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Trump names billionaire private astronaut as next NASA chiefWASHINGTON — President Joe Biden had long pledged that he would not pardon his son, Hunter, who was set to be sentenced this month for gun and tax convictions. But on Sunday, the president did it anyway. The sweeping pardon covers not only Hunter Biden’s convictions in two cases in Delaware and California, but also any other “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.” Biden is hardly the first president to deploy his pardon powers to benefit those close to him. But it was still a surprising reversal for a man who pledged to restore norms and respect for the rule of law. The U.S. Constitution says that a president has the power to grant clemency, which includes both pardons and commutations. A pardon forgives federal criminal offenses; a commutation reduces penalties but isn’t as sweeping. The power has its roots in English law — the king could grant mercy to anyone — and it made it over the ocean to the American colonies and stuck around. The U.S. Supreme Court has found the presidential pardon authority to be very broad. And presidents use the power a lot: Donald Trump granted 237 acts of clemency during his four years in office and Barack Obama granted clemency 1,927 times in his eight years. Presidents have forgiven drug offenses, fraud convictions and Vietnam-era draft dodgers, among many other things. But a president can only grant pardons for federal offenses, not state ones. Impeachment convictions also aren’t pardonable. Hunter Biden was convicted in June of lying on a federal form when he purchased a gun in 2018 and swore that he wasn’t a drug user. Just months later, he pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of a scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes. Prosecutors alleged he lived lavishly while flouting the tax law, spending his cash on things like strippers and luxury hotels — “in short, everything but his taxes.” Both cases stemmed from a period in Hunter Biden’s life in which he struggled with drug and alcohol abuse before becoming sober in 2019. After the gun trial aired salacious and unflattering details about Hunter Biden’s life, the president’s son said he agreed to plead guilty to the tax charges to spare his family another embarrassing criminal trial. The tax trial was also expected to showcase details about Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings, which Republicans have seized on to try to paint the Biden family as corrupt. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month in the two cases by judges in California and Delaware who were nominated to the bench by Trump. Special counsel David Weiss’ office had not said whether prosecutors had planned to seek prison time. The tax charges carried up to 17 years behind bars and the gun charges were punishable by up to 25 years in prison, though federal sentencing guidelines were expected to call for far less time and it was possible the younger Biden would have avoided prison time entirely. Yes. Hunter Biden has been under federal investigation since 2020. He reached a deal with federal prosecutors and was supposed to plead guilty last year to misdemeanor tax offenses and would have avoided prosecution in the gun case as long he stayed out of trouble for two years. But the plea hearing quickly unraveled when the judge raised concerns about unusual aspects of the deal. He was subsequently indicted in the two cases, and he’s claimed that he was singled out because he is the president’s son. The president told reporters earlier this summer that he would not pardon his son. “I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is one of the brightest, most decent men I know,” he said. “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said as recently as Nov. 8 that Biden would not pardon his son. In his statement Sunday, Biden said that his son had been “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.” Biden has been concerned — as Hunter Biden was — about his political adversaries. Also, the president is no longer running for office. He made his no-pardon pledge before he dropped out of the presidential race in June. In his statement, the president said it was clear that his son was treated differently from other defendants in similar predicaments. The plea deal unraveled and Biden’s political opponents took credit for pressuring the process, he said. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son — and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter — who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me — and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.” Yes. In his final weeks in office, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in law, Jared Kushner. He also pardoned multiple allies convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. Trump over the weekend announced plans to nominate the elder Kushner to be the U.S. envoy to France in his next administration. President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton in 2001, after he had completed a prison term for drug charges. Clinton also pardoned his former business partner Susan McDougal, who had been sentenced to two years in prison for her role in the Whitewater real estate deal.

Seahawks will be without RB Kenneth Walker III (calf) vs. CardinalsRapid City Area Schools securing a nearly $1 million grant to stop school violence is important in any timeframe. The grant, which came from the Department of Justice, “will enhance RCAS’ efforts to promote school safety, expand mental health resources, and implement proactive measures to prevent school violence,” a press release stated. But the grant is particularly timely — and important — considering it tackles the same problems that could motivate families to take advantage of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s education savings account proposal if it’s passed. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem delivers her FY2026 budget address at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Darsha Dodge, Journal staff While it could be killed or amended, ESAs would come from $4 million in ongoing funds and provide $3,000 for parents to help fund an alternative education option, chiefly homeschool or private school. RCAS members, meanwhile, worry it could have major enrollment and funding consequences for the district. Homeschooling advocate Jennifer Beving, deputy state director of Americans for Prosperity, said safety concerns have played a role in the uptick in homeschooling in South Dakota. “That is definitely a reason for many families. Bullying from peers/teachers, witnessing violence, threat of school shootings,” she said via text. RCAS has seen its own uptick in school violence in recent years. Bobbi Schaefbauer, Rapid City Area Schools community relations manager, said via email the district had 317 incidents involving fighting, assaults, weapons, threats and sexual misconduct in the 2013-2014 year. That number has since surged to 715 incidents in 2023-24. To solve this, the grant aims to provide “ Training at least 90% of school staff, 20 local police officers, and 75% of K-12 students in recognizing at-risk behaviors and applying trauma-informed practices to address them,” according to the press release. Rapid City Area Schools Education Center Bart Pfankuch, South Dakota News Watch It will also launch evidence-based programs like Mental Health First Aid and professional development resources through Vector Solutions to address crisis intervention, bullying prevention and cultural competency. Acting RCAS Superintendent Cory Strasser said there’s a “vague” idea of what the training for the 20 local police officers will look like. He expects this and other facets to be ready for the 2025-26 school year. “We want to keep that communication working, to keep everybody understanding crisis plans and how we look at school safety in general,” Strasser told reporters on Thursday. The grant also provides funding to hire two Multi-Tiered System of Support Coordinators and two Licensed Social Workers. The Multi-Tiered System of Support will focus “on tailored academic and behavioral interventions for all students” and the “two Licensed Social Workers will provide direct mental health services to students and train staff and local law enforcement on trauma-informed practices and behavioral interventions,” according to the press release. In doing so, it addresses another reason why parents may remove their child from public education: a lack of staffing that prevents children — especially those with special needs or learning disabilities — from having their needs met. A 2023 Washington Post poll showed 32% of parents went the homeschool route because their child has special needs that schools can’t or won’t meet. Another 28% said it’s a result of their child having mental or behavioral issues made worse at school. By addressing behavior and safety needs, RCAS hopes it’ll lead to improved academic performance — another key facet why parents are seeking alternative education plans. Beving “Our educational outcomes in South Dakota are just not good,” said Beving, who later added, “Half the kids aren't reading at proficient levels statewide. It's worse than that in math, and it's way worse than science.” Beving cited these stats to edify why South Dakota public education groups can’t lament ESAs as an act of defunding, nor consider themselves a vital piece of society. “If half our kids can't read proficiently, I'm not sure you are the bedrock of society anymore,” she added. A South Dakota Department of Education 2023-24 report card showed 45% of RCAS students met or exceeded state expectations for the state assessment in English language arts and 37% of RCAS students met expectations for the science assessment. Both stats fell below statewide averages. "We are not satisfied with our results, and we will continue our efforts to improve," Strasser wrote in an emailed statement to the Rapid City Journal in light of the report. RCAS secured a $3.4 million mental health grant a few weeks later, and on Thursday, the nearly $1 million STOP the violence grant. But with ESAs on the horizon, there’s greater urgency to continue to bolster efforts. “A lot of kids are not getting what they need in these public schools. And so the hope with an ESA program is that it helps create competition,” Beving said. “And it makes these schools have to be responsive to parents and to what people want.” A vehicle downtown spreads Thanksgiving cheer on Thursday morning. Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Snow greeted Rapid City residents on Thanksgiving morning. Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Expect temperatures in the mid-30s to lower 40s this weekend. More snow is possible on Thursday, according to AccuWeather. Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Lyndon B. Johnson braves the snow while wearing a stocking cap on Thursday, Nov. 29 in downtown Rapid City. Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff Darsha Dodge, Journal staff

Orchid Island Capital, Inc. ( NYSE:ORC – Get Free Report ) declared a monthly dividend on Tuesday, December 10th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.12 per share by the real estate investment trust on Thursday, January 30th. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 18.27%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. Orchid Island Capital has increased its dividend payment by an average of 164.3% per year over the last three years. Orchid Island Capital has a payout ratio of 576.0% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect Orchid Island Capital to earn $0.22 per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $1.44 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 654.5%. Orchid Island Capital Price Performance ORC opened at $7.88 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of $8.09. Orchid Island Capital has a 12 month low of $7.41 and a 12 month high of $9.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $629.22 million, a P/E ratio of 7.50 and a beta of 1.84. About Orchid Island Capital ( Get Free Report ) Orchid Island Capital, Inc, a specialty finance company, invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) in the United States. The company’s RMBS is backed by single-family residential mortgage loans, referred as Agency RMBS. Its portfolio includes traditional pass-through Agency RMBS, such as mortgage pass through certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations; and structured Agency RMBS comprising interest only securities, inverse interest only securities, and principal only securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Orchid Island Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orchid Island Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Cell phones in school – to use or not to use?

Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!

Jimmy Carter: His life milestones and notable quoteshave threatened to disrupt one of London’s biggest Christmas events over its sponsorship deal with . Activists have called for a boycott of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball, which is set to be headlined at the O2 arena next weekend by Coldplay and Katy Perry. There are also plans by pro-Palestine groups to picket the shows, raising fears that militants could try to disrupt the event. The boycott call could place pressure on Chris Martin, Coldplay’s frontman – who has previously expressed concern over the plight of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians – to pull out of the shows. Activists have mounted a long-running campaign of direct action against Barclays over its financial links to defence-industry firms they say provide arms to Israel. Tactics have included and sit-ins at numerous Barclays Bank branches in the wake of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, following the Oct 7 attacks by Hamas. (PSC) has included the Jingle Bell Ball in its boycott of events linked to Barclays and is urging the public to shun the glittering concerts on Dec 7 and 8. Sources have told The Telegraph they will stage a protest outside the ball in the hope of persuading people not to go inside. A spokesman for the PSC told The Telegraph: “We urge people not to attend the Jingle Bell Ball and other events it sponsors as part of our boycott of Barclays. “Barclays is using its support of arts and culture to launder its financial links to military operations in Gaza and give themselves respectability. “Families in Gaza don’t have the freedom or safety to celebrate Christmas and would love to see an end to this conflict.” The boycott promise raises the prospect of direct action by groups such as , which has targeted both Barclays and defence firms over the past year – with activists spraying buildings with paint and occupying premises. Martin, who founded in 1997 with fellow University College London students Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion, has voiced his concerns over the Gaza conflict. In June, he called for peace between Israelis and Palestinians during the band’s headline Glastonbury show, when they performed a duet with Palestinian singer Elyanna. Martin’s management team did not respond when approached by The Telegraph for comment over the issue of the Barclays boycott and its impact on Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball. Earlier this year, Barclays suspended its sponsorship of all music festivals staged by promoter Live Nation in 2024, including Download, Latitude and the Isle of Wight. The move came after several acts pulled out of the events in protest at the bank’s investment links to arms companies that trade with Israel. Artists including country singer CMAT, metal band Ithaca and comedian Joanne McNally all withdrew from planned slots this summer. Barclays has since hit back at continued calls for a boycott of all its cultural activities, stating: “The protesters’ agenda is to have Barclays debank defence companies, which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe. They have resorted to intimidating our staff, repeated vandalism of our branches and online harassment.” It added: “The only thing that this small group of activists will achieve is to weaken essential support for cultural events enjoyed by millions. It is time that leaders across politics, business, academia and the arts stand united against this.”Workday Consulting Service Market 2024 Set for Major Growth Surge Over the Next Decade

Biden's pardon of son, Hunter, roils Democrats' post-election reckoning: ANALYSIS

Google has launched a new set of AI-powered features for Android devices, running on Android 15. According to Google, these features will help users express themselves authentically and connect their digital lives with real-world experiences. Highlights Google said the updates are designed to make Android devices even more helpful and accessible. Some of the key highlights include Expressive Captions, Gemini for Lookout, Quick Share via QR Code, Auto-Enhanced Scans in Google Drive and Emoji Kitchen Stickers among others. ALSO READ: Google fund to assist independent news publishers in SA Expressive Captions This feature automatically capture the intensity and emotion of how someone is speaking — from volume and tone to sounds that say more than words. You’ll see things like the [whispering] of a juicy secret, the [cheers and applause] of a big win and the [groaning] after a dad joke. These will appear across your phone’s apps on everything from streaming to social to video messages, only on Android [APPLAUSE]. Gemini for Lookout Wit this feature, you can hear image descriptions read aloud, enhanced by Gemini models Designed with people in blind and low-vision communities, Image Q&A in Lookout now uses Gemini 1.5 Pro to provide even richer, more helpful image descriptions compared to previous versions. Simply take, upload or open a photo in the app to hear the caption read aloud in a natural-sounding voice. You can then gain a deeper understanding of the image by asking follow-up questions, now available globally. Emoji Kitchen Grab a slice of the new sticker combos and keyboard. Is pizza night coming up? Remix your favorite emoji into new pizza-themed sticker combos 🍕+❤️ and share them with friends using Emoji. This feature helps you create a new emoticon with the help of existing ones. For example, if you add the pizza emoji with a heart on the keyboard, it will automatically create a new sticker that combines both of the commands. It is similar to Apple’s Genmoji. The only difference is, that Emoji Kitchen has already rolled out, but Genmoji is yet to arrive. QR codes in Quick Share This features allows your best photos to be shared. QR codes in Quick Share make it easier to transfer pictures, videos and documents. Simply select the media file you want to share, tap the QR code and have others scan it for a secure transfer — no need to add them as a contact, verify devices or change your sharing settings. Auto enhancement in Google Drive Google Drive now offers enhanced scans that are sharper and clearer with automatic improvements. Whether it’s receipts, documents, or ID cards, your scans are optimised for better contrast, white balance, and reduced shadows and blurring — all without the need for manual editing. Just capture an image of physical documents or receipts, and the app will save a crisp, clear digital version in your preferred format. ALSO READ: Google Gemini set to introduce AI images of people with Imagen 3 Gemini Extensions Gemini on Android is getting a boost with new Extensions that connect to your favourite apps and services. With the new Spotify extension, you can play your favourite songs and discover playlists for any mood. You can also call contacts and send messages with your default phone and messaging apps, set alarms and control device settings and your camera. Google said soon, you’ll also be able to use Gemini to control your smart home devices that your Google Account can access, and get more information about places on Maps. AI features exclusive to Pixel phones If you own a Google Pixel phone, there are new exclusive features coming to the device. The Screenshots app now automatically organises saved images and works with Circle to Search, letting users save search results and get relevant suggestions. The new update also brings Emoji Kitchen to Gboard, allowing users to create custom emoji combinations, and enhances the call screening feature with AI-powered contextual response suggestions. Google started rolling out the new features this week for Pixel phones and a few select Android 15 devices, with a wider global rollout expected over the next few weeks. NOW READ: Facebook, Microsoft and Telkom on ‘largest outages of 2024’ list

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When it comes to investing, especially for long-term stock investors, it is important to buy high-quality stocks at great valuations. In today's video, I will discuss three stocks that appear cheap and could be good stock buys in December 2024 heading into 2025. One of those stocks that has pulled back a little and is the cheapest among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks is Alphabet ( GOOGL 1.20% ) ( GOOG 1.25% ) . Watch this short video to learn more, consider subscribing to the channel, and check out the special offer in the link below. *Stock prices used were end-of-day prices of Nov. 29, 2024. The video was published on Nov. 30, 2024.