Many veterans, service members and officials in the Defense Department worry that decades of progress could be unraveled in a matter of months if Pete Hegseth , President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary , is confirmed by the Senate. Army veterans who spoke to CBS News are concerned Hegseth would seek to reinstate a ban that would bar women from serving in ground-based combat units. Hegseth contends he wants tougher standards that both men and women would have to achieve and maintain, but he has written about and spoken extensively against the inclusion of women in ground-based direct combat roles. "I would love for him [Hegseth] to look into the eyes of the loved ones of the women who were killed in action in Afghanistan and Iraq and tell them that they were not in combat or that their loved ones were not worthy of putting it all on the line or putting themselves in the line of fire to serve our country," said Allison Jaslow, a former Army captain and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the post-9/11 nonprofit veterans organization. After the Gulf War in the early 1990s, Republicans and Democrats in Congress recognized the role women played in the conflict by repealing an exclusionary statute from 1948 that barred women from positions where they potentially could be exposed to combat, and lawmakers did so over the objections of most senior military leaders and Pentagon officials at the time. The rescinded ban in 1993 opened the door for women to serve in air and naval combat units. Eleven years ago, the direct combat exclusion rule was lifted and by 2015, women began reporting to ground combat units, including infantry and special operations. Allowing women in combat roles has been widely embraced in the U.S. The majority of voters from both major political parties and independents supported the change and said it would not harm military effectiveness, the Pew Research Center found in 2013. Hegseth — an Army veteran-turned-Fox News host — and his defenders contend the criticism and concern expressed by Jaslow and others is baseless. Over the past few weeks, Hegseth and his lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, also a Navy veteran, have sought to clarify his position. "Everybody is taking the initial click-bait headline of 'I'm straight-up saying no women in combat,' and they're just stopping there. [They] don't listen to the rest. What does he mean by that? It doesn't matter, we're offended by the broad sweeping statement, and you don't see there really is more nuance to it," Parlatore told CBS News by phone. Following Trump's announcement that Hegseth was his pick for defense secretary, a video clip of Hegseth on former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan's podcast lit a firestorm about the issue of women serving in combat roles. "I'm straight-up just saying we should not have women in combat roles," said Hegseth on the podcast in early November. "It hasn't made us more effective, hasn't made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated." He added, "I'm not even talking about pilots...I'm talking about the physical, labor intensive-type jobs ... [Navy] SEALs, [Army] Rangers, [Army] Green Berets, you know, MARSOC [Marine Forces Special Operations Command], infantry battalions, armor, artillery ... I'm talking something where strength is the differentiator." In his book, "The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free," published in June, Hegseth details myriad reasons he believes women should not serve in ground-based, direct combat roles in a chapter titled "The (Deadly) Obsession with Women Warriors." Hegseth elaborated on his views of women in combat and suggested what his approach to the issue would be if he's confirmed by the Senate. "Dads push us to take risks," Hegseth wrote. "Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially in combat units." Hegseth, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, contends that the integration of women into ground-based combat units that have historically been male-dominated, combined with "our loss of a Christian ethos for God's creation," have incorrectly reduced men and women to a state of parity, despite the difference between the sexes in physical strength. Hegseth believes this integration is "dangerous" when it comes to direct combat roles. Moreover, Hegseth argues that training women to kill in war runs counter to a woman's "core instincts" of motherhood. Here's what he wrote about this idea: Women are life givers, regardless of what the abortion industry might want us to think. This role was embedded in human beings and was one of the clear reasons why the only, even mythologically articulated, successful women in combat narratives involve separatist societies of nonchildbearing women who live apart from men. To create a society of warrior women you must separate them first from men, and then from the natural purposes of their core instincts. He says allowing women to serve in combat roles subverts the norms of a civilized society where men are "trained to treat women differently than we treat men." "Women in combat forces men to ignore those civilized instincts. If you train a group of men to treat women equally on the battlefield then you will be hard pressed to ask them to treat women differently at home," Hegseth said in his book. Hegseth does not seem to object to women serving in the military in general or in supportive combat roles, such as those in the medical or aviation fields. At one point, he celebrated Army soldier Leigh Ann Hester, who received the Silver Star for her actions in Iraq, making her the first woman in the military to receive the third-highest award for combat valor since World War II. However, he also said another