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As an automotive hub, Tamil Nadu has deeply entrenched and well-developed tyre manufacturing capabilities. It is now tapping into that ecosystem to attract incremental investments from tyre companies that have long been present in TN. Two months ago, French tyre major Michelin announced it will set up a new plant in Tiruvallur. “We are investing 564 crore in this phase which will also generate up to 200 additional jobs,” says Shantanu Deshpande, MD, Michelin India. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom IPL 2025 Auction: Updated Full Team Squads “This investment is over and above the existing investment of 2,840 crore in the country,” he adds. CEAT, which has invested a little more than 2,500 crore in the past five years, is planning to invest another 1,500 crore in a few years says Kumar Subbiah, CFO, CEAT. The state govt has been quick to see this as an investment and employment opportunity. It is working closely with these players to support both expansion and new investments, says industries minister T R B Rajaa. “Tamil Nadu has long been a hub for tyre manufacturing, with leading companies such as CEAT, Apollo Tyres, MRF Tyres, Yokohama, TVS Srichakra, Emerald Resilient Tyres, Michelin, and JK Tyres expanding operations in the state. Over the last few years, these companies have announced and initiated significant projects, many of which are now in various stages of implementation,” he adds. Most tyre companies are already long-term investors in TN and understand its advantages. “TN offers a compelling investment environment due to its integrated automotive ecosystem, superior infra and supportive govt policies,” says Anshuman Singhania, MD, JK Tyre & Industries. “For JK Tyre, proximity to natural rubber from Kerala, access to port infra, and availability of a skilled workforce in TN are integral to strategic growth plans,” he says. The company has invested about 3,000 crore in its Chennai plant. Those are pretty much the reasons why other tyre companies are also rooting for TN. Even those like Apollo Tyres, which now sources its raw material from across the globe especially for the high-performance tyres produced at the Chennai facility. “Proximity to a port minimises the logistics cost for import of raw material and export of finished goods,” says Gaurav Kumar, CFO, Apollo Tyres. Others like Michelin are rooting for making Tamil Nadu a green tyre hub. “The state govt has taken several measures to encourage decarbonisation and emissions reduction. Chennai is one of our most technologically advanced and green plants,” says Deshpande. The clean energy angle is something other tyre companies are also working for. CEAT would like to get more clean energy to make operations more sustainable, says Subbiah. “About 57% of Tamil Nadu’s installed energy capacity coming from renewable sources such as wind and solar. This commitment to sustainability enhances the state’s appeal to industries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint,” says Rajaa. Under the Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy 2021 (TNIP), companies get incentives to establish captive power plants. Tyre companies acknowledge the govt’s pro-active approach, but say a little more needs to be done. “We would like to see some state policies around incentivising the local manufacturers linked to investments, low-cost financing schemes and development of vocational training centres,” says JK’s Singhania. “Additionally, govt can help in acquiring land for large manufacturing facilities.” Others are looking for financial benefits. “Industry is looking at getting subsidy from the govt for new investments in R&D,” says Apollo Tyres’ Gaurav Kumar. The state can also facilitate schemes on the lines of National Employability Enhancement Mission and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, which will help TN youth get exposure to industry, he adds. Sector-specific incentives are key given the carrots being offered by other states. JK is expanding its Banmore (MP) and Laksar (Uttarakhand) plants. “Theseare strategically chosen to take advantage of various incentives offered by state govts,” says Singhania. Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy 2021 already offers a structured package of incentives including investment-linked benefits and support for expansion. So, the govt is prioritising workforce development. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET's Workshop is just around the corner!

The 30th Anniversary PlayStation consoles and accessories were restocked at various retailers today for Cyber Monday . While most of these restocks sold out immediately, the 30th Anniversary PlayStation Portal handheld is still available for $220 via PlayStation Direct. The PlayStation Portal is a handheld device used for streaming gameplay directly from your PS5 over Wi-Fi. The device does not play games natively. Design-wise, it looks like a DualSense PS5 controller with an 8-inch LCD screen. The Portal supports DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback and can stream gameplay at up to 1080p resolutions and 60fps. Like other 30th Anniversary PlayStation devices, this version of the Portal features a gray color scheme and colored face buttons that resemble the original PlayStation 1 console and its DualShock controller. Stocks are limited, and given how popular all the 30th Anniversary consoles and accessories are, chances are the Portal will sell out soon. If you're thinking of grabbing one, now is the time. For more Cyber Monday discounts, be sure to check GameSpot's Deal Hub for the latest bargains on video games, electronics, and more.

