverines defeated the Crimson Tide 27-20 in the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Rose Bowl. The second team out was No. 13 Miami (10-2), which saw its chances plummet by losing two of its last three regular-season games. The Hurricanes, who started 9-0, lost 28-23 to host Georgia Tech on Nov. 9 and completed the regular season with a 42-38 road loss against Syracuse. Miami didn't play a Top 25 team this season. Instead of navigating the playoff field, Miami will face No. 18 Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 28. "Everyone that doesn't get in feels disappointment," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of being passed over. "We will have the onus of just doing better. Go forward and have the opportunity to get better. ... "We have a ton to play for and we'll thankful for the opportunity." SMU plays No. 6 Penn State in its first-round playoff game on Nov. 21. "We're excited about the challenge and the opportunity to prove that the committee made the right decision," Lashlee said. --Field Level MediaNoneTrump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions

Fiji and Australia share a love of sport. It brings us together like nothing else can – we share sporting history and heroes, enjoy our rivalry on the field, and celebrate our successes off it. That is why sport is such an important part of our renewed and elevated Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership. Recognising the strength of this connection, the Australian Government is partnering with the Australian Rugby League Commission to invest in a ten-year program to deepen our engagement with the Pacific through rugby league. This includes support for a PNG franchise to join the Australian National Rugby League (NRL). The package will deliver funding for grassroots, school, talent and elite pathways in Fiji, using sport to complement our development programs, and improve education, health and gender equity outcomes. There will be a strong focus on girls and women’s rugby league across Fiji and the Pacific, cultivating elite players pathways for girls and women to play at the highest levels. Building on the recent success of the Pacific Championships, co-hosted in Suva, the partnership will continue to support regular elite competition in Fiji and the Pacific. It was fantastic to see the passion and energy of Fijian rugby league fans who attended the consecutive double-headers, to support the Fiji Bati and Bulikula. This new program will provide even more opportunities for boys, girls, men and women in Fiji to reach the highest level in the game. This will complement our existing support for Fiji’s elite pathways through the Kaiviti Silktails’ participation in the NSW Jersey Flegg competition, and support for emerging women players and coaches to participate in the Rise Rookie Academy program. This sports-based program reflects Australia’s unique identity and connections with our Pacific family. In fact, approximately 50 per cent of current NRL and NRLW players have Pasifika heritage. Sport also plays an important role in important life lessons and building strong communities. Sport keeps kids in school; it teaches them teamwork, cooperation, strategy and discipline. It creates opportunities and builds aspiration. One of the greatest achievements from the Australian Government’s existing investments in rugby league in the Pacific is the increased participation of schoolboys and schoolgirls, including young Fijians, at international events. It is wonderful to see the passion and skill of the younger generation. Australia’s new investment will further support pathways to develop talent and promote Pasifika representation at the elite level. The Pacific Rugby League Partnership builds upon 25 years of Australian sports investment to help transform lives and strengthen links with our Pacific family, including: • PacificAus Sports – developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes, including the Fijian and Fijiana Drua, to compete in elite competitions; facilitating access to high performance training in Australia, including ahead of the year’s Olympics; and investing in increased presence of Australian elite teams and athletes in the Pacific. • Team Up – helping address barriers preventing women, girls and people with disabilities from accessing beneficial sport programs. The new partnership will be designed and delivered in partnership with the Australian Rugby League Commission and our Pacific partners to achieve impacts on and off the sporting field, including in economic development, education, social cohesion, gender equality, and health. This is an exciting new chapter of our shared sporting history. I am excited to join our Fijian Vuvale to see rugby league in Fiji go from strength to strength, from schools and community competitions to the international stage. Vinaka vakalevu.From Health-Empowering Practices to More Eco-Smart Products, Explore the Top Trends Shaping Wellness, Beauty, Home Essentials, and Cooking for the Year Ahead LAKEWOOD, Colo. , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Grocers®, America's Nutrition Education Experts SM and the nation's largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, has unveiled its highly anticipated Top Trends for 2025 . Now in its ninth year, the list highlights expert predictions on the emerging products and practices set to shape the year across four key categories: Health and Wellness , Body Care and Beauty , Food and Beverage , and those that are Ecologically Thoughtful . For the 2025 predictions, Natural Grocers' expert Nutrition Education team—including Registered Dietitians and Certified Natural Foods Chefs—joined forces with its purchasing, marketing, and analytics teams. This dynamic collaboration combined deep research, consumer insights, and trend analysis to craft a forecast that's as informed as it is exciting. "At Natural Grocers , we're always eager to see how evolving trends inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles," stated Raquel Isely , vice president of Marketing at Natural Grocers. "Each year we sift through evolving shopping habits and cutting-edge research to pinpoint the trends that will shape the way we live, eat, and care for ourselves in the year to come. "For 2025, we're seeing a focus on simple, yet thoughtful choices that prioritize wellness and the planet—like making blood sugar-friendly habits part of everyday life, exploring ocean-inspired body care, and embracing high-quality, globally-inspired proteins. These trends aren't just exciting—they're impactful, and some can make fabulous, practical holiday gifts! Whether it's a functional, natural skincare product geared towards men, a regenerative agriculture-friendly treat, or a product that helps kick forever chemicals out of the home, there's something meaningful for everyone on your list this season." NATURAL GROCERS' TOP TRENDS FOR 2025 Natural Grocers' Top Trends for 2025 are organized into four key categories: Health & Wellness , Body Care & Beauty , Food & Beverage , and Ecologically Thoughtful , encompassing a total of twelve trends. The expert team has included its "Try This Trend" feature, offering ideas and products for those eager to dive in and explore. For the third consecutive year, the company has also introduced a Bonus Trend—a unique highlight that connects and complements the entire lineup. The full list of trends is outlined below, with each category linked to detailed insights, product recommendations, and supporting research on the company's website. HEALTH & WELLNESS TRENDS BODY CARE & BEAUTY TRENDS FOOD & BEVERAGE TRENDS ECOLOGICALLY THOUGHTFUL TRENDS *BONUS TREND* Cultivating Biodiversity Becomes a Priority Natural Grocers will highlight these trends online and across their social media platforms throughout December. They will also be featured in the January edition of Natural Grocers' good4u Health Hotline® magazine, available in both online and print formats. ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its 5 Founding Principles —including its "Commitment to Community" and "Commitment to Crew". In fiscal year 2024, the Company invested more than $15 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for Crew. Headquartered in the Union Square neighborhood of Lakewood, CO, Natural Grocers has 168 stores in 21 states. Visit www.naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natural-grocers-unveils-2025s-must-know-trends-302320141.html SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.

Taylor Swift reportedly “feels horrible” for her close friend Blake Lively after the actress filed a legal complaint last week accusing her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Sources tell The Daily Mail that the “Shake it Off” singer was “startled” by the revelations contained in Lively’s lawsuit. “Taylor is startled by the revelations surrounding the Blake Lively takedown and she is encouraging Blake to get to the bottom of it,” the source said. “She supports Blake and feels horrible that she had to go through all of this.” Lively and Swift have been close friends for years, and the pop star is even the godmother to her three daughters James, Inez, and Betty. Lively’s children, whom she welcomed with husband Ryan Reynolds , are also named in one of Swift’s tracks “Betty” off her 2020 album Folklore . In her complaint, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and his public relations team for engineering a smear campaign against her over the summer. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, called the claims “outrageous” and told the Associated Press in a statement, “These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.” Universal Pictures put the speculation to rest on Monday, announcing that director Christopher Nolan’s next film will be The Odyssey , based on Homer’s epic poem and a central story of Greek mythology. “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the studio posted on X. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.” No specific casting has been announced, but the film is expected to star real-life couple and former Spider-Man co-stars Tom Holland and Zendaya along with Matt Damon ( Oppenheimer ), Anne Hathaway ( Interstellar ), Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron. As recently as last week, Holland was being coy about the details of the film, saying in a podcast interview , “To be perfectly honest, I don’t really know what it’s about. I’m super excited, but it’s been pretty quiet about the project. I met with [Nolan] and it was awesome. He kind of loosely pitched what it is, and I’m sure when he’s ready he’ll announce what it’s about.