woman was awarded the Silver Star because of "an agenda." Hegseth stressed that soldiers like Hester are outliers when it comes to ground combat. He proposes a single standard for a given job in the military that both men and women alike must achieve, with additional standards to maintain membership in specialty roles. In his book, Hegseth complained that the military has quietly made it easier for women to meet its standards, to the detriment of some branches. For instance, he mentioned the Army Airborne School's daily five-mile run, which had been a staple for its troops (though not a requirement) and once served to weed out weaker candidates. "Too many women were washing out, so the run went away," he wrote. The Army dropped the five mile run from airborne school in 2018, according to Task & Purpose, a news website which covers the U.S. military and veteran community. An Army colonel told the news outlet, "Analysis found the physical training requirements did not correlate with meeting any course learning objectives related to static line parachute operations such as safely donning a parachute, exiting a high-performance aircraft, controlling descent, or performing a parachute landing fall." Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Mellinger, who was interviewed for the article, said some service members believe making training less difficult equates to lowering standards. He noted that many soldiers had also protested years ago when the Army allowed soldiers to run in shoes, rather than boots. That change was made to stem running injuries. The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment before this report published, but in a speech at West Point in early December, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin dismissed the idea that women should not be in combat roles. "So look, if I get a little fired up about this, it's just because this isn't 1950. It isn't 1948. It is 2024," Austin said, according to the Associated Press. "And any military that turns away tough, talented patriots — women or men — is just making itself weaker and smaller. So enough already." An Army officer who spoke with CBS News said she didn't object to unisex standards, but she is concerned that Hegseth would work to eliminate equality of opportunity for women in the military who want to be in ground-based combat units. The Army officer, who's an artillery operator, spoke under the condition of anonymity because she's not authorized to speak publicly, due to Defense Department media regulations. "I've thought more about getting out of the Army in the last three months than I ever have in my life, but honestly, they would have to force me out," the officer told CBS News. "I'm an artilleryman or I'm not in the Army. ... I wish we could just be in the Army and have a good time and do our job, but I keep having to defend my existence to people who don't care if I live or die. ... But they're going to have to drag me out of the artillery field." Hegseth's attorney maintains these fears are unfounded. "None of Pete Hegseth's policies would prevent a Second Lieutenant Joni Ernst from being a combat veteran," Parlatore told CBS News, pointing to GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa as an example. He added, "It's going to make it a bit more difficult for Second Lieutenant Joni Ernst to become a Green Beret because she's going to have to meet the unisex standard." Ernst served in Iraq and Kuwait and retired from the Iowa Army National Guard at the rank of lieutenant colonel after 23 years of service. On Tuesday, Ernst seemed to suggest she was more comfortable with Hegseth as a defense secretary nominee and said she looked forward to a fair hearing, and one that she said would not rely on anonymous sources. Ernst, who is the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, also said in a statement: "Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas." Army Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith, who retired in 2021, told CBS News that Hegseth seems to be overly concerned with tactical issues over a strategic vision for the Defense Department. "I find that [views on women in combat roles] to be a tactical viewpoint in a position that is supposed to have the greatest influence on our long term strategy," said Smith. "I think his approach to some of these tactical issues doesn't convey a background in experience that is required to lead the largest organization in our government, and so it's my armchair quarterback assessment that he doesn't have the background, managerial or character skills in order to lead the institution that he's being nominated to lead." She added, "It really disappoints me in the lack of seriousness that the president-elect is conveying by this particular selection to be our secretary of defense...I know that there are people out there who meet all the conservative requirements that an administration gets to choose from when they win an election." For now, Hegseth continues to enjoy strong support from Trump and others, as he continues to meet with the GOP Senate lawmakers on Capitol Hill who will be critical to his confirmation prospects. Reports that Trump was considering potentially replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis amid allegations of alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement of two veterans' groups seem to have subsided. More than 30 military veterans who are House Republicans signed a letter expressing their "strong support" for Hegseth, Fox News reported Wednesday. Parlatore told CBS News that Hegseth is focused on communicating his defense policy visions to senators: "He's going to be a great defense secretary for the rank-and-file." James LaPorta is a verification producer with CBS News Confirmed. He is a former U.S. Marine infantryman and veteran of the Afghanistan war.Vikings defeat the Packers 27-25, stuff their pockets with NFL playoff seeding advantages

WASHINGTON (AP) — A defiant Pete Hegseth fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump's defense secretary Wednesday as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host's personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. Hegseth met with legislators on Capitol Hill and conducted a radio interview to deny allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking, insisting he was "not backing down one bit" and that Trump was still backing him. But the president-elect's team was looking at alternatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump himself remained quiet about Hegseth while issuing a flurry of statements on social media Wednesday about other nominees and his news coverage. Hegseth is the latest nominee-designate to be imperiled by personal baggage after the recent withdrawal of Trump's initial pick for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose vulnerabilities were well-documented. But Hegseth's past, including the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies, was not widely known. The Trump transition team was increasingly concerned about Hegseth's path to Senate confirmation and actively looking at potential replacements, a person familiar with the matter said. Three other people said DeSantis, who competed against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, was being discussed as an option if Hegseth's nomination does not move forward. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss internal deliberations. Beyond DeSantis, there have also been discussions about shifting Michael Waltz, who was chosen by Trump for national security adviser, to the Defense Department, according to another person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Florida congressman is a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran. Trump aides do not want to be caught flat-footed in case Trump's initial picks fall through. As he made the rounds on Capitol Hill, Hegseth told reporters that he had received a fresh message of support from Trump. "I spoke to the president this morning. He supports me fully. We're not going anywhere," Hegseth said. He ignored questions about the allegations he has faced. Hegseth, accompanied by his wife, held talks in private with GOP senators before shifting to the House to meet with legislators there. While House members have no direct role in the confirmation process, conservatives can hold outsize influence on the debate. The Trump transition team didn't immediately comment. The Wall Street Journal, on Tuesday night, first reported that Trump was considering DeSantis. In an interview taped Wednesday for Megyn Kelly's SiriusXM satellite radio show, Hegseth said Trump told him he wanted a "warfighter" who would clean out the "woke crap." Citing his Capitol Hill meeting, Hegseth said, "No one has looked me in the eye and said, 'I have concerns.'" He added: "We're not backing down one bit." Hegseth paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault at a California hotel in 2017 after Hegseth had given a speech at a Republican event. His lawyer said the payment was to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Asked by Kelly if he sexually assaulted the woman, Hegseth said "absolutely not." He called it a "really unfortunate situation" and said he paid her because he "had to," contending that her lawyers said they would "out him." He declined to reveal the amount paid, but said it was done to protect his wife, himself and his job. He said it is a "fair characterization" to call him a serial cheater, who cheated on all three of his wives. "Was I a perfect man, absolutely not," he said. Hegseth flatly denied having a drinking problem and said he wouldn't drink while defense secretary, vowing, "I'm not going to have a drink at all." He likened it to following the Pentagon's general order #1, which prohibits troops from drinking while deployed. GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who joined Hegseth in a meeting with House Republicans, defended the nominee and said, "All of us, at least all of us, have a time to grow up. We're nominating Pete for who he is today not for what he did seven years ago or five years ago or whatever it was." Earlier, Hegseth's mother appeared on Fox News to address some of the allegations. Penelope Hegseth, on "Fox & Friends," discussed her son and a 2018 email she wrote him that was obtained by The New York Times, in which she confronted him about mistreating women after he impregnated his current wife while he was married to his second wife. That letter followed multiple allegations, reported by the New Yorker this week, of questionable conduct around female staffers, in addition to the 2017 allegation. On Tuesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said some of the reports were "disturbing," telling CBS News that he wants to "make sure that every young woman that joins the military feels respected and welcomed." Penelope Hegseth implored the lawmakers to listen to her son and give him a chance. "I think it can be overcome," Penelope Hegseth said. Hegseth is a former Fox News host and a former Army National Guard major and combat veteran who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. If confirmed by the Senate, he would lead a 2 million member strong military — more than 17% of whom are female. The revelations have concerned some members of Congress. Hegseth said in his interivew that he doesn't know how all this will turn out but is comfortable that he "took on the haters and the liars" and fought for it, adding, "the future's in God's hands."