The Kohinoors Published by Media Plus Foundation Author: Syed Khaled Shahbaaz Pages: 236 Price: Rs 2,000 It is very rare for a youngster, who is enjoying the best possible career in the United States after an equally lucrative stint in the Middle East, to leave them all and head home lock, stock and barrel to pursue a dream that had nothing to do with his engineering background and IT expertise. Call it responding to an inner calling or taking forward the legacy inherited from his eminent father, Syed Khaled Shahbaaz has done precisely that. He has not only joined Mediaplus, a leading PR and advertising agency that is run by his father Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez in Hyderabad, but also fine-tuned the writer in him inspired by his illustrious father’s profound career in Urdu journalism. Of course, as a teenager he did give glimpses of the penmanship in him by way of innumerable published articles and English poetry. After achieving a Masters in Communication and Journalism at Osmania University with a gold medal, he dived deep into writing. Khaled Shahbaaz has just released his maiden work, the 236-page ‘The Kohinoors — Distinguished personalities of Hyderabad.’ This is not just another book that traces the evolution of the historic city but a well-researched documentation of Hyderabad’s growth to its present day global city status. In a way, it is a salute to the city’s rich legacy and heritage, aspects that he has researched with aplomb and put them in the book with equal finesse. Much like historians, Khaled Shahbaaz has taken upon himself the responsibility to document and preserve the city’s cultural and historical heritage for posterity. And he has done a thorough job of it. On reading it, one gets to understand, and appreciate, the amount of labour he has put in to gather material about the men of eminence from a distant past, while making it relevant to contemporary times. The book, which has been written in a lucid manner all through, brings alive the magnificence of the bygone era’s talents that have stood the test of time, and gives a peep into the lifestyle of the rulers, whose grandeur tastes are reflected in the architectural marvels built at a time when almost all construction works were done manually. The structures have survived the vagaries of nature and remain awe-inspiring iconic landmarks, a distinct feature that is brought out adeptly in this book. “This book documents personalities who have transcended their individual spheres of influence, impacting not only people they have served but also the wider world. They are shining examples of what we can achieve when we strive to deliver our very best. It is also my way of paying a befitting tribute to their immense contributions and a salute to their dynamism that has added brilliant chapters to the Hyderabad narrative. It is my personal opinion that these Kohinoors deserve more recognition and accolades than what I can achieve through this book,” points out Khaled Shahbaaz on what drove him to come up with this book. A look at some of the illustrious names reflects the painstaking effort he has put in to present Hyderabad in a capsule form. Take a look: Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the sultan who founded Hyderabad, along the banks of River Musi in 1591. Incidentally, it was originally named as ‘Shahr-e-Haidar’ and ‘Haidar Nagar’. The name was derived reverentially by ‘Haidar-e-Karrar of Hazrat Ali’, the last Caliph of Islam and brother-in-law of Prophet Mohammed; Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, the visionary ruler who transformed Hyderabad. Nizam VII, the last Nizam of Hyderabad state, was also the first Raj Pramukh of Hyderabad; Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad Bahadur, a staunch Nizam loyalist, whose administrative skills helped him rise to the exalted position of Prime Minister of Hyderabad on two separate occasions; Nawab Mukarram Jah Bahadur, Prince Muffakham Jah Bahadur, Rajkumari Indira Devi Dhanrajgir, Nawab Mohammed Abul Faiz Khan (scion of the Paigah family), Hakeem Moizuddin Farooqui, Prof. Amir Ullah Khan, Justice Sardar Ali Khan, ‘Nightingale of India’ Sarojini Naidu and Sir Ronald Ross. Kohinoors of spirituality like Maulana Anwarullah Farooqui, Dr Muhammed Hameedullah, Syed Khalilullah Hussaini, Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung, and Maulana Aquil Husami, among other equally notable names. Names from the world of art, literature and patriotism include Amjad Hyderabadi, Maqdoom Mohiddin, Salahuddin Nayyar, Dr Syed Taqi Hasan Abedi, and Rasheed Pundit and others. Many other prominent names, including contemporary figures, like K. Chandrashekar Rao, Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif, Wing Commander (Retd.) Rakesh Sharma and Mohammed Azharuddin. The high-quality art paper on which the book has been published stands out for the magnificent collection of rare and historic photos dating back to the former rulers. It demonstrates perseverance and shows the amount of labour the author has put in to bring about an element of originality that matches the content that has been pieced in together to come up with a wonderful product.

