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FSK Completes Public Offering of $100 million 6.125% Unsecured Notes Due 2030

Jay-Z's controversial joke about Rihanna's first major deal resurface and people are not happy

AP Business SummaryBrief at 9:33 a.m. EST

Yet another billionaire is clambering to get into President-elect Donald Trump’s hyper-rich inner circle, the MAGA chief has claimed. Trump, who will take the hot seat on Jan. 20, 2025, has seen his popularity surge among Silicon Valley types after he was endorsed by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk . The number two, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , soon made a beeline for the big man too, after he was spotted dining with Musk and Trump at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Now Bill Gates wants a slice, according to Trump. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said the former CEO of Microsoft— whom Forbes says is the 16th richest in the world— personally asked for an audience with him. In a somewhat incoherent post, he said: “Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,’ Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT.” The murder of health insurance CEO Brian Thompson is being blamed not just on the gunman–but on the industry the dead man worked for, a new poll has found. UnitedHealthcare CEO Thompson was gunned down from behind on a Manhattan street just before dawn on December 4, prompting a nationwide manhunt which ended five days later with the arrest of the suspected killer , 26-year-old Ivy League graduate Luigi Mangione . Now research by NORC at the University of Chicago published Friday shows that while 78 per cent of people said that the alleged killer, had a great deal or a moderate amount of responsibility for the death, almost as many blamed health insurance companies' denial of coverage for the death. And almost as many, 67 per cent, said profits by the insurers were to blame. A majority of people, 53 per cent, blamed “wealth or income inequality in general”–although it was Mangione who was the scion of a millionaire family , while Thompson was from rural Iowa and had been the first in his family to go to college. One in ten said that Thompson’s killer bore no responsibility at all–an issue which is likely to dog jury selection when Mangione goes on trial in Manhattan for the alleged murder. He is charged by both federal and state authorities with murder and in the federal case is eligible for the death penalty . Mangione has pleaded not guilty. After all the chaos of the holiday season, you and your loved one deserve a little one-on-one time. For 2025, make the resolution to create unforgettable date nights with The Fantasy Box . The subscription box comes with everything you need to spice up your love life, like step-by-step scenarios for role-playing, lingerie, accessories, lube, and props. Each box has a unique theme and there are over 30 different themed fantasies to pick. The Ride ‘Em Cowgirl scenario brings you to the wild west. She is a flirty cowgirl in sexy denim shorts and cow print pasties, while he is a charming bartender with a paddle. Perhaps you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring a more dominant and submissive dynamic. In the D is for Discipline box , she is the Mistress with drip candles and he is her toy in a satin blindfold and bondage collar. The Fantasy Box has created a quick quiz you can take to uncover you and your partner’s fantasies. After taking the quiz, you’ll be recommended three boxes. From there, you can buy any box you want directly. Don’t forget to use the code NEWYEAR at checkout to save $50 on your order. If you and your partner love it, try subscribing monthly or bi-monthly for only $99 the first month. Monthly subscriptions renew at $129 per box; bi-monthly at $139 per box. You’ll receive a new themed box, enjoy free shipping, and get up to 20% off at The Fantasy Box’s shop. Free Shipping Free Shipping If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. Tom Cruise ’s first movie project after wrapping up the Mission: Impossible franchise next year with The Final Reckoning has been revealed. And it could land him back in the Oscar conversation. Warner Bros. announced Friday that Cruise will star in an untitled film from two-time Academy Award-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu ( Birdman , The Revenant ), set to be released on Oct. 2, 2026. The logline reads: “The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.” Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, and Riz Ahmed are among the other actors in the cast. The project is Iñárritu‘s first English-language film since 2015’s The Revenant , which won Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar for Best Actor. Cruise has been nominated for three acting Oscars over the course of his long career—for Born on the Fourth of July , Jerry Maguire , and Magnolia —but has never received a trophy at the ceremony. Entire stalls were engulfed by flames at the Bryant Park holiday market in Manhattan on Friday morning, videos show. A cause for the blaze is yet to be determined, but a spokesperson for FDNY told Gothamist it’s under investigation. The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. and nobody was injured, the spokesperson said, adding that the fire was between “six feet wide by 40 feet long” at its peak. Clips of the flames quickly went viral on social media and the market has been closed indefinitely. New York City Emergency Management advised people to avoid the area and warned there will be traffic delays while a probe is completed. It’s the second time this season a holiday market has gone up in flames in the city, coming a week-and-a-half after a fire ignited a swath of Herald Square’s festive shopping corridor. Eighteen shops—and their merchandise, ranging from shirts to glass ornaments—were reportedly razed by that blaze. Bryant Park Christmas Village is on fire 🔥 #whatisnewyork pic.twitter.com/031iZ2D6He Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Boxing Week sales are still in full swing, folks! As an avid J.Crew fan , I can honestly say that the brand’s discount-laden factory store (the brand’s online outlet) is a great way to get high-quality wardrobe staples without the big price tag. J.Crew Factory always offers discounts up to 40 percent off J.Crew, but for a limited time, you can unlock even more savings from already discounted items. Right now, J.Crew Factory is offering 70 percent off clearance items with the code SALE70 at checkout. Now’s the time to invest in evergreen staples like jeans and office-friendly blazers while they’re half off, or grab a few outwear essentials to round out your cold-weather lineup. The sale also includes tons of denim for just $50, pure cotton crewneck T-shirts for $20, and even new arrivals like NYE frocks and cashmere items. And the sale is not just for women; the gents’ and kids’ sections are equally full of additional savings. Kevin O’Leary , of Shark Tank fame, says half of Canada is “interested” in merging with the U.S.—a longshot arrangement that topped Donald Trump ’s wishlist this Christmas. “Canadians over the holidays—the last two days—have been talking about this,” O’Leary told Fox Business. “They want to hear more.” The 70-year-old Montreal native said he’s headed to Mar-a-Lago to start a conversation that, at the least, may lead to his homeland and the U.S. striking a partnership agreement akin to the European Union. “So secure [the northern territories], give a common currency, figure out taxes across the board, get everything trading both ways, create a new, almost EU-like passport—I like this idea and at least half of Canadians are interested,” he said. O’Leary acknowledged there’d be “a lot of issues” with a merger, but suggested now’s the time to get a deal done with Trump returning to office as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s power is waning. O’Leary may not be the best barometer for what the average Canadian thinks, however. The businessman, worth an estimated $400 million , has ditched the great white north for sunny Miami Beach . He was also soundly rejected by voters when he ran for the leadership of the Canadian Conservative Party in 2017 and won just one percent of the vote. Elon Musk has further stoked the flames of the MAGA H1-B civil war after he agreed with a post that called Americans too “retarded” to exclusively fill the U.S. tech workforce. The eye-popping endorsement came after a pro-Musk account on X summed up the right-wing divide on visas to skilled workers as such: “So basically the right split into two factions, tech right and right right, and the tech right is like ‘hey we need h-1b visa people to do the jobs,’ and the right right was like ‘no you need to hire Americans,’ and the tech right is like “but you guys are retarded,” and the right right is like ‘well you don’t train us,’ and the tech right is like ‘you can’t outtrain being retarded,’ and while all this was going on we learned some people *really* don’t like Indians.” Musk, a 53-year-old South African who’s recently enjoyed a spot inside the “America First” Trump’s inner circle, apparently thought that assessment was a fair one. He responded, “That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening.” Trump is yet to weigh in on the latest right-wing divide that pits his longtime loyalists against his new tech bro faction. That pretty much sums it up. This was eye-opening. Several aviation experts said they believe that a Russian defense system caused the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 people on Christmas Day, according to the Associated Press. The flight was headed from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, but diverted course amid bad weather before crash landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The incident left 29 survivors, all of whom are injured, the AP reported. With investigations underway in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, officials in those countries have urged against speculation about the crash’s cause. Russia’s aviation authority has suggested, nevertheless, that a bird strike could have played a role. But aviation experts seem to disagree. Mark Zee, founder of the aviation safety organization OPSGroup, told the AP that based on images of the plane, he is “90-99%” sure it was struck by a missile. Independent Russian military expert Yan Matveyev agreed that the plane’s tail appeared to have been struck by shrapnel from a missile like the ones used by Russia’s defense system. Meanwhile, the UK aviation security firm Osprey Solutions reportedly cautioned its clients that “Azerbaijan Airlines flight was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system.” The man suspected of lighting a woman on fire in a Brooklyn subway car faces life without parole after he was charged with murder . Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, has been indicted on charges of murder in the first and second degree and arson, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. The horrific scene unfolded on an early morning F train stopped at the Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. stop in south Brooklyn on Dec. 22. Zapeta is accused of igniting the woman’s clothes and “fanning the flames” with a shirt. “These are significant counts. Murder in the first degree carries the possibility of life without parole. It’s the most serious statute in New York state law and my office is very confident about the evidence in the case and to hold Zapeta accountable for his dastardly deeds,” Gonzalez said. Zapeta, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 7. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. Chaos descended in South Korea ‘s parliament again after the man tasked with succeeding the country’s recently impeached president was also given the boot. Acting president, formerly the Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, was brought in two weeks after parliament voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol after his failed bid to impose martial law on the country. But Han was accused Friday of dragging his heels in pushing through the Yoon impeachment after he refused to appoint three judges to fill vacancies in the Constitutional Court that would vote on Yoon’s future. As a result, 192 lawmakers voted for Han’s impeachment. However, it was the decision to lower the threshold of required votes from 200 for Yoon’s removal to just 151 that caused lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party to swarm National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik. “Invalid!” and “Abuse of power!” were among the angry chants. The majority of the parliament in South Korea is from the opposition Democratic Party. Yoon is from the right-wing People Power Party, while Han is an independent. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken the reigns... for now. South Korea's parliament voted to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo, prompting chaos as ruling party lawmakers protested the speaker’s decision to allow only 150 votes to pass the bill against Han, which meant no ruling party lawmakers’ votes were needed. pic.twitter.com/BgX9D8vrwh The 92-year-old mother of a murder victim whose death spurred the conviction—later overturned—of a member of the Kennedy family, died Tuesday of complications from the flu, her son said. Dorthy Moxley fought nearly 50 years for justice after her teenage daughter, Martha, was found dead across the street from the family home of Michael Skakel, a cousin of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Skakel was convicted of Martha’s murder in 2002 and freed in 2013 after a judge said he hadn’t received adequate representation. The Connecticut Supreme Court reinstated the conviction in 2016, only to order him freed two years later. A second trial never occurred, in part because some witnesses had died. “It was just incredible how much support we got from people that we knew and people that we didn’t know,” Moxley’s son, John, told the Associated Press . “My mother was always grateful and chose to focus on the communal spirit, if you will, rather than the law. My mother always said she believed in angels and the angels really came out to support her, to support us.” John added: “She was able to take that spirit of support and knowing how important it was to share that with others. And that gave her a lot of joy, knowing that she could help somebody else.”

ATLANTA — Georgia Republicans can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis about her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the outside attorney she hired to lead her 2020 election interference case against former and future President Donald Trump and his allies, a judge has ruled. The decision by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram was published Monday. It is the latest blow to Willis in regard to her prosecution of Trump. On Nov. 19, the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis and her office from the case due to her relationship with Wade. Ingram rejected Willis’ arguments that GOP leaders of a state Senate committee didn’t have the authority to issue a pair of subpoenas in August seeking documents and her testimony. But the judge gave Willis until Jan. 13 to explain why the subpoenas shouldn’t be enforced. “(Willis) claims that the subpoenas are overbroad and seek privileged and/or confidential information,” the judge said in her order. “This may very well be true, but this court needs more details on the basis for these objections from (Willis) before ruling on (committee members’) application for enforcement.” Representatives for Willis did not immediately respond Friday to questions about the ruling. Sen. Greg Dolezal, one of the committee members, mentioned the ruling in a social media post Friday. “We’ll see you soon, Madam D.A.,” he wrote. Dolezal, R-Cumming, has unveiled plans to extend the life of the committee into 2025. He said Ingram’s ruling “follows the plain reading of the law as outlined in our committee.” “From open records laws to lawfully issued subpoenas, D.A. Willis seems to think she is above the law,” Dolezal said. “Once again, the courts ruled otherwise.” Ingram heard arguments from both sides during a Dec. 3 hearing in Atlanta. Willis claimed the subpoenas from the Senate’s Special Committee on Investigations were void because the committee and its members lacked legislative subpoena power, issued the subpoenas while the Senate was adjourned and violated part of the Georgia Constitution. Ingram disagreed. “It is undisputed that the General Assembly has the unenumerated and implied constitutional power to conduct investigations and the statutory authority to issue subpoenas for the purposes of such investigations,” she said. “Here, the Senate, as a chamber, empowered itself to issue subpoenas, which it was authorized to do.” The judge further said Willis failed to identify any authority to support her theory that the subpoenas could not be issued after the Legislature adjourned its regular session on March 28. Ingram also said the Georgia Constitution allows members of one branch of government to investigate members of another branch. The committee members offered to narrow the scope of the subpoenas, the judge noted. She gave them until Jan. 31 to respond to any objections Willis raises about enforcement of the subpoenas. Senators created the committee in January, just weeks after news surfaced that Willis had been in a romantic relationship with Wade. Members sought years worth of communications between Willis and Wade as well as information about his hiring and pay, the DA office’s federal grant funding and interactions with the White House, Justice Department and members of Congress regarding the elections case. They also sought to compel Willis’ attendance at a September hearing, which she declined to attend as she fought her summons in court.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's more than just a football game. Eagles vs. Dallas is about pride, bragging rights, and a bitter rivalry. Sunday is about proving Philadelphia's strength to the rest of the league. Especially when your last name is "Byrd!" READ MORE: Eagles' Jalen Hurts listed as out for Sunday's game against Cowboys "If we can get Jalen Hurts back, it'll will be a rout," said Eugene Byrd from Cinnaminson before the QB was ruled out on Friday. "We have a lot to come back and prove this weekend after falling short last weekend in the division, but I think we will clinch the division this weekend." Kenny Pickett will get the start vs. the Cowboys as Hurts remains in concussion protocol. Still, fans are expecting to come out on top. "Big win, of course, lock in the playoffs," said Josh Shincarick from Edgewood, MD. Outside of Lincoln Financial Field, we did manage to find a Dallas fan. "We're from down south, down in Corpus Christi, Texas, and I'll always be a Cowboys fan," said Nathan Reyes. The players are focused on execution, but fans know their energy will play a role, too. They will be out in full force on Sunday!

The competition for wearable tech is heating up. The Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 are getting a new mixed-reality headset rival, CNN reported on Friday. Google and Samsung are collaborating on an original piece of headgear and a new Android XR operating system that will contend with devices previously released by Apple Inc. and Meta Platforms. Code named Project Moohan (or “infinity” in Korean), the headset will hit the market sometime next year. However, the price has not yet been revealed. In terms of capabilities, the headset will show locations in detail through Google Maps. Plus, users can watch videos via YouTube and take advantage of its trip planning capabilities with the help of Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini. At the same time the mixed-reality headset was announced, the companies also introduced a new Android XR operating system, which will power future Samsung-built wearable devices including the forthcoming headset and even smart glasses. “We are at an inflection point for the XR, where breakthroughs in multimodal AI enable natural and intuitive ways to use technology in your everyday life,” Sameer Samat, president of Android Ecosystem at Google, said in a press statement . “We’re thrilled to partner with Samsung to build a new ecosystem with Android XR, transforming computing for everyone on next-generation devices like headsets, glasses, and beyond.” Since Apple released its Vision Pro earlier this year, the $3,499 headset has struggled to meet demand after users claimed it was uncomfortable to wear and were disappointed with its features. In response, the tech giant has reportedly slowed down production of the headset and could stop making the current version Vision Pro altogether in favor of a cheaper alternative. In the meantime, news broke that Apple might be moving on to smart eyewear next after Meta previously released its own Ray-Ban smart specs. While nothing has been officially confirmed, Apple was allegedly workshopping the idea and testing products among its employees as it often does to better understand the current market. In addition to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, its CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a prototype of the company’s first AR eyewear dubbed Orion during a conference in September, calling them “the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen.” Though, they’re not expected to be released to the public until at least 2027.

Sarnia’s new zoning by-law could have a significant impact on residential development in the city, particularly for multi-family housing. The current draft imposes strict requirements for lot size and frontage, effectively excluding 4-plexes and other multi-family housing options. For example, properties currently listed on highlight how the proposed by-law would render some existing multi-family properties non-conforming. A triplex at 176 Christina Street South sits on a lot measuring 522.43 m2, well below the by-law’s minimum lot size of 840 m2 for triplexes. Its frontage of 11.5 meters also falls short of the required 21 meters. Similarly, a duplex at 162 John Street meets the lot size requirement but does not meet the 18-meter frontage requirement, with only 14.3 meters of frontage. These examples demonstrate how the by-law’s restrictive parameters could limit the potential for multi-family housing in certain areas. The by-law’s strict requirements come at a time when there is growing demand for affordable housing in central areas close to transit and amenities. Permitting 4-plexes and similar developments could help address this demand and diversify Sarnia’s housing stock. However, the current draft’s restrictions may pose challenges for achieving these goals, especially for properties that are already being used as multi-family housing but do not meet the proposed requirements. Resistance to zoning reform, especially when it comes to 4-plexes and missing-middle housing, reflects concerns about potential changes to neighborhoods. These include the possibility of increased investor activity, the demolition of affordable homes, or disruptions to the neighborhood’s character and affordability. Rather than focusing solely on the risks, it is essential to look at how similar properties have successfully coexisted in urban environments. Many neighborhoods, both locally and globally, thrive with a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and even small apartment buildings. The idea of having a variety of housing types isn’t inherently disruptive—it’s actually a model of resilience and adaptability that helps cities accommodate growing populations without sacrificing quality of life. Properties like those on Christina and John Streets are already part of Sarnia’s urban fabric, and allowing such properties to evolve with additional units could increase affordable housing options while maintaining neighborhood integrity. The proposed by-law presents a critical opportunity for Sarnia to evaluate whether current restrictions align with the city’s housing needs and long-term development goals. Although the deadline for submitting written comments has passed, residents can still participate in discussions about the proposed zoning by-laws:In the world of modern cooking, precision and convenience are paramount. 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ISTANBUL – In the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's ouster, Syria remains territorially fractured as the rebels who defeated Assad work to consolidate power. The country's uncertain future has raised questions about the fate of the U.S.-backed Kurdish coalition known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). This week, Syria's new leadership took steps to dissolve the different rebel factions and unite them under the new Syrian army. But the SDF did not join in. In a statement, SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami said the group wasn't opposed to joining the Syrian military in principle, but that the matter required negotiations with Damascus. The realities of the new Syria, however, have left the SDF with few options to maintain its status quo. The SDF controls a third of Syria's territory In 2014, the Islamic State extremist group began taking large pieces of territory in northeast Syria as the country was embroiled in a civil war. With the help of the United States, a coalition was formed of Kurdish militia groups to help fight ISIS and take back the territory. That's how the coalition came to control about a third of Syria, from the Euphrates River and eastward along the borders with Iraq and Turkey, according to Yerevan Saeed, director of the Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace at American University. "The Kurdish control of these areas really came in a time when there was a vacuum of power. All of these areas were taken over by ISIS, and the local population was very happy to have the SDF clear ISIS elements from all of these areas," Saeed says. After the territorial defeat of ISIS in Syria in the spring of 2019, the SDF continued to guard the prisons and camps holding thousands of ISIS fighters and their families, something it still does now. A majority of the population living under SDF control are Arabs The Kurds are one of the world's largest ethnic groups without their own state. They are a minority spread mainly across several Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria. For a long time, some Kurds and their allies had hoped that the area the SDF carved out in northeastern Syria would eventually turn into an autonomous Kurdish zone, similar to the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq. But that goal was unrealistic, according to Denise Natali, the director of the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University and expert on U.S.–Kurdish relations. "This was not in any part of the trajectory of Syrian history," Natali said. "And not sustainable from a perspective of local power dynamics, not from an economic perspective, not from a security perspective." Unlike in northern Iraq, a majority of the population in northeast Syria isn't Kurdish. They are Arabs. And while Kurds are living in the area, not all support the SDF, which follows a secular, libertarian socialist ideology that local Sunni Syrian Kurds do not share. The Kurdish towns and villages are also scattered and not contiguous, making it even more challenging to form a cohesive, autonomous region. Since the fall of Assad on Dec. 8, some Arab residents under SDF control in cities like Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa have been demonstrating and demanding to be governed by the rebels in Damascus instead. "With Assad out of the scene, local Arab communities in eastern Syria are uncomfortable with a sort of Kurdish militia group having ultimate authority in their areas," said Nicholas Heras, a senior director with New Lines Institute. "They have an alternative, another choice." NATO ally Turkey sees the Kurdish militia groups as a threat An even bigger challenge to the Kurdish coalition comes from Turkey – Syria's neighbor to the north. The rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) who toppled Assad were supported by Turkey, giving the country significant influence over Syria and its new leaders. Turkey says the main militia force in the U.S.-backed Kurdish coalition is the Syrian arm of the Kurdistan Workers Party – an insurgent group better known as the PKK which it has been fighting in Turkey for decades. Both Turkey and the U.S. designate the PKK as a terrorist organization. The U.S. decision to arm the Syrian branch of the PKK – which is known as the YPG – in the fight against ISIS has been a sticking point in U.S.–Turkish relations for years, according to James Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for the mission to defeat ISIS. "Because of the huge role the PKK has played since I was first in Turkey in 1984, the Turks can never formally accept what the U.S. is doing with the SDF," Jeffrey says, referring to Washington's support of the Syrian Kurdish coalition. Turkish officials made it clear soon after the fall of Assad that one of their strategic priorities in Syria is to see the YPG dismantled, either by the new Syrian leaders in Damascus taking control of all of Syria and uniting it, or by a major Turkish military offensive targeted on areas controlled by the YPG in Syria's northeast. In a speech to the Turkish parliament this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that the Kurdish militia groups "will either lay down their arms or will be buried with their arms in the lands of Syria." U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, have threatened sanctions against Turkey in case of a military offensive against the Kurdish fighters in Syria. Syria's new administration seeks to unite the country Last Sunday, during a press conference in Damascus with the Turkish foreign minister, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said he would not allow any existing weapons in Syria to be outside state control, "whether from the revolutionary factions or from the factions present in the SDF region." As the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition is already due to be disbanded in Iraq , Turkish officials have been encouraging Syria's new leadership also to eventually take control of ISIS prisons and camps in Syria from the SDF. "The Syrian administration told us it is ready to take the necessary initiative to take over these prisoners," Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said in the press conference with Sharaa. Analysts expect a diplomatic agreement will eventually be reached between Damascus and the SDF, without a Turkish military offensive into SDF areas. "I think a more realistic prospect is some form of decentralized administration in which the Kurdish cities have local self-administration," Natali said. U.S. officials are concerned about ISIS resurgence, but Syria is not a strategic priority Natali, who served as assistant secretary of state for conflict and stabilization operations during President-elect Donald Trump's first term, says the United States' yearslong arrangement in Syria with the Kurdish coalition is no longer strategically viable, due to changes both in Syria and in Washington. "We are in a different situation," she says. "We have a new administration that has clearly identified what their priorities are, and Syria is not a priority." Instead, she says Trump's priorities are ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza . "And these types of priorities are going to need strategic partners, such as Turkey," Natali says. In his first term, Trump pushed but failed to bring back home the 900 U.S. troops on the ground in Syria. During his campaign this year, he made ending wars and not getting involved in other conflicts a big part of his message, and he is expected to want to withdraw troops from Syria again. But given the scale of destruction during Assad's violent reign on Syria's physical infrastructure and the fraying of social dynamics, many experts remain skeptical that Syria won't end up a fractured state. And U.S. officials are concerned about ISIS taking advantage of a vacuum and reemerging, making it all the more challenging for a full U.S. withdrawal from Syria. In an interview on Sunday with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, Trump's pick for National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said that while the U.S. did not need to have troops on the ground in Syria, it won't be able to turn away from what's going on there. "Tens of thousands of fighters and families that are sitting in prison camps guarded by our friends the Kurds, supported by us, and we can't have that unleash again," Waltz said. Copyright 2024 NPRSaudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry’s rise

India vs Australia 3rd Test Live Score: Bruised India aim for comeback at Gabba against inspired AussiesSamsung Galaxy S25 Leaks: The upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung's next flagship smartphone, appears to be taking a bold step away from its predecessors in terms of design. According to leaks and images of dummy units shared online, the Ultra model may adopt a flatter frame with softer, rounded corners, marking a departure from the sharper, angular look that has characterized earlier Ultra models. While these leaks have generated considerable buzz, their credibility remains uncertain. The dummy units are said to be produced by third-party manufacturers in China and do not carry any official Samsung branding, leaving room for speculation about their accuracy. ALSO READ | Year Ender 2024: Top 5 Mobile Games, From Balatro To BGMI & Honkai Star Rail Samsung Galaxy S25: Design Revamped Prominent tipster Roland Quandt shared images of the purported Galaxy S25 Ultra dummy units on Bluesky, highlighting possible design shifts. However, their authenticity remains uncertain, with the camera configuration, in particular, fueling speculation and discussion. More pics of those chinese Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra dummies sold online (from seller listings) (notice the non-existant periscope camera) 1/2 [image or embed] — Roland Quandt ( @rquandt.bsky.social ) December 11, 2024 at 5:14 AM The dummy models noticeably lack a periscope telephoto lens—a hallmark of Samsung's Ultra lineup, known for delivering up to 10x optical zoom in recent iterations. This omission has fueled speculation that Samsung might debut its ALoP (All Lenses on Prism) technology with the Ultra series. Although the ALoP module, unveiled last month, promises innovative capabilities, its optical zoom is limited to 3x. This limitation raises questions about whether Samsung would forgo the periscope telephoto system, a defining feature of the Ultra range. Samsung Galaxy S25: Camera Upgrade In addition to potential telephoto camera updates, rumours hint that the Galaxy S25 Ultra could feature a 50MP ultrawide sensor with a 1/2.52-inch size, 0.7μm pixels, and an F1.9 aperture. If accurate, this enhancement could greatly improve the phone’s appeal to photography enthusiasts by offering increased versatility. Although much of this remains unconfirmed, Samsung is anticipated to unveil the Galaxy S25 series at its next Unpacked event, rumoured to take place in January. Until then, tech enthusiasts are likely to dissect these leaks further, speculating on the final design and features. Samsung’s Ultra series has consistently set a high standard for flagship smartphones, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra appears ready to uphold that tradition—possibly with some unexpected innovations.

Dr Charlotte Proudman, who specialises in family law, had faced a Bar Standards Board (BSB) disciplinary tribunal over a 14-part Twitter thread criticising a judge’s ruling over a domestic abuse case, saying it echoed a “boys’ club”. However, the five charges against the 36-year-old were dropped on Thursday. In an interview with The Times, Dr Proudman described the position of Mark Neale, the board’s director-general, as “untenable” and said its chairwoman, Kathryn Stone, should also stand down. “They need a change, not just in those two individuals, though, because, of course, it seeps down to the rest of the organisation,” she said. She told the paper she “genuinely” wanted to work with the Bar Standards Board in helping them to understand how misogyny and sexism have impacted women at the bar. However, she said that “under the current leadership, it’s just not going to be possible”. The charges alleged Dr Proudman had “failed to act with integrity” in posting the tweets, that they amounted to professional misconduct, were “misleading” and “inaccurately reflected the findings of the judge” in the case. The women’s rights campaigner was also accused of behaving in a way “which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public placed in her and in the profession”, and that she “knowingly or recklessly misled or attempted to mislead the public” by making the posts. But panel chairman Nicholas Ainley found her tweets are protected under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right of freedom of expression. He said her tweets did not “gravely damage” the judiciary, which would “put them outside” of Article 10 protection, even if they “might not have been pleasant for any judge to read” or even “hurtful”. “We take the view that the judiciary of England and Wales is far more robust than that,” he said. The panel also concluded that some of the tweets were only inaccurate “to a minor degree” and not to the extent necessary for a charge of a lack of integrity. Speaking after the hearing, Dr Proudman told the PA news agency: “This ruling is a victory for women’s rights and a right to freedom of speech. “The prosecution against me brought by my regulatory body, the Bar Standards Board, should never have happened and I said that from day one. “I criticised a domestic abuse judgment. Everyone should have the right to do that, whether you’re a barrister or not. Our justice system, which I strongly believe in, is robust enough to withstand criticism from me.” She believes her tweets help “foster confidence” in the justice system, adding: “Only that way can we go about building change and a better treatment for all victims, women and children and men who are affected by domestic abuse.” Explaining that the BSB appears to have spent almost £40,000 “of barristers’ money” on instructing counsel in her case, she added: “I think it’s shameful that they’re using our money to pay for, in my view, malicious, vexatious prosecutions which I have no doubt was a personal attack against me as a woman and as a feminist, as an outspoken critic and advocate for women’s rights.” Dr Proudman called for “systemic change” within the board. “They don’t understand gender, they don’t understand diversity, I don’t think they’ve ever heard of the concept misogyny and certainly not institutional misogyny,” she said. “Until they recognise the deeply rooted, entrenched issue of bullying, harassment, sexism at the bar, for which I have suffered relentlessly... and own up to it I don’t think we’re going to see any change and I have no confidence in them.” She told of how male barristers have called her insulting names on social media and made derogatory comments about her. In the posts on April 6 2022, Dr Proudman referenced a case in which her client alleged she had been subjected to coercive and controlling behaviour by her husband, a part-time judge, meaning she had been “unable to freely enter” the couple’s “post-nuptial” financial agreement. Commenting on the ruling by Family Court judge Sir Jonathan Cohen, Dr Proudman wrote: “I represented Amanda Traharne. “She said she was coerced into signing a post-nuptial agreement by her husband (who is a part-time judge). I lost the case. “I do not accept the Judge’s reasoning. I will never accept the minimisation of domestic abuse.” She continued: “Demeaning the significance of domestic abuse has the affect of silencing victims and rendering perpetrators invisible. “This judgement has echoes of (t)he ‘boys club’ which still exists among men in powerful positions.” In the thread, Dr Proudman wrote that the judge had described the relationship of the couple as “tempestuous”, which she argued was a “trivialisation” of domestic abuse. “Tempestuous? Lose his temper? Isn’t this the trivialisation of domestic abuse & gendered language. This is not normal married life,” she wrote.

Modi, known for his preference for privacy, is recognized by many familiar faces in India's business world as a trusted ally of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. Updated: December 15, 2024 8:03 PM IST By Edited by Most of the people that make headlines around the success of Reliance Chaimran Mukesh Ambani are either their close family members or distant relatives but here is a story about a man who is called the ‘right-hand’ of Mukesh Ambani. Billionaire Mukesh Ambani has a trusted hand in whom he saw the spirit trust and loyalty. We are talking about Manoj Modi, the Director at Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio. Here are all the details you need to know about the man who is reportedly consulted by Mukesh Ambani before every big decision. Manoj Modi and Reliance Group Modi started working with Reliance when Mukesh Ambani’s father, Dhirubhai Ambani, was at the helm of the affairs. However, the relationship of Manoj Modi and Mukesh Ambani go way back to their college days, where they were studying at Mumbai University’s Department of Chemical Technology. Their long-lasting friendship took a professional turn in the early ’80s when Modi started to work at Reliance, under the stewardship of Dhirubhai Ambani. Role of Manoj Modi in major Reliance deals Modi, known for his preference for privacy, is recognized by many familiar faces in India’s business world as a trusted ally of billionaire Mukesh Ambani. For those unversed, Modi played a significant role in the talks that led to a gigantic $5.7 billion contract with Facebook Inc. in April. Stand by Ambani’s side, Modi assisted his family in sealing the deal with this renowned social media firm, as per individuals acquainted with the matter. Modi maintains a tight-knit relationship with Mukesh and his wife Nita Ambani. Currently, he’s often seen working with the new generation of the Ambani family, specifically Mukesh’s children, Akash and Isha Ambani. “It’s not a company that advertises its organizational structure but the industry knows that Ambani and Modi are a strongly-bonded team — and together drive deal negotiation and relentless execution to the last level of detail,” Vani Kola, managing director of venture capital firm, Kalaari Capital Partners, who requested Manoj Modi to make a rare public appearance last year, was quoted saying in a report by Livemint. Reports also have it that Modi’s impact on RIL extends beyond administrative roles. He has been a key figure in monumental projects such as the Hazira petrochemical complex, the Jamnagar refinery, and the ambitious rollout of Reliance Jio, among others. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . TopicsPresident-elect Donald Trump said Friday he's in favor of eliminating daylight saving time, calling it "inconvenient" and "very costly" as his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) directors also push for action on the matter. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn't! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation," Trump posted on Truth Social Friday. While Trump tweeted, "Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is O.K. with me," in 2019, he appears to be changing course now. This comes as his DOGE directors, Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk and Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, have advocated for the time change to be eliminated. "Looks like the people want to abolish the annoying time change," Musk posted in response to a poll on X calling for DST to be abolished. "It's inefficient & easy to change," Ramaswamy responded. Any changes would need to be passed by Congress, and legislation on the issue has been considered before in recent years.

A high-profile barrister who was cleared of misconduct over social media posts has called on the head of the Bar Standards Board to resign. Dr Charlotte Proudman, who specialises in family law, had faced a Bar Standards Board (BSB) disciplinary tribunal over a 14-part Twitter thread criticising a judge’s ruling over a domestic abuse case, saying it echoed a “boys’ club”. However, the five charges against the 36-year-old were dropped on Thursday. In an interview with The Times, Dr Proudman described the position of Mark Neale, the board’s director-general, as “untenable” and said its chairwoman, Kathryn Stone, should also stand down. “They need a change, not just in those two individuals, though, because, of course, it seeps down to the rest of the organisation,” she said. She told the paper she “genuinely” wanted to work with the Bar Standards Board in helping them to understand how misogyny and sexism have impacted women at the bar. However, she said that “under the current leadership, it’s just not going to be possible”. The charges alleged Dr Proudman had “failed to act with integrity” in posting the tweets, that they amounted to professional misconduct, were “misleading” and “inaccurately reflected the findings of the judge” in the case. The women’s rights campaigner was also accused of behaving in a way “which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public placed in her and in the profession”, and that she “knowingly or recklessly misled or attempted to mislead the public” by making the posts. But panel chairman Nicholas Ainley found her tweets are protected under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right of freedom of expression. He said her tweets did not “gravely damage” the judiciary, which would “put them outside” of Article 10 protection, even if they “might not have been pleasant for any judge to read” or even “hurtful”. “We take the view that the judiciary of England and Wales is far more robust than that,” he said. The panel also concluded that some of the tweets were only inaccurate “to a minor degree” and not to the extent necessary for a charge of a lack of integrity. Speaking after the hearing, Dr Proudman told the PA news agency: “This ruling is a victory for women’s rights and a right to freedom of speech. “The prosecution against me brought by my regulatory body, the Bar Standards Board, should never have happened and I said that from day one. “I criticised a domestic abuse judgment. Everyone should have the right to do that, whether you’re a barrister or not. Our justice system, which I strongly believe in, is robust enough to withstand criticism from me.” She believes her tweets help “foster confidence” in the justice system, adding: “Only that way can we go about building change and a better treatment for all victims, women and children and men who are affected by domestic abuse.” Explaining that the BSB appears to have spent almost £40,000 “of barristers’ money” on instructing counsel in her case, she added: “I think it’s shameful that they’re using our money to pay for, in my view, malicious, vexatious prosecutions which I have no doubt was a personal attack against me as a woman and as a feminist, as an outspoken critic and advocate for women’s rights.” Dr Proudman called for “systemic change” within the board. “They don’t understand gender, they don’t understand diversity, I don’t think they’ve ever heard of the concept misogyny and certainly not institutional misogyny,” she said. “Until they recognise the deeply rooted, entrenched issue of bullying, harassment, sexism at the bar, for which I have suffered relentlessly... and own up to it I don’t think we’re going to see any change and I have no confidence in them.” She told of how male barristers have called her insulting names on social media and made derogatory comments about her. In the posts on April 6 2022, Dr Proudman referenced a case in which her client alleged she had been subjected to coercive and controlling behaviour by her husband, a part-time judge, meaning she had been “unable to freely enter” the couple’s “post-nuptial” financial agreement. Commenting on the ruling by Family Court judge Sir Jonathan Cohen, Dr Proudman wrote: “I represented Amanda Traharne. “She said she was coerced into signing a post-nuptial agreement by her husband (who is a part-time judge). I lost the case. “I do not accept the Judge’s reasoning. I will never accept the minimisation of domestic abuse.” She continued: “Demeaning the significance of domestic abuse has the affect of silencing victims and rendering perpetrators invisible. “This judgement has echoes of (t)he ‘boys club’ which still exists among men in powerful positions.” In the thread, Dr Proudman wrote that the judge had described the relationship of the couple as “tempestuous”, which she argued was a “trivialisation” of domestic abuse. “Tempestuous? Lose his temper? Isn’t this the trivialisation of domestic abuse & gendered language. This is not normal married life,” she wrote.

( ) has been steadily making its mark as one of Canada’s prominent financial institutions. As we look toward 2025, the stock presents an intriguing blend of opportunity and caution. Known for its strong regional dominance, particularly in Quebec, and its ability to diversify income streams, National Bank stock is well-positioned to deliver solid shareholder . Let’s break down the key elements shaping its outlook as we move into the new year – from recent earnings to broader market sentiment. Into earnings In its most recent earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2024, National Bank posted a net income of $955 million. A remarkable 27% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $2.66, up from $2.09. This exceeded analysts’ expectations and underscored the bank’s continued financial strength. This impressive growth was driven by exceptional performance in wealth management. This saw adjusted net income grow by 17% year-over-year to $219 million. Looking at the big picture, National Bank’s revenue for the trailing 12 months reached $10.6 billion, thus representing 19.7% year-over-year growth. The return on equity (ROE), a key metric that measures profitability against shareholder equity, stands at 15.2%, thereby affirming the bank’s effective use of its capital to drive returns. Notably, analysts project that the bank will maintain a strong ROE of 16.1% over the next three years. This is well above industry averages. Dividends and value One area where National Bank stock shines is its dividend performance. The bank offers a forward annual dividend rate of $4.40. With a payout ratio of 41.3%, this dividend appears highly sustainable, leaving ample room for reinvestment in growth initiatives. National Bank consistently rewards shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet. This should give income-focused investors confidence as they look to 2025. Over the past five years, the bank’s average dividend yield has hovered around 3.7%, further cementing its reputation as a reliable dividend stock. From a valuation perspective, National Bank stock is trading at a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.5, and a forward P/E of 12.4, thus making it more affordable than some of its larger peers. While not the cheapest on the market, its valuation is reasonable given its growth trajectory, strong profitability, and robust financial health. Its price-to-book ratio of 1.9 remains attractive when compared to its historical averages and suggests that the stock isn’t overpriced at current levels. Looking ahead While National Bank’s fundamentals remain strong, there are areas investors should monitor heading into 2025. The gross impaired loan ratio, which increased to 68 basis points in Q4, is a sign of potential pressure in its credit portfolio. While this remains manageable, it reflects broader economic uncertainties, such as the risk of higher interest rates impacting borrowers. That said, National Bank’s conservative approach to risk management and strong cash reserves, over $163 billion in total cash, position it well to absorb any near-term shocks. Strategically, National Bank has been making moves to expand its presence in wealth management, fintech partnerships, and sustainable finance initiatives. These efforts, paired with the bank’s focus on digital transformation, are expected to support long-term growth. For instance, its investment in advanced technology and mobile banking solutions has allowed it to remain competitive in attracting younger clients while improving operational efficiency. As Canada’s economy continues to recover, these growth strategies should drive value for shareholders in the years ahead. Bottom line National Bank offers a compelling story for investors as we move into 2025. With solid earnings growth, a sustainable dividend, and a reasonable valuation, the stock remains an attractive option for both growth and income-focused investors. Some challenges lie ahead, such as rising impaired loans and margin pressures. Yet the strong capital position, strategic initiatives, and consistent performance provide confidence that it can navigate any economic turbulence. National Bank stands out as a solid Canadian investment poised to hold its own in the financial sector, especially for those seeking stability and income.( ) has been steadily making its mark as one of Canada’s prominent financial institutions. As we look toward 2025, the stock presents an intriguing blend of opportunity and caution. Known for its strong regional dominance, particularly in Quebec, and its ability to diversify income streams, National Bank stock is well-positioned to deliver solid shareholder . Let’s break down the key elements shaping its outlook as we move into the new year – from recent earnings to broader market sentiment. Into earnings In its most recent earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2024, National Bank posted a net income of $955 million. A remarkable 27% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $2.66, up from $2.09. This exceeded analysts’ expectations and underscored the bank’s continued financial strength. This impressive growth was driven by exceptional performance in wealth management. This saw adjusted net income grow by 17% year-over-year to $219 million. Looking at the big picture, National Bank’s revenue for the trailing 12 months reached $10.6 billion, thus representing 19.7% year-over-year growth. The return on equity (ROE), a key metric that measures profitability against shareholder equity, stands at 15.2%, thereby affirming the bank’s effective use of its capital to drive returns. Notably, analysts project that the bank will maintain a strong ROE of 16.1% over the next three years. This is well above industry averages. Dividends and value One area where National Bank stock shines is its dividend performance. The bank offers a forward annual dividend rate of $4.40. With a payout ratio of 41.3%, this dividend appears highly sustainable, leaving ample room for reinvestment in growth initiatives. National Bank consistently rewards shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet. This should give income-focused investors confidence as they look to 2025. Over the past five years, the bank’s average dividend yield has hovered around 3.7%, further cementing its reputation as a reliable dividend stock. From a valuation perspective, National Bank stock is trading at a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.5, and a forward P/E of 12.4, thus making it more affordable than some of its larger peers. While not the cheapest on the market, its valuation is reasonable given its growth trajectory, strong profitability, and robust financial health. Its price-to-book ratio of 1.9 remains attractive when compared to its historical averages and suggests that the stock isn’t overpriced at current levels. Looking ahead While National Bank’s fundamentals remain strong, there are areas investors should monitor heading into 2025. The gross impaired loan ratio, which increased to 68 basis points in Q4, is a sign of potential pressure in its credit portfolio. While this remains manageable, it reflects broader economic uncertainties, such as the risk of higher interest rates impacting borrowers. That said, National Bank’s conservative approach to risk management and strong cash reserves, over $163 billion in total cash, position it well to absorb any near-term shocks. Strategically, National Bank has been making moves to expand its presence in wealth management, fintech partnerships, and sustainable finance initiatives. These efforts, paired with the bank’s focus on digital transformation, are expected to support long-term growth. For instance, its investment in advanced technology and mobile banking solutions has allowed it to remain competitive in attracting younger clients while improving operational efficiency. As Canada’s economy continues to recover, these growth strategies should drive value for shareholders in the years ahead. Bottom line National Bank offers a compelling story for investors as we move into 2025. With solid earnings growth, a sustainable dividend, and a reasonable valuation, the stock remains an attractive option for both growth and income-focused investors. Some challenges lie ahead, such as rising impaired loans and margin pressures. Yet the strong capital position, strategic initiatives, and consistent performance provide confidence that it can navigate any economic turbulence. National Bank stands out as a solid Canadian investment poised to hold its own in the financial sector, especially for those seeking stability and income.Virginia state Sen. Barbara Favola thinks it makes sense to have Standards of Learning tests available in other languages. The Arlington Democrat says this will help evaluate how Virginia students learning English as a second language are doing with other core classes. She’s introducing a bill requiring the state Department of Education to develop SOL tests in languages besides English. The aim is to help teachers pinpoint where a child may be struggling to get a concept down — whether, for instance, flubbing an arithmetic word problem is a matter of not multiplying or dividing numbers correctly or not reading English well enough to understand the problem. “This is a way to help school systems see what they need, if curriculum needs changing, how a student is doing and what they need,” Favola said. The purpose of SOL tests is to see if students are meeting the goals the state Board of Education sets for what they need to learn, the state Department of Education says. The tests begin in third grade, and high school students need to pass SOL tests for English and other required courses in order to graduate. In Virginia schools, “children are going to learn English, gain mastery," Favola siad. "This is not about preferring another language." “Schools are among the first institutions families touch when they arrive in the United States, but how will a school system assess where a child is before they’ve achieved English mastery?” she said. Making SOL tests more useful is a concern of the state Senate’s only teacher, Schuyler VanValkenburg, a Henrico Democrat who is also planning a bill that aims to do that. “The short answer is: No,” VanValkenburg said when asked whether teachers he knows are able to use students’ SOL test results to focus the help they give individual students who may be having trouble with a concept. “The problem isn’t testing. It’s poor testing,” he said. One issue that’s a particular problem for students still learning English and those with special needs is that many SOL tests are based on multiple choice questions. That puts a premium on rote memorization instead of writing and analysis, he said. Another is a lack of transparency. “There’ll be 40 questions for the whole span of U.S. history, but what they’ll ask about we don’t know,” VanValkenburg said. In New York, which also requires passing statewide tests to graduate from high school, the same questions come up year after year, said VanValkenburg, who grew up in upstate New York. “It’s not about gotcha. It’s about saying this is what’s important,” he said of the New York approach. The summaries Virginia teachers receive of their students’ SOL test results do not contain information specific enough to be of much use, he said. Favola’s bill does not specify which languages to use in SOL testing, but she said Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese and Hindi were possibilities. Favola is also introducing legislation that expands on her 2024 legislation that bans using search warrants, subpoenas or court orders for information related to menstrual health data. The new measure says obtaining, disclosing and selling reproductive health or sexual health information without the consent of a consumer violates the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The bill protects information about pregnancy, abortion, purchases of contraceptives, sexual disease, menstruation and sexual activity. Commonwealth’s attorneys and the attorney general can seek fines for violations of the act, but the law also provides that individuals can sue to recover damages. Courts can award treble damages, or three times the compensatory damages, for willful violations. Dave Ress (804) 649-6948 dress@timesdispatch.com Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the comments on Saturday while meeting Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron, at the 26th China-France Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. “A trade war will only lead to a ‘lose-lose’ situation,” Wang said. “China is the staunchest defender of the free trade system and opposes the politicisation of economic and trade issues.” Wang urged Brussels to adopt a constructive attitude and find mutually acceptable solutions through dialogues. Wang said he hoped China and France could pursue a positive agenda next year, promote cooperation and explore opportunities in fields such as nuclear energy and aerospace, artificial intelligence, new materials, high-end equipment, environmental protection and healthcare technology.