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Losses for big technology stocks pulled major indexes lower on Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell 0.4% Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.3% from its record high a day earlier, and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.6%. Losses for Nvidia, Microsoft and Broadcom were the biggest weights on the market. Dell sank 12.2% after reporting revenue that fell shy of forecasts, and HP dropped 11.4% after giving a weaker-than-expected outlook. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. U.S. financial markets will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving, and will reopen for a half day on Friday. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks wavered in afternoon trading on Wednesday, as losses for several Big Tech companies offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 fell 0.4% in afternoon trading, even though more stocks were rising than falling in the index. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 135 points, or 0.3%, as of 3:05 p.m. Eastern time. Both indexes set records on Tuesday. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.5%. Losses for tech heavyweights helped pull the broader market lower. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slipped 1.6%. Its huge value gives it outsized influence on market indexes. Microsoft fell 0.9% Several personal computer makers added to Big Tech's heavy weight on the market following their latest earnings reports. HP sank 11.8% after giving investors a weaker-than-expected earnings forecast for its current quarter. Dell slumped 11.9% after its latest quarterly revenue fell short of Wall Street forecasts. Gains for financial and health care companies helped counter Big Tech's downward pull. Visa rose 0.9% and Thermo Fisher Scientific added 2.3%. The U.S. economy expanded at a healthy 2.8% annual pace from July through September, according to the Commerce Department, leaving its original estimate of third-quarter growth unchanged. The growth was driven by strong consumer spending and a surge in exports. The update follows a report on Tuesday from the Conference Board that said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Consumers have been driving economic growth, but the latest round of earnings reports from retailers shows a mixed and more cautious picture. Department store operator Nordstrom fell 8.5% after warning investors about a trend toward weakening sales that started in late October. Clothing retailer Urban Outfitters jumped 19.1% after beating analysts’ third-quarter financial forecasts. Weeks earlier, retail giant Target gave investors a discouraging forecast for the holiday season, while Walmart provided a more encouraging forecast. Consumers, though resilient, are still facing pressure from inflation. The latest update from the U.S. government shows that inflation accelerated last month. The personal consumption expenditures index, or PCE, rose to 2.3% in October from 2.1% in September. Overall, the rate of inflation has been falling broadly since it peaked more than two years ago. The PCE, which is the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, was just below 7.3% in June of 2022. Another measure of inflation, the consumer price index, peaked at 9.1% at the same time. The latest inflation data, though, is a sign that the rate of inflation seems to be stalling as it falls to within range of the Fed's target of 2%. The central bank started raising its benchmark interest rate from near-zero in early 2022 to a two-decade high by the middle of 2023 and held it there in order to tame inflation. The Fed started cutting its benchmark interest rate in September, followed by a second cut in November. Wall Street expects a similar quarter-point cut at the central bank's upcoming meeting in December. “Today’s data shouldn’t change views of the likely path for disinflation, however bumpy," said David Alcaly, lead macroeconomic strategist at Lazard Asset Management. "But a lot of observers, probably including some at the Fed, are looking for reasons to get more hawkish on the outlook given the potential for inflationary policy change like new tariffs.” President-elect Donald Trump has said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China when he takes office in January. That could shock the economy by raising prices on a wide range of goods and accelerating the rate of inflation. Such a shift could prompt the Fed to rethink future cuts to interest rates. Treasury yields slipped in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.25% from 4.30% late Tuesday. The yield on the two-year Treasury, which more closely follows expected actions by the Fed, fell to 4.22% from 4.25% late Tuesday. U.S. markets will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving, and will reopen for a half day on Friday. Damian J. Troise And Alex Veiga, The Associated Presshow to withdraw ph365 。

