999 jili games login register

LEICESTER, England (Reuters) -Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy got off to a winning start in his first game in charge as they beat West Ham United 3-1 in the Premier League on Tuesday. Veteran striker Jamie Vardy, 20-year-old Bilal El Khannouss and substitute Patson Daka scored as Leicester took their chances while a dominant West Ham were guilty of spurning several good opportunities, only getting a late consolation goal from Niclas Fuellkrug. Van Nistelrooy was appointed on Friday to replace Steve Cooper after the Foxes made a poor start to the season and although he did not have much time with his new charges, his arrival injected some much-needed good fortune into the club. The win moved Leicester, who last won six weeks ago, from a point above the relegation places to 15th, while West Ham are one place above them in the standings. The 37-year-old Vardy beat the offside trap to score after 98 seconds although it took more than two minutes for a VAR check to confirm his run had been perfectly timed. Leicester’s second came on the hour mark as El Khannouss steered home a perfectly weighted pass inside from Kasey McAteer after a long ball to the left from Facundo Buonanotte stretched the West Ham defence. Bobby De Cordova-Reid found the net in the 81st minute but his effort was chalked off for offside after a VAR check but in the 90th minute Daka was released on the left and finished with a powerful strike. For the rest it was a match that the Hammers dominated, spurning several clear-cut chances before they bagged a late consolation goal, with the result piling the pressure on under fire manager Julen Lopetegui. Danny Ings, making his first start of the season, saw his 13th minute header deflect off Leicester fullback James Justin and onto the base of the post. In the 69th minute, Leicester’s Conor Coady cleared off the line as he was falling back into his own net, keeping out substitute Crysencio Summerville’s effort with the tip of his toe. There was also a let off for Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in the 58th minute when he came out to punch the ball but missed, allowing it to trickle into the net only for the referee to award a free kick for a push by Tomas Soucek. West Ham finally found the net four minutes into stoppage time with Fuellkrug’s header on his return from injury. (Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );The Government of India, On Wednesday, announced a significant reshuffle of senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, with multiple key appointments made across several important departments. Rachna Shah, IAS, who was serving as the Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This department is responsible for managing India’s civil services. Shah succeeds Neelam Shammi Rao, IAS, who moves to the Ministry of Textiles, taking over from Shah in this role. Shah, a graduate in Business Economics from Delhi University, has extensive experience, having worked in several important ministries, including Science and Technology and Corporate Affairs. Also Read: Amit Shah launches 10,000 new PACS, sets target to establish 2 lakh cooperatives Arunish Chawla, IAS, who previously held the position of Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. Chawla replaces Sanjay Malhotra, who resigned following his appointment as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. In addition to his new role, Chawla will also continue to hold the additional charge of Secretary at the Ministry of Culture until a permanent appointment is made. Chawla, who has served in various senior positions, including as Additional Chief Secretary for Urban Development and Housing in Bihar, brings with him a wealth of experience in administration and urban planning. Vineet Joshi, IAS, formerly serving as the Chief Secretary of Manipur, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. Joshi, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering from IIT Kanpur and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, has a long history in civil service. He has previously worked as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education and also led the National Testing Agency (NTA) as its Director from 2018. Sanjay Sethi, IAS, has been appointed Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Ministry of Minority Affairs, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. Sethi takes over from Neelam Shammi Rao, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Textiles. Also Read: Allu Arjun, 'Pushpa' team give ₹2 crore aid after Hyderabad theatre stampede Sethi has had an extensive career in administrative roles, including serving as the Additional Municipal Commissioner of Projects in the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), as well as Municipal Commissioner of Thane and Nagpur. He also held the position of CEO of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Amit Agrawal, IAS, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Agrawal succeeds Chawla, taking over the role with immediate effect. Agrawal, a graduate of IIT Kanpur, has held several senior positions, including Additional Secretary in both the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Finance. His experience also includes a tenure as Finance Secretary in the state government of Chhattisgarh. Neerja Sekhar, IAS, who was serving as Special Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has been appointed Director General of the National Productivity Council (NPC). The NPC, which operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, works to enhance productivity across various sectors of the Indian economy. Sekhar, an experienced bureaucrat, brings valuable expertise to her new position as she continues to contribute to India’s economic development. Also Read: Ola Electric expands network by fourfold to 4,000 stores nationwideFormer Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., closes a door to a private meeting with Vice President-elect JD Vance and Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., attends the cocktail hour of New York Young Republican Club’s annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) By LISA MASCARO and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee’s long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations , including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican’s bid to lead the Justice Department . Related Articles National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report’s release on Monday, slammed the committee’s findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” Gaetz wrote in one post on Monday. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in a courtroom of any kind where I could present evidence and challenge witnesses.” Here’s a look at some of the committee’s key findings: The committee found that between 2017 and 2020, Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women “likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use.” He paid the women using through online services such as PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp and with cash or check, the committee said. The committee said it found evidence that Gaetz understood the “transactional nature” of his relationships with the women. The report points to one text exchange in which Gaetz balked at a woman’s request that he send her money, “claiming she only gave him a ‘drive by.’” Women interviewed by the committee said there was a “general expectation of sex,” the report said. One woman who received more than $5,000 from Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 said that “99 percent of the time” that when she hung out with Gaetz “there was sex involved.” However, Gaetz was in a long-term relationship with one of the women he paid, so “some of the payments may have been of a legitimate nature,” the committee said. Text messages obtained by the committee also show that Gaetz would ask the women to bring drugs to their “rendezvous,” the report said. While most of his encounters with the women were in Florida, the committee said Gaetz also traveled “on several occasions” with women whom he paid for sex. The report includes text message exchanges in which Gaetz appears to be inviting various women to events, getaways or parties, and arranging airplane travel and lodging. Gaetz associate Joel Greenberg, who pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in 2021, initially connected with women through an online service. In one text with a 20-year-old woman, Greenberg suggested if she has a friend, the four of them could meet up. The woman responded that she usually does “$400 per meet.” Greenberg replied: “He understands the deal,” along with a smiley face emoji. Greenberg asks if they are old enough to drink alcohol, and sent the woman a picture of Gaetz. The woman responded that her friend found him “really cute.” “Well, he’s down here for only for the day, we work hard and play hard,” Greenberg replied. The report details a party in July 2017 in which Gaetz is accused of having sex with “multiple women, including the 17-year-old, for which they were paid.” The committee pointed to “credible testimony” from the now-woman herself as well as “multiple individuals” who corroborated the allegation. The then-17-year-old — who had just completed her junior year in high school — told the committee that Gaetz paid her $400 in cash that night, “which she understood to be payment for sex,” according to the report. The woman acknowledged that she had taken ecstasy the night of the party, but told the committee that she was “certain” of her sexual encounters with the then-congressman. There’s no evidence that Gaetz knew she was a minor when he had sex with her, the committee said. The woman told the committee she didn’t tell Gaetz she was under 18 at the time and that he didn’t how old she was. Rather, the committee said Gaetz learned she was a minor more than a month after the party. But he stayed in touch with her after that and met up with her for “commercial sex” again less than six months after she turned 18, according to the committee. In sum, the committee said it authorized 29 subpoenas for documents and testimony, reviewed nearly 14,000 documents and contacted more than two dozen witnesses. But when the committee subpoenaed Gaetz for his testimony, he failed to comply. “Gaetz pointed to evidence that would ‘exonerate’ him yet failed to produce any such materials,” the committee said. Gaetz “continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed.” The report details a months-long process that dragged into a year as it sought information from Gaetz that he decried as “nosey” and a “weaponization” of government against him. In one notable exchange, investigators were seeking information about the expenses for a 2018 get-away with multiple women to the Bahamas. Gaetz ultimately offered up his plane ticket receipt “to” the destination, but declined to share his return “from” the Bahamas. The report said his return on a private plane and other expenses paid by an associate were in violation of House gift rules. In another Gaetz told the committee he would “welcome” the opportunity to respond to written questions. Yet, after it sent a list of 16 questions, Gaetz said publicly he would “no longer” voluntarily cooperate. He called the investigation “frivolous,” adding: “Every investigation into me ends the same way: my exoneration.” The report said that while Gaetz’s obstruction of the investigation does not rise to a criminal violation it is inconsistent with the requirement that all members of Congress “act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House.” The committee began its