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WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s allies on Capitol Hill rallied around Pete Hegseth , Trump’s Pentagon pick, on Thursday even as new details surfaced about allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman in 2017. The GOP embrace of Hegseth came as another controversial Trump nominee, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for attorney general. Gaetz said it was clear he had become a “distraction" amid pressure on the House to release an ethics report about allegations of his own sexual misconduct. An attorney for two women has said that 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. Fresh questions over the two nominees' pasts, and their treatment of women, arose with Republicans under pressure from Trump and his allies to quickly confirm his Cabinet. At the same time, his transition has so far balked at the vetting and background checks that have traditionally been required. While few Republican senators have publicly criticized any of Trump's nominees, it became clear after Gaetz's withdrawal that many had been harboring private concerns about him. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who served with Gaetz in the House, said it was a “positive move.” Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker said it was a “positive development.” Maine Sen. Susan Collins said Gaetz “put country first and I am pleased with his decision.” After meeting with Hegseth, though, Republicans rallied around him. “I think he’s going to be in pretty good shape,” said Wicker, who is expected to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee in the next Congress. Republican senators' careful words, and their early reluctance to publicly question Trump's picks, illustrated not only their fear of retribution from the incoming president but also some of their hopes that the confirmation process can proceed normally, with proper vetting and background checks that could potentially disqualify problematic nominees earlier. Gaetz withdrew after meeting with senators on Wednesday. Sen. Thom Tillis said Gaetz was “in a pressure cooker” when he decided to withdraw, but suggested that it would have little bearing on Trump’s other nominees. “Transactions — one at a time,” he said. As the Hegseth nomination proceeds, Republicans also appear to be betting that they won't face much backlash for publicly setting aside the allegations of sexual misconduct — especially after Trump won election after being found liable for sexual abuse last year. Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance on Thursday in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” A 22-page police report report made public late Wednesday offered the first detailed account of the allegations against him. A woman told police that she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave. The report cited police interviews with the alleged victim, a nurse who treated her, a hotel staffer, another woman at the event and Hegseth. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, said the incident was “fully investigated and police found the allegations to be false.” Hegseth paid the woman in 2023 as part of a confidential settlement to head off the threat of what he described as a baseless lawsuit, Palatore has said. Wicker played down the allegations against Hegseth, a former Fox News host, saying that “since no charges were brought from the authorities, we only have press reports.” Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said after his meeting with Hegseth that he "shared with him the fact that I was saddened by the attacks that are coming his way.” Hagerty dismissed the allegations as “a he-said, she-said thing” and called it a “shame” that they were being raised at all. The senator said attention should instead be focused on the Defense Department that Hegseth would head. It's one of the most complex parts of the federal government with more than 3 million employees, including military service members and civilians. Sexual assault has been a persistent problem in the military, though Pentagon officials have been cautiously optimistic they are seeing a decline in reported sexual assaults among active-duty service members and the military academies. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who will be the No. 2 Republican in the Senate next year, said after his meeting with Hegseth that the nominee is a strong candidate who “pledged that the Pentagon will focus on strength and hard power – not the current administration’s woke political agenda.” Senate Republicans are under pressure to hold hearings once they take office in January and confirm nominees as soon as Trump is inaugurated, despite questions about whether Trump’s choices will be properly screened or if some, like Hegseth, have enough experience for the job. Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, who will be the top Democrat on the panel next year, said the reports on Hegseth “emphasized the need for a thorough investigation by the FBI on the background of all the nominees.” It takes a simple majority to approve Cabinet nominations, meaning that if Democrats all opposed a nominee, four Republican senators would also have to defect for any Trump choice to be defeated. Trump has made clear he’s willing to put maximum pressure on Senate Republicans to give him the nominees he wants – even suggesting at one point that they allow him to just appoint his nominees with no Senate votes. But senators insist, for now, that they are not giving up their constitutional power to have a say. “The president has the right to make the nominations that he sees fit, but the Senate also has a responsibility for advice and consent,” said Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota. In the case of Gaetz, he said, “I think there was advice offered rather than consent.” Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Cowboys shut down star CeeDee Lamb for rest of season due to shoulder injuryThis article is sponsored by L'Or. If you make a purchase through our links, E! may make a commission on your purchase. Prices are accurate as of publish time. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Listen up, coffee lovers, this is the Black Friday deal for you. From now until December 1, you can save up to 44% at L’OR Coffee and score a chic, single-serve coffee and espresso machine , or a machine and frother bundle , or get an extra 30 capsules for free when you order $60+. Just in time for holiday entertaining . Born in France, L’OR (which means gold), uses high-pressure brewing to bring you rich flavors and bold aromas, just like you’d get at a cafe. And with a velvety crema layer on each cup, you’ll get delicious coffee or espresso drinks in seconds. Brew lattes, cappuccinos, espresso martinis, and more – hot or cold. Choose from light to dark roast, high to low intensity, and a ton of yummy flavors (including decaf options). If you buy the L’OR BARISTA system now, you can save $80 and get a free holiday capsule assortment. And if you’re looking for more, you can get the L’OR BARISTA system plus a frother for up to 44% off (which also comes with a 32-capsule assortment). Finally, you can stock up on coffee and espresso capsules – when you spend $60+, you get 30 free capsules. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our curated picks and head over to L’OR Coffee for these clickworthy caffeine deals. L'OR BARISTA Coffee & Espresso System With the L'OR BARISTA Coffee and Espresso System , you can enjoy single-serve, cafe-style hot and iced drinks with the press of a button. And since it measures 11" tall x 7" wide x 16" deep, it's compact enough for any countertop or cabinet (and comes in three colorways). If you order now, you can save $80 and score 32 free capsules. L'OR BARISTA System & Frother Bundle Love your lattes? Then you need the L'OR single-serve coffee and espresso machine plus a frother . It not only froths hot and cold milk, but it can even whip up non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Get it for 44% off and score 32 free capsules, too. L'OR 100 Capsule Bundle Complete your fall aesthetic with this Pumpkin Spice Coffee bundle . It delivers cinnamon, clove, allspice, and nutmeg aromas and gives you a fully blended flavor. There are so many other delicious options, like caramel , vanilla , and more. And when you spend $60+, you get your choice of 30 free capsules. Starting to feel that holiday stress? Then check out these gift ideas for the people who don't want anything . Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, traditionally marking the start of the holiday shopping season. The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1960s and refers to the point in the year when retailers begin to turn a profit, moving from being "in the red" (indicating losses) to "in the black" (indicating profits). Retailers offer significant discounts and promotions, attracting millions of shoppers looking for the best deals. Online Black Friday deals can often be just as good, if not better, than in-store deals. Many retailers offer exclusive online discounts and free shipping options. Plus, shopping online allows you to avoid crowds and shop from the comfort of your home. Trust us, we recommend not storming the local Macy’s and instead finding the best deals from us. To prepare for Black Friday, start by making a shopping list of items you want and compare prices in advance to catch the best deals. Be sure to bookmark your favorite retailers and set up accounts for faster checkout. Sign up for our E! Insider Shop newsletter for exclusive access to deals, and follow us on Instagram for real-time updates on flash sales. While Black Friday 2024 will take place on November 29th, many brands start their sales online on Thanksgiving evening or even days prior, allowing shoppers to take advantage of deals before the official day begins. So far, Coach , Lululemon , and Michael Kors have already marked down tons of items. However, these deals won't last forever—most sales will continue through Cyber Monday, while some may end sooner depending on stock availability. Be sure to shop early to avoid missing out on your favorite items! We have already put together a list of the best deals to shop this Black Friday , featuring all of our favorite brands and products. If you’re looking for a specific brand, we've seen incredible discounts from Dyson , Nordstrom Rack , Kate Spade , Lululemon , and many others. Whether you're shopping for stylish activewear , luxury handbags , or classic wardrobe staples , these brands are offering some of the most impressive deals of the season.bookmaker canada 。

On the other hand, Jokic himself has expressed his admiration for his teammates' performances and downplayed the significance of his individual scoring outburst. He emphasized that basketball is a team sport and that his success on the court is a result of collective effort and teamwork.

In recent years, Douyin, the popular Chinese short-video platform, has witnessed an explosion in the realm of e-commerce. From live-streaming sales to influencer-led marketing campaigns, Douyin has become a hub for online shopping, offering a wide array of products at the fingertips of its users. However, as the platform has grown increasingly saturated with promotional content and aggressive marketing strategies, a new trend seems to be emerging - a shift towards a more balanced and authentic approach to Douyin e-commerce.

Rashford, who came up through the ranks of Manchester United's youth academy, has been a key player for the team in recent years. Known for his pace, skill, and versatility on the pitch, Rashford has often been seen as a bright prospect for the future of the club. However, recent performances have raised concerns among the coaching staff and management, leading to discussions about his future at Old Trafford.

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The news of Mamadashvili's injury has sent shockwaves through the tennis community, with fans expressing their disappointment at not being able to see him in action for the rest of the season. Coaches, fellow players, and sports analysts have also voiced their support for Mamadashvili, wishing him a speedy recovery and a quick return to the court.In order to accelerate the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence in Liaoning Province, ten major government departments have come together to launch a groundbreaking initiative titled "Boosting Computing Power, Enhancing Artificial Intelligence". This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the province's foundation in computing power and leverage artificial intelligence to empower various sectors and drive economic growth.

LUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts after the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was officially named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. Japanese sake, a nominee for UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list, are displayed on Japan's delegation table, during a UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Wednesday. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts as the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition. The crisp autumn air ushers in more than just pumpkin spice latte season. Consider cozying up inside with friends for a wine tasting and sharing delicious food and drinks with more complex flavors than cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps once thought of as stuffy affairs only for wine connoisseurs, today a tasting can be as casual as pouring a few bottles while doing another activity—say, bar games like darts or art activities like painting. The tasting can also be more traditional, especially if held at a winery or local wine shop, which is a great way to learn about what wines you might like to later serve at home. To host the ultimate wine tasting, it pays to do some R&D. One of the best aspects of hosting a wine tasting at home is that you get to establish the mood, tone, and guest list for the gathering—you can't pick a playlist when you sample wines at a bar or wine shop or make the dress code loungewear. So whether the mood is serious or playful, sophisticated or laid-back, the key to a successful tasting is enjoying and appreciating the wine and having fun with friends and family. Of course, there are a few other things to figure out along the way. Peerspace put together a few tips for hosting your wine-tasting party. A tasting party is all about sampling different wines and evaluating and hopefully enjoying them—and there are a variety of ways to do that. Would you like to host a playful gathering where each guest brings a mystery bottle of wine within a certain price range—a BYOB affair? Or would it be better to have more control over which wines are featured by curating and supplying all the wines as a host? This decision sets the tone—a tasting where guests contribute wine can be a bit of a free-for-all, whereas one where you select wines you supply allows guests to sit back and simply enjoy. And you don't have to break the bank to buy excellent wines—there are lots of wine experts ready to share their affordable picks. How much folks know about wine differs—and that's a good thing. Tastings are group learning experiences. Expertise isn't necessary to host or attend a tasting, but it is helpful to think about what will keep guests comfortable and having fun. Decide whether the vibe will be relaxed and laid-back, like friends sipping wine fireside, or more upbeat and formal. Think about elements like the atmosphere and the location, and consider whether folks will be seated or standing. Will you have a spirited playlist (couldn't resist) or live music? Do you want an expert to introduce each wine, or will you be that expert? Consider how guests will share their thoughts on what they are tasting. Do you want to just talk about them or do something more organized, like take notes or give ratings? Then supply notebooks or notecards and pencils, with categories or questions established ahead of time—all of which can reflect your evening's tone as well. How many people to invite is a question largely informed by the answers to tip #1: Are you having a big, formal affair or an intimate catch-up with close friends? Or something in between? Whatever the case, an RSVP is essential because not only do you need to plan the setup of the space, but you must also make sure there's enough wine for everyone to taste, including each of the wines featured. There's nothing worse than a tasting that runs dry! The math to determine how much wine you need considers the size of the tasting pours—a full glass of wine at a restaurant is usually around 5 ounces, which yields around five glasses of wine from a standard bottle. For tastings, you'll want to do less, depending on how many wines you are featuring—say, 2 ounces if you'll be trying a lot of different wines. Experts agree, having more wine than you need is always a good idea—that way you can send guests home with a bottle should there be a prize at the end of the night. Picking a theme is essential to curating the selection of wines—it's the organizing principle behind your selections. Otherwise, your tasting might as well be just walking down the wine aisle at the grocery store and taking sips from random bottles. There's too much wine out there not to be strategic about this. Plus, a theme helps you to tell the story of each wine better—it's the plot line of the night, if you will. Common themes are types of wine, regions they are from, or even price points—really, one can get as creative as they wish. For inspiration, check out local wine shops and see what they do for tastings. Often, they will follow seasonality and group wines in novel ways for their own in-house tastings. The bottom line is, however you do it, hosting the ultimate wine tasting should be fun. Wine can feel intimidating to many people, but most wine experts are passionate, inspired folks who want to share what they know and help you find wines you like. So visit your local wine store or winemaker and ask questions. There are good guides specifically concerning how to taste wine. Dig a little, taste a lot, and have fun. It's all research for your next ultimate wine tasting. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Don't let food be an afterthought for the festivities—after all, food can enhance particular qualities of wine and vice versa. There are many rules around what foods to pair with which wines, but consider this simple advice from Alder Yarrow's Vinography : "Stick with eating good food and drinking good wine." Since the focus is on the wines, allow the drinks to determine what food makes sense, but don't overthink it. Food is a supporting character here—at the very least, guests will need something to soak up all the alcohol (unless you are spitting it out). Eating foods that contain a mixture of protein, fats, and carbs when drinking helps increase the rate of alcohol elimination . Whether it's a full meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres, thoughtful noshes are necessary. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, has died

