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Remembering Jimmy Carter: Maryland leaders react to the death of the country’s 39th president
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Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalise the country’s stagnant economy. Mr Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag – a sister publication of Politico owned by the Axel Springer Group – published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month that he has supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” he wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say that the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality”. The Tesla Motors chief executive also wrote that his investment in Germany gives him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. Billionaire Mr Musk, an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, challenged in his opinion piece the party’s public image. “The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party’s leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!” Mr Musk’s commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper’s own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Mr Musk’s social media platform, X. Eva Marie Kogel wrote: “I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print.” A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Mr Musk’s opinion piece. “Musk’s diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong,” he wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Mr Burgard – who is due to take over on January 1 – said in a joint statement that the discussion over Mr Musk’s piece was “very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression.” “This will continue to determine the compass of the ‘world’ in the future. We will develop ‘Die Welt’ even more decisively as a forum for such debates,” they wrote to dpa.Accused held for circulating indecent video in Awantipora: PolicePORTLAND, Ore. — San Antonio veteran guard Chris Paul was ejected from the Spurs' game at Portland on Friday night after getting his second technical foul. Paul left the game when he earned his second tech with 1:03 left in the first quarter, just 11 seconds after his first. It was unclear why Paul was tossed. Paul, who was averaging 10.2 points per game and 8.5 assists, had five points, four rebounds and four assists when he was ejected. The Spurs went into the game with just 11 players available. Stephon Castle, averaging 12.1 points, was out for the first time this season because of a bruised left shoulder. Also unavailable were Zach Collins (bruised lower back), Keldon Johnson (left calf strain) and Tre Jones (sprained left shoulder) were also ruled out.
Advocates ask Biden to pardon refugees from the Vietnam War
For whom the bells chimehe Shrivardhan Assembly Constituency is expected to witness a tight race when the counting of votes in Maharashtra begins on November 23. Located in Raigad district, this constituency has been a stronghold for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in recent years. Incumbent Aditi Tatkare, the current Women and Child Development Minister will be contesting on an NCP ticket but faces tough competition from NCP(SP) candidate Anil Dattaram Navgane. This year’s contest is expected to be a high-profile battle between two prominent political figures from the NCP. Incumbent Aditi Tatkare, the current Women and Child Development Minister will be contesting on an NCP ticket. She faces a challenge from Anil Dattaram Navgane, a candidate from NCP (SP). The third candidate in the fray is Faizal Abdul Ajij Popere, representing the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The Shrivardhan constituency has been consistently held by the NCP in the past three assembly elections. In the 2019 Assembly Elections, Aditi Tatkare won a decisive victory, securing over 92,000 votes. She defeated Shiv Sena’s Vinod Ghosalkar, who garnered around 52,000 votes. The 2019 elections saw a voter turnout of 59.9%, with 1.5 lakh votes cast out of more than 2 lakh registered voters in the constituency. In the 2014 Assembly Elections, Aditi’s father, Avdhoot Tatkare, had also secured a win for the NCP, defeating Shiv Sena's Ravindra Munde with more than 60,000 votes. With the constituency once again gearing up for a fierce electoral battle, all eyes are on whether the NCP will maintain its hold or if a new challenger will emerge victorious in this important Maharashtra seat.Musk causes uproar by backing German far-right party ahead of key elections
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.None
WASHINGTON – The United States should proceed cautiously as officials consider new natural gas export terminals, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Tuesday, warning that “unfettered exports" of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, could raise wholesale domestic prices by more than 30% and increase planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Granholm's statement came as the Energy Department released a long-awaited study on the environmental and economic impacts of natural gas exports , which have grown exponentially in the past decade. The analysis found that U.S. LNG shipments drive up domestic prices and frequently displace renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Recommended Videos Increased LNG exports also would lead to higher global greenhouse gas emissions, even with use of technology such as equipment to capture and store carbon emissions, the report said. “Today’s publication reinforces that a business-as-usual approach (to LNG exports) is neither sustainable nor advisable,'' Granholm said. The Energy Department report comes after the Biden administration paused approvals of new LNG projects in January to study the effects LNG exports have on the planet. Natural gas emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, when burned, leaked or released. LNG is especially energy intensive, since the gas must be retrieved through underground drilling, then piped to export terminals along the East and Gulf coasts. The gas is then “superchilled” into a liquid that is taken by tanker ships to import terminals in Europe and Asia, where it is then reheated into gas and distributed for business and family use. The oil and gas industry, along with Republican allies in Congress, have decried the LNG pause as unnecessary and counter-productive, and President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the pause on his first day in office . The pause is on hold under a federal court order , but few new terminals have been approved in the past year. The Energy Department said last week it will not decide on two major LNG export projects in Louisiana until the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission completes environmental reviews of each project. The American Gas Association called the Biden administration's pause a mistake that has resulted in uncertainty for the global market, investors and America’s allies around the world. “This report is a clear and inexplicable attempt to justify their grave policy error," said AGA president and CEO Karen Harbert. “America’s allies are suffering from the weaponization of natural gas and energy deprivation, and any limitations on supplying life essential energy is absolutely wrong-headed." Harbert said the industry group looks forward to working with the Trump administration “to rectify the glaring issues with this study during the public comment period,” which lasts until mid-February. Charlie Riedl, executive director of the Center for LNG, a pro-industry group, said Republican and Democratic administrations, as well as independent researchers, “have continually found that U.S. LNG exports provide economic, national security and climate benefits and serve the public interest." U.S. LNG “remains a vital tool for countries looking to displace dirtier fuels" such as coal and reduce their emissions, Riedl said, adding that U.S. LNG exports play a key role in meeting growing global demand for natural gas. U.S. gas shipments to Europe and Asia have soared since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The LNG pause, announced by President Joe Biden as the 2024 election year began, aligned the Democratic administration with environmentalists who fear the huge increase in LNG exports in recent years is locking in potentially catastrophic planet-warming emissions at a time when Biden has pledged to cut U.S. climate pollution in half by 2030 . “While MAGA Republicans willfully deny the urgency of the climate crisis, condemning the American people to a dangerous future, my administration will not be complacent,′′ Biden said in announcing the pause. His actions “heed the calls of young people and frontline communities who are using their voices to demand" climate action, Biden added. The White House declined to comment on the Energy Department study, referring questions to the agency.Tubi ‘s imported comedy Big Mood debuted in April 2024 and has left viewers wondering what’s next for friends Maggie ( Nicola Coughlan ) and Eddie ( Lydia West ) ever since it launched. But will the series return for a second season? No official confirmation regarding the show’s future has been made at this time, in other words, it hasn’t been renewed, but it hasn’t been canceled either. In the meantime, we’re breaking down everything we know about the show’s potential return so far, below. Tubi Yes, there’s an abundance of hope due in part to some teases series creator and writer Camilla Whitehill gave about planning for another chapter of the comedy. During an appearance on the Firecrotch & Normcore: They Like to Watch Podcast in July 2024, Whitehill said, “I’m writing Big Mood Series 2, which hasn’t been fully fully greenlit.” She added that regarding a second season, “a few episodes have been commissioned, so I’m working on that. I hope that we will be, that we’ll go again.” Big Mood , as fans saw in Season 1, focuses on the friendship between Eddie and Maggie, the latter of which struggles to live with her bipolar disorder. While Eddie is a big support, she has struggles of her own that often fly under the radar as she tries her best to be there for Maggie. Ultimately, Season 1 ended with Maggie missing out on accompanying Eddie for an abortion due to her mental status. Missing time and space, Maggie eventually shows up at the bar Eddie owned to find a closed sign before she sees Eddie leaving with luggage in a taxi. Nicola Coughlan Weighs in on 'Big Mood' & 'Bridgerton's Friendship Statuses More from this section It’s a heartbreaking scene, and Season 2 would likely pick up where things left off, or examine where these friends are some time after the events after spending some time apart. Only time would tell for certain as we await word on the show’s future. When it came to the possibility of a second season, Big Mood stars Coughlan and West were interested in exploring the origin of Maggie and Eddie’s friendship. “If we get a Season 2 — touch wood — I really want a flashback scene to when they met,” Coughlan told TV Insider . “I’d love that. That would be so funny,” West countered. “And it would be full Indie sleaze,” Coughlan added as she continued to paint a metaphorical picture. Will this vision come to life? We’ll keep our fingers crossed. Until then, stream Big Mood anytime on Tubi. Big Mood , Streaming now, Tubi More Headlines: Will ‘Big Mood’ Return for Season 2? Everything We Know So Far ‘Squid Game’ Season 2: Every New Game, Explained What’s Next on ‘General Hospital’ in 2025: Lulu & Dante, Michael’s Exit, Trina & Kai, and More ‘Inside Outlander’ Aftershow: Silvia Presente on Jane’s Return & Relationship With William (VIDEO) ‘Southern Hospitality’ Stars Bradley Carter & T.J. Dinch Tease ‘Raw’ Season 3: ‘Buckle Up’
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner? This Iron Chef has some tipsDaily Post Nigeria EPL: I don’t know what will happen against Liverpool next week – Guardiola Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport EPL: I don’t know what will happen against Liverpool next week – Guardiola Published on November 23, 2024 By Ifreke Inyang Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said he is unsure how his team will play against Liverpool next week. The Premier League champions suffered a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at home on Saturday. The loss sees them five points behind the Reds, who they face next weekend. Liverpool could come into the game eight points clear if they win at Southampton on Sunday. Guardiola, speaking after the Spurs defeat, said: “We have to come back and freshen our minds. The season is so long. Many things can happen. “Before the game I didn’t know what will happen today. So I don’t know what will happen at Anfield. Everyone knows the situation is new for us. “We struggled more without the ball. I don’t know how many chances we created. Our game was there.” Related Topics: EPL guardiola liverpool Don't Miss EPL: Guardiola explains why Man City lost 4-0 to Tottenham You may like EPL: Guardiola explains why Man City lost 4-0 to Tottenham EPL: Postecoglou explains why Tottenham beat Man City 4-0 EPL: He should have been sent off — Joe Cole slams Ndidi over Palmer EPL: Guardiola suffers worst defeat of career as Tottenham hammer Man City 4-0 EPL: We have to manage him — Arteta on Arsenal star after win over Nottingham Forest EPL: Nottingham Forest coach Santos praises three Arsenal players Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Srinagar, Dec 27 : Police in Awantipora have arrested the accused involved in the circulation of an indecent video of a woman on social media and WhatsApp groups, officials said. A police official said the incident came to light following a written complaint filed on December 26 by a concerned citizen reporting the unlawful dissemination of sexually explicit content featuring his sister. Acting swiftly, the police registered an FIR under No. 186/2024 at Police Station Awantipora, invoking relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and other applicable laws. Preliminary investigations confirmed the allegations, and the accused was promptly apprehended, said the official. The police have issued an advisory to social media users, urging them to refrain from uploading or sharing explicit content, as such actions constitute a serious offense under the IT Act. The offense carries penalties of up to seven years of imprisonment and fines amounting to ₹10 lakh.General Mills To Gain Strength From Rebound In Pet Segment And Stabilizing Retail Growth, Analyst Upgrades StockAP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:40 p.m. EST
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc . WBA stock is trading higher on Friday following a report from Sky News indicating that Sycamore Partners has approached various potential lenders to fund a possible acquisition of the company . The Details: If a potential acquisition goes through, Sycamore would acquire and take private one of the largest providers of retail pharmacy services in the United States and Britain. A source in the industry told Sky News that Sycamore is likely to sell both Boots and VillageMD. The private-equity firm is in discussions with financial institutions like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan to fund the deal which is valued at approximately $10 billion. Walgreens Boots Alliance has previously turned down multiple acquisition bids, including one from Apollo Global Management. In 2019, the company also received a takeover bid from KKR. How To Buy Walgreens Stock By now you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for Walgreens Boots Alliance – be it to purchase shares, or even attempt to bet against the company. Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of possible trading platforms here. Many will allow you to buy ‘fractional shares,' which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share. For example, some stock, like Berkshire Hathaway, can cost thousands of dollars to own just one share. However, if you only want to invest a fraction of that, brokerages will allow you to do so. In the the case of Walgreens Boots Alliance, which is trading at $10.29 as of publishing time, $100 would buy you 9.72 shares of stock. If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to ‘go short' a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a stock can be found at this resource. Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading – either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline. Related Link: Broadcom Hits $1 Trillion Milestone: The Next Magnificent Tech Giant? WBA Price Action: At the time of publication, Walgreens Boots shares are trading 3.75% higher at $10.10, according to data from Benzinga Pro . Image: Image via Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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We're in the final countdown to the holidays, and if you still have some shopping to do, you might want to check out some of the deals on . We spotted an item that'd make an excellent r for just about anyone — and it's on sale! Plus, right now, the is more than 20 per cent off. Glocusent Book Light It's an Amazon's Choice product, has more than 94,000 five-star ratings and in the past month, it's been bought more than 8,000 times. On top of all of that, shoppers say this handy doodad is "a great gift." Interested? Just scroll onwards for all the details! Shoppers say it's "comfortable" and note that it "holds a charge for a long time." This LED book light has six brightness levels and three colour modes: yellow, warm white and cool white. It has two heads, each of which can be independently operated. It charges via USB-C and provides up to 80 hours of light before needing to be recharged. As well, the arms are adjustable, so you can shine the light directly where it's needed and to ensure comfort. The light is bright enough that you can see what you're doing but won't disturb people around you, such as a sleeping partner. 🛍️ 119,000+ reviews ⭐ 4.7-star average rating 🏅Shoppers say it's "comfortable" and would be "a great gift." Customers like that the device is "comfortable," "has multiple light settings" and note that it "holds a charge for a long time." Glocusent Book Light "A great gift for any reader or hobbiest," says one shopper who uses it for sewing. Others like that it's "hands-free," doesn't get warm when using it and that it's perfect for "not disturbing anyone in the room with the brightness." As well, shoppers say it's "great for travel" and like that it's "rechargeable" and "inexpensive." According to Amazon customers, the is ideal for those who do their hobbies while in lower light. It helps to illuminate their space without disturbing others around them. Shoppers note that it's comfortable, stays charged up for a long time and recommend that it would be a great gift. It's also on sale for under $30 — if you're looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers, this is a great, practical item that they'll likely be happy to receive. Medcursor Foot Massager Machine with Heat COSORI Air Fryer 6 QT TurboBlaze Technology Google Fitbit Charge 6 Advanced Health and Fitness Tracker PlayStation 5 Disc Edition Console AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop KitchenAid 7 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer BEAKEY Makeup Brushes Set, Professional Foundation Eyeshadow Concealer Blush Powder Bronzer Applicator, 2 Blender Sponge wit Beauty Paper Case, Gifts for Women Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Adults Our Place Always Pan 2.0 Amazon Fire TV Stick HDServices are powering growth. Here’s how developing nations can catch upSouth Africa punched their ticket to their first-ever final of the World Test Championship, scheduled to be played in June at the Lord's Cricket Ground. SA chased down a tricky target of 148 on the fourth day of the Boxing Day Test match against Pakistan. Kagiso Rabada played an important role in the chase and remained unbeaten on 31 off 26 balls. SA lost their 8th wicket for 99 and the onus was on all-rounder Marco Jansen and senior player, Rabada to finish the job. Rabada, who is a frontline pacer, stepped up with the bat and scored quickly. He put the pressure back on the Pakistan bowlers and played freely. Kagiso Rabada creates history with bat Kagiso Rabada created history with the bat as he remained unbeaten on 31 off 26 balls. He broke a 108-year-old record and became the SA batsman with the highest score at number 10 position or below in successful chases. He broke Percy Sherwall's record, who scored an unbeaten 22 against England in Johannesburg in 1906. After more than 100 years, Rabada emulated Sherwall's heroics and won the game for SA. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma's contributions in chase Aiden Markram continued to hold one end as SA lost 3 early wickets in the chase. Tony de Zorzi managed to score 2 while Ryan Rickelton (0) and Tristan Stubbs (1) failed with the bat. Markram and Temba Bavuma (40) added crucial 43 runs for the fourth wicket with the opening batsman departing for 37. SA once again lost the plot after Bavuma's wicket but Rabada and Jansen did the job with the bat. Corbin Bosch made a memorable Test debut and took a four-fer in Pakistan's first innings. He remained unbeaten on 81 as SA scored 301 in their first innings. SA, who will aim to clinch the series 2-0, will host Pakistan in the 2nd Test at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to 7. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) The "Jobs" channel on WhatsApp successfully connects job seekers and employers, offering an efficient platform for finding and posting job opportunities. MUHAMMED HALEEL V The Jobs Channel email us here Visit us on social media: Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN13122024003118003196ID1108991953 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Justice is supposed to be blind. But in the case of Luigi Mangione – the 26-year-old American who allegedly shot dead health insurance company CEO Brian Thompson in New York last week – it had its eyes wide open. Wide open and ogling: not long after Mangione’s arrest (in the appropriately American environs of a McDonald’s) the internet exploded with memes about how good-looking he is. The eyes have it: Images from Pennsylvania State Police showing Luigi Mangione at a McDonald’s in Altoona on December 9, where he was arrested and later charged with murder. Credit: AP It really is the (alleged) murder for the moment – executed on a midtown Manhattan street and instantly transformed into viral internet fodder, with the alleged perpetrator’s social media footprint mined to feed the relentless content beast. Mangione is an all-American princeling: Ivy League-educated, brawny and brainy. It was his distinctive full eyebrows that did him in – security camera footage of the suspect shows a pair of fine eyes and strong brows, framed by a COVID mask and a black hoodie. Days later, as he ate his hash brown in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, his eyes helped a member of the public to identify him and phone him in. On social media, Jonathan Ness from the Queer Eye for a Straight Guy TV show joked that their next season could be devoted to Mangione, for a straight-guy makeover. But, Ness said, don’t worry – “the brows, [I] would never touch”. Memes proliferated about his hotness, with “If he’s fit, you must acquit” being just one example of the kind of thing being posted. There were shirtless photos, verbal accounts from his friends (who say he is lovely) and reports that he had suffered from terrible back pain, for which he had endured a spinal operation in June. The bullets that killed Thompson on December 4 were inscribed with the words “Deny”, “Defend” and “Depose”. This seems to be a reference to the reported behind-doors strategy of US health insurers, who use these tactics to not pay out insurance claims to patients, thereby maximising their profits. The “manifesto” reportedly found in Mangione’s backpack was a soup of anti-capitalist vigilantism and motherhood-statement morality about corporate America. It is shocking that an alleged murderer should be celebrated in this way, but not at all surprising. Gun violence in America is quotidian. It is a country with a long history of vigilantism. It also has a history of public fascination with killers possessing (alleged) sex appeal, from Charles Manson to the more recent case of the Menendez brothers . The lawlessness and moral glibness of the internet is the flipside to the United States’ culture of individual freedom. In a perfectly American twist, the anti-capitalist crusader has been exploited for merchandising opportunities. T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags and mugs bearing Mangione’s image are available online. But we can’t blame the internet – we must look at why there is a market for Mangione merch, and why ordinary people, including those who presumably don’t have homicidal tendencies themselves, would cheer on a murderer. It doesn’t hurt that he’s beautiful. There is also the widespread rage many share over his cause. The US health insurance industry is a multibillion-dollar profit giant, funded by the sickness of the American people. Stories of its institutional cruelty are legion. Just this week it was reported that a different health insurer, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, had quietly announced it would impose time limits on anaesthesia during certain surgeries, in certain states . The company later backed down in the face of a public outcry. A paper by the Commonwealth Fund (an American research body dedicated to promoting “a high-performing, equitable healthcare system”) states that healthcare spending in the US, both per person and as a share of GDP, is “far higher” than other high-income countries. A poster depicting Mangione outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York. Credit: AP But Americans are getting sicker. According to the Commonwealth Fund, “people in the United States experience the worst health outcomes overall of any high-income nation”. They are more likely to die younger, from avoidable causes, than people in peer countries. They have higher maternal and infant mortality rates, the highest rate of people with multiple chronic conditions among peer countries, and an obesity rate nearly twice the OECD average. Another Commonwealth Fund paper reported that “media investigations have found that insurers are becoming increasingly adept in using technology to deny payment of medical claims and pressure their company physicians to deny care during prior authorisation reviews”. It has been reported that UnitedHealthcare has the highest claim-denial rate (32 per cent) of all the private insurance companies. The Manhattan shooting can be read as a cautionary tale illustrating the far-reaching consequences of economic inequality (not to mention a moment to give quiet thanks for the taxpayer-funded universal healthcare we enjoy in Australia). But the tasteless cheering over the assassination – a defenceless man shot in the back with no warning – is something more than that. It is a nihilistic expression of the hopelessness of American politics as a remedy for anything, not even something so fundamental as access to healthcare. President-elect Donald Trump has at least named the problem of America’s bad-health epidemic. But his tonic is his nominee to head the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr – an anti-vaxxer who advocates cooking in beef tallow (a heart disease-inducing saturated fat) because he says the seed-oil industry is poisoning us. Trump told Time magazine this week that he and RFK Jr will discuss ending some child vaccination programs . Trump suggested vaccines might be responsible for autism, a dangerous myth that has been widely debunked. In the embittered, conspiracy-laced realm of online radicalisation, there are no crucial distinctions between left and right. Instead, there is bipartisan agreement that politicians won’t help, and that democracy is an inefficient vehicle for generating social solutions. In the face of such nihilism, it doesn’t matter that violence only breeds more violence, and that Luigi Mangione will soon be last month’s meme, just another pretty person to scroll past. Jacqueline Maley is a columnist.