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Martin Scorsese. Bill and Hillary. Martha Steward. These are just some of the people we are unlikely to meet in person, but at least we can get up close and personal with them by taking their MasterClass online courses —and at a major discount for a limited time. The expert-led platform has a robust library of educational classes on far-ranging topics: science , music, arts , personal empowerment, and more. The classes are taught by industry experts and household names, including Gordon Ramsey, Mariah Carey, David Lynch, Jeff Koons, and many more. Right now, you can score up to 50 percent off on MasterClass subscriptions just in time for last-minute holiday gifting. You do have to take a short quiz to get to the deal, but honestly, it’s worth the 60 seconds. Honestly, whether you waited until the last minute or not, you’ll be gifting the dad in your life with intelligent, cultured content and giving them the opportunity to learn something new from someone famous. Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, began erupting Monday. Lava fountains emitted from the volcano, which is one of the most active ones in the world. The volcano erupted last in September and June. The United States Geographic Survey posted videos of the eruption cascading along the caldera floor. According to the AP, the area where the eruption is has been closed off to the public since 2007 due to many hazards. Some of the dangers include sulfur dioxide and other gases from the volcanoes, possible explosions and uneven ground surfaces like cracks and cliffs. “Kīlauea volcano has been intermittently erupting,” the USGS said. “This is an exciting time on Kīlauea because several eruptions have occurred at the summit following the 2018 summit collapse.” According to the USGS, past eruptions in the last several years from Kīlauea have lasted from around two weeks to over a year. Short video of the current Kīlauea eruption from the west caldera wall. pic.twitter.com/A3kBpJTeUl Kieran Culkin made his film debut at age 8 opposite his real-life brother Macaulay Culkin in the holiday classic Home Alone . Before that, his child acting career got off to an unfortunate start, he revealed in a new episode of the Smartless podcast , when he was cast as a learning disabled kid in a commercial at 6-years-old. “The concept was I’m standing in front of a chalkboard with chalk in my hand and I don’t know how to solve the easy thing in front of me,” Culkin recalled. “And the kids in the class are supposed to be calling me a dummy and stupid, all that.” But when the director, who he declined to name, called action, he started shouting at the young Culkin, “‘Dummy. Idiot. Stupid.’” The unusual approach led the actor to think to himself, “I get it. I’m 6. Stand here and look sad. I’m not f---ing method. I’m 6. What’s wrong with you?” As a child, Culkin went on to star in films like Only the Lonely and Father of the Bride. More recently, he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Roman Roy on HBO’s Succession and is a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor trophy at the upcoming Academy Awards for his role in the film A Real Pain . Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Every winter, my skin gets chapped, irritated, and downright pissed at me, thanks to the shorter days, colder temperatures, layers of clothes, heaters on full-blast everywhere, and lack of moisture in the air. Usually, I don’t feel the need to reach for a designated ‘night cream’ since the regular moisturizer that I use during the day works just fine, but during the past few weeks, my skin has been screaming for a little extra TLC and hydration. When it comes to any category of skincare , I always look for clinically-proven and medical-grade formulas, if possible, including the most basic creams and moisturizers. While there are a few Korean beauty (K-beauty to the initiated) products I’ve loved for years, the holy grail snail mucin serum I once used religiously has disappeared from my daily routine, as has my former collection of sheet and lip masks. On my quest for a thirst-quenching night cream with added anti-aging benefits, I discovered the luxury medical-grade skincare line, Dr. Rossi DERM MD . The brand’s formulas borrow wisdom from Korean skincare traditions and each of the formulas is powered by Dr. Rossi’s proprietary Bio-Theriac Complex , combining biomimetic sea anemone peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid in an optimized ratio to combat premature aging caused by skin sensitization. Its bestselling, skin-repairing Night Synthesis Cream sounded like exactly what my skin needed (it also doesn’t hurt that the enviably ageless Martha Stewart is reportedly a fan of the concentrated cream.) Without being overly heavy or greasy—two skincare formula characteristics that are absolute dealbreakers as far as I’m concerned—the