NoneWhat a late-life crisis looks like and what you can do about it

Coalition pushes reading cultureNEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points. Ohtani was unanimously voted the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels and finished second to Judge in 2022 voting. He didn't pitch in 2024 following elbow surgery and signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Ohtani joined Frank Robinson for Cincinnati in 1961 and Baltimore in 1966 as the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues. He was the first player to twice become an unanimous MVP. He had combined with Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023 for the first year both MVPs were unanimous. Ohtani hit .310, stole 59 bases and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs exclusively as a designated hitter, becoming the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. He helped the Dodgers to the World Series title, playing the final three games with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. "The ultimate goal from the beginning was to win a World Series, which we are able to accomplish," he said through a translator. "The next goal is for me to do it again and so right now I'm in the middle of rehab and working out and getting stronger." When Ohtani returns to the mound, could he win MVP and the Cy Young Award in the same year? "That would obviously be great, but right now my focus is just to get to get back healthy, come back stronger, get back on the mound and show everybody what I can do," Ohtani said. Ohtani became the first primary DH to win an MVP in a season that started with the revelation his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, had stolen nearly $17 million from the star to fund gambling. Ohtani is the 12th player with three or more MVPs, joining Barry Bonds (seven) and Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout (three each). Balloting was conducted before the postseason. Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Witt topped the big leagues with a .332 average, hitting 32 homers with 31 stolen bases and 109 RBIs. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs. When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. Judge had discussed the MVP award with Philadelphia's Bryce Harper, the NL winner in 2015 and '21. "I was telling him, `Man, I'm going to try to catch up to you with these MVPs here, man,'" Judge recalled. "He'd say, hopefully, he could stay a couple ahead of me, which I think he'll do." When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. He is the Yankees' 22nd MVP winner, four more than any other team. Judge was hitting .207 with six homers and 18 RBIs through April, then batted .352 with 52 homers and 126 RBIs in 127 games. "March and April were not my friend this year." Judge said. "Just keep putting in the work and things are going to change. You can't mope. You can't feel sorry for yourself. Especially in New York, nobody's going to feel sorry for you. So you just got to go out there and put up the numbers?" St. Pete rejects money to repair Tropicana Field roof ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council reversed course Thursday on whether to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark, initially voting narrowly for approval and hours later changing course. The reversal on fixing Tropicana Field came after the council voted to delay consideration of revenue bonds for a proposed new $1.3 billion Rays ballpark. Just two days before, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a vote on its share of the new stadium bonds, leaving that project in limbo. “This is a sad place. I'm really disappointed,” council chair Deborah Figg-Sanders said. “We won’t get there if we keep finding ways we can’t.” The Rays say the lack of progress puts the new stadium plan and the future of Tropicana Field in jeopardy. “I can't say I'm confident about anything,” Rays co-president Brian Auld told the council members. The Trop's translucent fiberglass roof was ripped to pieces on Oct. 9 when Hurricane Milton swept ashore just south of Tampa Bay. There was also significant water damage inside the ballpark, with a city estimate of the total repair costs pegged at $55.7 million. The extensive repairs cannot be finished before the 2026 season, city documents show. The Rays made a deal with the Yankees to play next season at 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field, New York's spring training home across the bay in Tampa. The initial vote Thursday was to get moving on the roof portion of the repair. Once that's done, crews could begin working on laying down a new baseball field, fixing damaged seating and office areas and a variety of electronic systems — which would require another vote to approve money for the remaining restoration. The subsequent vote reversing funding for the roof repair essentially means the city and Rays must work on an alternative in the coming weeks so that Tropicana Field can possibly be ready for the 2026 season. The city is legally obligated to fix the roof. BRIEFLY PIRATES: Pittsburgh hired Matt Hague as its hitting coach, bringing him back to the team that drafted him in 2008. Hague replaces Andy Haines, who was fired after Pittsburgh finished in the bottom 10 in the majors in every significant statistical category last season, including runs (24th) and home runs (25th), while also striking out a club-record 1,504 times, second-most in the National League behind Colorado. The 39-year-old Hague spent last season as an assistant hitting coach with the Toronto Blue Jays.

