33 jili President Trump’s latest threats to potentially withdraw from NATO if these financial commitments are not met have once again sparked concern and debate among alliance members and experts on international security. While some view Trump’s tough negotiating tactics as a way to push NATO allies to increase their defense spending and bolster the alliance’s capabilities, others worry about the potential consequences of a weakened NATO or a U.S. withdrawal.In addition to its captivating storyline and cutting-edge animation, "Ne Zha 2" boasts a talented voice cast that includes many well-known Chinese actors and voice artists, bringing the characters to life with passion and authenticity. From the mischievous Ne Zha himself to the wise and enigmatic mentor Taiyi Zhenren, each character is given depth and complexity, making them relatable and engaging to viewers.As the project reached completion, a sense of pride and patriotism swept through the university campus. The students and teachers involved in the creation of the snow aircraft carrier poured their hearts and souls into the artwork, symbolizing their devotion to their country. Through this creative endeavor, they not only showcased their artistic abilities but also demonstrated their unwavering love for China.

Special Counsel Jack Smith on Monday moved to dismiss the federal cases against US President-elect Donald Trump -- including one for election subversion -- citing an official policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. Trump, 78, was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House, but neither case ever came to trial. Smith, in a filing with the district judge in Washington presiding over the election case, said it should be dropped in light of the long-standing Justice Department policy of not indicting or prosecuting a sitting president. He cited the same reasoning in withdrawing his appeal of a ruling by a district judge, a Trump appointee, who dismissed the classified documents case earlier this year. Smith asked District Judge Tanya Chutkan to dismiss the election interference case "without prejudice" -- leaving open the possibility it could be revived after Trump leaves office four years from now. The special counsel paused the election interference case this month after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election. "The Government's position on the merits of the defendant's prosecution has not changed," Smith said in the filing with Chutkan. "But the circumstances have." "It has long been the position of the Department of Justice that the United States Constitution forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President," Smith said. "As a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." In a separate filing, Smith said he was withdrawing his appeal of the dismissal of the classified documents case against Trump but pursuing the case against his two co-defendants, Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the cases were "empty and lawless, and should never have been brought." "Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party's fight against their Political Opponent, ME," he said. "Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before." Trump is accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding -- the session of Congress called to certify Biden's win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021 by a mob of the then-president's supporters. Trump is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election. The former and incoming president also faces two state cases -- in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter. Judge Juan Merchan has postponed sentencing while he considers a request from Trump's lawyers that the conviction be thrown out in light of the Supreme Court ruling in July that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution. In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office. cl/bgsThe rental market in 2024 has undergone significant fluctuations, with some cities experiencing a notable decrease in rent prices. This shift has been influenced by various factors such as changes in demand, economic conditions, and housing supply. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the cities where rent prices have dropped in 2024.End of Article

In the end, Real Madrid emerged victorious, securing a crucial win that reignited their hopes and aspirations in the European competitions. The fans erupted in jubilation, celebrating the team's triumph and paying tribute to their courage and determination. It was a moment of redemption, a moment that reminded everyone why Real Madrid was considered one of the greatest football clubs in history.Ex-Niger governor lambastes opposition to Tax Reform BillGabby Logan is forced to apologise to Amazon Prime viewers as pundit swears during the broadcaster's live Champions League coverageOff the court, Zheng and Huang have always been known for their close friendship and strong bond. Their mutual respect and understanding have not only contributed to their success as badminton players but have also formed a solid foundation for their relationship as a couple.

It is important to recognize that bargain hunting is not inherently unethical. In fact, for many individuals and families, the ability to save money on essential purchases through careful budgeting and strategic shopping is a vital means of economic survival. In a society where income inequality is on the rise and the cost of living continues to outpace wage growth, frugality has become a necessary skill for millions of households struggling to make ends meet.The Nasdaq Composite has been on fire over the past couple of years, driven higher by the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), improving economic conditions, an uncontested election, and the Federal Reserve Bank's recent moves to cut interest rates. After returning 43% in 2023, the tech-centric index is up roughly 30% in 2024. History suggests the rally will likely continue into 2025. The current bull market began on Oct. 12, 2022, and while every rally is different, history can provide important context. Bull markets last more than five years, on average. Since the current rally just entered its third year, there's a strong likelihood the Nasdaq will continue to gain ground next year. It's also worth noting that the Nasdaq has generated gains 73% of the time, dating back 53 years, so history is on the side of investors. Finally, the Nasdaq has jumped 12%, on average, in years following positive gains, which suggests there's additional upside ahead. Furthermore, there's been a resurgence in the popularity of stock splits over the past few years. As a result, investors are taking a renewed interest in companies that split their shares, as this is historically preceded by years of robust sales and profit growth. One such company is Nvidia ( NVDA -1.81% ) . The stock has gained 26,920% over the past decade (as of this writing), prompting management to initiate a 10-for-1 stock split earlier this year -- after a 4-for-1 split in 2021. Despite its recent run-up, there's reason to believe that Nvidia's growth spurt will continue into 2025. Read on to find out why. Underpinning the AI revolution The adoption of generative AI has spread like wildfire over the past two years as businesses are eager to share in the productivity increases promised by these advanced algorithms. Generative AI has proven adept at drafting and summarizing emails, searching and abbreviating content, mining data, generating original content, and writing computer code -- and new applications are being discovered every day. Automating and streamlining tasks saves users time and money, driving new users to adopt AI. Nvidia pioneered the graphics processing units (GPUs) that make this all possible. These specialized chips provide the sheer number-crunching capability that brought AI to life. The secret lies in parallel processing or breaking up computer-intensive jobs into smaller, more manageable bits. Nvidia first developed these chips to render lifelike images in video games but soon discovered other applications for this breakthrough technology, including data centers, high-performance computing (HPC), and machine learning -- an earlier branch of AI. The vast majority of AI processing is done in the cloud and in data centers, another factor that directly benefits Nvidia. The company controls as much as 98% of the data center GPU market, according to semiconductor analyst firm TechInsights. As evidenced by its entrenched position, Nvidia has become the gold standard for AI processing. There's always talk of ramping up competition, but thus far, Nvidia remains the king of the hill. Paint by numbers To understand the magnitude of Nvidia's rise, a look at its financial results is in order. After generating triple-digit sales and profit gains last year, the company's impressive win streak continues. During its fiscal 2025 third quarter (ended Oct. 27), Nvidia delivered record revenue of $35.1 billion, up 94% year over year. It also delivered earnings per share (EPS) of $0.78, up 111%. For context, the company generated more sales in one quarter than it produced for all of fiscal 2022. The biggest contributor to its success was the company's data center segment, which includes cloud computing, data center, and AI chips, and grew 112% year over year to $30.8 billion. Wall Street expects Nvidia's growth streak to continue. For its fiscal 2026 (which begins in late January), consensus estimates are calling for revenue of $195 billion, which would represent a year-over-year increase of 51%. However, the highest estimate clocks in at more than $269 billion, which would represent growth of more than 100%. Wall Street is notorious for underestimating Nvidia's growth, so the reality is likely somewhere in between. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades Nvidia will begin shipping its next-generation Blackwell platform later this year, and by all accounts, the company has another market leader on its hands. Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya contends that investors continue to underestimate the magnitude of the demand for Blackwell, which he believes will be outselling Nvidia's Hopper chips within two to three quarters. There's also a big disconnect between Nvidia's addressable market and how investors perceive it: The analyst goes on to say that Nvidia bundles its software with these myriad systems. All these opportunities, taken together, help illustrate why Nvidia's addressable market continues to expand. Yet, for all that opportunity -- and despite its 183% gains so far this year -- Nvidia is still attractively priced. Wall Street believes Nvidia will generate EPS of $4.42 in fiscal 2026 (which begins in January). That means the stock is currently selling for roughly 32 times forward earnings (as of this writing), which is remarkably cheap in light of the opportunity. If I could buy just one stock-split stock heading into 2025, it would have to be Nvidia.

Subscribe Search Search Sort by Relevance Title Date Subscribe ALBAWABA - Anker, leading maker of smartphone accessories, is recalling its Soundcore and PowerConf Bluetooth speakers in response to complaints of lithium-ion battery issues that could pose a fire risk, The Verge reports. Also Read Facial Recognition technology drives over 500 arrests in London The recall comes after 33 instances of batteries overheating, some of which resulted in smoke emissions, small fires, and one case that led to minor burns, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Among the recalled models are A3102016, A3302011, and A3302031, which were only offered for sale on Amazon from March to October 2023. These gadgets were priced between $28 to $130, with approximately 69,000 copies sold in the US and 9,764 in Canada. #RECALL : @AnkerOfficial Soundcore Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Bluetooth Speakers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively on https://t.co/YTSsBu5yX1 by Anker Innovations. Get a replacement. CONTACT: 800-988-7973 or https://t.co/sz0slG5rF8 Details: https://t.co/k04tGBfHGA pic.twitter.com/EBhRirRlRt — US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) December 5, 2024 Owners of the impacted speakers are advised to turn off their gadgets, unplug them from external power sources like chargers, and avoid throwing them in regular garbage or electronic recycling containers at stores. Since these gadgets fall into the category of posing fire risks, it is best to dispose of them safely at municipal recycling facilities that specialize in damaged lithium batteries, according to ZDNet. Customers can look for the serial number on the bottom of the device and verify it on Anker's website to find out whether a speaker is included in the recall. Through the company's support portal, customers with verified impacted gadgets may sign up for a free replacement. Anker has already issued three recalls in 2024 as a result of battery flaws. The 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K), A3302 AnkerWork PowerConf S3 speakerphone, and A3102 Soundcore Bluetooth speaker were recalled by the company in June. In September, there was another recall concerning the 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K) along with other related products. A passionate about the Gaming Industry with a career of over 5 years in the field, I write about current trends and news in the Game Development business and how it impact the industry and players. Laith has recently started a new position at Al Bawaba as a freelance business writer. Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Now Subscribe Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe

Boston is another city where rent prices have seen a downward trend in 2024. The city's student population, which is a significant driver of rental demand, has decreased due to the shift to online learning during the pandemic. This, coupled with an increase in housing supply as new developments come onto the market, has led to a decrease in rent prices in the city.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government is hoping a temporary break on GST will address a 'vibecession' that has gripped Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that starting Dec. 14 the goods and services tax will be taken off a slew of items for two months to help with the affordability crunch. Freeland says there's a disconnect between recent good news on inflation and interest rates and how Canadians are feeling about the economy, something she said is being referred to as a "vibecession." She says the tax cut is meant to help bridge that gap and stimulate consumer spending. The federal government also plans to send $250 cheques in the spring to Canadians who were working in 2023 and earned up to $150,000. The two measures are estimated to cost the federal government $6.3 billion. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. MORE POLITICS NEWS Freeland says the two-month GST holiday is meant to tackle the 'vibecession' CEOs demand changes to Liberals' military spending plan Justin Trudeau defends spending record on military amid fresh criticism Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest Canada 'already past due' on NATO defence spending target: U.S. House intelligence committee chair Mike Turner Minister calls GST holiday, $250 cheques for 18 million Canadians 'a targeted approach' Afraid of losing the U.S.-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts Prime Minister Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto with family IN DEPTH Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement that had been helping keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberals in power. 'Not the result we wanted': Trudeau responds after surprise Conservative byelection win in Liberal stronghold Conservative candidate Don Stewart winning the closely-watched Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection, and delivering a stunning upset to Justin Trudeau's candidate Leslie Church in the long-time Liberal riding, has sent political shockwaves through both parties. 'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it. Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports. 'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday. Opinion opinion | Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election? opinion | Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus. opinion | Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place. opinion | Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point. opinion | Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing. CTVNews.ca Top Stories 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Montreal mayor says Friday pro-Palestinian protests were taken over by 'professional vandals' Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante told journalists 'professional vandals' took over protests and smashed windows at the Palais des Congres. Warren Buffett gives away another US$1.1B, announces plans for distributing $147B fortune after death Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by announcing plans Monday to hand more than US$1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Canada Post says progress 'limited' at negotiating table as strike continues Canada Post says they have made 'limited progress' with the union at the negotiating table 11 days after the strike began. BREAKING | Judge delays resentencing hearing for Menendez brothers A judge has delayed a scheduled resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez. Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Justin Trudeau defends spending record on military amid fresh criticism Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending his government's record on supporting national defence, following fresh criticism that Canada is failing to live up to its NATO defence-spending commitments. CEOs demand changes to Liberals' military spending plan The federal government risks jeopardizing the economy unless it meets its NATO military alliance spending obligations within the next five years, says the Business Council of Canada. U.S. driver makes wrong turn to Canadian border, gets arrested for unlawfully possessing a gun A 62-year-old man from the U.S., who took a wrong turn to the Canadian border thanks to his GPS device, is now facing a firearms-related charge. Canada Montreal mayor says Friday pro-Palestinian protests were taken over by 'professional vandals' Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante told journalists 'professional vandals' took over protests and smashed windows at the Palais des Congres. Toronto mother now facing murder charge in death of four-month old baby Toronto police say they have charged a mother with second-degree murder following the death of her infant, who was found with critical injuries in midtown Toronto last week. Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. U.S. driver makes wrong turn to Canadian border, gets arrested for unlawfully possessing a gun A 62-year-old man from the U.S., who took a wrong turn to the Canadian border thanks to his GPS device, is now facing a firearms-related charge. 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Canada Post says progress 'limited' at negotiating table as strike continues Canada Post says they have made 'limited progress' with the union at the negotiating table 11 days after the strike began. World Special counsel Jack Smith drops election subversion and classified documents cases against Donald Trump Special counsel Jack Smith is dropping the federal election subversion and the mishandling of classified documents cases against U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, seeking the cases’ dismissal in court filings Monday. Israel launches new airstrikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with Hezbollah Israel launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, killing at least 12, while Israeli leaders negotiate ceasefire deal with the Hezbollah militant group. Police fire tear gas as thousands supporting former prime minister Khan arrive near capital Pakistani police Monday fired tear gas canisters at supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to stop them from entering the capital, where they hoped to stage a sit-in to demand his release, officials said. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie If life imitates art, a vandal may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come for smashing a tombstone that marked the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge in the English countryside. DHL cargo plane crashes and skids into a house in Lithuania, killing Spanish crew member A DHL cargo plane crashed on approach to an airport in Lithuania's capital and skidded into a house Monday morning, killing a Spanish crew member but not harming anyone on the ground. The cause is under investigation. Father of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi found dead in Los Angeles, police say The father of a Hawaii woman who went missing two weeks ago was found dead on Sunday, the Los Angeles Police Department said. Politics Freeland says the two-month GST holiday is meant to tackle the 'vibecession' Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government is hoping a temporary break on GST will address a 'vibecession' that has gripped Canadians. CEOs demand changes to Liberals' military spending plan The federal government risks jeopardizing the economy unless it meets its NATO military alliance spending obligations within the next five years, says the Business Council of Canada. Justin Trudeau defends spending record on military amid fresh criticism Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending his government's record on supporting national defence, following fresh criticism that Canada is failing to live up to its NATO defence-spending commitments. Health How menopause awareness among employers, patients is changing the workplace Canadians might have noticed menopause is increasingly a topic of conversation outside of health circles, gaining profile in entertainment and popular culture Dozens of people in Canada have scurvy, and it's because of food A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada. Ontario missed interim target for providing hands-on care to long-term care residents Ontario failed to meet its own legislated target this past year for the average number of hands-on hours of care that long-term care residents receive, a newly updated document shows. Sci-Tech EU says Bluesky is violating information disclosure rules Bluesky, the rapidly growing social media platform, is violating EU regulations by failing to disclose important details, a European Commission spokesperson told reporters during a daily briefing on Monday. Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16 An advocate for major social media platforms told an Australian Senate committee Monday that laws to ban children younger than 16 from the sites should be delayed until next year at least instead of being rushed through the Parliament this week. Canadian neurosurgeons seek six patients for Musk's Neuralink brain study Canadian neurosurgeons in partnership with Elon Musk's Neuralink have regulatory approval to recruit six patients with paralysis willing to have a thousand electrode contacts in their brains. Entertainment Drake's Australian tour to begin same date as rival Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl show Drake is taking his musical stylings Down Under with a short Australian tour set to kick off on the same date as rival Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance. 