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Woman dead, 2 injured in Lanark Highlands crash
Two Republican lawmakers are focused on a skyward threat. Reps. of Texas and of Florida will conduct a hearing Tuesday to examine the full scope of threats posed to the nation’s homeland security by unmanned aerial systems — also known as UAS — or drones. The two lawmakers are the chairmen of, respectively, the House Homeland Security’s subcommittees on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement and Intelligence and on Transportation and Maritime Security. “In the wrong hands, drone technology has the potential to negatively impact the essential mission of law enforcement agencies, disrupt our critical infrastructure, and even surveil sensitive U.S. military and other sites in the homeland,” they said in a joint written statement shared with Inside the Beltway. “As these threats evolve rapidly, Congress must be prepared to meet the moment to ensure law enforcement has the necessary authorities and tools to swiftly detect, track, and mitigate hostile drone activity. We are eager to hear from FBI, DOJ, and CBP officials, as well as private sector stakeholders, to gain a deeper understanding of the emerging threats posed by the malicious use of drones in the United States and to explore how law enforcement can more effectively address these threats,” the two chairmen said. The hearing will be live-streamed on YouTube at 2 p.m. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has an innovative way to engage voters and also perhaps seek a contribution — a quiz about President-elect . “How well do you know Trump?” an introduction to the online quiz asks. “Take the official Trump quiz and see if you can get an A+,” it suggests. Meanwhile, here’s a few of the 10 questions to consider, verbatim from the quiz: What year was Trump born? What did Trump get his college degree in? What is Trump’s favorite fast food? What is Trump’s middle name? The aforementioned committee released the quiz Sunday. It was conducted by WinRed, a U.S.-based fundraising platform for Republican and conservative political campaigns. A new book has a forthright theme, and the title tells all: “Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops.” The author is , co-host of “Outnumbered” on Fox News — and her book has been named to the list of “Best Books of 2024” by BarnesandNoble.com. “In this celebration of faith and freedom, Fox News Co-Host Emily Compagno shares first person accounts that show the profound role belief in God has played in the lives of U.S. military service members as they served in combat from World War I to today — commemorating the courage, camaraderie, spirit, and sacrifice of America’s heroes,” the site said. Ms. Compagno’s book also leads the “most sold” list at amazon.com, and is ranked No. 2 at the site’s Christian books and Bibles category. The book was published by HarperCollins on Nov. 26. “President won the 2024 presidential election with an historic mandate. As the first Republican to win the popular vote in two decades, President Trump did so by stitching together the broadest, most diverse coalition in modern history,” Mr. Trump’s campaign noted in a statement released Nov. 8. Does the public agree? “Yes, President-elect Donald Trump has a mandate, most voters believe. Winning both the popular vote and the Electoral College makes the 2024 election a mandate for Donald Trump to implement his policy agenda, according to a majority of voters,” advises Rasmussen Reports in an analysis released Sunday. The national telephone and online survey found that 55% of likely U.S. voters believe the election is “a mandate for Trump to enact the policies he campaigned on. Another 32% disagree, while 13% are not sure whether the election is a mandate. The survey of 1,291 likely U.S. voters was conducted online and by telephone Dec. 1-3. Rep. , Kentucky Republican, has been cited by the 60 Plus Association, a nonpartisan senior-advocacy group, for his work on cutting seniors’ taxes. “Hats off to Congressman Tom Massie for introducing a bill to eliminate taxing senior citizens’ Social Security payments. Seniors have paid into the system their entire working lives and for many, this is the primary source of retirement income,” , chairman of the association, said in a written statement shared with Inside the Beltway. “Taxing Social Security just doesn’t make sense. We feed ’the beast’ and see billions of dollars wasted on silly programs. Let seniors keep more of their retirement income,” Mr. Anuzis said. The 60 Plus Association and the American Association of Senior Citizens — also a nonprofit group — have presented Mr. Massie with their ’Legislator of the Month’ award for his efforts. “Although seniors have already paid tax on their Social Security contributions via the payroll tax, they are still required to list these benefits as taxable income on their tax returns,” Mr. Massie said, also in a written statement. “This is simply a way for Congress to obtain more revenue for the federal government at the expense of seniors who have already paid into Social Security. My bill would exempt Social Security retirement benefits from taxation and boost the retirement income of millions of older Americans,” he noted. And here’s a little background: The Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act was originally introduced in 2003 by Rep. , Texas Republican. Mr. Massie, meanwhile, has introduced this bill before each Congress since he took office in 2013. • 44% of registered Canadian voters say they would vote for the Conservative Party of Canada if the nation’s federal election were held today. • 21% of Canadian voters would vote for Liberal Party of Canada. • 20% would vote for the New Democratic Party. • 7% would vote for Bloc Quebecois. • 5% would vote for the Green Party. • 2% would vote for the People’s Party of Canada. • 1% are undecided. SOURCE: An Abacus Data national survey of 2,720 Canadian adults conducted online Nov. 29-Dec. 4 and released Sunday. Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC. .Title: Sherman Discusses Premier League Title Race: Four Teams Are Genuine Contenders, Certainly Including Manchester CityAdani Gangavaram Port Sets New Record in Urea DischargeSailors killed in Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race identified
In the second half, Arsenal upped the intensity, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Sandberg, however, stood firm, soaking up the pressure and hitting the visitors on the break. With the clock ticking down, Arsenal threw everything forward in search of a goal, but the Sandberg defense held strong, repelling wave after wave of attacks.In a heartwarming display of kindness and generosity, a Rolls-Royce owner who was involved in an accident made a remarkable decision to donate all his insurance settlement as a form of gratitude to those who helped him during the ordeal. This selfless act of giving has not only touched the hearts of many but has also become a powerful example of how kindness and compassion can create a ripple effect of love and positivity in the world.
President-elect Donald Trump on Monday held a wide-ranging news conference in which he said he would preserve access to the polio vaccine but equivocated on other vaccines, pledged to look at bringing down the costs of pharmaceuticals and expressed doubts that his daughter-in-law might be Florida's next senator. Trump held forth for over an hour, the first time he took questions from reporters since winning the election. The event harkens back to his long-winding news conferences from his first term and is a stark contrast from President Joe Biden , who doesn't often take questions from reporters. Here's a look at some of what he touched on: Trump defended his choice for health secretary, prominent vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , but said he personally is a “big believer” in the polio vaccine and would preserve access to it. “You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine," he said. “That’s not going to happen.” Over the weekend, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who had polio as a child, spoke out in defense of the polio vaccine after a recent report disclosed that one of Kennedy's advisers filed a petition to revoke approval for the polio vaccine in 2022. Kennedy has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Trump seemed to question whether there’s a link, saying “We’re looking to find out,” and remarked on the rising cases of autism being diagnosed. “There’s something wrong, and we’re going to find out about it,” he said. There are no blood or biological tests for autism; instead, a doctor bases the diagnosis on a child’s behavior. While the autism diagnosis has been available for at least 80 years, the definition gradually expanded to include milder cases, which are more common. A study last year found that about a quarter of kids with autism — about 110,000 in the U.S. — have the most severe version of the developmental disability, which has left them unable to speak or with an IQ below 50 or both. Of Kennedy, “He’s going to be much less radical than you would think," he said. "I think he’s got a very open mind, or I wouldn’t have put him there.” Trump described a dinner he had this month with Kennedy; Dr. Mehmet Oz , a celebrity heart surgeon turned talk show host and lifestyle guru whom he's tapped to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and top pharmaceutical executives in which they discussed drug prices. Trump heaped praise on the companies — the same ones that Kennedy has routinely argued profit off of Americans unfairly — but said the high cost of health care was a focus of their dinner. “What came out of that meeting is that we’re paying far too much,” Trump said. Trump also hit pharmaceutical benefits managers, calling them “horrible middlemen” who drive up the cost of drugs. Pharmaceutical companies have been aggressively lobbying Congress to restrict the role of pharmaceutical benefit managers, which help health insurance companies’ biggest clients decide how and what prescription drugs will be covered in their insurance plans. “I don’t know who these middlemen are, but they are rich as hell," Trump said. The press conference was Trump’s most extensive public appearance since his victory six weeks ago — a rare absence from the public stage for the former reality star. But it also underscored how even while president-elect, Trump has seized the spotlight from Biden, who still has a month left on his term in office. Biden has not held a press conference in months and has had a limited public schedule. While Trump was addressing some of the top-of-mind issues of the day -- including sightings of drones flying over the Northeast -- Biden himself has been silent, leaving it to aides to try to calm the public. Trump seemed skeptical that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would appoint his daughter-in-law to be a Florida senator, taking the seat held by Marco Rubio, who has been nominated for secretary of state. Asked whether he expected DeSantis to name Lara Trump to replace Rubio, Trump said, “I probably don’t, but I don’t know.” Trump recently spoke with DeSantis at a memorial for Florida law enforcement officers. Trump's allies have been pushing DeSantis to nominate Lara Trump, who is married to Trump's son, Eric, and served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee this year. “Ron’s doing a good job with his choice," Trump said, without elaborating. He lavished praise on Lara Trump, including for her work at the RNC, where part of her duties involved focusing on “election integrity,” a priority of Trump's after he falsely claimed fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Trump indicated he would look at intervening in the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. The popular social media platform must cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January under a federal law. He didn't offer specifics, but Trump credited the platform with helping him win the election. His campaign saw it as a bridge to reach younger, less politically engaged voters, particularly when clips circulated showing him with celebrities at UFC fights. “We’ll take a look at TikTok,” he said. “You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok." Trump tried to ban TikTok during his first term but changed his mind and pledged to “save” TikTok. Once he takes office, his Justice Department would be tasked with enforcing the new federal law against TikTok. Trump on Monday was meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Chew at his Mar-a-Lago club, according to two people familiar with the president-elect’s plans who were not authorized to speak publicly about them and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. Trump noted the differences between the first time he was to take office eight years ago and today, saying executives now want to meet with him. He said they were “hostile” back then. “Everybody was fighting me,” he said about his first term. “This term, everybody wants to be my friend. I don’t know. My personality changed or something.” While he left office in 2021 ostracized and angry, Trump has had a stunning turnaround leading to his election win. Last week, he was honored by being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year and ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. His meeting with the TikTok executive was part of a string of meetings he's had with Silicon Valley billionaires and other technology leaders since becoming president-elect. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai have all flown to Trump's club to meet with him. He revealed Monday that he had also met with Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will meet with him this week, Trump said. “We have a lot of great executives coming in — the top executives, the top bankers, they’re all calling," he said. "It’s like a complete opposite from the first one.” With multiple wars going on, Trump has sought to insert himself back on the world stage. He said he is working to get Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza to be released and had a “very good talk” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But on Monday he seemed to buffer expectations about his promise to solve the Russia-Ukraine war even before taking office, describing the conflict as a “tough one” and a “nasty one." “We are trying to get that war stopped, that horrible, horrible war” he said. “It’s a tough one. It’s a nasty one. It’s nasty. People are being killed at levels that nobody’s ever seen.” Russia's invasion of Ukraine is Europe’s biggest armed conflict since World War II and has cost tens of thousands of lives on both sides. Trump declined to say whether he's spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since winning the election. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris this month when he visited for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Trump's incoming press secretary has said that Trump invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other world leaders to his Jan. 20 inauguration, but Trump said Monday that Zelenskyy was not among them. “If he'd like to come, I'd like to have him," Trump said. Trump said Xi has not yet said whether he is coming. He described the Chinese leader as “a friend of mine” and “an amazing guy” but acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their relationship. “It was a bridge too far for me,” he said. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Amanda Seitz in Washington and Colleen Long in Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.This week we’re handing over the newsletter to Paul Durica , director of exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum. In his own words, he reflects on his past year of research: “Over the last year, I have started my day by reading the Chicago Tribune, that is, the corresponding edition from 100 years ago. “The decision to read each day’s newspaper from 1924 came from a realization that two events that have meant a lot to my work occurred in the same calendar year. Those events are the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Robert Franks by Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb, considered the crime of the century at the time, and the passage by the United States Congress of the nation’s most restrictive piece of immigration legislation. “I wondered what else happened in 1924 and what would I learn by letting the year unfold day by day, in real time. Much from that year is still remembered, while many events, meaningful in their moment, have faded from memory. “I discovered a year that continues to shape Chicago. In many ways, we are all living in the city that came into existence in 1924. We engage with that year on the streets we walk, the buildings we enter, and the festivals and events we attend. “Despite many successes and advances, the year serves as a warning. In Chicago, crime is out of control. In Washington, corruption is rampant. And in Europe, authoritarianism is on the rise. We know what became of the people who lived through that year. What will become of those who lived through 2024 is the task of a future historian.” — Paul Durica Reader Daniel Knopfloch asked: What songs describe the city “in the best way?” Great question, Daniel. What’s your favorite song about Chicago and why? Email us. We might use your answer in an upcoming edition of the newsletter. Dec. 26, 1908: Jack Johnson became the first Black heavyweight boxing champ, in Sydney, Australia. He defeated Tommy Burns of Canada after the fight was stopped in the 14th round. Dec. 26, 2018: Retiring Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis signed a secret agreement with federal prosecutors in which he admitted to taking bribes from real estate developers in exchange for his help on zoning issues. The terms of the unprecedented deferred-prosecution agreement that Solis signed with the U.S. attorney’s office that day weren’t made public until April 2022. He became a government mole by wearing an undercover wire to help federal investigators build cases against former 14th Ward Ald. Edward Burke and ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan . On Jan. 24, 1924, The Chicago Daily Tribune announced plans for the John G. Shedd Aquarium to be built at Grant Park by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. (Chicago Tribune) Local: Kate Buckingham and John G. Shedd made gifts to the South Park Commission that will change the city. National: Teapot Dome scandal began to emerge in Washington. International: V.I. Lenin died in Russia. Elsie Stoneman, played by Lillian Gish, and her brother attend Ford’s Theater on the night of Lincoln’s assassination in the 1915 motion picture “Birth of a Nation.” (D. W. Griffith) Local: Police shut down screening of “The Birth of a Nation” at the Auditorium Theatre. National: Former President Woodrow Wilson died. International: Adolf Hitler went on trial in Munich for having helped lead a failed coup there in 1923. Archbishop George Mundelein leaves Chicago on March 6, 1924, from the Baltimore and Ohio station headed to New York where he will sail for Rome to become a cardinal in 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Archbishop George Mundelein was elevated to cardinal — the city’s first — in Rome. National: Harry K. Thaw received the right to a new trial for the 1906 murder of architect Stanford White. International: The Tribune interviewed Mahatma Gandhi not long after his release from prison. Beulah Annan gave her confession at the Hyde Park police station after shooting her lover, Harry Kalstedt, earlier that day, on April 3, 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Beulah Annan , the inspiration for Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” killed her lover Harry Kalstedt. National: The U.S. Senate passed a restrictive immigration bill . International: Fascists won big in Italian parliamentary elections. Eight of Robert “Bobby” Franks’ friends from the Harvard private school he attended act as pallbearers at the 14-year-old’s funeral on May 25, 1924. Franks, the youngest son of millionaire Jacob Franks, was killed by Richard Loeb, 18, and Nathan Leopold, Jr., 19, on May 21, 1924. The funeral service was held at the Franks home at 5052 Ellis Ave. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb kidnapped and murdered 14-year-old Robert Franks. National: Black Gold , owned by Osage woman Rosa M. Hoots , won the 50th running of the Kentucky Derby. International: Several nations vied for the “death ray” technology purportedly developed by British inventor Harry Grindell Matthews. Belva Gaertner and her attorneys Thomas Nash, to her left, and Michael Ahern, to her right, were all smiles after the jury’s verdict that found her guiltless on June 6, 1924, in the murder of auto salesman Walter Law on March 12, 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Belva Gaertner went on trial for killing her lover. National: Republicans nominated Calvin Coolidge for president and Evanston resident Charles Gates Dawes for vice president. International: George Mallory and A.C. Irvine were reported dead after attempting to summit Mount Everest. Sybil Bauer, the swimming champ who won the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1924 Summer Olympics, circa 1920s. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: Oak Park native Ernest Hemingway was reported to have been gored by a bull in Pamplona, Spain; largest fleet to date set off from Belmont Harbor on the race to Mackinac Island. National: Deadlocked Democrats compromised on John W. Davis and Charles W. Bryan for their presidential ticket. International: Olympic games kicked off in Paris, where Chicago swimmers Sybil Bauer and Johnny Weissmuller excelled. George C. Blakeslee, chief photographer at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, circa 1926. The observatory boasted a collection of over 170,000 photographic plates. (Chicago Herald and Examiner) Local: Cigarette foe Lucy Page Gaston died of throat cancer. National: Conman Charles Ponzi was released from prison but faced state charges. International: Astronomers from around the world — including from Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin — observed Mars , which was passing the closest it would be to Earth until 2007. “Jumpy conditions,” however, prevented local experts from a clear view. The plane Chicago lands at a small airstrip just outside of west suburban Maywood on Sept. 15, 1924, during the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe by the U.S. Army World Fliers. The Chicago was flown by Lts. Lowell Smith and Leslie Arnold. (Chicago Herald and Examiner) Local: The trial of Leopold and Loeb ended with a verdict of life in prison with no possibility of parole. National: Miss Philadelphia Ruth Malcomson won what became the Miss America contest in Atlantic City. Miss Chicago Margaret Leigh placed second. International: A trio of American flyers — who stopped in Chicago — successfully circumnavigated the globe by plane. Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales, third from left, visits Chicago in October 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: The Prince of Wales visited Chicago. National: The Washington Senators beat the New York Giants in a seven-game World Series. International: Conservatives toppled the Labor government in a snap election in England. A crowd gathers outside gangster Dean O’Banion’s flower shop, Schofield Co. at 738 N. State St., after he was shot and killed on Nov. 10, 1924. Three assassins entered the flower shop, talked with O’Banion and then opened fire at only a few feet’s distance. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: North side gang leader Dean O’Banion was assassinated in his flower shop. National: Calvin Coolidge and the GOP won big in federal elections. International: Composer Giacomo Puccini died. President Calvin Coolidge and first lady Grace Coolidge posed for a Tribune photographer after they arrived in Chicago to attend a stock show in 1924. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) Local: President Coolidge visited Chicago; John J. Glessner donated his house to the American Institute of Architects; and the Field Museum purchased the lions of Tsavo . National: Labor leader Samuel Gompers died; tobacco magnate James B. Duke established a trust that led to Trinity College becoming Duke University. International: Sun Yat-Sen arrived in modern-day Bejing and set out to become China’s president early in 1925. Become a Tribune subscriber: It’s just $1 for a 1-year digital subscription Follow us on Instagram: @vintagetribune Thanks for reading! Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather at krumore@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com
Mystery drone sightings continue in New Jersey and across the US. Here's what we know
As the investigation into the asphyxiation incident continues, travelers are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in promoting a safe and secure travel environment. The swift response and coordination demonstrated by all parties involved in the emergency situation serve as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the aviation industry in ensuring passenger safety at all times.In conclusion, the tale of selling the "East-Facing House" for a "West-Facing House" is a cautionary one. It highlights the importance of considering not just the external factors such as views and aesthetics but also the internal dynamics of a house, such as natural light, temperature control, and daily living experience. Sometimes, what seems like a simple trade-off can reveal a world of difference once the change is made. So, before making a decision to switch houses, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate all aspects to ensure that the new home aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. After all, home is not just a place; it is a sanctuary that should nurture and support you in every way possible.It was a stormy evening, the rain creating a soft patter against the windows of the cozy family home. Inside, the atmosphere was tense as the father, Mr. Zhang, had indulged a bit too much in his favorite liquor. Tears welled up in his eyes as he slurred his words, his voice filled with emotion as he gripped his 6-year-old daughter, Lily's, small hand tightly.
The actress also expressed her gratitude for the concern and support from fans, acknowledging that being in the public eye comes with its share of scrutiny and gossip. Despite the ups and downs in their relationship, Charmaine Sheh remained hopeful and optimistic about the future with Kevin Cheng, emphasizing the strength of their bond and commitment to each other.
NAIROBI (XINHUA) – China’s economic growth has benefited the world, and its pursuit of comprehensive reforms and modernisation will create many opportunities globally, said a Kenyan expert on China-Africa relations. In a recent interview with Xinhua , Stephen Ndegwa said he expects China’s commitment to high-quality development and wider opening-up to chart a new chapter in international relations and cooperation. China is promoting the development of a digital economy and boosting high-quality infrastructure development globally, said the Nairobi-based expert, adding that its products, whether in industries, infrastructure, technology, or digital and scientific fields, are constantly improving in quality. Ndegwa expressed his optimism that the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Leaders’ Summit would be key in sustaining global stability, particularly in the economic sphere. He underscored that economic stability is essential for development and that addressing broader global challenges becomes more feasible when the economic foundation is solid. “China’s presence at the APEC meeting and the G20 summit will have a positive impact on the world. There will be more discussions on how to promote multilateralism and broader prospects for global trade and development,” Ndegwa said. The expert said through the Belt and Road Initiative and other initiatives, China has strengthened economic ties with many countries and significantly boosted regional and global economic growth. With its robust economic growth and the rise of a consumer-driven economy, China offers new opportunities to increase bilateral trade with other countries, Ndegwa said, adding that this dynamic exchange is set to strengthen further, serving as a model for future regional cooperation. Ndegwa also highlighted China’s contribution to the economic growth of Kenya and the larger African region, noting that China has done a lot of work in Kenya, from stadiums to roads and various infrastructures. “China’s construction has contributed to Kenya’s economic growth, especially through the roads built by China, which have opened up markets that were previously inaccessible and allowed producers to transport products throughout the country,” Ndegwa said. Ndegwa noted that he has visited China multiple times, saying that he believes China’s cooperation with its partners is sincere. “China’s development is a blessing for the world,” Ndegwa added.Trump gave Interior nominee one directive for a half-billion acres of US land: ‘Drill.’
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expresses confidence in struggling kicker Jake MoodyMystery drone sightings continue in New Jersey and across the US. Here's what we know
Biggest Townsville headlines from May 2024Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a "state of credit card report" for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it's not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don't use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders' status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted "token" that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn't require you to have your physical cards present, there's less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Should You Donate Your Points and Miles to Charity? Need Credit Card Debt Relief? Debt Management Could Help If You’re in Credit Card Debt, Forget About Rewards Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com . The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet.
As the investigation into this smuggling attempt continues, authorities are committed to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national security by preventing the illicit trafficking of goods across borders. The case serves as a cautionary tale for those who seek to flout customs regulations for personal gain, highlighting the risks and consequences associated with such reckless behavior.The Bank of Japan, known for its cautious and conservative approach to monetary policy, has rarely made such public announcements in the past. The decision to hold a speech and press conference has raised eyebrows among investors and economists alike, as it is seen as an indication that the central bank may be preparing to adjust its policy stance in response to changing economic conditions.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada , then the Panama Canal . Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland . The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he’s picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20. In a Sunday announcement naming his ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.” Trump again having designs on Greenland comes after the president-elect suggested over the weekend that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal if something isn’t done to ease rising shipping costs required for using the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He’s also been suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.” Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, said Trump tweaking friendly countries harkens back to an aggressive style he used during his days in business. “You ask something unreasonable and it’s more likely you can get something less unreasonable,” said Farnsworth, who is also author of the book “Presidential Communication and Character.” Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is 80% covered by an ice sheet and is home to a large U.S. military base. It gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, suggested that Trump’s latest calls for U.S. control would be as meaningless as those made in his first term. “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” he said in a statement. “We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom.” The Danish Prime Minister’s Office said in its own statement that the government is “looking forward to welcoming the new American ambassador. And the Government is looking forward to working with the new administration.” “In a complex security political situation as the one we currently experience, transatlantic cooperation is crucial,” the statement said. It noted that it had no comment on Greenland except for it “not being for sale, but open for cooperation.” Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his offer to buy Greenland was rejected by Copenhagen, and ultimately came to nothing . He also suggested Sunday that the U.S. is getting “ripped off” at the Panama Canal. “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question,” he said. Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded in a video that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to,” but Trump fired back on his social media site, “We’ll see about that!” The president-elect also posted a picture of a U.S. flag planted in the canal zone under the phrase, “Welcome to the United States Canal!” The United States built the canal in the early 1900s but relinquished control to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter . The canal depends on reservoirs that were hit by 2023 droughts that forced it to substantially reduce the number of daily slots for crossing ships. With fewer ships, administrators also increased the fees that shippers are charged to reserve slots to use the canal. The Greenland and Panama flareups followed Trump recently posting that “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State” and offering an image of himself superimposed on a mountaintop surveying surrounding territory next to a Canadian flag. Trudeau suggested that Trump was joking about annexing his country, but the pair met recently at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. “Canada is not going to become part of the United States, but Trump’s comments are more about leveraging what he says to get concessions from Canada by putting Canada off balance, particularly given the precarious current political environment in Canada,” Farnsworth said. “Maybe claim a win on trade concessions, a tighter border or other things.” He said the situation is similar with Greenland. “What Trump wants is a win,” Farnsworth said. “And even if the American flag doesn’t raise over Greenland, Europeans may be more willing to say yes to something else because of the pressure.” __ Associated Press writers Gary Fields in Washington and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
In a shocking turn of events, a female master's student who had been reported missing was finally found, leading to the arrest of a suspect by the authorities. The incident has sparked widespread concern and speculation, prompting the police to launch a thorough investigation into the case.
As TGA 2022 draws near, the excitement and anticipation surrounding these rumored game announcements continue to grow. While there is no official confirmation from the developers or publishers involved, the possibility of "Death Stranding 2" and a "Max Payne" remake being revealed at the event has sparked a wave of speculation and discussion within the gaming community.NXT Energy Solutions Inc. Announces Board of Director Changes
CHICAGO — The Seattle Seahawks placed running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve prior to their game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday because of an ankle injury. Walker hurt his ankle in last week’s loss to Minnesota and left that game after sitting out the previous two because of a calf problem. He also missed two weeks in September with an oblique issue. Walker has run for 573 yards and seven touchdowns on 153 carries. A second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2022, he has 2,528 yards rushing and 24 TDs in his career. Walker could, in theory, return if the Seahawks win two playoff games, though their postseason hopes were slim entering the game against Chicago. Seattle (8-7) trailed the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams (9-6) by one game with two to play. The Seahawks’ best path to the postseason was to win the final two regular-season games and have Los Angeles lose to Arizona on Saturday. Seattle visits the Rams to close the regular season. With Walker out, Seattle signed rookie running back George Holani off the practice squad.