gba777 app download apk Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back lossThe Dallas Cowboys may need a short-term quarterback, which is why plenty were quick to suggest that they could be in the market for Daniel Jones. The team, however, is pushing back against that narrative. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Friday that the team has no plans to pursue Jones, and that the Cowboys are in “good shape” at the position despite a potential season-ending injury to Dak Prescott . “No, I think we’re in good shape at our quarterback spot,” Jones said on 94.1 San Antonio’s Sports Star. “We think Cooper (Rush) gives us the best chance to win right now. And certainly we still want to see some. We’ll kind of see how the season goes here. We still really want to see (Trey) Lance and like what he brings to the table. And then, of course, long term, we all know we made our commitment to Dak for the long term.” Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said on @SASportsStar that they have no interest in adding former Giants QB Daniel Jones. “No, I think we’re in good shape at our quarterback spot. We think Cooper (Rush) gives us the best chance to win right now. And certainly we still want to see... — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 22, 2024 The Cowboys are winless since Prescott suffered his hamstring injury, and Rush has not looked great in his place. That was enough to spark the Jones chatter, and a bizarre situation on the team’s official website only exacerbated things. For now, however, it is not happening. Jones was released by the New York Giants on Friday and will have to clear waivers before he can sign with any team. This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.Lions CBs Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. out vs. ColtsThe federal government has abandoned its controversial misinformation bill due to opposition in the Senate. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced in a statement on Sunday the legislation would not proceed because there was "no pathway" in the upper house. The scrapped legislation would have given the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) power to monitor digital platforms and require them to keep records about misinformation and disinformation on their networks. The media watchdog would have also be able to approve an enforceable industry code of conduct or introduce standards for social media companies if self-regulation was deemed to fail. If tech giants did not meet their obligations, they could have faced a range of penalties including fines of up to 5 per cent of their global revenue. The bill did not cover misinformation if it's used for parody or satire or within news, academic, artistic, scientific or religious content. Critics from across the political spectrum had concerns the bill would infringe on freedom of speech . Dr Jay Daniel Thompson, a senior lecturer from Melbourne's RMIT University, previously told SBS News that while the bill is "well-intentioned", he believed it had the "potential for censorship". Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, whose party was among those opposed to the bill, told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday that some sections of the proposed legislation were "very vague". She said legislation needed to tackle algorithms that promote dangerous and harmful content. "The practical implementation was just not there," Hanson-Young said. In her statement on Sunday, Rowland put forward several other proposals for regulating online content. These included legislation targeting the sharing of non-consensual and sexually explicit deep fakes ; measures to enforce truth in political advertising; and reforms on regulation of artificial intelligence . "Mis and disinformation is an evolving threat and no single action is a perfect solution, but we must continue to imporve safeguard to ensure digital platforms offer better protections for Australians," Rowland said. Meanwhile, a ban on under-16s accessing social media is set to sail through parliament with support of the Opposition during the final sitting week of the year next week. How the age limit will be enforced is up to the social media platforms, but they have raised concerns about the efficacy of technology that does not unduly encroach on privacy. Tech giants and human rights groups have also come out against a blanket social media ban saying the focus should be on creating a safe online experience, not stripping access to some of the positive benefits. The federal government has said it would make the online environment safer for young people. It could come into effect as early as the end of 2025 due to a minimum 12-month lead time once it passes parliament. With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

Enstar Completes Previously Announced Transactions with James River

New pro-European coalition approved in Romania amid period of political turmoilShare Tweet Share Share Email The crypto landscape is set for thrilling rebounds, growth, and groundbreaking announcements, capturing the attention of those eyeing long-term growth opportunities. Solana’s recent price drop under $200 has market watchers alert, while Ethereum’s bullish outlook shines with a $2.32 billion institutional inflow. Topping the headlines, BlockDAG’s anticipated Hollywood-backed Keynote 3 is on the horizon! BlockDAG’s forthcoming Keynote 3, poised to be a Hollywood spectacle, alongside its advanced DAG technology and compatibility with Ethereum, positions it among today’s most prominent Layer 1 projects in crypto. With a whopping $171.5 million already secured in the presale, BlockDAG (BDAG) is rapidly approaching its ambitious $600 million target, drawing significant attention from major buyers. Solana’s Price Outlook: Anticipation of a Strong Rebound The recent dip in Solana’s price below the pivotal $200 mark represents the first such drop since last November, reflecting a modest 8.03% decrease over 24 hours. This downturn is part of a broader market retreat but doesn’t diminish the optimistic outlook among traders. Market