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(The Center Square) - Entrepreneur Elon Musk filed for an injunction against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to keep the AI industry leader a non-profit. Musk’s motion alleges Microsoft and OpenAI are both blocking investments into xAI, his competing artificial intelligence company, and profiting from his early substantial funding and public support of OpenAI as a nonprofit. OpenAI maintains Musk sought to transform OpenAI into a for-profit company headed by Musk himself. Musk has long shared his fears about the possible danger artificial intelligence could pose to humanity, and supported OpenAI on the basis of his belief that the world’s leading AI firm should be dedicated to safety, transparency, and the public good. He has since launched xAI with the goal of surpassing OpenAI. Musk’s motion alleges OpenAI and Microsoft have violated antitrust laws, especially by allowing investment only by firms that vow to not invest in other AI companies, while profiting from technology developed when OpenAI was a Musk-bankrolled nonprofit. “Musk made absolutely clear that his donations—which established and sustained OpenAI, Inc. for years—were conditioned on Altman and [OpenAI President George] Brockman’s firm commitment to operate as a non-profit, devoted to the public good,” said the motion. The motion, filed in California, alleges Altman “approached Musk with a detailed plan to form an AI charity” and promised OpenAI would “remain a non-profit dedicated to the development and broad distribution of open and safe AI for the public benefit, not concentrated for shareholder profit.” The motion says Musk donated over $10 million to OpenAI based on Altman and Brockman’s promises. OpenAI then partnered with Microsoft to access the tech giant’s computing power, which led to large Microsoft ownership stakes in Altman’s for-profit enterprises, to which the motion says “he and Microsoft siphoned the non-profit’s staff and intellectual property,” which ultimately “transformed OpenAI into everything Altman promised Musk it would never be—a closed-source, for-profit monopoly, that rushes unsafe AI products to market, for private commercial gain.” Earlier this year, Microsoft acquired a 49% stake in the profits of OpenAI’s for-profit subsidiary for $13 billion. Musk’s motion says Microsoft and OpenAI now control 70% of the generative-AI market. OpenAI responded to the motion by referring to an earlier statement detailing its relationship with Musk, and said, “Elon’s fourth attempt, which again recycles the same baseless complaints, continues to be utterly without merit.” “In late 2017, we and Elon decided the next step for the mission was to create a for-profit entity,” wrote OpenAI. “Elon wanted majority equity, initial board control, and to be CEO. In the middle of these discussions, he withheld funding.” “We couldn’t agree to terms on a for-profit with Elon because we felt it was against the mission for any individual to have absolute control over OpenAI,” continued OpenAI. In November 2023, OpenAI’s board of directors fired Altman, citing his conflicts of interest, leading hundreds of employees to say they would leave for Microsoft unless Altman were reinstated. The board members who ousted Altman then reinstated him and resigned, allowing Altman to install new board members.Arkansas receiver Andrew Armstrong said Tuesday that he is entering the NFL Draft. Later in the day, a school spokesman told reporters that Armstrong will skip the Razorbacks' bowl game. The destination isn't yet known. Armstrong led the Southeastern Conference in both receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,140) but caught just one touchdown in 11 games this season. His catches and yardage were both second-most in Arkansas history behind Cobi Hamilton, who had 90 receptions for 1,335 yards in 2012. "It's been a journey for the books and I wouldn't trade it for anything because it has made me into the man I am today," Armstrong said of his Razorbacks tenure in a social media post. "... I will never forget all the moments that were shared here in Fayetteville." Armstrong played two seasons at Texas A&M-Commerce before transferring to Arkansas ahead of the 2023 season. In two seasons with the Razorbacks, he caught 134 passes for 1,904 yards and six scores. --Field Level Media

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday. Netanyahu was placed under full anesthesia for the procedure. Doctors said he was awake and recovering Sunday night. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having his prostate removed on Sunday, his office said, a procedure that comes as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Netanyahu's office said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. A turbulent time in the region As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Previous health issues, including a heart condition Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. Recovery can be quick According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but Sunday's procedure will remove his prostate. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors will likely perform an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. Tia Goldenberg, The Associated PressExxonMobil ( XOM -0.01% ) and the rest of the energy sector are down big in the past month as oil prices hover around their lowest levels in a year. But the company has plans to drive shareholder returns even at mediocre oil prices. Here's why ExxonMobil is well-positioned to substantially grow its earnings and cash flow in the coming years and why it stands out as a compelling dividend stock to buy in 2025. A clear outline for future growth On Dec. 11, ExxonMobil updated its corporate plan and extended its targets from 2027 out to 2030. Between 2019 and the third quarter of 2024, ExxonMobil achieved $11 billion in structural cost savings, grew earnings and cash flow, lowered its greenhouse gas emissions, and returned $140 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends. By 2030, the company expects to achieve an additional $7 billion in structural cost savings, bringing the total to $18 billion versus 2019. In addition to oil and gas, ExxonMobil is investing heavily in low-carbon technologies like carbon capture and storage and hydrogen. The company believes that carbon capture can help it deliver lower emissions power for data centers with projects that are fully detached from the grid. By 2030, ExxonMobil expects to grow annual cash flows by $30 billion compared to 2024 or by $50 billion since 2019, and earnings by $20 billion versus 2024 or $35 billion since 2019. These forecasts are based on $65 per barrel Brent crude oil prices and $3 per MMBtu Henry Hub natural gas prices. For context, Brent crude oil prices averaged $81.13 per barrel from January through November 2024, and Henry Hub gas prices averaged $2.12 per MMBtu during that period. Aside from 2020, 2024 has seen the lowest gas prices since 1998. Between 2025 and 2030, ExxonMobil expects to generate $165 billion in surplus cash above its existing dividend, leaving plenty of room for sizable dividend raises and buybacks. The cash surplus is basically the margin of error ExxonMobil has compared to its target oil and gas prices. If prices hit a downturn, ExxonMobil can still afford to raise its dividend but may buy back less stock. ExxonMobil said that at $55 per barrel Brent, it would expect to earn $110 billion in cash surplus. By comparison, if Brent prices average $85 during the forecast period, the surplus would be around $280 billion. ExxonMobil expects it can still fund its capital projects and its dividend even if Brent prices were just $35 through 2027 and $30 per barrel by 2030 -- illustrating how far the company has come in optimizing its production portfolio. The dividend is an integral part of the investment thesis for ExxonMobil. Despite ebbs and flows in the oil and gas industry, ExxonMobil has raised its dividend for 42 consecutive years. No matter what oil prices are doing, investors have been able to rely on ExxonMobil for a steady stream of passive income. ExxonMobil yields 3.7%, which is sizable compared to the S&P 500 yield of 1.2%. XOM data by YCharts Avoiding dependence on debt ExxonMobil's corporate plan sets clear expectations for investors to hold the company accountable over the next five years. Most importantly, the plan is based on generating positive cash flow and doesn't rely on debt. ExxonMobil's balance sheet is in its best condition in a decade. XOM Financial Debt to Equity (Quarterly) data by YCharts As you can see in the chart, ExxonMobil has very little net debt on its balance sheet for a company of its size. Its financial debt-to-equity and debt-to-capital ratios are very low, indicating it isn't relying on debt to run its business. ExxonMobil used excess profits in recent years to help pay down debt. Granted, it has ramped capital spending, but has emphasized investments that can contribute to high cash-flow generation. Projects that have a low cost of supply and higher returns, which ExxonMobil calls "advantaged assets," refer to the Permian Basin, Guyana, and its liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio. LNG is natural gas that is cooled and condensed into a liquid to export to buyers overseas. ExxonMobil completed the acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources earlier this year, which gave it significantly more Permian production. ExxonMobil now generates more than 50% of its production from advantaged assets, and expects to reach 60% for 2030 -- helping to drive down its cost of production. By focusing on advantaged assets, ExxonMobil can generate positive cash flow even at lower oil prices, which should help limit its leverage and maintain its financial health. ExxonMobil is a passive income powerhouse If ExxonMobil achieves its projected earnings growth, the company could be worth significantly more in the future than it is today. ExxonMobil is already an inexpensive stock -- with a 13.3 price-to-earnings ratio. And that's based on earnings during a period of fairly mediocre oil prices. Oil and gas companies tend to command discounted valuations compared to the broader market due to the industry's volatility and the uncertain future of oil and gas in a low-carbon world. But ExxonMobil's corporate plan shows that the company doesn't need oil and gas prices to go up to make substantially higher earnings and cash flows over the medium term. It can then use excess profits to invest in new technologies to remain an energy titan even if global oil and gas consumption gradually declines over time. Add it all up, and ExxonMobil stands out as arguably the most well-rounded oil and gas company to buy in 2025.

Counterpoint: We aren’t doing the Earth any favors by saying ‘no’ to mining

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Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Air Transport Services Group, Inc. ( NASDAQ:ATSG – Free Report ) by 0.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,238,713 shares of the transportation company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,609 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned approximately 1.88% of Air Transport Services Group worth $20,059,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its stake in Air Transport Services Group by 11.1% during the 3rd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 290,423 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $4,702,000 after purchasing an additional 29,104 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in Air Transport Services Group by 300.8% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 253,425 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $3,515,000 after purchasing an additional 190,202 shares during the period. Anchor Capital Management Company LLC grew its position in Air Transport Services Group by 26.4% in the 2nd quarter. Anchor Capital Management Company LLC now owns 1,119,942 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $15,534,000 after purchasing an additional 233,789 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC raised its holdings in Air Transport Services Group by 74.9% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 213,730 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $3,460,000 after acquiring an additional 91,521 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Systematic Financial Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Air Transport Services Group in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $396,000. 91.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on ATSG. Loop Capital reaffirmed a “hold” rating and set a $22.50 price objective (up from $22.00) on shares of Air Transport Services Group in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on shares of Air Transport Services Group from $15.00 to $22.50 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Air Transport Services Group in a research report on Monday, December 23rd. They issued a “hold” rating on the stock. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $20.60. Air Transport Services Group Trading Down 0.1 % NASDAQ:ATSG opened at $21.92 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -547.86 and a beta of 0.85. Air Transport Services Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $11.62 and a 1-year high of $22.33. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $20.95 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $17.05. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. Air Transport Services Group ( NASDAQ:ATSG – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 8th. The transportation company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $471.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $507.46 million. Air Transport Services Group had a negative net margin of 0.12% and a positive return on equity of 3.12%. The business’s revenue was down 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.32 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Air Transport Services Group, Inc. will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current year. About Air Transport Services Group ( Free Report ) Air Transport Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides aircraft leasing, and air cargo transportation and related services in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments, Cargo Aircraft Management Inc (CAM) and ACMI Services. The company offers aircraft, flight crews, aircraft hull and liability insurance, and aviation fuel services; and aircraft maintenance and modification services, including airframe modification and heavy maintenance, component repairs, engineering services, and aircraft line maintenance. Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than Air Transport Services Group Retail Stocks Investing, Explained Buffett Takes the Bait; Berkshire Buys More Oxy in December Transportation Stocks Investing Top 3 ETFs to Hedge Against Inflation in 2025 TSX Venture Exchange (Formerly Canadian Venture Exchange) These 3 Chip Stock Kings Are Still Buys for 2025 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ATSG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Air Transport Services Group, Inc. ( NASDAQ:ATSG – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Air Transport Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Transport Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Newmont's EVP & COO Viljoen sells $374,310 in stockFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — This was not the homecoming scenario Kirk Cousins would have scripted. Cousins' return to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018 through 2023, on Sunday comes as he is hearing speculation about his job security in Atlanta. Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns in the Falcons' three-game losing streak. That includes four picks in last week's 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, his most in a decade. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

LUQUE, Paraguay (AP) — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold, which breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-monthlong process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” Takehiro said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” Also, Japanese breweries have expressed hope that the listing could give a little lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, a trade group. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate on Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite.World leaders react to the death of former President Jimmy CarterSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The president of South Korea early Wednesday lifted the martial law he imposed on the country hours earlier, bending to political pressure after a tense night in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. President Yoon Suk Yeol, who appeared likely to be impeached over his actions, imposed martial law late Tuesday out of frustration with the opposition, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against opponents who control parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote to overrule the president, and the declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. Parliament acted swiftly after martial law was imposed, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the law was “invalid” and that lawmakers would “protect democracy with the people.” In all, martial law was in effect for about six hours. The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party. Lee Jae-myung , leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party’s lawmakers would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifted his order. Woo applauded how troops quickly left the Assembly after the vote. “Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military,” Woo said. While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament’s attempts to impeach key government officials and senior prosecutors. He said lawmakers had engaged in “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.” Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, claimed that security camera footage following Yoon’s declaration showed that troops moved in a way that suggested they were trying to arrest Lee, Woo and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party. Officials from Yoon’s office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday. Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment. Some protesters scuffled with troops ahead of the lawmakers’ vote, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the Assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers, while shouting “Aren’t you embarrassed?” Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state. When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be employed to restrict freedom of press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of courts. The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote. Following Yoon’s announcement of martial law, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The military said anyone who violated the decree could be arrested without a warrant. In Washington, the White House said the U.S. was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Joe Biden’s administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members based in South Korea. The South Korean military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools. Soon after martial law was declared, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions. All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. At one point, television footage showed police officers blocking the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the building. An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters, likely from the military, that landed inside the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site. The leader of Yoon’s conservative party called the decision to impose martial law “wrong.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said Yoon’s announcement was “illegal and unconstitutional.” Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.” Yoon — whose approval rating dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. His party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also attempted to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the central Seoul prosecutors’ office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations of Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls. During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens.” He did not elaborate. Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued inter-Korean engagement. Yoon has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee. Sydney Seiler, Korean chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argued that the move was symbolic for Yoon to express his frustration with the opposition-controlled parliament. “He has nothing to lose,” said Seiler, comparing Yoon’s move to the Hail Mary pass in American football, with a slim chance of success. Now Yoon faces likely impeachment, a scenario that was also possible before he made the bold move, Seiler said. Natalia Slavney, research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North website that focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoon’s imposition of martial law was “a serious backslide of democracy" that followed a “worrying trend of abuse” since he took office in 2022. South Korea “has a robust history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and swift impeachments,” Slavney said, citing the example of former President Park Geun-hye, the country’s first female president, who was ousted from office and imprisoned for bribery and other crimes in 2017 . Associated Press writers Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Matt Lee, Didi Tang and Tara Copp in Washington contributed to this report.

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United press conference: FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED as Portuguese coach fronted the media for the first time as Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim dazzled in his latest round of press commitments at Man United While he is charismatic, he proved that he is going to be far from a soft touch Will Ruben Amorim be Man United's saviour? LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Available wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes every Monday and Thursday By NATHAN SALT Published: 23:00, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 23:00, 22 November 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Ruben Amorim sat down to face the media for the first time since becoming Manchester United head coach. It was a fascinating 45 minutes in his company in which, speaking both English and Portuguese, he addressed topics on his style, why he believes in these players, and whether he has spoken to his idol, and former Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho . Amorim smiled a lot but also showed there is a steeliness to his character, too. He is preparing to take charge of his first game in his new role on Sunday away to Ipswich Town where fans will watch with interest to see what he has managed to implement on these players in such a short space of time. As well as his briefing with reporters, he also sat down with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville for an extended chat for Sky Sports. Mail Sport picks out five things we learned from those two media appearances from the charismatic new man in charge... Ruben Amorim addressed the British media for the first time as Manchester United boss He was charismatic and insightful but also showed a steely side to him as a born winner DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE SMILE Amorim has a signature smile, that's the first thing to note. It is infectious to those who come into contact with him - but you would be wrong to assume his happy-go-lucky appearance at times paints him as a soft touch. Amorim is fiercely competitive and also incredibly clear in his demands. He said that having been a top-level player previously, he knows 'all of the tricks' and won't be giving players too much leeway to play with him or his coaches when it comes to putting in the hard yards. 'First thing, I think we have to be better athletes. That is something that you can acknowledge when we are here and we see the data,' he told Neville in the Sky Sports chat. 'When I say fitter, it's not being thinner or anything about that. It's the data. You have to understand the data to press high, what is the average metres that you have to run, the sprints. 'You have all this data and you have to cope with that. So you already know your goal is to reach that. You can run a lot but if you don't understand the game, it doesn't matter. But the first point to press high, you have to be very fit and you have to cope with the demands of pressing high.' So his non-negotiables, we learned what those are, too. 'You can say the pretty things like hard work, be professional. You should be,' he said. 'This is Manchester United. In every club [you should be] but here, of course, you cannot run from that. While he has a signature smile, there is also a ruthless drive that will rub off on his players More than 50 reporters were packed into the room at Carrington to hear Amorim speak 'The aim is to think first in the team. So I know that some guys will sometimes play in a different position, but they have to understand the position and they have to fight for the team. As a former player, I know every trick.' It should be noted, though, that at 39 years old and not too far removed from the dressing room as a player himself, Amorim can connect with many of United's stars like those who have come before him often couldn't. He knows how they think, knows how they operate on good and bad days and there is also that unwavering loyalty to his players. 'I can lose my job before throwing a player under the bus,' he said. 'But if he doesn't put the team in first place, I will be the first one to talk with the player.' To any of the players who were dialled in, consider the lines drawn in the sand. Now it's over to you. FULL-BACKS, NOT WINGERS, FOR WING-BACK ROLES Ever since Amorim got the job and it became clear he was going to go with 3-4-3 from the off, the identity of who will play in the wing-back roles has been the source of fierce debate. Wingers are synonymous with Manchester United but many of their attackers who play out wide have shown limited capabilities going the other way when asked to defend. He will favour full-backs such as Noussair Mazraoui (left) to play in his wing-back positions He is totally confident in his approach and philosophy but knows some players cannot do it It made Amorim's response to Neville when asked about it particularly interesting as an insight into his thinking after just a few days of training. He said he will 'likely start with full backs in wing-back roles, because to teach a winger to defend is harder.' It should be noted that in training footage released by United we saw Antony deployed as a right wing-back. Read More Man United boss Ruben Amorim reveals message from Jose Mourinho as he insists job ISN'T impossible But if we take Amorim at his word now, it means that Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are all competing for just three places in the 3-4-3 line up, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui set to get the nods out wide. It was also particularly interesting in his press conference that Amorim has total belief in his system and any players who don't feel the same will soon be cut loose. 'As a coach you have to choose one way or another, I choose always 100 per cent our way,' he said. 'I choose to risk a bit. I believe so much in our way of playing; they will believe too. There is no second way. 'We will adapt some players because we don't have a different profile. Maybe on Sunday you will see the starting 11 and not feel a lot of change but you will see it in the game and the positioning or where they receive the ball.' Garnacho the left wing-back? Think again. It raises questions about where Alejandro Garnacho fits in with a system not suited to wingers HE CAN HANDLE THE PRESSURE - AND MANAGEMENT 'Call me naive,' he said with a grin on his face, 'but I truly believe that I'm the right guy in the right moment. 'I could be wrong, but the earth still will turn, the sun will rise again. It doesn't matter. I truly believe that I'm the right guy for this job.' This wasn't bluster. A man bluffing his way to a headline. Ruben Amorim has total belief that he is the man to finally take Manchester United back to the top. Now, they all say this during the honeymoon stage, you expect nothing less. And perhaps this is recency bias but observing Amorim it is hard not to be impressed - and ultimately believe him. It is important to note too that he is not scared to tread where perhaps other new managers dare not, particularly when it comes to calling out his superiors. 'Us as a club have to set the standards and have to manage that,' he told Neville when asked about Marcus Rashford and Casemiro jetting off to the United States during the international break. 'It's my decision if they can have five days, or three days, or three days to rest and you cannot fly. This is something that us as a club have to decide. 'Would I set a different structure? Yes, for sure.' Amorim transformed Sporting into the dominant force in Portuguese football and he didn't take them there by worrying about who he may upset along the way. His career to date has built him up for the biggest challenge of them all, now it's on him to show he can handle it and thrive, rather than shrink, in the spotlight. Amorim thinks he can be first United boss to win the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson Amorim appears intent on learning about the history of the club He must now figure out how to get the best out of the current United squad RUBEN'S CRUCIAL VETO Erik ten Hag used to talk about being 'in the same boat' with Ineos and the football board, particularly when it came to recruitment. We reported recently that funds will be significantly reduced for Amorim as a result of Ten Hag's lavish spend of more than £600million - but we learned that any suggestion he won't be consulted, or allowed a veto, on signings is flat out wrong. 'I think it has to be all together because if you are a coach coming here and already chose the players, you could be wrong because the club will be here for a long time and you as a coach, you don't know that,' he said. 'We have to improve the process of recruitment, the data. I think it is all together, but the final word should be the manager, not because it is your right but because it is your responsibility. 'I have to understand the league and then when everything is aligned, everyone is on the same page, we can buy and sell players.' Sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox have been key drivers in recruitment since arriving but consider this another line drawn in the sand by Amorim. It is he who will have the final say, that much is for sure. Amorim (pictured far right) will have to work with Man United's INEOS board on recruitment GET YOUR RUNNING SHOES, LADS! Footage from his early training sessions showed him getting his players rushing up and down the pitch to recover possession in the exercise of giving it away. They do that a lot in games, he conceded, and continuing to do that will see results falter as they have been. So, along with needing to be ‘better athletes’ you can bet your bottom dollar that Amorim and his coaching staff will be relentless when it comes to the fitness levels of this group between now and the end of the season. I hope the players packed their running shoes... Marcus Rashford Ruben Amorim Gary Neville Share or comment on this article: Ruben Amorim's Manchester United press conference: FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED as Portuguese coach fronted the media for the first time as Old Trafford boss e-mail Add comment