Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’South Korean markets have had a dismal 2024, with the so called "Korea discount" in its stock markets widening compared to other global peers. Analysts that spoke to CNBC say that the efforts to oust Yoon might distract from and delay efforts for capital market reform, entrenching the "Korea discount" further. South Korean markets have had a dismal 2024, with the so-called "Korea discount" in its stock markets widening compared to other global peers. The recent political upheaval is expected to entrench this phenomenon. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are The country's benchmark stock index, Kospi, has lost over 7% this year and the underperformance of the South Korean market signals its "Corporate Value-Up" program, announced in February this year , has failed to address the " Korea discount. " The "Korea discount" refers to South Korean securities trading at lower valuations relative to regional peers due to investors' concerns over issues such as corporate governance at large family-owned conglomerates that have an outsized influence over the country's economy. The political turmoil in the country has further worsened investors' sentiment, with the Kospi underperforming the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index by 2.3 percentage points since Dec. 3 when President Yoon Seok Yeol imposed and then revoked martial law within hours. The attempt at martial law has sent the risk premium for Korean assets higher, thereby dealing a setback to the "Value-Up Program," Vishnu Varathan, managing director and head of macro research for Asia ex-Japan at Mizuho Securities said in a Dec. 10 note. South Korea under Yoon had strived to boost the country's stock markets and combat the "Korea discount" via a Japan-style program that sought to improve corporate governance and increase investor engagement, among other things. Money Report European Central Bank set to deliver final rate cut of the year: Live updates European markets set for mixed open ahead of expected ECB rate cut According to data from the Korea Exchange , the Kospi has a price-to-book ratio of 0.86, while its price-to-earnings ratio stands at 13.65 as of Dec. 12. Both the metrics, which indicate how much the investors value the index, have declined from a year earlier . For comparison, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock benchmark has a price-to-book ratio of 1.44 while its price-to-earnings ratio stands at 15.90 as of Dec. 11. While Japan stocks surged as it implemented measures to lift its markets , South Korea has been struggling. For instance the "Korea-Value Up Index," launched in September, which consists of 100 listed "best practice" companies that comply with the "Value-Up" program, has price-to-book ratio of 0.99 and a price-to-earnings ratio of just 10.29. "The distractions of ousting Yoon amid fragile government and fragmented politics is likely to dilute and delay policy efforts to boost equity valuations," Varathan said, adding that power balance in South Korea could shift in favor of large and influential conglomerates, which could entrench the "Korea discount" even more. South Korea has several large family-owned global conglomerates, known as "chaebols," usually controlled by the founder's family. These may consist of a group of companies or several groups of companies. Notable chaebols include market heavyweights such as Samsung Electronics, LG, SK and Hyundai. While they are a huge contributor to the country's GDP, the complex shareholding structure of chaebols mean that investors hold little sway over the company's strategic direction. The four conglomerates mentioned above make up about 40% of South Korea's GDP, according to South Korean media. Market reforms could receive a setback due to the political turmoil, said Lorraine Tan, director of equity research for Asia at Morningstar, while adding that the reforms will not be "derailed." "I think the longer the leadership change takes, the more likely investors will be sidelined. President Yoon is unpopular and a peaceful transition away from his leadership would help," she pointed out. The embattled Yoon has survived an impeachment vote over the weekend after members of his ruling People's Power Party walked out of the country's parliament, but opposition parties have vowed to continue efforts to impeach him. Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Strategy at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation said that the "Korea discount" is still likely to persist into 2025 due to weak economic conditions, slower exports, and a weak Korean won. "Investor confidence may return in the medium-term, but a swift resolution of the domestic uncertainty looks unlikely at this stage." Also on CNBC India's ReNew Energy offered to be taken private in $2.82 billion deal BNP Paribas: Indian market showing "high level of resilience" India's economy might not grow by 7-8%, but there still are attractive sectors

