10jili cc

Died: December 29th, 2024 The death at 100 of the US’s 39th and longest living president , James Earl Carter, a peanut farmer and Baptist preacher, sees the passing of a remarkable Southerner who infused his politics with a rare down-to-earth moralism, sincerity and honesty. A refreshing outsider to Washington politics, he surprised all by sweeping aside the capital’s old post-Watergate elite to leave a legacy that pointed in new directions even if it never quite achieved his promise. “He decided to use power righteously,” biographer Kai Bird would write, “ignore politics, and do the right thing. He was, in fact, a fan of the establishment’s favourite Protestant theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr, who wrote, ‘It is the sad duty of politics to establish justice in a sinful world’.” Although he had notable successes in office from 1977 to 1981, not least the Camp David Accord between Egypt and Israel, he would be the first incumbent president since Herbert Hoover in 1932 to lose a re-election bid. Ronald Reagan used the economic challenges and oil crisis faced by his administration, and the disastrously bungled attempted Iran hostage rescue, to successfully portray Carter as a weak and ineffectual leader. In some ways Carter was a paradox. Although an opponent of segregation in a segregationist state, he played the race card to get elected to governorship in 1971, then announcing that “the time of racial discrimination is over”. From then on, however, he was an unwavering champion of civil rights, and his presidential bid attracted some 85 per cent support from the black community. Born on October 1st, 1924, in tiny Plains, Georgia, to Bessie Lillian Gordy and James Earl Carter snr, a shopkeeper and investor in farmland, the young Carter would successfully develop a peanut farm as an offshoot of the family business. His father was a descendant of English immigrant Thomas Carter, who settled in the Colony of Virginia in 1635. Carter enrolled in the US Naval Academy in 1946 and while there met and married Rosalynn Smith, a friend of his sister’s. He served in nuclear submarines, and was drafted in to assist in the dismantling of the Chalk River nuclear reactor in Canada following a partial meltdown. His experience, he would later say, shaped his views on atomic energy and led him to end development of the neutron bomb. The early death of his father saw his return to the family business and a gradual immersion in the Democratic politics of Georgia. Although opposed to segregation – as a member of the Baptist Church he spoke openly against racism and attempts to segregate worship – he tempered his approach when he ran for office, even courting the arch-segregationist Wallace vote. Still an outsider in national politics, he surprised observers by winning the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination and narrowly defeating incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford. As the campaign developed in the wake of the still-fresh reverberations of the Watergate scandal, Carter, now with running mate senator Walter Mondale, tirelessly travelled the country projecting himself as an outsider with an easy common touch, not averse to populist slogans. He won the popular vote by 50.1 per cent to 48.0 per cent. Within two days of assuming the presidency he took the controversial step of pardoning all Vietnam War draft evaders. Carter was actively engaged on the world stage, from day one, hoping above all to broker peace in the Middle East. He invited Egyptian president Anwar Sadat and Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin to the presidential lodge Camp David in September 1978 with the negotiations resulting in an end to the state of war between the two countries, Egypt formally recognising Israel for the first time, and the creation of an elected government in the West Bank and Gaza. [ Leo Varadkar could learn something from Jimmy Carter about how to retire Opens in new window ] He oversaw the return of the Panama Canal to Panama, and signed the landmark Salt II treaty on ballistic arms reductions with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. (Although the latter was signed in 1979 in Vienna, the US Senate refused to ratify it in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.) Following that invasion, Carter allowed the sale of military supplies to China and started talks about sharing military intelligence. He began a programme of what would become hugely controversial covert assistance to the Afghan mujahideen, some of them precursors to today’s Taliban. He sought closer relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), continuing the rapprochement engaged in by Richard Nixon. The end of his presidency was blighted by the Iran hostage crisis. Misbriefed by the CIA about the stability of the Shah’s regime, Carter pledged in 1977 that his administration would continue with positive relations between the US and Iran, calling the latter “strong, stable and progressive”. After the surprise revolution installed an Islamist regime in November 1979, a group of Iranian students took over the US embassy in Tehran. Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for the next 444 days. An airborne mission to free them failed, leaving eight American servicemen dead and two aircraft destroyed. The hostages were freed immediately after Ronald Reagan succeeded Carter as president – leading figures in the Reagan campaign are reported to have signalled to the Iranians not to release the hostages until Carter was defeated, as Reagan would give them a better deal. Breaking with traditional US unwillingness to step out of line from its closest ally, the UK, Carter in 1977 agreed to issue a declaration on Ireland calling for the establishment in Northern Ireland of a government which would command widespread acceptance and for an overall solution which would involve the support of the Irish government. The US would facilitate any such agreement with assistance in creating jobs, he said. “The precedent created by Carter has facilitated the enormous involvement in Ireland of his successors,” Ireland’s then-ambassador to the US, Sean Donlon, has written. It was an engagement and pledge that would be honoured by Reagan in his talks with British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, and in the establishment of the International Fund for Ireland. The latter has seen close to $1 billion invested in Irish projects since then. In 1979, Carter invited taoiseach Jack Lynch on an official visit to the US and paid a private visit to Ireland in 1995, fishing in Kilkenny and indulging his woodworking skills by helping to build a house in Ballyfermot for Habitat for Humanity, an NGO he worked closely with. Domestically, Carter had an uneasy relationship with both his own party and Republicans in Congress. His tenure in office was marked by an economic malaise, a time of continuing inflation and recession, and the 1979 energy crisis. His administration established the department of energy and the department of education. He also created a national energy policy that included conservation, price control, and new technology. He installed solar water heating panels on the White House and wore sweaters to offset turning down the heat. He deregulated the airline industry, paving the way for middle-class Americans to fly for the first time in large numbers, and deregulated natural gas, laying the groundwork for the country’s current energy independence. He forced through the Alaska Land Act, tripling the size of the nation’s protected wilderness areas. The battle for renomination loomed. Carter had to run against his own stagflation-ridden economy, while the hostage crisis in Iran dominated the news every week. He alienated liberal college students, who were expected to be his base, by reinstating registration for the military draft. [ ‘He’s an inspiration’: tributes pour in after Jimmy Carter enters hospice care Opens in new window ] Though initially trailing Carter by several points, Reagan saw a surge in polling after the TV debate, in which he practised the patronising put-down – “there you go again” – that became his election mantra. Carter’s defeat was a landslide. After leaving the White House, he became an activist former president, ploughing a largely solitary but effective furrow. In the view of many it is his retirement that will be seen as his singular legacy. In 1982, he established the Carter Center to promote and expand human rights. Its work would earn him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In July 2007, he joined Nelson Mandela to announce his participation with former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, among others, in The Elders, a group of independent global leaders who work on peace and human rights issues. He travelled extensively to conduct peace negotiations, monitor elections and further the eradication of infectious diseases. He played a key role in the NGO Habitat for Humanity, and wrote books and memoirs, often sharply critical of US policy, not least over the Iraq War. In a work on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict he controversially labelled the Israeli treatment of the Palestinians “apartheid”. Though he praised Barack Obama in the early part of his tenure, Carter attacked the use of drone strikes against suspected terrorists and the decision to keep Guantánamo Bay detention camp open. His blunt critiques of his Democrat successors meant they would all keep him at arm’s length until Joe Biden latterly re-engaged with him enthusiastically. To the end he worked tirelessly. Biographer Bird, who insists that Carter “remains the most misunderstood president of the last century”, described one recent meeting: “He was in his early 90s yet was still rising with the dawn and getting to work early. I once saw him conduct a meeting at 7am at the Carter Center where he spent 40 minutes pacing back and forth onstage, explaining the details of his programme to wipe out Guinea worm disease. He was relentless. Later that day he gave me, his biographer, exactly 50 minutes to talk about his White House years. Those bright blue eyes bore into me with an alarming intensity. But he was clearly more interested in the Guinea worms. “Carter devoted his life to solving problems,” Bird says, “like an engineer, by paying attention to the minutiae of a complicated world. He once told me that he hoped to outlive the last Guinea worm. Last year there were only 13 cases of Guinea worm disease in humans. He may have succeeded.” Rosalynn Carter died in November 2023 and Jimmy Carter emerged from hospice care to mourn her. They had three sons, Jack, Chip and Jeff; one daughter, Amy; nine grandsons (one of whom is deceased), three granddaughters, five great-grandsons, and eight great-granddaughters.

Circa Sports posted odds to win the College Football National Championship today, and the betting odds differ wildly from the Top Ten in the Playoff Committee rankings, the AP Poll or the Coaches Poll. The board has 10-1, #2 ranked Ohio State at +290, 9-2 Georgia at +375 and 11-0, #1 Oregon at +450. Texas is currently #3 in both polls, but Circa slots the Longhorns 4th in playoff chances at +475. The odds to win at FanDuel are similar. With one week to go in the regular season Circa offers the rest of the field as follows: Notre Dame 15-1 Penn State 17-1 Miami 25-1 Alabama, Tennesse 35-1 SMU 50-1 Clemson, Indiana 60-1 Arizona State, Ole Miss 75-1 Boise State 80-1 Colorado, South Carolina 100-1 Texas A&M 150-1 With three losses, the Buffaloes, Gamecocks and Aggies are even longshots to make the 12-team playoff, but in a year of rare chaos, it could still happen. © Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Playoff Committee announces the first 12-team bracket on Selection Sunday December 8th. As to the odds, it's a bit like the old basketball cliche, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. For several of the contending schools, the odds will go way up or way down depending on how they perform during Rivalry Week and at the conference championship games. For Oregon, the Buckeyes were favored by 3.5 points when the two teams met in October. Ohio State's dominance in wins over Penn State and Indiana has the oddsmakers convinced they'll win the rematch, probably opening as a 6.5-point favorite if the two teams win out on Saturday. OSU hosts archrival Michigan, while the Ducks tangle with longtime nemesis Washington in Autzen Stadium.The Indiana vs. Notre Dame matchup in the first round of the College Football Playoff is the most expensive ticket on StubHub, but it's Tennessee vs. Ohio State that's selling the fastest. StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli said Monday that the game being hosted in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 21 has sold 34% more tickets than the game in South Bend, Indiana, on Dec. 20. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.

NBA star Luka Doncic’s house was burglarized. It was the latest in a string of break-ins targeting pro athletes.

TORONTO (AP) — The Utah Hockey Club said players were forced to walk to their game against the Maple Leafs after their bus got stuck in Toronto traffic Sunday night. The team posted a video on social media of team members walking to Scotiabank Arena, with player Maveric Lamoureux saying the bus was “not moving at all.” Several city streets had been closed during the day for the annual Santa Claus parade. The Maple Leafs earned their fourth consecutive win by defeating Utah 3-2. The viral incident prompted Ontario Premier Doug Ford to call the congestion “embarrassing” and “unacceptable,” highlighting his government’s plan to address the city’s gridlock through bike lane legislation. It wasn’t the first time a Toronto visitor had to ditch their vehicle to make it to an event on time. In June, former One Direction band member Niall Horan had to walk through traffic to get to his concert at Scotiabank Arena. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Sunday’s 30-7 rout of the New York Giants began a six-game, regular season-ending stretch in which the Bucs (5-6) will face five opponents that currently have losing records. The victory coming out of the team’s bye week stopped a four-game skid and moved the three-time defending NFC South champions within one game of first-place Atlanta in the division. The Falcons swept the season series, so the Bucs essentially trail the Falcons by two games with six remaining. They’re in a good position to chase their fifth consecutive playoff berth, but can hardly assume they’ll benefit from having an easy remaining schedule. “We’re hoping it builds confidence. We have belief that we’re still sitting and controlling our own destiny,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said of beating the Giants. “But it’s not just going to happen,” Mayfield added. “So, we have to take it one week at a time. And you find the recipe for success within your work week. ... You try to emulate that week after week and continue to build it.” The Los Angeles Chargers, who entered Monday night’s game against Baltimore at 7-3, are the only opponent remaining on Tampa Bay’s schedule that currently has a winning record. The Bucs will face division rival Carolina (3-8) twice in the next six weeks. They’ll also host Las Vegas (2-9) and New Orleans (4-7) and play the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys (4-7) on the road. “We can’t get comfortable,” rookie running back Bucky Irving said. “We just got to keep our foot on the gas and keep running.” The offense continues to put up big numbers, finishing with 450 yards against the Giants. It’s the fifth time Tampa Bay has gained more than 400 yards this season. The Bucs have now scored 30-plus points six times, second in the NFL behind Buffalo’s eight. There wasn’t a lot to fault in the team’s performance against the Giants, although coach Todd Bowles said both the offense and defense could have been done a better job closing out the game late. “For the most part we executed on both sides of the football,” Bowles said. “Still like to have finished the game a little better, but they came back (from the bye week) mentally tougher, and they came ready to play.” Irving averaged more than 7 yards per carry in rushing for 87 yards on 12 attempts. He also had six receptions for 64 yards, finishing with a season-high 151 yards from scrimmage. Just when it looked as if the defense was beginning to trend the right way health-wise, the Bucs lost safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle) to injuries on Sunday. Bowles said Monday he was still awaiting an update on the severity of Whitehead’s injury. Tryon-Shoyinka has an ankle sprain. LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) sat out against the Giants and his status will be evaluated as the week progresses. 11. With wide receiver Mike Evans back on the field after missing three games with a hamstring injury, Mayfield completed passes to 11 different players, tying a team record. “He obviously changed the game, even when he's not getting the ball,” Mayfield said. “It's huge that we have him in.” At Carolina, the second of three consecutive games vs. last-place teams the Bucs will face during their stretch run. They’ll also host the Panthers on Dec. 29. “It’s an NFC South battle, and all of them are going to be hard. None of them are going to be easy,” Bowles said. “I think (coach) Dave (Canales) has done an excellent job taking on that team and it’s taking over his personality right now,” Bowles added. “They’re playing pretty good football. ... It’s going to be a tough battle.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

My dear 2024, Letter writing may be a lost art in this digital age, yet there are moments when the weight of reflection demands the intimacy of a letter. So, dear 2024, consider this a heartfelt note from a Nigerian seeking to encapsulate the whirlwind of emotions, events, and transformations that have unfolded over the past twelve months. As I pen down these words, I do so with the awareness that you are not an ordinary year. Your arrival brought hope, but as the days rolled, that hope was replaced with hardship, struggle, perseverance and lessons. In this letter, as tricky as it may be, I will attempt to recount the key events that shaped you – the milestones that defined not only my life but the collective experience of a nation grappling with economic hardship, political uncertainty, and social upheaval. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and you will be remembered as a year that tested our spirit and resolve. This is not just a recollection of facts but a narrative of survival in a land where, at times, the future seemed uncertain. You were, indeed harsh, but we, the Nigerian people, have shown remarkable resilience and perseverance. Despite the economic hardships you brought, with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs affecting all, we have stood strong. Your visitation of economic hardships worsened by 34-40% inflation rate and supply chain disruptions, an embarrassing unemployment rate of 40%, and rising living costs affected both the high and the low. Almost all households felt your pinch. Nigeria’s food inflation rate rose to close to 40% by mid-year, pushing millions into poverty. National Bureau of Statistics reports indicated that over 71 million Nigerians faced food insecurity by the third quarter. The exchange rate rose by over 60%. Yet, amid these challenges, the Nigerian people showed remarkable resilience and perseverance. To put it into context, essential commodities such as rice, maize, and garri doubled in price within months. The petrol price fluctuated between N700 to N1200 per litre, severely impacting transportation and logistics. Even sachet water, popularly called ‘pure water’, became a luxury for many, reflecting the depth of economic strain. You made our economic thinkers and planners look clueless. Thank God we, the people, showed understanding with them. You brought needless political contentions –the Rivers crisis, contentious elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Kano Emir drama, the Old-New-Old national anthem, and “Endbadgovernance”demonstra tions. An attempt to reform our tax system highlighted our stubborn ethnic fault lines. You were not short of drama, both relevant and irrelevant. The reinstatement of the old national anthem left citizens divided, as critics viewed it as distracting from pressing governance issues. However, amid these contentions, the Nigerian people stood united, showing remarkable solidarity. Despite the divisive nature of some of these events, we have remained a united front. Poverty and hunger became our companions, resulting in three deadly stampedes during palliative distributions in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving no fewer than 60 people dead. Unemployment among the youth reached over 45%, with many university graduates resorting to menial jobs or leaving the country in search of greener pastures, contributing to the ongoing ‘Japa’ wave. At the global scene, you delivered historic elections and global unrest. People in more than 60 countries—representing almost 50 per cent of the world’s population—went to the polls during the year. Voters in Mexico and the United Kingdom picked new leaders, while a former U.S. president was invited by voters back to the White House. In Nigeria, voter turnout in local elections dipped to a record low of 28%, reflecting growing disillusionment with governance. This disinterest was amplified by widespread insecurity, with over 1,500 reported cases of abduction and banditry disrupting daily life. Villages in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno faced relentless attacks, forcing thousands into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. “Lakurawa” gained a strong foothold in parts of North-West states. Some strange things happened that we did not foresee. Greece extended adoption rights to same-sex couples, and Thailand legalised same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. You gave LGBTQ+ rights activists something to celebrate. This felt strange in this part of the world, where same-sex relations remain criminalised, and social acceptance lags far behind. In Nigeria, lawmakers intensified efforts to uphold conservative values, with proposed bills aimed at further restricting LGBTQ+ rights. The disparity in cultural values highlighted the widening gap between regions of the world, reflecting the complex layers of societal evolution. You saw the world in turmoil, and the Russian vs Ukraine war continued unabated. This war brought about lots of military posturing, leading some to fear nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO. The conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Iran ramped up to greater heights. The Middle East is in commotion, with the war extending to Lebanon and Israel vowing not to stop until it wipes Hamas and Hezbollah out. Iran has shown its willingness to confront Israel, framing itself as the watchdog of the Middle East against Israel’s aggression. You also witnessed the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, raising fears of extremist groups seizing power. Reports from the UN suggested that over 300,000 Syrian refugees fled to neighbouring countries by year-end, adding to the growing refugee crisis. But amid it all, you allowed some of my compatriots to think and look at things differently, to learn that hard work does not kill and bad governance is for a season. Despite the odds, small businesses grew by 7% in sectors like agriculture and technology, offering a glimmer of hope. Despite the increase in tariffs and persistent collapse of the national grid, there has been a marginal improvement in power output in homes and factories. The healthcare sector witnessed significant transformation in the past few months of 2024 because of incisive, superlative reforms and programmes. So far, 53,000 health workers have been re-trained—an impressive number—to deliver integrated, high-quality services. The Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, which offers free caesarean sections to all eligible Nigerian women meeting the criteria, and the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment Report were launched. These initiatives represent a step forward in our healthcare system, offering hope for the future. Your successor, 2025, is shaping up to be quite the mixed bag — it’s like the year is expecting a baby, but no one knows if it’ll be a bundle of joy or a handful of trouble. Nigeria is trying really hard to stop putting all its eggs in the oil basket. There’s a lot of noise about agriculture, tech, and manufacturing stepping up. With this African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) getting more action, we might see Nigeria flexing as West Africa’s trade big brother. But let’s be honest — oil and gas aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Dangote Refinery finally kicking into gear might help us cut down on those expensive imported petroleum products. If it plays out right, that could mean fewer trade deficits and more jobs, which we desperately need. But you know how it is with oil — prices are like Lagos traffic, unpredictable and everywhere. Plus, the world’s moving towards greener energy, so we’ve got to figure out how to keep the money flowing long-term. Now, on the money front, I won’t sugarcoat it. Inflation and the exchange rate will probably keep dancing around, and not in a fun way. The Central Bank will try to keep things under control, but they’ll need serious foreign investment and more non-oil exports to make it work. The tech space is looking exciting, though. With all these young, sharp minds and everyone glued to their phones, Lagos and Abuja are becoming mini–Silicon Valley — fintech, ecommerce, aggrotech, you name it. Politically, Nigerians are still out here demanding real change. Anti-corruption will stay a hot topic — we’re all tired of the same old stories. There’s also this growing pressure for electoral reforms and better public services. Civil society is getting louder, and I’m here for it. But security? Whew. That’s going to be a big one. Between insurgency in the Northeast, banditry up North, and secessionist noise in the Southeast, the government has its hands full. It will take more than military action — they must dig into why these issues keep popping up. On top of that, some states are pushing harder for more control over their resources and policies. The whole decentralisation and restructuring debate might heat up. Meanwhile, you can bet politicians are already gearing up for 2027. Alliances will shift — it’s like watching chess, but with higher stakes. Look, Nigeria has its share of problems—inequality, environmental issues, governance struggles. But the potential? It’s huge. We’ve got the people and the energy, and if we can channel it right, the sky’s the limit. Here’s hoping 2025 is more of a blessing than a headache. As I look ahead to 2025, I do so with cautious optimism. While the road ahead remains uncertain, I am reminded that even in the darkest of times, resilience shines through. So, to everything we have passed through, thank you, 2024, for setting us free. 2025, if you’re reading, please be more liberal to us as a nation and as a people. May our leaders listen more and apply more wisdom. May 2025 usher in real hope, stability, and progress for Nigeria and the world. Wishing Nigerians a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year.

Anti-abortion activists want Donald Trump in his second term to enforce a 150-year-old law they believe would be the next best thing to nationwide abortion ban, and have started gaming out how it would work. The president-elect walked a fine line on abortion during the campaign, two years after Republicans faced electoral backlash over the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the case that guaranteed reproductive rights across the country. On the trail, Trump argued that abortion was a state's issue, and that each state should be able to make their own laws surrounding how, when and if to restrict the procedure. He pushed back on calls for a national ban pushed by many anti-abortion advocates, as well as attacks from Harris that he would enact more sweeping abortion bans if elected. But now that Trump is on the precipice of returning to the White House, anti-abortion activists are hoping that even if a national ban is off the table, he will use his sweeping executive authority to further limit abortion access in the U.S. One way they see that happening is through the enforcement of the Comstock Act, a 19th century law that bans sending "lewd materials" such as pornography by mail. Parts of Comstock have been repealed or overturned over the years, though provisions related to abortion remain on the books. Comstock is what's known as a "zombie" law — a piece of legislation that may be dormant but is still technically enforceable — that could be used to end the availability of medication abortion, the most common type of abortion in the country or restrict the delivery of medical instruments and supplies used in abortions. While Trump hasn't suggested he plans to enforce Comstock, some reproductive right advocates have warned this could lead to what essentially amounts to a nationwide abortion ban. The Comstock Act was first enacted in 1872 and named after the anti-vice activist Anthony Comstock, a key proponent of the law. Initially passed as part of the anti-pornography movement, its use was extended to abortion and contraceptive material over the years. However, it hasn't been enforced for decades, due to the 1973 Roe decision overturned by the court in the 2022 decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Enforcement over the next four years may come down to Trump's attorney general. He last week said he plans to nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to the position . Bondi has a record of opposing abortion but has not said whether she plans to enforce the Comstock Act. Former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade told Newsweek on Monday that the law would "apply to pills or medical equipment," but noted "delivery of these items by means other than mail could be a lawful workaround." While that may not equate to a nationwide ban, it would "create chaos so that the law is unclear" and have a "chilling effect on healthcare providers," she said. "There is some disagreement as to the scope of the Comstock Act in light of case law and amendments. Some argue that the law is now limited to prohibiting mailing abortion drugs into states where abortion is otherwise unlawful," she said. Anti-Abortion Activists and Trump Have Differing Views on Comstock Anti-abortion groups are hoping the Trump administration will embrace a more wide-reaching interpretation of the law that would have stronger limitations on abortion access, even in states where a broad majority of residents support reproductive rights. The conservative group Students for Life wrote that they hope Bondi will enforce the Comstock Act in a statement released following her nomination. "Make no mistake, Students for Life Action (SFLAction) would love to see a United States Attorney General who is serious about enforcing The Comstock Act . That alone would be a significant blow to the abortion industry and abortion in the nation at large, as it's a law that governs how the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) handles the mailing of abortifacients, intended to end a preborn life," the statement reads. "Between Bondi standing up for life during her tenure as Attorney General in Florida, and the potential for her to actually enforce the Comstock Act , there's a great deal for pro-life organizations like SFLAction to be excited about." Trump indicated that he doesn't plan to enforce the Comstock Act in an August CBS News interview. "No. We will be discussing specifics of it. But generally no, I would not do that," he said when asked about whether he would use Comstock to further regulate abortion access. In response to his comments, anti-abortion activist Lila Rose told Politico he should consider repealing Comstock. "He came out recently and said that he supported access to these deadly abortion drugs, and that is horrific," she said. Newsweek reached out to Trump's transition team for comment via email. Jonathan F. Mitchell, an attorney who has represented Trump, told The New York Times in February that the Comstock Act would be one way for the administration to limit abortion access without passing a federal ban. "We don't need a federal ban when we have Comstock on the books," he said. Even though Republicans will hold a majority in the Senate and House of Representatives, it's unlikely they would have the votes to enact a federal ban. Any national abortion ban would particularly face challenges in the Senate, where the 60-vote filibuster requirement would require Republican senators supportive of reproductive rights, like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, as well as some number of Democrats to join in voting for such a law. There has been some daylight between Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance on the Comstock Act in the past. In January 2023, Vance, who presently serves as an Ohio senator, led other Congressional Republicans in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland criticizing the Biden administration for not enforcing Comstock after the Dobbs decision. "It is disappointing, yet not surprising, that the Biden administration's DOJ has not only abdicated its Constitutional responsibility to enforce the law, but also has once again twisted the plain meaning of the law in an effort to promote the taking of unborn life," the letter read. The Republicans urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to "put the law and your obligation to enforce it above the abortion industry's dangerous and deadly political agenda" and "hold abortionists, pharmacists, international traffickers, and online purveyors, who break the Federal mail-order abortion laws, accountable." Reproductive Right Supporters Aim to Repeal Comstock Act While anti-abortion advocates have pushed for the law's enforcement, supporters of reproductive rights have sought to get rid of the Comstock Act in full. In Congress , there are at least two separate bills aimed at repealing the law. One was introduced by Rep. Cori Bush , a Missouri Democrat who lost her primary election this year , and the other by Rep. Pat Ryan, a New York Democrat. Ryan urged Congress to act on his bill following Trump's victory earlier in November, though it's dead on arrival in the GOP-held House of Representatives. "With the far-right's attacks on women's reproductive freedom only escalating - we have to act now. Congress must pass my Protecting Reproductive Freedom Act & my Stop Comstock Act to safeguard access to safe & effective abortion medication," he posted on social media. In a statement announcing her bill, Bush wrote that "reviving the outdated and obsolete zombie statute" is a Republican plan to "impose a nationwide abortion ban." There would be legal avenues to challenge the Comstock Act if the administration tries to enforce it, McQuade said, including building networks to "work around the statute" which applies only to mail-based delivery. Neama Rahmani, also a former federal prosecutor, told Newsweek that the Biden administration having put out a memo declining to enforce the Comstock Act could be used as a defense for anyone charged under the law in the future. "After Dobbs , the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel issued a memorandum saying that the Comstock Act doesn't prohibit mailing abortion pills because they can be used for non-abortion purposes like miscarriages and the mailers may not have the necessary intent to commit a crime," he said, noting that such a dispute would likely end up in the courts. Steve Aden, chief legal officer and general counsel at Americans United for Life, told Newsweek on Monday that his group is hopeful the Trump administration will reconsider the Biden administration's stance on not enforcing Comstock. "We expect to see them take a long hard look at the Biden administration's careless and reckless promotion of chemical abortion over almost every other policy priority, and especially the wrongheaded and clearly erroneous Office of Legal Counsel memo that whitewashed it all," Aden said.

Regulation needed as City watchdog reveals 7m British adults now own cryptocurrenciesNovato’s minimum wage will rise by about 40 cents on Wednesday. The city’s wage schedule outpaces state law, and is adjusted based on retail price data. While some leaders praised the increase, others worry about the effect it could have on small businesses. “Raising the minimum wage ahead of state law demonstrates our commitment to supporting our hardworking residents,” said Rachel Farac, a member of the Novato City Council. “This increase not only helps families make ends meet but also strengthens our local economy by putting more money into the hands of those who need it the most.” Novato’s wage schedule sorts businesses by the number of employees. Categories include “very large” for businesses with more than 100 employees; “large” for those with 26 to 99 employees; and “small” for businesses with 25 or fewer employees. In 2025, the city’s very large businesses will pay a minimum wage of $17.27 per hour; large businesses, $17 per hour; and small businesses, $16.42 per hour. The prior baseline was $16.86 an hour for very large businesses; $16.60 for large ones; and and $16.04 for small ones. State law requires all businesses to pay a minimum wage of $16.50 in 2025. In 2019, the City Council passed Ordinance 1653, which accelerated the state’s wage schedule and increased the wage by $1 per hour. The ordinance states that once $15 an hour is reached, it would be adjusted yearly by the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers. The data for the index is derived from the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area. Christina Mendes, the incoming chief executive officer of the Novato Chamber of Commerce, said the organization felt the state’s minimum wage schedule was adequate when the ordinance was first introduced. “As an organization dedicated to supporting the local business community, we understand the challenges this accelerated timeline presents, particularly for small businesses that form the backbone of our local economy,” Mendes said. “We acknowledge that adapting to these changes will be a challenge for many, but we remain committed to providing the resources and support necessary to help our businesses thrive during this transition.” Robert Eyler, a professor of economics at Sonoma State University, said Novato’s effort is noble, but from an economic standpoint, there are two issues. First, an effective minimum wage ordinance is a regressive tax — similar to a sales tax — with a bigger impact on smaller businesses, Eyler said. While larger businesses can bear the effects, smaller businesses might struggle. Second, Eyler said, raising the minimum wage does not always change the labor market. He said if the wage that is set by the local supply and demand for labor — a so-called equilibrium wage — is actually higher than the minimum wage, the minimum wage ordinance won’t effectively change labor market conditions. “So when you think about Novato’s increasing, on the one hand it’s good from the worker standpoint if it’s effective, it’s not good if it’s effective in terms for small business,” Eyler said. “Whether or not it’s effective or not is the big question.” Eyler said many ordinances take a business size approach to raising minimum wage. The issue, though, is determining what constitutes a large, medium or small business. Eyler said signs that a wage increase has had an impact on employers include business closures or hiring slowdowns. Mendes said adapting to increased labor costs while keeping affordable prices for customers is a complex challenge that businesses will need to navigate. She said the organization encourages businesses to connect with the Marin Small Business Development Center, which offers free resources and guidance to help plan for wage increases and other challenges. Novato is not alone in pursuing a higher minimum wage. According to the Economic Policy Institute, 21 states will increase minimum wages in 2025, and nearly 30 cities and counties in California are doing so. “It’s been recognized that we need to do something for lower wage workers in the jobs that sort of carry a lower wage with them,” Eyler said. “It’s just very hard to do that without small business sort of bearing that cost.” Marin is ranked one of the most inequitable counties in California in a number of fields, including in wages, according to the county. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s living-wage calculator sets a livable wage for an adult with no children in Marin County at $32.19 an hour. “We are proud to lead by example and this is a step to give everyone in Novato an opportunity to thrive,” Farac said. “This proactive step reflects our dedication to support all residents to achieve a better quality of life.” “By raising the minimum wage, we are not only supporting our hardworking community members, but also fostering a more robust and equitable local economy,” she said.None

Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay homeJarrod Bowen held Antonio’s number nine shirt aloft after scoring the winner in support of the Hammers striker, who is recovering after a horror car crash on Saturday. Boss Julen Lopetegui said: “He is not in his best moment but he kept his humour. It was a special moment for us. “I think we have a lot of reason to win matches but this was one reason more. He’s alive so we are happy.” West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9′ shirts while warming up and walking out before kick-off. The shirts will be signed by the players, including Antonio, and auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK. Tomas Soucek headed West Ham into the lead and held up nine fingers to a TV camera. The Czech midfielder told Sky Sports: “He’s been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. “I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.” Matt Doherty equalised for Wolves, and boss Gary O’Neil felt they should have had two penalties for fouls on Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, both of which were checked by VAR. But Bowen’s winner – O’Neil believed there was a foul in the build-up – condemned Wolves to a 10th defeat of the season and a third in a row. While under-pressure Lopetegui may have earned a stay of execution, O’Neil’s future as Wolves manager is now in serious doubt. “A lot of things went against us but ultimately we have not found a way to turn the game in our favour,” he said. “But the players showed they are still fighting for me, for the fans and the group. “Where does this leave me? In the same place I was. I’m aware of the noise. But if anyone expected this to be easy – I’m happy to be judged on results but it should be done in context. “Whenever this journey ends with Wolves I’ll be proud of it.” There was an acrimonious end to the match as captains Bowen and Mario Lemina scuffled after the final whistle, with the Wolves midfielder angrily shoving people including one of his own coaches, Shaun Derry. “I just went to shake his hand after the game,” Bowen said. “He didn’t want to shake my hand, two captains together just to say ‘well done’ after the game. “I know it’s difficult when you lose. I’ve been on the end of that situation.” O’Neil added: “Mario is calm now. He’s a passionate guy and something was said that upset him. “The instinct of the staff was to make sure he didn’t get into trouble, but he took some calming down.”