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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has become the latest tech billionaire to signal allegiance to Donald Trump by pledging to donate to the president-elect's inaugural fund . An OpenAI spokesperson told Newsweek on Friday that Altman would make a $1 million "personal donation" to Trump's fund. Altman said in a statement that "President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead." Altman's decision comes amid his ongoing l egal battle with fellow tech billionaire Elon Musk , who became a staunch Trump supporter and mega-donor earlier this year. In 2015, Musk co-founded OpenAI along with Altman and others, then left the company in 2018. Altman warned earlier this month that Musk was using his newfound "political power" to "hurt" his competitors and enrich himself, which "would be profoundly un-American." In the 48 hours preceding news of Altman's donation, the following two tech giants announced that they would be donating to Trump's inaugural fund: Newsweek reached out for comment to Trump's office and the Trump transition team via email on Friday. Before Zuckerberg's recent meeting with Trump and his decision to have Meta donate to the inaugural fund, he and the president-elect had a very rocky relationship . Trump accused Facebook of "censorship" after he was banned from the platform following the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Trump has also repeatedly threatened to jail Zuckerberg and said without evidence that he was involved in a plot to help President Joe Biden "steal" the 2020 election. At the same time, Zuckerberg rarely made public remarks about Trump, although he did praise him for raising his fist after surviving an assassination attempt in July, calling it "one of the most badass things I've ever seen in my life." Zuckerberg also quickly congratulated Trump after he won last month's election. In a post to Threads, he praised him for "a decisive victory" and said he was "looking forward" to working with the incoming administration just hours after Trump's win over Vice President Kamala Harris . Bezos seemingly experienced his own rapid change of opinion regarding Trump in the months before Amazon 's inaugural donation. He blocked the editorial board of The Washington Post , which he owns, from endorsing Harris, citing concerns about "bias." Facebook did not donate to Trump's inaugural fund in 2017 or Biden's inauguration fund in 2021, according to the Associated Press. Amazon donated around $58,000 to Trump's first inauguration and streamed Biden's inauguration.
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. DALLAS — It was 24 years ago that baseball's Winter Meetings, in this same location, produced one of the wildest free-agent runs in history. Alex Rodriguez received a staggering 10-year, $252 million contract, twice as much as the biggest contract in sports history, and more than the total value of 18 MLB franchises. Mike Hampton signed the richest pitching contract in history, an eight-year, $121 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. The Boston Red Sox signed Manny Ramirez to the second-largest contract in history with an eight-year, $160 million deal. There was a record $739 million spent on 25 free agents at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Now, nearly a quarter-century later, those meetings could look like a neighborhood bake sale with the amount of money that’s about to be distributed. Juan Soto is on the verge of signing a monstrous deal that will certainly exceed a record $700 million – perhaps even reach $750 million – two officials with direct knowledge of negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly comment. Soto's deal will eclipse Shohei Ohtani’s with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and will pay Soto an average salary of at least $47 million a year for 14 or 15 years. And, oh yes, it will include opt-outs just in case it’s somehow undervalued in a few years. The New York Mets remain the favorites, executives say, but officials caution that the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are all in the same $700+ million neighborhood. The deal certainly will be a blessing for teams with exorbitant contracts, suddenly making All-Star outfielder Fernando Tatis’ 14-year, $340 million deal look like a bargain if the San Diego Padres ever decide to move him. Free-agent starters Corbin Burnes and Max Fried also are expected to receive deals exceeding $200 million at the meetings this week, and shortstop Willy Adames kicked off the meetings with a franchise-record from the San Francisco Giants. Baseball executives, scouts, managers, and agents are scheduled to descend upon Dallas on Sunday, and by the time they depart for their flights back home Wednesday afternoon, there could be nearly $1.5 billion spent on free agents. Here at the five most intriguing free agents, top players who could be traded, and five teams to watch during the Winter Meetings: : The guy who turned down a in 2022 will be laughing all the way to the bank. He made himself an extra $300 million by waiting. It took A-Rod nine years and a change of teams to win a World Series championship after his record contract. How long will it take for Soto to get that second ring – and will it be with the same team that signs him to this historic this contract? : They haven't thrown a pitch