night cream is still rich, emollient, and brimming with science-backed ingredients that not only keep their complexion-enhancing properties but also rejuvenate lackluster skin fast. When I say this cream is dense, I’m really not joking—when you turn the jar upside down, the formula stays put like a Dairy Queen Blizzard turned upside down. Despite its density and viscosity, I’ve been wearing it under makeup during the day, and the formula absorbs quickly enough that there’s no oil slick of residue lingering, which is another requirement of mine. Within just a week of using the cream , the dehydration-induced fine lines around my crow’s feet and under my eyes have diminished significantly. My skin appears firmer, brighter, and more luminous upon waking. Plus, the broken capillaries, redness, and skin peeling (also likely due to my retinoid use) have almost vanished despite the arid climate and rampant seasonal cedar allergies. Coming in at just under $200, this luxury night cream is definitely an investment but one that is well worth it if your skin, like mine, is crying out for reprieve from these drier winter months. A U.S. Navy fighter jet was shot down over the Red Sea on Saturday in an apparent friendly fire incident, authorities have said. Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely after it was “mistakenly fired” upon by the USS Gettysburg in a non-specified location, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. One of the pilots sustained minor injuries and authorities said a full investigation is underway. The F/A-18, was operating from the USS Harry S. Truman, when the guided-missile cruiser—part of the Truman carrier strike group—fired during a refueling operation. The incident happened a day after U.S. forces hit Houthi structural targets in Yemen. The rebel group appeared to try and take credit for the incident Sunday, but it has a reputation for false claims. The U.S. has a presence in the area due to the Iran-backed Houthi campaign of targeting ships in the busy waterway. Michael Schumacher, the famed F1 star, is going to be a granddad. The news comes after his daughter, 27-year-old Gina, announced her pregnancy. The sports icon’s daughter was just married three months ago, with her dad speculated to have attended the wedding. Gina made an Instagram post, featuring a photo of pink western items, including a pony, with the caption: “Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.” She tagged her newly-wedded husband, Iain. Schumacher, 55, has not been seen publicly since a skiing accident in 2013, where he sustained a severe head injury. Known to keep his life private, no mobile phones were allowed at the wedding. Jean Todt, a friend of Schumacher, said in the past that he “is no longer the Michael we knew,” according to The Sun . Beside Gina, Schumacher has a son named Mick, who also races. He commented on his sister’s announcement post, writing: “So excited.” Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos visited Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week, according to reports, just the latest in a procession of business elites suddenly seeking face-time with the president-elect. The 60-year-old has previously donated to Democrats including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, according to Reuters . Sarandos is also married to Nicole Avant, who was Obama’s United States Ambassador to the Bahamas between 2009 and 2011. A dizzying array of high-powered business moguls have tried to curry favor with Trump since his election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Last week, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos joined Trump for a dinner at Mar-a-Lago that was also attended by Trump’s outspoken cheerleader and Twitter owner, Elon Musk . Fellow social media mogul Mark Zuckerberg also paid a visit to the president-elect’s Palm Beach club last month, while Apple CEO Tim Cook made his visit earlier in December. Zuckerberg’s Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund after his house call, a move that Amazon is also reportedly considering . Trump seems to be thrilled with his newfound popularity, posting last week: “EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND.” Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Nissan have announced a merger, leaving drivers wondering what the phoenix brand will be called. Japan’s second and third biggest automakers, behind Toyota, are pairing up to fight back against the rising threat of Chinese dominance in the electric vehicle market. The two companies signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding in March, committing to collaboration on EVs, and on Monday confirmed the plans to fully merge—alongside Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi. But after the press conference in Tokyo, attention shifted to what the overall holding company might be called when the merger is finished, perhaps as early as late January. “Nissonda or Hondissan?” one X user asked , while another added : “Can’t wait to drive a Nishonda.” One person took a different view, saying : “Hondissan this, Nissonda that. No. Nonda. Or, the objectively more evil Nisson.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. As any true audiophile already knows, Amazon Music Unlimited has long been a reliable destination for an elevated listening experience. With millions of high-quality songs and an unparalleled collection of top ad-free podcasts, the platform’s catalog is curated to capture both your attention and your imagination. Now, Amazon is raising the bar with an exciting update: Audible is officially joining Amazon Music Unlimited, cementing the brand’s status as an all-in-one audio hub . Audible’s industry-leading catalog of audiobooks features an expansive selection of can’t-miss bestsellers, hot-off-the-press exclusives, and timeless classics to immerse yourself in. As an Amazon Music Unlimited subscriber, you’ll be free to select one book each month (of any length) and listen to it directly in the Amazon Music app . Whether you’re a fiction buff ready to dive into a thrilling new adventure or a non-fiction enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, Audible’s expansive collection is sure to have the right title that matches your tastes. Plus, when you’re ready to take a break from the book, you can seamlessly swap back to your favorite tunes and podcast episodes —all without having to leave the app. It’s all the audio that you’ll ever need, all in one place! Best of all, this game-changing update is arriving just in time for the holiday season: start a new subscription , and enjoy your first three months of Amazon Music Unlimited, completely for free. Audio art, conversation, and storytelling—all in one place. What’s not to love? Sign up today and get lost in the sound . A Cathay Pacific flight destined for Boston diverted to Japan because of an unruly passenger who allegedly assaulted people during a midair meltdown. Passengers endured a 15-hour delay and a forced stopover at Tokyo Haneda after flight CX812, which originated in Hong Kong , descended into chaos. The disruptive individual was banned from future flights with the airline, Hong Kong’s flag carrier. Reports suggest the person, who was arrested upon touchdown, assaulted others onboard. Passengers initially departed Hong Kong International Airport 7:40 p.m. local time on Saturday, but after the incident, the were loaded onto a new plane, which departed at 10:45 a.m. and reached Boston at 12:26 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday. They were compensated with meal vouchers and lounge access, while the airline also apologized. Hong Kong’s Aviation Security Ordinance has strict penalties for unruly behavior, including fines of up to around $6,500 and imprisonment for up to five years. The governor of Nebraska, Jim Pillen , is facing Christmas in hospital after he was bucked off a horse. The Republican state leader, who turns 69 next week, was out riding with family members when the horse, which was described as new, sent him flying. His office said he “is alert and is in continuous touch with his team,” after the incident Sunday. However, it added that he was expected to remain in hospital “for several days.” This means Pillen could spend Christmas Day in the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where he was transported “out of an abundance of caution” after initial treatment at Columbus Community Hospital, according to his office. “Gov. Pillen and his family are very appreciative of the thoughts and prayers given to them by Nebraskans and they wish all Nebraskans a very merry Christmas,” his office added in the statement.MONTRÉAL, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Inc. ("Bombardier”) today confirmed that it has reached an agreement to settle its lawsuit against Honeywell International Inc. ("Honeywell”) that it initially filed in 2016 before the Superior Court of Québec . The settlement resolves the lawsuit and the pending request for appeal before the Supreme Court of Canada. The terms of the settlement agreement are confidential to both parties. About Bombardier At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world's best-performing aircraft for the world's most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs. For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation-innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it. Bombardier customers operate a fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier's performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. In 2024, Bombardier was honoured with the prestigious "Red Dot: Best of the Best” award for Brands and Communication Design. For Information For corporate news and information, including Bombardier's Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company's plans to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com. Learn more about Bombardier's industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com. Follow us on X (Twitter) @Bombardier. Media Contacts Vice President, Financial Planning and Investor Relations Bombardier +1 514 240-9649 Senior Director, Communications Bombardier +1 514 855-7167 Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, which may involve, but are not limited to: the coming into effect of the settlement agreement and the satisfaction and timing of conditions in connection therewith; and the effect of the settlement on the parties to the lawsuit and their business relationship. By their nature, forward-looking statements require the Company to make assumptions and are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual effects or results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Please also refer to the note on "Forward-Looking Statements” and the section titled "Risks and Uncertainties” contained in Bombardier's published quarterly financial report for the period ended September 30, 2024 and annual financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and top backup Jordan Mason are being placed on injured reserve. McCaffrey left the snowy field in Buffalo on Sunday night after a 5-yard gain that was preceded by him heading to the sideline in apparent pain at the end of an 18-yard run. McCaffrey was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee and did not play in the second half. The 49ers also lost Jordan Mason, who emerged in a starting role with McCaffrey out the first two months of the season, to an ankle injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Mason has a high-ankle sprain, which typically requires a recovery window of 4-6 weeks. Those moves push rookie Isaac Guerendo into the RB1 spot. He scored the team's only touchdown at Buffalo. The IR slots in San Francisco are manned by multiple starters, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and safety Talanoa Hufanga. Mason had a team-leading 789 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns. Being placed on IR means he's not eligible to play until the regular-season finale at Arizona. McCaffrey had 53 yards on seven carries on Sunday night and caught two passes for 14 yards before exiting. He was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores. McCaffrey hasn't scored a touchdown in his four appearances this season. He has rushed for 202 yards on 50 carries and caught 15 passes for 146 yards. "It was frustrating," Shanahan said after the game. "He had a great week of practice and I could feel his urgency and stuff and thought he came out great, looking really good, and it looked like he just got his shoestring there. ... I hurt for him, and tough for our team not having him." The 49ers (5-7) played without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) in the 35-10 loss. San Francisco has lost three in a row heading into next Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears (4-8) in Santa Clara, Calif. San Francisco resides two games behind the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks (7-5) with five games remaining on the schedule. Seattle and San Francisco split their season series. --Field Level MediaBOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Tre Carroll scored 18 points off the bench to lead Florida Atlantic to an 89-80 victory over Texas State on Saturday. Carroll shot 7 of 9 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Owls (7-5). Niccolo Moretti scored 15 points, shooting 4 of 6 from the field and 6 for 7 from the line. Matas Vokietaitis shot 5 of 8 from the field and 3 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. The Bobcats (7-4) were led by Tyler Morgan, who posted 19 points, six rebounds and five assists. Tylan Pope added 14 points and three blocks. Josh O'Garro finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Texas State had a five-game win streak end. Florida Atlantic took the lead with 51 seconds to go in the first half and never looked back. The score was 43-40 at halftime, with Vokietaitis racking up 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy's dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country's General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix's platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it's not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry's evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.” Baraa Anwer, The Associated PressArticle content It might be fun to stay at the YMCA, but the song is not a “gay anthem.” Recommended Videos So says the frontman of the Village People, who has taken to clarifying the matter some 46 years after the mega-hit was released. Lead singer and lyricist Victor Willis is so adamant, he said he’s even willing to sue “each and every news organization” that refers to the song Y.M.C.A. , either in headlines or the base of the story, as a gay anthem. Willis wrote the 1978 smash hit with producer Jacques Morali and has taken to social media to insist it wasn’t written with the gay community in mind. “There’s been a lot of talk, especially of late, that Y.M.C.A. is somehow a gay anthem,” Willis said on Facebook on Monday. “As I’ve said numerous times in the past, that is a false assumption based on the fact that my writing partner was gay, and some (not all) of Village People were gay, and that the first Village People album was totally about gay life.” Added Willis: “This assumption is also based on the fact that the YMCA was apparently being used as some sort of gay hangout and since one of the writers was gay and some of the Village People are gay, the song must be a message to gay people. To that I say once again: ‘Get your minds out of the gutter. It is not.’” The song from the band’s third studio album Cruisin’ has for years been an informal anthem of the LGBTQ community. Recommended video More recently, it has been embraced by President-elect Donald Trump, who has been playing it at presidential campaign rallies. A recent video posted online showed Trump dancing to the song along with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Mar-a-Lago over American Thanksgiving. Willis initially objected to his song being used by Trump, but in his Facebook post, he gave the president-elect his blessing to use the song, which topped the Billboard chart for digital sales of dance and electronic music this week. The YMCA — the Young Men’s Christian Association — was originally set up as a non-political Christian movement in London in 1844. It is commonly referred to as “the Y,” and has since become a global organization where men are welcome to come and exercise, play sports and seek shelter. Willis said he wrote the song without knowing that the YMCA was “a hangout for gays.” He said: “I therefore wrote Y.M.C.A. about the things I knew about the Y in the urban areas of San Francisco such as swimming, basketball, track, and cheap food and cheap rooms. And when I say, ‘hang out with all the boys’ that is simply 1970s Black slang for Black guys hanging out together for sports, gambling or whatever. There’s nothing gay about that. “So, to the extent that Y.M.C.A. is considered a gay anthem based on the fact that gays once used certain YMCA’s for elicit activity, the assumption that the song alludes to that is completely misguided.” RECOMMENDED VIDEO Willis said he won’t hesitate to take legal action related to any supposed misuse of the song going forward. “Since I wrote the lyrics and ought to know what the lyrics I wrote is really about, come January 2025, my wife will start suing each and every news organization that falsely refers to Y.M.C.A., either in their headlines or alluded to in the base of the story, that Y.M.C.A. is somehow a gay anthem because such notion is based solely on the song’s lyrics alluding to elicit activity for which it does not. However, I don’t mind that gays think of the song as their anthem,” he said.

According to a report from Reuters , president-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is trying to kill a rule set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that requires automakers to report crashes if advanced driver assistance technology or automated driving systems were in use within 30 seconds of the crash. The NHTSA issued the Standing General Order in 2021, stating that its goal is to gather data that could help it identify potential safety issues. The data has been used in investigations into crashes involving six companies so far, including Tesla and GM’s Cruise (which is shutting down its robotaxi program as of this week). Tesla “despises” the reporting requirement and believes the data could be misleading to consumers, Reuters reports, citing sources close to Tesla executives. In a document seen by Reuters , the transition team in charge of making a 100-day strategy for automotive policy reportedly recommended that the incoming administration repeal the requirement, saying it calls for “excessive” data collection. It’s unknown whether Elon Musk — who donated over $250 million to help Trump get elected and was chosen to lead the new “ Department of Government Efficiency ” alongside Vivek Ramaswamy — had any hand in the recommendation. Tesla has reported over 1,500 crashes, and accounted for 40 out of 45 fatal crashes reported to the NHTSA, Reuters reports. But, according to University of South Carolina law professor Bryant Walker Smith, who spoke to Reuters , Tesla has more cars on the road with advanced driver assistance technology and collects more real-time crash data than other companies, which could make for a disproportionate number of incidents reported.“ T piac o’ presep ” were famous words uttered by Neapolitan Eduardo DeFilippo , an Italian actor and director, in the drama “ Natale in casa Cupiello “. In English they mean, “Do you like the Holy Nativity?” The presepe , or Holy Nativity , was central to the development of the plot, as one of the play’s main characters aimed at creating a perfect one for Christmas. The play is just one example of the importance of the presepe in Italian Christmas celebrations: the presepe is, indeed, one of the most traditional symbols of the season, its history rooted deeply in that of Italian culture. Its creation is a ritual so entrenched in people’s habits that many can’t renounce to it, even in today’s day and age, when celebrations have become more modern. Basically, a presepe is a scene of the stable where Jesus was born, complete with figurines to represent Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Wise Men (to be added on the 6th of January), shepherds and animals. Depending on the size, the scene may include buildings for an entire village. Whether big or small, if you’re in Italy during Christmas time, you’ll always find a presepe somewhere. The country is so attached to this tradition, sometimes it even manages to argue about