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Diing Maiwen of Edward Little drives to the hoop against Lewiston during a January game in Auburn. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal Cole Bard, Winthrop senior: One of several returning Ramblers heavy on experience (the entire 2023-24 roster is back), the 6-foot-3 Bard is coming off a season in which he averaged 12.4 points and six rebounds and was voted second-team All-Mountain Valley Conference. Jace Bessey, Spruce Mountain senior: The four-year starter enters the season 40 points shy of 1,000 for his career. Bessey averaged 17.6 points and four steals per game and earned first-team All-MVC recognition last season. Abdirahman Dakane, Lewiston senior: Earned AA North second-team honors and should be one of the region’s top players again this season. Averaged 14.2 points, five rebounds and two steals per game as a junior. Cai Dougher, Spruce Mountain junior: Another Mountain Valley Conference first-teamer for the Phoenix in 2023-24, when he scored 12 points, grabbed four rebounds and made 2.5 steals per game. Krosby Harvey, Buckfield sophomore: Burst onto the scene as a freshman, leading the Bucks in scoring (12.4 per game), steals (3.9) and assists (2.9) while pulling down 4.4 rebounds per game. Reiley Hedden, Telstar/Gould senior: Scored 15.8 points and averaged 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and about a block per game for the Rebels. Will again team up with second-leading scorer Brody Morgan (12 ppg) as Telstar plays a mostly Class D schedule this year in hopes of improving its standing in D South. Levi Laverdiere, Monmouth sophomore: The second-leading scorer (13.3 points per game) for the Class C champs last season. This year, he’ll be relied on even more by a much younger group of Mustangs. Diing Maiwen, Edward Little senior: AA North honorable mention and all-defense selection is the top returning scorer for the Red Eddies, coming off a season in which he averaged 13 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Plays with both athleticism and grit. Damon Martin, Poland junior: Ranked in the top 10 in the Western Maine Conference in scoring (16.6 per game) and steals (2.4). Also knocked down 38 3-pointers, averaged 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 steals. John Patenaude, Gray-New Gloucester senior: The lone returning starter from last year’s Class A state championship team. Was the A South tournament MVP. Averaged 17.9 points per game last year and enters this season 60 points away from reaching 1,000 in his career. Colin Schlobohm, Leavitt sophomore: Had a solid freshman campaign, leading the Hornets in scoring (11.1 points per game), rebounding (6.3), assists (1.7) and steals (1.7), while shooting 70% from the free-throw line and 30% from 3-point range. Lonnie Thomas, Lewiston senior: Nearly averaged a double-double last season, tallying 12 points and nine rebounds per game to go along with 2.7 blocks. Received AA North honorable mention. Taylor Varney, St. Dom’s senior: Named to Western Maine Conference Class C/D first team after averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, four assists and 2.4 steals last season, while helping the Saints reach the D South final. Nathaniel Wainwright, Dirigo senior: A key contributor as a sophomore to the Cougars’ 2022-23 state championship team, Wainwright took the lead last year and averaged 18.6 points, 8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.5 steals, earning Mountain Valley Conference first-team honors. Bryce Wilcox, Mt. Abram senior: Put up 20 or more points three times in 2023-24, finishing the season averaging 12 points per game while shooting 39.2% from 3-point range. Also grabbed six rebounds per game and was named second-team All-MVC. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousThe Pentagon on Wednesday flatly dismissed claims by a U.S. lawmaker that Iran might be launching drones over New Jersey from a "mothership" off the East Coast. "There is no truth to that," said Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh. "There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States and there's no so-called 'mothership' launching drones towards the United States." Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew, whose district in New Jersey includes Atlantic City, said he had uncovered what appeared to be an Iranian plot. "What we’ve uncovered is alarming — drones flying in from the direction of the ocean, possibly linked to a missing Iranian mothership," he said on social media platform X. The lawmaker also made the claims on Fox News. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said it began receiving reports of drone activity near Morris County, New Jersey, on Nov. 18. The FAA has barred drone flights over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Last week, the FBI and New Jersey State Police asked the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River. "Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft. We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks," the FBI said. The Pentagon said an initial assessment had shown the drones were not from another country and that the U.S. military had not shot them down because they did not pose a threat to any military installations. "We have no evidence that these activities are coming from a foreign entity or the work of an adversary," Singh said. "We're going to continue to monitor what is happening. But, you know, at no point were our installations threatened when this activity was occurring." Still, the latest drone sightings are a reminder of the growing concern about a proliferation of drone technology and the potential security considerations, given that drones can carry surveillance technology or even explosives. At a press conference, House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries was asked about the lack of information about the drones. "We need a greater degree of transparency from law enforcement authorities, and we will make sure that happens in the days and weeks to come," Jeffries said.

Thousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia staged a fresh rally Friday after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition, amid a deepening post-electoral crisis. Tbilisi has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement by their foreign ministers Friday. Several thousand people blocked the street outside parliament for a ninth consecutive night Friday, some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. The crowd was smaller than on previous nights and the mood quieter, but protesters rejected claims the movement was dying out. "We are fighting for our freedom," said Nana, 18, a medical student, wrapped in an EU flag, accompanied by a friend in a matching Georgian flag. "We are not going to give up." Another protester, 35-year-old academic Alexander Kavtaradze, said: "It's a battle of nerves right now. The illegitimate government is hoping we'll get tired, that fewer people will come out each day. "We will continue our fight until the end." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's Public Broadcaster -- accused of serving as a government propaganda tool -- the education ministry, and the country's tourism administration offices. Shalva Alaverdashvili, founder of the Georgian hotels' federation, told AFP that the "unexpected and unacceptable" suspension of EU accession talks has severely hit the country's tourism industry, which accounts for seven percent of the country's GDP. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. On Friday evening, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention. Zviad Tsetskhladze had been arrested during the protests on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Tsetskhladze told the judge: "Democracy in Georgia is no more. The rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." More from this section Earlier Friday Prime Minister Kobakhidze praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely, and work towards this goal will continue," Kobakhidze said. He repeated an earlier threat to "complete the process of neutralising the radical opposition". With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the ruling party "no longer has the strength or resources to stand against the people." The government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants," he told AFP. The interior ministry said police had detained three more individuals Friday for "participating in group violence", punishable by up to nine years' jail. Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Georgia's own rights ombudsman Levan Ioseliani has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested. ub-im/jjArguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer glimpse into unusual American moment

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan on Friday the need for a political solution in Syria where rebel forces are advancing, the State Department said. "Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, including members of minority groups, across Syria," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)ROCHESTER — Thirteen Rochester individuals were honored Friday during the 41st year of awarding the Mayor’s Medal of Honor. “There are people you may know; you may be aware of what they’ve done,” Mayor Kim Norton told a gathering of approximately 125 people during the noon ceremony at Mayo Civic Center. “There will be others that you don’t know, and we hope this is informational and educational, and you can learn to appreciate the wonderful people .. that are in the community.” ADVERTISEMENT The honorees were nominated by area residents for achievements in a variety of efforts, and Norton said the award is a recognition of people who go “above and beyond” as Rochester residents. “They do things that are extraordinary often without recognition at all,” she said of the honorees, many of whom were surprised as recipients. “We want to pull out a few people every year for the work they do.” This year’s ceremony honored: Nfonoyim-Hara has been working to uplift and celebrate local underrepresented voices. Since opting to call Rochester home, she has: worked with the late Danny Solis to create the Day of the Dead programming, supported the Somalia Rebuild organization, represented Rochester through KSMQ’s “R-Town” program and supported BIPOC students and artists as they reimagined Peace Plaza. Most recently, she personally invested in the creation of Griot Arts, Rochester's first bookstore and gallery featuring the work and stories of BIPOC individuals. It’s an effort to provide a physical space contributing to downtown vitality and has become a space for Black artists, poets and community members. Said has dedicated his life to promoting inclusivity, equity and opportunities for marginalized communities in Rochester. A first-generation Bosnian refugee, his family fled the Bosnian genocide, enduring the trials of refugee life before eventually resettling in Rochester. Currently, he serves as the program director of Mayo Clinic’s diversity, equity and inclusion program with a primary focus on recruiting diverse candidates into medical school. His efforts are breaking down barriers that often prevent individuals from underrepresented backgrounds from entering the healthcare field. ADVERTISEMENT Schmitt has significantly impacted Rochester’s culture and well-being as a steadfast supporter of the Rochester running community. He has dedicated countless hours to volunteering at races, where he not only helps with logistics but works to inspire and mentor runners of all ages and abilities Additionally, his role as the founder and president of the Friends of the Rochester Farmer's Market has revitalized the local economy and fostered connections between farmers and consumers while promoting healthy eating and sustainability. He has also served on the city’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee as an influential voice for safer, more accessible transportation options. Las has been teaching for 33 years, focused on eighth-grade science at John Adams Middle School. She teaches the highly gifted and physical science classes and co-teaches multilingual learner science classes. She has been the backbone of the STEM Mentoring Labs at John Adams, an after-school STEM research program for middle school students underrepresented in STEM run by local non-profit Oraculi. Due to her efforts, Las was recently awarded a STEM Research Grant from the Society for Science as one of 41 educators throughout the United States. A 2001 graduate of John Marshall, Stageberg moved away from Rochester for about 15 years and has been back for eight years, building Black Swan Real Estate, a property management company that impacts about 5% of Rochester residents. Beyond his business, he has been engaged with Rochester Police Department events, served as grand marshall of the 2023 Rochesterfest parade for 2023 and continues serving as Santa's First Helper for Rescue Santa ADVERTISEMENT Wedul’s actions during a violent burglary and disturbance at his apartment building on Oct. 13, 2024, helped contain potential danger and prevented further escalation. Upon hearing the ruckus, he exited his apartment and calmly told the intruder to sit down and stay back as he helped others exit the building. The Lowertown Neighborhood resident’s presence with neighbors the following days reassured them and helped restore calm to the area. As CEO of Divine Immigration and Educational Consultancy in the United States and Dominion and Shalom International in Nigeria, Adepoju has affected communities throughout two continents while addressing pressing issues faced by immigrants and underserved populations. Her commitment to community development and social upliftment has been seen through her work providing legal, educational and social support to immigrants navigating complex integration processes in the United States. In Nigeria, she has led programs addressing key challenges such as poverty and education, empowering communities with resources and sustainable opportunities that enable self-sufficiency. Kiscaden, who will be retiring this year as Olmsted County commissioner, has worked in the nonprofit and public sector serving as a consultant, facilitator, coordinator, and project manager early in her career in Rochester. She has spent many years focusing on policy, public health, corrections, advocacy and political leadership, and community involvement. In addition to professional and academic roles, she has volunteered to train and mentor others, expand economic opportunities regionally and serve on a variety of nonprofit and state boards, while also supporting women in their growth in leadership. Stenehjem has dedicated himself to the community of Rochester through his professional career, personal life and faith to do good deeds for the citizens of Rochester. ADVERTISEMENT He worked at the YMCA for 33 years and served as its director with the mission to empower youth and communities. He was the foundation and development director at the Rochester Senior Center Foundation for seven years and spent the last nine years of his professional career as the foundation and development leader at Samaritan Bethany. In addition to all his career accomplishments, he devoted his time and efforts to other organizations including Rochester Rotary, Gloria Dei Church, Channel One Food Bank, Rochester Choral Arts and United Way. Whitehorn moved to Rochester after being sentenced as a felon and worked to turn his life around by serving his community in many ways. In addition to running a business, he has worked with others to create a number of organizations and services to assist other community members and prevent others from going down the path he had been down. His efforts paid off this year when he sat before the clemency board and won clemency, removing his label as a felon. Fitterer is known for her volunteer work for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, for acting as Olmsted County election judge, and serving as a Republican delegate to the state. At 84, she does not believe that retirement from work means retirement from serving her community and was instrumental in combining the six separate parishes of St. Vincent de Paul’s relief work into a single unit that serves all of Rochester more effectively with fewer people. ADVERTISEMENT As the founder of Rochester Electrified and Rochester Electric Vehicles, Yucuis is an advocate for sustainable practices in Rochester, particularly in promoting the benefits and feasibility of electric vehicles and home electrification solutions. His commitment to educating the community about clean, renewable options is shaping a more resilient and environmentally conscious city. Through the Rochester Electric Vehicles group, his work fosters connections among EV owners and newcomers, building a culture of sustainability that encourages residents to make more eco-conscious decisions. A Rochester fifth-grader, Teske has dedicated many hours to improving her neighborhood and the environment through her participation in the Adopt-a-Drain program. Known for her drive and dedication, she has made an impact in the community through her service efforts, including participation in the Ben Franklin & Montessori at Franklin School student council community schoolyard project. Her efforts have helped encourage other community residents to get involved with efforts to keep local waterways free of pollution.In a way, Giuli was part of Meloni's vision years before she appointed him as a minister. She has long considered him one of the most suitable candidates to carry out a project that she cares about: building right-wing cultural hegemony. When Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned over a sex scandal on Sept. 6, Alessandro Giuli was appointed in his place. Giuli had very little experience in politics, but like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in his youth, he was a member of a neofascist party called the Italian Social Movement. Soon after her election, Meloni appointed him as the director of MAXXI , an important museum in Rome. When Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned over a sex scandal on Sept. 6, Alessandro Giuli was appointed in his place. Giuli had very little experience in politics, but like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in his youth, he was a member of a neofascist party called the Italian Social Movement. Soon after her election, Meloni appointed him as the director of MAXXI, an important museum in Rome. In a way, Giuli was part of Meloni's vision years before she appointed him as a minister. She has long considered him one of the most suitable candidates to carry out a project that she cares about: building right-wing cultural hegemony. Cultural hegemony is a concept developed by Italian communist philosopher Antonio Gramsci to explain why the worker's revolution that Karl Marx predicted had not yet happened. He theorized that it was because the ruling class controlled social institutions—from schools to the media—and used them to spread its ideologies, shaping the population's belief system and, thus, its actions. In other words, controlling culture meant controlling political and social outcomes. Meloni is not a communist, but she is convinced that the Italian left has succeeded, since the end of World War II, in dominating cultural institutions, such as the arts and academia, creating a situation which she has... Giorgio Ghiglione