SoundHound AI's chief product officer sells $538,910 in stockMADISON, Wis. — John Tonje had 22 points and Nolan Winter scored 12 to pace Wisconsin to a 74-53 win over Chicago State on Saturday. Wisconsin (8-0) gained control with a 17-3 run early in the second half, going in front 49-30 on a dunk by Winter with 11:21 remaining. The Cougars (0-9) made just 1 of 13 shots during that stretch. Jalen Forrest was the only Cougars player to score in double figures. He had 10 points. Chicago State, which missed its first 10 shots from beyond the arc, pulled within 30-25 on Greg Spate’s 3-pointer with 1:37 left in the first half. Tonje’s lay-in put the Badgers up 32-25 at the break. Chicago State: The Cougars, who entered averaging 59.1 points, struggled again offensively. Their point differential of minus-25.3 per game was 352nd out of 355 teams in Division 1. Wisconsin: The Badgers avoided the slow start that has plagued them in several games this season. Wisconsin trailed Holy Cross by 16 early in the season opener, Appalachian State early by nine, and in its last game, overcame a 14-point first-half deficit in an 81-75 win over Pittsburgh. Chicago State scored to open the second and pull within 32-27, but the Badgers answered with an 8-0 run, going in front 40-27 on Tonje’s 3-pointer from the left corner. Wisconsin, which entered No. 1 in the nation in free-throw percentage at 86.5% (147-of-170), made 18 of 21 from the line. Wisconsin hosts Michigan on Tuesday in the Big Ten opener for each team. Chicago State is at St. Thomas (Minn.) on Monday.
A study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Chloe Robinson said reported strikes represent a fraction of their true extent, and a lack of protection measures leaves whales vulnerable as global shipping expands. The study found shipping takes place across 92 per cent of the ranges for humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales worldwide, but measures to reduce vessel strikes have been implemented in less than seven per cent of high-risk areas. “That could really spell, you know, potential extinction for some of these species,” said Robinson, director of whales for Ocean Wise, a B.C.-based organization that provided data for the paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science. “A recent study estimated anything up to 20,000 whales are killed a year through ship strikes, globally, and that’s just an estimate, a best-case estimate.” Robinson said she was surprised to see Swiftsure Bank, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, emerge as a risk hot spot for strikes of fin, blue and humpback whales. The area is a “migration highway” for humpbacks, she noted. The study also identified a hot spot for the same three species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence between Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. “This is something that Ocean Wise has been looking into because a lot of the management measures occur offshore and not sort of within the Gulf of St. Lawrence itself and even the St. Lawrence Seaway, (which) leads down to the Great Lakes,” she said. “That was a huge hot spot, which was really interesting for me.” Robinson said there have been smaller studies on the risk of ship strikes in different regions, but the study published Thursday is the first to map the distribution of the four whale species, using a variety of data sources, then compare it with the Automatic Identification System, a tool used for tracking vessels worldwide. “This was really the first of its kind to map these two on top of each other,” she said. The researchers found the highest levels of risk in the Indian, western North Pacific and Mediterranean, while it also identified high-risk areas in the eastern North Pacific, North and South Atlantic Ocean along with the South China Sea. The Southern Ocean was the only region that did not contain any ship-strike hot spots due to low levels of shipping, despite high use by whales, the study found. Robinson said the findings support a strong case for maritime authorities to adopt measures such as whale alert systems, speed limits and no-go zones. “We know where there are areas where there are lots of whales and lots of ships, so this is where we need to target for management,” she said in an interview. Robinson said Canada is home to many “eyes on the water” and researchers exploring innovative techniques for monitoring whales. But the country lacks mandatory mitigation measures, and it’s not alone. “Next to none of the measures globally are mandatory. So, having voluntary measures (is) great, provided people comply,” Robinson said. Ocean Wise launched an alert system in 2018 that notifies large vessels of the presence of whales in Pacific Northwest waters, and Robinson said about 80 per cent of mariners from Washington state up to Alaska have signed up. The WhaleReport alert system mainly functions in what she describes as “inshore” waters around busy ports in Seattle, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The Port of Vancouver has also seen a high rate of compliance for its ECHO program, Robinson noted. The program encourages vessels to take voluntary steps, such as slowing down or staying farther away from whales, in order to reduce underwater noise and the potential for strikes in busy shipping areas. Robinson favours a multi-pronged approach to reducing ship strikes, but she said one single measure she believes could have a big impact would be equipping vessels with an infrared camera to detect whales within several kilometres. “Maybe some mariners ... respond better to knowing there 100 per cent is a whale 200 metres in front of your vessel, versus, ‘slow down, there might be a whale here.'” Robinson said such cameras can cost between US$50,000 and $75,000. But the cost was a “drop in the bucket” of major companies’ profits, she said. The cameras also present a public-relations opportunity for businesses to advertise themselves as operating in a more whale-friendly manner, Robinson said. “I know people who have had to go and have therapy after killing a humpback whilst at the helm,” she added. “I think there’s a lot to be said (for) the long-term benefits of this kind of technology.” The study also found areas with lower traffic that could provide refuge for whales, especially with added protections. It shows the Arctic Ocean, for example, has very few high-risk areas for vessel strikes, and Robinson said some researchers view it as potential sanctuary. But without protections, Robinson said Arctic waters could become the next high-risk hot spot as sea ice melts with climate change, opening up shipping routes. “Knowing the plans to expand shipping routes into these areas to cut shipping time, make things faster, right through prime whale habitat, I think this is a really good opportunity to get ahead of the issue before it becomes an issue,” she said. Whales play crucial roles in their ecosystems, including cycling nutrients that support other species, and they’re a boon for tourism, Robinson said. They’re also “magical” creatures that people feel connected to, she said, and they remain vulnerable after many species were hunted to the brink of extinction. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian PressIn a major breakthrough for Blue Origin, the space venture founded by Jeff Bezos, the Federal Aviation Administration has granted a commercial space launch license for its New Glenn rocket. This development paves the way for the company's entry into the fiercely competitive field of national security space missions. Blue Origin joins a select group that includes Elon Musk's SpaceX and Boeing-Lockheed joint venture United Launch Alliance, as contenders for crucial Department of Defense projects. The move represents a significant step forward for the company in securing a foothold in the lucrative market segment. The license affirms Blue Origin's readiness to challenge established leaders in the sector and reflects growing confidence in its capabilities to deliver on large-scale, government-backed space initiatives. (With inputs from agencies.)IU INDY 106, TRINITY CHRISTIAN 49
U.S. District Court Awards 10x Genomics Permanent Injunction in Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Bruker Corporation's GeoMx Products
NoneMarkham Mayor Roger Agpawa is seeking a pardon from President Joe Biden in an attempt to clear a 1999 federal fraud conviction that initially made the mayor ineligible for office. It took a change in state law before Agpawa could officially hold office, and he said he believes “having closure is the right and fair thing to do” as far as clearing his record. Agpawa was elected to his first term in 2017, but at the time he was ineligible to serve due to state law that prohibits felons from holding municipal office. Agpawa pleaded guilty in federal court to mail fraud in 1999 for his role in an insurance scheme. Agpawa served 300 hours of community service, three years’ probation and paid $20,000 in restitution. He said Monday that although his right to hold office was restored , that did not clear the federal conviction from his record. “The sentence seems to go on in a society until we get this additional document, of a pardon or clemency,” said Agpawa, 63. “I still have something overshadowing me.” He said under his leadership “we have improved the quality of life for the people of Markham,” including new infrastructure work and city services. Agpawa said when he was first elected the city had a deficit of $11 million, “but now we have balanced budgets.” The Illinois General Assembly in May 2021 approved changes to state election law. The changes revised qualifications to hold municipal office by amending the Illinois Election Code and was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Agpawa had been permitted to take office after former Gov. Bruce Rauner, in September 2018, signed a Restoration of Rights of Citizenship certificate. He had the title of mayor-elect before formally being sworn in after Rauner’s action. In the interim, before the governor’s action, Ernest Blevins, Markham senior trustee, served as interim mayor. “The restoration of rights made me whole in Illinois but not the rest of the country,” Agpawa said Monday. With the felony conviction for instance, he cannot carry a gun. Three Markham residents sued to challenge Agpawa’s eligibility to hold office. A lower court upheld Agpawa’s right to serve as mayor, but an April 2021 state appellate court ruling determined that Rauner lacked the authority to overrule state election law when he restored Agpawa’s citizenship rights. In the 2-1 decision, the appeals court found that “Agpawa is not eligible to seek or hold municipal office in Illinois.” Agpawa received more than 80% of the vote in his bid for a second term in April 2021. In August 2021, the state Supreme Court ruled Agpawa was eligible to be mayor. The Supreme Court cited the legislation approved that May regarding the eligibility of felons to hold municipal office and that Pritzker signed the measure into law that June. Agpawa needed a presidential pardon or a change in state law to undo the consequences of his federal mail fraud conviction, as far as his eligibility to hold office. He said the pardon “is the only real way to get completion” and have his record cleared. “You are really not complete or whole until that process is done,” he said. Agpawa said he has been in the fire service for 49 years, including 30 years in Markham, and was fire chief in the city and in Country Club Hills. He continues to be an assistant chief in Country Club Hills, but said he plans to retire in the coming year. He intends to seek a third term as mayor next year and is so far unopposed. Agpawa said he has not actively sought out letters of support for his pardon from area mayors but reached out to congressional leaders, including U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. He said should his attempt at gaining a pardon from Biden fall short, he would seek it from Donald Trump once he takes office. “This would be ongoing for me,” Agpawa said.
Share Tweet Share Share Email Navigating the intricate terrain of blockchain investments can feel like entering a complex, high-stakes strategy game—both thrilling and challenging for those new to the space. In a sea of cryptocurrencies vying for prime positions in investors’ portfolios, understanding the subtleties of the crypto market is crucial. This guide highlights four cryptocurrencies worth considering right now: Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), and BlockDAG (BDAG). Success in this market comes from thorough research and making informed choices, rather than rushing blindly into investments. 1. BlockDAG: Leading with Innovation and Lucrative Potential BlockDAG (BDAG) continues to attract crypto enthusiasts with its combination of advanced technology and strong profit potential. Why the interest? It’s a mix of innovation and anticipated returns. BlockDAG revolutionizes the typical crypto model by offering superior scalability and security. Its DAG framework overcomes the sequential constraints of traditional blockchains, enabling quicker transactions and more efficient networks. This technical excellence makes BlockDAG a top pick within the crypto community. The presale success of BlockDAG boosts its market visibility further. Valued at $0.0234 in Batch 26, the BDAG coin has soared by 2240% from its initial pricing. With $20 million fundraising in the last 48 hours, the project has amassed a total of $150 million in ongoing presale and over 16.4 billion coins sold, BlockDAG is poised for substantial future growth. Market analysts predict that BDAG could potentially offer a 30,000x returns, with expectations of reaching up to $30 by 2030. Moreover, BlockDAG has launched a $30 million grants program announced during a recent AMA, allocating $10 million annually to support decentralized projects across infrastructure, DeFi, and stablecoins, reinforcing its commitment to a robust, decentralized future. 2. Solana: Achieving New Highs with ETF Developments Solana recently hit a new all-time high of $260, a significant achievement linked to recent ETF filings with the U.S. SEC by firms like Bitwise and VanEck. These developments come on the heels of approved Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, sparking increased market optimism. The anticipation surrounding Solana’s potential ETF approval has heightened investor interest, propelling its price and market presence. This milestone underscores Solana’s growing role in the blockchain ecosystem, enhancing its attractiveness to both institutional and retail investors. 3. Dogecoin: Expanding its Network with 1.33M Active Users Dogecoin’s network is buzzing, with over 1.33 million active addresses daily, reflecting a robust demand and wider adoption. This surge has propelled DOGE’s price by 163%, highlighting a strong link between user activity and market performance. Currently, Dogecoin trades above $0.36, facing resistance near $0.45. A breakout above this level could signal further increases, whereas a drop below could push prices down towards $0.32 or $0.28. The recent spike in active addresses indicates growing investor interest and potential for continued upward movement. 4. Cardano: Enjoying Robust Growth and Rising Investor Confidence Cardano has seen a notable uptick, increasing by 10.34% to $0.2955, with trading volumes reaching $1.2 billion in the last 24 hours. This surge has elevated Cardano to the fourth largest crypto by market cap, now at $9.2 billion. Over the past week, ADA has climbed 15.6%, a sign of strengthening investor trust. This bullish trend is supported by new decentralized applications and strategic partnerships focused on improving blockchain scalability and interoperability. While market fluctuations remain a consideration, sustained positive developments could further boost Cardano’s value. Which of the Top 4 Crypto Coins Holds the Most Potential? Each of these cryptocurrencies presents distinctive attributes that appeal to crypto investors. The market momentum of Solana, the active network of Dogecoin, and the strategic advances within Cardano’s ecosystem make them strong contenders. However, the newcomer, BlockDAG, distinguishes itself by excelling in all these areas with its innovative DAG structure and community-focused initiatives like the $30 million grants program. Additionally, its remarkable presale growth, with a 2240% surge in coin value and projections of up to 30,000x ROI, positions BlockDAG as a top crypto presale choice. Related Items: Blockchain , BlockDAG Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Top 5 Altcoins Alert: BlockDAG, PEPU, Popcat, Bonk & Dogwifhat– Ready for Liftoff! Best Crypto Presales in 2024: BlockDAG Network or RCO Finance? Crypto Whales Inject $50M into BlockDAG, Driving Presale to $150M—Will AVAX and SUI Follow with Big Gains? CommentsBoopie Miller's 24 points spark SMU to a 98-82 win over Longwood in nonconference finale
President-Elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that former Chief of the United States Border Patrol, Rodney S. Scott, will be his nominee for the post of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner. In a post on the incoming president’s social media platform Truth Social, Trump cited Scott’s vast experience in immigration policy and his previous service as the agency head for the United States Border Patrol under the prior Trump administration. Trump announced his selection of Scott, saying, “Rodney served nearly three decades in the Border Patrol, building vast experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and Border Security. Rodney served as the 24th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, where he implemented Remain-in-Mexico, Title 42, Safe Third Agreements, and achieved record low levels of illegal immigration.” Scott previously served as the 24 th Chief of the United States Border Patrol before retiring in 2021. His career in the border security agency spanned more than 29 years beginning in Imperial Beach, California within the San Diego Border Patrol Sector in 1992. Scott rose through the ranks serving in multiple Border Patrol Sectors and served as the Chief Patrol Agent for the El Centro Sector. Scott was named Chief of the Border Patrol in 2020 and served in that capacity until his retirement. Scott was instrumental in the development of immigration enforcement policies that drastically led to some of the lowest migrant crossing levels in the agency’s history. Chief Scott’s work was critical to implementing the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as “Remain in Mexico,” which allowed CBP and ICE officers to return migrants from a host of different nations to Mexico as their asylum claims moved through the court system. The program was revolutionary and had never been tried before. In addition, Scott worked to create and implement several novel agreements with the Central American northern triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras on Asylum Cooperative Agreements (ACA) that allowed for the return of migrants who feared return to their home country to other nearby participating nations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott also worked with Trump staff members on the Title 42 CDC emergency measure, which allowed immigration officers along the border to conduct speedy returns of border crossers to reduce the spread of infection. According to CBP, U.S. Customs and Border Protection employs more than 60,000 employees, and is one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations. The agency is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade. Randy Clark is a 32-year veteran of the United States Border Patrol. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Division Chief for Law Enforcement Operations, directing operations for nine Border Patrol Stations within the Del Rio, Texas, Sector. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @RandyClarkBBTX.Lady Panthers lean on defensive intensity and veteran leadership
If I had a dollar for every person I’ve talked to recently who has stopped reading and watching the news, or at least cut way back, I’d be able to retire. Oh, wait. I AM retired! Retired from a lifelong career in newsrooms, and even I admit to dreading watching the evening news and reading newspapers. Election results in Iowa and nationally have produced feelings of anxiety for half the population. Final results show Donald Trump winning by 1.5 percentage points. He finished just under 50%, meaning just more than half of Americans voted for somebody else. The results of that narrow margin of victory open a much wider gulf between what Trump plans to do to our country and the desires of those who did not vote for Trump. It was far from a mandate, although Trump will claim he got one. These early days of the transition confirm the worst fears of many Americans. Trump is rapidly picking cabinet secretaries, apparently by looking at a sheet full of people’s pictures and going “eeny meeny miny moe.” No FBI background checks. Not enough questions about what landmines these people have in their background. The only qualifications that matter are whether they look good on TV and whether they’ve spent enough time kissing Trump’s you-know-what. And we all know this is the calm before the storm. Once Trump gets in office, it will be another four full years of chaos, childish taunts, blowing up his own staff, alienating allies – on and on. Adding to the stress was Sunday’s gut punch of President Biden pardoning his son, after repeated promises not to do so. Most of us who hunger for integrity from their leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to stay plugged in. Discerning news viewers need a break, and they’re taking it. MSNBC has lost nearly half its audience since election day. CNN is down 22%. Fox News ratings are soaring. How to stay sane So how do serious news consumers stay informed for the next few months – heck, for the next four years – without going stark-raving mad? I feel it’s important to not completely unplug from the news. So here are a few tips I use to stay on top of the latest developments, while also protecting my mental health. 1. Scan the headlines in a news source you trust, to get a sense of what’s going on. For important stories, I’ll read the first few paragraphs without delving deeper into every single story. 2. Avoid speculative stories. Stories that say what might happen or could happen usually serve only to raise my anxiety level. Many opinion pieces use the speculative model. During times like this, I prefer stories that tell me what has happened or will happen. 3. Avoid any story with a question in the headline. A few examples from this week: “Will Trump be the President of Vice? (The New York Times). “Can Rahm Emanuel Flip the Script Again?” (NY Times) “What happens if Elon Musk treats the government like he did Twitter?” (Washington Post) “Is Kristi Noem ready to run FEMA?” And, this favorite from the Washington Post: “With Trump, will we see World War 3?” There’s nothing about that story that calms my nerves. Right now, I don’t want speculation. I want facts – as succinctly as possible. 4. Get out in nature. Take a walk in the woods. Breathe in some fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, feel the breeze on your skin. It’s no guarantee that everything will be okay, but it sure helps bring perspective. There’s more to life than our political fears. 5. I do not get my news from social media. Too much clickbait. Too much thoughtless provocation. Too many trolls. 6. Continue to invest in quality journalism that you trust. You’ll want those reporters there when you return to your regular news consumption habits. For now, give yourself a break. For a little while. Now is not the time to completely avoid the news, as tempting as it might be. Cut back for a while. But stay informed. Stay engaged. And stay sane. Dave Busiek spent 43 years working in Iowa radio and television newsrooms as a reporter, anchor and the last 30 years as news director of KCCI-TV, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines. He is a member of the Iowa Writers' Collaborative and his blog, "Dave Busiek on Media" appears on Substack.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As his team’s frantic last play from scrimmage was unfolding against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce was under the impression officials had called the play dead. “We heard a whistle on our sideline,” Pierce said Saturday, less than 24 hours after the Raiders’ gut-wrenching 19-17 loss. Had Pierce’s initial understanding of the situation held up, the fumbled shotgun snap between Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson and quarterback Aidan O’Connell would have been moot. The Raiders would have gotten another chance to run a third-down play against the Chiefs. Or, just brought on kicker Daniel Carlson to attempt a game-winning field goal from 54 yards out. But after the officials huddled, they cited the Raiders (2-10) for an illegal shift rather than an illegal procedure. The Chiefs (11-1) immediately declined the penalty, which meant the fumble Nick Bolton recovered stood — as did one of the most improbable Raiders losses in years. Pierce, who said he would not have done anything differently tactically on the final play, said the Raiders will send a complaint to the NFL, as they typically do after most games when concerns are raised. The NFL, according to Pierce, typically responds within 24 to 36 hours. “We’ll read it and learn from it,” Pierce said. Big pass rush The Raiders registered a season-high four sacks against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Friday, the most they have had since Week 18 last year against the Denver Broncos. It was the 30th straight game the Raiders have recorded at least one sack. The key? Getting help alongside Maxx Crosby, who had one sack, two tackles for loss and four of the Raiders’ 12 quarterback hits. K’Lavon Chaisson added three tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, one tackle for loss and three quarterback hits. Zach Carter added two tackles and a sack, and Adam Butler had six tackles and a half-sack. Pierce was impressed. “We just talked about being relentless. No different than every year we play Kansas City with Patrick,” Pierce said. “It takes everybody. It can’t be the Maxx Crosby show.” Injuries to Malcolm Koonce and Christian Wilkins have reduced what was expected to be a dominant Raiders pass rush. But on Friday, the Raiders finally put together a solid group effort. “Just the overall rush coordination, rush plan. The strain, the finish,” Pierce said. “I thought they all had some great opportunities, some great rushes where we were winning.” O’Connell’s huge day Playing in his first game after missing over a month with a fractured right thumb, Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns. The last time a Raiders quarterback threw for more than 340 yards without an interception was Derek Carr in 2021. O’Connell’s 116.4 passer rating on 35 pass attempts was the best rating for a Raiders quarterback with that many throws since Carr in 2021. O’Connell’s four games with a passer rating of 100 or better over his first 15 starts is the most in franchise history. O’Connell said he would have traded it all for a win. “It’s been a hard season,” O’Connell said. “I feel really bad for the guys who work so hard. I’ve been out for five weeks, and it’s been hard to watch because I know how hard the guys work throughout the week. It’s tough to stomach right now. But again, I couldn’t be more proud of our coaching staff and our players. It was a great game except for the last play.” ©2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com. . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
DOE Releases SAF Grand Challenge Roadmap Implementation Framework
Everything was going about as poorly as you could have asked for as an Ohio State fan in "The Game" against the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday. The offense looked out of synch with a pair of terrible interceptions thrown by quarterback Will Howard, and Michigan was finding a way to hang around and attempt to take the lead midway through the fourth quarter. But then things changed. On first and goal from inside the five-yard-line, Wolverines QB Davis Warren dropped back to pass on a play-action, but threw a terrible pass, which ended up in the hands of Ohio State defensive lineman Jack Sawyer. The Buckeyes escaped the potential scoring drive, and took over with a chance to go win the game themselves. While the play was incredible from Sawyer, the play-by-play call from Fox Sports' announcer Gus Johnson is what everyone is talking about after the fact. © Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Take a look at the play, and what everyone was saying about Johnson after the play on social media: Gus Johnson is Sylvester the cat having a stroke pic.twitter.com/mtKTd0NOOl This is a religious experience by Gus Johnson there is no other way to describe it pic.twitter.com/6NpEfTqeUv This play broke Gus Johnson pic.twitter.com/LEC1BLI9fs Gus Johnson’s voice is absolutely perfect for what’s one of the worst throws I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/SeQaGYUwS7 I’ve never heard Gus Johnson quite like this 😭 pic.twitter.com/tNqbXXi6dw Gus Johnson just had 6 heart attacks as Ohio State takes over pic.twitter.com/k951Y2dShD While he is polarizing to some, Gus Johnson is largely beloved in the college football world for his enthusiastic and wild style of announcing, which leaves him yelling through the television on Saturday's throughout the fall. He has called many big games, and big moments throughout the years, but this will undoubtedly go down as one of the best, and funniest calls that he has ever had. Related: Oregon vs. Ohio State Odds Shows Clear Favorite Ahead of Potential Big Ten Championship RematchTrump aims to appoint son-in-law’s father as US ambassador to France
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Mr Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker”. Mr Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Mr Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was co-operating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Mr Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Mr Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison – the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the US attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Mr Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Mr Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offences “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was US attorney”. Mr Trump and the elder Mr Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.
Dundee manager Tony Docherty is optimistic about the club's new partnership with Mexican powerhouse Monterrey, which he believes could give them a significant edge over their Scottish Premiership competitors. The excitement comes on the heels of signing 19-year-old midfielder Cesar Garza on-loan last weekend, a promising talent with a wealth of potential. Garza, who plays as a defensive midfielder, joins Dundee after gaining valuable first-team experience with Monterrey, a club renowned for its success in the CONCACAF Champions League, having won the title five times. His arrival on Tayside ahead of a January loan is seen as a strategic move that could bolster Dundee’s midfield options significantly, something Docherty has credited owners Tim Keyes and John Nelms for making happen. The partnership between Dundee and Monterrey, established the Dark Blues' hierarchy on November 21, is part of a broader initiative to enhance the club's recruitment strategy. This collaboration aims not only to bring in young talents like Garza but also to create a clear pathway for promising players from Monterrey’s academy to transition into European football. Keyes and Nelms have emphasised that this deal is a vital step in expanding Dundee's global reach and competitiveness. Earlier this year, Dundee also entered into a similar agreement with English Championship club Burnley, showcasing their commitment to building a robust network of partnerships that can facilitate player development and recruitment. Read more: Aberdeen FC's vision for a 'community' stadium faces political hurdles Rangers’ Castore to Umbro kit supplier switch explained “He’s one that we identified, a really talented young player," said the Dundee boss. "He was part of the Mexico Under-20 CONACAF Championship winning team. “He’s played 12 times for Monterrey and he’s someone that we thought he fits in with our kind of style of play. He’s a really combative midfielder, real passion, really loves getting in about it, tackling and winning things. “He’s a good character. Obviously our experience with Antonio Portales and the amount that we’ve watched him, we’re confident we’re bringing in a really good player there and again, it will increase competition for places. “Antonio was a young player at Monterrey himself, so he knows, he’s been here, he’s settled in. “He’s come in and he’s met the rest of the boys and he’ll train with us over the next couple of days, but really excited to get him in the building. “The thing I really need to commend the club on, particularly John and Tim, we’re always thinking outside the box. Where can we look at another market? “We did that through the research we did looking at Antonio when we brought him and Diego Pineda across and we’ve continued to look in that market and we’ve established a partnership with a fantastic club in Monterrey. “The by-product of that is that we’ll get good players in, they’ll get good experience coming and playing in Scotland and it’s just another way you’re trying to be a wee bit ahead of the game.”
Gamer girls levelling up as UK duo dominate at top esports tournament Mariam Mus at the inaugural Women's Esports Finals in London (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep ) Gamer women are levelling up as they overcome tough challenges to break down barriers and achieve success in the world of esports - a traditionally male-dominated space. Londoners Grete Lajal and Mariam Musa, both 30, are among the trailblazers, carving out a name for themselves in what has often been seen as a staunch boys' club. The pair's recent victory in the UK's first Women's Esports initiative, a partnership between Sky Broadband and Guild Esports and Gaming, highlights the opportunities emerging for women. And their success is testament to the growing impact women are having in esports. Mariam Musa (Image: PA ) The competition saw 15 finalists share a £50,000 prize pool, with the top two, Grete and Mariam, securing professional contracts. And it comes not a moment too soon; research shows a mere 5% of pro-gamers in the UK are women despite making up almost half (47%) of gamers in the country. Mariam, who streams under the name Futheda on the gaming platform Twitch, made her mark by winning the Football Eseries after bossing the field in EA Sports FC... Will Stone , Rhi Storer