The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as rumors of the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2 gain momentum. As tech enthusiasts and gamers eagerly mark their calendars, speculation about the console’s capabilities continues to swirl. Anticipated Features and Technology : Industry insiders suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 will boast a plethora of innovative technologies designed to enhance the gaming experience. Among the most anticipated features is an upgraded OLED display that promises sharper graphics and vibrant colors, as well as enhanced processing power that could usher in a new era of seamless gameplay. The potential integration of ray tracing technology, seen in high-end gaming PCs and consoles, is generating significant excitement and curiosity. Revolutionizing Gameplay : With the current Switch already known for its versatility in handheld and docked modes, the new version is expected to further revolutionize how players interact with games. Improved Joy-Con controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers might offer deeper immersion and tactile engagement. The addition of cloud gaming capabilities could mean that players can experience large, graphically demanding games without needing extensive storage on their devices. Impact on the Gaming Community : As the countdown to its release continues, the potential of the Nintendo Switch 2 is not just about technological advancements. It represents an opportunity for Nintendo to further solidify its position as a leader in the gaming industry. As developers explore the new possibilities offered by the platform, gamers worldwide eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking experiences this new console might deliver. Stay tuned as the countdown unfolds and the gaming community embraces the next big leap in interactive entertainment! Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Unveils Stunning Upgrades and Innovations As anticipation builds for the Nintendo Switch 2, the gaming industry is rife with speculation and eager anticipation. While much has been discussed about its potential features, there are numerous aspects emerging that provide a deeper insight into what gamers might expect from Nintendo’s upcoming console. Specifications Revealed: A Peek Under the Hood While the original article touched on some of the anticipated features, recent leaks suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 might be powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra processor, aiming to deliver significantly improved graphics and faster processing times. This update is crucial for maintaining a seamless gaming experience, particularly with an emphasis on supporting higher resolution gaming, including potential 4K support when docked. Pricing and Market Positioning Industry analysts predict that the Nintendo Switch 2 may be priced slightly higher than its predecessor due to its advanced technology and features. However, Nintendo is expected to strategically price the console to remain competitive in the market, positioning it between budget-friendly options and high-end consoles. The pricing will likely reflect the balance between innovation and accessibility that Nintendo is known for. Trend Analysis: The Shift Towards Hybrid Gaming With the continued success of hybrid gaming consoles, the Nintendo Switch 2 is predicted to strengthen this trend. The ability to seamlessly transition from handheld to docked mode has become a defining characteristic of the Switch series. This versatility is expected to be expanded upon, with increased emphasis on mobile connectivity and portability for on-the-go gaming experiences. Security and Sustainability Focus As concerns around security and environmental impact grow, Nintendo is reportedly focusing on enhancing the Switch 2’s security features to protect user data and privacy. Additionally, efforts towards sustainable manufacturing processes and materials indicate Nintendo’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. Compatibility and Backward Support A significant point of interest is the compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2 with existing Switch titles and accessories. Early information suggests strong backward compatibility, ensuring that existing game libraries and peripherals remain usable, thereby easing the transition for current Switch owners and maintaining consumer loyalty. Innovative Use Cases and Future Predictions Analysts foresee the potential for the Switch 2 to extend beyond traditional gaming. Its rumored capabilities in cloud gaming could open pathways for educational and productivity applications, leveraging the console’s portability and power. Looking ahead, the platform might evolve to support virtual reality experiences, broadening its appeal and utility. For further updates on Nintendo’s innovative journey and its impact on the gaming industry, visit the official Nintendo website as new developments unfold.Joe Biden led US presidents and other world leaders in paying tribute Sunday to Jimmy Carter who died aged 100. "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian," President Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe." To President-elect Donald Trump, Americans owe Carter "a debt of gratitude." "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," he said on social media. Former president Bill Clinton, a Southern Democrat like Carter, said his predecessor had "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." He added, in a joint statement with his wife and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, that Carter "lived to serve others -- until the very end." To former president George W. Bush, Carter "dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency." And for former president Barack Obama, Carter "taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service." Among other US politicians sharing their condolences, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Carter "taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others." Carter "was early to recognize that protecting our shared planet and promoting global public health were vital to national security interests," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. In one of the first reactions from abroad, French President Emmanuel Macron said Carter had "been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. "France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people," he said. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted Carter's post-presidency work with the nonprofit Carter Center "saved countless lives and helped bring many neglected tropical diseases close to elimination." Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed Carter as "a lover of democracy and defender of peace," noting his pressuring of Brazil's dictatorship to release political prisoners. "He criticized unilateral military action by superpowers and the use of killer drones," Lula said. "He worked with Brazil to mediate conflicts in Venezuela and to help Haiti." "He will be remembered forever as a name that defends the idea that peace is the most important condition for development."
Coming off what was likely a week's worth of intense practices, No. 10 Kansas returns home for a matchup with North Carolina State on Saturday afternoon in Lawrence, Kan. The Jayhawks (7-2) lost back-to-back games versus unranked opponents, the first time in school history that they have done that while ranked No. 1. Now they have to regroup to face the Wolfpack (7-3). Kansas lost its first two games of the season emphatically: 76-63 at Creighton on Dec. 4 and 76-67 at Missouri last Sunday. Coach Bill Self, who has only lost three straight games four times in his 21-year career at Kansas, was pretty succinct about his team's play following the loss to Missouri. "I think it was probably a combination of them being good and us not being good," he said. "I don't know that I could give them 100 percent credit, but that's what happens in sports. When the other team is doing things to hurt you, and you don't attack it well, they guard you the same way. "A lot of times you just roll it straight because of just not being as prepared or ready. I think it was a combination of both. I would err on the side of giving them more credit, because if I just say we sucked, that would take credit from them. We did suck, but it was in large part them." The Jayhawks still have a balanced and experienced attack, led by seniors Hunter Dickinson (15.0 points per game), Zeke Mayo (10.9), Dajuan Harris Jr. (10.7) and KJ Adams Jr. (9.8). Their biggest problem against Missouri was the 22 turnovers. "It's been a crap week for all of us," Self said on his weekly radio show Tuesday. "But hopefully we get an opportunity to bounce back. "I'm not going to make any excuses. If you don't perform the way we didn't perform, there certainly can be some valuable things to learn from that hopefully will give us a chance to win the war and not just the battle." NC State has won back-to-back games, including the ACC opener against Florida State on Dec. 7. In their last game, the Wolfpack handled Coppin State 66-56 on Tuesday. That's not to say NC State coach Kevin Keatts was impressed. "I thought we did a terrible job at the end of shot clocks when they were going to take a bunch of bad shots but we fouled them," Keatts said. "That being said, you can learn a lot from a win instead of a loss. "We compete hard every day, and our energy is always high. With this group, I'm trying to get everyone to be consistent." The Wolfpack has a trio of double-digit scorers, led by Marcus Hill (13.0 ppg). Jayden Taylor adds 12.5 and Dontrez Styles chips in 10.6. Ben Middlebrooks (9.2) and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (8.7) round out the top five. Huntley-Hatfield (5.6 rebounds per game) and Styles (4.6) also lead a balanced rebounding attack. The Jayhawks have won 12 straight games in the series with North Carolina State. --Field Level Media
