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sports betting jobs philippines The technology-heavy Nasdaq closed above the 20,000 level for the first time on Wednesday after the latest US inflation report made a Federal Reserve interest rate cut almost certain next week, ­despite a rise in the consumer price ­index. Inflation rose to 2.7 per cent in the year to November, up from 2.6 per cent the previous month, according to figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in line with expectations. On a monthly basis, the rate of inflation saw growth of 0.3 per cent, up from 0.2 per cent in October. Annual core ­inflation, which strips out food and energy, was unchanged at 3.3 per cent. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq, which is home to America’s biggest technology and biotech companies, achieved the third fastest 1,000-point milestone since the index was launched in 1971, closing up 347.65 points, or 1.8 per cent, at 20,034.89, its 37th record close of 2024.Kane hat trick against Augsburg hides Bayern's concerning lack of goals

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Cameron Haffner scored 13 points as Evansville beat Missouri State 57-40 on Sunday to snap a five-game losing streak. Haffner went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Purple Aces (4-9, 1-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Joshua Hughes added 11 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Tayshawn Comer scored 11. Dez White finished with 12 points, four assists and six steals for the Bears (7-6, 0-2). Missouri State also got 10 points, 12 rebounds and two steals from Michael Osei-Bonsu. Zaxton King had eight points. Evansville carried a slim three-point lead into halftime, as Haffner led the way with seven points. Evansville took the lead for what would be the final time on Haffner's 3-pointer with 18:44 remaining in the second half. His team would outscore Missouri State by 14 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its definition of “healthy” for food labeling, marking the first revision in 30 years. This change aims to align food labels with current federal dietary guidelines to combat diet-related chronic diseases. This initiative is a key component of the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Under the new rule, products labeled as “healthy” must contain specific amounts of food from one or more recommended groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and proteins. Additionally, these products must adhere to limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats, with thresholds varying by product type. For example, grains must include three-fourths of an ounce of whole grains and contain no more than 2.5 grams of added sugars, 230 milligrams of sodium, and 1 gram of saturated fat per serving. RELATED: Milk Labeling Debate Intensifies as New Dietary Guidelines Favor Increasing Plant-Based Options This update means that foods like sugary cereals, highly sweetened yogurts, and white bread can no longer be labeled as “healthy.” In contrast, items such as avocados , olive oil , salmon, eggs, and certain trail mixes now qualify for the “healthy” label. Even water can be labeled as healthy under the new guidelines. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf emphasized the significance of this update, stating, “It’s critical for the future of the country that food be a vehicle for wellness.” He added that improving access to nutrition information is a vital public health effort to help people build healthy eating patterns. The previous definition, established in 1994, focused on limiting total fat content, which inadvertently excluded foods with beneficial fats, such as avocados and nuts. This outdated criterion allowed products high in added sugars or refined grains to be labeled as “healthy” if they met certain vitamin or mineral requirements. The new rule addresses these inconsistencies by emphasizing overall nutritional quality and the inclusion of nutrient-dense food groups. “Food labeling can be a powerful tool for change. Food labeling, like ‘healthy,’ may help foster a healthier food supply if manufacturers choose to reformulate their products to meet the new definition,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “There’s an opportunity here for industry and others to join us in making ‘healthy’ a ubiquitous, quick signal to help people more easily build nutritious diets.” Getty BECOME A VEGNEWS VIP : Get exclusive product deals, freebies, and perks galore! The FDA’s decision has garnered mixed reactions. Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, MPH, DrPh, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, praised the update as a significant improvement, noting that it shifts the focus from negative nutrients to the presence of healthy ingredients. However, the Consumer Brands Association expressed concerns about the scientific basis and potential economic impacts of the rule, suggesting that it may exclude some packaged foods despite industry efforts to offer healthier options. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) also commented on the FDA’s update. Scott Faber, EWG’s Senior Vice President of government affairs, stated, “The FDA’s updated rule is a long-overdue step forward, but it’s not enough.” Food labeling Labeling isn’t just about information; it’s about guiding behavior. Studies show that clear and consistent labels can influence purchasing decisions, steering consumers toward healthier options. Yet, the debate continues over whether voluntary changes, such as the FDA’s “healthy” label update, are enough to combat the rising tide of diet-related chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. In a country where over forty percent of adults are obese, experts argue that labeling reform must be paired with broader food system changes. The food industry often meets labeling updates with resistance, citing logistical and financial burdens. For instance, the FDA’s updated “healthy” rule, while praised for its clarity, has raised questions among manufacturers over whether they will need to reformulate products to maintain market appeal. Similar concerns have surfaced in the European Union, where wine producers have scrambled to adjust to ingredient transparency rules that are now enforced via QR codes. Pexels Labels carry significant weight in fostering consumer trust—or undermining it. While the FDA’s new rule aims to eliminate misleading “healthy” claims, critics like the EWG highlight that ultra-processed foods and products with harmful chemicals may still meet the new standards. This perceived loophole could erode trust in the label, underscoring the need for stricter oversight and comprehensive reform. The future of labeling may lie in technology. QR codes, already in use in the EU for wine, offer a potential model for providing deeper, more dynamic product information. Imagine a grocery store where consumers scan codes to access real-time updates on nutrition, allergens, and even sustainability metrics. As the US explores options for front-of-package symbols, there’s a clear opportunity to bridge transparency with tech-driven innovation. The divergence in labeling rules between the US and the EU raises questions about global trade and consumer education. For multinational companies, harmonizing standards could simplify compliance while fostering greater consumer understanding. Yet, with the US focusing on voluntary measures and the EU enforcing stricter mandates, the divide may widen, leaving consumers with inconsistent guidance depending on their geography. DON'T MISS OUT : Get breaking news, recipes, and our weekly vegan deal by signing up for our FREE VegNewsletter New Research Shows That When It Comes to Healthy Eating, Nuance is an Important Ingredient Over Half of US Coffee Chains Have Dropped Non-Dairy Surcharges: Report The 8 Foods Nutrition Experts Think You Should Avoid JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Subscribe

SACRAMENTO, Calif. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reviver ® is proud to support the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive, bringing joy to children and families in need. This past weekend, the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive in Pomona, California , brought together car enthusiasts from across Southern California to celebrate the holidays and of course, all things cars. Attendees celebrated the season by decking out their cars, motorcycles and trucks, and supporting a good cause. This year's Winter Fest supported the Community Family Guidance Center (CFGC). CFGC helps southeast Los Angeles County's under-served children and their families heal from trauma, abuse, emotional, behavioral and mental health issues through proven interventions and compassionate guidance. "We're proud to partner with our community and fellow auto enthusiasts to make the holidays brighter for those who need it most," said Reviver Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston . "Together, we can help create joy and ensure that every child experiences the magic of the season." If you missed Winter Fest or are not local to Los Angeles County , there are still many ways to give back. Reviver is inviting the community to join in spreading holiday cheer wherever they are by supporting a local toy drive . ABOUT REVIVER ® Reviver ® is a technology company on a mission to modernize the driving experience. As developer of the world's first digital license plate platform, Reviver products transform the license plate into a connected vehicle platform, enabling consumers and commercial businesses to digitize vehicle registration renewals and experience a growing set of personalization, convenience, and safety features, all managed through a mobile or web app interface. Reviver's digital license plates are legal for sale in Arizona and California , along with Texas for commercial fleet vehicles. Ten additional states are in various stages of adoption. Founded in 2009, Reviver is headquartered in Northern California , and is the official patch partner of the Sacramento Kings and the official innovation partner of the Sacramento Kings and Golden 1 Center. To purchase an RPLATE click here . To learn more about the RPLATE, click here . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reviver-helps-drive-the-spirit-of-giving-this-holiday-season-302336678.html SOURCE ReviverNone

SACRAMENTO, Calif. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reviver ® is proud to support the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive, bringing joy to children and families in need. This past weekend, the Winter Fest SoCal Car Show and Toy Drive in Pomona, California , brought together car enthusiasts from across Southern California to celebrate the holidays and of course, all things cars. Attendees celebrated the season by decking out their cars, motorcycles and trucks, and supporting a good cause. This year's Winter Fest supported the Community Family Guidance Center (CFGC). CFGC helps southeast Los Angeles County's under-served children and their families heal from trauma, abuse, emotional, behavioral and mental health issues through proven interventions and compassionate guidance. "We're proud to partner with our community and fellow auto enthusiasts to make the holidays brighter for those who need it most," said Reviver Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston . "Together, we can help create joy and ensure that every child experiences the magic of the season." If you missed Winter Fest or are not local to Los Angeles County , there are still many ways to give back. Reviver is inviting the community to join in spreading holiday cheer wherever they are by supporting a local toy drive . ABOUT REVIVER ® Reviver ® is a technology company on a mission to modernize the driving experience. As developer of the world's first digital license plate platform, Reviver products transform the license plate into a connected vehicle platform, enabling consumers and commercial businesses to digitize vehicle registration renewals and experience a growing set of personalization, convenience, and safety features, all managed through a mobile or web app interface. Reviver's digital license plates are legal for sale in Arizona and California , along with Texas for commercial fleet vehicles. Ten additional states are in various stages of adoption. Founded in 2009, Reviver is headquartered in Northern California , and is the official patch partner of the Sacramento Kings and the official innovation partner of the Sacramento Kings and Golden 1 Center. To purchase an RPLATE click here . To learn more about the RPLATE, click here . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reviver-helps-drive-the-spirit-of-giving-this-holiday-season-302336678.html SOURCE ReviverMarvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL) Trading Down 2.2% – Here’s Why

REVIVER® HELPS DRIVE THE SPIRIT OF GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

ExxonMobil today announced its Corporate Plan to 2030, creating a platform to further extend the company’s track record of delivering leading shareholder value. The plan reflects the company’s strategy to leverage its unique set of competitive advantages and unrivaled opportunities to create significant upside potential for shareholders. The company expects to deliver incremental growth potential of $20 billion in earnings and $30 billion in cash flow driven by investing in competitively advantaged opportunities, continued excellence in execution, and disciplined cost and capital management. “ExxonMobil has a unique set of highly valuable competitive advantages that equip us to do what few companies have ever done – create world-scale solutions to society’s biggest challenges, decade after decade,” said Darren Woods, ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO. “Our steadfast commitment to strengthening these advantages, including an unwavering investment in technology, has led to a history of innovative solutions that meet society’s critical needs, reduce costs, and grow high-value products. That’s a formula for profitable growth and shareholder value through and beyond 2030 – no matter the pace and scale of the energy transition – that truly puts us in a league of our own.” Consistent execution of ExxonMobil’s strategy and business transformation over the past five years has substantially strengthened its earnings power. On a constant price and margin basis, the company is generating more than $15 billion in earnings and more than $20 billion in cash flow vs. 2019, and has delivered structural cost savings of more than $11 billion year-to-date vs. 2019. Cash flow has grown faster than that of any other integrated oil company (IOC) over the past three- and five-year periods.7 That outperformance has translated to shareholder value – ExxonMobil’s total shareholder return leads IOCs year-to-date and over the last three- and five-year periods. Over the next six years, the company expects to generate an additional $20 billion in earnings potential and $30 billion in cash flow potential.1 It plans to grow earnings at a CAGR of 10% and cash flow at 8% and has plans to achieve an additional $7 billion in structural cost savings by simplifying business processes, optimizing supply chains, further enhancing maintenance turnaround processes, and modernizing information technology and data management systems. The Company’s capital allocation approach prioritizes competitively advantaged, high-return, low-cost-of-supply investments. In 2025, the company expects cash capital expenditures to be in the range of $27 to $29 billion, reflecting the first full year of Pioneer in the portfolio and investment to build new businesses with base capex remaining flat. From 2026 to 2030, base capex is consistent, while capex growth is driven by progressing advantaged, long-term opportunities in new businesses, and a few early-stage large projects in the company’s traditional businesses. The reinvestment rate relative to expected cash flow declines 10 percentage points over the plan period. “Through 2030, we plan to deploy about $140 billion to major projects and the Permian Basin development program,” added Woods. “We expect this capital to generate returns of more than 30% over the life of the investments. Strong investment returns have driven 42 consecutive years of annual dividend growth, a claim only 4% of the S&P 500 can make. This is why, when we list our capital allocation priorities, investing in accretive growth always comes first.” Cash flow and earnings growth generate a further $165 billion in surplus cash over the plan period driving increased shareholder distributions.10 ExxonMobil has increased its annual dividend per share for 42 consecutive years, and recently increased its quarterly dividend by 4 cents per share effective this quarter. The company continues to expect to repurchase shares at a $20 billion annual pace in 2025, and today announced plans for a further $20 billion of share repurchases in 2026, assuming reasonable market conditions. ExxonMobil continues to strengthen its Upstream portfolio of advantaged assets that offer lower cost of supply and higher returns. By 2030, at a 2024 dollar real Brent price of $65 per barrel, a real Henry Hub price of $3 per mmbtu, and a real TTF price of $6.50 per mmbtu, the company plans to deliver an additional $9 billion in Upstream annual earnings potential – more than 50% higher than in 2024. With the Pioneer acquisition, the company reached its target of having more than 50% of its total Upstream production from advantaged assets (Permian, Guyana, and LNG) three years earlier than planned. By 2030, more than 60% of the company’s production is expected to come from these advantaged assets, which are expected to grow by an additional 1.2 million oil-equivalent barrels per day (Moebd) during that period. Total Upstream production is expected to reach 5.4 Moebd by 2030, even as the company plans to lower its operated Upstream emissions intensity 40-50% versus 2016. Following its acquisition and integration of Pioneer, ExxonMobil expects to achieve more than $3 billion in annual synergies, a more than 50% increase from prior guidance. The company now has the largest contiguous acreage position in the Permian Basin with double the number of low-cost net drilling locations versus the next closest competitor. The company is applying its technology advantage to increase capital efficiency and resource recovery and expects to roughly double production in the Permian Basin to approximately 2.3 Moebd by 2030. ExxonMobil also announced plans for two additional developments in Guyana, Hammerhead and Longtail, bringing the total number of developments to eight by 2030. Total production capacity in Guyana, on an investment basis, is expected to reach 1.7 million barrels per day with gross production growing to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2030. ExxonMobil has four world-class LNG projects under development and expects to surpass 40 million metric tons per annum of LNG sales by 2030. The addition of these projects further expands the company’s global LNG footprint and market access. The company expects to achieve first LNG sales from the Golden Pass development in the United States and from the Qatar North Field East expansion project near the end of 2025. It also is targeting final investment decisions at Papua New Guinea’s Papua project in 2025 and at Mozambique’s Rovuma development in 2026. ExxonMobil’s Product Solutions business is expected to grow annual earnings potential by an additional $8 billion by 2030, at average 2010-2019 margins – a 10% CAGR. About half of the earnings growth is expected to come from advantaged projects and high-value products to meet society’s needs today and well into the future. The company is on track to start up six advantaged projects in 2025, as many as in the prior five years combined. These projects drive significant volume and mix improvements and include the China chemical complex; a hydrofiner in Fawley, U.K.; the Singapore resid upgrade project; a renewable diesel project in Strathcona, Canada; additional advanced plastics recycling units in Baytown, Texas; and an expansion of the ProxximaTM thermoset resin manufacturing facilities in East Texas. ProxximaTM has unique properties that will drive substitution in existing markets and expand into new applications like structural composites and steel substitutes – areas where traditional resins struggle to compete. The company is investing in facilities to produce more ProxximaTM feedstock with plans to ramp up capacity to nearly 200,000 metric tons per year by 2030. ExxonMobil also is growing its carbon materials venture to capture attractive opportunities in battery anode markets. ExxonMobil developed an advanced coke product that delivers a higher performance, differentiated graphite. The result is a battery with up to 30% higher capacity, 30% faster charging time, and extended battery life. The company is working with automobile manufacturers to test this new product, with plans to have its first commercial-scale plant online in 2028 to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle batteries and their components. ExxonMobil is pursuing up to $30 billion of low emission opportunities between 2025 and 2030, with almost 65% spent on reducing emissions for third-party customers. Execution of these opportunities is contingent on the right policy and regulation as well as continued technology and market development. ExxonMobil is pacing investments in new ventures to balance opportunities and risks as markets develop. ExxonMobil’s Low Carbon Solutions business focuses on three primary verticals: carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and lithium. These opportunities align with ExxonMobil’s core competencies. The company is developing the world’s first large-scale carbon capture and storage system, which includes a high-capacity CO2 pipeline network connecting emitters from many industries to permanent subsurface storage capacity throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast. ExxonMobil expects its low-carbon hydrogen facility in Baytown to be the world’s largest, producing up to 1 billion cubic feet of virtually carbon-free hydrogen per day with about 98% of the CO2 captured and stored. Some of this hydrogen will be used to produce over a million metric tons per year of low-carbon ammonia. The company is working toward a final investment decision in 2025 with the potential to start operations in 2029. The company is building foundational projects that work with the right policy, today’s technology, and today’s infrastructure. At the same time, ExxonMobil is developing new technologies to reduce the cost of emission reductions, which is the only way to achieve deployment at scale. With supportive policy and growing market interest, the company expects its Low Carbon Solutions business to grow earnings contributions by $2 billion in 2030 versus 2024. Source: ExxonMobilOfficials have missed several obvious facemask penalties this season, including two in a three-week span during Thursday night games. “When we see it, because I see it like yourselves and the fans, I have an opportunity to see it from a different angle and see it from a slow-mo,” NFL executive Troy Vincent said Wednesday at the league’s winter meetings. “When you think about the position of where the officials are, things are happening so fast. Sometimes the facemask can be the same color as the gloves. There’s a lot happening. Concerning? Yes, because that’s a big miss. That’s a big foul. That’s why we would like to consider putting that for the membership to consider putting that foul category that we can see, putting that (penalty flag) on the field to help. There is a frustration, and we believe that is one category we can potentially get right." Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was grabbed by his facemask and brought down in the end zone to end Minnesota’s comeback attempt against the Rams on Oct. 24. But there was no call. On Oct. 3, officials missed a facemask on Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving while he ran for 7 yards late in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay instead was called for holding on the play, got forced out of field-goal range and Kirk Cousins rallied the Falcons to an overtime victory. “That is one this year, the facemask seems like it was the obvious one” Vincent said. “That keeps showing up.” Vincent also cited hits on a defenseless player, tripping, the fair catch, an illegal batted ball, an illegal double-team block, illegal formations on kickoffs and taunting as other areas that warrant consideration for replay assist. Current rules only allow replay assist to help officials pick up a flag incorrectly thrown on the field, or in assisting proper enforcement of a foul called on the field. The NFL’s Competition Committee will review potential recommendations for owners to vote on for expanding replay assist. Vincent was emphatic about the league’s desire to eliminate low blocks that could lead to serious injuries. “The low block below the knee needs to be removed from the game,” Vincent said. “You look at high school, you look at college, too. Every block should be above the knee, but below the neck. All the work that we’ve done for the head and neck area, all the things that we’ve taken out of the game, this is the right time for us to remove the low block out of the game. Be consistent with high school. Be consistent with college. Every block should be above the knee and below the neck.” The league will consider changes to the onside kick after dramatically overhauling the kickoff rule on a one-year basis. “We need to look at that. That’s a dead play,” Vincent said of the onside kick’s low success rate. “That is a ceremonial play. Very low recovery rate. When we look at the kickoff and maybe where the touchback area should be during the offseason, we need to revisit the onside kick.” Options include giving the team an opportunity to run one play to gain a certain number of yards to keep possession. The Washington Commanders’ search for a new stadium site includes options in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and work has escalated on one in particular. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and controlling owner Josh Harris met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week about the RFK Stadium site in Washington, which requires a bill getting through Congress to transfer the land to the District government before anything else can happen. “I think there’s a bipartisan support for this,” Goodell said, adding he’d like to see it get to a vote soon. “We hope that it will be addressed and approved so that it’s at least an alternative for the Commanders if we go forward. I grew up in Washington, and I know would be exciting for a lot of fans.” The NFL continues to discuss a potential 18-game season, but would need approval from the players’ union. “We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point,” Goodell said. “They’ll share that analysis with the players’ union, which would need to agree to any change.” AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Christopher Wray told the bureau workforce Wednesday he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would step down “after weeks of careful thought,” three years short of the completion of a 10-year term marked by high-profile and politically charged investigations, including that those led to two separate indictments of Trump last year. Wray’s intended resignation is not unexpected considering that Trump settled on Patel to be director and repeatedly aired his ire at Wray. By stepping down rather than waiting to be fired, Wray is trying to avert a collision with the new Trump administration that he said would have further entangled the FBI “deeper into the fray.” Wray was put in the job by Trump and began the 10-year term — a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Trump fired then-FBI Director James Comey. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Trump’s Crypto-AI Czar Sacks Is Longtime Critic of Tech RegulationRein Entertainment stuns global audiences with 'Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence' at ATF 2024

If you're on the hunt for the perfect dress to wear to a festive event this Christmas, then Coast is a great place to look. Right now, the brand is hosting a massive sale with up to 70% off styles, including lots of sparkles and special occasion pieces. Whether you prefer a mini dress, or perhaps a sophisticated midi, the brand has you covered. It's also a great opportunity to stock up on a couple of party dresses for any upcoming events in 2025, with wedding guest and summery styles on offer too. You can browse the Coast sale here, or read on to get an idea of what's on offer. READ MORE: Amazon's Christmas shop has everything you need from records, to pasta machines, headphones and more READ MORE: I'm a beauty writer and one of my favourite overnight treatment masks is 30% off at Amazon Party Rainbow Sequin Midi Dress With Puff Sleeve - 30% off (was £129, now £90.30) This statement midi features a swishing fluted hem, puff sleeves and a glamorously fitted silhouette. With a dazzling all-over sequin embellishment that would glisten under the Christmas lights, this would be a show-stopper at any event. Available in sizes 8 to 16, the brand describes this dress as perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, or even race days. Coast's styling suggestions are: "Style it with strappy metallic heels and statement earrings for a polished look. For cooler evenings, drape a sleek wrap or shawl over your shoulders". You can pick it up at 30% off here (although size 10 is actually 40% off, down to an even lower £77.40). Party Jewel Velvet Long Sleeve Mini Dress - 30% off (was £139 now £97.30) This velvet mini features striking jewel embellishments that cascades from the sleeves to the hem. The square neckline adds a touch of sophistication and statement bell sleeves add some drama. Coast describes this dress as perfect for a 'night on the town', and suggest styling it with a pair of metallic strappy heels. Or, for a more formal occasion, a pair of statement earrings and a 'sleek blazer' are said to be the perfect finishing touches. You can pick it up in sizes 8 to 18 here. Blouson Pleat Waist Burnout Midi Dress - 50% off (was £89 now £44.50) Suited to year round wear, this dress features an elegant v neckline, dramatic blouson sleeves, a wrap-style bodice and a pleated waist detail that 'accentuates the figure'. With a jacquard fabric that has a 'burnout effect' print, it finishes at a midi length with a side slit for added movement. Coast describes this dress as 'romantic' and 'elegant' and the midi style could easily transition from day to night wear with the right styling. Available in sizes 8 to 18, this dress is said to give the wearer an 'hourglass' silhouette. You can pick it up at 50% off here. Party Sequin Pearl Pencil Midi Dress - 50% off (was £139 now £69.50) With 'exquisite' hand-embellished pearl and bead detailing as well as a 'luxurious velvet fabric' in a forest colour, this dress is described as 'opulent'. The dress has a square neck, with chunky straps and pencil silhouette that finishes at a midi length. The geometric pattern 'catches the light beautifully' and Coast describes this as having 'timeless elegance' that would work well at evening events. You can find it in sizes 8 to 18 on the Coast website. This dress is currently half price, available to purchase here. With a metallic finish, this dress has a 'luxurious sheen' and dramatic puff sleeves that add 'a touch of glamour'. This would be ideal for those who like a sophisticated style, as it has a high neck and finishes at a midi length. According to Coast, the pleated detailing has a 'mesmerising' effect when you move, and the belted waist helps to accentuate the figure. You can pick this one up in sizes 8 to 16, and it's also available in a navy colour. You can find the dress at 30% off here. Another retailer that's giving shoppers huge discounts right now is Debenhams, and you can shop its partywear collection here. Or, have a browse of Marks and Spencer's Christmas party looks here.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday described youth bulge and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the two key drivers of the economic development, stressing that robust economies could be built by investing in them. Addressing the 11th summit meeting of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation in Cairo, Shehbaz emphasised that his government was investing more in youth, and supporting the SMEs, as both were crucial for the country's socio-economic development, and progress. Reflecting on the summit's theme, 'Investing in Youth and Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises', the prime minister emphasised on its relevance in building resilient economies and creating opportunities for sustainable development across the member states. "With over 60% of our population under the age of 30, we possess, fountain of potential, for innovation and growth," he said, stressing that unlocking this potential required provision of the right skills, opportunities and financial resources. Since 2013, Pakistan's Youth Programme had distributed over 600,000 laptops to high achievers, awarded hundreds and thousands of scholarships, and trained a huge cohort of individuals in demand-driven skills such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cyber security, he added "Now, Pakistan is home to one of the largest freelance communities in the world. We are focusing on information technology (IT) trainings at a mass scale to equip our youth with the necessary tools to connect with the digital world and capitalise on those opportunities," he continued. The aim [is] to enable jobs-seekers to become job-creators," he remarked. Furthermore, he also talked about the government's Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme under which billions of rupees had been disbursed in loans, enabling the young Pakistanis to start and start their own businesses. "Additionally, our initiatives, such as, Startup Pakistan and the National Innovation Award aim to foster, recognize and promote a promising startup ecosystem, providing mentorship and funding incubation opportunities for innovative, tech-driven ideas," he added. The prime minister also welcomed Azerbaijan as a new member of D-8, saying that "under the able leadership of our brother President IIham Heydar Oglu Aliyev, Azerbaijan will play an important role" in achieving the objectives of the D-8. He announced that the Pakistan's cabinet had approved the implementation of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement as well as its protocol on Dispute Settlement Mechanism. He pointed out that connectivity was a force multiplier and was rightly hailed as a vehicle for peace and prosperity. "Today's summit offers a valuable opportunity for D-8 countries to share the best practices, pool resources, and create, programmes, that support, youth and SMEs across borders," he said, urging the member nations to make choices that empowered the younger generation. Middle East Shehbaz highlighted the importance of ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that it was crucial to ensure peace, prosperity and progress, not only in the region but globally. He condemned Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Syria. Describing grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza as "one of the darkest chapters of modern history", he urged the international community to take decisive steps towards ending the violence and ensuring justice for the unabated conflict-affected populations. "History will bear witness to these pages tainted in the blood of innocents," he stated. "The echoes and shrills of the innocent people of Gaza demand collective action to end the cycle of violence and liberation from Israel's barbaric military and political dominance." He reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for all international mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire. "We deeply appreciate the efforts of the State of Qatar and Egypt in this regard." He called for flow of humanitarian relief with focus on rebuilding the devastated regions. "Pakistan's stance remains firm on the need for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, is the only path to enduring peace," Shehbaz said. He urged all nations to listen to the cries of the innocent thousands of orphans, widows, hapless and destitute children and act swiftly to end this "prolonged historic catastrophe." The world, he insisted, "must respond now, for the future of Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East hangs in the balance." The meeting of these Muslim-majority countries was the first gathering since the ouster of Syria's president Bashar al-Assad, where Turkiye President Erdogan, a historical ally of the opposition, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who supported the Assad rule. In his speech, Erdogan called for unity and reconciliation in Syria, urging "the restoration of Syria's territorial integrity", while Pezeshkian urged action to address the crises in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, saying that it was a "religious, legal and human duty" to help those suffering in these conflict zones. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our

Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateSaint AI, is it really the all-knowing oracle?SEATTLE (AP) — Great Osobor and Zoom Diallo each scored a dozen points and Washington rolled to a 90-53 win over NJIT Sunday in its final tune-up before diving full-time into the Big Ten season. The Huskies bounced back from an upset loss at the hands of Seattle U that snapped a 19-game win streak against the cross-town rival. 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.