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday named Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, to be U.S. attorney general just hours after his other choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name. Bondi is a longtime Trump ally and was one of his lawyers during his first impeachment trial when he was accused — but not convicted — of abusing his power as he tried to condition U.S. military assistance to Ukraine on that country investigating then-former Vice President Joe Biden. She has been a chair at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank set up by former Trump administration staffers. Bondi is from Tampa and spent more than 18 years as a prosecutor. She was Florida's first female attorney general. Gaetz withdrew Thursday amid continued fallout over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation's chief federal law enforcement officer. The announcement capped a turbulent eight-day period in which Trump sought to capitalize on his decisive election win to force Senate Republicans to accept provocative selections like Gaetz, who had been investigated by the Justice Department before being tapped last week to lead it. The decision could heighten scrutiny on other controversial Trump nominees, including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, who faces sexual assault allegations that he denies. "While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition," Gaetz, a Florida Republican who one day earlier met with senators in an effort to win their support, said in a statement. "There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," he added. Hours later, Gaetz posted on social media that he looks "forward to continuing the fight to save our country," adding, "Just maybe from a different post." Trump, in a social media post, said: "I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General. He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!" He did not immediately announce a new selection. Last week, he named personal lawyers Todd Blanche, Emil Bove and D. John Sauer to senior roles in the department. Another possible contender, Matt Whitaker, was announced Wednesday as the U.S. ambassador to NATO. The withdrawal, just a week after the pick was announced, averts what was shaping up to be a pitched confirmation fight that would have tested how far Senate Republicans were willing to go to support Trump's Cabinet picks. The selection of the fierce Trump ally over well-regarded veteran lawyers whose names had circulated as possible contenders stirred concern for the Justice Department's independence at a time when Trump has openly threatened to seek retribution against political adversaries. It underscored the premium Trump places on personal loyalty and reflected the president-elect's desire to have a disruptor lead a Justice Department that for years investigated and ultimately indicted him. In the Senate, deeply skeptical lawmakers sought more information about Justice Department and congressional investigations into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls, which Gaetz has denied. Meanwhile, Justice Department lawyers were taken aback by the pick of a partisan lawmaker with limited legal experience who has echoed Trump's claims of a weaponized criminal justice system. As Gaetz sought to lock down Senate support, concern over the sex trafficking allegations showed no signs of abating. In recent days, an attorney for two women said his clients told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017, when Gaetz was a Florida congressman. One of the women testified she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in Florida in 2017, according to the attorney, Joel Leppard. Leppard has said that his client testified she didn't think Gaetz knew the girl was underage, stopped their relationship when he found out and did not resume it until after she turned 18. The age of consent in Florida is 18. "They're grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives," Leppard said Thursday of his clients. "They're hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved." Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The Justice Department's investigation ended last year with no charges against him. Gaetz's political future is uncertain. He had abruptly resigned his congressional seat upon being selected as attorney general, a move seen as a way to shut down the ethics investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. He did win reelection in November for the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, 2025, but he said in his resignation letter last week to House Speaker Mike Johnson that he did not intend to take the oath of office. He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state launched a special election process to fill the vacancy. Republicans on the House Ethics Committee declined this week to release the panel's findings, over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. As word of Gaetz's decision spread across the Capitol, Republican senators seemed divided. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, called it a "positive move." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz "put country first and I am pleased with his decision." Others said they had hoped Gaetz could have overhauled the department. Florida Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of Trump, said he was "disappointed. I like Matt and I think he would have changed the way DOJ is run." Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he hoped that Trump will pick someone "equally as tenacious and equally as committed to rooting out and eliminating bias and politicization at the DOJ." Gaetz is not the only Trump pick facing congressional scrutiny over past allegations. A detailed investigative police report made public Wednesday shows that a woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth, the former Fox News host now tapped to lead the Pentagon, after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. "The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared," Hegseth told reporters Thursday at the Capitol, where he was meeting with senators to build support for his nomination.

The Game Awards 2024, held at the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on December 12th, was a night of surprises, stunning reveals, and emotional acceptance speeches. But amidst the glitz and glamour, one moment stood out: Astro Bot, the charming 3D platformer developed by Team Asobi, was crowned Game of the Year, beating out heavy hitters like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. This unexpected victory sent shockwaves through the gaming community. While Astro Bot was critically acclaimed, many anticipated the award would go to a title with a larger scope and more mainstream appeal. However, the adorable robot’s triumph signifies a growing appreciation for innovative gameplay, heartfelt storytelling, and pure, unadulterated fun. A David Amongst Goliaths Astro Bot’s journey to Game of the Year was an underdog story in the making. Facing off against juggernauts like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, which led the nominations with seven nods, and the critically acclaimed Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Astro Bot’s victory seemed like a long shot. Yet, the game’s unique blend of platforming mastery, VR integration, and sheer charm resonated with both players and critics alike. The game’s success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Astro Bot delivered a truly innovative platforming experience. By utilizing the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller and VR capabilities, Team Asobi created a game that felt both fresh and familiar. The haptics, adaptive triggers, and immersive 3D environments brought a new level of depth and engagement to the genre. Secondly, Astro Bot’s undeniable charm won the hearts of players worldwide. The game’s protagonist, Astro, is an endearing character with a wide range of expressive animations. The vibrant and colorful world, filled with playful enemies and hidden secrets, further enhanced the game’s appeal. Finally, Astro Bot’s masterful level design provided a challenging yet rewarding experience. Each level was meticulously crafted, offering a perfect balance of platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat. The game’s difficulty curve was expertly tuned, ensuring that players of all skill levels could enjoy the adventure. A Triumph for Innovation and Heart Astro Bot’s Game of the Year win is a testament to the power of innovation and heart in video games. In an industry often dominated by sequels and established franchises, Astro Bot dared to be different. It took risks, embraced new technology, and delivered an experience that was both refreshing and nostalgic. The game’s victory also highlights the growing importance of VR in the gaming landscape. While VR gaming is still relatively niche, Astro Bot demonstrated the immense potential of the technology. By seamlessly integrating VR into its core gameplay, Team Asobi created an experience that was truly immersive and unforgettable. Moreover, Astro Bot’s success serves as a reminder that games can be more than just entertainment. They can be sources of joy, wonder, and emotional connection. Astro Bot’s charming world and heartwarming story resonated with players on a deep level, proving that games can have a profound impact on our lives. The Game Awards 2024: A Night of Surprises and Celebrations Beyond Astro Bot’s historic win, The Game Awards 2024 was a night filled with memorable moments. From stunning musical performances by Snoop Dogg and Twenty One Pilots to exciting game reveals and emotional acceptance speeches, the event was a celebration of the best that the gaming industry has to offer. Other notable winners included: The Game Awards also recognized the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the gaming industry. This year’s Innovation Award went to Fallout (Amazon MGM Studios) for its groundbreaking work in adapting video game narratives to television. A Bright Future for Astro and Team Asobi Astro Bot’s Game of the Year win is a momentous achievement for Team Asobi and a testament to their dedication to creating innovative and joyful gaming experiences. This recognition is likely to propel the studio to new heights, and fans eagerly anticipate what they have in store for the future. Will we see a new Astro Bot adventure on the PlayStation 5? Will Team Asobi continue to push the boundaries of VR gaming? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Astro Bot’s triumph at The Game Awards 2024 has solidified its place as a modern classic and a shining example of the power of creativity and passion in video game development.

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:29 p.m. ESTATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Special counsel moves to abandon election interference and classified documents cases against TrumpAMHERST, Mass. (AP) — Malek Abdelgowad scored 26 points as UMass beat UMass-Boston 86-52 on Saturday. Abdelgowad also contributed 14 rebounds for the Minutemen (4-7). Daniel Rivera added 11 points while going 4 of 6 and 3 of 7 from the free-throw line while they also had 10 rebounds. Jaylen Curry had 10 points and finished 4 of 7 from the field. The Beacons were led in scoring by Cameron Perkins, who finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two steals. Xavier McKenzie added 13 points, two steals and two blocks for UMass-Boston. Raphel Laurent also recorded eight points. UMass took the lead with 15:49 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 47-24 at halftime, with Abdelgowad racking up 18 points. UMass extended its lead to 66-36 during the second half, fueled by a 14-2 scoring run. Abdelgowad scored a team-high eight points in the second half as their team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Lamar defeats Ragin' Cajuns 74-45Julen Lopetegui says West Ham were worthy winners at NewcastleThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) witnessed an across the board selling, leading to a more than 60 points decline in the key index and more than QR2bn in capitalisation this week. The Gulf individuals were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.58% this week which saw Al Mahhar Holding shareholders approve the board’s proposal to shift it to the main market from the junior bourse. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers this week which saw global credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s forecast Qatar's average debt-servicing costs to be below 5% of general government revenues by 2027, aided by debt reduction strategies and higher expected earnings related to the North Field Expansion, The industrials, telecom, insurance and consumer goods and services sectors witnessed higher than average selling pressure this week which saw the United Nations Development Programme join hands with the Ooredoo Group to establish a comprehensive policy framework to accelerate digital transformation across the Arab region. The foreign institutions continued to be bearish but with lesser intensity in the main market this week which saw Mekdam Holding bag QR71.5mn project from QatarEnergy. The Gulf funds also continued to be bearish but with lesser vigour in the main bourse this week which saw Standard and Poor’s affirm Commercial Bank’s rating at ‘A-/A-2’ with stable outlook. The domestic institutions’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week which saw Techno Q bag two major projects in Saudi Arabia. The local retail investors’ lower net buying had its say in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar reiterate its commitment to develop digital ecosystem. The foreign individuals were seen net buyers in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.18mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.39mn trade across 37 deals. The Arab funds’ net selling was seen weakening in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.05mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.55mn change hands across 33 transactions. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the real estate and industrials sectors together constitute about 53% of the total trade volumes. Market capitalisation melted 0.35% to QR617.32bn on the back of small and microcap segments this week, which saw no trading of treasury bills. Trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease in the main market, whereas it showed expansion in the junior bourse this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.58%, the All Share Index by 0.49% and the All Islamic Index by 0.73% this week. The industrials sector index tanked 1.08%, telecom (0.99%), insurance (0.93%), consumer goods and services (0.74%), transport (0.49%), banks and financial services (0.17%) and real estate (0.16%) this week. Major losers in the main bourse included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Aamal Company, Beema, Widam Food, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Islamic Bank, Alijarah Holding, Dlala, Salam International Investment, Woqod, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value this week. Nevertheless, Ezdan, QIIB, QLM, Medicare Group and Qatari Investors Group were among the gainers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value this week. The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR7.2mn compared with net buyers of QR3.03mn the week ended November 14. The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR3.53mn against net buyers of QR10.35mn the previous week. The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR80.11mn compared to QR191.34mn a week ago. The local retail investors’ net buying declined significantly to QR11.24mn against QR47.45mn the week ended November 14. However, the foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR4.72mn compared with net sellers of QR0.55mn the previous week. The foreign institutions’ net profit booking shrank drastically to QR73.29mn against QR200.48mn a week ago. The Gulf institutions’ net selling decreased considerably to QR12.06mn compared to QR51.1mn the week ended November 14. The Arab institutions’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.02mn against QR0.03mn the previous week. The main market witnessed a 22% contraction in trade volumes to 552.73mn shares, 28% in value to QR1.45bn and 24% in deals to 57,955 this week. In the venture market, trade volumes gained 17% to 4.58mn equities, value by 22% to QR11.59mn and transactions by 9% to 337. Related Story QCAA holds training programme for 3rd batch of Egyptian air traffic controllers QNL explores strategies to support language development among childrenNone

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Max Brooks' 26 points helped UMass-Lowell defeat Dartmouth 92-83 on Saturday. Brooks added nine rebounds and four steals for the River Hawks (8-4). Quinton Mincey added 20 points while going 7 of 10 from the floor, including 3 for 5 from 3-point range, and 3 for 4 from the line while he also had six assists. Martin Somerville shot 3 for 10 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points, while adding six rebounds. The Big Green (4-6) were led by Connor Amundsen, who posted 28 points and six assists. Cade Haskins added 16 points for Dartmouth. Jayden Williams also recorded 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .No. 23 Alabama women beat Alabama State 83-33 at Emerald Coast Classic

Cigna's CI short percent of float has risen 22.55% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 3.45 million shares sold short , which is 1.25% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.54 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks Cigna Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Cigna has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted. Comparing Cigna's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , Cigna's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 8.26%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning reelection despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country’s constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON,” Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” RELATED: The judge in the election case granted prosecutors’ dismissal request. A decision in the documents case was still pending on Monday evening. The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters’ own verdict. In court filings, Smith’s team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump’s incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters’ violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence it planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In dismissing the case, Chutkan acknowledged prosecutors’ request to do so “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump when his term is over. She wrote that is “consistent with the Government’s understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office.” But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One of them, a New York case involving hush money payments, resulted in a conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump’s lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict.” Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already was on hold after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. ___ Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Michael Sisak and Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this story.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — One of the strongest storms on the West Coast in decades knocked out power for thousands of people, unleashed strong winds that toppled trees and left two dead in Washington before making its way through Oregon to Northern California where on Thursday it dropped heavy snow and record amounts of rain. The National Weather Service extended a flood watch into Saturday for areas north of San Francisco as the region was inundated by the strongest atmospheric river — a long and wide plume of moisture that forms over an ocean and flows over land — so far this season. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. 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Guest Opinion: I spoke to college students after the election. Here’s how to make them care more about politicsThe Hyundai i20 N is dead; we take it for one last drive

National Indigenous council report seeks to lead Canadian renewable energy transition