sentiment remains hopeful, evidenced by a nearing 1 Long/Short ratio, suggesting traders are confident the price drop is temporary and expect a swift recovery. With Solana’s price hovering around $171.5.75, predictions of an upward surge above $200 are motivating traders to maintain a positive outlook for an imminent rally. ETH Analysis: Bullish Trends as Major Investments Flow In Ethereum’s technical analysis presents a strong bullish future, supported by 16 consecutive days of ETF inflows, totaling $2.32 billion. As Michaël van de Poppe noted, Ethereum is performing robustly compared to Bitcoin, hinting at significant potential for altcoins. Currently trading near $3,188, Ethereum continues to draw substantial institutional interest, with ETFs now holding 2.93% of its total circulation. Industry giants like Grayscale and BlackRock are heavily invested in Ethereum ETFs, reflecting their strong belief in Ethereum’s long-term value. Analysts identify $3,100 as a critical support level, with ongoing inflows and decreasing exchange stocks underscoring a solid investor commitment. With Ethereum’s stability above essential price points, its technical indicators forecast a continued upward trend. BlockDAG’s Keynote 3: A Hollywood-Caliber Spectacle On The Rise! Rumors suggest that BlockDAG’s eagerly awaited Keynote 3 might be crafted by a Hollywood icon, setting new standards in the crypto industry. Anticipated to showcase exceptional production quality and compelling storytelling, this keynote promises to enhance BlockDAG’s stature not only as a top-tier blockchain but also as a cultural icon in the crypto sphere. Should these rumors materialize, this event could signal the start of a new chapter where blockchain innovation and Hollywood glamour merge, offering a unique blend of technical excellence and cinematic flair. The much-anticipated Keynote 3 is stirring excitement as a highlight of a remarkable year for BlockDAG. With more than $171.5 million raised in its ongoing presale, 17.4 billion coins already sold, and an astonishing 2240% surge in value, the presale has advanced to Batch 26. The $600 million goal seems increasingly attainable as both whales and retail traders rush to participate. The keynote is poised to underscore BlockDAG’s commitment to developers by emphasizing its Ethereum-compatible, DAG-based infrastructure, enabling the creation of scalable, quick, and efficient decentralized applications with ease. This technological advantage, combined with a strategic marketing push, secures BlockDAG’s place as a top crypto project . Which Crypto Promises the Best Long-Term Value? Though Solana’s price has slipped below $200, the outlook remains upbeat, with technical indicators predicting a bounce back. Ethereum shares a similarly promising scenario, with $2.32 billion in ETF inflows bolstering confidence in its enduring growth. Yet, BlockDAG sets a lofty benchmark for all cryptocurrencies with its upcoming Keynote 3, poised to transform how blockchain ventures articulate their visions. As the presale edges nearer to the $600 million threshold, buyers are capitalizing on the opportunity, viewing BlockDAG as a pivotal player in blockchain’s future. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Related Items: Blockchain , BlockDAG Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best New Meme Coins to Buy This Week: BTFD Coin On A Roll With Massive Discount while Dogecoin, Dogs Steady Best Altcoin Presale – Qubetics Soars with $7.5M Raised While Ethereum Hits $3,383 and Solana Drops Below $200 Santa Rally Picks Lightchain AI, WIF, TURBO Set to Deliver Big Returns CommentsOutside of megacap technology companies, I'd argue that data analytics specialist Palantir Technologies ( PLTR 2.09% ) is the hottest name in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm. Palantir marked a lot of milestones this year -- most recently the company's entrance into the Nasdaq-100 index. While Palantir's early days as a public company were pretty rocky, the company has really come into its own over the last two years. Of course, Palantir can credit its current growth trajectory to unprecedented demand for AI. But with shares gaining 764% since its initial public offering (IPO), is now a smart time to invest in Palantir? Below, I'm going to break down Palantir's foray into the AI landscape and take a close look at the company's tailwinds. Moreover, I'll detail a thorough valuation analysis to help you determine if buying Palantir stock is right for you. Why does Palantir stock keep climbing? In April 2023, Palantir launched its fourth software suite, called the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). AIP has been nothing short of a smash for Palantir, helping the company quickly penetrate the private sector and win business over legacy enterprise software incumbents. Palantir's revenue diversification (away from its almost exclusively public sector base up until two years ago) resulted in better margins, consistent profitability, and excess cash flow. Furthermore, throughout much of 2024 Palantir has partnered with several names in big tech including Microsoft , Oracle , Meta Platforms , and Amazon . The primary focus of many of these partnerships is to marry their respective cloud computing infrastructures with AIP, specifically in classified environments with the U.S. military and adjacent defense operations. In other words, while Palantir continues to make headway in its commercial segment, the company has quietly found new avenues to reaccelerate growth in its legacy government business . Palantir's success in the AI landscape has led to a flurry of buying activity in the stock from a combination of retail investors and notable institutional funds. While this all appears like a recipe that makes Palantir a no-brainer investment, the company's run may be becoming disconnected with reality when it comes to valuation. Valuing Palantir is tough Valuing Palantir is pretty challenging. In the graph below, I've benchmarked the company against a cohort of other enterprise software companies using the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio. At a P/S of 73, Palantir is approximately 3 times more expensive than the next closest comparable stock in this cohort. However, I personally don't see the P/S ratio as all that useful. To me, profitability is a more important measure of a company's growth as it illustrates the ability to reinvest into the business and fund future projects. While Palantir does generate positive net income and free cash flow, the company's profitability profile is nowhere near mature. To add some context here, Palantir currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 403, and a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 167. In either case, it's simply not appropriate to measure Palantir using traditional earnings-based valuation methodologies. PLTR PS Ratio data by YCharts . One final line of defense is to look at the PEG ratio . The PEG ratio can be useful because it accounts for earnings growth over the course of several years. A general rule of thumb is that a PEG ratio above 1 signals the stock could be overvalued. Right now, Palantir's PEG ratio is 3.5. By all accounts, Palantir is an expensive stock to own at its current valuation. Moreover, the stock's current valuation expansion (as seen above) isn't over, and the momentum doesn't appear to be slowing down. Is Palantir stock a buy right now? While Palantir stock is undoubtedly pricey, I don't see it as a stock to ignore. The company has done an impressive job diversifying its business by penetrating the private sector, while also identifying creative ways to reaccelerate its government business through the power of strategic partnerships with big tech and other defense contractors. I do see Palantir as a company that will remain a leader in the AI revolution, and so I think it's likely that even better days are ahead for investors. I think the best strategy regarding an investment in Palantir is to dollar-cost average over a long-term time horizon, as well as looking to bolster a position by taking advantage of sell-offs and valuation resets.

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Global Laparoscopic Instruments Market Poised for Tremendous Growth from 2024 to 2032 12-25-2024 03:15 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Laparoscopic Instruments Market Latest Market Overview The global laparoscopic instruments market is set to reach USD 13.5 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. Laparoscopic instruments, also known as minimally invasive surgical instruments, are used in various surgical procedures that require small incisions, offering benefits such as reduced recovery time, minimized surgical scars, and reduced risk of infection. The increasing demand for minimally invasive surgeries, advancements in surgical technology, and rising awareness of the benefits of laparoscopic procedures are driving market growth. Moreover, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer, is boosting the demand for laparoscopic procedures globally. The Global Laparoscopic Instruments Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Global Laparoscopic Instruments industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Global Laparoscopic Instruments Market are: Medtronic: Headquarters - USA, Revenue - USD 31.7 billion (2023). Stryker Corporation: Headquarters - USA, Revenue - USD 19.9 billion (2023). Olympus Corporation: Headquarters - Japan, Revenue - USD 7.2 billion (2023). Karl Storz: Headquarters - Germany, Revenue - USD 1.8 billion (2023). CONMED Corporation: Headquarters - USA, Revenue - USD 1.2 billion (2023). Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/global-laparoscopic-instruments-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. 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Global Global Laparoscopic Instruments Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/global-laparoscopic-instruments-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Global Laparoscopic Instruments market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Global Laparoscopic Instruments market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. 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For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/global-laparoscopic-instruments-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.The Detroit Lions will play without two high draft picks in rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. while possibly getting back veteran Emmanuel Moseley against the host Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Arnold was downgraded Saturday from questionable to out because of a groin injury. He was limited at practice on Thursday and participated in a full practice on Friday. The Lions drafted Arnold with the 24th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Arnold, 21, has started all 10 games and has 38 tackles and six passes defended. Rakestraw (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve after not practicing all week. He already had been ruled out for Sunday's game. Detroit picked Rakestraw in the second round (61st overall) out of Missouri. He has played in eight games and has six tackles. Rakestraw, 22, has played on 46 defensive snaps (8 percent) and 95 special teams snaps (42 percent). Moseley had full practice sessions all week and was activated from injured reserve on Saturday but was listed as questionable for Sunday. The 28-year-old is in his second season with Detroit and appeared in one game last season before going on IR in October 2023. He was placed on IR on Aug. 27 with a designation to return. Moseley played from 2018-22 for the San Francisco 49ers and had 162 tackles, four interceptions -- one returned for a touchdown -- and 33 passes defensed in 46 games (33 starts). Detroit elevated linebacker David Long on Saturday for game day. Long, 28, signed with the practice squad on Tuesday after the Miami Dolphins released him on Nov. 13. He had started six of eight games for the Dolphins this season and had 38 tackles. In other Lions news, the NFL fined wide receiver Jameson Williams $19,697 for unsportsmanlike conduct for making an obscene gesture during a touchdown celebration in last Sunday's 52-6 home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the NFL Network reported Saturday. Williams, 23, scored on a 65-yard pass from Jared Goff with 12:55 remaining in the third quarter. --Field Level Media

Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Republican's announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Here's the latest: As incoming White House chief of staff, one of Susie Wiles ’ vexing challenges will be policing the buffet line of powerful interests who want something from Donald Trump. It’s a world she knows well. During Trump’s first presidency, she lobbied for many of them. Trump was first elected on a pledge to “drain the swamp” in Washington. But his transactional approach to the presidency instead ushered in a lobbying boom that showered allies, including Wiles, with lucrative contracts, empowered wealthy business associates and stymied his agenda after his administration was ensnared in a series of influence-peddling scandals. Now, as Trump prepares to return to power , his victory is likely to embolden those who think they can get his ear, raising the prospect that his second administration could face many of the same perils as his first. That will test the ability of Wiles to manage a growing number of high-powered figures — including Trump’s children, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and billionaires like Elon Musk — who will not be dependent on her for access to the president. ▶ Read more about Susie Wiles and her new role Vance accompanied Matt Gaetz in meetings with GOP senators on Wednesday. “I’m extremely grateful for the work Matt put into the nomination process,” the Ohio senator posted on X. “Matt is a patriot, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.” President Joe Biden still believes President-elect Donald Trump is a dangerous figure in U.S. democracy, his top spokesperson said Thursday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “his thinking on that has not changed” even as the Biden White House emphasizes its commitment to the “peaceful transfer of power.” Jean-Pierre told reporters there is no double-speak in Biden’s approach. Biden framed Donald Trump as a “fundamental threat” to the nation’s identity as a democracy and its stability as a global superpower when he defeated Trump in 2020. He did it as a candidate for reelection. He did it again when he dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. But Jean-Pierre said Biden recognizes the legitimacy of Trump’s election to another term, even if it’s not the result he wanted. “The American people spoke,” she said, adding that Biden wants to be an example of how to respect U.S. elections. That was an opaque reference to Trump’s refusal to accept Biden’s victory in 2020 and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters as Congress met to affirm the results. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says she hasn’t spoken to her designated successor, Karoline Leavitt. Jean-Pierre told reporters gathered Thursday at the White House that she hopes the second Trump administration will be forthright with the public by talking to reporters. Trump’s first White House dramatically curtailed its initial interactions with the White House press corps, and Jean-Pierre said Biden and his staff “worked really hard to bring back the norms” with press briefings and interactions. “We’ve tried to do this in a very respectful way,” she said. Jean-Pierre declined to “speak to what any administration is going to do” in the future, but added that the back-and-forth with the press is part of “what democracy is all about.” In other presidential transition news, Trump is urging federal lawmakers to kill a bill that would protect journalists from having to disclose information about anonymous sources or other records obtained during reporting. The proposal that passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, but is pending in the Senate, also bars the government from requesting data from phone or email providers. The bill includes exceptions such as when there’s a reasonable threat of imminent violence or an act of terrorism. As of now, only some states grant absolute protection from disclosing sources or other records. “Republicans must kill this bill!” Trump posted on Truth Social and shared a video from PBS News Hour interviewing the CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalist, Jodie Ginsburg, talking about the proposal. Last month, The Associated Press, along with more than 100 news outlets and organizations, signed a letter authored by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press asking senators to support the bill. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre isn’t commenting on Matt Gaetz withdrawing his nomination as president-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general in the new administration. “We really, truly want to respect the transfer of power,” Jean-Pierre said Thursday during a White House press briefing, explaining her steadfast refusal to comment on Trump personnel moves. But Jean-Pierre nonetheless used the matter to take a subtle jab at how Trump, who was twice indicted by the federal government, has reacted to federal law enforcement. “Look, the president has said when it comes to investigation, that department should be independent. there should be no partisanship. There should be no loyalty to one party or the other,” she said. “The loyalty should be to the Constitution, and the loyalty should be to the rule of law.” Trump has insisted that it was Biden and his lieutenants who weaponized the Justice Department by indicting him for his role in trying to overturn Biden’s 2020 election victory and for hoarding national security documents after Trump left the White House in January 2021. That latter case has been thrown out by a Trump-appointed judge. The former case is still pending. Taken together, there are a striking number of incidents in which potential high-ranking government officials in Trump’s second administration face allegations of sexual abuse. Here’s a look at some of the cases: President-elect Donald Trump: He was found liable by a New York City jury for sexual abuse and defamation and eventually ordered to pay the woman, E. Jean Carroll , $83 million in damages. Pete Hegseth, nominee for secretary of defense: A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police the encounter had been consensual and denies wrongdoing. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for secretary of health and human services: A woman who babysat for Kennedy and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine he groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation, telling a podcast: “I had a very, very rambunctious youth.” He texted the woman an apology after the story was published. Linda McMahon, nominee for secretary of education: A lawsuit filed last month alleges McMahon knowingly enabled sexual exploitation of children by a World Wrestling Entertainment employee as early as the 1980s. She denies the allegations. Elon Musk, Trump’s choice to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency: The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX was accused of sexual misconduct by a flight attendant contracted by SpaceX who worked on his private jet in 2016. He denied the claim. ▶ Read more about the allegations of sexual misconduct Among those who were seen as contenders before Gaetz was picked is former acting attorney general Matt Whitaker , who Trump chose earlier this week to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Story continues below video Other names that were floated as potential attorney general nominees include Jeff Jensen, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Trump last week chose Todd Blanche , an attorney who led the legal team that defended the Republican at his hush money criminal trial , to serve as the second-highest ranking Justice Department official. Emil Bove, a former federal prosecutor, was chosen to be the principal associate deputy attorney general. An attorney who represents two women who say they were paid by Gaetz for sex says his clients are “relieved to have this chapter behind them.” “They’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward with their lives,” said Joel Leppard, whose clients testified before the House Ethics Committee. “They’re hoping that this brings final closure for all the parties involved.” Leppard revealed earlier this week details about his clients’ testimony to House Ethics Committee to release its report on the Gaetz investigation. Leppard said his clients were paid a total of $10,000 by the congressman. One of his clients testified that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old at a party in 2017, while he was in Congress. Though Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for attorney general, he isn’t Trump’s only appointee in hot water. A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth after he took her phone, blocked the door to a California hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a detailed investigative report made public late Wednesday. Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and Trump’s nominee to be defense secretary, told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. Earlier today, Hegseth held a round of private meetings alongside incoming Vice President JD Vance in an attempt to shore up support and told reporters afterward: “The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.” ▶ Read more about the allegations against Hegseth In his Nov. 13 resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gaetz said, “I hereby resign, as United States Representatives for Florida’s First Congressional District, effective immediately, and I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress, to pursue the position of Attorney General in the Trump Administration.” He transmitted a similar letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the state began a special election process to fill the vacancy. Attorneys involved in a civil case brought by a Gaetz associate were notified this week that an unauthorized person accessed a file shared between lawyers that included unredacted depositions from a woman who said Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17 and a second woman who says she saw the encounter, according to attorney Joel Leppard. Leppard said that two women he represents told House Ethics Committee investigators that Gaetz paid them for sex on multiple occasions beginning in 2017 when Gaetz was in Congress. The files the person was able to access were part of a defamation case filed by a Gaetz associate against the former representative’s onetime political ally Joel Greenberg , who pleaded guilty in 2021 to sex trafficking of a minor, and admitted that he had paid at least one underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The apparent breach was first reported Tuesday by The New York Times. Gaetz has denied all the allegations. ▶ Read more about the apparent file breach Trump had announced last week that he’d chosen Todd Blanche, an attorney who’s defended him in some of his criminal cases, to serve as deputy attorney general. That’s the second highest ranking position at the Justice Department. A former federal prosecutor, Blanche has been a key figure defended him both in the New York hush money criminal trial that ended in a conviction in May, and the federal cases brought by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Thursday in a post on X that he believes the now-former congressman “will continue to contribute to our nation’s wellbeing for years to come.” Graham, a member of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, also said he looks forward to working with Trump “regarding future nominees to get this important job up and running.” The caption of the Instagram photo reads “The end of an era. No one loves America more than this guy.” The Florida representative was once embroiled in a sex trafficking investigation involving underage girls by the Justice Department, the very department President-elect Trump had tapped him to lead. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and in February 2023 said the investigation ended with no federal charges against him.He was also being investigated by the House Ethics panel, but Republicans declined yesterday to release the committee’s findings over objections from Democrats in a split vote. ▶ Read more about the Justice Department’s investigation into Gaetz He had abruptly resigned from his congressional seat upon being nominated as attorney general amid a long-running House Ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which was seen as a way to halt the probe. The House Ethics panel’s Republicans declined this week to release the committee’s findings into Gaetz over objections from Democrats in a split vote. But the committee did agree to finish its work and is scheduled to meet again Dec. 5 to discuss the matter. However, Gaetz did win re-election earlier this month for the new Congress which convenes Jan. 3. But it’s unclear if he would take office. There’s also been plans for a special election in Florida for his seat. “President Trump remains committed to choosing a leader for the Department of Justice who will strongly defend the Constitution and end the weaponization of our justice system,” said Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team. In a message on his Truth Social network, Trump also said he was looking forward to seeing what Gaetz will do next after withdrawing as his pick. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump posted. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!” Matt Gaetz has just withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following continued scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation that cast doubt on the former congressman’s ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The Florida Republican’s announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party.

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Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz on Tuesday found that the Justice Department in 2017 secretly surveilled lawmakers, congressional staffers, and reporters. CNN reported that the Justice Department, in 2017, during Trump’s first term in office, secretly obtained records of Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Patel – who was at the time a Republican staffer for the House Intelligence Committee – as well as 21 Democrat congressional staffers, 20 Republican staffers (including Patel,) two nonpartisan congressional staffers, and eight reporters. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Patel to serve as the FBI Director. Career prosecutors at the Justice Department sought records, including emails from journalists at CNN, the Washington Post , and the New York Times . Horowitz wrote that seeking these communications based on “the close proximity in time between access to classified information and subsequent publication of the information... risks chilling Congress’s ability to conduct oversight of the executive branch.” He added, saying that such a move: ...exposes congressional officials to having their records reviewed by the Department solely for conducting Congress’ constitutional authorized oversight duties and creating, at a minimum, the appearance of inappropriate interference by the executive branch in legitimate oversight activity by the legislative branch. Horowitz did not find retaliatory motivation by the career prosecutors who issued the compulsory process of the lawmakers, staffers, and reporters, nor was the motivation based on party affiliation. He did not recommend charges again anyone in their review. The IG report found that the Justice Department did not disclose that the NDOs focused on lawmakers and congressional staffers, although Justice Department policy at the time did not require that. The Inspector General’s report recommended the Justice Department: Evaluate when advance notification to a senior Department, such as the Deputy Attorney General or Attorney General, should be required before compulsory process is issued to consider raising constitutional separation of issues Consider the circumstances in which NDOs should identify for the reviewing judge that the records covered by a proposed NDO are records of lawmakers or congressional staffers Consider whether there are circumstances in which an exhaustion requirement should be a requisite for issuing compulsory process to obtain records of members of Congress and congressional staffers The Justice Department also reportedly failed to comply with the Department’s News Media Policy, which includes: Specifically, DOJ failed to convene the News Media Review Committee to consider the compulsory process authorization requests; DOJ did not obtain the required Director of National Intelligence (DNI) certification in one investigation, and we were unable to confirm whether the DNI certification it obtained in another investigation was provided to the Attorney General before he authorized the request; and DOJ did not obtain the Attorney General’s express authorization for the NDOs that were sought for the compulsory process issued in the investigations. Patel has complained about the situation before, writing in a newsletter, “The DOJ illegally spied on me during the Russia Gate investigation!” He has since sued the Justice Department for secretly seeking access to his personal email account. Sean Moran is a policy reporter for Breitbart News. Follow him on X @SeanMoran3 .The Michigan Wolverines wrapped up their 2024 regular season campaign by picking up a shocking 13-10 upset victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in the latest edition of "The Game." Immediately after the contest ended, a massive brawl broke out between the two teams at the middle of the field. With the huge win in tow, the Wolverines planted their flag at the center of Ohio Stadium, which did not go over well with the Buckeyes. The end result was a huge fight that escalated very quickly and resulted in police officers and other security personnel stepping in to break things up. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.

Google's northwest Omaha data center just recently started operations, though it is not finished, a company spokesman said Monday. It is among Nebraska's three data center project sites that over five years has seen nearly $4.4 billion in capital investment. This year's investment was reported to be $930 million, the company said at a media event. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — Now five years since Google built a physical presence in Nebraska, the tech giant on Monday announced its latest annual spend on infrastructure across the state: $930 million. The 2024 capital investment makes for a total so far of about $4.4 billion in Nebraska data centers to help meet growing demand for Google Cloud, artificial intelligence innovations and services such as the company’s search, maps and workspace programs, said spokesman Dan Harbeke. Just within the past few months, he said, Google’s sprawling data center site in northwest Omaha became operational but is not finished growing. Its newest data center project in Lincoln remains under construction on roughly 580 acres. And the original Google campus in Nebraska, a Papillion project that broke ground on 275 acres in late 2019, has continued to expand in various ways. “We’re effectively continuing to build out those footprints,” said Harbeke, regional head of public policy and external affairs. “We are not announcing any new sites this year but we are announcing continued growth and expansion across all three sites here in Nebraska.” Also during a news event Monday, Google announced a different kind of investment — philanthropic donations to support workforce development. Such contributions are separate and in addition to construction improvements, Harbeke said. Google.org , for instance, granted $250,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support AI research and education across its campuses. Earlier this month, Google’s philanthropic arm also provided Creighton University with a $250,000 grant to support the private university’s efforts to prepare students for expanded uses of artificial intelligence. Company officials on Monday also described a $100,000 donation to the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation’s Spark Summer Camp program, which targets elementary school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. NU President Jeffrey Gold said the university gift underscores the shared commitment to harnessing the power of AI to ensure Nebraska is on the cutting edge of research, teaching and use. “Our hope is that this investment in Nebraska will lead to opportunities for economic growth and innovation,” Gold said. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said investment in programs such as Spark underscores the Capital City’s “growing reputation” as a place for innovation and opportunity. “Google is helping to prepare Lincoln’s students and workforce for a rapidly evolving future,” she said. Google officials declined to provide detail on how the $930 million breaks down between data center sites. They also declined to disclose the number of employees per site but in a media statement said more than 120 jobs for Nebraskans have been created since 2019, in a variety of full time and external supplier roles, including computer technicians, engineers, maintenance and food service jobs. Harbeke said Google has started to see worker mobility and advancement within the state and the Omaha metro area, which includes the more established Council Bluffs plant. “We’re five years into our Nebraska footprint ... you’re seeing that movement among Googlers across these sites, which has been really neat to see,” Harbeke said. “One of the folks who is going to be leading our Lincoln campus worked out of our Papillion site.” U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., who joined Google officials Monday, said the Google technology investment gives the state a “competitive global advantage.” “These are the jobs of the future and they’re coming here to Nebraska,” he said. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., called Google a driver for secure U.S. infrastructure. “The importance of innovation in national security and AI between the public and private sectors cannot be understated and we’re working on that right here in Nebraska,” he said. Karen Dahut, CEO of Google public sector, said the Google data centers are essential to delivering cutting-edge products to a wide range of organizations that include government and educational institutions as well as the individual consumer. The computer-filled hubs are the engines that power technology and make local and global connections happen 24-7, Google said in a report about data centers . They are where Gmail and YouTube videos live. They are what keep the internet up and running. “We are grateful for the partnership from leaders across Nebraska as we have grown within the state,” Dahut said. “I look forward to exploring more opportunities to bring the power of Google Cloud’s technology to support the important missions of the public sector.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOXAnalysis: After Juan Soto's megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soon

Community steps up to replace holiday stockings that disappeared quickly

