Chess federation issues statement after Magnus Carlsen’s bizarre tournament exitTrump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise prices, won't rule out revenge prosecutionsStifel Nicolaus Raises Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA) Price Target to $455.00
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Projected starting five Houston Rockets projected starting five Los Angeles Clippers projected starting five Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Key players to watch Houston Rockets key players Los Angeles Clippers key players Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Injury report Houston Rockets injury report Los Angeles Clippers injury report Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Team stats Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Previous matchups Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Leading players Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Prediction and betting tips Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers game prediction Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Date, time, and venue How to watch Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers: Streaming details and more As a passionate WWE content writer, Raunak craft engaging narratives that bring the thrilling world of wrestling to life, capturing the drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring. His work fuels the imagination of WWE fans, making every match and storyline unforgettable. Read More 2nd Test: India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets to sweep series 2nd Test, Day 4: India push for victory with T20-style batting 2nd Test, Day 1: B'desh 107/3 vs India on rain-shortened opening day Ashwin shines as India hammer Bangladesh in Chennai Test 1st Test, Day 3: India hold upper hand despite spirited Bangladesh chase 1st Test, Day 2: India in box seat after Bumrah takes four-for vs B'desh 1st Test, Day 1: Ashwin, Jadeja dig India out of trouble vs B'desh France waves farewell to Paralympics with spectacular ceremony Navdeep's gold, Simran's bronze take India's medal tally to 29 Paris Paralympics: India's flag bearers for closing ceremonyFor a few hours last week, I panicked. I was in downtown Loveland and suddenly realized I was without my phone and purse.
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." Here's a look at some of the issues covered: President-elect Donald Trump takes the stage before he speaks at the FOX Nation Patriot Awards, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Greenvale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa) Trump threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. At another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — though such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and were shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Notre Dame Cathedral as France's iconic cathedral is formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019, Saturday Dec.7, 2024 in Paris ( Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP) Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he "absolutely" would remain in the alliance "if they pay their bills." Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies' commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated "fairly" on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin's invasion. "Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure," Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged. "I haven't spoken to him recently," Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to "impede the negotiation." Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: "Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious" that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then "he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? Somebody is the man that you're talking about." Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. "We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient," he said. He added that "we're not raising ages or any of that stuff." He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would "probably" not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, "Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change." Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had "concepts" of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called "lousy health care." He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for "better health care for less money." Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. President-elect Donald Trump tapped former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be ambassador to China, saying in a social media post that the former CEO “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in a primary against Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump's debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed bid for governor. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Customs and Border Protection, with its roughly 60,000 employees, falls under the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the Border Patrol, which Rodney Scott led during Trump's first term, and is essentially responsible for protecting the country's borders while facilitating trade and travel. Scott comes to the job firmly from the Border Patrol side of the house. He became an agent in 1992 and spent much of his career in San Diego. When he was appointed head of the border agency in January 2020, he enthusiastically embraced Trump's policies. After being forced out under the Biden administration, Scott has been a vocal supporter of Trump's hard-line immigration agenda. He appeared frequently on Fox News and testified in Congress. He's also a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Controversial Welland Ward 4 Coun. Tony DiMarco was removed from the final city council meeting of the year last week. His removal came during an in camera session for which two items were on the agenda — an update on a harassment matter and an offer to purchase property. No one with the city would discuss what the harassment matter pertained to. DiMarco, who has been at odds with the mayor for several months, earlier this year said he was “not permitted to attend city hall.” The Tribune learned of his removal from the latest meeting during the open session of council, when Coun. Bryan Green asked if his fellow ward councillor had been removed from it or whether he was allowed to attend. Welland Ward 4 Coun. Bryan Green. Mayor Frank Campion said DiMarco had been advised he was removed from the council meeting during the in camera session, which started at 5:30 p.m. DiMarco’s removal from the closed-doors meeting came at 7:40 p.m. His departure resulted in a notice of motion he was to introduce being left to another open session meeting. DiMarco wants city staff to hire a professional pest control company to deal with an infestation of rats on city-owned property east of townhouses on Woodlawn Road at Trelawn Parkway. To date, DiMarco has been the subject of nine integrity commissioner reports since 2017, including two this year, and docked 240 days’ pay . Five times over 10 months in 2023, the veteran politician was asked to leave council chambers, including from an in camera meeting. During a council meeting in February , DiMarco, appearing remotely, said in open session he had received a Dec. 20, 2023, letter that stated, “It was being confirmed that council has approved a recommendation that you are not permitted to attend city hall.” At the time, Campion stopped him and said he was discussing a confidential in camera item. In April, the councillor was warned by the mayor that he would be removed from a council meeting where he tried to bring up a staff report on the proposed Niagara Street development at Aqueduct Street that had already been dealt with at a previous meeting. In August, city councillors refused to sanction DiMarco for publicly revealing confidential information in that February meeting and for a second breach of the city’s code of conduct later in the month on the same subject. Green asked for an in camera meeting in September to discuss an identifiable individual, which is allowed under the Municipal Act. Green did not name the individual, but it was believed to be DiMarco. It was a followup to a December 2023 meeting during which it’s believed council discussed DiMarco, the result of which led to his not being allowed in city hall. In October, he tried to enter city hall after racing downtown from north Welland due to frustration over technological problems with new remote meeting software.
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Carson Beck threw four touchdown passes, Nate Frazier ran for 136 yards with three scores and No. 8 Georgia overwhelmed Massachusetts 59-21 on Saturday as the Bulldogs tried to protect their College Football Playoff hopes. Georgia (9-2, No. 10 CFP) needed the big offense from Beck and Frazier to rescue a defense that gave up 226 rushing yards. UMass (2-9) played its first game under interim coach Shane Montgomery, the offensive coordinator who retained his play-calling duties after replacing fired coach Don Brown on Monday. Jalen John led the Minutemen with 107 rushing yards and a touchdown. Georgia extended its streak of consecutive home wins to 30, the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole returned a fumble recovery 31 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Quintavius Johnson’s sack of AJ Hairston and forced fumble set up the play. Beck avoided turnovers for the second consecutive game. He threw two touchdowns without an interception and also ran for a score in the Bulldogs’ 31-17 win over No. 6 Tennessee on Nov. 16. Beck had 12 interceptions in his previous six games. UMass opened the game with a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that included nine runs and was capped by CJ Hester’s scoring run from the 4. The Minutemen added another clock-draining, 14-play, 75-yard drive that covered seven minutes in the second quarter and ended with another 4-yard scoring run by John. UMass veered from its run-first plan to open the second half. Hairston threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Jakobie Keaney-James, who made the catch between defensive backs Dan Jackson and Daniel Harris. Georgia had only four possessions in the first half and each ended with a touchdown pass from Beck. The senior quarterback connected with Oscar Delp, Cash Jones, Dominic Lovett and Arian Smith for the scoring passes. Favored by 42 1/2 points, Georgia faced a difficult task of meeting expectations. The offensive showing by Beck and Frazier could be enough for the Bulldogs to protect their Top 25 and CFP rankings. UMass: The Minutemen ran for 166 yards in the first half against a Georgia defense that had allowed an average of 114 for a full game. ... LB Jalen Harrell was surrounded by teammates after he was placed on a cart with a leg injury midway through the third quarter. Georgia: Running backs Trevor Etienne and Branson Robinson, recovering from injuries, were held out. Dwight Phillips Jr. and Chauncey Bowens were given carries, but Frazier seized the opportunity to solidify his status as the next back on the depth chart. Frazier had scoring runs of 9 and 15 yards in the third quarter and added a 2-yard touchdown scamper in the fourth. ... Beck completed 20 of 31 passes for 297 yards. Gunner Stockton took over for Beck and led the Bulldogs’ final offensive touchdown drive.Nobel recipient Geoffrey Hinton wishes he thoughts of AI safety sooner
Why you’re always so tired: Finding true rejuvenation beyond sleepFor the first time ever in their 10 season history, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks competed in the USL Championship title match, winning the cup 3-0. The team hosted Rhode Island FC at Weidner Field in front of a sold-out crowd and a national broadcast on CBS after a season of milestones. After winning the Western Conference Final at home for the first time in team history, the team had an opportunity that fans have only dreamed about for the past 10 seasons. The excitement that built up over the last week hit its peak Saturday morning as downtown Colorado Springs saw a sea of cyan and black hit the streets. Fans were lining up outside Weidner Field as early as 7:45 a.m. to celebrate and anticipate the 10 a.m. game kickoff, with the tailgate lot across the street beginning to fill up even earlier. Tim Owen, a board member for the Trailheads, the official supporters group for the Switchbacks, compared Saturday's game to the Colorado Springs equivalent of a Super Bowl. "I woke up happy, and getting up earlier on a weekend was totally worth it," Owen, who got up at 4:45 a.m. for the game, said. "It is definitely a different feel, it's like the Super Bowl of the USL here in the Springs." The Trailheads organized the tailgating lot, which was filled with excited fans decked out in face paint, glitter and even some hair dye. Brian Mcgary, who has been growing out his beard since the first game of the season, decided to dye it blue for Saturday's special game. "People make comments on it all the time, it makes people smile," Mcgary said with a laugh. "We make as much noise as possible inside, and it's a great release of the frustrations of a week to be able to just get out there, scream, and not have anybody looking at you like you're weird." Tailgaters were excited ahead of Saturday’s Switchbacks game! A major event for the team as they compete in the finals for the first time in their 10 seasons! @csgazette pic.twitter.com/LHzlCLeeIG It was a brisk morning ahead of the 10 a.m. start time for the soccer game, and merchandise tables surrounding Weidner Field were selling exclusion 10th season scarfs and shirts. According to the communications director Ashley Purslow, after winning the Western Conference Final, merch for the team was selling out quickly all week. Inside, it was a sold-out game, with standing room only tickets available in the days before the game. Purslow said the 8,000 tickets sold for the game originally sold out within 48 hours. An additional few hundred tickets were released just before Saturday, allowing even more of the community the chance to cheer on their home team. One long-time fan, Kristen Clingerman, got a little emotional when talking about the journey from the very first game the team ever played to Saturday's championship opportunity. "This is what we've been working for forever," Clingerman said. "Last game, I was just crying. We've been through thick and thin and this is so surreal." At nearly every Switchbacks game, one fan in particular stands out with his bright red hair and extravagant face paint both in tailgate lots and inside the stadium. Ben Currie, a member of the Kilted Hooligans, credits the team for many of the friends he has made over the years. "Every meaningful relationship I've built since I've moved out here comes from the stadium one way or the other," Currie said. "(The team) having massive success like this, when I'm kind of making some strides in my own life, it's a very cathartic feeling." Another fan in attendance also had a special story that started with him and his dad buying season tickets for the very first season of the Switchbacks. Jason Smith, who caught many other fans' attention with his costume for the game, cried all the way home after the team won the Western Conference Final. The team has a special place in his heart for helping him open up socially. Jason Smith, a longtime fan of the Switchbacks, drew lots of attention from other fans with his outfit for Saturday’s game! Had to snag a photo! @csgazette pic.twitter.com/8LxLWDBa3i "Everyone was so welcoming at the start, and we build and build over the years," Smith said. "It is just a family, we watch out for each other." In the last hour leading up to kick-off, excitement only continued to grow as DJs blasted music through the streets while a large group of supporters marched into Weidner Field. Supporters of the Switchbacks march into Weidner Field! @csgazette pic.twitter.com/I11P6JVnny At halftime, the Switchbacks were in the lead 2-0, holding complete control of the match in stoppage time. From outside the stadium, the cheers from fans echoed down the street as fireworks were shot off throughout the game. By the end of the game, the Switchbacks reached even more milestones by securing the cup and making Colorado Springs history. This season was previously tied with the 2022 season for the most home wins with 10 victories. That number officially jumped to 11 on Saturday afternoon. Energy from the fans was even higher following the conclusion of the match with the stadium erupting into cheers as the clock ran down. The ending score was 3-0. Even more fireworks launched into the sky with a cyan powder dusting the field. "The energy was palpable; I could feel it as soon as I walked in there," said Peter Burlingane, season ticket holder. "It's been amazing to watch this team. They started (shaky), and they went nine straight games unbeaten, and then they brought us to the championship and they brought home a cup."
Share Tweet Share Share Email In today’s competitive business environment, B2B events have become a cornerstone of successful marketing strategies. Whether you’re looking to foster new business relationships, introduce your products and services, or simply raise your brand awareness, organizing a well-executed B2B event can be one of the most effective ways to achieve your goals. But for beginners, event planning can seem like a daunting task. How do you ensure that your B2B event delivers the desired outcomes? This guide is designed to walk you through the essential steps of B2B event planning, from understanding the objectives to selecting the right B2B network and partnering with a professional b2b marketing firm to ensure success. 1. Understand Your Objectives The first step in planning a successful B2B event is defining your objectives. What do you want to achieve from the event? Are you looking to generate leads, build brand awareness, foster relationships, or promote new products? Setting clear and measurable goals will help guide the rest of your planning process. For example: Lead generation: If your main objective is to gather new business leads, focus on creating an engaging environment that encourages networking and conversations. Brand awareness: For brand visibility, consider hosting an event that will draw attention to your company’s values, products, and mission. You can use the event to showcase what sets your business apart. Product promotion: Launching a new product? A well-organized B2B event is the perfect opportunity to showcase it to potential clients and partners. Once you have defined your objectives, it will be much easier to make decisions on the event format, marketing strategies, and the types of professionals to invite. 2. Choose the Right Type of Event There are various types of B2B events , each designed for specific purposes. Here are a few options to consider: Conferences and Seminars: These are large-scale events, often with keynote speakers, workshops, and breakout sessions. They are ideal for sharing industry knowledge, networking, and building thought leadership. Workshops and Masterclasses: These smaller, more focused events allow for in-depth discussions and the opportunity to showcase your expertise in a specific area. Roundtable Discussions: These intimate, interactive events bring together a select group of professionals to discuss important industry topics. Roundtable discussion topics can range from innovation to emerging trends in your industry, and they provide an opportunity for deep networking. Exhibitions and Trade Shows: If your goal is to showcase your products or services to a large number of potential clients, exhibitions and trade shows are an excellent choice. The type of B2B event you choose should align with your objectives and the type of audience you wish to attract. If you’re looking to build relationships, a roundtable discussion may be more suitable. However, if your goal is lead generation or brand visibility, a larger conference or trade show might be the best route. 3. Select Your Target Audience Identifying your target audience is critical to the success of your B2B event . Knowing who you want to invite will help you select the right type of event, choose relevant topics, and tailor your marketing strategies. Are you targeting startups, established businesses, or industry experts? Understanding your audience will allow you to focus on their needs and interests. When planning your guest list, aim for a diverse but relevant group of people. This could include: Current clients and partners: Maintaining strong relationships with existing clients is essential for future growth. Inviting them to your event can strengthen these bonds. Potential clients: B2B network marketing is all about building connections. Inviting potential clients allows you to showcase your expertise and establish trust. Industry leaders and experts: Having a mix of professionals with varying levels of expertise can add value to the event. Industry leaders can share insights, while newcomers can provide fresh perspectives. The key to a successful b2b network is diversity, but also ensuring that the attendees are all relevant to the topic and goals of the event. 4. Plan the Logistics Once you’ve decided on the type of event and your target audience, it’s time to focus on the logistics. This includes selecting the venue, choosing the right technology tools, planning the schedule, and determining the best event format. Venue Selection: Consider the size and location of the venue. Will it accommodate your guest list? Does it provide the necessary facilities (like audiovisual equipment or breakout rooms) to make your event a success? Technology and Tools: In today’s digital age, it’s important to have the right technology in place. Consider using event management platforms for registration, communication, and attendee engagement. Tools like live-streaming and virtual event platforms are also valuable if you’re hosting a hybrid or virtual event. Agenda and Schedule: Develop a clear agenda that includes time for networking, discussions, and presentations. The schedule should allow for meaningful interactions and avoid overwhelming attendees with too much content in a short time. Event Materials: Prepare all necessary materials such as presentations, handouts, name badges, and branded items to create a professional atmosphere and enhance the attendee experience. 5. Promote Your Event Effectively To ensure your B2B event attracts the right attendees, effective promotion is key. Utilize multiple channels to spread the word and create buzz about your event: Email Marketing: Send personalized invitations to your target audience. Use compelling subject lines and clear calls to action to encourage registration. Social Media: Leverage LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social platforms to promote the event. Create event pages and share regular updates to generate interest. Partner with a B2B Marketing Firm: Collaborating with a B2B marketing firm can help you develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes online ads, content marketing, and influencer partnerships. A marketing firm will help you refine your messaging and reach the right audience efficiently. By utilizing a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies, you’ll maximize your reach and ensure that your B2B event attracts the right people. 6. Engage Your Audience During the Event During the event, it’s crucial to keep the attendees engaged and foster an atmosphere of collaboration. A successful B2B event isn’t just about lectures or presentations—it’s about creating an environment where attendees can connect, share insights, and learn from one another. Interactive Sessions: Encourage participation through Q&A sessions, polls, and live discussions. This is especially effective in roundtable events, where attendees expect to engage in meaningful conversations. Networking Opportunities: Provide ample opportunities for networking. Coffee breaks, lunch sessions, and informal meet-ups are all great ways to ensure that attendees connect with one another. Engagement Tools: Use event apps or social media hashtags to encourage attendees to engage during the event, share their thoughts, and interact with other participants. 7. Follow Up After the Event The post-event phase is just as important as the planning and execution. After the event, follow up with attendees to continue the relationships you’ve started. This can include sending thank-you notes, sharing event materials, or scheduling one-on-one meetings to discuss further collaboration opportunities. Additionally, evaluate the success of your event by measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as attendee feedback, engagement levels, and any business outcomes like new partnerships or leads. Conclusion Planning a successful B2B event takes careful preparation, strategic thinking, and attention to detail. By understanding your goals, selecting the right event format, engaging your audience, and promoting effectively, you can set your business up for success. Whether you’re hosting a roundtable event or a larger conference, partnering with a B2B marketing firm and focusing on fostering relationships will help you achieve long-term growth. By following these steps and best practices, you’ll be well on your way to creating an impactful B2B event that leaves a lasting impression on your audience and helps propel your business forward. 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New putting grip, same old Scottie Scheffler. The world's top-ranked golfer shot a blazing 9-under-par 63 on Sunday to repeat at the Hero World Challenge, winning by six shots over South Korea's Tom Kim at Albany Golf Course in Nassau, Bahamas. Scheffler rolled in nine birdie putts, the longest a 49-footer at the par-4 fourth hole, as he finished the week at 25-under-par 263 to win Tiger Woods' exclusive exhibition tournament for the second straight December. He stuck his approach shot at the par-4 18th inside 4 feet and finished up with a birdie. Scheffler completed a banner year in which he won The Players Championship, the Masters, an Olympic gold medal and the Tour Championship. "I think it's been a great year, it's been a fun year," Scheffler said. "I've been fortunate to get some wins and have some really good golf. This was another week when I played really solid and was able to see some nice results from that. Overall it was a pretty, pretty fun year." That said, he wasn't satisfied with his game and debuted a new putting grip that he said was introduced to him by his putting coach, Phil Kenyon. "I think Phil calls it a claw, but he really doesn't even say that," Scheffler said Thursday. "He just says ‘I want you to try a little bit' and he points his hand like that and wherever my hand felt good, that's where we settled. Not trying to think too much about it, trying to keep things simple." Scheffler held the 36-hole lead but was passed by Justin Thomas on Saturday. Thomas had an uneven fourth round for his highest score of the week, a 71 (five birdies, four bogeys), and he finished third at 18 under, seven behind Scheffler and one behind Kim (final-round 68). "It's just disappointing," said Thomas, who hasn't won a tournament of any kind since the 2022 PGA Championship. "I would have liked to put a little more heat obviously on Scottie going in the back nine. You know, I felt like I got a couple bad breaks there on the par 3s, the wind completely died or switched on 5. But I mean, you know, obviously I can't expect to have good things happen when I'm leading by 1 over Scottie and only shooting 1 under on Sunday." Akshay Bhatia (69) placed fourth at 15 under and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley (71) took fifth at 14 under. Other notable finishes included Sweden's Ludvig Aberg in sixth at 12 under; Patrick Cantlay in 11th at 7 under; Brian Harman in 12th at 6 under; and Australian Jason Day tied for 19th (last) at 1 over with Russell Henley. Woods did not play this week, saying before the tournament his health is "still not there" and he is not "tournament-sharp" at the moment.
Dowdle, Guerendo among 4 must-start Week 14 fantasy football running backs - UPI.com
Ty Berry and Brooks Barnhizer lead Northwestern basketball to a 85-60 victory over NortheasternJohnson scores 21 as Portland State beats Wofford 79-74 at Cream City Challenge