in more than two months, but their stocks have soared thanks to the contracts given to pitchers whose resumes pale in comparison. When Matthew Boyd receives a 2-year, $29 million contract without throwing more than 79 innings since 2019, when Luis Severino is getting $67 million over three years and Blake Snell is making an average annual salary of $36.4 million, Burnes and Fried should top $200 million. The San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox all lurk. The only drama is whether Fried goes ahead and signs before Burnes, or lets Burnes set the bar. Fried priced himself out of Atlanta, but is expected to sign with the Yankees or Red Sox. If Soto goes to the Mets, Fried could find himself in a nice bidding war between the Red Sox and Yankees. : Teams everywhere are being linked to Bregman, but the truth is that the Astros badly want him back, and the feeling is mutual. The trouble is that they are about $50 million apart. The Astros have a six-year deal worth $156 million sitting on the table – $5 million more than third baseman Matt Chapman received from the Giants but $26 million less than Adames – and Bregman is seeking in excess of $200 million. The Astros are expected to enhance their offer, but will it be enough to convince Bregman to stay? : Did the Dodgers meet with Soto and let people believe they actually are pursuing him just to help them , another Scott Boras client? Did they let the Soto rumors fester just to up the pressure on a Hernández reunin? Or did they jump into the original bidding to drive up the Soto price tag for everyone else? The truth is that the Dodgers should re-sign Hernandez to a three-year contract, with perhaps a fourth-year option, for somewhere in the $65-80 million range. The two sides have been seriously engaged in negotiations this week, but caution there’s still a gap. : Alonso says he loves the Mets and the Mets say they love Alonso, but something seems off. The Mets tried to sign him to an extension – seven years and $158 million, according to the New York Post – but it was flatly rejected. There’s no sign that the two sides have since talked, leaving everyone to wonder whether David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations, even wants Alonso. He could easily turn to Christian Walker, the three-time Gold Glove first baseman, who should come at less than half the cost of Alonso. Alonso could be a perfect fit for the Seattle Mariners. : No player will command as much on the trade market than Crochet, the ace of the Chicago White Sox. They are asking for team’s top prospects, and no one blames them. He’s young (25), he’s cheap (projected to earn $2.9 million by ) and he’s a stud, striking out 209 batters in 146 innings last season. The White Sox have had serious talks with the Philadelphia Phillies, but rejected the concept of Alec Bohm and outfielder Justin Crawford. The San Diego Padres would love him, and have dealt plenty of prospects in the past, but told the White Sox they are hanging onto catcher Ethan Salas and shortstop Leodalis De Vries. The Red Sox lurk. In the end, the White Sox will trade him to the team that gives them the most prized prospects, and hope they never again experience anything like their embarrassing 41-121 season. He may make too much money. No one is going to assume the entire $52.5 million left in Bellinger’s contract (if he opts back in for 2026 at $25 million). The Cubs would love to dump the contract, even for a lesser return, but they’re finding precious little interest. Still, there’s got to be a team out there that is willing to bite the bullet on the cash, and realize he’ll be a significant upgrade. We’re talking about you, Mariners and Yankees. He’ll definitely be moved, but it may not be until later this winter or spring. : When your boss calls you one of the worst decisions in his baseball career and is angry that you opted back into your contract at $22.5 million, you don’t need a therapist to know that you’re not wanted. The Diamondbacks are shopping him everywhere. They tried to get the Cubs interested in a swap for Bellinger. So far, they’re striking out, but considering the soaring price of pitching, and the brilliance he showed on the Texas Rangers’ World Series championship team, there’s a better shot of snow flurries in Phoenix next summer than Montgomery wearing a D-backs uniform. The Phillies realize they can’t run it back with the same offense again in 2025. It can be the most explosive in baseball, but as they’ve learned in the postseason, their lineup can also be awfully easy to navigate for opposing pitchers. Something has got to change, and Bohm easily has the most trade value among Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh and himself. If the Astros lose Alex Bregman in free agency, you can be assured that Phillies president Dave Dombrowski will be immediately on the phone offering Bohm for Astros reliever Ryan Pressly – who’s being extensively shopped. : Let’s be honest, the Cardinals want him off the books and Arenado wants out of St. Louis if they’re not trying to win. He still has three years, $74 million left in his deal but if a team is willing to assume the entire contract, they’ll have to only send only a few Imo’s pizzas in return. Arenado has a full no-trade clause, but would be Ohtani’s personal driver if the Dodgers were willing to take him. The Red Sox could present a nice alternative, too. There are only a few suitors who have expressed the slightest of interest, but both sides know that if Arenado is still on the team when they report to Jupiter, Fla., the distractions of potential trade talks could be a nightmare for everyone. : In case the Yankees are ready to drown their miseries if they don’t re-sign Soto, all they have to do is look at the Padres to give them a $700 million shot of confidence. The Padres had Soto the entire 2023 season. You know what happened? They missed the playoffs. They traded him to the Yankees in the offseason, and they got better. The Yankees, if they don’t land Soto, can easily sign free agent Christian Walker for first base, sign Bregman or trade for Arenado for third base, trade for Bellinger to play center, move Aaron Judge back to right field, and still sign a frontline starter. Losing out on Soto could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. . : They’ve talked a huge game all winter, and have been in strong pursuit of Soto. Yet, whether they land Soto or not, they can’t stop now. They have to sign Fried or Burnes, or even both. They could trade for Arenado too. The expectations are simply too high to sit back and tell everyone that they tried. : Yes, the days of losing 110 games a season are over. They’ve made the playoffs each of the past two seasons. But now much, much more is expected than just signing slugger Tyler O’Neill to a three-year, $49.5 million contract Saturday, especially with new ownership. The Orioles still have the best young players in the game, but if they’re not careful, that window will close in a hurry. Just ask the 2016 Cubs. If they don’t bring back Burnes, they better come up with a replacement. It’s also time to use those prized prospects as capital and Crochet should be in their sights. : The Padres, about to be hit with massive pay raises for Manny Machado, Tatis and Xander Bogaerts, could lose starters Dylan Cease and Michael King in free agency after the year. They need to win. And they need to win now. They’ve traded away a dozen prospects to become one of baseball’s most powerful teams, but painfully realize this could be their final year to compete for a title without taking a step back. They need at least one frontline starter, if not two starters, with Joe Musgrove out for the year and questions about how many starts Yu Darvish can make this season. Their dream scenario is landing . He may be more essential to the Padres’ future than any team in baseball. Come on, you know GM Alex Anthopoulos has some tricks up his sleeve after spending the first month creatively trimming about $38 million in payroll by trading Jorge Soler, letting catcher Travis d’Arnaud leave and restructuring two deals. They need at least one starting pitcher, if not two, with veteran starters Charlie Morton and Fried likely out the door. They also need a closer with Joe Jimenez expected to miss most of the season after undergoing knee surgery. They could also use a corner outfielder with Ronald Acuña expected to be out at least until late May. Keep an eye on Anthopoulos, who pulled off coups last winter by acquiring Chris Sale from the Red Sox and signing Reynaldo Lopez.
House blocks release of Matt Gaetz ethics reportGREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Pjay Smith Jr. scored 23 points as Furman beat Princeton 69-63 on Saturday. Smith also added eight rebounds and four steals for the Paladins (9-1). Garrett Hien scored 10 points while going 5 of 10 and 0 of 4 from the free-throw line and added seven rebounds. Nick Anderson shot 3 for 9 from beyond the arc to finish with nine points. The Tigers (7-4) were led by Xaivian Lee, who posted 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Princeton also got 13 points and four assists from Dalen Davis. Caden Pierce also had 11 points and four steals. NEXT UP Up next for Furman is a Saturday matchup with South Carolina State at home, and Princeton hosts Monmouth on Tuesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Imagine a light bulb that has been burning since 1901. Nestled in a quiet Californian fire station, the Centennial Light challenges today’s disposable culture, offering a glimpse into a past where products were built to last. This historical anomaly sets the stage for a broader examination of how planned obsolescence has become embedded in the fabric of our consumer electronics industry, from light bulbs to smartphones. As we explore the evolution from durable goods to disposable gadgets, we uncover this shift’s economic and environmental implications and the legislative pushback it’s now engendering. This narrative takes us from the Centennial Light’s enduring glow to the heated debates in legislative halls worldwide, advocating for a return to durability. The light bulb that outlasted a century A remarkable piece of history illuminates a local fire station in the quiet town of Livermore, California. Known as the Centennial Light, this bulb has been burning for over a century, almost without interruption. Its longevity is so extraordinary that it earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Originally a 60-watt bulb, its carbon filament has gradually dimmed to the equivalent of a 4-watt bulb today due to the natural degradation of its material. The bulb is encased in hand-blown glass, a testament to the craftsmanship of the late 19th century. The Centennial Light’s continuous operation, now surpassing a million hours, starkly contrasts with modern light bulbs. Today’s bulbs predominantly use tungsten filaments, a shift from the carbon filaments of the past. Tungsten, introduced in the early 20th century, has a higher melting point, which allows for brighter and more efficient bulbs. However, despite these advancements, the average modern incandescent bulb does not approach the lifespan of its historic predecessors like the Centennial Light. The Phoebus Cartel and planned obsolescence The phenomenon of short-lived light bulbs can be traced back to a pivotal meeting in 1924. In Geneva, Switzerland, executives from the world’s leading light bulb manufacturers, including Philips, Osram, and General Electric (which had taken over Shelby Electric), convened to address a growing threat to their businesses: bulbs that lasted too long. This meeting marked the formation of the Phoebus Cartel, named after the Greek god of light. The cartel’s goal was straightforward but impactful: to ensure that light bulbs would not last more than 1,000 hours. This strategy, known as planned obsolescence , involved deliberately reducing the lifespan of light bulbs to boost continuous sales. The cartel established standards that artificially limited the durability of bulbs across the global market. Engineers who once sought to extend the lifespan of bulbs were now tasked with finding ways to shorten it, using thinner filaments and altering the bulb design to ensure compliance with the 1,000-hour lifespan. The impact of the Phoebus Cartel’s policies was profound. By limiting bulb life, they increased the frequency of purchases and set a precedent for manufacturing and business practices prioritizing profit over product longevity and consumer value. Although the cartel dissolved in the 1930s due to external pressures and the advent of World War II, its legacy of planned obsolescence has persisted, influencing various industries and shaping consumer products to this day. Similar strategies can be seen in manufacturing appliances with less durable materials, automobiles with inaccessible parts, and batteries designed to degrade over time. Software companies exacerbate this trend by discontinuing support for older versions, forcing costly upgrades. Together, these practices underscore a widespread economic strategy that shapes consumer behavior and impacts environmental sustainability. How LEDs Changed the Spectrum of Lighting The revolution of light-emitting diode (LED) technology marks a significant milestone in the history of lighting. Since their invention in 1907, LEDs initially provided low power and were available only in red. However, by the 1990s, technological advancements introduced high-efficiency, multi-color LEDs that began to surpass incandescent bulbs in efficiency, transforming the lighting industry. This evolution enabled LEDs to emit a wide spectrum of colors and achieve higher luminosity with significantly less energy consumption. The legislative landscape also played a crucial role in the widespread adoption of LED technology. In Europe, stringent regulations phased out less efficient halogen and incandescent bulbs, with bans fully enforced by September 1, 2018, for halogen and earlier for incandescent bulbs on September 1, 2011. These regulations accelerated the shift toward more sustainable lighting solutions, paving the way for LED technology to dominate the market. Today, LED technology is celebrated for its exceptional efficiency and longevity. Modern LED bulbs can provide up to 50,000 hours of light and boast high Color Rendering Index (CRI) values, typically around CRI98, which indicates superior light quality that closely mimics natural sunlight. These attributes have made LEDs the preferred choice not only for residential and commercial use but also for environmental conservation efforts. Despite these advancements and the legal frameworks supporting them, the specter of planned obsolescence still looms over the LED industry. Unfortunately, some LED light bulbs are designed to be intentionally short-lived to encourage consumers to buy new ones. This practice mirrors broader trends across various industries, including controversial strategies like Apple’s battery management, which involved throttling the performance of older iPhones to prompt users to upgrade. These are just some examples of the ongoing challenge of balancing technological innovation with sustainable consumer practices in an industry where the potential for technological durability is often compromised to stimulate continuous consumer spending. The legal battle for longer-lasting products The push for sustainability and consumer empowerment is crystallizing through global Right to Repair legislation, which affects a broad spectrum of industries, from consumer electronics to medical devices. Notable legislation includes New York’s 2022 Digital Fair Repair Act and Colorado’s 2023 Consumer Right To Repair Agricultural Equipment Act, forcing industries to reconsider their design and repair policies. Companies like Apple have become infamous for their planned obsolescence strategies, often necessitating complete device replacements for issues as minor as a cracked screen. Similarly, manufacturers of gaming consoles, such as Sony and Microsoft , design their systems to discourage user repairs, requiring costly services only they can provide. This movement extends beyond electronics, with implications for critical medical devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps, where repair restrictions can impact costs and patient outcomes. By mandating manufacturers to provide repair documentation and parts, legislation in places like the UK, France, and India aims to curb these restrictive practices, ensuring that products are both maintainable and sustainable. The choice stands clear and consequential for both policymakers and the public: maintain the status quo of quick obsolescence or push for a marketplace enriched with durable and repairable products. Such a decision will steer market practices and significantly influence our environmental strategies. The Right to Repair acts are crucial, challenging us to rethink technological practices and prioritize environmental integrity over short-term gains.Liberal DC Bartender Compares GOP Drinkers To Democrats. The Difference Is Too Good To Be True
Across the Middle East and beyond, the fall of Syria’s authoritarian government at the hands of jihadi militants set off waves of jubilation, trepidation and alarm. Expatriate Syrians and many residents across the Middle East exulted at the overthrow of a leader who led his country through 14 years of civil strife that left half a million Syrians dead and displaced millions to countries around the world. While others are worried about further instability rocking a region already in turmoil. Governments — whether allies or opponents of Bashar Assad — scrambled to absorb the sudden, stunning development and assess the implications for the Middle East and the world. Mr Biden credited action by the US and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Mr Assad’s grip on power. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Mr Biden said. The US has about 900 troops in Syria, including US forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held north east to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. In Lebanon, thousands of Syrians headed for the Masnaa border crossing to return to their home country, despite the uncertainty. “Anything is better than Bashar,” said Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading back to join his wife and four children. “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for,” said Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to the capital of Damascus. Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well organised and take care of their country.” Many citizens in Syria’s neighbouring countries reacted with joy to the news Mr Assad was gone. “I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians,” he said. Syria’s neighbours stepped up security along their borders. Lebanon said it was closing all but one of its land border crossings with Syria. Jordan also closed a border crossing. Iran, a key ally of Mr Assad, said the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention”. The Foreign Ministry in Tehran said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. Egypt’s foreign ministry urged a “comprehensive political process” to establish a new era of peace in the war-torn country. The head of Yemen’s internationally recognised government welcomed the fall of Mr Assad as “a historic moment”. Turkey has backed anti-Assad militant groups in Syria and could play a key role in what happens next. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the fall of Assad brought “hope” and he called on the world to help “unite and reconstruct” Syria. In Europe, many governments welcomed Mr Assad’s departure while urging a rapid return to stability. France’s foreign ministry welcomed the fall of Mr Assad, saying “the Syrian people have suffered too much”. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also welcomed the end of Mr Assad’s “barbaric regime”. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for calm and urged work to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions”. State media later reported that Mr Assad was in Moscow with his family and they had been granted asylum. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, wrote on X that the ousted Syrian leader had suffered the fate of “all dictators who bet on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him”.A three-goal second period Saturday sparked the Garnet Chargers to a 4-1 ECAC Hockey victory over Brown at Messa Rink. It’s the final game of 2024 for Union (5-4-0 ECACH, 15 points; 8-11-1 overall). The Garnet Chargers return to action Jan. 3, when they host Quinnipiac. “I thought we played with a similar simplicity to our game,” Union coach Tony Maci, referencing the team’s play in Friday’s 3-1 loss to Yale, said during the postgame interview on ESPN+. “We were able to bury the chances.” Union took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period on an Amanda Quan goal. The Bears (4-7-1, 16.5 points; 8-7-1) tied it just over eight minutes into the second period when Monique Lyons scored on a two-player advantage. Nearly four minutes later, Kiara Kenttala gave Union a 2-1 lead. That ignited things for the Garnet Chargers. Stephanie Bourque scored a power-play goal with 6:10 left in the second. Maddie Leaney made it a three-goal advantage with 1:29 remaining in the period. Union goalie Sophie Matsioukas stopped 30 shots. “She made a couple big saves,” Maci said. “Good to see that same consistency from her again.” Brown 0 1 0 — 1 Union 1 3 0 — 4 First Period — 1, Union, Quan 1 (Jones), 11:57. Penalties — Muralt, Bro (hooking-penalty shot), 10:49; Broz, Brow (tripping), 16:08. Second Period — 2, Brown, Lyons 7 (Norehad, Muralt), 8:07 (pp). 3, Union, Kenttala 2 (Suitor, Adams), 11:58, 4, Union, Bourque 5 (Friday, Davidson), 13:50 (pp). 5, Union, Leaney 4 (Engelbert, Friday), 18:31. Penalties — Mauracher, Uni (cross-checking), 3:49; Union bench, served by Engelbert (too many players), 6:18; Davidson, Uni (body checking), 7:48; Fantino, Bro (boarding), 13:08. Third Period — None. Penalties — Jones, Uni (hitting from behind), 6:49; Hebert, Uni (tripping), 14:14. Missed penalty shot — Union, Mauracher, 10:49 1st. Shots on Goal — Brown 8-11-12 — 31. Union 13-8-3 — 24. Power-play opportunities — Brown 1 of 5; Union 1 of 2. Goalies — Brown, Zupkofska 2-3-1 (24 shots-20 saves). Union, Matsoukas 7-9-0 (31-30). A — 219. Referees — Tasha Adams, Michael St. Lawrence. Linesmen — Jackie Spresser, Sarah Buckner.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a stark warning to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other skeptics of vaccines on Friday after a new report detailed the Donald Trump nominee’s ties to a lawyer who sought to revoke approval of the lifesaving polio vaccine for children. “The polio vaccine has saved millions of lives and held out the promise of eradicating a terrible disease,” McConnell, who had polio as a child, said in a statement. “Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed – they’re dangerous.” “Anyone seeking the Senate’s consent to serve in the incoming Administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts,” McConnell added, in a not-so-veiled reference to Kenndy being tapped by Trump to lead the U.S. Health and Human Services Department next year. The New York Times revealed on Friday that Aaron Siri, a lawyer Kennedy has been consulting on whom to select as top health officials for the next Trump administration, has filed multiple legal petitions to block vaccines in recent years. That includes a 2022 petition for the Food and Drug Administration to withdraw its approval of a standard polio vaccine for babies and children, claiming the agency needs to do further studies to prove its safety. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee the FDA and multiple other federal public health agencies. The environmental lawyer and son of former U.S. Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy is a prominent vaccine skeptic who has spread wild conspiracy theories over the years. Trump’s choice of Kennedy to lead the top health agency has alarmed public health experts and 77 Nobel laureates who urged the Senate to reject his expected nomination last week. Some Republican senators have expressed concerns about Kennedy’s views, but none have publicly declared their opposition to his path to confirmation. “I believe vaccines are appropriate. They have to be safe. I want to know what his real concerns are and what he would want to do different, but I do not want to lose our vaccine programs,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told reporters on Thursday. Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. McConnell, meanwhile, reflected on his boyhood experience of struggling with polio and his parents’ “pain and fear of watching their child struggle with the life-altering diagnosis of polio.” “From the age of two, normal life without paralysis was only possible for me because of the miraculous combination of modern medicine and a mother’s love. But for millions who came after me, the real miracle was the saving power of the polio vaccine,” he said Friday. “For decades, I have been proud to work with devoted advocates – from Rotary International to the Gates Foundation – and use my platform in public life to champion the pursuit of cures for further generations,” the senator added. “I have never flinched from confronting specious disinformation that threatens the advance of lifesaving medical progress, and I will not today.” Related From Our Partner
Tommy Banks, who owns two restaurants and a pub in North Yorkshire, posted on Instagram on Monday morning to say his van with £25,000 of stock in the back had been taken from just outside Ripon. Mr Banks said in the video that the stock – including steak and ale, turkey and butternut squash pies, as well as gravy and custard – was for York Christmas Market. A post shared by Tommy Banks (@tommybanks) He urged the thieves to drop the pies somewhere such as a community centre, adding “I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas and maybe we can feed a few thousand people with these pies that you’ve stolen, do the right thing”. Mr Banks also asked anyone who is offered pies from someone who is not him to report them to the police. North Yorkshire Police said it had been informed of the theft and asked anyone with information to get in touch, the BBC reported. Mr Banks’s video contained the caption: “So @matthewalockwood went into @madeinoldstead this morning to pick up the van and it has been stolen. “These guys had loaded up the van with stock for @tommyspieshop today and left plugged in overnight. “I’m guessing the thieves didn’t realise they were stealing 2,500 pies along with the van! The pies are all in boxes with my name on so not very easy to sell. “If you are the thieves and read this I urge you to drop the pies off somewhere. So we can at least give them to people who need food and they are not wasted.” Mr Banks told the PA news agency: “What was really making me sad this morning, I thought suddenly they’re going to realise what’s in the back and ditch the food. “We talk about zero waste and when you’ve got just short of a tonne of food that’s probably been ditched, it would be good if it could find its way to people who need it.” He added that his team were “much less bothered about the van as they’re bothered about the pies” as it was a week’s worth of stock. The chef said they are planning to create a chicken pie this week and one of his team came up with the name “bandit butter chicken pie”, as he said the situation was “all a bit Home Alone – at Christmas with the pie bandit stealing our pies”.What happens when 'The Simpsons' join 'Monday Night Football'? Find out during Bengals-CowboysNoneNone
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Next stop: the National Football League. Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III declared for the NFL draft on Monday, two days after playing in what was likely his final collegiate game. He's heading to the professional ranks early, where he's projected to be one of the first players taken in the upcoming draft. "As a kid from St. Louis, it has always been my dream to play in (the) NFL," Burden wrote in an announcement posted to social media. "I am blessed to have a family and community that have helped support this dream and fuel me to put in the work in pursuit of this goal." Burden has been Mizzou's most transformational player in recent years, a five-star prospect who picked his home state school, starred on a national stage and signed high-visibility name, image and likeness deals. “The legacy of Luther Burden,” Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said Saturday, “is going to be the monumental decision he made to come to the University of Missouri, when nobody else thought he should have. His trajectory changed the program’s." In high school, Burden starred for Cardinal Ritter and, for his senior year, East St. Louis, where he was the St. Louis Post-Dispatch co-offensive player of the year after a senior season that included 34 total touchdowns. Recruiting services made Burden one of the premier prospects in his class. When he committed to Mizzou in October 2021, Burden became just the third consensus five-star recruit to do so, following fellow wide receiver Dorial Green Beckham and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who later slipped to four-star status after starting at the junior college level. "I just want to start a trend in St. Louis for the younger people," Burden said at his commitment ceremony. "Start a trend to stay home and take our talents to Missouri.” Burden contributed immediately, scoring nine total touchdowns — including one punt return — during his freshman season. Last year's overall breakout for Missouri saw Burden catch 86 passes for 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. That campaign placed Burden third in MU program history for receiving yards in a single season, trailing Danario Alexander's 2009 season and Jeremy Maclin's 2008 run. Despite entering the 2024 season as a front-runner for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top receiver, and in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy, Burden had a more subdued campaign with 61 catches, the most on the team, and 676 receiving yards. With 192 career receptions, Burden is fourth in program history. His one catch in the Tigers' Saturday win over Arkansas broke a tie in the record books with Alexander. Off the field, he made waves for Missouri in the NIL space. A line of Burden-branded potato chips steadily expanded in flavors and popularity over the course of his college career. He recently appeared in an ad for Nautica's fall clothing line alongside Louisiana State gymnast-turned-model Olivia "Livvy" Dunne. Burden, a junior, walked in Mizzou's Senior Day ceremony held before that snowy game Saturday against the Razorbacks. It seemed to be a clear sign that Burden would be answering the NFL's call sooner rather than later. "While this decision is a step toward my professional future, it is by no means the end of my relationship with Mizzou," Burden wrote. "I will always carry a piece of this university with me, and I will continue to represent Mizzou with pride as I pursue my dreams. MIZ. Just call 3." The league requires players to spend at least three seasons in college ranks, so this is the earliest Burden can enter the draft. The scouting and draft cycle will pick up steam as college and professional seasons end, but early projections show Burden going solidly in the first round — with a significant chance of being a top-10 pick. Burden's draft declaration will almost certainly lead to him opting out of Missouri's bowl game, of which the date, location and opponent will be announced on Dec. 8. The risk of injury in a game with little incentive will likely keep Burden off the field to protect his chances in the draft. Mizzou could see a couple of other players declare early for the draft during the next month. For some, it's a way to test the waters and the viability of their opportunities at the next level before ultimately withdrawing from the draft and returning to college, if nothing else ©2024 STLtoday.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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