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Washington Commanders’ Quarterback Jayden Daniels is facing a losing streak he hasn’t dealt with in years. The last time Daniels experienced back-to-back losses was in his 2022 season with LSU, where they lost to Texas A&M 38-23 and Georgia 50-30. His worst losing streak was at Arizona State University in 2019, where they lost four straight games. Now a pro, he’s dealing with consecutive losses with a team that’s very familiar with this space. The Commanders have come a long way from only winning four games last season and find themselves hoping to get into the playoffs. The energy, players, coaches, and staff are different, but Sunday’s 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys felt like the same old Washington. On Sunday, they’ll face the Tennessee Titans, a team that, like Dallas, comes to Northwest Stadium with only three wins this season. The main takeaway from Sunday’s loss? Records don’t mean anything when a team plays to win. Washington needs to treat the 3-8 teams like a 10-2 team moving forward. Daniels Moving on to Next Game Speaking to the media after Wednesday’s practice , Jayden Daniels was passive about the team’s losses. “You just go out here and play football. Execute, and let the cards fall where they fall,” he said. “It’s just how we prepare. Go out there and have fun and play loose, and we’ll live with the outcomes.” However, this week’s outcome was grim. Not only did the Commanders lose at home, but they also lost to the Cowboys. In addition, Dallas won with a backup quarterback. Ouch . The one good thing to come out of Sunday’s loss was the sight of Daniels scrambling with the ball. That’s the Jayden Daniels we all know from Week 1. He carried the ball seven times for 74 yards and had one touchdown. Commanders’ Run Game Going Lame? The Commanders left Sunday’s game with running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Eckeler injured. The good news is Robinson (ankle) was able to practice Wednesday. The bad news is Eckeler is still out with a concussion, NBC Sports Washington reports . Depending on how Robinson shakes out by Friday, and with Eckler on concussion number two, Daniels’ running ability will be needed in the run game. The run game isn’t lost, however, considering there is still Jeremy McNichols to lean on and Chris Rodriguez Jr. is returning to the roster this week. However, Daniels said he doesn’t feel pressured to do more running. “I just go out there and do my job. That’s it,” he said. “We got other guys that are able to run the ball...Things happen in football. It’s the next man up mentality.” Questionable Roster Shift One of the biggest question marks this week comes with kicker Austin Seibert returning to injured reserve. More than likely, he will not be seen again this season. Missing that extra point in the last seconds of Sunday’s game will be felt for a while. The question now is, was he still injured? Seibert’s body of work cannot be judged on one bad game. People easily forget this is the man who scored all the points in Week 2’s win against the New York Giants, nailing seven field goals . Going into Sunday, he was deadly accurate, making 22 PATs. He missed the last two games with hip issues. Sunday was very uncommon. He missed three of his five kicks: two extra points and a field goal. According to head coach Dan Quinn, Seibert’s exit back to injured reserve is now the result of a groin injury, CBS Sports reported Wednesday via the Washington Post. Final Thoughts I want to believe the Commanders can push forward and get into the playoffs, but Sunday’s game was concerning. The playcalling was the definition of insanity. Then, in the fourth quarter, it’s like someone turned on the “hey, let’s do what’s been working all season” switch, and everyone tried to make up for three quarters in one quarter. The Commanders need to get back to what’s been working: ball control, a strong run game, and, by gosh, please stop forgetting about Terry McLaurin. It’s getting annoying. This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.QB Josh Allen and coach Sean McDermott deserve credit in Bills latest AFC East-clinching season

By Tunde Olusunle Rest assured of convivial reception whenever you stop by his address in Abuja or back home in Umulenso, Umuahia, Abia State. Kolanuts, bitter kola, *añara,* (egg plants), and *ose oji,* (groundnut and pepper paste), receive you as is standard *Igbo* cultural practice. You savour the best of beverages, subject to your choice. The finest of *Cognac XOs and VSOPs* were preferences in years past. Properly *aged whiskeys* have become more fashionable as we all age and manage our wellness parameters. Wine connoisseurs and subscribers to softer liquids will also have their fill. Undoubtedly, he is a man of style. His sitting room typically snowballs into a theatre of vibrant discourse and robust conversations. The subject could be anything: Economy, politics, international affairs, sports and more. Get set to engage this pseudo-encyclopaedia. You will be amazed at the sharpness of his memory, the width of his insights and the depth of his interventions. He makes sure to congratulate me whenever my favourite team in the English Premier League, (EPL), Arsenal, excels. He also sympathises with me when the outcome of a game is dampening and I wear a long face. He is that perspicacious. For his humongous attainments in life and the reverence he commands, Onyema Ugochukwu is a very humble, sober, maybe shy, temperate personality. He bestrode the corridors of the pristine *Daily Times of Nigeria Plc* with his towering frame. But he is a most amiable gentleman, an intuitive economist, a thorough-bred journalist, a painstaking administrator and thrifty personality. He is a diligent and loving husband, a caring and concerned father and a doting and grateful grandfather. He cherishes his quietude and abhors noise making. But he “loses” the battle when his grandchildren, predominantly boys for now, come visiting like they did on his recent 80th birthday. They wholly and effectively took over his house, spontaneously converting into a functional “amusement park!” But you could discern from his face the joy of grandfather-hood as he and his wife of 45 years, Joyce Ugochukwu, a veteran medical practitioner, try to moderate the energetic enthusiasm of the toddlers. Regular callers like us, those we call *ama’la* in Igbo, home boys that is, knew Ugochukwu would commemorate his ascent to the octogenarian hierarchies this year. I have been associated with him for about 35 years now since the charismatic media revolutionary, Yemi Ogunbiyi gave me a job in the Daily Times in 1990. I was adopted by both paragons and I have never been far from them. I have a fair idea of milestones close to their hearts. Ugochukwu’s Abuja home underwent a tangible makeover which he always complained to me upset his equilibrium while the process was on. Just in case he thought the lawn in front of his house where a number of family events took place in the past would suffice for his 80th, however, his children, select kinsmen and friends had other plans. Ugochukwu’s trajectory commands thanksgiving in every way. He was the third of seven children. Except for his immediate younger sister, Chinyere Achinivu, all the others are no longer with us. More touching is the fact that none of his siblings attained the age of 70, nay 80. There was therefore no shying away from celebrating the goodness of God. From New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Umuahia, Warri, family members, relatives, in-laws, friends, former colleagues were already streaming into Abuja days before the programme. Boisterousness and festivity enveloped the air, setting the stage for a memorable event. A thanksgiving service was held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Saturday November 9, 2024, the very date of Ugochukwu’s milestone and was attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Flagbearer of Labour Party, (LP) during the 2023 elections, Peter Obi and former Permanent Secretary and Ambassador at various times, Godknows Igali and his wife, were also present. Obasanjo used the opportunity to pay tribute to Ugochukwu who was his Director of Publicity back in 1998, when he, Obasanjo, first dabbled into partisan politics. He acknowledged the name-calling Ugochukwu endured from his kinsmen at the time. They could not fathom why he chose to work for Obasanjo, when former Vice President Alex Ekwueme also from the Igbo country, was contesting the same election. He celebrated Ugochukwu for his multisectoral contributions to national development. He lauded him in particular for emplacing a sustainable road map for implementation by the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), as foundation Chairman, over two decades ago. *Rainbow Marquee and Event Centre* in Garki, Abuja was the venue of the reception. Days before, Ugochukwu was apprehensive about the cavernous size of the auditorium, noting it might just be half empty with the kind of restrictions placed on attendance. By the time he and his family joined his guests straight from church, however, Ugochukwu was astounded. He barely could believe what his “eyes were telling him.” The marquee was brimming and bustling. His guests by the way were not from the mass of those admonished by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to *eat wherever they found food!* Sometimes in life, we never know the depth of veneration we command in people’s hearts, until we are privileged to be honoured at events like Ugochukwu’s. What could have been more gratifying than having former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali and his wife Marian and former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, topping your guest list? Senator representing Ugochukwu’s Abia Central Zone, Austin Akobundu, who chaired the programme, and the Member Representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha, were in attendance. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator for Abia South Zone, was represented by his wife, Florence Nwamaka, while former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Oko Chukwu Ude, also graced the occasion. So did former Health Minister, Professor Alphonsus Nwosu and his wife; former Senators representing Abia Central, Chris Adighije and Nkechi Nwogu, and running mate to Ugochukwu during his gubernatorial quest in 2006/2007, Chinwe Nwanganga and his wife. Other dignitaries at the event included Olusegun Runsewe, former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC); Nebolisa Emodi, retired Permanent Secretary, State House Administration and Reverend Benson Ezem, Chairman of *Cosmo Base Group* and his wife. Uba Agadaga, former Member of the National Assembly Service Commission, (NASC); Nonso Ogbunamiri, a Lagos-based *multipreneur;* Umeh Kalu, SAN, former Attorney-General, Abia State and Handel Okoli, also a renowned attorney and adviser in the Obasanjo/Atiku government, made it to the event. Segun Ilori, Legal Adviser, Green Energy Ltd, and Tivlumun Nyitse, Professor and former Chief of Staff in Benue State, honoured the programme. Emeritus Librarian, the septuagenarian Tunji Okegbola; adviser to the former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Nwosu and his wife; long-serving media adviser to Babatunde Fashola, SAN, former Lagos State Governor, who was also Works Minister, Hakeem Bello, topped the *Daily Times alumni* who celebrated their senior colleague. Paul Mumeh, media aide to former President of the Senate, David Mark; Joe Ibekwe, Convener of the FLED International Leadership Institute, and longtime Ugochukwu photographer, Tumo Ojelabi, all of them *Timesmen,* showed up for their former boss. From the NDDC family, “ancient and modern,” came former Managing Director who was also pioneer Special Adviser to the President on the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Timi Alaibe. There was also the former NDDC Commissioner for Cross River State, Professor Eyong Nyong; the recently retired legal adviser to the Commission, Steve Igbomuaye and former protocol head, now multibillionaire entrepreneur, Julius Rone representing the old era. Incumbent Chairman of the Commission, Chiedu Ebie; Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Boma Iyaye, topped the present generation of the NDDC leadership. Not forgetting the Corporate Affairs Director of the organisation, Seledi Wakama. The NDDC solidarity was as remarkable in numbers as it was in goodwill. They supported the production of two books to commemorate the event. Obasanjo wrote the Foreword to one of the books, *Galvanising Development in the Niger Delta: Selected Engagements by Onyema Ugochukwu,* jointly edited by this writer and the eminent journalist, John Araka. The second publication, a dedicated anthology of tributes to Ugochukwu, titled *Testaments and Testimonials: Celebrating Onyema Ugochukwu at 80,* was edited by Tunde Olusunle. The work is an anthology of about 90 attestations to Ugochukwu, predominantly by professional colleagues, old and young. Hakeem Bello one of the contributors to the volume, fittingly describes it as a “collector’s item.” What better way to profile an anthology with contributors from the media like: Yemi Ogunbiyi; Dan Agbese; Tola Adeniyi; Felix Adenaike; Lade Bonuola; Olu Obafemi; Chidi Amuta; Godini Gabriel Darah; Ben Obi; Dare Babarinsa and Ayo Akinkuotu? Tributes from Solomon Odemwingie; Emma Agu; Lanre Idowu; Omar Farouk Ibrahim; Lanre Idowu; Ohi Alegbe; Nduka Nwosu; Gbenga Adefaye; Eniola Bello; Idang Alibi; Gboyega Okegbenro; Olusegun Adeniyi; Segun Ayobolu; Segun Ilori; Lizzy Ikem, Angela Agoawike and Martins Oloja also feature. Gbenga Ayeni; Tunde Rahman; Al Bishak; Salisu Na’inna Dambatta; Lawal Ogienagbon and Dan Akpovwa, equally celebrate Ugochukwu in this volume. Ugochukwu’s globality resonates from the pages of this book. You find a man who is Igbo by birth and origin, but pan-Nigerian in thought and outlook. Ugochukwu’s colleagues, friends and associates come from all over. Tunde Ipinmisho, an Emeritus Editor who served under Ugochukwu in *Daily Times* always remarks about Ugochukwu’s politeness and culturedness: “He tells you “thank you” for whatever you do for him, no matter how little,” Ipinmisho says. The *319-page* innovative assemblage of tributes, is indeed a treasure trove. The two books presented at the programme were published by the rising Ibadan-based *Kraft Books Ltd* and reviewed by Gbenga Ibileye, Professor of English at the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL). They were formally presented at the reception and handed over to guests for free, consistent with the desire of the honoree. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar noted at the event, that at the height of his famous acrimony with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ugochukwu refused to take sides. According to him, Ugochukwu was a conciliator who tried as much as he could, to mediate between both sides. He described Ugochukwu as an “extremely dedicated and passionate Nigerian, a credible and perfect gentleman.” Turning to Mrs Ugochukwu on the table they all sat, Atiku said: “Madam, you are very fortunate to have him.” He prayed for good health and many more years for Ugochukwu. Akobundu expressed utmost delight at the rare honour of chairing Ugochukwu’s landmark, a legend he defers to as *Dee,* (elder in Igbo) and leader.” The revelry flowed over to the home of the Ugochukwus, late into the night, with still a lot to savour. • Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), teaches Creative Writing at the University of AbujaHoliday travelers, football fans hampered by year's first snowfallLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Voters dejected by the presidential election results need to find a way to give back and remain involved, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Clinton presidential library. The former president urged audience members in a packed theater to remain engaged and find ways to communicate with those they disagree with despite a divisive political time. The two spoke about a month after former President Donald Trump's win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election. “We’re just passing through, and we all need to just calm down and do something that builds people up instead of tears them down,” Bill Clinton said. Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who was defeated by Trump in the 2016 election, said she understands the next couple of years are going to be challenging for voters who don't agree with the decisions being made. "In addition to staying involved and staying aware, it’s important to find something that makes you feel good about the day because if you’re in a constant state of agitation about our political situation, it is really going to shorten your life," she said. The Clintons spoke during a panel discussion with journalist Laura Ling, who the former president helped free in 2009 when she was detained in North Korea with another journalist. The event was held as part of a weekend of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Presidential Library's opening in Little Rock. The library is preparing to undergo an update of its exhibits and an expansion that will include Hillary Clinton's personal archives. Hillary Clinton said part of the goal is to modernize the facility and expand it to make it a more open, inviting place for people for convene and make connections. When asked about advice he would give for people disappointed by the election results, Bill Clinton said people need to continue working toward bringing people together and improving others' lives. “If that's the way you keep score, then you ought to be trying to run up the score,” he said. “Not lamenting the fact that somebody else is winning a different game because they keep score a different way." “And in addition, figure out what we can do to win again,” Hillary Clinton added, eliciting cheers. The program featured a panel discussion with cast members of the hit NBC show “The West Wing” and former Clinton White House staffers. The weekend amounted to a reunion of former Clinton White House staffers, supporters and close friends, including former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and adviser James Carville. McAuliffe said he and Carville ate Friday at Doe's Eat Place, a downtown restaurant that was popular with Clinton aides and reporters during Clinton's 1992 White House run. He said he viewed the library and its planned expansion as important for the future. “This is not only about the past, but it's more importantly about the future," McAuliffe said. “We just went through a very tough election, and people are all saying we've got to get back to the Clinton model.” Andrew Demillo, The Associated PressToday is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). It’s a day to promote the rights and wellbeing of those with disabilities and reflect on what we’re doing to make the world a more inclusive place. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: for many Australians with disabilities, inclusion still feels like a lot of lip service. Despite the progress in the last two to three decades, Australians with disabilities are still fighting uphill battles for access and opportunity. So, today, rather than patting ourselves on the back for what’s been achieved, we need to be honest. Are we doing enough? And if not, what’s stopping us? Leaders in the disability sector like , and are crystal clear on one thing: change doesn’t come from just talking about it. It comes from consistent, practical, unapologetic action. Inclusion or illusion? Australia is a global leader in recognising the importance of support systems for people with disabilities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in particular, has transformed lives by providing funding for essential services and giving individuals the tools to participate fully in society. Australia has also made strides in embracing disability rights and increasing the presence of inclusive public infrastructure. But is it truly delivering? According to Chloe Kempe, CEO of , Australia hasn’t quite turned inclusion into a universal experience. “Many communities, especially in regional areas, still face challenges in accessing resources,” says Kempe. “We need a collective push to normalise inclusivity, not just as an ideal but as a lived reality”. Kerry Kingham, CEO of , agrees that while progress has certainly been made, many systemic challenges still remain. Simplifying NDIS processes, enhancing physical and digital accessibility and driving equity in employment are critical steps Australia must take, along with considering intersectional equity. “People need to understand thatdisability intersects with other factors such as age, gender and cultural background and create policies that address these intersections to ensure no one is left behind”, said Kingham. “Inclusivity is about more than just having a seat at the table. It’s about making sure the table works for everyone—and if it doesn’t, we’re ready to flip it over and build a better one.” Cheryl Drury, Director of , likewise believes that while Australia making progress, there’s plenty of room for improvement. “It’s hard to believe we’re still talking about inclusion as something to strive for, rather than something that just ” Drury said. “We’re seeing more conversations about disability rights and representation in media and leadership. But there’s still a way to go. Workplaces need to be more adaptable; communities need to be more accessible, and schools need to create environments where kids with disabilities can thrive socially and academically”. According to Kingham, while the NDIS has been life-changing for many, it’s still an overwhelming maze for participants and carers. “From complex claiming processes, to a lack of integration between providers, navigating the system is daunting,” Kingham said. Kerry and her team at are committed to removing barriers and empowering individuals with disabilities to live more independently. “We are taking the everyday frustrations of Australians with disabilities—confusing systems, inaccessible products, endless red tape—and replacing them with simple, empowering solutions,” says Kingham. “We are simplifying claiming processes by offering consolidated invoices and integrated workflows for Agency, Plan and Self-Managed participants”. Kerry also believes that many online platforms still fall short when it comes to providing user-friendly and accessible experiences for individuals with disabilities. To address this, The Chooze Shop is leveraging AI to build tools that ensure accessibility while innovating for the future of assistive technology. Employment opportunities and social skills programs Drury believes that while inclusive hiring practices are improving, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers to meaningful employment. Australia must do more to incentivise businesses to adopt these practices. “For people with disabilities, the reality is often a world that feels closed off—one where opportunities to build connections, find meaningful work, and simply feel a part of the community are out of reach”, says Drury. “We want to break down barriers and make sure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. Whether it’s education, employment, or just the chance to meet new people and form relationships, the goal is to create a society that truly includes everyone”, she continues. “Loneliness is something we all feel at times, but for people with disabilities, it’s far too common. That’s why what we do at and our sister organisations, and , are just so important”. Inclusion by design Kempe believes that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a cornerstone of inclusivity and dignity. Through ongoing , Chloe revealed they are setting new standards for care, creating environments that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead more independent, meaningful lives. “Our collaboration integrates The Chooze Shop’s innovative assistive technology and consumables into SACARE’s supported accommodations, enabling our clients to have greater control over their daily lives,” said Kempe. “From adaptive tools that support mobility to consumables that simplify day-to-day tasks, this partnership ensures our living environments go beyond basic accessibility, . And their vision doesn’t stop with homes. Together, SACARE and The Chooze Shop are making public spaces more inclusive too. “By providing our SACARE Carers Lounge, which includes a sensory room and purpose-built changing space at major events across SA, VIC, and QLD, we’re ensuring that people with sensory sensitivities and changing needs can enjoy these experiences with dignity and comfort”. SACARE and The Chooze Shop’s partnership exemplifies what’s possible when innovation meets advocacy. Together, they’re not only meeting immediate needs, but also reshaping how accessibility is defined—opening doors for individuals to fully engage in all aspects of life. Walking the talk: why women’s leadership matters Inclusion starts at the top, and the disability support sector is uniquely positioned to lead. As Kingham points out, women hold a significant number of senior leadership roles in this space. That’s a rarity in many industries, but it’s also a responsibility. “We have to set high standards and model them for everyone around us,” says Kingham. “It’s not enough to talk about inclusion—we have to live it, breathe it, and make it impossible to ignore.” Drury, echoes this sentiment, calling for action over rhetoric. “We need to move beyond words and focus on action. It’s about creating a society where everyone belongs, feels valued, and has the chance to contribute. Change happens when we all step up.” Kempe echoes this sentiment, highlighting that meaningful change requires a collective effort. “This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we encourage businesses, policymakers, and communities to join us in pushing boundaries for inclusivity and innovation,” she says. “The fight for equity is everyone’s responsibility. Only together can we create a world where no one is left behind.”

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:24 p.m. EST

Experience healthy hydration at home with Karofi: Free 7-day trial for Filipino familiesBy ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”Grok Academy finds new home after disgraced CEO’s exit

When I began covering education in Georgia 28 years ago, most legislation focused on proven drivers of student success including teacher quality, relevant curriculum and adequate funding. State education reform commissions pondered such questions as middle school design, high school size and ideal pupil-teacher ratios. Today, legislators talk more about school bathrooms, book bans and pronouns, issues that don’t bolster academic achievement but do rile up voters. The conversation has changed because the goal has changed. No longer are lawmakers committed to sustaining and improving public schools; they want to supplant and replace them with vouchers and other diversions of public dollars to private entities. This politicization of public education has not helped students in Georgia, but it has raised the profiles and vote counts for politicians including President-elect Donald Trump, who maintains schools now teach students “to hate their own country.” As board chair of the America First Policy Institute, Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for education secretary, endorsed a more patriotic and positive approach to U.S. history. Among his spurious education claims on the campaign trail, Trump said public schools were providing gender-transition surgery to students, which some voters apparently believed despite the reality that schools can’t even give kids aspirin without parental permission. Yet, Trump said, “Your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation.” In the next four years, we can expect similar political theater and hyperbole to steal the spotlight from pressing concerns. At a time when the workplace favors STEM graduates, the Georgia Legislature devoted more committee hearings to keeping transgender girls off school sports teams than keeping skilled math teachers in classrooms. No real evidence was ever offered at the hearings two years ago that transgender athletes in Georgia endangered the competitive balance in high school sports. Legislators relied on rare instances in other states to make their argument that Georgia needed to impose a preemptive ban. On the other hand, we know for certain from Milestones scores that 56 percent of students in Georgia test below proficient in algebra, a course that is linked to whether students attend and graduate from college. Algebra is also the gateway to higher level math courses that lead to higher earning potential. A year ago, the Program for International Student Assessment scores showed only 7 percent of American 15-year-olds were capable of math at advanced levels. The Legislature also prioritized granting parents greater veto power over their children’s school reading lists, another solution in search of a problem. Many of the books under siege aren’t even on class reading lists; they are simply in the libraries. And those books aren’t being checked out in droves. In fact, many teachers have ceased to assign books to students, asking them instead to peruse excerpts, passages and poems. Why? Because kids are losing the reading muscle; they have no desire to get lost in a book when the wilds of TikTok await them. Even college professors at elite campuses complain their students rebel at lengthy reading lists and easily give up when a book becomes taxing or complex. The real issue facing Georgia and other states is not what kids read, but whether they read at all and if there are any effective ways to stem the dramatic decline among America’s youth in reading for pleasure. If not, we have to figure out how children who now spend hours each day watching videos can become competent writers and spellers without reading. (Some futurists argue artificial intelligence will do all their writing and spelling for them.) Elected officials understand there’s political gain in lashing out at schools as liberal boot camps. Their exaggerations and falsehoods have eroded public trust in schools, although Colorado voters this month rejected enshrining “a right to school choice” in their state constitution, Kentuckians nixed a ballot initiative that would have enabled tax credit scholarships, education savings accounts or vouchers and Nebraskans repealed a $10 million school voucher program approved by their legislature. I hope school leaders and teachers in Georgia can be heartened by the support they receive in their own communities and ignore the looming political pantomime. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll in January found about three-quarters of Georgians expressed some confidence in the state’s K-12 public schools. The public’s faith in the federal government is not as enduring, according to the Pew Research Center. While 77 percent of Americans in 1964 said they trusted the federal government to do what is right just about always or most of the time, the percentage declined in the past 16 years, dropping to 22 percent this year.