Black Friday is upon us—it's basically a whole season now, not just a day—and the deals are rolling in. I'll keep updating this post with the best bargains on fitness equipment, but I've already found a ton of deep discounts on spin bikes, adjustable dumbbells, and more. (It's also worth checking out the deals on Garmin watches if you're looking for something to track your workouts.) Deals on Powerblock and Bowflex adjustable dumbbells Several of my picks for the best adjustable dumbbells are on sale today. The Powerblock Elite EXP Stage 1 , which goes from 5 to 50 pounds, is on sale for $299/pair at Amazon, normally $449—or $199 for a single, at Walmart. Its Stage 2 and Stage 3 expansion kits are also on sale, both $142.90, down from $169. Each kit adds 20 pounds, so with both you can have a pair of 90 pound dumbbells. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 are on sale for $379/pair, from a list price of $549. They sometimes go for a bit less than list price, but the sale price here is lower than I've seen it all year. Deals on Peloton and NordicTrack spin bikes Peloton has gotten into the habit of offering sweet deals on its bikes on all the major shopping holidays, so of course there's a nice Black Friday sale going. The basic model Bike is $1,295 (down from $1,445) and the fancier Bike+ is $1,995 (normally $2,495). Of the two, the Bike+ is the better sale compared to historical price data, but ultimately you should choose based on which fits your needs better. I have a guide here to help you decide between the Bike and the Bike+ . Peloton isn't the only game in town when it comes to higher-end spin bikes, though. NordicTrack's Commercial Studio Cycle is $1,274.98 (down from $1,499.99) for the S22i model. It has the same size screen as the Peloton Bike, a swiveling mount for the screen like the Bike+, and automatic resistance like the Bike+. (Like Peloton's offerings, it also requires a monthly subscription to access its digital features—but in this case, you'll pay $39/month rather than $44.) Deals on Theragun and Hyperice massage guns A massage gun is a great tool for whenever you feel like you'd enjoy being punched repeatedly, but therapeutically. (As I discovered when I tried one out, I do not enjoy this —but many people do.) Some of the big brands have models on sale right now. The Hypervolt Go is $99 right now (normally $129) and it's available in both white and black. And the triangular Theragun Mini , normally $199, is now $149 or $159 depending on your color preference. Desert rose and black are the more inexpensive ones at the moment. Deals on barbells, dumbbells, and other useful heavy things Rogue Fitness is running a "Matte Black November" sale with discounts on a variety of items, some for limited times or with limited stock. One great deal that caught my eye (and which should be available through Cyber Monday) is the 15 kg Bella bar for $205 (normally $235). This is a 15 kilogram Olympic barbell, great for anyone who does Crossfit or olympic weightlifting, especially if you compete in the women's or youth divisions. (And if you're not clear on why there's a separate bar for women in these sports, I have a whole explainer here .) There are also bumper plates on sale from various retailers, and I'd like to highlight these basic 45-pound bumpers from GIKPAL. Bumpers are great for Olympic lifts, but also for deadlifts or anything else where you'd like to protect your floor and your ears a bit. These are now $116 for a pair , normally $179.Kellyanne Conway Confronted Meghan McCain at Women’s Power SummitA video post surfaced online and pushed through Hindutva handles showing a man tearing down the seats of a scooter parked in public, proved to be false. The video captions going around in Hindutva pages claimed that the man’s name was “Mohammad Junaid”, as he was seen tearing seat covers of parked vehicles to increase his seat cover and puncture shop business. This misleading tweet by @RealBababanaras targeting Muslim community has more than 2M views. Fact: The man in the video is not Junaid but it was Dheeraj Aggarrwal who was caught tearing bike covers due to a parking dispute. @boomlive_in fact check: https://t.co/oHY7cVXKpD pic.twitter.com/8MlDBb3Cxx The video posted on social media by a Hindutva page carried a communally-angled misinformation and garnered over 2 million views on X (formerly known as Twitter) within two days of posting. The same video was widely reposted and re-uploaded with the same captions on other Hindutva pages with a smaller following. A fact-check by Boomlive proved that the claims made in the social media posts were fake, and identified the man in the video as Dheeraj Aggarrwal, who runs a coaching centre in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The video was taken in August. The fact check team spoke to Dheeraj, who confirmed that the man in the video was him. He said that he was angry with people parking their two-wheelers in front of his coaching center for long hours, blocking his parking space. The Uttarakhand police too, dismissed the communal claims made in the post and confirmed that the video was Dheeraj Aggarwal. No FIR was registered in the case.Last-minute holiday shopping? Here's where you can do it locally in the Shenandoah Valley

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