ib77
ib77
ib77
However, the reckless act of setting fire to the mountain not only resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the local ecosystem but also posed a serious threat to nearby residential areas. The wildfire that ensued from the woman's actions took days to contain and caused significant damage to the surrounding environment.Patience needed when it comes to managing the economic recovery
The photo booth is turning 100 — meet the people keeping it alive
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:52 p.m. ESTNvidia Under Investigation: Self-Inflicted or Sacrificial Lamb in US-China Tech War?“In 1923, President lit the first National Christmas Tree. Later that night, African American community centers held an outdoor worship service on these grounds. And during that service, the Washington Monument was illuminated with a beautiful cross, a powerful reminder of the meaning of ,” then-President said at the tree-lighting ceremony near the Washington Monument on Dec. 5, 2019. “More than 2,000 years ago, a brilliant star shone in the East. Wise men traveled far, far afield. I mean, they were a long distance away. And they came and they stood with us under the star, where they found the Holy Family in Bethlehem,” Mr. Trump said. “As the Bible tells us, when the Wise Men had come into the house, they saw the young child with , his mother, and fell down and worshipped him. Christians give thanks that the Son of God came into the world to save humanity. inspires us to love one another with hearts full of generosity and grace,” the 45th president said. “And at , we remember this eternal truth: Every person is a beloved child of God. As one grateful nation, we praise the joy of family, the blessings of freedom, and the miracle of ,” Mr. Trump noted in closing. did not shy away from his faith while in office. Here’s his message on December 23, 1987: “What with the sights of brilliantly decorated trees, the sounds of familiar hymns and songs, and tastes of fresh-baked cookies and other treats, and above all the long-anticipated visit from , for children is a time unlike any other,” the 40th president said in a radio address. “That is true for grownups as well, of course; the joy and meaning of only deepen as we grow older. We still find pleasure in exchanging greetings and gifts, and we still delight in the warm and colorful images of the holiday. But we perceive ever more clearly, as did Scrooge, that the true beauty and wonder of the season lie in the spirit of giving of ourselves for others — the message of the Prince of Peace whose birth we celebrate. At Christmastime we accompany shepherds and Wise Men to the stable as of old, where we relearn the timeless and priceless lessons of love, humility and sacrifice, where we see the spirit as God’s love flowing through so many people all at once,” Reagan continued. “This spirit of love, as simple as a spoken greeting and as profound as a changed heart, seems so full that it ceaselessly looks for ways to express its power. We respond to it best when we share it with family, friend or stranger -— when we recognize that, under the sheltering evergreen branches of God’s love, all are family and no one is a stranger. When we do these things, when we visit the lonely or help those in need, when a family is reconciled, is real and present, and that is truly what makes it the most wonderful time of the year. I pray that peace and joy will reign in every home and every heart during this holy season. Merry , and may God’s blessing be upon us all,” Reagan said in closing. A new survey from Marist College has revealed time preferences. It found that 75% of U.S. adults would rather stay home than travel during the busy holiday season. That includes 78% of Republicans, 79% of independents and 70% of Democrats. The survey also found that 50% would prefer to receive one big gift during the holiday season.; 51% of Republicans, 52% of independents and 50% of Democrats agree. Opinions vary, however. The poll found that 48% of us would prefer to receive 10 small holiday gifts rather than a big bodacious present. That includes 48% of Republicans, 46% of independents and 49% of Democrats agree. The Marist College Poll of 3,131 U.S. adults was conducted by telephone and online Dec. 3-5. Mount Vernon — the ancestral home of on the verdant banks of the Potomac River — maintains a sizable collection of authentic recipes from earlier eras. “Learn to make historic cocktails enjoyed by George Washington and his contemporaries as well as explore his favorite beer and wine selections. Alcohol and drinking were common features of everyday life for ordinary Americans in the eighteenth century. General Washington was not against enjoying a drink himself, serving libations to his frequent guests, or even supplying alcohol for political purposes,” advises a simple tutorial at Mount Vernon’s website. “Alcohol and drinking were common features of everyday life for ordinary Americans in the eighteenth century. General Washington was not against enjoying a drink himself, serving libations to his frequent guests, or even supplying alcohol for political purposes,” the tutorial says. The website offers recipes for libations of the era — Cherry Bounce, Philadelphia Fish House Punch and Syllabub, among them. So here’s the Fish House Punch recipe, verbatim from the source: • 1/2 cup superfine sugar • Water • 2 quarts light rum; or 1 quart light and 1 quart dark rum • 1 quart brandy • 3/4 cup peach brandy or cordial • 2 1/2 cups lemon juice Directions: Mix together sugar and a little water. Add remaining ingredients. Fish House Punch should sit for at least 2 hours before serving. Serves 16. • 73% resolve to drink more water in the new year; 73% resolve to “eat healthier.” • 71% resolve to exercise more; 69% to get more sleep. • 67% resolve to express more gratitude, 60% resolve to have a better work/life balance. • 53% resolve to lose weight; 39% to drink less alcohol. • 37% resolve to reduce their carbon footprint; 30% to start or continue mental therapy. • 20% resolve to participate in an alcohol-free “Dry January.” SOURCE: An Ipsos Consumer Tracker poll of 1,085 U.S. adults conducted online Dec. 10-11. People could pick multiple resolutions. Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. .
