panalo999.com login

The jury in Michael Madigan’s corruption trial has heard many nicknames given to the powerful Democratic House Speaker, from the obvious, like “MJM” or “Mr. Speaker,” to the more esoteric such as “Himself” and “our Friend.” But on Monday they heard a new one: “Sphinx.” That was the moniker applied to Madigan by some members of JB Pritzker’s team after Pritzker’s election in 2018, according to U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, who was a top Pritzker aide before her election to Congress in 2022. Budzinski The nickname, a reference to the mythical figure of Egyptian pharaohs typically used to convey strength and ferocity, was used in an email shown during Budzinski’s testimony referencing a job recommendation from Madigan for Pritzker’s new administration. “Attached is the most recent Sphinx list of recommendations ahead of your meeting today,” read the Dec. 4, 2018, email, which was sent from Budzinski to Pritzker and his soon-to-be chief of staff, Anne Caprara. “We have noted these in our process and they are coming thru our portal.” It’s not the first time Madigan was ever referred to as Sphinx in political circles. In fact, some of the speaker’s own friends and colleagues sometimes called him “the Sphinx from Pulaski Road,” a nod to his 13th Ward headquarters at 65th and Pulaski. But Budzinski’s testimony was the first the jury had heard of it. And while she confirmed that “Sphinx” was a reference to Madigan, she couldn’t explain why. On cross examination, Madigan’s attorney Lari Dierks asked if the “Sphinx” nickname was part of the “myth” of Madigan in Springfield. “I can’t really speak to that. It wasn’t my nickname,” Budzinski testified. The image of Madigan, a famously Irish Southwest Sider, as a monumental desert colossus with the head of a human, body of a lion, and wings of an eagle brought some levity to an otherwise quick, cut-and-dried day of testimony in Madigan’s trial, which is now in its 10th week. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey recessed the trial for the day after only an hour so that the parties could attend services for longtime 7th Circuit Judge Joel Flaum, who passed away last week at age 88. Madigan Testimony resumes Tuesday morning. Prosecutors have said they could rest their case in chief later this week. Madigan, 82, of Chicago, who served for decades as speaker of the Illinois House and the head of the state Democratic Party, faces racketeering charges alleging he ran his state and political operations like a criminal enterprise. He is charged alongside his longtime confidant Michael McClain, 77, a former ComEd contract lobbyist from downstate Quincy. Both men have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. Budzinski, a Springfield Democrat elected to the U.S. House last year, was senior adviser to Pritzker in his 2018 campaign to unseat Gov. Bruce Rauner and later was a key aide in Pritzker’s new administration. When she took the stand Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu asked her, “When you’re not testifying in federal court, can you tell the jury what’s your day job?” “I’m a United States representative,” she said. “I represent the 13th District of Illinois in Congress.” After Pritzker was elected in 2018, Budzinski became the executive director of the transition committee, helping to “select, interview and hire a number of individuals into state government and for boards and commissions.” Pritzker had the final say on any hires, Budzinski said. The transition team set up a government portal where any applicants had to sign up, Budzinski said. Other candidates came through LinkedIn and other social media. They also took recommendations from elected officials and others in government. Budzinski said she was aware Madigan had been “a legislative leader for a very long time,” and that they gave “serious consideration” to any job recommendation that came from him. But she said recommendations from any of four legislative leaders were in no way a slam dunk. “We had a lot of due diligence,” Budzinski said. “We really took it very serious to vet every single candidate that was recommended.” Jurors were shown one email from Budzinski to other Pritzker transition staff saying they had a resume from a guy from New York seeking a position with the Illinois Department of Transportation that “should have MJM on it.” “We need to call him at least and perhaps maybe consider him for number two spot,” Budzinski wrote. According to the indictment, one of Madigan’s recommendations was then-Ald. Daniel Solis, who was working undercover for federal investigators and asked Madigan to help him get a state board position in Pritzker’s administration as part of an FBI rise. Jurors have previously watched undercover video in which Solis asked Madigan for help getting on a state board that paid at least $100,000, including either the Labor Relations Board or the Illinois Commerce Commission. Prosecutors have also presented evidence that Madigan sent Solis information about state boards and commissions in response. The indictment against Madigan alleges he sat down with Pritzker in December 2018 and mentioned Solis as a candidate for a board seat. But Budzinski was not asked specifically about Solis in her testimony, which lasted only about 30 minutes. An Illinois House committee will look into whether Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan should be disciplined in light of Commonwealth Edison’s agreement with federal prosecutors that alleged the utility engaged in a “years-long bribery scheme” that sought to curry favor with Madigan. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Black Friday is over, but the laptop deals are still hot. In fact, we're seeing some mind-blowing discounts on brands like Apple and Samsung, even as we're updating this article. Also: Best Black Friday deals 2024: 170+ sales live now featuring some of the lowest prices ever Take the sleek new Microsoft Surface Laptop : it's our pick for best battery life laptop of 2024 and it's currently $355 off at Amazon. There's also the iconic Apple MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM, on sale for just $844, one of the lowest prices we've seen. We organized our list into categories that actually make sense for most users, including how many gigabytes (GB) of RAM the laptop has, one of the key metrics in determining speed. We've also highlighted our top picks in each category, calling out their value, performance, or unique feature sets. Our favorite Black Friday laptop deals MacBook Air M3 (13-inch) Current price: $844 Original price: $1,099 The MacBook Air M3 is as high-performing as it is ultraportable. The latest in Apple silicon provides a powerful and battery-efficient core to one of the thinnest and lightest laptops out there. With a 13.6-inch liquid retina display, 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the MacBook Air set the standard in portability and continues to push the limits for what an ultraportable laptop can do. Review: M3 MacBook Air review: Apple's AI computer for the masses has arrived Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Current price: $450 Original price: $730 Dell's Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is a well-rounded laptop that can easily swap between different use cases, both due to its 2-in-1 form factor, and solid hardware. This accessible configuration with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage makes for a device that gives a lot of bang for your buck. Review: One of the most versatile laptops I've tested is a crowd-pleaser with solid hardware Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) Current price: $999 Original price: $1,400 Microsoft's flagship Copilot+ PC is a sleek, well-optimized laptop with a marathon battery. We named it our top pick for best overall battery life out of all the laptops we tested in 2024 thanks to the energy-efficient Snapdragon X Elite processor, which keeps it running cool while also providing stand-out performance. Review: I tried Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC and it beat my MacBook Air in 3 ways LG Gram 17 Current price: $949 Original price: $1,399 We're big fans of LG's Gram series for its commitment to being the lightest, thinnest laptops around. The Gram 17 defies logic for portability in a 17-inch form factor, weighing just 2.98 pounds, but still has a nice display and commendable hardware stack. This configuration features an Intel Core i7 Evo processor, 16GB of RAM and a full 1TB of storage. Also: LG's Gram Pro has record-breaking portability, but that's not my favorite feature (and it's on sale) Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge Current price: $800 Original price: $1,350 Samsung's debut Copilot+ PC features the most high-end of the new Snapdragon X Elite chips that were released this summer. The Galaxy Book 4 lives up to its flagship status with a gorgeous AMOLED display, sleek form factor, and fantastic battery life. Review: I tested Samsung's new Copilot+ PC, and it's one of the best Windows laptop deals right now Apple MacBook Air M3 (13-inch): $844 (save $255 at Amazon): The MacBook Air with the M3 chip remains one of the thinnest, lightest laptops available (it's also our pick for the best lightweight laptop you can buy). With Apple's powerful M3 chip on board, this laptop can easily handle demanding workflows like video editing and graphic design. Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 : $450 (save $280 at Best Buy): One of our top-rated flexible laptops is nearly $300 off ahead of Cyber Monday, making it even more accessible. Microsoft Surface Laptop : $999 (save $400 at Amazon): Microsoft's flagship Copilot+ PC is our top pick for best battery life laptop of 2024. LG Gram 17 : $949 (save $450 at Best Buy): If you're looking for a laptop with a large display that weighs next to nothing, LG's Gram 17 weighs less than three pounds and comes with an Intel Evo 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage for almost $500 off. Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge : $800 (save $550 at Best Buy): Samsung's first Copilot+ PC just came out this summer, and we were crazy about its thin and light form factor and gorgeous AMOLED display. Best Black Friday MacBook deals: Apple's MacBooks rarely go on sale, but this Black Friday, we're seeing a handful of competitive discounts across the major retailers. Here are the most noteworthy sales we've found. Apple MacBook Pro M4 (14-inch) Current price: $1,400 Original price: $1,500 Apple's M4 MacBook Pro was released less than a month ago, but it's already seeing a discount to make it a competitive option among all the other devices on sale right now. The M4 MacBook Pro is cutting-edge technology, sporting a 14-core CPU that's armed with a 16-core neural engine to take advantage of AI tasks. In our testing, it pulled ahead of the M3 MacBook Pro, but the M3 still held its own, putting these two devices very close to one another in performance. Apple MacBook Pro M4 (14-inch) : $1,399 (save $200 at Best Buy): Released less than a month ago, Apple's MacBook Pro M4 is the latest in Apple Silicon technology, with 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. Apple MacBook Air M2 (13-inch) : $749 (save $250 at Best Buy): Armed with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air redefined portability with its thinnest and lightest form factor. The M2 version is only a few years old, but its hardware is still highly competitive, with fast, responsive performance and a gorgeous display. Apple MacBook Air M3 (13-inch) : $849 (save $250 at Best Buy): For just $100 more, the M3 MacBook Air is the 2023 follow-up to the previous M2 version, with slightly faster performance thanks to the upgraded chipset. This is one of the lowest prices we've seen for this laptop, which is little more than a year old. Apple MacBook Air M3 (15-inch) : $1,444 (save $65 at Amazon): The MacBook Air M3 with the larger 15-inch display and 16GB of memory is currently $265 off at Amazon, a competitive price for the largest version of 2023's Air model. Apple MacBook Pro M3 (14-inch) : $1,499 (save $200 at Best Buy): The MacBook Pro M3 is where most people looking for a powerful MacBook should start. It's not the top-end of the latest technology -- the M4 -- but it's also not really much less powerful. In fact, with the price of the MacBook Pro M3 under $1,500, it's an impressive bang-for-your-buck laptop that is ready to handle anything you can throw at it. Apple MacBook Pro Max M4 (16-inch) : $3,599 (save $400 at Best Buy): If you're looking for the absolute cutting-edge of Apple silicon, the MacBook Pro Max M4 is the fastest laptop available right now. It has a massive 48GB of RAM and 1TB SSD, letting it handle the most intensive workloads you can dream up. We're talking multitasking with 4K video renders across multiple monitors, all without a mere hiccup of lag. If the price looks high, it's because this is top-end technology, and you're not likely to see $400 off again any time soon. Best Black Friday gaming laptop deals: Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 Current price: $1,600 Original price: $2,00 Armed with a fast and powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, 16GB of memory and a 16-inch, 240Hz OLED display, Asus' flagship gaming laptop is as sleek and lightweight as it is high-performing. We're a big fan of Asus' ROG lineup for their small perks that gamers will appreciate, like the performance presets, hotkeys, and efficient battery life. MSI Stealth A16 AI+ -Copilot+ PC for $1,700 (save $300 at Best Buy): MSI's Stealth A16 comes with the AMD Ryzen AI 9-365, a top-of-the-line AI processor that runs cool and extremely power efficient, while delivering solid performance for gaming with 32GB of RAM and an RTX 4070 GPU. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16-inch : $1,000 (save $500 at Best Buy): Acer's Predator series is a staple of gaming machines. The 18-inch comes with a 165Hz display, Intel Core i9, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and 16GB of memory. Asus TUF A16 Gaming Laptop : $680 (save $420 at Best Buy): From Asus' durable line of gaming laptops, the 16-inch version is just the right size for portable gaming with a good-sized screen. This one comes with 16GB of RAM, a Radeon RX 7700S GPU, and 512GB of storage. ASUS TUF A14 : $1,399 (save $400 at Ant Online): The TUF line of gaming laptops are as high-performing as they are durable. The A14 is a Copilot+ PC with and AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor, 32GB of RAM and a massive 2TB SSD for a very competitive sale price. Lenovo LOQ : $785 (save $215 at Amazon): Lenovo's LOQ line offers gaming laptops that won't break the bank. This 15.6-inch device features an accessible 16GB of memory, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, and AMD Ryzen 7 processor for a capable but inexpensive configuration. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 : $2,429 (save $770 Lenovo): Lenovo's 9th-generation Legion Pro 7i is a powerful gaming machine with tons of storage. At $570 off, it makes the price a whole lot more accessible. Asus ROG Strix G17 (2022) Gaming Laptop : $1,300 (save $600 at B&H Photo Video): The ROG Strix G17 from Asus' 2022 lineup is marked down to make room for the 2024 models, but that doesn't mean this machine can't handle high-end gaming. It's got 16GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, and a bold design for $450 off the regular price. MSI Creator M16 HX : $1,700 (save $300 at Amazon): MSI's M16 HX features a blazing-fast 240Hz display with superior cooling technology, making it a solid option for both gaming and intensive creative workloads like video editing and graphic design. Best Black Friday Lenovo laptop deals: Whether you're looking for a gaming rig or light and inexpensive laptop to handle the basics, Lenovo has a handful of great deals going on right now across its entire lineup of laptops. Here are some of the best deals on models that I think deserve a shout out. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Current price: $999 Original price: $1,299 Lenovo's Aura Edition laptops come with a handful of unique functionalities designed by Intel, such as the ability to share photos from your Android/iPhone device directly to the laptop simply by tapping it. Special features aside, this laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and the powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, making it a solid laptop for productivity, gaming, creative tasks, or a combination of all of the above. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition : $999 (save $300 at Best Buy): Armed with an Intel Core Ultra 7 and 16GB of RAM, Lenovo's flagship Yoga laptops with the Aura Edition feature a handful of special features like instant photo sharing with your smartphone, security profiles, and focus settings. Lenovo IdeaPad 1i : $249 (save $250 at Best Buy): This lightweight and inexpensive IdeaPad is a flexible laptop that can handle the basics, with 8GB of RAM and a 15-inch FHD display. Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 : $600 (save $295 at Lenovo): The IdeaPad 5 brings a convertible laptop/tablet design to an overall portable form factor, perfect for students commuting to and from campus. The stylus offers more flexibility for note-taking or artistic use cases, and the AMD Ryzen 7 delivers solid performance for multitasking. Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i : $1,300 (save $400 at Best Buy): The Yoga Pro 9i is a creator's dream machine, with 32 gigs of RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card and 3.2K resolution touchscreen. At $400 off, its rather steep price is a lot more affordable. Lenovo LOQ : $785 (save $215 at Amazon): Lenovo's LOQ line offers gaming laptops that won't break the bank. This 15.6-inch device features an accessible 16GB of memory, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, and AMD Ryzen 7 processor for a capable but inexpensive configuration. Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 : $2,429 (save $770 Lenovo): Lenovo's 9th-generation Legion Pro 7i is a powerful gaming machine with tons of storage. At $570 off, it makes the price a whole lot more accessible. Best Black Friday Chromebook deals: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 Current price: $392 Original price: $439 If you're looking for a mid-range Chromebook Plus with a solid laptop form factor, the ASUS CX34 has an Intel Core Ultra i3 processor paired with 8GB of RAM for snappy performance in ChromeOS. This is a device you could definitely do some cloud gaming on. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook : $279 (save $150 at Best Buy): The quintessential budget work Chromebook, Lenovo's IdeaPad 3i is adaptable and portable, with 8GB of memory for a price you can't argue with. HP 14-inch Chromebook x360 : $199 (save $230 at Walmart): This year's 14-inch model combines the superior performance of the Chromebook Plus x360 with its inherently flexible nature that is well-adapted for a productivity or entertainment machine. Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 : $392 (save $55 at Amazon): Featuring an anti-glare display and HD webcam, Asus' CX14 is a budget Chromebook that's great as a secondary device for handling web browsing and email. Acer Chromebook Plus 14-inch (Touchscreen): $199 (save $150 at Costco): If you're looking for all the new features in Chromebook Plus but want a touchscreen device, this Acer has a nice-sized 14-inch display with 8 gigs of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Asus Chromebook Flip C433 : $385 (save $10 at Amazon): This Asus 2-in-1 features a display with ultra-thin bezels, making for a premium-looking visual device with a roomy 64GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Samsung Chromebook 4 : $168 (save $100 at Amazon): With the release of Samsung's new Chromebook Galaxy Chromebook Plus, its older versions are heavily marked down. This mid-range ultraportable Chromebook features a nice 11-inch display and over 12 hours of battery life. Best Black Friday creator laptop deals HP Envy 16 Current price: $1,000 Original price: $1,500 HP's Envy lineup is renown for being versatile, but this 16-inch makes a solid creator's workstation with its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB of RAM, and ultra XGA touchscreen display. With a generous selection of ports and a portable form factor, this is a quintessential power user's laptop that's down for work or play. MSI Creator M14 : $900 (save $300 at Amazon): The aptly named Creator is designed from the ground up for artists and creatives. It features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU and Color Boost technology for vivid display and graphics capabilities. HP Envy 2-in-1 : $580 (save $370 at Best Buy): If you like the Envy listed above but you'd rather trade in some of the high-end hardware for a flexible, tablet/laptop form factor, this is your device. At this sale price, it's got even more bang for your buck. Microsoft Surface Pro : $900 (save $300 at Best Buy): The Surface Pro's fast and power-efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor paired with 16GB of RAM makes for a high-performing mobile workstation that creators will appreciate. Surface Laptop Studio 2 for $1,900: (save up to $600 at the Microsoft Store): Microsoft's powerful Studio 2 features a unique 2-in-1 configuration that creatives will love, with an arsenal of powerful hardware, making it one of the best studio laptops you can buy for under $2,000. MSI Creator M16 HX : $1,700 (save $300 at Amazon): MSI's M16 HX features a blazing-fast 240Hz display with superior cooling technology, making it a solid option for both gaming and intensive creative workloads like video editing and graphic design. FAQs This is a great question since I think there are quite a few solid laptops out there under the $1,000 mark. Here are a few highly recommended laptops I've tested personally that won't cost you more than $900. Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge : $800 (save $550 at Best Buy): Samsung's first Copilot+ PC has a gorgeous AMOLED display and a high-end Snapdragon X Elite processor that's fast, responsive, and battery-efficient. It's sleek and stylish, and a steal at this price. Dell XPS 14 : $2,000 (save $500 at Best Buy): Dell's flagship XPS 14 laptop is as versatile as it is well-equipped. The 2024 version with the Intel Core 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD is a powerful device that will last your whole time at school, and it's currently slashed down to just $1,999. This all depends on what you find easiest. If you like using a touchscreen, and want a device for media purposes like watching shows and movies, a tablet is probably a better bet. If you're looking for a device that can handle work-related tasks and will be doing lots of typing, a laptop might make more sense. If you can see yourself doing both equally, consider a 2-in-1 like the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 , which can convert back and forth between the two form factors. Black Friday occurs the day after Thanksgiving. This year, it's on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. Cyber Monday falls on the Monday immediately after Black Friday. This year, it's on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Absolutely! Amazon has added tons of devices from all the big brands over the past few years to hype up their Black Friday sales events, and they've gotten quite good. For example, when Amazon first started selling Apple's MacBooks and MacBook Pros at discounted rates, it was one of the first online retail outlets to do so. Black Friday has traditionally been a more general sale day to kick off the holiday shopping season. Cyber Monday specifically refers to sales offered by online retailers that aren't available in physical brick-and-mortar stores. These deals are often sharply discounted, as retailers can adjust prices far more easily online than on physical products on a shelf. Cyber Monday typically has some very good deals on a smaller selection of products/models, while Black Friday sales tend to be more general and encompass larger inventories. There are tons of Chromebook deals out there, but we only highlight products we've either gone hands-on with personally or would consider ourselves. For example, laptops and Chromebooks come in a myriad of configurations and versions. If we've tested one model that we recommend, but a lower- or higher-end configuration is on sale, we'd still feel confident recommending it. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. The biggest retailers for laptops (that also have the best sales) are Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and B&H Photo Video, and many of our top-rated sales come from these destinations. ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category: Black Friday TV deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday laptop deals Black Friday gaming PC deals Black Friday smartwatch and fitness tracker deals Black Friday Amazon deals Black Friday Best Buy deals Black Friday Walmart deals Black Friday Sam's Club deals Black Friday Apple deals Black Friday iPad deals Black Friday AirPods deals Black Friday Apple Watch deals Black Friday Kindle deals Black Friday streaming deals Black Friday soundbar and speaker deals Black Friday robot vacuum deals Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals Black Friday PlayStation deals And more Black Friday deals: Black Friday deals under $25 Black Friday deals under $100 Black Friday Samsung deals Black Friday Verizon deals Black Friday headphone deals Black Friday tablet deals Black Friday monitor deals Black Friday gaming deals Black Friday security camera deals Black Friday storage and SSD deals Black Friday portable power station deals Black Friday VPN deals Black Friday Chromebook deals Black Friday HP deals Black Friday Dell deals Black Friday Roku deals Black Friday Roborock deals Best Black Friday deals Black Friday phone deals Black Friday TV deals Black Friday laptop dealsThe Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime. All of previous coach Ron Rivera's first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ‘21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in '22 — are now gone. Forbes never showed progress to the new staff led by coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy scratch twice this season and did not play in two other games during which the 23-year-old was in uniform. It's unclear if Forbes' release means anything about the status of cornerback Marshon Lattimore , the Commanders' trade deadline pickup in early November who still has not played for them because of a hamstring injury. Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Washington's home game Sunday against Tennessee. The Commanders (7-5) also put running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve because of a concussion . They elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad in preparation for facing the Titans (3-8). Washington has lost three in a row to fall from first place in the NFC East to the conference’s final wild-card spot. The most recent loss, last weekend against division rival Dallas, came when Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game, which would have tied it with 21 seconds left. Seibert went on IR earlier in the week with a groin injury that Quinn said the kicker reported Monday. While injuries have piled up as the Commanders await their late bye week, the choice of Forbes has been second-guessed since the moment Rivera's front office chose the 166-pound Mississippi State defensive back with the 16th pick over Christian Gonzalez and others. Gonzalez was selected next, by New England, and has started 16 games for the Patriots. Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who was in charge when Washington selected Davis ahead of offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in '21 and traded down to take Dotson the following year instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or receiver Chris Olave. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 20 games. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflGeneration Income Properties CEO David Sobelman buys $17,889 in stock
AP News Summary at 6:55 p.m. EST
The Brooklyn Nets are gearing up for the future, having stockpiled a staggering 31 draft picks over the next seven years, including 15 first-round picks and 16 second-round picks. This impressive haul positions the franchise to build a sustainable foundation or use their draft capital for potential blockbuster trades. Ever since dismantling the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era, the Nets have shifted their focus to long-term planning, taking calculated steps to ensure flexibility and growth. Under the leadership of GM Sean Marks, the Nets have executed one of the most impressive rebuild strategies in recent NBA history. The decision to part ways with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving was a pivotal moment for the franchise. While the duo brought star power to Brooklyn, their tenure failed to deliver the championship aspirations many had hoped for. The subsequent trades involving Durant to the Phoenix Suns and Irving to the Dallas Mavericks yielded significant draft capital, signaling a new direction for the team. These trades alone brought in multiple first-round and second-round picks, helping lay the groundwork for the Nets’ rebuild. Since the Durant-Irving breakup, the Nets have been highly strategic in their approach to the trade market. Recent trades, such as the Dennis Schroder trade to the Warriors and the Dorian-Finney Smith trade to the Lakers , added six second-round picks to their already massive collection. Moves like these demonstrate the Nets’ commitment to accumulating assets that can either be used to draft and develop young talent or serve as valuable currency in future transactions. Notably, the Mikal Bridges trade has also played a significant role in boosting the Nets’ draft stock. The Suns’ and Knicks’ picks tied to Bridges have contributed four first-round selections to Brooklyn’s war chest. Additionally, trades involving other key players, such as James Harden and Royce O’Neale, have added further layers to their pick stockpile. By amassing 31 picks, the Nets have positioned themselves as one of the most flexible teams in the league. With 15 first-round picks, they have ample opportunity to draft elite talent or package picks in deals to land an established star when the right opportunity arises. The 16 second-round picks provide additional depth, giving the team access to overlooked prospects or trade sweeteners to seal deals. The Nets’ ability to remain under the luxury tax bracket is another key element of their strategy. By offloading contracts and creating cap space, the franchise has the financial flexibility to pursue high-impact moves in free agency while continuing to maximize their draft assets. The future for the Nets is loaded with possibilities. With 15 first-round picks, they can draft and develop a core of young players, creating a sustainable contender over time. Alternatively, the front office could bundle picks to acquire a superstar, transforming Brooklyn into an immediate powerhouse. The sheer number of assets they hold ensures they have a seat at the table for any major trade discussions in the coming years. The Brooklyn Nets’ accumulation of 31 draft picks over the next seven years is a testament to their strategic vision and adaptability. After the Durant-Irving era, the team has pivoted to a forward-looking approach that prioritizes flexibility and long-term success. With their war chest of picks, the Nets are well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, whether through drafting, trading, or free agency. The future in Brooklyn looks brighter than ever, as the Nets aim to reestablish themselves as one of the league’s most formidable franchises. This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
The Bot Wars – ChatGPT Goes To Work Convincing PeopleToday is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). It’s a day to promote the rights and wellbeing of those with disabilities and reflect on what we’re doing to make the world a more inclusive place. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: for many Australians with disabilities, inclusion still feels like a lot of lip service. Despite the progress in the last two to three decades, Australians with disabilities are still fighting uphill battles for access and opportunity. So, today, rather than patting ourselves on the back for what’s been achieved, we need to be honest. Are we doing enough? And if not, what’s stopping us? Leaders in the disability sector like , and are crystal clear on one thing: change doesn’t come from just talking about it. It comes from consistent, practical, unapologetic action. Inclusion or illusion? Australia is a global leader in recognising the importance of support systems for people with disabilities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in particular, has transformed lives by providing funding for essential services and giving individuals the tools to participate fully in society. Australia has also made strides in embracing disability rights and increasing the presence of inclusive public infrastructure. But is it truly delivering? According to Chloe Kempe, CEO of , Australia hasn’t quite turned inclusion into a universal experience. “Many communities, especially in regional areas, still face challenges in accessing resources,” says Kempe. “We need a collective push to normalise inclusivity, not just as an ideal but as a lived reality”. Kerry Kingham, CEO of , agrees that while progress has certainly been made, many systemic challenges still remain. Simplifying NDIS processes, enhancing physical and digital accessibility and driving equity in employment are critical steps Australia must take, along with considering intersectional equity. “People need to understand thatdisability intersects with other factors such as age, gender and cultural background and create policies that address these intersections to ensure no one is left behind”, said Kingham. “Inclusivity is about more than just having a seat at the table. It’s about making sure the table works for everyone—and if it doesn’t, we’re ready to flip it over and build a better one.” Cheryl Drury, Director of , likewise believes that while Australia making progress, there’s plenty of room for improvement. “It’s hard to believe we’re still talking about inclusion as something to strive for, rather than something that just ” Drury said. “We’re seeing more conversations about disability rights and representation in media and leadership. But there’s still a way to go. Workplaces need to be more adaptable; communities need to be more accessible, and schools need to create environments where kids with disabilities can thrive socially and academically”. According to Kingham, while the NDIS has been life-changing for many, it’s still an overwhelming maze for participants and carers. “From complex claiming processes, to a lack of integration between providers, navigating the system is daunting,” Kingham said. Kerry and her team at are committed to removing barriers and empowering individuals with disabilities to live more independently. “We are taking the everyday frustrations of Australians with disabilities—confusing systems, inaccessible products, endless red tape—and replacing them with simple, empowering solutions,” says Kingham. “We are simplifying claiming processes by offering consolidated invoices and integrated workflows for Agency, Plan and Self-Managed participants”. Kerry also believes that many online platforms still fall short when it comes to providing user-friendly and accessible experiences for individuals with disabilities. To address this, The Chooze Shop is leveraging AI to build tools that ensure accessibility while innovating for the future of assistive technology. Employment opportunities and social skills programs Drury believes that while inclusive hiring practices are improving, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers to meaningful employment. Australia must do more to incentivise businesses to adopt these practices. “For people with disabilities, the reality is often a world that feels closed off—one where opportunities to build connections, find meaningful work, and simply feel a part of the community are out of reach”, says Drury. “We want to break down barriers and make sure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. Whether it’s education, employment, or just the chance to meet new people and form relationships, the goal is to create a society that truly includes everyone”, she continues. “Loneliness is something we all feel at times, but for people with disabilities, it’s far too common. That’s why what we do at and our sister organisations, and , are just so important”. Inclusion by design Kempe believes that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a cornerstone of inclusivity and dignity. Through ongoing , Chloe revealed they are setting new standards for care, creating environments that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead more independent, meaningful lives. “Our collaboration integrates The Chooze Shop’s innovative assistive technology and consumables into SACARE’s supported accommodations, enabling our clients to have greater control over their daily lives,” said Kempe. “From adaptive tools that support mobility to consumables that simplify day-to-day tasks, this partnership ensures our living environments go beyond basic accessibility, . And their vision doesn’t stop with homes. Together, SACARE and The Chooze Shop are making public spaces more inclusive too. “By providing our SACARE Carers Lounge, which includes a sensory room and purpose-built changing space at major events across SA, VIC, and QLD, we’re ensuring that people with sensory sensitivities and changing needs can enjoy these experiences with dignity and comfort”. SACARE and The Chooze Shop’s partnership exemplifies what’s possible when innovation meets advocacy. Together, they’re not only meeting immediate needs, but also reshaping how accessibility is defined—opening doors for individuals to fully engage in all aspects of life. Walking the talk: why women’s leadership matters Inclusion starts at the top, and the disability support sector is uniquely positioned to lead. As Kingham points out, women hold a significant number of senior leadership roles in this space. That’s a rarity in many industries, but it’s also a responsibility. “We have to set high standards and model them for everyone around us,” says Kingham. “It’s not enough to talk about inclusion—we have to live it, breathe it, and make it impossible to ignore.” Drury, echoes this sentiment, calling for action over rhetoric. “We need to move beyond words and focus on action. It’s about creating a society where everyone belongs, feels valued, and has the chance to contribute. Change happens when we all step up.” Kempe echoes this sentiment, highlighting that meaningful change requires a collective effort. “This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we encourage businesses, policymakers, and communities to join us in pushing boundaries for inclusivity and innovation,” she says. “The fight for equity is everyone’s responsibility. Only together can we create a world where no one is left behind.”
NEW YORK (AP) — Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner has been fined $2,000 for embellishment during a recent game against the New York Rangers, the NHL said Monday. Skinner was issued a warning after a diving/embellishment incident in an Oct. 22 game against the Carolina Hurricanes, the league said. His second citation, which triggered the fine, came in the second period of a 6-2 victory over the Rangers on Nov. 23. Skinner was being followed by Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller as he had the puck along the boards in the New York zone. Skinner lost his footing and the puck despite minimal contact from Miller. The Oilers forward looked toward the referee as he got up but no penalty call was made on the play. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. ___ AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Best TV of 2024: A modestly better lineup than usual, but why didn’t it feel that way?None
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) took another critical step Monday towards voting to confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Ernst and Hegseth met Monday afternoon in person for at least the second time since President-elect Donald Trump nominated him. “Following our encouraging conversations, Pete committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women — based on quality and standards, not quotas — and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks,” Ernst said after the meeting Fox News’ Chad Pergram reported . “As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst had emerged as the face of senatorial hesitance to back Hegseth. The junior senator from Iowa, who retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, was rumored to desire the position herself. After a groundswell of conservative backlash over her coolness to Hegseth’s nomination, Ernst has inched closer and closer towards a vote to confirm him to helm the Pentagon. Hegseth was targeted by an apparently coordinated smear campaign from establishment media outlets all too keen to recirculate years-old allegations. But Hegseth remained firm in his commitment to stay the course while meeting individually with senators to discuss his vision for the Department of Defense and any concerns with his nomination. Trump was impressed by Hegseth’s resolve, and has remained committed to Hegseth despite rumors — conveniently detrimental to Hegseth’s nomination — that Trump would consider replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ernst is just the latest key senator to express support for Hegseth’s nomination to continue towards confirmation hearings. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), a key Republican voice on defense policy and recently elected to the third-ranking post in Senate Republican leadership, tweeted Monday morning, “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees.” Bradley Jaye is a Capitol Hill Correspondent for Breitbart News. Follow him on X/Twitter at @BradleyAJaye .
Students in Bangladesh urged to desecrate Indian tricolour, ISKCON emblem
- Previous: https www panaloko com
- Next: panaloko app 2.0 download