its name: debates about the correct word to use, presepe or presepio , have been going on since it can be remembered. Truth is, both forms are correct because they come from Latin, which accepted both praesepium and praesepe, although presepe is probably the most used today. The term mangiatoia (literally manger, but most commonly known in English as crib, when referring to the Nativity) is used for a three-dimensional representation of the nativity, usually placed in a hut or stable, with figures which can be moved around to the choice of the creator. In this version, the mangiatoia remains the protagonist of the scene and the figures of Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus are placed in it together with that of the ox and the donkey in the stable. The Presepe. Ph. Lorenzoclick on flickr (flic.kr/p/dCXvSf) While some may see the presepe simply as a tradition, it is actually very close to a fully developed form of art. Proof of its importance in Italy can be seen in the numerous markets and exhibitions set up for it, some coming alive with real people impersonating the main characters of the scene. The most famous of these markets is that of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples. San Gregorio Armeno is a city centre street, where several craftsmen exhibit and sell their creations. Famous worldwide, you’ll find a special and magical atmosphere during Christmas. The market is a well known touristic attraction, visited every year by many seeking to experience the enchating atmosphere of a true Neapolitan Christmas. If you make it to the market this year (as every year in fact!), you’ll be surprised to find some very peculiar characters to add to your presepe statuettes’ collection: apart from classic figures like il pastore (the shepherd), il contadino (the farmer), il macellaio (the butcher), and il bottegaio (the storekeeper), you’ll get to see figurines of celebrities or political leaders. The shepherd stands beside President Obama, a storekeeper sits cheek to cheek with the Queen of England: all of it is possible on the stalls of this amazing market. Look for Napoli F.C. players, as well as VIPs and actors, especially if they’ve been at the centre of some scandal during the year. Some presepi are quite expensive, but the simple ones are reasonably priced and will set you back of about 35 euros ($ 40). Traditionally Italians take out their presepe from its boxes on December 8 th . Some people start to build it on that day, others just modify an existing set and others still simply spray a bit of artificial snow and musk for decoration. No matter the size and the ornaments choosen, you’ll find a presepe in the home of almost all Italian Catholics. And be prepared, as you’ll probably be asked, “ Ti piace il presepe ?” Related Posts:

"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.

Russian state news agencies have reported that Bashar Assad, the ousted Syrian President, has arrived in Moscow with his family, seeking asylum. The news was relayed by Tass and RIA, citing unidentified Kremlin sources. The Associated Press has attempted to corroborate these reports and has reached out to the Kremlin for further clarification. Meanwhile, RIA shared additional information from an anonymous Kremlin source indicating that Syrian insurgents assured the security of Russian military and diplomatic sites in Syria, though specifics remain undisclosed. Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday. Celebratory gunfire echoed through the streets as the rebels' unexpected advance reached the capital, bringing an end to the Assad family's 50-year dominance in Syria. (With inputs from agencies.)One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy advanced drone-tracking technology following weeks of reported drone sightings in parts of New York and New Jersey that have stirred fear and bewilderment. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to use the technology to track drones back to their landing spots. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat. But because they can’t say with certainty who's responsible for the drones, leaders of both parties are demanding better technology and powers to tackle the issue. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. After a 15-year pause in executions, Indiana prepares to put to death a man who killed 4 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana officials are preparing to execute the state’s first death row inmate in 15 years. Joseph Corcoran was convicted in 1999 in the fatal shootings of his brother and three other men, including his sister’s fiancé. If Corcoran is put to death as scheduled Wednesday it will be the state’s first execution since 2009. Corcoran's attorneys have asked a federal court to stay his execution, arguing it would be unconstitutional because he has a serious mental illness. Indiana officials have refused to discuss how they obtained the sedative used for lethal injection. No media witnesses will be permitted under state law. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 46 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.The Future of Gaming is Here! Next-Gen Chips Revolutionize Gameplay