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WASHINGTON (AP) — Veering toward a midnight Friday government shutdown , House Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a new plan that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, but punted President-elect Donald Trump demands for a debt limit increase into the new year. House Republicans have been meeting behind closed doors on next steps after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a debt ceiling increase be included in any deal — and if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures “start now.” “We will not have a government shutdown,” Johnson said as he left the basement session at the Capitol. Johnson set a vote for Friday evening, but the outcome was uncertain. He declined to disclose the new idea under consideration but lawmakers said it would fund the government at current levels through March and adds $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers. Gone would be Trump’s demand for a debt ceiling, which GOP leaders told lawmakers would be debated as part of their tax and border packages in the new year. "So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill?" scoffed Trump ally Elon Musk on social media. It is almost impossible to meet Trump's last-minute pressure. Johnson knows there won't be enough support within the GOP majority to pass any package, since many Republicans prefer to slash federal government rather than fund it, and won't allow more debt. Instead, Johnson has been in talks Friday with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries , whose party's support will be needed to ensure passage of any deal. Democrats, though, have been cool to Johnson's efforts after he reneged on their original bipartisan compromise. Trump, who has not yet been sworn into office, is showing the power and limits of his sway with Congress, as he intervenes and orchestrates affairs from Mar-a-Lago, alongside his billionaire ally Elon Musk , who is heading up the incoming administration's new Department of Government Efficiency. “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now,” Trump posted early in the morning on social media. Trump does not fear government shutdowns the way Johnson and the lawmakers see federal closures as political losers that harm the livelihoods of Americans. The incoming Trump administration vows to slash the federal budget and fire thousands of employees . Trump himself sparked the longest government shutdown in history in his first term at the White House, the monthlong closures over the 2018-19 Christmas holiday and New Year period. More importantly for the president-elect is his demand for pushing the thorny debt ceiling debate off the table before he returns to the White House. The federal debt limit expires Jan. 1, and Trump doesn't want the first months of his new administration saddled with tough negotiations in Congress to lift the nation's borrowing capacity. It gives Democrats, who will be in the minority next year, leverage. “Congress must get rid of, or extend out to, perhaps, 2029, the ridiculous Debt Ceiling,” Trump posted — increasing his demand for a now five-year debt limit increase. "Without this, we should never make a deal." Johnson is racing behind closed doors to prevent a shutdown, but his influence has its limits. Trump and Musk unleashed their opposition — and social media army — on the original plan Johnson presented, which was a 1,500-page bipartisan compromise he struck with Democrats that included the disaster aid for hard hit states, but did not address the debt ceiling situation. A Trump-backed second plan, Thursday's slimmed down 116-page bill with his preferred two-year debt limit increase into 2027, failed in a monumental defeat, rejected by most Democrats as an unserious effort — but also Republicans who refuse to pile on the nation's red ink. On Friday morning, Vice President-elect JD Vance arrived early at the speaker's office at the Capitol, where a group of the most hardline Republican holdouts from the House Freedom Caucus were meeting with Johnson. At one point during the lunchtime meeting of House Republicans, Johnson asked for a show of hands as they determined the path forward, Republican Rep. Ralph Norman said. Government workers have already been told to prepare for a federal shutdown which would send millions of employees — and members of the military — into the holiday season without paychecks. “Welcome back to the MAGA swamp,” the House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries posted. “That is why our country is on the brink of a government shutdown that will crash the economy, hurt working class Americans and likely be the longest in history.” Jeffries was communicating with Johnson on the path forward, according to multiple people in a closed-door Democratic Caucus meeting. In the Senate, which is controlled by the Democrats for a few more weeks, there are talks of trying to push forward the original package, the bipartisan compromise that Johnson, Jeffries and the Senate leaders had negotiated to strike a deal earlier this week. That would be difficult, but not impossible. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the original agreement “the quickest, simplest, and easiest way we can make sure the government stays open while delivering critical emergency aid to the American people.” “I’m ready to stay here through Christmas because we’re not going to let Elon Musk run the government," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the chair of the Appropriations Committee who was instrumental in that first deal. “We had a bipartisan deal—we should stick to it.” President Joe Biden, in his final weeks in office, has played a less public role in the debate, drawing criticism from Trump and Republicans who are trying to shift the blame for any shutdown on him. Biden has been in discussions with Schumer and Jeffries, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday. But she said, “Republicans blew up this deal. They did, and they need to fix this.” Johnson faces an enormous task as he tries to keep government running, appease Trump — and save his own job. The speaker's election is the first vote of the new Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, and Johnson will need the support of almost every single House Republican from his razor-thin majority to ensure he can keep the gavel. Democrats will vote for Jeffries. As the speaker twisted in Washington, his peril was on display. At Turning Point USA’s conservative AmericaFest confab, Trump ally Steven Bannon stirred thousands of activists late Thursday with a withering takedown of the Louisiana Republican. “Clearly, Johnson is not up to the task. He’s gotta go,” Bannon said, drawing cheers. He smiled and cocked his head at the response, “President Trump? These are your people.” Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Mary Clare Jalonick, Darlene Superville and Bill Barrow contributed to this report.
I recently travelled to Europe to celebrate my birthday. While I was on the flight home, I thought about my past few decades on this planet. While we seem to be going backwards politically, that can largely be attributed to fear. That fear often comes from the disruptive change created by progress. Progress that comes from ideas turning into realities. While I look back on the disruptive changes and unrealized possibilities in my own life so far, I am encouraged by the progress that is possible going forward. And, in my opinion, no company is contributing more to that fear-inducing technological progress than BYD. A couple of recent examples come to mind. Active suspensions have been around for a while. Using active systems to replace reactive components like springs and shocks promises improved body control and comfort. Road imperfections and vehicle dynamics can be actively managed. Typically, this has been done with hydraulics. However, the idea of replacing hydraulics with linear electric motors has been enticing. Not only can these electromagnetic devices react much more quickly, but there is also the potential in EVs to generate electricity from going over bumps. This energy would otherwise be converted into heat by the shock absorbers. One notable attempt came from Bose, of speaker fame. (If you are wondering how a speaker company relates to this technology, a typical speaker driver is basically a linear electric motor with a cone attached to it.) Having thought about it for years, Dr. Amar Bose started a deceptively named effort called Project Sound in 1980. A few decades later, it showed off a modified Lexus prototype, and that seemed promising. However, Bose ran into engineering challenges and it never came to market. They then sold the idea to a company that announced a modified concept was going to go into production , but it still hasn’t happened. But Bose was not alone. A quick search finds a vast array of companies working on automotive electromagnetic active suspensions. In the US, Europe, Asia ... the idea has sparked the imaginations of many people. Not to jinx anything, but it looks like BYD is actually going to do it with Disus-Z in the U7, which recently went on presale. According to translated subtitles in the following video, this system will have more powerful linear suspension motors than the drive motor in a Seagull. It will be able to react in a fraction of the time of traditional active suspensions, with the energy generated by going over bumps offsetting the power consumption. And they emphasized the scalability of the system, intending to roll it out to more vehicles in the future. “We could not do what we do without them.” — Tim Cook That quote about BYD, highlighted in a recent Wall Street Journal article, as well as the quote in the title, also from the Apple CEO, clearly states the technology-enabling role that BYD is playing. Apple has increasingly shifted to a BYD partnership across China, Vietnam, and India. BYD currently has roughly 100,000 employees and 10,000 engineers dedicated to the Apple supply chain — roughly 1/9 th of their total employees and 1/12 th of their engineers. This isn’t just assembly, but also developing much of the technology within Apple devices and producing a large share of the components. If you own a recent Apple device, much of it is likely from BYD. BYD also partnered with Apple to develop its cancelled EV. And BYD is partnering to develop Apple’s anticipated next-generation smart home products, as the exclusive manufacturer of the HomePod. Those smart home systems offer the potential to significantly reduce residential energy consumption. But maybe you don’t like Apple? BYD is also a major supplier of Samsung (who briefly owned part of the company). They also produce phones for Huawei and have an ADAS partnership. BYD also makes Xiaomi phones and supplies technology in the SU7. They also partner with Oppo on devices and vehicle integration. And they are partnering with NVIDIA to develop Ai-enabled industrial robots.... I remember reading Popular Science as a kid and being amazed by the possibilities. Many of the ideas I saw then still have not come to fruition. Anybody can come up with an idea. Often it is the person closest to a need or problem that gets inspired. When it comes to solving for local needs and preferences, somebody with direct experience can have the advantage. A creative imagination can beat a formal education. But as Edison once said, “genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” While the initial idea can come from anybody, it takes a range of specialized expertise and a lot of hard work to bring it to reality. When people realize that China now educates as many degreed engineers in a little over a year as the entire US engineering workforce, many get scared. BYD’s R&D engineering workforce alone is easily more than all US-based automakers combined. A multitude of skilled technicians and other professionals also contribute to the effort. All with a focus on the disruptive clean technology that also scares many people. However, if we can get away from the fear and us-vs.-them mentality, what could be considered a threat can also be seen as a massive opportunity. China, and BYD in particular, represent an unprecedented resource to deliver that “99% perspiration.” I have had many conversations with people who have said an idea is impossible, only to find out that China is already doing it at scale. Ideas that have languished for generations can actually come to fruition and start making an impact. We can move away from fossil fuels and actively address climate change. We can lead with ideas and lead the progress in collaboration. By working together, we can take ideas from possibility to reality. By Larry Evans CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email Reddit
Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter died Sunday, coming up on two years after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: Carter's state funeral will be Jan. 9 President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9. Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. Carter, the longest-lived former president, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Biden also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday. Guterres' remembrance focuses on Carter's contributions to peace United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday praised Carter for his significant contributions to international peace through the Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal treaties. “President Carter’s commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency,” Guterres said in a statement. "He played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication. These and other efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and helped advance the work of the United Nations. “President Carter will be remembered for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his abiding grace, and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity,” Guterres said. Reflections from King Charles III King Charles III joined leaders from around the world in issuing their condolences and sharing their reflections on the former president. “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter," the king said in a public statement. “He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977." Biden remembers Carter for his decency President Joe Biden broke from his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands to remember Carter, recalling his predecessor as a role model and friend. America and the world lost a “remarkable leader” with Carter’s death, Biden said, adding that he had spoken to several of the former president's children and was working with them to formalize memorial arrangements in Washington. Speaking for roughly 10 minutes, Biden remembered Carter as a humanitarian and statesman, someone he couldn't imagine walking past a person in need without trying to help them. He represented “the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away,” Biden said. The president repeatedly praised Carter's “simple decency” and his values, saying some will see him as a man of honesty and humility from a bygone era. “I don’t believe it’s a bygone era. I see a man not only of our time, but for all times,” Biden said. “To know his core, you need to know he never stopped being a Sunday school teacher at that Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.” Egyptian president notes historic Camp David Accords Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on X that Carter's significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel "will remain etched in the annals of history.” He went on to say Carter's “humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood.” Carter will be remembered as “one of the world’s most prominent leaders in service to humanity,” el-Sissi said. Biden to speak on Carter's death President Joe Biden will speak about Carter Sunday evening. The president will make his address from a hotel in St. Croix, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he is on a holiday vacation with his family. Carter’s relationship with his wife Rosalynn spanned a near-lifetime Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had one of the great love stories and political partnerships in U.S. presidential history. The former president sometimes called his wife, who died Nov. 19. 2023, “Rosie,” which is a good way to remember how her name actually is pronounced. It is “ROSE-uh-lyn,” not, repeat NOT, “RAHZ-uh-lyn.” They were married more than 77 years but their relationship went back even further. Jimmy’s mother, “Miss Lillian,” delivered Eleanor Rosalynn Smith at the Smith home in Plains on Aug. 18, 1927. The nurse brought her eldest child back a few days later to visit, meaning the longest-married presidential couple met as preschooler and newborn. She became his trusted campaign aide and White House adviser, surprising Washington by sitting in on Cabinet meetings. Then they traveled the world together as co-founders of The Carter Center. Most of the nation saw the former president for the last time at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral. Grandson Jason Carter says Plains kept his grandparents humble Jason Carter is now the chairman of The Carter Center’s board of governors. He said his grandparents “never changed who they were” even after reaching the White House and becoming global humanitarians. He says their four years in Washington were just one period of putting their values into action and that the center his grandparents founded in Atlanta is a lasting “extension of their belief in human rights as a fundamental global force.” Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter traveled the world advocating for democracy and fighting disease, but Jason Carter said they weren’t motivated by pity, or arrogance that a former American president had all the answers — they ventured to remote places because they could “recognize these people.” They too were from “a 600-person village” and understood that even the poorest people “have the power ... the ability ... the knowledge and the expertise to change their own community.” President Biden mourns his predecessor As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Pelosi says Carter’s life ‘was saintly’ in devotion to peace Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is remembering Carter as a man steeped “in devotion to public service and peace.” The California Democrat said in a statement Sunday that Carter was committed to “honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” something she said manifested in “teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.” Pelosi also said Carter led “perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.” Historical praise from the United Kingdom British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted in a post on X the special contribution Carter made by brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and through his work with the Carter Center. “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad,” Starmer said. Commemoration in New York City To commemorate Carter’s death, officials with the Empire State Building said in a post on social media that the iconic New York City landmark would be lit in red, white and blue on Sunday night, “to honor the life and legacy” of the late former president. The Obamas recall Carter's Sunday services In a statement issued Sunday, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said Carter’s beloved Maranatha Baptist Church “will be a little quieter on Sunday,s” but added that the late former president “will never be far away -- buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.” Noting the “hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews” to see the former president teach Sunday school, as he did “for most of his adult life,” the Obamas listed Carter’s accomplishments as president. But they made special note of the Sunday school lessons, saying they were catalysts for people making a pilgrimage to the church. “Many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.” A somber announcement The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A Southerner and a man of faith In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world. Former Vice President Gore remembers Carter for life "of purpose” Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. The Clintons react to Jimmy Carter's death Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David." After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said.Trump taps forceful ally of hard-line immigration policies to head Customs and Border ProtectionIn a poignant twist of fate, Brazilian defender Lucas Silva officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34 after a successful 7-year stint with Manchester United. The news comes just three days after his identical twin brother, Marcelo Silva, also retired from the beautiful game. The Silva brothers, known for their rock-solid defense and unwavering loyalty to each other, have left an indelible mark on the footballing world.The man, whose name has been withheld for privacy reasons, had been in need of a new washing machine for some time and had carefully researched various models before settling on the Swan brand. He placed his order online, eagerly anticipating the convenience and efficiency that the new appliance would bring to his laundry routine.
Fort scores 27 in Samford's 97-90 victory over Alabama A&MREEDSVILLE, W.Va. (WV News) — Valley District Lions Club Members devote their time to raise money for the Valley District Food Pantry throughout the Christmas season. For many years, members of the the Valley District Lions Club have coordinated seasonal bell ringing fundraisers to raise funds for those in need during the holidays, officials said. Club President Judy Harder said volunteers participate in bell ringing at the Shop and Save in Reedsville. The bell ringing has been a longstanding tradition for the Valley District Lions Club, she said. Members always try to make it fun, dressing up in crazy Christmas sweaters and wearing funny hats as well, she said. Additionally, they lend a hand at the store by pushing carts and helping with small chores to show appreciation for their permission to use the space, she said. Overall, the Lions are always flabbergasted at the amount of community generosity they receive from the event, she said. “We are so appreciative to all the members of the communities that shop there and give,” she said. Preston county residents really do try to help their own, she said. While Christmas certainly invokes the spirit of giving, there is something more to the charity of Prestonians during the winter season, she said. “It’s about being there for the people that they know need the help. It’s like looking out for your neighbor and that’s what they do in smaller communities,” she said. In November, the Lions Club made a notable donation to the food pantry as well, she said. Pantry Treasurer Marvin Stuck said the donation was desperately needed. The Valley District Food Pantry served 108 families this year for Thanksgiving, officials said. While there is always a great need during the holiday season, the local food pantry constantly needs more every-day necessities like toiletries and hygiene products, officials said. Club Marketing Chair Judy Pratt said the Lions have always played an important role in their community. It was their constant effort to support those in need that inspired her to step up and become a new member herself, she said. “To much given, much is required,” she said. In the past she and her husband had volunteered for the bell ringing, she said. “Right now, a lot of people are hurting in our community and I think we can make a contribution — or I can as a Lions Club Member,” she said. Sometimes the holiday and winter season generates a little more need within the community but “the lions are built to serve,” she said. Their whole goal is to host various fundraisers, community events and programs to tackle the hardships in the area, she said. The bell ringing is just one of the many efforts they have to help those in need, she said. The Lions Club will keep ringing the bells hoping to stock the shelves for those in need, Harder said. One may find a lion ringing the bells until Dec. 23rd this year, she said. Additionally, for anyone interested in helping those in need this Christmas season the Valley District Lions Club is always accepting new members, she said. Those interested in joining can find more info by emailing the valleylionsclub@gmail.com or by calling 304-698-9387.Consumer stimulus policies encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at incentivizing individuals to increase their spending, thereby stimulating economic growth. These measures can take various forms, such as direct cash payments, tax cuts, subsidies, vouchers, and discounts. By putting money directly into the hands of consumers, governments can spur spending, drive demand, and support businesses, particularly those in the retail and service sectors.
Title: Villagers Offer Divergent Views on Sheltering Lost Female Master's Student - Truth Yet to be Unraveled
The Defense Minister's assertion of the military's commitment to civilian control comes at a critical juncture in South Korea's history. With political tensions running high and the future of the presidency hanging in the balance, the military's role as a neutral arbiter of power is paramount. The decision to maintain the status quo of military command under Minister Suh Wook underscores the military's dedication to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.IT was a typically sunny Los Angeles afternoon and I was sitting in a trailer at the ABC Studios car park watching Bruno Tonioli strip down to his underpants. Bruno was all hot and bothered after a full afternoon rehearsing for Dancing With The Stars, the US version of the show that made him a household name, Strictly Come Dancing. 6 I had only met Bruno Tonioli about two minutes before he decided he simply had to get out of his TV clobber Credit: Rex 6 Bruno during his time as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing I was there, in this oven-cum-caravan, to interview him about his transatlantic life as a judge on both shows in the same week. I had only met him about two minutes before he decided he simply had to get out of his TV clobber. Then suddenly there he was, mere feet away from me wearing nothing but a pair of tighty whities and a very expensive-looking gold chain. He was gesticulating wildly by now and, in between puffs on a cigarette, was tearing into then Strictly pro Anton Du Beke who had been caught out calling Laila Rouass the P-word. “You say that to me and I’m gonna punch you in the f***ing face,” he boomed. Strong stuff. A bit too strong for his BBC paymasters, who asked me to exclude it from my subsequent interview for this newspaper. I would say I am very hard to shock but he had made me feel awkward during his rant about how his fellow Strictly star had made someone else feel awkward (and worse). The irony seemed completely lost on Bruno, who has famously stripped off for the cameras on many occasions. Most read in News TV HUGE SCOOP Scots dad wins £27k on Deal or No Deal as 'mystic' son stops him getting 10p HOT PLAY Watch the moment Loose Women's talkathon is gatecrashed by famous rockstar IT'S BACK! Hugely popular Amazon Prime thriller's second series date confirmed DUTY CALLS Line of Duty's Martin Compston stars in new role worlds away from BBC cop drama Common thread You say that to me and I’m gonna punch you in the f***ing face Bruno Tonioli tearing into Anton Du Beke Yet I made no fuss because it was by no means threatening and only mildly uncomfortable. Also, I had an interview to do and, well, I quite liked Bruno and he was giving me some good copy (most of which the Beeb would not later request to be ignored). Fury as BBC had complaints about Gregg Wallace’s ‘sexual remarks’ on Strictly 10yrs ago but was allowed to stay on show And, well, some stars are just a bit bonkers, aren’t they? But I couldn’t help thinking later, back at my hotel, would he have done that if I was a woman? I was reminded of that episode this week when the Gregg Wallace scandal blew up again. Not that Bruno’s behaviour was anything like that which Gregg is being accused of. But I would argue there is a common thread. Here was a star doing as he pleased without much of an apparent thought for whoever else was in the vicinity. 6 The Gregg Wallace saga goes much deeper than Gregg, his potty mouth and allegedly wandering hands Credit: BBC It is behaviour that smacks of a supreme sense of entitlement where the star is the only person who matters. It is behaviour that smacks of a supreme sense of entitlement where the star is the only person who matters Much of this attitude comes from the “talent” — a word now banned by BBC chief Tim Davie to describe those “front of camera”. Many believe they are God’s gift to whatever line of work it is that has propelled them on to the flat screen 55-incher on your wall. Confidence is a prerequisite of fame. Sharp elbows will get you the audition, only then will talent get you the gig. Bad behaviour But while celebrities and their egos are the frontmen and women of TV shows, it is the production teams that get them on the air. And unfortunately television is full of enablers — nervous executives and producers who will tolerate almost anything to get the show out. When it’s a hit they care even less how badly their stars might behave. Don’t mess with success! Indeed, the industry is awash with bad behaviour from famous faces and anyone (honest) who works in it will tell you that pretty much every star they work with can behave like a complete **** (and it’s usually the full-strength Anglo-Saxon term used). I can attest to this. In my many years of covering TV I met and wrote about the biggest names on the box on a regular basis and they all had their moments. Yes, even the saintly Ant and Dec. Just ask Kelly Brook, who blamed them for her sacking as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012. So the Gregg Wallace saga goes much deeper than Gregg Wallace, his potty mouth and allegedly wandering hands. It goes much deeper than the BBC and its patently piss-poor complaints procedure. It is about how the entire industry behaves. How time after time it has been shown to foster a toxic environment where stars are considered just too important to sack, no matter how appalling their behaviour. And it will continue to be that way until the people who perpetuate it decide enough is enough and enact the changes that are so urgently needed. They? We won’t forget them Emma 6 Emma Corrin out at a premiere of a new horror film EMMA “don’t call me a woman” Corrin has been doing her, sorry “their”, bit for gender diversity this week by appearing at the premiere of a new horror film with a brace of presumably non-female breasts, proudly on display. The star, who plays a female character in the film, showcased the daring braless look on the blood-red carpet for the remake of the classic 1922 Dracula-inspired Nosferatu. Vainglorious Emma insists on being called “they”, in keeping with the pronoun demands of her fellow non-binaries. Well, we certainly won’t forget them. Price to pay at BBC 6 BBC presenter Clive Myrie failed to disclose extra-curricular activities totalling up to £250,000 Credit: Getty NEWSREADER, Mastermind host and one of the only male stars left at the Beeb who hasn’t been revealed to be a sex pest, Clive Myrie has got himself into a pickle. He apologised this week after confessing that due to “administrative issues” he had failed to disclose extra-curricular activities totalling up to £250,000 . Strict BBC rules insist that people like Clive, who are supposed to be impartial, declare what they are up to elsewhere. Clive says he now won’t take on any other extra stuff for the time being and will instead struggle by on the £310,000 a year he gets from our licence fees (u ok hun?). But this whole episode reveals a fundamental flaw at the heart of the BBC’s argument as to why it must pay so much. The corporation says it is because of what the commercial sector offers. So it pays “market price”, despite insisting it rarely does pay that. But once installed at the BBC, stars like Clive can trade on that to make even more cash in the commercial market. So simply by having a job at the BBC, their stock rises. That would also be the case if we paid them less. Maybe if we did, executives could stop claiming to be skint – and then stop jacking up the increasingly unjustifiable licence fee. SPOTIFY’S Unwrapped week is upon us, when folk with the audio streaming app take to social media to boast about how cool their music choices are. Unless you’re a parent of young kids. Unwrapped collates all your most-played songs to reveal a bespoke top five. So my No1 was not one of the cool new indie bands I’ve been streaming all year but a song by Taylor Swift. Now I happen to like this particular tune but not as much as my daughter, who insists on it being streamed in the car from my Spotify account at least five times a journey. But it could be worse. A friend with younger kids revealed her number one was Wheels On The Bus. Cool points for that one: Zero. Ad ban a waist of time 6 A TV junk food ban will be a waste of time, the number of junk food influencers – aka snackfluencers – is expanding faster than their viewers’ waistlines Credit: instagram/elburritomonster A HARD-and-fast rule of any new public policy is that by the time it’s actually ready to be implemented, it will be completely outdated. Take the plan to ban “junk food” ads before 9pm on telly or in paid online adverts . We’ve heard about this since cavemen created their first brontosaurus smash burger. And still it won’t come in until October 2025. But even if it was introduced now it would a waste of time, as a cursory glance at social media will confirm. The number of junk food influencers – aka snackfluencers – is expanding faster than their viewers’ waistlines. Food porn accounts Only Scrans and El Burrito Monster already have a million followers. Instagram and TikTok are stuffed to the gills with six-patty burgers deep fried in cheese. Or my favourite, a burrito made of about ten items from McDonald’s. Once again, the internet charges ahead while government puffs and pants behind it like someone from My 600lb Life. No fan of Jim MANCHESTER United ’s new boss, Jim “local lad” Ratcliffe , has decided to endear himself to fans by ripping us off at the turnstiles. Ratcliffe – net worth £12.5billion – has whacked up ticket prices and scrapped all concessions so my lad’s £20 ticket is now £66. Squeezing more cash out of already fed-up Reds is quite the PR masterstroke, as the huge protests outside Old Trafford at Sunday’s Everton game showed. Now, Unlucky Jim is being spoken of with the same disdain fans have for owners the Glazers. Read more on the Scottish Sun DARR-ARGH! Weather maps reveal exact date Storm Darragh to hit Scots with rain, wind & SNOW 'SICK BEYOND BELIEF' Cops probe footage 'showing Scots woman having sex with XL Bully dog' But at least he can console himself that he now has his very own terrace chant, to the tune of The Beach Boys’ Sloop John B. All together now: “Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***, just like the Glazers . . . Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***.”Assessing ZoomInfo Technologies: Insights From 6 Financial Analysts
US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. TikTok's future uncertain after appeals court rejects its bid to overturn possible US ban A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January - is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts around its records after a solid jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are drifting around their records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Friday and was just above its all-time high set on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 108 points, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.7%. Expectations rose among traders that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again at its next meeting in two weeks after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Gunman's steps after killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO gives police new clues in hunt for the killer NEW YORK (AP) — Police hunting the gunman who killed the head of the largest U.S. health insurer are piecing together new surveillance video from across New York City and evidence left behind by the shooter. Three days after the ambush, the gunman’s whereabouts and identity are still unknown, as is the reason for the killing. A law enforcement official says police have obtained surveillance images of the suspect on the subway system and visiting local establishments. The official who was not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel. China's ban on key high-tech materials could have broad impact on industries, economy BANGKOK (AP) — China has banned exports of key materials used for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, radar systems and CT scanners, swiping back at Washington after it expanded export controls to include dozens of Chinese companies that make equipment used to produce computer chips. Both sides say the controls are justified by national security concerns. Analysts say they could have a much wider impact on manufacturing in many industries and supply chains, depending on the ability of each side to compensate for loss of access to strategically important materials, equipment and components. Here's why this could be a tipping point in trade conflict between the two biggest economies.In the end, the story of Sarah, John, and Emily served as an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity. Their reunion after 13 years was not just a family coming together but a testament to the power of love, determination, and the unbreakable bond that ties us to our loved ones.
As this trend continues to grow in popularity, more and more young people are discovering the joy of revamping their down jackets and saving money in the process. It has become a fun and rewarding way to stay stylish, express creativity, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. By breathing new life into old clothes, young people are not only reducing waste but also redefining what it means to be fashionable in a world that is increasingly conscious of environmental and social issues.
Gan Wei, a talented actress and entrepreneur, first met Jia Yueting, the founder of LeEco, in the early stages of his career. The two quickly hit it off and soon after, they decided to tie the knot. Their relationship faced numerous obstacles, including financial difficulties, public scrutiny, and Jia Yueting's entrepreneurial ventures which often garnered both praise and criticism.The worker, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly employed at the construction site for several months, working tirelessly to support himself and his family. However, when it came time to receive his hard-earned wages, he was met with constant delays and excuses from the employer. Frustrated and overwhelmed by financial pressures, the worker made the drastic decision to climb to the top of the building and threaten to jump if his wages were not paid.
NFL Week 18 schedule: Massive Lions-Vikings matchup set for 'Sunday Night Football' to wrap regular season
The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — Addison Patterson’s 33 points led Northwestern State over Southern University at New Orleans 89-79 on Friday. Patterson had 10 rebounds for the Demons (6-5). JT Warren scored 11 points, shooting 5 for 11, including 1 for 3 from beyond the arc. Landyn Jumawan went 2 of 7 from the field (2 for 5 from 3-point range) to finish with eight points. Tyon Thompson led the way for the Knights with 21 points, six assists and three steals. Jamal Gibson added 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals for Southern University at New Orleans. Tony White also recorded 10 points and three steals. NEXT UP Northwestern State visits Texas in its next matchup on December 29. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The mystery of the lost female master's student deepened as new information came to light. A local historian uncovered records suggesting that a similar incident had occurred in the village decades ago, raising suspicions about the woman's true identity and motives. The plot thickened as conflicting testimonies emerged from individuals claiming to have known the woman before her arrival in the village, adding further layers of complexity to the situation.
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Bettiol added six rebounds for the Wildcats (8-5). Quion Williams added 21 points while shooting 8 of 15 from the field and 4 for 5 from the line while they also had 11 rebounds. Hunter Jack Madden went 4 of 15 from the field (1 for 10 from 3-point range) to finish with nine points. The Tigers (1-10) were led in scoring by Kavion McClain, who finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Texas Southern also got 17 points and three steals from Zaire Hayes. Kenny Hunter had 10 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .