To The New York Times, it was a standard journalistic practice done in the name of fairness — asking someone involved in a story for comment. To the mother of the nominee for secretary of defense, it constituted a threat. On Wednesday, Pete Hegseth's mother accused the Times of making ''threats'' by calling about its story on an email she had sent to her son six years earlier that criticized his treatment of women. Penelope Hegseth sought and received an interview on Fox News Channel to support her son, whose confirmation chances are threatened by a series of damaging stories about his personal conduct. At one point, she said she wanted to directly tell President-elect Trump that her son ''is not that man he was seven years ago.'' She also called the Times ''despicable'' and attacked a basic tenet of journalism: giving someone the chance to speak for a story about actions that could be seen in a negative light. The Times' story, published Saturday, quoted from a private email that Penelope Hegseth sent to her son in 2018 while he was in the midst of divorcing his second wife. She criticized his character and treatment of women, suggesting that he get some help. ''I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego,'' she wrote to her offspring. ''You are that man (and have been for many years).'' His mother said the message was sent in a moment of anger She told the Times for its story that she had sent the email in a moment of anger and followed it up two hours later with an apology. She disavows its content now. When the Times called her for comment on the story, Hegseth told Fox News that, at first, she did not respond. She said she perceived the calls as a threat — ''they say unless you make a statement we will publish it as is and I think that's a despicable way to treat anyone,'' she said. ''I don't think a lot of people know that's the way they operate,'' she said, speaking about the story. She accused the newspaper of being in it "for the money. And they don't care who they hurt, families, children. I don't believe that's the right way to do things.'' Charles Stadtlander, a spokesman for the Times, said Hegseth's claim ''is flatly untrue,'' and she was in no way threatened. ''The Times did what it always does in reporting out a story, simply reaching out and asking for a comment, which we included,'' he said. Such a call is the opposite of a threat — it's an attempt to be fair, said Tom Rosenstiel, a University of Maryland professor and co-author of ''Elements of Journalism: What News People Should Know and What the Public Should Expect.'' ''She's basically saying that brake lights are a threat because they alert you that the car ahead of you is about to stop," he said. But many Americans would perceive that call as a threat, or certainly as rude and a violation of privacy, said Tim Graham, director of media analysis at the conservative Media Research Center. ''She didn't write that email to be on the front page of The New York Times,'' he said. What are the ethics of publishing a private email between mother and son? A secondary question is the newsworthiness of publishing the content of the private email, one that Hegseth said she almost immediately regretted sending and doesn't reflect how she perceives her son. Graham suggested that the newspaper wouldn't do the same for the nominee of a Democratic president-elect. ''The New York Times is out to destroy these nominees,'' he said. In its initial story, the Times wrote that it had obtained a copy of the email ''from another person with ties to the Hegseth family.'' ''This was a piece of independently reported journalism published in the name of public awareness of the nominee to lead the largest department in the federal government,'' Stadtlander said. ''We stand behind it completely.'' In many circumstances, an email from a mother to her son would be considered a private matter and out of bounds to a news organization, Rosenstiel said. But in this case, Hegseth, a former Fox News weekend host chosen by Trump to lead the Pentagon, has built himself into a public figure and is up for a very important job — and one that leads the military, which involves waging war and in which character is considered a fundamental trait. ''It makes this news, honestly,'' Stadtlander said. The Times wrote about Penelope Hegseth's Fox interview on Wednesday, leading with her saying her son ''was not the same man he was in 2018 when she fired off an email accusing him of routinely abusing women and lacking decency and character.'' There was some question about whether Hegseth would appear for an interview at his former network on Wednesday, after CNN's Kaitlan Collins posted on X the night before that ''multiple people'' said that was expected. A Fox News representative said that no such interview had been scheduled, and the nominee was on Capitol Hill meeting with senators. He has faced a flurry of other damaging reports, including stories about a sexual assault allegation reported to police in 2017. No charges were filed then, and Hegseth said the relationship was consensual. The New Yorker magazine wrote about reports of financial mismanagement, sexist behavior and excessive drinking when Hegseth ran a veterans' organization, and NBC News wrote about people at Fox News concerned about his alcohol use. ___ David Bauder writes about media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social.The Atlanta Falcons drafting of Michael Penix Jr. just six weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract doesn't seem like that much of a head-scratcher anymore. Penix, the eighth overall pick in this year's draft, was supposed to serve as Cousins' understudy for a year or two, a plan that was scuttled when Cousins quickly lost the zip and accuracy on his passes and his grip on the starting job. It was hard to argue with making the change after Cousins had nine picks and one touchdown pass in his last five starts — but it was a daring move nonetheless with the Falcons trailing first-place Tampa Bay by a single game with three weeks left. Penix made the move pay off with a solid first NFL start in the Falcons' 34-7 rout of the New York Giants on Sunday that bolstered Atlanta's playoff hopes , and the Falcons (8-7) moved back into first place in the NFC South with the Buccaneers' loss at Dallas on Sunday night. The left-hander was not at all overwhelmed by the moment, completing 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards — numbers that would’ve been better if not for at least three dropped passes, one of which Kyle Pitts bobbled right into the hands of a New York defender for Penix’s lone interception. “He went out and played almost flawless football,” coach Raheem Morris said. Cousins will almost certainly be looking for his fourth team in 2025. If the Falcons cut ties as expected, they'll have paid Cousins $90 million for 14 games. Cousins' career earnings are about $321 million and his record is 84-77-2, including a 1-3 mark in the playoffs and 7-7 this season. In the spirit of expedited judgments, let's take a gander at how other quarterbacks have fared with their new teams in 2024. The Pittsburgh Steelers landed the biggest bargain of the season in Wilson, whom they signed for the veteran's minimum of $1.21 million, leaving his former team, the Denver Broncos, on the hook for the remaining $37.79 million of his 2024 salary. Wilson's calf injury in camp forced the Steelers to start Justin Fields, who went 4-2 before Mike Tomlin made the risky switch to Wilson, who's gone 6-3 with 15 TD throws and four interceptions. With the Steelers (10-5) playoff-bound, Wilson will make his first postseason appearance since 2020. The only question is whether it'll be at home as AFC North champ or on the road as a wild-card. They're tied with the Ravens atop the division but currently own the tiebreaker. This was expected to be a rebuilding year in Minnesota after the Vikings lost Cousins in free agency. They signed Darnold, the third overall pick in 2018, to a $10 million, one-year contract and drafted national champion J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee during the preseason opener and has undergone two surgeries, opening the way for Darnold's breakthrough season. Darnold brought a 21-35 career record with him to Minneapolis and all he's done is go 13-2 while setting career highs with 32 touchdown passes, 3,776 passing yards and a 67.2% completion percentage. The Vikings are tied with the Lions atop the packed NFC North and the division crown could come down to Minnesota's season finale at Detroit on Jan. 5. The Las Vegas Raiders signed Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract and he beat out incumbent Aidan O'Connell for the starting gig. But he only went 2-7 and sustained a season-ending broken collarbone in a Week 12 loss to the Broncos, opening the door for O'Connell (1-4) to return. The Raiders' 19-14 win over Jacksonville on Sunday snapped a 10-game skid but might have taken them out of the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes. They are 3-12, a game behind the Giants (2-13), who jettisoned QB Daniel Jones less than two years after signing him to a four-year, $160 million contract and have gone with Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito instead. The Chicago Bears had high hopes after drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, but it might turn out that the second QB taken — Washington's Jayden Daniels — is better than the first as was the case last year when C.J. Stroud outperformed Carolina's Bryce Young. Williams has a terrific TD-to-INT ratio of 19-5, but the Bears are 4-11 and have lost nine in a row. Their last win came way back on Oct. 13 against Jacksonville. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU has led the Washington Commanders (10-5) to the cusp of their first playoff appearance since 2020. His bolstered his Rookie of the Year credentials with a five-TD performance Sunday in leading the Commanders to a 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. For the year, Daniels has 22 TD throws and eight interceptions. The former Auburn and Oregon star hasn't looked much like a rookie after starting an NCAA QB record 61 times in college. The Broncos (9-6) could snap an eight-year playoff drought with a win Sunday at Cincinnati thanks to Nix's steady play , Sean Payton's exhaustive guidance and Denver's traditionally stingy defense. Nix was drafted 12th overall after the Broncos released Wilson despite a a whopping $85 million dead money charge on top of the $37.79 million they're paying Wilson to play for Pittsburgh this year. With 22 TDs and 11 interceptions, Nix has almost matched Russell's win total (11-19) in his two seasons in Denver. AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to this report. Behind the Call analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL during the season. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins
Police carry out anti-LGBTQ raids on some of Moscow's bars and clubsNoneA celebrated author argues that it's not at all impractical to study subjects like writing, languages, music and history Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.Making a $1B investment in the US? Trump pledges expedited permits — but there are hurdles WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is promising expedited federal permits for energy projects and other construction worth more than $1 billion. But like other Trump plans, the idea is likely to run into regulatory and legislative hurdles, including a landmark law that requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact before deciding on major projects. Environmental groups called the plan a clear violation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The chief policy advocacy officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council says Trump should be careful what he wishes for. She said, "What if someone wants to build a waste incinerator next to Mar-a-Lago or a coal mine next to Bedminster golf course?” Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has named Andrew Ferguson to be the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Ferguson is already one of the FTC's five commissioners. He will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars’ worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday evening that Ferguson has “a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country.” The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement. Proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons is halted by federal, state judges The proposed $24.6 billion merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons floundered on Tuesday after judges overseeing two separate cases both halted the merger. A federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked the proposed merger until an in-house administrative judge at the Federal Trade Commission considers it. Shortly afterward, a judge in Washington state issued a permanent injunction barring the merger in that state, saying it lessens competition. Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. But the Federal Trade Commission and the state of Washington sued earlier this year. Kroger and Albertsons said Tuesday they are disappointed in the decisions and are reviewing their options. Biden says he was 'stupid' not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, like Donald Trump had done in 2020. He noted Tuesday in a speech at the Brookings Institution that Trump likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he defended his economic record and challenged Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Trump’s decision to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Former chairman of state-owned bank China Everbright Group jailed for 12 years for corruption BEIJING (AP) — Chinese official broadcaster CCTV says a former chairman of the state-owned bank China Everbright Group has been jailed 12 years for embezzlement and bribery. Tang Shuangning, who had also held senior posts at the People’s Bank of China and the China Banking Regulatory Commission, was arrested in January, part of a wider wave of prosecutions of senior officials accused of financial crimes. A court in the city of Tangshan, about 100 miles east of Beijing, found him guilty of taking advantage of his position at the state-owned bank in “seeking convenience for others” in jobs and loans, in exchange for illegal payments. The court said he had accepted illegal property with a total value of more than $1.5 million. Trustee over Infowars auction asks court to approve The Onion's winning bid A trustee who oversaw the bankruptcy auction of Alex Jones’ Infowars is asking a judge to approve The Onion’s winning bid for the conspiracy-filled platform. Trustee Christopher Murray took the stand Tuesday in the second day of testimony at a hearing where a judge is scrutinizing the satirical news outlet’s winning offer. He told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston that he was there asking a court to approve the sale of Infowars’ parent company to The Onion’s parent company. It is not clear how quickly Lopez will rule. The Onion wants to turn Infowars’ website and social media accounts into parodies. GM to retreat from robotaxis and stop funding its Cruise autonomous vehicle unit DETROIT (AP) — General Motors says it will retreat from the robotaxi business and stop funding its money-losing Cruise autonomous vehicle unit. Instead the Detroit automaker will focus on development of partially automated driver-assist systems like its Super Cruise, which allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. In a statement Tuesday, GM said it would get out of robotaxis due to what it described as the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market. What did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa América, here's what search trends show NEW YORK (AP) — Remember what you searched for in 2024? Google does. Google has released its annual “Year in Search," rounding up 2024's top trending searches. It shows terms that saw the highest spike in traffic compared to last year. Sports — particularly soccer and cricket — dominated overall search trends, led by queries for Copa América, the UEFA European Championship and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, the U.S. election led news-specific searches worldwide. Queries about excessive heat and this year’s Olympic Games followed. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump topped searches in Google’s people category this year — followed by Catherine, Princess of Wales, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. US defense secretary in Japan to support alliance as Osprey aircraft safety causes concern TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has met with officials in Japan to reaffirm the importance of their alliance and Washington's commitment to regional security as threats rise from China and North Korea. Austin’s visit on Tuesday also came amid growing concerns over the safety of Ospreys. The military aircraft have been grounded in the United States following a near crash at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico last month. The incident was caused by weakened metal components. It was similar to a fatal crash off southwestern Japan last year. The U.S. measure prompted the suspension of Ospreys operated by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. Small businesses plan events, start marketing earlier to deal with shorter holiday shopping season The holiday shopping season is underway, and this year small businesses have less time to capitalize on the busy shopping period. Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year. But there are still ways to make the most of a shorter season. One key strategy is for owners to promote deals to customers wherever they can, from social media to physical ads. The National Retail Federation predicts that retail sales will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Online shopping is expected to grow too. Adobe Digital Insights predicts an 8.4% increase online for the full season.
Police hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's masked killer after 'brazen, targeted' attack on NYC streetWASHINGTON , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, December 4 , Dr. Jennifer Bauwens , Family Research Council's Director of the Center for Family Studies, spoke at a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, in support of Tennessee's Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). SB 1 is a commonsense protection for minors from "gender transition" procedures that often result in sterilization and life-long medicalization . Dr. Bauwens has a Ph.D. from New York University and has worked extensively as a researcher and a clinician providing trauma-focused treatment to children in foster-care and adults who have experienced interpersonal and collective traumas. In her role at FRC, she researches and advocates for policies that will best serve the health and well-being of families and communities. She has also testified before Congress regarding "gender transition" procedures. Bauwens stated, in part: "I've spent my career protecting vulnerable and abused children. Today, I stand with all of you to continue the important fight for the safety and well-being of hurting children. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive safe, effective, and loving care when they are in pain. "Unfortunately, some in my profession have set aside everything we know about child development, neurology, and trauma and have instead prioritized ideology over the tenets of good practice. "These individuals willfully ignore good research--which has been funded by our own government--that clearly shows that children lack the developmental capacity and judgment to understand the long-term consequences of altering or removing their healthy body parts. "The fact is, 'gender-affirming care' is the most physiologically invasive practice within the entire mental health field. No other practice used to treat a mental health condition has proven to be this intrusive, since the lobotomy. Despite this reality, 'gender-affirming care' has been permitted across our country, even though it has been shown to be harmful. These procedures should've never been tried on a single child. "Our children and families have been lied to. My profession has told children that all their problems will go away if they deny their biology and try to live as someone else. "For those who have already been harmed, I pray for you to be healed from the destruction caused by these procedures. I pray for you to be healed from the lies that you were told by professionals in my field who made you believe that 'gender-affirming care' would make your pain stop. I also pray for those who genuinely believe that 'gender-affirming care' is good. We care about you enough to tell you the truth. We will continue to pray and fight for you, too, that you would receive true healing and be able to enjoy who God created you to be," Bauwens concluded. FRC, which worked with on-the-ground allies in Arkansas to pass the first such bill in the nation in 2021, submitted an amicus brief in this case, demonstrating that the American medical societies who support gender transition procedures on minors are motivated by politics and ideology. The amicus brief demonstrates that medical societies are recklessly ignoring the data, citing only a handful of slipshod studies that failed to control for relevant variables or to reach statistically or clinically significant results. Meanwhile, medical societies in Western Europe continue to put the brakes on performing experimental "gender transition" procedures on minors. To read FRC and the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE)'s joint publication, The Trans Youth Phenomenon: Critiques & Hard Questions: https://www.frc.org/booklet/the-trans-youth-phenomenon-critiques-hard-questions To watch Dr. Bauwens' speech, please download the Stand Firm app at the Apple or Google Play Stores. To read Bauwens' full speech, please see: https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=LK24L09&f=LK24L09 SOURCE Family Research CouncilNEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The toys market in europe size is estimated to grow by USD 9.27 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.39% during the forecast period. Expanding product portfolio influencing product premiumization is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing number of strategic alliances. However, availability of low-quality counterfeit products poses a challenge. Key market players include 4M Industrial Development Ltd., Clementoni Spa, Evertoys, First Celtic Toys and Learning Ltd., Goliath Games, HABA Group B.V. And Co.KG, Hamleys of London Ltd., Hasbro Inc., JWS Europe Ltd., Kids2 Inc., Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., MGA Entertainment Inc., Ravensburger AG, Simba Dickie Group GmbH, Takara Tomy Co. Ltd., The Toy Co., Theo Klein GmbH, and VTech Holdings Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The European toys market is thriving, with a focus on providing children with toys that foster play, creativity, and social interaction. Action figures, dolls, puzzles, board games, building blocks, and electronic devices are popular choices, developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Educational toys, including letters, numbers, shapes, and STEM toys, are essential for cognitive skills and technological literacy. Traditional toys and technology-driven toys coexist, with movies, TV shows, and video games influencing toy trends. Parents seek quality toys that promote skill development, critical thinking, and social skills. E-commerce platforms cater to a global audience, offering eco-friendly practices, recycled materials, and interactive features. Urbanization and living spaces influence the shift towards indoor toys, while outdoor play areas remain essential for physical development and a healthy lifestyle. The European toys market is highly competitive with numerous vendors offering distinctive products. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter facilitate active funding for toy development by partnering with manufacturers and distributors. Vendors are forming strategic partnerships to expand their businesses through new product offerings and distribution channels. In February 2021 , Hasbro, Inc. Announced a collaboration with Epic Games, introducing the first-ever Hasbro character integration with Fortnite as a special Snake Eyes Outfit. These initiatives enable vendors to gain a competitive edge and sustain their market positions. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges The European toys market is a vibrant industry that caters to children's play and entertainment needs. With a focus on creativity, social interaction, and skill development, this market includes various types of toys such as action figures, dolls, puzzles, board games, building blocks, electronic devices, and more. Parents seek quality toys that enhance motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive development. Traditional toys and technology-driven toys coexist, with educational components and media franchises playing a significant role. Societal values and cultural significance are reflected in toys, promoting social skills like sharing, cooperation, and negotiation. Interactive features, digital interfaces, and augmented reality add to the enriching experiences. E-commerce platforms cater to a global audience, offering eco-friendly practices and recycled materials to reduce packaging waste. The market continues to evolve, responding to urbanization, living spaces, and the need for physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Counterfeit toys in Europe pose a significant challenge to the legitimate toys market. These products, made from substandard raw materials, can be hazardous to children. The rise of e-commerce has expanded the distribution network for counterfeit toys, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish authentic from imitation products. This market fragmentation leads to decreased price standardization, eroding brand equity for major vendors, and an uneven competitive landscape. The affordability of counterfeit toys increases demand, negatively impacting sales and pricing strategies for genuine products. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This toys market in Europe report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Activity toys and accessories 1.2 Soft toys and accessories 1.3 Outdoor and vehicle toys 1.4 Games and puzzles 1.5 Infant and preschool toys and Others 2.1 Specialty stores 2.2 E-retailers 2.3 Hypermarkets 2.4 Department stores 3.1 Europe 1.1 Activity toys and accessories- The European toys market encompasses construction toys, activity toys, action figures, and accessories. Construction toys consist of building blocks, construction vehicles, sets, and worker models, primarily made of plastic, metal, or wood. These items have a low replacement cycle due to their usage. Activity toys include frisbees, hula hoops, and other outdoor recreational items. Children aged two and above often engage with these toys. The demand for outdoor and sports toys is projected to rise due to health concerns and increasing birth rates. Brands like Melissa & Doug, LEGO System AS, and TOMY Co. Ltd. Dominate the activity toys sector. Macroeconomic factors, such as expanding middle-class population, increasing disposable income, decreasing child mortality, and rising birth rate, fuel the toys market growth. The expanding target market for the activity toys and accessories segment offers opportunities for vendors. Additionally, increasing disposable income and household final consumption expenditure enhance consumers' purchasing power, enabling them to buy premium and branded construction toys, thereby driving the value sales of construction and activity toys. Consequently, the rising demand for activity toys and accessories, including Lego sets and skipping ropes, will boost the growth of the European toys market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The European toys market is a vibrant and diverse industry that caters to the play and entertainment needs of children. It offers a wide range of toys that foster creativity, social interaction, and intellectual growth. From action figures and dolls to puzzles, board games, building blocks, electronic devices, and educational toys, there's something for every child's developmental stage and interest. Toys play a significant role in a child's life, helping them develop essential motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and imaginative play. They also promote emotional and physical growth, as well as social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. Moreover, toys hold cultural significance and reflect societal values. They can help children learn letters, numbers, and shapes, and provide opportunities for intellectual growth and exploration. With a focus on fun and learning, the European toys market continues to evolve, offering innovative and engaging toys that inspire and delight children. Market Research Overview The European toys market is a vibrant and diverse industry that caters to the play and entertainment needs of children. It encompasses a wide range of toys, from traditional building blocks and puzzles to modern electronic devices and STEM toys. The market prioritizes creativity, social interaction, and skill development, offering children opportunities for imaginative play, educational growth, and cognitive development. Toys serve as cultural significance and societal values, promoting social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and negotiation. Interactive features, digital interfaces, and e-commerce platforms expand the reach of toys to a global audience. Parents seek quality toys that foster motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and technological literacy. The market includes action figures, dolls, board games, and puzzles, as well as outdoor toys, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable materials. Urbanization and living spaces influence the market, with a growing emphasis on indoor toys and outdoor play areas. The toys industry continues to evolve, integrating cutting-edge technology, educational components, and media franchises, while prioritizing eco-friendly practices and sustainability. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Product Activity Toys And Accessories Soft Toys And Accessories Outdoor And Vehicle Toys Games And Puzzles Infant And Preschool Toys And Others Distribution Channel Specialty Stores E-retailers Hypermarkets Department Stores Geography Europe 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
Washington • Matt Gaetz, who faced a torrent of scrutiny over allegations of sex trafficking and drug use, abruptly withdrew his bid to become attorney general Thursday in the first major political setback for President-elect Donald Trump since his election this month. Gaetz has consistently denied the allegations, but his prospective nomination ran into trouble in the Senate, where Republicans were deeply reluctant to confirm someone to run the same Justice Department that once investigated him on suspicion of sex trafficking an underage girl even though no charges were brought. In announcing his withdrawal a day after visiting the Senate, Gaetz insisted that he had strong support among fellow Republicans. But two people with direct knowledge of Gaetz’s thinking said he had made the decision to pull out after concluding that he would not have the votes in the Senate for confirmation. The people asked for anonymity to discuss his private decision-making. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote on social media. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.” He added, “I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I’m certain he will Save America.” Trump responded with his own social media post expressing appreciation for Gaetz. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do,” the president-elect wrote. Trump did not indicate whom he might select as attorney general instead. The collapse of Gaetz’s prospective candidacy just 16 days after the election appeared to be the earliest such failed Cabinet pick in modern history and underscored the haphazard way that Trump has gone about assembling his new administration. He picked Gaetz almost on a whim last week without extensive vetting, knowing that allegations were out there but essentially daring Senate Republicans to accept him anyway. What remained unclear Thursday was whether Gaetz’s withdrawal would embolden Senate Republicans to challenge other contentious Cabinet choices, such as Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host tapped for defense secretary; or Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the conspiracy theorist and vaccine skeptic selected for secretary of health and human services. Hegseth has been accused of sexual assault but denies it, while Kennedy has been accused of groping a family babysitter, which he has said he does not remember doing. Hegseth was on Capitol Hill on Thursday accompanied by Vice President-elect JD Vance, still serving as a senator from Ohio, to build support for his own nomination. He rejected the allegation that he had attacked a woman at a Republican conference in Monterey, California, in 2017. A police report released Wednesday said that he had blocked a hotel room door when the woman tried to leave and sexually assaulted her. Police did not charge him, and Hegseth has insisted the encounter was consensual, but three years later he paid her a settlement with a nondisclosure agreement. His lawyer has said last week that the woman “extorted him” and that Hegseth paid her because even false accusations would have been damaging to his career. “As far as the media is concerned, I’ll keep this very simple,” Hegseth told reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday. “The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared. And that’s where I’m going to leave it.” The storm surrounding Gaetz had drawn attention away from some of the other contested picks that otherwise might have generated more opposition. Few said much, for instance, when Trump named Todd Blanche, his own criminal defense attorney, and two other lawyers who represented him against indictments, to the top Justice Department positions below attorney general. With Gaetz drawing the most fire, it became increasingly clear that confirmation was unlikely. Trump had privately told people that Gaetz had less than even odds of surviving the confirmation process, but he was making calls on his behalf in the hopes of shifting what the Senate would consider acceptable. Gaetz told people close to him that after conversations with senators and members of their staff, he had concluded that there were at least four Republican senators in the next Congress who were implacably opposed to his nomination: Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and the newly elected John Curtis of Utah. Collins said in a statement after Gaetz’s withdrawal that he had “put country first” and had made “the best decision that Mr. Gaetz could have made.” Murkowski declined to answer any questions about the matter. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, said it was “pretty obvious” that Gaetz did not have the votes to be confirmed. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who had sparred with Gaetz previously but had not indicated whether he would vote against him, said the withdrawal recognized reality. “I think because of the reports that were coming out, it was probably a good decision,” he said. Gaetz, who represented Florida in the House until resigning last week after being tapped by Trump, had been one of the most unpopular Republicans in the Capitol, particularly after instigating the far-right revolt that toppled Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He stepped down from his House seat two days before the House Ethics Committee was slated to produce a report on his activities, bringing an end to the investigation since he was no longer a representative in the panel’s jurisdiction. Republicans on the committee blocked release of the report in a meeting Wednesday. Senators of both parties made clear that they were intent on seeing the report before voting on his confirmation. Gaetz’s withdrawal came a day after The New York Times reported that federal investigators had established a set of payments that he and his associates made in connection with drug-fueled sex parties from 2017 to 2020. Two women who have testified that he hired them for sex were among those who received money from Gaetz, according to a document obtained by the Times. A lawyer for the two women said payments to them totaled around $10,000. Another woman who was 17 at the time she attended one of the parties received a payment from a friend of Gaetz, according to the document. Federal prosecutors ultimately dropped the case against Gaetz, but their chart of payments was obtained by the ethics committee, which was investigating whether Gaetz had sex with the woman when she was underage. Trump disregarded any concerns about the scandals in selecting Gaetz after his advisers deadlocked over other choices, including Andrew Bailey, the attorney general of Missouri; and Robert J. Giuffra Jr., a top lawyer at Sullivan & Cromwell. Gaetz’s selection was pushed heavily by Boris Epshteyn, Trump’s legal adviser, who has helped stock his Justice Department at the top levels. Trump seemed attracted to Gaetz as attorney general especially because of the former congressman’s willingness to blow things up. The president-elect remains deeply angry at the Justice Department’s efforts to prosecute him in connection with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and hoard classified documents. He has also indicated that he wants to use the Justice Department to go after his political adversaries. Gaetz appeared to be in sync with this thinking. A vocal and bombastic critic of the Justice Department, Gaetz has suggested abolishing the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and even the Justice Department as a whole. He introduced legislation last year to eliminate the ATF, which regulates firearms dealers and fights gun crimes. Gaetz’s decision to resign his House seat right away, rather than wait for confirmation, now leaves him without a position in Washington. While he was just reelected this month, he made clear in his resignation letter last week that he would not serve his new term. “I do not intend to take the oath of office for the same office in the 119th Congress,” he wrote. This article originally appeared in The New York Times .DALLAS — Third base has quickly become the hot topic of discussion for the Cardinals this “hot stove” season, particularly as it pertains to eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner Nolan Arenado and his future in St. Louis. Depending upon your perspective, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak either added heat to the situation with his straightforward comments on Monday, or he simply acknowledged the already rising temperature. Mozeliak’s declaration that he intends to try to trade Arenado this winter likely directly affects the future of the Cardinals’ other Nolan. If the Cardinals execute an Arenado trade, Nolan Gorman instantly becomes a front-runner to take over at third base. When asked about Gorman’s best fit defensively with the current roster, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol hedged. “It’s hard to speak to that definitively,” Marmol said. “We don’t know what our roster is going to look like in a few weeks. Once we get past some of this, we’ll have a better understanding. But right now, he’s ready to do whatever he’s asked to do, and he’s in a good head space to be able to do that.” Regarding the specific fit at third base for Gorman, Marmol walked a tightrope and tacitly acknowledged the fit without disregarding the fact that Arenado remains a Cardinal for the moment. “He feels comfortable at multiple positions — third, second,” Marmol said of Gorman. “He came up as a third baseman. He’s obviously done a nice job at second. He turns a good double play. He’ll do whatever he’s asked to, and he’s in a good spot, mentally, to be able to do it.” Coming off a productive season in 2023 when he led the team in home runs (27) and slugging percentage (.478), Gorman had wildly varying stretches at the plate in 2024. Gorman, 24, slashed .196/.261/.363 with four home runs through his first 28 games (26 starts). Then the left-handed-hitting slugger’s offense picked up in May to the tune of a .242/.359/.561 with six home runs in 21 games (19 starts). After a dreadful June, he again experienced an uptick in July (.262/.304/.477 in 20 games). However, his at-bats featured too much swing-and-miss. He registered a whiff rate of 38.7% and a strikeout rate of 37.6%, both among the bottom 1% in the majors. Ultimately, Gorman’s struggles outweighed his periods of success this past season, and he ultimately finished the year back in the minors. Both Mozeliak and Marmol expressed optimism in the impact newly hired hitting coach Brant Brown will have on Gorman’s performance this coming season. Brown has already made a trip to Arizona and spent time with Gorman since joining the coaching staff in late October. “I think he’s in a really good spot; Brownie was able to spend some time with him and just candidly speak to what he feels, what he feels hasn’t gone well,” Marmol said. “Here is what I like about Brownie: He’s able to speak different languages in a sense of if someone is a highly analytical, he’s able to speak to that. If someone is more off feel he’s able to speak to the swing and has a really, really good understanding of that swing. If someone wants to just talk about mechanics, he can do that. He’s been able to relate to a variety of our guys how they like taking in information.” In Gorman’s case, that means understanding how Gorman’s “gather” plays a crucial role in his success or lack thereof in the batter’s box. Marmol characterized Brown’s ability to speak to that as “amazing.” Not only did Gorman begin his professional career in the minors as a third baseman, but defensive metrics show that Gorman struggles more when fielding balls hit to his right. At third base, the foul line is to Gorman’s right and cuts down the amount of territory he’ll have to cover in that direction. Gorman’s fit at third also potentially opens up more time at second base for Brendan Donovan, who improved defensively at that position this past season. Intriguing prospect Thomas Saggese, who the Cardinals acquired at the trade deadline in 2023, also seems to fit best defensively at second base. If the old adage about needing power hitters at the corner infield positions still applies, Gorman might be the biggest power threat the Cardinals currently have along with Willson Contreras. This coming season, Contreras will shift from catcher to first base. In a season that the Cardinals profess will be about opportunity for their young players, Gorman and third base almost seem a destined match. “Nolan Gorman, what is he if he gets 550 plate appearances,” Mozeliak said. “Is he going to be someone that can put up 35 home runs but still have a strong on-base percentage and slug to go with it or is it going to be too much swing and miss? If he becomes the hitter we believe he’s capable of, we believe he can be that middle-of-the-order bat.” How did Mozeliak respond to notion of it being difficult to find the sort of playing time that will grant Gorman 550 at-bats with the current roster? “It’s not hard, ultimately, the roster is going to have to change a little bit,” Mozeliak said. “As far as mapping it out as we’re currently constructed, you could argue it is (hard), but my point is the roster is going to change between now and the time we get to February.”
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New novel "Secretary of Faith" by K.C. Boyd is released, a dystopian tale that reflects the urgent need to resist the threat to American democracyNEW YORK (AP) — Kaapo Kaako scored a power-play goal with 24 seconds left, and the New York Rangers stopped a five-game slide by topping the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 on Saturday. Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the Rangers, who got their first win since a 4-3 victory at Vancouver on Nov. 19. Adam Fox had two assists, and Jonathan Quick made 25 saves. With Montreal’s Kirby Dach serving a four-minute, high-sticking penalty, Kaako got his fourth goal of the season. The Canadiens trailed 3-1 after two periods. But Cole Caufield scored his 14th goal 4:16 into the third and Nick Suzuki tied it at 14:07. Trocheck tipped the puck past Montreal goaltender Sam Montembeault at 19:56 to put New York ahead after Panarin and Montreal’s Mike Matheson scored earlier in the first. Panarin put the Rangers ahead at 9:02, scoring on a 5-on-3 for New York’s first power-play goal since Nov. 12 at home against Winnipeg. Matheson tied it at 11:47. Montembault made 24 saves for Montreal. Takeaways Canadiens: dropped to 3-7-1 on the road. Rangers: Forwards Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil returned to the lineup. Kreider missed three games with an upper-body injury while Chytil was out for seven after colliding with teammate K’Andre Miller on Nov. 14. Reilly Smith and Jonny Brodzinski were scratched. Key moment Seeking an early spark, New York captain Jacob Trouba fought Montreal’s Josh Anderson 1:58 into the contest. It appeared to give the Rangers a collective jolt that was missing in recent games. Key stat The Rangers are 11-1-0 when scoring first. It was the 1,700th home win in franchise history. Up next The Canadiens visit the Boston Bruins on Sunday. The Rangers host the New Jersey Devils on Monday. ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL Allan Kreda, The Associated Press
Programs at UC Riverside work to expand doctors, resources across the region.Dolphins Won’t Activate OLB Bradley Chubb & He Won’t Play This YearWASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical issu e just as the Christmas travel season kicks into overdrive and winter weather is threatening more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. American flights were cleared to fly by federal regulators about one hour after a national ground stop order was issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. There were 1,447 delays for flights entering or leaving the U.S. early in the day, with 28 cancellations. Snow was falling early in New York and Dallas-Fort Worth International, which is American Airlines' main hub, was getting hit with rain. Dallas-Fort Worth had the most delays, followed by Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, New York, Chicago and Miami Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have “interline agreements” that let them put stranded customers on another carrier’s flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That’s because finding a last-minute flight on another airline yourself tends to be very expensive. Just before 7 a.m. Eastern time, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all American Airlines flights grounded in the U.S. at the airline’s request. American had reported a technical issue affecting its entire system with millions traveling for the holiday. American said in an email that the problem Tuesday morning was caused by a vendor technology issue that “impacted systems needed to release flights.” The groundings couldn’t come at a worse time for the millions of travelers expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Friday and Sunday, and on Dec. 26, Dec. 27 and Dec. 29. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. “Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation’s highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. Boston, New York City, Seattle and Washington, D.C., are the metropolitan areas primed for the greatest delays, according to the company. —— AP Reporters David Koenig, Mae Anderson and Mike Pesoli contributed to this report.Sports on TV for Wednesday, Dec. 25