NORMAN, Okla. — Xavier Robinson ran for career highs of 107 yards and two touchdowns, and Oklahoma stunned No. 7 Alabama 24-3 on Saturday night to become bowl eligible and deal a severe blow to the Crimson Tide's chances of receiving a College Football Playoff berth. Jackson Arnold ran for 131 yards on 25 carries and completed 9 of 11 passes for the Sooners (6-5, 2-5 SEC), who got coach Brent Venables off the hot seat on Senior Night. It was Oklahoma's first Southeastern Conference home win after leaving the Big 12 this summer. Sooners fans rushed the field with 28 seconds remaining, knocking down both goalposts. After the field was cleared, Oklahoma took a knee, and the fans returned to the field to celebrate. Alabama's Jalen Milroe, who had been one of the nation's best players, had his worst game of the season. He completed 11 of 26 passes for 164 yards with three interceptions and gained just seven yards on 15 carries for Alabama (8-3, 4-3, No. 7 CFP). The Sooners held Alabama to 234 yards. Robinson's 18-yard touchdown run with 37 seconds left in the second quarter put the Sooners up 10-3, a score that held up until halftime. Oklahoma outgained the Crimson Tide 242 yards to 97 before the break. Milroe completed 2 of 7 passes for 62 yards and ran nine times for minus-2 yards before the break. Oklahoma outgained Alabama 118 yards to 15 in the second quarter and kept the ball for just over 11 of the 15 minutes. Oklahoma's Eli Bowen intercepted Milroe on the third play of the second half and returned it 25 yards to the Alabama 14. Robinson's 1-yard touchdown run increased Oklahoma's lead to 17-3. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) is tackled by Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) during the second quarter of a NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla. Credit: AP/Alonzo Adams On the next possession, Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis intercepted Milroe and ran it back 49 yards for a touchdown to put the Sooners up 24-3 with 8:05 left in the third quarter. The Takeaway Alabama: The Crimson Tide have been up and down this season, and they picked the wrong night to be down. Alabama lost this game in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma: The Sooners found out what happens when they don't hurt themselves. They started to find their identity as a run-heavy offense that complements its defense two weeks ago against Maine and stayed true to it against Alabama. Poll Implications Alabama will take a steep drop for losing to an unranked team it was heavily favored to beat. Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) gestures to his team before a play against Alabama during the second quarter of a NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla. Credit: AP/Alonzo Adams Up Next Alabama: Visits Auburn on Saturday. Oklahoma: Visits LSU on Saturday.Isaac Brown, Duke Watson each rush for 2 TDs, Louisville gets 5 turnovers in 41-14 rout of KentuckyOne of the key challenges in addressing sexual harassment is the ambiguity surrounding its definition. While most people can agree on the most egregious forms of sexual harassment, such as unwanted physical contact and explicit language, there are many subtler forms of harassment that often go unrecognized or unaddressed. This lack of clarity can make it difficult for victims to come forward and for authorities to take appropriate action.
Inside Justin Trudeau's surprise dinner with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in FloridaAs safety continues to be a top priority for both car manufacturers and consumers, the latest release of the Ideal L6 model has taken the spotlight with its impressive C-NCAP scores. The C-NCAP (China-New Car Assessment Program) is a comprehensive safety assessment system that evaluates the crashworthiness and safety features of vehicles, providing valuable insights into their overall safety performance.
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:IIPR) Shares Bought by Advisors Asset Management Inc.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has shared a Christmas message and a photo with his wife Amanda. “From our family to yours, we hope you have a very Happy Christmas”, Luxon posted on social media. From our family to yours, we hope you have a very Happy Christmas 🎄🎅 pic.twitter.com/9X8AcpKVRh On Christmas Eve, the Prime Minister also shared a photo of the Luxon household donning matching festive pyjamas, carrying on one of their relatively recent family traditions. Keeping with the Christmas colour scheme, Luxon, Amanda, and children Olivia, 23, and William, 25, have dressed in green this year – after all wearing red pyjamas on December 24 last year.
Unlike scores of people who scrambled for the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight in recent years, Danielle Griffin had no trouble getting them. The 38-year-old information technology worker from New Mexico had a prescription. Her pharmacy had the drugs in stock. And her health insurance covered all but $25 to $50 of the monthly cost. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.India has recently taken a significant diplomatic step by reopening its embassy in Pyongyang after a three-year hiatus. This move, occurring in the context of North Korea’s growing military capabilities and its strengthening alliances with Russia, China and Iran, underscores India’s evolving foreign policy priorities. It also aligns with India’s “Act East” policy and reflects its broader strategic interests in Northeast Asia and beyond. Furthermore, the decision has implications for India’s positioning within BRICS and its growing influence in global geopolitics. India’s relationship with North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been shaped by a complex mix of historical, ideological and geopolitical factors. During the Cold War, India maintained diplomatic ties with both North and South Korea, reflecting its non-aligned stance. While the relationship with North Korea was never particularly close, India has provided humanitarian aid to Pyongyang over the years and engaged in limited trade, primarily in the form of food and medical supplies. Relations, however, have been strained at times due to North Korea’s nuclear proliferation activities. India has consistently condemned North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile launches, aligning itself with international efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. Despite these challenges, India has maintained a degree of engagement, recognizing the strategic importance of dialogue and diplomacy in fostering stability in the region. The decision to reopen the Indian embassy in Pyongyang comes at a critical juncture in global geopolitics. Several new factors appear to have influenced this Indian move. India’s “Act East” policy emphasizes strengthening ties with East and Southeast Asian nations to enhance economic and strategic cooperation. While North Korea is not a traditional partner in this framework, engaging with Pyongyang allows India to play a more active role in regional affairs. This engagement also demonstrates India’s commitment to fostering stability in the Korean Peninsula, a key region in Asia. North Korea’s advances in missile technology and nuclear capabilities pose significant challenges to regional and global security. By maintaining a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang, India can gain valuable insights into North Korea’s military developments and its growing defense collaboration with nations including Russia, China, and Iran. This information is crucial for India’s strategic planning, particularly in mitigating the risk that sensitive technology will reach its adversarial states. North Korea’s close ties with Russia and China — two key players in BRICS — provide an additional strategic incentive for India to engage with Pyongyang. By fostering relations with North Korea, India can strengthen its position within BRICS, leveraging this connection to counterbalance Western influence and assert its role as a mediator in global conflicts. This engagement aligns with BRICS’ broader objectives of promoting multipolarity and fostering development in the Global South. India has long been concerned about North Korea’s close ties with adversarial states, particularly those that pose strategic challenges to India’s national security. By maintaining a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang, India can better communicate its positions on critical issues directly to the North Korean leadership. This presence facilitates opportunities to engage in dialogue, offering a platform to clarify India’s stance on matters of mutual interest and concern. Establishing such channels of communication is instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of India’s security priorities within North Korea’s political framework. Moreover, this engagement provides India with a unique opportunity to build personal rapport with North Korean leaders, which is crucial for cultivating trust and mutual respect. Such relationships can serve as a valuable deterrent, reducing the likelihood that North Korea will transfer weapons or sensitive technology to India’s adversaries. This strategic outreach aligns seamlessly with India’s broader commitment to non-proliferation, reinforcing its efforts to curb the spread of nuclear and missile technology while advancing its aspirations for a leadership role in global arms control initiatives. By embedding itself within North Korea’s diplomatic