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Freeland says the two-month GST holiday is meant to tackle the 'vibecession' Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government is hoping a temporary break on GST will address a 'vibecession' that has gripped Canadians. Lifestyle 'Like climbing Mount Everest:' Inside the gruelling world of the Chess World Championship The Chess World Championship begins in Singapore on Monday with China's Ding Liren seeking to defend his title against India's Gukesh Dommaraju, better known as Gukesh D, who is still just 18 years old and could become the youngest ever person to be crowned world champion. School bullies have moved online. But is banning all under-16s from social media really the answer? The Australian government introduced what it's called 'world-leading' legislation in parliament this week to wipe social media accounts – including Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit and X – from the devices of children under 16. Ants marching into spotlight as hobby of ant-keeping rises in popularity They are tiny insects that are often overlooked or stepped on, but ants are marching not only into people’s backyards, but also their homes, as the popularity of ant-keeping rises in Canada. Sports NBA legend Charles Barkley criticizes LA Lakers over handling of Bronny James NBA legend Charles Barkley has criticized the Los Angeles Lakers over their handling of Bronny James this season. 'Embarrassing:' NHL team ditches bus and walks to Scotiabank Arena amid gridlock The Utah Hockey Club got the full Toronto experience Sunday night ahead of their first-ever matchup against the Maple Leafs—bumper-to-bumper traffic that forced the team to walk to the game. Vancouver Whitecaps drop head coach Vanni Sartini Two weeks after the Vancouver Whitecaps’ playoff run ended in the first round, the team has fired head coach Vanni Sartini. Autos Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles recalled in Canada over power loss risk Nearly 46,000 electric vehicles from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis are being recalled in Canada over a potential power loss issue that can increase the risk of a crash. Northvolt says Quebec battery plant will proceed despite bankruptcy filing Northvolt AB has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, but said the move will not jeopardize the manufacturer's planned electric vehicle battery plant in Quebec — though hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars invested in the parent company could be lost. Canadian drivers own their poor road habits: survey Canadian drivers are regularly in a hurry to get to their destination and a majority are willing to take unnecessary risks on the road, according to the results of a new survey. Local Spotlight 'I had no idea that they even existed': Family reunites with 80-year-old letters hidden in Winnipeg home The family of a soldier who fought during the Second World War has been reunited with letters written to him 80 years ago. The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet. Video shows octopus 'hanging on for dear life' during bomb cyclone off B.C. coast Humans weren’t the only ones who struggled through the bomb cyclone that formed off the B.C. coast this week, bringing intense winds and choppy seas. B.C. man reunites with Nova Scotia stranger, 56 years after being saved from drowning After driving near the water that winter day, Brian Lavery thought he saw a dog splashing in the waves – then realized it was way too cold for that. 'It's nice to just talk to people': Toronto podcaster prank calling Nova Scotians Toronto radio and podcast host Jax Irwin has recently gone viral for videos of her cute -- and at times confusing -- phone conversations. Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history. 'I'm just tickled pink': Childhood friends from New Brunswick named Rhodes Scholars Two young women from New Brunswick have won one of the most prestigious and sought-after academic honours in the world. B.C. man to cycle length of New Zealand to raise funds for Movember Stretching 3,000 kilometres from the tip of New Zealand to its southernmost point, with just a bicycle for transport and a tent to call home, bikepacking event Tour Aotearoa is not for the faint of heart. 'She's a people person': Urban chicken inspires positivity in B.C. neighbourhood When he first moved to his urban neighbourhood, Barry Devonald was surprised to be welcomed by a whole flock of new neighbours. Vancouver Canadian border agents seize 246 kilos of cocaine in B.C. Canadian border officials in British Columbia have seized nearly a quarter-tonne of cocaine that was coming into the province in three separate smuggling incidents in recent weeks, according to the agency. Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Vancouver Whitecaps drop head coach Vanni Sartini Two weeks after the Vancouver Whitecaps’ playoff run ended in the first round, the team has fired head coach Vanni Sartini. Toronto Doug Ford government passes bill to limit bike lanes Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government has passed a controversial law that will force municipalities to seek approval for installing new bike lanes on arterial roads and could see some existing bike lanes torn up. Toronto mother now facing murder charge in death of four-month old baby Toronto police say they have charged a mother with second-degree murder following the death of her infant, who was found with critical injuries in midtown Toronto last week. 'Embarrassing:' NHL team ditches bus and walks to Scotiabank Arena amid gridlock The Utah Hockey Club got the full Toronto experience Sunday night ahead of their first-ever matchup against the Maple Leafs—bumper-to-bumper traffic that forced the team to walk to the game. Calgary Alberta seeks to 'de-risk' oil, gas pipeline investments in wake of Trump victory Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is looking for ways to encourage pipeline companies to boost capacity and increase Alberta's oil and gas export volumes to the U.S. $3.69M Calgary mansion with basketball court for sale in Aspen Woods If you've ever dreamed of having a home with a basketball court, now's your chance. 'We need an industry': Crowsnest Pass residents voting on support for new coal mine It's been more than 40 years since coal was king in the scenic Crowsnest Pass of southwestern Alberta, but a referendum vote Monday could sway a contentious debate on bringing it back. Ottawa FREEZING RAIN WARNING | 1 to 3 mm of freezing rain possible in Ottawa-Gatineau tonight Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for Ottawa as a low-pressure system moves across eastern Ontario on Monday. OC Transpo well below punctuality targets on 'less frequent' routes OC Transpo is well below its punctuality targets for less frequent bus routes, data presented to the city's Transit Commission show. Cargo ship runs aground in St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont. A large cargo ship remains stuck in the St. Lawrence River after running aground on Saturday afternoon. Montreal Montreal mayor says Friday pro-Palestinian protests were taken over by 'professional vandals' Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante told journalists 'professional vandals' took over protests and smashed windows at the Palais des Congres. Teen girls engage in more risky behaviour than boys: Quebec study Fewer young people in Quebec secondary schools are drinking alcohol, consuming sugary drinks and eating junk food, but not all their habits are improving. More of them are also inactive, taking action to change their weight and not eating breakfast before going to school, according to a recent study. More people hurt in Quebec road accidents after fall time change, data shows New data from Quebec's auto insurance board shows that evening road accidents -- including those involving pedestrians -- rise sharply in the 30 days following the fall time change, when the sun sets earlier. Edmonton LIVE @ 2 P.M. | Edmonton police to provide update on investigation into arsons The Edmonton Police Service will hold a news conference on Monday afternoon to provide an update on its investigations into potential arsons in southeast and southwest Edmonton. Death of worker in Edmonton smokehouse leads to 26 charges against food processing company An Ontario-based food processing company is facing 26 charges under Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation in connection with the death of a worker at an Edmonton facility in 2023. The story of Alberta's rural long COVID program that never was As better diagnosis and symptom management emerged for people with long COVID, researchers in Alberta set to work creating a program that could remotely connect urban specialists and rural patients. Between development and clinical implementation, the project was shelved. Atlantic 'It's just not fair': Retirees speak out on being excluded from federal rebate cheques Carol Sheaves of Moncton, N.B., says it's not fair that retirees like her won't get the government's newly proposed rebate cheques. Sheaves was among the seniors who expressed their frustrations to CTVNews.ca about not being eligible for the $250 government benefit. Man charged with unsafe storage of a firearm in Tyson MacDonald homicide: RCMP A 61-year-old man is facing unsafe storage charges in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Tyson MacDonald on P.E.I., last December. From cellphones to dentures: Inside Halifax Transit’s lost and found Every single item misplaced on a bus or ferry in the Halifax Regional Municipality ends up in a small office at the Halifax Transit Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth, N.S. Winnipeg Winnipeg police shoot, kill suspect after officer stabbed in the throat Manitoba’s police watchdog is investigating a deadly police shooting at Winnipeg's Unicity Shopping Centre Sunday evening. Mounties looking for missing car in connection with suspicious death Manitoba RCMP are looking for a missing car connected to an investigation into human remains discovered north of Winnipeg. $4.2M from feds to create Indigenous-led family care centre in Winnipeg A new Indigenous-led family care centre will be coming to Winnipeg, with more than $4.2 million for the project coming from the federal government. Regina Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature. Regina commits to clearing all 'high priority roads' of snow by Tuesday morning Following a second significant dump of snow in less than a week, the City of Regina says it plans to have all high priority roadways cleared by 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. Canada Post says progress 'limited' at negotiating table as strike continues Canada Post says they have made 'limited progress' with the union at the negotiating table 11 days after the strike began. Kitchener Waterloo reviews most collision-prone areas to improve safety The City of Waterloo is trying to make its roads safer by putting together a report on some of the locations with the most crashes in the past five years. Driver warned after police receive complaints about car decked out in Christmas lights in Waterloo Drivers are being reminded not to take the holiday spirit too far after police received complaints about a distracting vehicle in Waterloo. Kitchener, Ont. doctor officially claims second Guinness World Record A Kitchener, Ont. emergency room doctor has officially earned his second Guinness World Records title. Saskatoon Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature. Saskatoon's second big snowfall in a week won't trigger emergency response: City City crews and contractors are at it again — clearing roadways after another major snowfall. Two dead after crash on Saskatchewan Highway 4 Two people are dead following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 4 Friday evening. Northern Ontario Elliot Lake, Ont., woman charged with choking neighbour's dog An intoxicated woman in Elliot Lake has been charged with breaking into her neighbour's apartment and choking their dog. Winter weather advisory in effect for most of northeastern Ont. Environment Canada has issued a winter weather advisory for areas in and around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Drug bust after a suspect pointed handgun at victim at northern Ont. gas station Three people have been charged with numerous drug and weapons offences following an incident at a gas station in Bruce Mines, Ont., on Nov. 21. London 'I just knew something was up': London family recounts rushing to their burning home where pet perished A weekend house fire has left a family displaced and taken the life of a beloved pet. The blaze at 454 Alston Road broke out shortly after 12:30 p.m. Christmas tax break will be 'challenging' for small businesses, says gift shop owner Tom Fincher is all for a tax break for consumers but implementing the GST tax break announced by the federal government last week at his till will be easier said than done. Three of five former junior hockey players in attendance for court proceedings Three of the five players from Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team, charged as part of a 2018 sexual assault investigation, appeared in a London court room on Monday. Barrie 'James deceived us,' Slain Collingwood, Ont. woman's family speak ahead of husband's sentencing James Schwalm sat in the prisoner’s box Monday morning weeping as friends and family members told the court about the devastation he caused when he murdered his wife, Ashley Milne, two years ago inside their Collingwood, Ont. home. Novice driver charged with speeding 95km/h over limit on Hwy 11 accused of being impaired A Thornhill resident accused of driving at a high rate of speed along Highway 11 in Muskoka while impaired faces charges. 2 women hospitalized after being struck by vehicle, police seek witnesses Police are investigating a collision in Newmarket that sent two women to the hospital over the weekend. Windsor 'Active investigation' underway in Windsor Windsor police are on the scene of what's being called an, "active investigation." "Expect a sustained police presence in the area," read a post on social media. Alleged impaired mom found asleep at the wheel with two kids in the backseat Windsor police arrested two motorists for impaired driving in separate incidents over the weekend, including a mom with two small children in the backseat. Unknown man allegedly commits indecent act outside McKay Avenue home Windsor police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect who allegedly committed an indecent act outside a McKay Avenue home. Vancouver Island Canadian Army corporal fined for stolen valour at Remembrance Day ceremony A corporal in the Canadian Army has been fined $2,000 and given a severe reprimand for wearing service medals he didn't earn during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Alberta two years ago. Vancouver Whitecaps drop head coach Vanni Sartini Two weeks after the Vancouver Whitecaps’ playoff run ended in the first round, the team has fired head coach Vanni Sartini. Canadian border agents seize 246 kilos of cocaine in B.C. Canadian border officials in British Columbia have seized nearly a quarter-tonne of cocaine that was coming into the province in three separate smuggling incidents in recent weeks, according to the agency. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Lethbridge 'We need an industry': Crowsnest Pass residents voting on support for new coal mine It's been more than 40 years since coal was king in the scenic Crowsnest Pass of southwestern Alberta, but a referendum vote Monday could sway a contentious debate on bringing it back. Snow routes declared active for Lethbridge starting at 9 a.m. Monday Snow routes were declared active in Lethbridge, the city posted on its website. Starting at 9 a.m. Monday, parking restrictions will be in effect for streets declared to be snow routes. Hurricanes road misery continues with 6-3 loss to Winterhawks in Portland The Hurricanes dropped their third straight game on Friday night, losing 6-3 to the Winterhawks in Portland. Sault Ste. Marie Sault suspect charged with punching rideshare driver in the face twice A 24-year-old in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with attacking a rideshare driver and a police officer. Drug bust after a suspect pointed handgun at victim at northern Ont. gas station Three people have been charged with numerous drug and weapons offences following an incident at a gas station in Bruce Mines, Ont., on Nov. 21. Elliot Lake, Ont., woman charged with choking neighbour's dog An intoxicated woman in Elliot Lake has been charged with breaking into her neighbour's apartment and choking their dog. N.L. As N.L. firm pivots, scientists say Canada's green hydrogen dreams are far-fetched A Newfoundland energy company's embrace of data centres is raising doubts about eastern Canadian hopes of harnessing the region's howling winds to supply Germany with power from green hydrogen. Canadian leads group pushing Vatican for zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy An international group led by a Canadian is in Rome this week to push the Catholic Church to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on abuse by clergy. Newfoundland wind-to-hydrogen company eyes data centre as international market lags A company hoping to build a multi-billion-dollar wind-to-hydrogen project in western Newfoundland is eyeing other options as Canada's plans to supply Europe with green energy have not yet materialized. Stay ConnectedLeBron James Wears Nike LeBron 22 “South Beach” PE On CourtIn conclusion, "Ne Zha 2: Resurrection" is poised to be a box office smash and a cultural phenomenon that will continue to resonate with audiences long after they leave the theater. With its powerful message, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters, this film is sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers and solidify its place as a modern classic in Chinese animation.Watch: Donald Trump's granddaughter Kai performs iconic 'YMCA' dance on private jet Kai Trump , the 17-year-old granddaughter of President-elect Donald Trump , captured social media's attention by showcasing her grandfather's iconic "YMCA" dance moves in a TikTok video aboard his private jet. Kai, alongside her friend Emma Markin, re-enacted the signature steps, including finger-pointing and a playful thumbs-up gesture, in the opulent setting of Trump’s Boeing 757. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who went where and for how much IPL 2025: Complete list of players of each franchise "Learned these moves from the best," Kai captioned the clip, which has garnered praise from her followers, many urging her to convince Trump to join her on TikTok. Comments like "No one can do it like your Grandpa! But you’re close," reflect the admiration for her tribute to the soon-to-be 47th president's campaign trail antics. Kai has been a rising figure on social media, amassing over a million followers on TikTok since her appearance at the Republican National Convention in July. Alongside sharing glimpses of her family life, including moments at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago election night event, she balances the world of politics with her passion for golf, where she is already a Varsity Captain and a rising star in the sport. Her tribute dance also highlights the widespread adoption of Trump’s moves by athletes, including NFL stars and UFC champions, during their celebrations. However, the viral trend has sparked mixed reactions, with critics like DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard calling for clarity on whether such performances are political statements or purely for fun. Kai, who recently committed to the University of Miami for golf, credits her grandfather for his encouragement and support in pursuing her dreams. Reflecting on their bond, she said, "To me, he’s just a normal grandpa... he always encourages me to be the most successful person I can be."

DENVER (AP) — Travis Hunter made a pair of proclamations Thursday: He’s for sure entering the NFL draft after this season, but not until he sees Colorado all the way through the College Football Playoff — if the Buffaloes make it there. The first was already a given for the draft-eligible junior who plays both receiver and cornerback. The second is a risk-reward play for a projected high first-round pick who averages around 120 snaps a game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

All The Best Toys And Games To Buy During Walmart’s Black Friday SaleOllie's CEO John Swygert sells $413k in stockATLANTA — Kyrie Irving had 32 points, six assists and seven rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Atlanta Hawks 129-119 on Monday night without star Luka Doncic. Jaden Hardy had a season-high 23 points in his first start of the season for Dallas, which has won five of six. Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie had 22 points each. Irving had 10 points at halftime after being stifled by Hawks guard Dyson Daniels but heated up in the second half, including a stretch where he hit five consecutive field goals. Doncic missed his third straight game with a right wrist strain. Jalen Johnson had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawks, who have lost four of five. Trae Young had 18 points and 16 assists. Takeaways Mavs: Dallas lost in overtime at Miami on Sunday night and is in the middle of a 15-game stretch that includes 11 away games. Klay Thompson (plantar fascia) and Quentin Grimes (illness) also sat. Still, they had enough to win without Doncic, who scored 73 points in the Mavs' lone visit to Atlanta last season. Hawks: After a series of early-season injuries, the Hawks had a full complement of players and two days of rest, but they still couldn't get past a team that was playing the second half of a back-to-back. Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) moves against Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Atlanta. Credit: AP/Mike Stewart Key moment Irving scored 14 points in a three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter, during which the Mavs went from trailing 104-103 to leading 118-109. Key stat Marshall and Hardy, late additions to the starting lineup for the Mavs, combined for 45 points and nine rebounds. Up next The Hawks will face the NBA-best Cavaliers in their next two games — at Cleveland on Wednesday and at Atlanta on Friday. The Mavs will host the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

With a lineup that spans multiple genres and styles, this year's Spring Festival promises to be a cinematic feast for moviegoers. Whether you're a fan of action, fantasy, romance, or comedy, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a moviegoing experience like no other this Spring Festival season.

Australia Senate committee backs bill to ban social media for children

Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggles, shouts while entering courthouseAlthough Nani's move to Sporting CP may have come as a surprise to some, those familiar with his career trajectory understand the significance of his decision. The Portugal international, who has represented his country at multiple European Championships and World Cups, has always maintained a strong connection to his homeland and the clubs that played a pivotal role in his development as a footballer.Luigi Mangione , 26, has been arrested and charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in New York on Dec. 4. Mangione faces additional charges, including one count of forging a document and criminally possessing a firearm. Authorities arrested Mangione at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania on Dec. 9. In the wake of the arrest, various claims related to Mangione emerged online One image shared across social media appears to show an X post from Burger King, reading, “We don’t snitch.” The image was shared with posts commenting on Mangione’s choice to visit McDonald’s. Other social media users claim to have discovered a book review Mangione allegedly wrote for unabomber Ted Kaczynsky’s manifesto. Additionally, a YouTube video featuring a countdown clock with a description stating “if you see this i’m already under arrest” has been linked to Mangione, with some wondering if it was real . Others claimed Mangione is related to a Maryland lawmaker with the same last name. VERIFY fact-checked each of these claims. THE SOURCES Burger King spokesperson Review of Burger King X account Goodreads account archives Jack Malon, Google’s policy communications manager Google impersonator policy and creator responsibility guidelines Statement from the Mangione family Facebook post from Nino Mangione Burger King tweeted ‘we don’t snitch’ The viral image of what appears to be an authentic Burger King X post is fake. VERIFY reviewed Burger King’s social media accounts and found no evidence the post ever existed and a spokesperson confirmed it’s not real. “We can confirm that this did not come from the official Burger King X account. This is a fabricated tweet,” a Burger King spokesperson confirmed to VERIFY. There are indications the image is fake. The screenshot includes the terms “retweet” and “quote tweets.” But that terminology hasn’t existed on the platform since Elon Musk took over and rebranded Twitter as X. Tweets are now known as “posts.” Mangione wrote a positive book review of the unabomber’s manifesto A Goodreads account featuring Mangione’s name and picture that match his other social media accounts does exist , but VERIFY could not independently confirm its authenticity. Archived versions of the page show the account attributed to Mangione left 52 book ratings and 13 reviews. Among these, the account gave a 4 out of 5 star rating to unabomber Ted Kaczynsky’s manifesto on Jan. 23, 2024. The Goodreads profile lacks identifying details, such as location, that VERIFY could use to cross-reference and confirm its authenticity. A review of Mangione’s active X account and archived social media profiles reveals no specific references to the books listed on the Goodreads account. Confirming the authenticity of social media profiles presents significant challenges due to the ease with which spoof accounts can mimic real ones, a Law.com blogpost explains . YouTube countdown clock video was connected to Mangione The YouTube video labeled “The Truth,” featuring a countdown clock and the description, “If you see this I’m already under arrest,” is not connected to Mangione, a Google spokesperson told VERIFY. Jack Malon, Google’s policy communications manager, stated, “We terminated the channel in question for violating our policies covering impersonation , which prohibit content intended to impersonate another person on YouTube.” Google confirmed the YouTube account was an imposter by analyzing the channel’s metadata . Updates to the channel name and handle were made after Mangione’s arrest, Malon said. Additionally, Malon confirmed that three channels believed to belong to Mangione were removed under Google’s Creator Responsibility Guidelines , which allow for the removal of content or channels if the creator acts maliciously on or off the platform. Examples cited for removal include: Intending to cause malicious harm to others. Participating in abuse or violence, demonstrating cruelty, or participating in fraudulent or deceptive behavior that leads to real-world harm. Malon did not respond to VERIFY’s request for further details on how the three channels were verified as Mangione’s. Social media platforms often remove accounts under similar circumstances. Following Mangione’s arrest, Meta disabled his Instagram account . Meanwhile, his X profile was briefly suspended but later reinstated after X owner Elon Musk said he was “looking into” the suspension. Mangione is related to a Maryland lawmaker Luigi Mangione’s cousin, Nino Mangione, is a Republican member of Maryland’s House of Delegates, serving Baltimore County. Nino Mangione confirmed the relationship on social media. Nino Mangione posted a statement to X on behalf of the family that reads, “Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Nino Mangione also cancelled a recent fundraising event , originally scheduled for Dec. 12, writing a “terrible situation involving my cousin” prompted the cancellation.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you! Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Tuesday branded his successor Donald Trump's economic plans a "disaster," in a speech hailing his own legacy. Biden said Trump's threats to slap huge tariffs on imports were a "major mistake" and challenged Trump to build on what he said were the successes of his own administration. The lame-duck president's speech comes after Trump won a second term largely on the back of US voters' anger at high costs of living under Democrats. "I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025. I think it'd be an economic disaster for us and the region," Biden said at the Brookings Institution in Washington, referring to a conservative blueprint for a second Trump administration. Coughing frequently because of a cold, Biden said US consumers would pay the price for the tariffs that Trump has vowed to slap on US neighbors Mexico and Canada and on Asia-Pacific rival China. Read also Most markets down as traders assess crises in S.Korea, France Together they are the three biggest US trading partners. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! "I believe this approach is a major mistake," Biden added. At a separate event Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Trump's tariffs could "derail the progress that we've made on inflation, and have adverse consequences on growth." She warned at the Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit that sweeping tariffs could raise prices significantly for US consumers and pile pressure on companies which rely on imports. Shadow president The White House touted Biden's speech as a "major address on his economic legacy" as the 82-year-old looks to the history books with fewer than six weeks left in office. Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race against Trump in July due to concerns about his age and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump comfortably defeated at the November polls. Trump's inauguration is not until January 20, but he has already become something of a shadow president, making pronouncements on the economy and foreign policy and being feted by world leaders. Read also South Korea stocks drop, won stable as Asian markets fluctuate Biden has kept a relatively low profile, but he came out swinging in defense of his own record before an audience of economists. He contrasted his "middle-out, bottom-up economic playbook" with what he called Trump's failed promise of "trickle-down economics" in which tax cuts for the wealthy are supposed to boost incomes. Biden also touted achievements including the US economy's recovery from the Covid pandemic and his huge investments in green technology and industry. "President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history," said Biden. But the departing president said he regretted not signing his name to Covid stimulus checks sent out to Americans, like Trump had done. Biden ended his speech with a broader plea for US leadership in a troubled world, even as Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to take a more isolationist stance. "If we do not lead the world, what nation leads the world?" he said. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: AFP

Since taking office, President Trump has been a vocal critic of NATO, often accusing other member countries of not paying their fair share and relying too heavily on the United States for defense protection. The 2014 NATO summit in Wales set a target for each member to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense by 2024, but many countries, including major allies like Germany and Canada, have yet to meet this goal.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s personnel choices for his new Cabinet and White House reflect his signature positions on immigration and trade but also a range of viewpoints and backgrounds that raise questions about what ideological anchors might guide his Oval Office encore. With a rapid assembly of his second administration — faster than his effort eight years ago — the former and incoming president has combined television personalities , former Democrats, a wrestling executive and traditional elected Republicans into a mix that makes clear his intentions to impose tariffs on imported goods and crack down on illegal immigration but leaves open a range of possibilities on other policy pursuits. “The president has his two big priorities and doesn’t feel as strongly about anything else — so it’s going to be a real jump ball and zigzag,” predicted Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence during Trump’s 2017-21 term. “In the first administration, he surrounded himself with more conservative thinkers, and the results showed we were mostly rowing in the same direction. This is more eclectic.” Indeed, Secretary of State-designee Marco Rubio , the Florida senator who has pilloried authoritarian regimes around the world, is in line to serve as top diplomat to a president who praises autocratic leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon has been tapped to sit at the Cabinet table as a pro-union labor secretary alongside multiple billionaires, former governors and others who oppose making it easier for workers to organize themselves. The prospective treasury secretary, Scott Bessent , wants to cut deficits for a president who promised more tax cuts, better veterans services and no rollbacks of the largest federal outlays: Social Security, Medicare and national defense. Abortion-rights supporter Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is Trump’s choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which Trump’s conservative Christian base has long targeted as an agency where the anti-abortion movement must wield more influence. Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich allowed that members of Trump’s slate will not always agree with the president and certainly not with one another. But he minimized the potential for irreconcilable differences: “A strong Cabinet, by definition, means you’re going to have people with different opinions and different skills.” That kind of unpredictability is at the core of Trump’s political identity. He is the erstwhile reality TV star who already upended Washington once and is returning to power with sweeping, sometimes contradictory promises that convinced voters, especially those in the working class, that he will do it all again. “What Donald Trump has done is reorient political leadership and activism to a more entrepreneurial spirit,” Gingrich said. There’s also plenty of room for conflict, given the breadth of Trump’s 2024 campaign promises and his pattern of cycling through Cabinet members and national security personnel during his first term. This time, Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on foreign goods, end illegal immigration and launch a mass deportation force, goose U.S. energy production and exact retribution on people who opposed — and prosecuted — him. He’s added promises to cut taxes, raise wages, end wars in Israel and Ukraine , streamline government, protect Social Security and Medicare, help veterans and squelch cultural progressivism. Trump alluded to some of those promises in recent weeks as he completed his proposed roster of federal department heads and named top White House staff members. But his announcements skimmed over any policy paradoxes or potential complications. Bessent has crusaded as a deficit hawk, warning that the ballooning national debt , paired with higher interest rates, drives consumer inflation. But he also supports extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts that added to the overall debt and annual debt service payments to investors who buy Treasury notes. A hedge-fund billionaire, Bessent built his wealth in world markets. Yet, generally speaking, he’s endorsed Trump’s tariffs. He rejects the idea that they feed inflation and instead frames tariffs as one-time price adjustments and leverage to achieve U.S. foreign policy and domestic economic aims. Trump, for his part, declared that Bessent would “help me usher in a new Golden Age for the United States.” Chavez-DeRemer, Trump promised, “will achieve historic cooperation between Business and Labor that will restore the American Dream for Working Families.” Trump did not address the Oregon congresswoman’s staunch support for the PRO-Act, a Democratic-backed measure that would make it easier for workers to unionize, among other provisions. That proposal passed the House when Democrats held a majority. But it’s never had measurable Republican support in either chamber on Capitol Hill, and Trump has never made it part of his agenda. When Trump named Kennedy as his pick for health secretary, he did not mention the former Democrat’s support for abortion rights. Instead, Trump put the focus on Kennedy’s intention to take on the U.S. agriculture, food processing and drug manufacturing sectors. The vagaries of Trump’s foreign policy stand out, as well. Trump’s choice for national security adviser , Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, offered mixed messages Sunday when discussing the Russia-Ukraine war, which Trump claims never would have started had he been president, because he would have prevailed on Putin not to invade his neighboring country. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Waltz repeated Trump’s concerns over recent escalations, which include President Joe Biden approving sending antipersonnel mines to Ukrainian forces. “We need to restore deterrence, restore peace and get ahead of this escalation ladder, rather than responding to it,” Waltz said. But in the same interview, Waltz declared the mines necessary to help Ukraine “stop Russian gains” and said he’s working “hand in glove” with Biden’s team during the transition. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence , the top intelligence post in government, is an outspoken defender of Putin and Syrian President Bashar al Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran. Perhaps the biggest wildcards of Trump’s governing constellation are budget-and-spending advisers Russell Vought, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Vought led Trump’s Office of Management and Budget in his first term and is in line for the same post again. Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, and Ramaswamy, a mega-millionaire venture capitalist, are leading an outside advisory panel known as the “Department of Government Efficiency.” The latter effort is a quasi-official exercise to identify waste. It carries no statutory authority, but Trump can route Musk’s and Ramaswamy’s recommendations to official government pathways, including via Vought. A leading author of Project 2025 , the conservative movement’s blueprint for a hard-right turn in U.S. government and society, Vought envisions OMB not just as an influential office to shape Trump’s budget proposals for Congress but a power center of the executive branch, “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” As for how Trump might navigate differences across his administration, Gingrich pointed to Chavez-DeRemer. “He might not agree with her on union issues, but he might not stop her from pushing it herself,” Gingrich said of the PRO-Act. “And he will listen to anybody. If you convince him, he absolutely will spend presidential capital.” Short said other factors are more likely to influence Trump: personalities and, of course, loyalty . Vought “brought him potential spending cuts” in the first administration, Short said, “that Trump wouldn’t go along with.” This time, Short continued, “maybe Elon and Vivek provide backup,” giving Vought the imprimatur of two wealthy businessmen. “He will always calculate who has been good to him,” Short said. “You already see that: The unions got the labor secretary they wanted, and Putin and Assad got the DNI (intelligence chief) they wanted. ... This is not so much a team-of-rivals situation. I think it’s going to look a lot like a reality TV show.”