In a thrilling turn of events, one lucky citizen from a bustling city in China has won an astonishing jackpot of 20.55 million Yuan. The news of this remarkable win has set the city abuzz with excitement and has captivated the hearts of individuals far and wide. The fortunate winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased the winning ticket at a local convenience store on a whim, never expecting that it would change their life forever.As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on the Chinese players as they continue their quest for glory in Scotland. With their impressive performances on the first day, they have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and thrilling tournament. The Chinese snooker legion has made a strong statement, and they are poised to make a significant impact in the days to come.

Mack Brown intends to return to North Carolina next season after turbulent 2024 campaign

Sun Yingsha continues to dominate the women's singles table tennis world rankings for the 50th consecutive week, showcasing her unparalleled skill and consistency on the international stage. With a commanding lead in accumulated points, Sun Yingsha has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.Concurrently, local officials ordered the temporary closure of the bathhouses where the incidents occurred for a comprehensive inspection and thorough cleaning. Health inspectors were deployed to assess the hygiene standards and ventilation systems of the facilities to identify any potential risks or violations. Samples of water and air quality were also collected and sent for testing to verify the presence of any harmful substances or contaminants that could have contributed to the health issues experienced by the customers.

The slump in the number of people heading to the shops during Boxing Day sales signals a return to declining pre-pandemic levels, an analyst has said. Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, extended its remarkable rally on Friday, rising 2.4% to close at a record high. This latest surge came after a federal appeals court upheld a U.S. law mandating that TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sell the app or face an effective ban. Meta’s stock has now climbed 77% in 2024, following an extraordinary 2023 where it nearly tripled in value. The rally has pushed the company’s market capitalization to nearly $1.6 trillion. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . Meta wasn’t the only tech giant reaching new peaks. Amazon also closed at an all-time high on Friday, bringing its gains for the year to 49%. The strong performance of tech megacap companies helped propel the Nasdaq Composite Index to a record close. The index rose 0.8% on Friday, extending its year-to-date gains to 32%. Meanwhile, Apple, another tech heavyweight, saw a slight dip from its record high earlier in the week. Zuckerberg Courts Trump Administration Meta’s rising fortunes coincide with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s apparent efforts to engage with the incoming Trump administration. Zuckerberg joined President-elect Donald Trump for a dinner at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last week, where he reportedly demonstrated Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. The meeting, first reported by Fox News, comes after years of sharp criticism from Trump, raising speculation that Zuckerberg is seeking a cooperative role in the new administration. TikTok, one of Meta’s most formidable rivals, is at the heart of a geopolitical and legal battle that could reshape the U.S. social media industry. The app, popular with younger audiences and boasting around 170 million U.S. users, has faced mounting scrutiny over its ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., delivered a unanimous ruling on Friday rejecting TikTok’s claims that the divestment law violates the First Amendment and other constitutional protections. “The U.S. government provided persuasive evidence demonstrating that the Act protects national security in a manner consistent with the Constitution,” the court wrote. In response, TikTok announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. “The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue,” a TikTok spokesperson said. If TikTok fails to comply with the law by January 2025, companies like Apple, Google, and internet hosting providers will be required to sever ties with the app, effectively banning its operation in the U.S. Meta’s Revival: The “Year of Efficiency” But Meta’s current rally began in late 2022 and accelerated in 2023 after Zuckerberg declared it the company’s “year of efficiency.” This strategic shift saw Meta cut approximately 21,000 jobs and revamp its advertising systems using advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). In its most recent earnings report, Meta posted a 19% year-over-year revenue increase, though it cautioned investors about significant infrastructure spending planned for 2025. The company reported 3.29 billion “daily active people” across its platforms in the third quarter, a modest 5% increase from the previous year. Meta has heavily invested in AI development, including building data centers and acquiring high-performance Nvidia graphics processing units. On Threads, Zuckerberg announced that Meta AI now has nearly 600 million monthly active users and teased the upcoming release of Llama 3.3, the latest version of its open-source large language model. However, Zuckerberg did not clarify how Meta calculates “monthly active” users for its AI products. The TikTok ruling could dramatically alter the competitive dynamics of the social media industry, giving Meta a significant edge. As one of TikTok’s fiercest competitors, Meta stands to benefit from any disruption to the platform. Analysts note that Meta’s diversified product portfolio, including Instagram Reels and Facebook’s massive user base, positions it to capture market share should TikTok face restrictions.Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh dies at 92