review of Gaetz in April 2021 and deferred its work in response to a Justice Department request. It renewed its work shortly after Gaetz announced that the Justice Department had ended a sex trafficking investigation without filing any charges against him. The committee sought records from the Justice Department about the probe, but the agency refused, saying it doesn’t disclose information about investigations that don’t result in charges. The committee then subpoenaed the Justice Department, but after a back-and-forth between officials and the committee, the department handed over “publicly reported information about the testimony of a deceased individual,” according to the report. “To date, DOJ has provided no meaningful evidence or information to the Committee or cited any lawful basis for its responses,” the committee said. Many of the women who the committee spoke to had already given statements to the Justice Department and didn’t want to “relive their experience,” the committee said. “They were particularly concerned with providing additional testimony about a sitting congressman in light of DOJ’s lack of action on their prior testimony,” the report said. The Justice Department, however, never handed over the women’s statements. The agency’s lack of cooperation — along with its request that the committee pause its investigation — significantly delayed the committee’s probe, lawmakers said.None999 jili games login register 。

San Francisco, California–(Newsfile Corp. – December 25, 2024) – Voted.News announced today the launch of its multi-language blockchain news service after a year of development and testing. The platform transforms complex distributed ledger technology coverage into 30-second digests while maintaining access to original sources, addressing the critical challenge of information overload in blockchain markets. Voted.News platform showcasing multi-language blockchain news intelligence Revolutionary Time-Saving Approach The platform’s proprietary AI technology, combined with expert human verification, processes and curates approximately 50 significant blockchain news items daily from leading technology sources. Each digest includes impact scoring and technology trend indicators, enabling professionals to assess developments instantly while retaining the option to access full articles for deeper analysis. Key Platform Features: “The blockchain sector generates thousands of news items daily, but professionals need only the truly significant updates,” said Danylo Vash, CEO of Voted.News. “Our platform reduces an 8-minute article review to a 30-second comprehensive digest, while ensuring readers can always access the full context when needed.” The platform’s launch includes RSS feed integration, allowing users to receive filtered, high- impact blockchain news directly in their preferred news reader. Additional language support for the RSS feed is scheduled for early 2025, along with expansion to include more global languages. “In the rapidly evolving blockchain space, quick access to verified information is crucial,” added Vash. “By combining AI efficiency with human expertise, we’re ensuring professionals never miss critical technological developments while eliminating information noise.” About Voted.News Founded in 2023, Voted.News transforms blockchain technology news through its proprietary AI-powered platform that combines automated analysis with expert human verification. The platform maintains dedicated news versions in five global languages, delivering significant industry developments that impact decision-making. Through its streamlined, zero-advertisement approach, Voted.News enables efficient, informed analysis of blockchain technology while maintaining comprehensive coverage through direct source attribution. Voted.News – Blockchain Intelligence News Platform Logo About FerzTech Ltd Hodl.Press offers in-depth crypto market analysis, expert insights, security-focused reporting, and educational guides, aiming to empower readers to navigate the rapidly evolving crypto landscape with confidence. Hodl.Press sets itself apart by delving deep into market trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, serving as a trusted guide for both seasoned traders and newcomers in the crypto space. Press Inquiries FerzTech Ltd https://voted.news Danylo Vash pr@hodl.press 306 Victoria House, Victoria Mahé Seychelles To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234967 #distro

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In losing Sunday’s battle with the Buffalo Bills, perhaps the best team in football, Jerod Mayo won the war. Best I can tell, he’s staying put. For 2025, and maybe beyond. To his angry fan base and incredulous pockets of the New England Patriots’ media corps, remember Mayo’s future doesn’t hinge on winning this season. It’s not about what you want, or what I think. It’s about the Krafts, who hand-picked Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick four and a half years before he actually did, believing in him, and finding reasons to maintain that belief. In the eyes of someone who wants to believe, Sunday supplied enough reason. The Patriots led at halftime, then lost by three as 14-point underdogs. They became the first team since mid-October to hold the Bills under 30 points. Drake Maye outplayed the next MVP of the league for most of the game and took another step toward his destiny as a franchise quarterback, If that sounds like a low bar, that’s because it is. Such is life in Year 1 of a rebuild, a multi-year process ownership has committed to seeing through to the end with their organizational pillars now in place: Mayo, Maye and de facto GM Eliot Wolf. As frustrating as this 3-12 campaign has been, there are always nuggets of optimism amid the rubble of a losing season; particularly if you want to find them. The Krafts do, and so does Maye, who loves his head coach, by the way; calling questions about Mayo’s job security “BS.” “We’ve got his back,” Maye said post-game. Maye’s voice matters. Certainly more than any number of fans or media members. Ever since media-fueled speculation that Mayo could get canned at the end of his first season began rising, the caveat has always been the same: if, a Gillette Stadium-sized “if,” the Patriots bomb atomically down the stretch, ownership could pull the plug on Mayo. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport became the latest to join that chorus Sunday with this pregame report: “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo,” he said. “They believe he is the leader for the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. Now if things go off the rails, if they really start to struggle and he loses the locker room the last couple games of the season, we’ve seen this thing turn. “But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future.” Well, Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room. That’s a fact. To a man, both in public and from those I’ve spoken to in private, Patriots players believe in their head coach. Mayo might be a players’ coach, yes, in the best and worst senses. But the Patriots were a few plays away Sunday from pulling off their largest upset since Super Bowl XXXVI. “I think we’re building something good,” Maye said. The Patriots also played their best half of football this season against their toughest opponent yet. Another fact. Now, to the frustrated, I am with you. To the shocked, I understand. But to the trigger-happy, lay down your arms. Mayo, by all accounts, is returning in 2025. Alex Van Pelt, however, is another story. In the same vein that the Krafts could have viewed Sunday’s performance as a reason to save Mayo — despite his pathetic punt at midfield, down 10 with just eight and a half minutes left — they could have convinced themselves their offensive coordinator is the real problem. After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. Four days later, Van Pelt told reporters he had yet to hear from his boss. Well, that time may be coming. Trailing by three in the fourth quarter Sunday, Van Pelt called a pass that resulted in an unnecessary lateral and game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. His offense later operated like it was taking a Sunday drive with the game on the line, using up 3:16 of the final 4:19 en route to its final touchdown. Van Pelt, finally, weaponized Maye’s legs in critical situations, something that arguably should have been done weeks ago. Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess. Call him Alex Van Fall Guy. Because Van Pelt’s offense, for the first time in a while, under-performed relative to Mayo’s defense. On merit, he deserves to stay; a case that’s harder to make for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. But it’s not about merit this season. It’s not about what you want. It’s not about what I think. It’s about the Krafts; what they see, what they want, what they believe. Even in defeat. ____ Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!Clorox Co. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading dayLew-Port relying on heavy does of 3-point shooting early in the season

9 best winter gloves for women

Share Tweet Share Share Email In today’s fast-paced business world, leveraging emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is crucial for driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. As industries across the globe are increasingly adopting these technologies, entrepreneurs are presented with unparalleled opportunities to scale their businesses, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences. Bharath Kumar Kakkireni , the Chairman & CEO of KBK Group, a leader in multi-sector innovation, shares his expert insights on how entrepreneurs can harness the power of AI and automation to build resilient, forward-thinking businesses. AI and Automation: A Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs Artificial Intelligence and automation have already begun reshaping the business landscape, offering entrepreneurs the tools to streamline processes, reduce costs, and unlock new revenue streams. From automating mundane tasks to analyzing data for smarter decision-making, AI and automation enable entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their businesses and meeting the ever-changing demands of the market. According to Kakkireni, “AI and automation are no longer just tools for large corporations; they are essential for businesses of all sizes looking to remain competitive and drive sustainable growth. By embracing these technologies, entrepreneurs can optimize their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and make more informed strategic decisions.” Key Benefits of AI and Automation for Entrepreneurs Kakkireni, who has successfully integrated AI and automation across KBK Group’s diverse portfolio, highlights the following key benefits of these technologies for entrepreneurs: Enhanced Operational Efficiency: By automating repetitive tasks, entrepreneurs can streamline their operations and free up valuable time for more strategic initiatives. Whether it’s managing inventory, processing orders, or handling customer queries, automation tools help businesses save time and resources while reducing human error. Improved Customer Experience: AI-driven tools, such as chatbots and personalized recommendation systems, enable businesses to provide seamless, real-time customer support and tailor offerings to individual preferences. These technologies create more personalized experiences, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty. Data-Driven Insights: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to uncover valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and business performance. Entrepreneurs can use these insights to make smarter decisions, optimize marketing efforts, and predict future business needs. Cost Savings: AI and automation help reduce operational costs by minimizing the need for manual intervention. Automation tools can handle repetitive administrative tasks like data entry and accounting, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and scale without increasing overhead costs. Scalability and Flexibility: As businesses grow, managing an expanding volume of tasks and customer interactions becomes challenging. AI and automation offer scalable solutions that can handle increased workloads and adapt to changing market conditions, enabling businesses to scale smoothly without sacrificing quality. Integrating AI and Automation into Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide For entrepreneurs looking to integrate AI and automation into their operations, Kakkireni provides a clear roadmap to ensure successful implementation: Identify Repetitive Tasks for Automation: Start by identifying tasks within your business that are time-consuming and repetitive. These might include managing customer inquiries, processing invoices, or scheduling meetings. Implementing automation tools in these areas can save time and increase efficiency. Invest in AI-Powered Tools: AI-powered tools, such as chatbots, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and predictive analytics platforms, can help businesses enhance customer interactions and optimize operations. Kakkireni emphasizes the importance of selecting tools that align with your specific business goals and objectives. Leverage Data for Decision-Making: AI can help you analyze data in real time, offering insights that can inform your decisions. By leveraging data analytics tools, you can uncover patterns, predict trends, and make more informed business decisions that lead to better outcomes. Focus on Employee Training and Development: As AI and automation take over repetitive tasks, it’s essential to train your employees to focus on higher-value activities that require creativity, problem-solving, and strategy. Investing in employee development ensures that your team remains adaptable and empowered to leverage new technologies. Start Small and Scale Gradually: For entrepreneurs just beginning their journey with AI and automation, it’s advisable to start with small, manageable projects before scaling them across your business. This allows you to test the waters, learn from initial implementations, and gradually integrate AI and automation throughout your operations. The Future of AI and Automation in Business Looking ahead, Kakkireni believes that AI and automation will continue to evolve and become even more integral to business success. “The future of AI and automation is incredibly promising, and we are only scratching the surface. As these technologies become more advanced, they will continue to drive innovation across industries and transform how businesses operate,” he adds. For entrepreneurs, this is an exciting opportunity to stay ahead of the competition and position their businesses for success in an increasingly digital-first world. Kakkireni urges entrepreneurs to embrace AI and automation as critical drivers of business transformation and to invest in the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age. About Bharath Kumar Kakkireni: Bharath Kumar Kakkireni is the Chairman & CEO of KBK Group, a conglomerate with a diversified portfolio in industries such as IT, healthcare, media, and wellness. With a focus on innovation, technology, and sustainability, Kakkireni has successfully led the group to global prominence. He is a proponent of leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and automation to drive business growth, streamline operations, and enhance customer satisfaction. Related Items: @mdextech , tech Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you How Bots Are Changing Sports an Alternative to Games Lightweight vs. Rigidity: The Trade-offs of Road Bike Frames Yabo: The Leading Online Integrated Entertainment Platform CommentsWASHINGTON — The Supreme Court seemed likely Wednesday to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices' decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which restrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender health care for minors. Supporters of transgender rights rally Wednesday outside the Supreme Court in Washington. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism over arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. People are also reading... Chief Justice John Roberts, who voted in the majority in a 2020 case in favor of transgender rights, questioned whether judges, rather than lawmakers, should weigh in on a question of regulating medical procedures, an area usually left to the states. "The Constitution leaves that question to the people's representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor," Roberts said in an exchange with Strangio. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion in 2020, said nothing during the arguments. The court's three liberal justices seemed firmly on the side of the challengers, but it's not clear that any conservatives will go along. People attend a rally March 31, 2023, as part of a Transgender Day of Visibility, near the Capitol in Washington. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushed back against the assertion that the democratic process would be the best way to address objections to the law. She cited a history of laws discriminating against others, noting that transgender people make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to studies. There are an estimated 1.3 million adults and 300,000 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who identify as transgender, according the UCLA law school's Williams Institute. "Blacks were a much larger part of the population and it didn't protect them. It didn't protect women for whole centuries," Sotomayor said in an exchange with Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she saw some troubling parallels between arguments made by Tennessee and those advanced by Virginia and rejected by a unanimous court, in the 1967 Loving decision that legalized interracial marriage nationwide. Quoting from that decision, Jackson noted that Virginia argued then that "the scientific evidence is substantially in doubt and, consequently, the court should defer to the wisdom of the state legislature." ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio, left, and plaintiff Joaquin Carcano address reporters after a June 25, 2018, hearing in Winston-Salem, N.C., on their lawsuit challenging the law that replaced North Carolina's "bathroom bill." Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly pressed Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue at the nation's highest court, about whether transgender people should be legally designated as a group that's susceptible to discrimination. Strangio answered that being transgender does fit that legal definition, though he acknowledged under Alito's questioning there are a small number of people who de-transition. "So it's not an immutable characteristic, is it?" Alito said. Strangio did not retreat from his view, though he said the court did not have to decide the issue to resolve the case in his clients' favor. There were dueling rallies outside the court in the hours before the arguments. Speeches and music filled the air on the sidewalk below the court's marble steps. Advocates of the ban bore signs like "Champion God's Design" and "Kids Health Matters," while the other side proclaimed "Fight like a Mother for Trans Rights" and "Freedom to be Ourselves." Four years ago, the court ruled in favor of Aimee Stephens, who was fired by a Michigan funeral home after she informed its owner she was a transgender woman. The court held that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. The Biden administration and the families and health care providers who challenged the Tennessee law urged the justices to apply the same sort of analysis that the majority, made up of liberal and conservative justices, embraced in the case four years ago when it found that "sex plays an unmistakable role" in employers' decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Demonstrators against transgender rights protest Wednesday during a rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. The issue in the Tennessee case is whether the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same. Tennessee's law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the administration's top Supreme Court lawyer, called the law sex-based line drawing to ban the use of drugs that have been safely prescribed for decades and said the state "decided to completely override the views of the patients, the parents, the doctors." She contrasted the Tennessee law with one enacted by West Virginia, which set conditions for the health care for transgender minors, but stopped short of an outright ban. Gender-affirming care for youth is supported by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. 5 simple ways you can make bathrooms safer for trans and nonbinary people 5 simple ways you can make bathrooms safer for trans and nonbinary people For many trans and nonbinary people, bathrooms can be complicated places to navigate — a fact highlighted by the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is far from an outlier when it comes to failing to provide safe and equitable bathrooms for transgender people. According to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks LGBTQ+ policy, 13 states have a policy that prevents transgender people from safely or legally using public bathrooms. But data shows that even in states with trans-friendly policies, transgender and nonbinary people report high rates of harassment in public bathrooms. Advocates say everyday people can have a big impact in interrupting discrimination in gendered restrooms. The 19th shows how anyone can help prevent abuse. Acknowledge that bathrooms can be scary, and help locate safe options Sex-segregated restrooms have historically been a hostile space for Tat Bellamy-Walker, a Seattle-based journalist and Black gender-fluid trans person. In graduate school and at journalism internships, they had to go far out of their way to find all-gender single-stall restrooms they could use safely. "You never forget being told you don't belong in a restroom, you never forget not having a place to dispose of sanitary products if you're on your period in the men's bathroom," Bellamy-Walker said. "It's just clear you do not belong in public spaces." Allies can help tremendously by locating and pointing out gender-neutral bathrooms to friends or family who might need them. This is especially important for people planning events or parties. Make sure your space has safe bathrooms. Offer to be a bathroom buddy to your trans and nonbinary friends Carrie Soto, a South Dakota parent of a transgender child, said she lives by the mantra "see something, say something." That means speaking up when there is bullying and harassment and volunteering to accompany a trans/nonbinary friend or family member when they have to head into a public bathroom. "Validate a trans person's fears and anxiety about the situation," Soto said. " If [my daughter] uses a gendered restroom and feels anxious, I go with." Make trans and nonbinary people welcome if you see them in bathrooms It may seem obvious, but transgender health advocate Jamison Green notes this step can really help trans people feel safe. Consider first that according to 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey , 59 percent of trans people avoided using a public restroom due to fear of harassment. Data from 2022 found that 6 percent of trans people said they were physically or verbally attacked while trying to use a bathroom, while 4 percent were denied access to a bathroom. "If you see someone who you clock as trans or nonbinary, just smile or pay them a non-provocative compliment. ... Wish them good day or good evening, and move on," Green said. "Of course that only goes for the women's room! In the men's room, talking is extremely rare." Green recommends that cisgender people offer a kind, silent nod. Ask for more gender-neutral options Twenty-two states and Washington, D.C., allow residents to opt for "X" gender markers on their IDs in addition to selecting "M" or "F." Still, in every state, regardless of laws, most bathrooms in government buildings, schools, businesses, places of worship and cultural institutions are gendered. Advocates say people can help change this by simply asking businesses and building owners for more options to accommodate all genders. "Advocacy is the most important part of the fight for transgender rights," Lambda Legal notes in its guide to restrooms. "And if employers adopt pro-trans policies proactively, instead of waiting for a transgender person to pave the way, there's much less chance of having problems down the line." Try to leave single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms free unless you need them The internet is full of rants not appropriate for a news article about people using the only single-stall gender-neutral bathrooms available not for safety but for ... well, pooping. As a result, gender-neutral bathrooms, especially in airports, are almost always occupied. There are many reasons why a cisgender person might need a single-occupancy bathroom (accessibility, illness, child care and, yes, even a little more privacy). Just like accessible stalls, it's a kindness to leave gender-neutral restrooms unoccupied when you don't need them. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. Releases Monthly Portfolio UpdateNoneDrake Goes After Universal Music Over 'Not Like Us,' Claims 'Pay for Play' Scheme

An influencer who claimed content creation is just as hard as working a 9 to 5 has doubled down on her comments. Veronica B uploads comedy skits to social media. At last week’s TikTok awards she said her current job was harder than her previous role in events. “I know it looks fun but it’s hard work,” she told the ABC on the pink carpet at the event. “You have to think of content. You have to edit it. You have to film it. You have to be constantly relevant — and that is not easy.” Veronica wasn’t the only person to say this. But, she copped backlash for her comments. “Thoughts and prayers for having to work the entire day,” one social media user said. Another added: “This is insanely out of touch.” MORE: 5 signs your workplace is toxic – and what to do about it Others called the declaration “embarrassing”. The influencer posted a video on Monday where she said she’d had “time to reflect” after facing “online bullying” through her comments and direct messages. “Over the past few days I’ve been reflecting, I’ve been seeing all your perspectives you’re writing online. I just wanted to come on here and apologise,” she said. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for being honest and sharing my honest experience.” She said she forgot it was 2024 and if your opinion doesn’t align with the “loud minority” it is viewed as wrong. Veronica said she took people’s advice and “touched some grass”. “Like, I guess I feel more connected to earth,” she said. Social media had a lot to say about the young woman’s video. “The room has not been read,” one person said. Another added: “Hard work is made by who wake up at 5:30 and work 10 hours everyday.” “This is not an apology ahhahah,” one said. Another social media user added: “I think compared to a lot of jobs. Your job is a lot easier. MORE: 6 toxic thoughts successful people avoid “You have a flexible schedule you get to choose what sort of work you can do and a lot of people don’t have the same privilege and are struggling to afford basics and work super long hours.” Others suggested the influencer should try working as a nurse or doctor. But, some defended Veronica. “As a fellow creator, don’t let these comments get to you. I agree it’s hard work but any job is hard. But we chose this path and reap the rewards but the average person doesn’t see how it’s hard,” one said. Another social media user added: “I see that you go above and beyond for the brands you work with. It’s hard because you put your heart into it.” “Every job is hard in different ways – why is that hard for people to get,” another said. news.com.au contacted Veronica for further comment. Veronica told news.com.au she’d never had so much online hate in her life — all because she shared her “honest opinion” about her experience. “I never said I had the hardest job in the world, nor did I discredit or compare myself to anyone else’s job, but yes, my job is hard work,” she said. “‘Hard’ is a subjective word. What’s hard for me might be considered easy for someone else. Also, you cannot just categorise all influencers as one. “We all create different content, have different workloads and put in different amounts of efforts. I don’t have a manager or an editor; I run four successful social accounts all alone, plus I do many extra tasks behind the scenes that add to my online presence. “It took years to build a loyal online community and constantly entertain them; that’s not easy, so yeah it is hard work but I absolutely love it.” Other creators were asked the same question at the awards. Adult content creator and influencer Anna Paul worked at Woolworths for five years. “Mentally, being a content creator is way harder, because you have to deal with the judgement,” she said. “But physically, standing for hours and hours and hours at the register is so hard.” Indy Clinton said she never had a typical job. She’s 27 and has been in the social media world since she was 16. Leah Halton, who won video of the year, also weighed in. “I actually used to work in a fish and chip shop during high school and was also a makeup artist,” she explained. “For me, I think 9-to-5 is harder because, if you’ve seen my TikToks, it’s just like, selfie videos.”Experts seek solutions to climate crisis

Nebraska defensive lineman Kai Wallin enters the transfer portal

Meta to build $10 billion AI data center in Louisiana as Elon Musk expands his Tennessee AI facility

If North Korea’s elite troops were expecting an easy campaign against Ukrainian forces entrenched in Russia’s Kursk region, they faced a harsh reality on the ground. About 1,100 North Korean special forces have been killed or injured in Russia since entering the fray against Ukraine a few weeks ago, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported on December 19. A general was reportedly among those killed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on December 23 put the figure even higher, at more than 3,000, or about a quarter of the North Korean special forces sent to Russia, though he couched his statement by saying the data was preliminary. RFE/RL could not confirm either of the reported numbers. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, though, doesn’t seem to be fazed by the rapid losses. The authoritarian leader is reportedly doubling down in his support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in exchange for critical supplies of oil, cash, and military technology. Zelenskiy said on December 23 that North Korea may send more troops and weapons to the front. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff seconded that forecast, saying Pyongyang is preparing to rotate or supply additional forces to Russia. North Korean military support is coming at a critical time in the war. Russia is seeking to overpower an undermanned and under-resourced Ukrainian infantry and gain territory before its own manpower and resources become constrained. Russia has lost more than 600,000 soldiers in the nearly three-year war, the Pentagon said in early October. It has burned through so much war material that it is struggling to replace its artillery and missile needs amid sweeping Western sanctions. Now nearly two-thirds of the mortars and shells Russia launches at Ukraine come from North Korea, the Wall Street Journal reported , citing Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian Army officer. And every third ballistic missile was made in North Korea, Ukrainian officials said. Pyongyang is ramping up arms production to meet Russia’s growing need, experts said. Trench Warfare Russian troops are now gaining ground in Ukraine’s east at the fastest pace since the start of the war. Kyiv carried out a surprise incursion into the Kursk region in August, seizing a swath of Russian territory in the hope of drawing enemy forces away from eastern Ukraine. That hasn’t materialized, thanks in part to the supply of North Korean troops. The arrival of the North Korean troops in Russia in October was initially seen as an act of desperation on the part of Putin, who has had to significantly bump up salaries to attract new recruits. However, The New York Times reported on December 23, citing U.S. officials, that it was North Korea who approached Russia with the offer of troops and Putin accepted. It is unclear when Kim made the offer. Putin traveled to Pyongyang to meet Kim in June. During the summit, the two leaders agreed on a strategic treaty that includes a mutual defense provision. Putin signed the treaty into law in November. The supply of troops to Russia can help Kim evade sweeping sanctions on technology and materials for military use. North Korea was hit with international sanctions after conducting its first nuclear test in 2006. Pyongyang hasn’t been engaged in a hot war in decades. Thus, its miliary brass and troops – which number more than 1 million -- have no combat experience. The deployment in Russia's war with Ukraine is a way for Kim and his military to acquire some. However, Kim’s troops are ill-prepared for the type of trench warfare with widespread use of drones and missiles they are facing in Kursk, experts say. Hyunseung Lee, a North Korean who spent 3 1/2 years with an artillery and reconnaissance battalion in the early 2000s before defecting, told RFE/RL last month that Kim’s troops "don't really train with that equipment." He said they cannot master drones and the high-tech equipment in such a short period of time. Videos circulating on social media show Ukrainian kamikaze drones striking and killing North Korean soldiers in Kursk’s snow-covered fields. Commenting on the videos in a December 19 tweet , Lee called it a “sad predictable outcome.” Modern warfare technology is not the only issue leading to large-scale deaths of North Koreans, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The Washington-based research firm said North Korean soldiers were struggling to communicate and coordinate with Russian forces due to language barriers. Perhaps more importantly, North Koreans are now conducting the initial attack in open territory on Ukrainian positions, ISW said. Some military experts cynically call such fighting tactics “meat assaults” because they result in a large loss of life among the attackers. Yevhen Yerin, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence service, told the AFP news agency on December 24 that Russia’s use of North Korean troops has not had a major impact on the battlefield. “It is not such a significant number of personnel," he said, adding that they use tactics that are "primitive, linked, frankly speaking, more to the times of the Second World War."

None