landscape, India positions itself to play a more active role in promoting stability and security in the region and beyond. Engaging with North Korea provides India with an opportunity to enhance its strategic leverage in interactions with other major powers and key regional players. By fostering dialogue with Pyongyang, India not only positions itself as a responsible and proactive global actor but also gains a multifaceted tool to complement its partnerships with South Korea and Japan, both of which are critical allies in the Indo-Pacific. India’s engagement with North Korea could serve as a demonstration of its ability to act as a stabilizing and balancing force in the region, fostering peace and mitigating tensions. This approach aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objective of promoting a multipolar world order. Such engagement would also showcase India’s diplomatic flexibility and its capacity to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes by maintaining communication with nations across the spectrum, including those considered isolated or adversarial by others. Moreover, India’s outreach to Pyongyang could help it establish a unique role in bridging the divergent interests of regional stakeholders. For instance, while South Korea and Japan prioritize denuclearization and security, China’s relationship with North Korea centers on maintaining stability and strategic depth. India, by maintaining a balanced dialogue with Pyongyang, could subtly influence the convergence of these interests, fostering a more cooperative environment in the region. From an economic perspective, engaging North Korea could also open avenues for low-scale economic interactions, technical cooperation or cultural exchanges, further building India’s soft power. These efforts would need to be carefully calibrated to ensure they do not violate international sanctions but could still yield long-term strategic dividends. India’s constructive engagement with North Korea could enhance its diplomatic toolkit, reinforce its standing as a stabilizing power, and underscore its commitment to regional peace and development, all while complementing and strengthening its strategic partnerships with South Korea, Japan and other Indo-Pacific players. Moreover, India’s unique position of having good relations with both North and South Korea allows it to play a pivotal role in peacebuilding efforts on the Korean Peninsula. With the possibility of renewed peace talks under a future US administration, such as a second Trump presidency, India could act as a neutral mediator, leveraging its diplomatic ties to foster dialogue and confidence-building measures between the two Koreas. Although North Korea’s economy remains isolated and heavily sanctioned, there is potential for limited economic and humanitarian cooperation. India’s experience in providing humanitarian aid and its expertise in agriculture and healthcare could serve as avenues for constructive engagement. Such initiatives could also help build goodwill and trust between the two nations. North Korea presents both significant challenges and unique opportunities for India’s diplomatic outreach. While engagement with Pyongyang can enhance India’s strategic leverage, it must be approached with caution and precision to navigate the complexities of the international and regional landscape. North Korea remains under stringent international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program. Any engagement by India must adhere strictly to these restrictions to avoid potential repercussions from the global community, particularly the United States and other major powers. India’s actions will need to align with its commitments to upholding international law and ensuring non-proliferation. North Korea’s secretive governance structure poses significant risks to sustained diplomatic engagement. India will need to exercise caution to ensure that its outreach does not inadvertently contradict its strategic objectives or lead to unintended consequences. India’s growing partnership with South Korea is a cornerstone of its “Act East” policy and an essential component of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. South Korea remains deeply concerned about Pyongyang’s actions, particularly its nuclear ambitions and military provocations. India’s engagement with North Korea must be carefully calibrated to avoid straining its strong and growing ties with Seoul. As the world’s largest democracy, India has a firm commitment to democratic values and institutions. This foundation limits the extent to which India can engage with North Korea, a regime with a vastly different political system, without compromising its democratic principles or its partnerships with other leading democracies such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Israel. India can leverage its historical non-aligned stance and diplomatic credibility to promote dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula. By engaging with both North and South Korea, India can contribute to confidence-building measures and support efforts toward denuclearization. With strong relations with both Koreas, China, and Russia, India is uniquely positioned to build long-term strategic partnerships in Northeast Asia. This engagement aligns with India’s goal of becoming a key player in regional and global affairs, contributing to a more stable and secure Asia. The decision to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang signifies a calculated shift in India’s foreign policy priorities. By engaging with North Korea, India aims to enhance its regional influence, address proliferation concerns, and navigate the complex dynamics of major power relations. This diplomatic outreach further bolsters India’s position within BRICS, given North Korea’s strategic alignment with Russia and China, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement with Pyongyang. Amid significant political transformations in South Korea, India’s renewed diplomatic efforts are poised to safeguard its interests on the Korean Peninsula and expand its influence in the broader regional landscape.
