easy fishing game
Photography helps Navy vet see the lightKobe Sanders, Nevada beat Oklahoma St. for fifth place in Charleston
KUWAIT: The youth initiative “Blue Wave Group” organized a vibrant march on Thursday night in Souq Al-Mubarakiya to show support for the Kuwaiti national football team ahead of their match against Qatar in the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26). The event, aimed at motivating the players, attracted fans of all ages. Participants waved Kuwaiti flags, held blue banners, and chanted familiar songs such as “Oh, ya Al-Azrag” and “Ana Kuwaiti ana” alongside other anthems that have become synonymous with the national team over the years. Souq Al-Mubarakiya has become a top destination for football fans attending Khaleeji Zain 26, the regional football tournament bringing together the eight Gulf nations. Taking place from December 21 to January 3 in Kuwait, the tournament has attracted supporters from Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, the UAE, and Qatar. The souq has been busy with fans from across the Gulf, who have brought their passion for football into the market. Many have been posting videos on social media, showing themselves supporting their teams, singing chants, and even playing impromptu games of football in the alleys of the market. — Agencies
Nestled in the Myers Flat bushland is the of a group of Bendigo Buddhist nuns. or signup to continue reading A is almost complete near the , with the site to become the fourth Buddhist entity in the area, behind the Stupa, the Atisha Centre for teachings and retreats, and a monastery. The project was first floated in 2011, according to director of the Machig Labdron nunnery Venerable Tenzin Tsepal, and cost $1.3 million in donations. Ms Tsepal said Ian Green, whose family owned the land the Stupa was built on, was a long-time Buddhist student who came up with the idea for a big Stupa with the three other Buddhist facilities. "That was just scratched out in the ground with a stick," she said. "The Stupa was sort of a really central place." The seven self-contained bedroom nunnery would give nuns a place to stay long-term, or even for end of life, Ms Tsepal said. Four temporary accommodation cabins were also located on the site, which could be used for retreats, meaning the nunnery would have capacity for 11 nuns. A separate meditation building was also being built. It was hoped by having a permanent nunnery, more nuns or people interested in studying Buddhism would be attracted to Bendigo. "We're getting a lot of good feedback back because the builders are doing good job and people can see something after all this time," Ms Tsepal said. "I think the community really understands the need for ordained practitioners to help and secure the long-term survival of the teachings. "They're really happy to help and have us here to keep things going; and we like it because you get all that support for your practice and you get to live together and do more of what we really like, which is learning how to train the mind and sharing that." The Great Stupa is a Buddhist symbol representing the path to enlightenment. It features a temple, as well as many holy relics and mantras. Over time, the facility has become an important cultural site for people to learn about Buddhism, or just to visit. A Peace Park adjacent to the Stupa features representations of many religions. "It's actually His Holiness' [The Dalai Lama] wish, if we're really wanting to be kind and inclusive with all people, it's really good to get on with each other with different religions or even secular [people]," Ms Tsepal said. "People do feel quite welcome to come and they don't feel like they have to be Buddhist, they can just have a nice day and bring their families. "We have a nice connection just with the broader secular or local community who just like the place to come to and bring their friends." While the project has taken some time, Ms Tsepal said she has turned to her own learnings to remain patient. "Our resident teacher was just enormously helpful just to settle down," she said. "He'd say 'don't worry, it'll happen, just stay the course. Remember ethics and generosity and all those things you want to be doing, this project is making you have to keep your mind in the right place'. "I have found that personally quite helpful. But at the same time, it's a great relief to be sort of more at the end and see it's definitely come together." The project is being completed by local building company Tact Constructions. It is hoped the nunnery will be complete by January, with nuns moving in early 2025. Jonathon has been living and working in Bendigo since March 2021, currently working as a general reporter. Contact him on jonathon.magrath@austcommunitymedia.com.au. Jonathon has been living and working in Bendigo since March 2021, currently working as a general reporter. Contact him on jonathon.magrath@austcommunitymedia.com.au. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Republicans rally around Hegseth, Trump's Pentagon pick, as Gaetz withdraws for attorney general
Indian diaspora on Saturday issued a media advisory strongly condemning the racist attacks on Sriram Krishnan, who was recently appointed as Senior AI Advisor by President-elect Donald Trump. "Sriram Krishnan, who was recently appointed by President-elect Trump as his Senior AI Advisor, has become a target of reprehensible racist attacks. There is absolutely no place in our public discourse for spiteful, vengeful, racially motivated, ad hominem epithets," the advisory reads. "At Indiaspora, we categorically and unequivocally denounce racism of any and all kinds. As enunciated in our media statement issued a few days ago, we strongly support Sriram's appointment to this important position because we are confident that he will serve America very well in public office," it added. Recently, the Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna criticised those targeting Indian-born Krishnan, over his Indian origin. Khanna emphasised that the ability of the United States to attract talent from around the world shows America's "exceptionalism" which puts it ahead of other countries like China. Following a post by an X user, who wrote, "Did any of yall vote for this Indian to run America," Khanna on X wrote, "You fools criticizing @sriramk as Indian born criticize Musk as South African born or Jensen as Taiwanese born." "It is great that talent around the world wants to come here, not to China, and that Sriram can rise to the highest levels. It's called American exceptionalism," the post added. US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Sriram Krishnan as senior policy advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Sharing a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "Sriram Krishnan will serve as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy." "Working closely with David Sacks, Sriram will focus on ensuring continued American leadership in AI, and help shape and coordinate Al policy across Government, including working with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Sriram started his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure," he said. Krishnan, 41, acknowledged the offer and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity by saying, "I'm honoured to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with @DavidSacks. Thank you @realDonaldTrump for this opportunity." Krishnan till recently was a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and a personal investor in over two dozen companies including SpaceX, Figma and Scale.ai. He previously led organisations at Meta, X and Microsoft. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from SRM Engineering College, Anna University. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)Election canvassers getting used to talking to Ring doorbells and ‘apathy bordering on anger’
In 2018, two children in Samoa died after receiving measles vaccines, because the nurses who administered them had mistakenly mixed the vaccine powder with a muscle relaxant. Local vaccine skeptics seized on the tragedy, and the government temporarily suspended its immunization program. Children's Health Defense, an organization chaired by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., posted about the events on Facebook, where the group was one of the largest purchasers of anti-vaccine advertisements. The Samoan government reinstated the program, following an investigation. But immunization rates remained perilously low, with less than a third of infants getting vaccinated, and, a few months later, the country experienced a devastating measles outbreak. Nearly six thousand people were infected, and more than seventy children died. Kennedy, who had meanwhile visited the island, sent the Prime Minister a letter raising the "regrettable possibility that these children are casualties" of vaccination—not of a lack of it. He later called the outbreak "mild," and branded a Samoan vaccine opponent a "medical freedom hero." President-elect Donald Trump has now nominated Kennedy to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If confirmed, he will oversee thirteen operating divisions, including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. His reach would extend into virtually every corner of the nation's health-care infrastructure, from messaging on public health and investment in biomedical research to the approval of new drugs and the delivery of medical care. Trump, who in April called Kennedy a "Radical Left Lunatic," recently encouraged him to "go wild" on health, medicines, and "the food." Kennedy seems poised to oblige. In the past few months, Kennedy has indicated that he intends to reëxamine safety data for approved vaccines, advise municipalities not... Dhruv KhullarRAPT Therapeutics, Inc. RAPT shares are trading higher after the company disclosed a partnership with Shanghai Jemincare Pharmaceutical. The collaboration is for an exclusive license agreement to develop and commercialize RPT904, a novel anti-IgE monoclonal antibody worldwide, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan . RPT904 is designed to provide a potential alternative to omalizumab (Xolair), addressing allergic conditions such as asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). As per the deal, Jemincare will receive a $35 million upfront payment, up to $672.5 million in regulatory and commercial milestone payments, and royalties on sales outside the Jemincare Territory. RAPT plans to focus on developing RPT904 for food allergies, while Jemincare is conducting Phase 2 trials in China for asthma and CSU. Jemincare has completed a Phase 1 study of JYB1904 in 56 healthy volunteers in China, evaluating safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD). Jemincare is now running two Phase 2 trials in China. The asthma trial focuses on PK and PD comparisons with omalizumab, with topline data expected in late 2025. The CSU trial targets safety and efficacy, with results anticipated in early 2026. Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of RAPT said, “We’re delighted to partner with Jemincare and excited by RPT904 and its potential to be a novel best-in-class treatment option for patients with food allergy. Omalizumab’s rapid uptake in food allergy since its approval earlier this year confirms the high unmet need and large opportunity in this growing market.” “RPT904 targets the same clinically validated epitope as omalizumab and combined with extended half-life, gives this molecule a best-in-class profile. We plan to initiate a Phase 2b clinical trial of RPT904 in food allergy in the second half of 2025.” In a separate release, RAPT Therapeutics disclosed a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors for a private placement valued at around $150 million . The agreement includes 100 million common shares priced at $0.85 each and pre-funded warrants for up to 76.45 million shares priced at $0.8499 each. The pre-funded warrants, exercisable at $0.0001 per share, are immediately exercisable and remain valid until fully exercised. The transaction is expected to close by December 27, 2024 , pending customary conditions. Price Action : RAPT shares are up 110.2% at $1.735 at the last check Monday. Read Next: Palantir Vs. Lockheed: A Tech-Fueled Showdown In The $850 Billion Defense Market © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
( MENAFN - Pressat) Urban Synergy, the award-winning charity supporting young people from under-represented communities, is honoured to represent Lewisham as the borough's chosen charity for 2024/25 at the prestigious London's New Year's Day Parade. Our float, themed“A Brighter Tomorrow: Powered by Youth and Innovation,” highlights the talents, creativity, and resilience of Lewisham's youth, reflecting Urban Synergy's mission to prepare young people for the careers of tomorrow-particularly in fields driven by education, technology, and innovation. Supported by Goldsmiths University, Lewisham Youth Theatre, and local artists from Lewisham Arthouse and performers alongside the Queens' Walking Group and the Skaters' Cabal, the float will offer a glimpse into the future through a vibrant display of music, movement, and design. Leila Thomas (she/her), CEO & Founder of Urban Synergy, and Lewisham Mayoress, said: “So often we hear about the cost of living crisis, food banks and crime. We'll be kick starting 2025 by celebrating young people in urban areas and their mentors, role models and our corporate supporters who are creating safer, happier communities. We are proud to represent Lewisham on such a prestigious platform.” Brenda Dacres (she/her), The Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Urban Synergy was named my Mayoral Charity for 2024 earlier this July, and I couldn't be prouder to support such an incredible organisation. They are an award-winning youth empowerment charity that has already transformed the lives of over 30,000 young people aged between nine and 24. “Urban Synergy inspires, guides, and empowers young minds, connecting them with mentorship, role models, and opportunities that open doors to dreams they might never have imagined. Their work is about lighting a spark of possibility in every young person they touch, building confidence, ambition, and a brighter future for the next generation.” Bilvilyn Asamoah (she/her), Lewisham Young Mayor, said:“As young Mayor, attending this parade is an opportunity to connect with our community and showcase our vibrant culture. I represent the voices of our young and I'm excited to highlight the importance of unity as we step into a new year together.” Victoria Shaskan (she/her), CEO of Lewisham Youth Theatre, said: “Lewisham Youth Theatre (LYT) uses creativity to widen young people's horizons, build their ambitions, and help them make 'an amazing transformation.' That's why we're thrilled to join Urban Synergy to represent the potential of Lewisham's young people in the London New Year's Day Parade.” Cllr Jacq Paschoud (she/her), Speaker of Lewisham Council, added: "It's fantastic that Lewisham has a float in this year's New Year's Day Parade, created by the young people and artists of Lewisham in partnership with Urban Synergy. This highlights the talent of our young people and the community's commitment to celebrating it, while also raising the profile of Urban Synergy, this year's Mayor's Charity, to audiences in London and beyond." Thank you brilliant ones Our thanks go to the artists of Goldsmith University artists for float design and build, and SQS Limited for donating their lorry for the parade. "SQS are a consistently generous supporter of our charity, and we appreciate everything they do for us, from giving young people work experience to being part of our events and a key sponsor throughout the year. Their commitment to diversity and social mobility are inspiring," said Leila Thomas. "This collaboration is a powerful testament to Lewisham's vibrant community spirit and its commitment to nurturing young talent." Urban Synergy is a mentoring charity that has supported more than 30,000 young people from underrepresented communities, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to achieve their full potential. For further information, visit . Press Contact: ... Urban Synergy Communications 00447711331127 MENAFN23122024004644010603ID1109025258 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Some Chinese state-owned and second-tier oil and gas companies have been looking to sell LNG cargoes for the January-February 2025 period to alleviate pressure from growing inventory and weak domestic demand, according to market participants. The selling interest reflects expectations that regional heating demand is unlikely to surge as winter progresses, which would help lower spot Asian LNG prices, despite some demand for spot cargoes from Europe that would typically trigger price competition and tighten supply. “We did hear of some players selling spot LNG. They are definitely making some profit, as the cost of the cargoes is lower than their own term contracts or a previous buying spree,” a trade source said. Opportunistic Chinese LNG importers have previously sold LNG purchased under relatively cheaper oil-indexed contracts at higher spot prices. Platts assessed JKM — the benchmark price reflecting LNG delivered to Northeast Asia — for January at $14.983/MMBtu on Dec. 5, while oil-indexed LNG is likely to cost around $11-$12/MMBtu, based on current oil prices of around $75/b. Not all national oil and gas companies were selling, as they have a government mandate to secure winter supply for energy security and would face scrutiny. However, second-tier gas companies were reportedly quite active. Other Chinese LNG importers selling cargoes were optimizing their January-February portfolios, traders said. “Currently, supply in China exceeds demand, and it makes sense that Chinese players are selling cargoes in the spot market to capitalize on stronger spot prices. We are monitoring the positions of Chinese NOCs, especially the major supplier in the south, to understand regional supply and plan our strategies for the upcoming year,” a second Chinese trade source said. “The recent cold weather was too short to stimulate additional demand. In previous years, we would typically observe a significant reduction in inventory and some price movement during cold spells,” a third trade source said. One of the Chinese NOCs sent out a message last week saying that there is ample inventory in both north and south China. Some domestic importers have also sought to sell cargoes arriving over January-March 2025 to relieve inventory pressure, a fourth trade source said. However, mild winter weather has also suppressed demand in other Northeast Asian regions, including Japan and South Korea, complicating efforts by Chinese companies to resell or optimize their LNG positions. This has exerted additional downward pressure on prices. “Quite a lot of second tiers are checking prices and looking to sell their term contract volumes in the spot market, but not many trades were done because it is difficult to get buyers,” another trade source said. “Literally no one would buy now except trading houses. Only one to two cargoes were sold last week by the second tiers for January deliveries,” the source added. “We also have no plans to sell in the spot market, as demand is too weak. Japan only had demand for one or two cargoes, and we weren’t invited to participate in the tender,” another trade source said. Other Chinese market participants were seeking prompt cargoes for December delivery, indicating preparations for winter demand sooner rather than later in the season. “Demand is still on the weaker side, and we have enough inventory. If there is another cold snap that is long enough, we may need to come out to buy a few spot cargoes,” a source with an NOC said. “We are still actively monitoring the situation, and if Chinese buyers have the need to make any purchases, we may see some activity around mid-December,” a second-tier gas company said. Chinese LNG importers are also struggling to sell surplus gas in the domestic market, as a lack of demand has pushed prices below breakeven levels, making it difficult for spot LNG to compete profitably with local sources. China prepared for the heating season by instructing domestic gas suppliers to fill storage before winter, and large-scale centralized district heating in northern China began Nov. 15. However, no cold wave has materialized, and average temperatures in many areas are above normal. Trucked LNG prices at China’s 107 LNG receiving terminals and inland plants averaged Yuan 4,641/mt ($10.5/MMBtu) in November, down 16% year over year and 9% from October, data from gas distributor ENN showed. These prices, an indicator of unregulated marginal LNG sold in China, are lower than November LNG imports at around $12/MMBtu, meaning sales would need to be above Yuan 5,200/mt to achieve breakeven level. “Trucked LNG prices continued to fall due to challenges in distributing stocks and very weak downstream demand, significantly lower than usual winter rates,” a China-based market participant said. “With the Lunar New Year occurring at the end of January, we expect a delayed recovery in demand, as factories may resume operations later due to prevailing weak macroeconomic conditions,” a trader said. Source:
President-elect Donald Trump has swiftly replaced his first US Attorney General nominee, Matt Gaetz , amid scrutiny over sex trafficking and misconduct allegations, with Pam Bondi . The 59-year-old Florida Republican offers a more conventional image compared to the 42-year-old former congressman, though both are strong Trump loyalists. Bondi, a seasoned prosecutor with 18 years of experience, served as Florida’s attorney general from 2011 to 2019. She also defended Trump during his first Senate impeachment trial and supported his false claims of election fraud. Ahead of her potential Senate approval, here’s a look at Bondi’s current relationship status and her past marriages. Is Pam Bondi Married? Bondi is not currently married but has been married twice before and was engaged to ophthalmologist Greg Henderson in 2012. Henderson, a widower whose wife Kathy passed away in 2002, has four children— Greg Jr. , Kristen , Matt , and David . The couple, who had been together for some time, sparked rumors that they had secretly wed the same year after being photographed at a luxury Caribbean resort, with Bondi wearing a white dress. However, Bondi later clarified that they had canceled their planned destination wedding and intended to marry in a private ceremony at a Tampa-area Baptist church. In 2015, rumors surfaced suggesting that the couple had parted ways. Bondi’s first marriage was in 1990, when she was 24, to Garret Barnes . Their marriage lasted just 22 months before they separated. In 1996, she married Scott Fitzgerald , but their relationship ended in divorce in 2002, after nearly six years. Is Bondi in a Relationship? Bondi has kept her romantic life largely private, but it seems she may have found love again with boyfriend John Wakefield . Her Instagram profile picture features the couple, and the most recent photo of them together was shared on October 22 this year, taken at a Buccaneers game with friends. Wakefield first appeared on Bondi’s Instagram in October 2017, when they took a selfie together at a Bruno Mars concert with friends. A post shared by Pam Bondi (@pambondi) He appears to have three children, according to his Instagram bio, which reads, “my 3 monster children are roaming the world.”
The Foldable Smartphone Market Is Predicted To Surge To $54.65 Billion By 2028, At An Expected CAGR Of 21.5%WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. households won't be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying they are "going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened additional tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire . Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy , including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as his pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we're not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are -- things do -- things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better health care for less money.”
Horse and cattle owners see shortage of veterinarians willing to take the reins of large animal care
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