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Two Virginia legislators – one Democrat and one Republican – plan legislation to limit what debt collectors and creditors can seize. Del. Phil Hernandez, D-Norfolk, wants to make it easier to limit the amount a creditor or debt collector can take from a family bank account under a court order. Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, wants to rein in Virginia’s unique-in-the-nation law that allows liens to garnish 100% of an erring taxpayer’s wages. Hernandez Coyner Under current Virginia law, you can exempt $5,000 of bank accounts or household goods from creditors, but you must file a Homestead Deed and then go to court to claim your exemption. Hernandez wants to make that protection kick in automatically for bank accounts. For many Virginians, the Homestead Deed protection is out of reach, said Jay Speer, chief executive officer of the Virginia Poverty Law Center. “This is virtually impossible for someone without a lawyer. This bill will make it automatic, which we think makes a lot more sense and it makes things easier for a bank that receives a garnishment,” he said. Virginia consumer protection bills meet mixed results in assembly The poverty law center supports the measure. It notes that many Virginians now have their wages deposited directly to their bank accounts. The complicated process of protecting sums in those accounts means state law's limits on how much a creditor can have garnished from wages is rendered moot. And not being able to keep at least some money in a bank account has meant families can’t get at their money for essential bills, for rent, food or medical expenses. Some people have electricity, water or gas cut off because a creditor has effectively frozen their bank accounts, the poverty law center said. “Families shouldn’t have to make the impossible choice of feeding their children or paying off a debt,” Hernandez said. “This necessary bill will create new protections to safeguard funds that are needed for the necessities of life and prevent families from falling into a vicious cycle of poverty," he said. Twenty-six states have higher household good exemptions, and 11 of these have additional, separate exemptions for at least portions of a debtor’s bank account, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch analysis of state exemption laws compiled by the National Consumer Law Center, a nonprofit that tracks consumer protection measures nationwide. Delaware bars garnishment of bank accounts but has no exemption for household goods. While Alaska's household goods exemption is less than Virginia's, its separate exemption for some funds in a a bank account exceeds Virginia's exemption. Coyner is focusing on the court orders that let creditors - as well as state and local tax collectors - take Virginians' wages when they owe money. While most creditors or debt collectors are limited to seizing 75% of a debtor's paycheck, tax collectors can seize the whole amount. “Garnishing 100% of someone’s wages is not just impractical – it’s inhumane,” Coyner said. “This bill allows Virginians to pay their debts while maintaining their dignity and basic livelihood.” Her bill would set the same limit on garnishments for back taxes as applies to any other debt: 25% of disposable earnings for a given week, or the amount by which a delinquent taxpayer’s disposable earnings for a week exceed 40 times the minimum. Fifteen states exempt more of a debtors’ wages from garnishment, including four states that exempt all wages: North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. “I believe in paying your taxes,” Coyner said. “But people need a minimum to live on." Virginia lags other several other states when it comes to limiting how much property and wages debt collectors can seize, the National Consumer Law Center review shows. Virginia’s law also exempts $50,000 of a debtor’s home from seizure, while 32 states have higher exemptions. A 2020 law aimed at helping debtors and creditors work out payment plans saw use of settlement services grow last year. The law required debt settlement agencies be licensed and capped the fees they charge. Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, introduced it and argued for it after hearing from the Office of the Attorney General’s consumer protection unit that it was getting a lot of consumer complaints about some debt settlement companies charging exorbitant fees for these services. Willett Virginians entered into 10,559 new agreements during the year; there were 18,586 such agreements in force at the end of the year, a State Corporation Bureau of Financial Institutions report found. The agreements seek to repay or forgive $303 million of debt. Debtors and creditors have come to terms on $104 million, and since the law took effect have repaid $85 million. “We want people to have confidence in these firms,” Willett said. “There were a lot of good firms here, but we wanted to keep the bad actors out. ... A lot of the good ones were with us on this, he said. “It seems to be working," Joseph Face, commissioner at the State Corporation Commission Bureau of Financial Institutions, said he’s not hearing any complaints about debt settlement agencies anymore. Debts are mainly owed retailers and credit card companies he said. The high-interest rate payday, car title and open-end credit lenders that the General Assembly also cracked down on in 2020 do not seem to be involved, he said. The debt settlement bill says debt settlement firms must now be licensed by the Bureau of Financial Institutions. It sets a cap of 20% of a borrower’s debt as the fee a debt settlement firm can charge. A licensed firm must post a surety bond equal to the average amount it receives from Virginians under its debt management plans, up to a maximum of $350,000. Dave Ress (804) 649-6948 dress@timesdispatch.com Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.First batch of Canadian-made low-carbon jet fuel emerges from B.C. refinery
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