Sampson makes more history as No. 11 Vols blow past UTEPTORONTO (AP) — Hannah Miller scored a power-play goal with 1:38 remaining in the game, lifting the Toronto Sceptres to a 3-1 victory over the Boston Fleet in the Professional Women’s Hockey League season opener on Saturday. With Boston standout Hilary Knight in the penalty box for a vicious boarding penalty on Sceptres defender Renata Fast, Miller made good on her rebound attempt on a shot by Daryl Watts with a half-open net. Fast recovered for an assist on the winner before 8,089 fans at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The Fleet challenged the goal, but video review deemed Miller’s shot was good. Sarah Nurse got Toronto on the board with a short-handed tally 11:50 into the first period and Emma Maltais added an empty-net strike with 12 seconds left. Boston’s Hilary Knight opened the scoring 3 minutes in, sending a slap shot past Toronto goalie Kristen Campbell, who registered 18 stops on the night. Toronto outshot Boston 41-19. Boston goalie Aerin Frankel, a big reason why her team advanced to the Walter Cup final last spring, had 38 saves. Sceptres: Billie Jean King MVP Natalie Spooner missed the season opener. The PWHL scoring champion underwent left knee surgery in June after getting injured in Game 3 of Toronto’s first-round series against Minnesota. Fleet: Defender Emma Greco played her first game for Boston. She was part of the Walter Cup-winning Minnesota team that defeated Boston in a three-game series last spring. With the game tied 1-1, the Sceptres failed to score during a 59-second 5-on-3 advantage midway through the second period. Boston blocked five shots during the span. Last year, Toronto enjoyed an 11-game win streak en route to its regular-season championship, including three wins against Boston. Boston will play its home opener on Wednesday, a rematch with the Walter Cup-champion Minnesota. Toronto visits Ottawa on Tuesday. AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 South Australia is bracing for a sweltering Christmas with temperatures soaring and strong winds increasing the risk of bushfires across the state. The extreme heatwave poses significant challenges for holiday travel and necessitates heightened awareness for both residents and visitors. Adelaide, the state’s capital, is forecast to experience its hottest Christmas Day in eight years, with temperatures expected to reach a scorching 37 degrees Celsius. In some parts of the state’s south, temperatures are predicted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, creating a significant fire danger. The heatwave will be compounded by strong winds on Boxing Day, with gusts of between 50 and 80 kilometers per hour expected across the region. These strong winds will significantly elevate the fire danger, creating a heightened risk of bushfires spreading rapidly. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged the extreme weather conditions, stating that Christmas Day would be “a belter” in terms of heat. This acknowledgment underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for heightened vigilance from residents and visitors alike. Impact on Travel The extreme heat and bushfire danger are likely to have a significant impact on holiday travel within South Australia. Travel Advisories and Warnings Travel Industry Response The travel industry in South Australia is likely to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the extreme heat and bushfire danger. Conclusion The extreme heat and bushfire danger facing South Australia this Christmas season pose significant challenges for travelers. By staying informed, planning accordingly, and taking necessary precautions, travelers can minimize the impact of these weather events and ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday experience. It is crucial for travelers to prioritize safety and be mindful of the potential risks associated with extreme heat and bushfires. By working together with local authorities and the travel industry, South Australia can effectively navigate these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos .
Elon Musk , named by Donald Trump to co-lead a commission aimed at reducing the size of the federal government, is poised to undermine funding for rural broadband services to benefit his satellite internet services company, Starlink. Musk has long been a critic of the Biden administration ’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (Bead) Program, which provides $42.45bn through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to expand high-speed internet access in rural communities. Starlink, the satellite internet services subsidiary of SpaceX , has largely been shut out of this funding after government agencies deemed it too slow to qualify. But with Trump’s election, and the deference Trump appears poised to give to Musk’s desired reforms, the world’s richest man could re-prioritize how the federal government provides high-speed internet to rural America, creating an immense conflict of interest. If Musk recommends cuts to government spending on rural fiber optic broadband – as he has repeatedly suggested – it directly increases the value of Starlink’s satellite internet services. “We have never had a situation where the leading shareholder of a communications company has both a position – both in terms of influencing the president, but also having an assignment to drive efficiency in government – with so many government contracts,” said Blair Levin, a telecommunications industry analyst with New Street Research and the Brookings Institution. “That is an extraordinary situation. That is unprecedented.” Levin suggested that Trump could order Bead funding to be withheld indefinitely as soon as he takes office, even though Congress has authorized the funding. Doing so would violate the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, a law Trump fell afoul of in his first term that ultimately resulted in one impeachment. But Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who will co-lead the commission to reduce the size of the federal government, argued in a Wall Street Journal editorial last week that Trump should pursue impoundment when he deems it necessary. “Mr Trump has previously suggested this statute is unconstitutional, and we believe the current supreme court would likely side with him on this question,” they wrote. Any move like this would tie the program in legal knots as lawsuits abound, Levin said. But the delay is the point. “While states and others could file legal actions to stop such a pause, we think most courts would be reluctant to enjoin or otherwise stop the administration from reconsidering some elements of the program. Even actions of dubious legality can benefit Starlink through delay or through litigation.” Musk had set his sights on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) long before Trump’s victory. The NTIA administers federal grant funding for the Bead program. Without a government subsidy, rolling fiber optic lines down country roads to serve a handful of houses at a time is usually too cost-prohibitive for an internet service provider. But to companies like AT&T or Verizon, a government subsidy to a local internet service provider also looks like the government funding the competition. Big telecom companies and the FCC argued long and loud about what parts of the country had access to high-speed service, and thus didn’t need government money. But the definition of “high speed” used by industry and the government was often slow by many standards. After years of negotiation, lawsuits and politicking, the FCC and the NTIA settled on a modern definition for broadband service: 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download speeds, 20Mbps upload speeds, with less than 100 milliseconds of latency. Right now, Starlink doesn’t meet that standard . It has been getting slightly slower over time even as more people sign up for service, according to internet performance testing service Ookla’s speed tests. In 2022, the FCC rescinded a $900m grant from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to Starlink to connect rural communities to the internet, citing its failure to meet the speed and latency standards and declining network performance. Musk erupted on an X post. “Starlink is the only company actually solving rural broadband at scale! They should arguably dissolve the program and return funds to taxpayers, but definitely not send it those who aren’t getting the job done,” Musk wrote. ”What actually happened is that the companies that lobbied for this massive earmark (not us) thought they would win, but instead were outperformed by Starlink, so now they’re changing the rules to prevent SpaceX from competing.” In June, Musk described the Bead program, which began rolling out grants to states this year, as “an outrageous waste of taxpayer money and is utterly failing to serve people in need”. A month later, Musk endorsed Trump and began a $100m spending campaign in support of his candidacy. After Musk started to gain Trump’s ear – and particularly after Musk’s endorsement and Starlink’s deployment of satellite terminals to areas hit by Hurricane Helene, which Trump praised regularly on the campaign trail – Trump’s language about rural broadband began to shift in Musk’s direction. Trump described Starlink as “better than the wires”, when talking with Joe Rogan in the much-watched podcast interview. “We’re spending a trillion dollars to get cables all over the country, right, up to upstate areas where you have like two farms ... They haven’t hooked up one person.” Over the last year, the FCC commissioner – and Trump’s newly named FCC chair – Brendan Carr has also echoed Musk’s position, arguing that the public might be better off by subsidizing the cost of Starlink terminals instead of fiber optic broadband. After Trump’s election, Carr said the FCC is unlikely to revisit its rescission of Starlink’s grant, citing procedural hurdles. But Carr, who authored the FCC chapter of Project 2025 , has suggested that as much as a third of Bead funding could go to satellite internet providers. Sign up to Fighting Back Big thinkers on what we can do to protect civil liberties and fundamental freedoms in a Trump presidency. From our opinion desk. after newsletter promotion Republican senators have also been agitating for changes to the Bead program. Senator Ted Cruz, poised to take over the Senate committee overseeing telecommunications, sent a letter last week lambasting the NTIA administrator, Alan Davidson, for alleged waste and administrative bloat in the Bead program. “Fortunately, as president-elect Trump has already signaled, substantial changes are on the horizon for this program,” Cruz wrote. “Congress will review the Bead program early next year, with specific attention to NTIA’s extreme technology bias in defining ‘priority broadband projects’ and ‘reliable broadband service’.” Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa sent Musk and Ramaswamy a letter on Tuesday with a roadmap for cost-cutting. The Bead program was on her target list. Davidson responded to earlier inquiries by Cruz, noting that the NTIA “has obligated over $28bn to states and territories, all of whom also received planning grants through the program”. The program “also creates room for all strategies, and the NTIA expects states and territories will use a mix of technologies to connect their unserved and underserved locations”, Davidson wrote. The NTIA announced earlier this year that Starlink could qualify for some Bead funding for services in extremely remote locations. In areas without broadband service from a landline operator, Starlink is often the only option. Project Kuiper by Amazon is also a low-Earth-orbit satellite internet service, which Amazon says will begin consumer offerings next year. SpaceX and its Starlink subsidiary are private companies that do not regularly disclose their finances. But analysts have argued that, until recently, Starlink had been losing money despite the success of SpaceX. That has changed over the last year as Starlink’s 6,000-plus low-Earth satellite network has come online and courted business in developing countries. Analysts from Quilty, a space industry intelligence firm, suggest that Starlink’s revenue has exploded, from $1.4bn in 2022 to $6.6bn in 2024. SpaceX and Tesla have about $15.4bn in government contracts, according to a recent New York Times analysis. Starlink is also competing with 15 other companies for US space force contracts worth nearly $1bn. Starlink did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Despite the obvious interest in government contracts, Musk and biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Ramaswamy’s “Department of Government Efficiency” will be tasked with reducing the federal government headcount and cutting costs, which could include the Bead program. “Starlink and Bead are seeking to provide broadband to the same population: those living in low-density America,” Levin said. “While Starlink already has a network that covers the entire country, spectrum constraints and its relative functionalities compared to wired broadband service providers mean that the primary market for Starlink is in low-density America.” Starlink benefits from any delay in Bead funding, Levin said. “Every day Starlink is signing up customers in low-density America. Today, those in unserved and underserved locations likely believe that if they want a baseline broadband service, they have no choice but to subscribe to the Starlink service. The longer it takes for an alternative provider to come online with a similar or better service, the better it is for Starlink, as its sales process benefits from the current lack of broadband alternatives.” Reallocating funding from fiber to satellite would put money in Starlink’s pocket at the direct expense of terrestrial competitors. “While there are other technology options for high-speed connectivity, the most reliable, efficient and future-proof solution is fiber optic technology to the home or business,” said Tom Dailey, head of regulatory and government affairs at Brightspeed, an internet service provider competing for Bead funds. “Satellite broadband is a costly option that does not provide the same level of reliability or speed that fiber optic technology provides ... We don’t anticipate that the Bead program will be eliminated. In fact, we believe it will continue and there is strong bias for fiber technology as the main means of connectivity given its superior speed and bandwidth capabilities.”As I reminisce about the impact of technology in 2004, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come in just two decades. The innovations of the past have laid the groundwork for the world we now inhabit, a world where artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and automation are no longer just concepts but integral parts of our everyday lives.
Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualtiesCadiz Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend for Q4 2024 on Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
NORAD's Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids
Frese pleased after No. 8 Maryland stays unbeaten in 'phenomenal game' against No. 19 Michigan State
In conclusion, Lululemon's focus on county towns has been a game-changer for the brand in the Chinese market, fueling its growth and success. By tapping into emerging markets, capitalizing on consumer trends, and implementing localized strategies, Lululemon has set itself apart as a leader in the sports apparel industry in China. As the brand continues to expand and innovate, it is poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.Cadiz Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend for Q4 2024 on Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock