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NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities, including call options, of Five9, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVN) between June 4, 2024 and August 8, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important February 3, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Five9 securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Five9 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32046 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 3, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Five9’s net new business was not “strong irrespective of the macro” and was, in fact, hampered by macroeconomic issues such as constrained and scrutinized customer budgets; (2) Five9 was in the midst of a challenging bookings quarter due, in part, to sales execution and efficiency issues, and Five9 was not “seeing very strong bookings momentum”; and (3) defendants did not have “enough information in terms of [their] existing customers that are going live” such that the statements that Five9 would see a positive inflection in its dollar-based retention rate lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Five9 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32046 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.comFinding the can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Bear with me: The new set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. The , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. The could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax's Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. Fujifilm's smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. The appropriately named is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you've got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses "smart" technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good's 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” Leavitt said. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations, Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Susie Wiles, Trump's incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz's replacement, were also targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity amid the ongoing investigation. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees" and was "working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” Stefanik's office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," her office said in a statement. “We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." The New York State Police said a team was dispatched to sweep Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices. A spokesman for the agency directed further questions to the FBI. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.” Police in Suffolk County, Long Island said emergency officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at an address listed in public records as Zeldin’s home and were checking the property. In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9 a.m. this morning.” While a family member resides at the address, they said "former Congressman Gaetz is NOT a resident. The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results.” Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The U.S. Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington, D.C. were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that, “Anytime a Member of Congress is the victim of a 'swatting' incident, we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners. To protect ongoing investigations and to minimize the risk of copy-cats, we cannot provide more details at this time.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump. Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats,” he wrote on X. “It is not who we are in America.”

Free clinic offered in Jamestown in 1921ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to take decisive action against “future instances of violent protests and disruptive sit-ins.” He underscored that the government would no longer tolerate activities that jeopardise the nation’s economy and stability. Addressing the federal cabinet on Wednesday, the prime minister emphasised a zero-tolerance policy toward those inciting violence. While refraining from explicitly naming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he implicitly criticised the party for orchestrating recent demonstrations in the federal capital, which caused widespread disruption. He insisted that such incidents necessitate a more stringent approach to prevent their recurrence. Sharif drew attention to the economic fallout as the protests took place. He spoke about how life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi was paralysed, leaving businesses shuttered and daily wage earners unable to make ends meet. “The turmoil disrupted supply chains, forced factory closures, and left patients in urgent need of medical care stranded due to blocked roads.” The prime minister also highlighted the broader economic ramifications, noting a sharp decline in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE), which plummeted by 4,000 points in a single day after reaching a record high of 99,000 points. “These agitators have become adversaries of Pakistan’s progress,” he stated. “Their actions repeatedly derail our economy. Stability fosters business growth and investment, and we must safeguard these principles at all costs.” Sharif also condemned the PTI for disruptive tactics, which he described as a harmful precedent in Pakistan’s political history, citing the 2014 sit-in; a 126-day-long protest that delayed the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, stalling major projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also referenced protests during key diplomatic events, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad, which alarmed foreign dignitaries and tarnished Pakistan’s global image. Even Saudi officials, the prime minister noted, expressed concerns about the instability stemming from political agitation. “This culture of chaos and anarchy is unacceptable,” Sharif said. “No responsible political party in our history has ever stooped to such levels. The PTI’s actions have damaged our international relationships and economic stability, for the sake of personal interests.” The prime minister extended gratitude to law enforcement agencies, including the Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh police, as well as the Rangers, for their effective handling of recent protests. He singled out the Chief of Army Staff for his crucial support in maintaining order. While affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that no one has the right to disrupt public life or destroy national assets. He lauded the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in dispersing violent demonstrators, restoring calm, and safeguarding citizens. However, he criticised the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for neglecting its responsibilities. He accused the KP government of focusing on instigating violence in the federal capital rather than addressing rising insurgency and lawlessness in the province. “While the people of KP suffered from increasing insecurity, their government was busy orchestrating provocations against the federation,” he remarked. Sharif reiterated the need for exemplary punishment for individuals involved in violent incidents, including the May 9 riots. He argued that a lack of accountability emboldened perpetrators, leading to repeated disruptions. “If the culprits of the May 9 riots had faced appropriate punishment, we wouldn’t be witnessing this chaos today,” he said. “The cycle of unrest must end for Pakistan’s future.” Highlighting his government’s efforts to stabilise the economy, which he described as being on a path to recovery despite numerous challenges, Sharif credited the coalition government’s difficult yet necessary decisions for averting a potential default. “Inflation is easing, and we are seeing the fruits of bold, collaborative actions,” he noted, praising coalition partners for prioritising national interests over political considerations. “In the last eight months, we have made significant strides toward economic stabilisation. These achievements are the result of teamwork and determination, not miracles.” “It pains them to see the country stabilising and moving forward,” he added, alleging that the opposition was disheartened by Pakistan’s economic recovery. “It hurts them that Pakistan is stabilising and moving forward,” he said. The prime minister also criticised what he described as PTI’s self-serving political strategies, accusing its leadership of prioritising personal ambitions over national welfare. He claimed that the party’s actions had strained relations with friendly nations and tarnished Pakistan’s reputation. “This is not politics; it is chaos of the worst kind,” Sharif stated. “There is no place for such behavior in a civilised democracy.” He added that PTI’s leadership blatantly disregarded directives from the Islamabad High Court, undermining constitutional norms in their quest for power. In his concluding remarks, the prime minister declared his government’s commitment to ensuring such disruptions do not recur. He emphasised that the administration would take all necessary steps to uphold peace and stability, which are essential for Pakistan’s progress. “We will not allow the country’s stability to be jeopardised, not on our watch or anyone else’s,” he said. “The government’s priority is to focus on building a stronger, more resilient Pakistan, and we will take every step to safeguard this mission.” The prime minister assured the nation that his administration remains dedicated to fostering economic growth, strengthening international relations, and ensuring law and order. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

Alberta minister wants to see $100B in data centre infrastructure in next 5 years

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ( NASDAQ:HST – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Saturday, December 28th, RTT News reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.20 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.45%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Host Hotels & Resorts has increased its dividend payment by an average of 48.1% per year over the last three years. Host Hotels & Resorts has a payout ratio of 87.0% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the company’s earnings tumble. Equities research analysts expect Host Hotels & Resorts to earn $1.96 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 40.8%. Host Hotels & Resorts Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ HST opened at $17.98 on Friday. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $18.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 2.90 and a current ratio of 2.90. Host Hotels & Resorts has a 52 week low of $15.71 and a 52 week high of $21.31. The firm has a market cap of $12.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.46 and a beta of 1.32. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades HST has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Host Hotels & Resorts from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, December 9th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on Host Hotels & Resorts from $23.00 to $20.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Host Hotels & Resorts from $21.00 to $20.50 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 22nd. UBS Group cut their price target on Host Hotels & Resorts from $20.00 to $19.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 15th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Host Hotels & Resorts from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Thursday, November 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $21.39. Read Our Latest Report on Host Hotels & Resorts About Host Hotels & Resorts ( Get Free Report ) Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc is an S&P 500 company and is the largest lodging real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. The Company currently owns 72 properties in the United States and five properties internationally totaling approximately 42,000 rooms. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Host Hotels & Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Host Hotels & Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

The counting of votes will be undertaken at 8 am on Saturday in where the election is witnessing a major battle. The Badnera constituency (number 37), located in Amravati district, is a key battleground in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. This General category seat, part of the Amravati Lok Sabha constituency, holds significant political importance in the region. Badnera’s demographic mix of urban and rural voters adds complexity to the election, making it one of the closely watched contests in the state. Ravi Rana, an independent candidate, is seeking re-election in Badnera after securing victories in previous Assembly elections. In 2019, Rana defeated Shiv Sena’s Band Priti Sanjay by 15,541 votes (8.38 percent), securing 48.46 percent of the vote share. This year, he faces stiff competition from Sunil Kharate of Shiv Sena (UBT). A total of 26 candidates are contesting from the constituency. In the 2019 elections, Ravi Rana emerged victorious with 48.46 percent of the vote share, defeating Shiv Sena's Band Priti Sanjay by a margin of 15,541 votes. Rana had previously won the seat in 2014 by defeating Band Sanjay Raosaheb with a margin of 7,419 votes, solidifying his position as a dominant force in Badnera. Key local issues in Badnera include infrastructure development, agriculture, and employment opportunities. With a significant urban and rural population, voters are also concerned about access to basic amenities and improvements in healthcare and education. The candidates are expected to focus on these pressing issues during their campaigns to gain support from the electorate. In the 2019 Assembly elections, Badnera had a total of 185,336 valid votes cast, with a voter turnout of 52.5 percent. The constituency is known for its relatively average voter engagement compared to other constituencies in the state, but the 2024 elections are expected to see heightened interest due to the high-profile nature of the contest. Badnera went to polls on November 20. The results will be announced on Saturday, as the political landscape of this key constituency takes shape. With both Ravi Rana and Sunil Kharate vying for the win, the contest promises to be a closely contested race. Badnera emerged as a key battleground, recording a voter turnout of 57.67 percent.The counting of votes will be undertaken at 8 am on Saturday in where the election is witnessing a major battle. The Risod constituency (number 33), located in the Washim district of Maharashtra, is part of the Akola Lok Sabha constituency. Risod has been historically associated with Congress, making it a significant battleground in the state. The constituency went to polls on November 20, with results to be declared on Saturday. Amit Subhashrao Zanak, the incumbent Congress MLA since 2014, is seeking re-election for a third consecutive term. Zanak, whose family has deep political roots in the constituency, will face strong competition from Bhavana Pundlikrao Gawali of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction). Anantrao Deshmukh, an independent candidate with a history in the region, is also in the fray. Deshmukh, a former Congress member, had contested in 2019 but lost, making his return a key factor in this year’s contest. A total of 12 candidates are contesting from the constituency. In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Amit Zanak won the seat with a commanding margin, securing 58 percent of the vote share. He defeated Anantrao Vitthalrao Deshmukh (Independent), who trailed behind by a significant margin. Zanak’s family has a strong political legacy in the area, as his late father, Subhash Zanak, also represented the constituency. Local issues in Risod include agricultural concerns, water supply, rural development, and job creation. Given the region’s agrarian nature, farmers' issues such as crop prices, irrigation facilities, and loan waivers remain central to the election discourse. Infrastructure development, including roads and healthcare facilities, are also key issues that the candidates will address to appeal to voters. The Risod constituency has a total of 2,47,302 voters, according to 2019 Election Commission data. In 2019, the voter turnout was 70 percent, reflecting active engagement in the political process. The 2024 elections in Risod are expected to be a tightly contested race. While Congress has traditionally enjoyed strong support in the region, the presence of Shiv Sena’s Gawali and the return of independent Deshmukh make this election one of the most competitive in recent years. Risod emerged as a key battleground, recording a voter turnout of 70.36 percent.

Cornelious Brown IV throws 5 TD passes to lead Alabama A&M past Mississippi Valley State 49-35None

RLJ Lodging Trust ( NYSE:RLJ – Get Free Report ) declared a quarterly dividend on Friday, December 13th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of 0.15 per share by the real estate investment trust on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.91%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. RLJ Lodging Trust has a dividend payout ratio of 315.8% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect RLJ Lodging Trust to earn $1.42 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.60 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 42.3%. RLJ Lodging Trust Stock Performance Shares of RLJ opened at $10.15 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $9.85 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 2.74 and a quick ratio of 2.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.56 billion, a PE ratio of 35.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 1.72. RLJ Lodging Trust has a one year low of $8.74 and a one year high of $12.39. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently commented on RLJ. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of RLJ Lodging Trust from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. StockNews.com raised shares of RLJ Lodging Trust from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Friday, December 6th. Wolfe Research downgraded shares of RLJ Lodging Trust from an “outperform” rating to a “peer perform” rating in a research note on Thursday, September 26th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of RLJ Lodging Trust from $10.00 to $10.50 and gave the company an “underweight” rating in a report on Monday, December 9th. Finally, Truist Financial cut their price target on RLJ Lodging Trust from $14.00 to $11.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 28th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $11.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on RLJ Lodging Trust RLJ Lodging Trust Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) RLJ Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust that owns primarily premium-branded, high-margin, focused-service and compact full-service hotels. The Company's portfolio currently consists of 96 hotels with approximately 21,200 rooms, located in 23 states and the District of Columbia and an ownership interest in one unconsolidated hotel with 171 rooms. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for RLJ Lodging Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RLJ Lodging Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .