WASHINGTON — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was hospitalized in the “afternoon for testing and observation," Angel Urena, Clinton's deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Clinton, a Democrat who served two terms as president from January 1993 until January 2001, addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this summer, and campaigned ahead of November's election for the unsuccessful White House bid of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris . In the years since Clinton left the White House, he's faced some health scares. In 2004, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery after experiencing prolonged chest pains and shortness of breath. Clinton returned to the hospital for surgery for a partially collapsed lung in 2005, and in 2010 he had a pair of stents implanted in a coronary artery. Clinton responded by embracing a largely vegan diet that saw him lose weight and report improved health. In 2021, the former president was hospitalized for six days in California while being treated for an infection that was unrelated to COVID-19, when the pandemic was still near its height. An aide to the former president said then that Clinton had a urological infection that spread to his bloodstream, but was on the mend and never went into septic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition. The aide said Clinton was in an intensive care section of the hospital that time, but wasn’t receiving ICU care.
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Pennsylvania State Police “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The Changing Face of American Farms The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. Technology Revolution on the Farm The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. The Economic Tightrope: Challenges Facing Modern Farmers While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. Diversification: A Lifeline for American Farms In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. From Farm to Table: The Consumer Connection The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. The Future of Farming: Opportunities and Innovations Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: Sustainable farming practices : Cover cropping, no-till farming, and precision agriculture are gaining traction. These practices can reduce soil erosion by up to 90% compared to conventional tillage. Genetic engineering : CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies offer the potential to develop crops with enhanced nutritional profiles and resistance to pests and diseases. Alternative protein sources : The market for plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030. Conclusion: A Call to Action The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. LandTrust
Phoenix Real Estate Powerhouse Joshua Smith Joins eXp Realty
( MENAFN - AFP) US President-elect Donald trump filed a brief Friday urging the Supreme Court to pause a law that would ban TikTok the day before his January 20 inauguration if it is not sold by its Chinese owner ByteDance. "In light of the novelty and difficulty of this case, the court should consider staying the statutory deadline to grant more breathing space to address these issues," Trump's legal team wrote, to give him "the opportunity to pursue a Political resolution." Trump was fiercely opposed to TikTok during his 2017-21 first term, and tried in vain to ban the video app on national security grounds. The Republican voiced concerns -- echoed by political rivals -- that the Chinese government might tap into US TikTok users' data or manipulate what they see on the platform. US officials had also voiced alarm over the popularity of the video-sharing app with young people, alleging that its parent company is subservient to Beijing and that the app is used to spread propaganda, claims denied by the company and the Chinese government. Trump called for a US company to buy TikTok, with the government sharing in the sale price, and his successor Joe Biden went one stage further -- signing a law to ban the app for the same reasons. Trump has now, however, reversed course. "Now (that) I'm thinking about it, I'm for TikTok, because you need competition," he recently told Bloomberg. "If you don't have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram -- and that's, you know, that's Zuckerberg." Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and part of his Meta tech empire, was among the social media networks that banned Trump after attacks by his supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The ban was driven by concerns that he would use the platform to promote more violence. Those bans on major social media platforms were later lifted. In the brief filed on Friday, Trump's lawyer made it clear the president-elect did not take a position on the legal merits of the current case. "President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute," John Sauer wrote in the amicus curiae -- or "friend of the court" -- brief. "Instead, he respectfully requests that the court consider staying the act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case, thus permitting President Trump's incoming Administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the questions at issue in the case." MENAFN27122024000143011026ID1109035871 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
A thrill ride manufacturer that has designed a 1,000-foot-tall roller coaster that would shatter all height and speed records is looking for a theme park willing and able to build the towering behemoth. The once-impossible dream of a 1,000-foot-tall coaster is now feasible and in top secret development by an unnamed ridemaker, according to Dennis Speigel, an industry expert with International Theme Park Services . “The project is still under heavy wraps with the final international location yet to be announced,” Speigel wrote on the ITPS website. “But the progress is quite well along and so far is nothing short of breathtaking in every sense of the meaning.” ALSO SEE: Six Flags to spend $1 billion on 11 coasters over next 2 years The 1,000-footer would be twice as tall as any coaster ever built and smash a new record for world’s tallest coaster about to be set in 2025. Six Flags announced in November that its 456-foot-tall Kingda Ka coaster in New Jersey would be removed and replaced by a new record-breaking launch coaster in 2026. The 2005 Kingda Ka held the title of world’s tallest coaster for two decades. ALSO SEE: 5 of the world’s fastest coasters are closed, but a new king will soon rise The 415-foot-tall Superman: Escape from Krypton at Six Flags Magic Mountain now reigns as the tallest operating coaster in the world while the 420-foot-tall Top Thrill 2 coaster at Ohio’s Cedar Point remains closed for repairs. Falcon’s Flight will become the world’s tallest coaster at a skyscraping 640 feet when the new ride debuts in 2025 at Six Flags Quiddiya in Saudi Arabia. ALSO SEE: Coaster war brewing between Six Flags Magic Mountain and relatively unknown European rival Speigel got a sneak preview of the 1,000-foot-tall coaster by the as-yet-unidentified ride manufacturer that swore him to secrecy. Technological advancements in computer- and AI-assisted design have made the pipe dream of a 1,000-foot-tall coaster a very real possiblity, according to Speigel. ALSO SEE: 4 reasons why Universal won’t launch Fast & Furious coaster until 2026 “It’s only a matter of time and financial investment before this aspiration becomes a reality,” Speigel wrote on the ITPS website. The record-setting coaster will need to be built on a swath of land large enough to accommodate the amount of track needed for the launch and run out on either side of the 1,000-foot precipice. ALSO SEE: Six Flags Magic Mountain plans 21st roller coaster for 2026 The structural engineering team behind the project has designed a coaster that can withstand immense vertical and lateral forces, according to Speigel. An “ingenious” braking system will help control the incredible speeds of the coaster that will likely require riders to wear safety goggles, according to Speigel.NoneReferee David Coote will not appeal against termination of contractA Stock Market Thanksgiving: CrowdStrike, Burlington Lead Earnings Roster
A WOMAN has been left scrambling for answers after $50,000 disappeared from her retirement accounts. The 86-year-old retiree has tried for over two months to get her money back from Fidelity Investments. Nancy Smith said she'll continue to fight for answers until Fidelity resolves the issue. "I'm not gonna give up, and I have decided not to die until this is over," Smith told ABC affiliate WSB-TV. “Somebody was asleep at the switch, somebody was not doing their job, or this would have never happened." Smith is a retired teacher and mother of five who lives in Fayetteville, Georgia, about 25 miles south of Atlanta . READ MORE ON BANK SCAMS In September, Smith discovered three new joint accounts had been created at Fidelity in her name. Each of the accounts was linked to a different person who Smith didn't recognize. “Eleven different transfers had been made by these three bogus people,” Smith said. Three people sent thousands of dollars in each transfer from Smith's retirement savings to the joint accounts. Most read in The US Sun Then, the money was transferred out of the joint accounts to other individual accounts. “Then they would empty their account into God knows where,” Smith said. Smith said she never signed off on the joint accounts or the transfers. “For them not to even give me a call or require these people to have a signature, I just absolutely cannot believe it," Smith said. "But it's true." Smith slammed Fidelity for not helping her get her money back over two months after it was stolen. As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam: Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media. Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions - be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you. Chase Bank warns customers to "never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first." Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam. Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device. Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals. Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize. Source: Chase.com She said a bank manager even told her over the phone to "lower her expectations." “My mother would be ashamed of me if I said what I would like to have said because I couldn’t go to the Methodist church after that,” Smith said. Fidelity hasn't returned The U.S. Sun's request for comment. FIDELITY UNDER FIRE Fraud investigations can take weeks, a spokesperson told WSB-TV. They added that Fidelity won't discuss individual cases. “To protect customer privacy, we do not discuss individual matters and work with our customers directly to answer any questions they may have concerning suspicious activity," Fidelity said in a statement to WSB-TV. Read More on The US Sun "We understand scams can impact individuals and their families and encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their accounts, including monitoring accounts frequently for suspicious activity and contacting financial institutions directly should anything out of the ordinary, including phone calls or texts from unknown parties, occur.” Fidelity also came under fire in October after the asset manager confirmed 77,000 customers had their personal information exposed in a data breach.
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NoneIf you are looking for ASX 200 dividend shares to buy, then it could be worth checking out the three listed below. They have been named as buys and tipped to provide investors with a nice source of income in the coming years. Let's see what analysts are saying about them: ( ) Analysts think that Cedar Woods could be an ASX 200 dividend share to buy right now. It is one of Australia's leading property developers with a portfolio that is diversified by geography, price point, and product type. Morgans is a fan of Cedar Woods and believes it is well-placed for double-digit growth this year. Its analysts note that "looking forward, the signs are positive, with guidance for +10% NPAT growth in FY25, supported by favorable operating conditions in most key states." The broker expects this to underpin dividends per share of 27 cents in FY 2025 and then 33.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $5.65, this equates to 4.8% and 5.9% , respectively. Morgans currently has an add rating and $6.70 price target on the company's shares. ( ) Another ASX 200 dividend share that has been given the thumbs up by analysts is Endeavour Group. It owns Australia's largest retail drinks network under the Dan Murphy's and BWS brands. It also runs the country's largest portfolio of licensed hotels. Goldman Sachs continues to rate the company highly. Its analysts like it due to their "continued belief in a high quality retailer gaining share amid a category down-cycle with a resilient growth option in Hotels." They also note that the "company is trading at FY25 P/E of 17x vs historical average of 22x." As for dividends, Goldman is forecasting fully franked dividends of 20 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 22 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Endeavour share price of $4.36, this will mean dividend yields of 4.6% and 5%, respectively. Goldman has a buy rating and $5.50 price target on its shares. ( ) Finally, Bell Potter thinks that Smartgroup could be an ASX 200 dividend share to buy. It is a simplified employee management services provider offering salary packaging, fleet management, and a range of other services to organisations across Australia. Bell Potter believes that "SIQ looks well priced given a fwd P/E of ~14.5x, a defensive client base, earnings tailwinds from the Electric Car Discount Bill (exempts low or zero emission vehicles from Fringe Benefits Tax), an ROE of ~30% and a strong balance sheet." As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 53.3 cents in FY 2024 and then 59.7 cents in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $8.01, this means big potential dividend yields of 6.6% and 7.4%, respectively. Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares.Ozi Launches To Redefine $460bn Global Package Delivery Market
Tesla’s sales of electric cars have stalled. But Wall Street investors don’t seem to be worried. The company’s share price has risen 90% since early November as investors have taken an optimistic view of the company’s progress in autonomous driving and bet that its CEO, Elon Musk, will use his new influence in Washington to Tesla’s benefit. The increase in the value of Musk’s 13% stake in Tesla has cemented his status as the richest person on the planet. After spending more than $250 million to support Donald Trump, he has become so close to the president-elect that some people have begun referring to him as “co-president.” Still, stagnant sales at Tesla do not bode well for the company or for overall sales of electric vehicles, which are seen as an essential tool against climate change. While carmakers like General Motors and Hyundai are offering a growing selection of electric vehicles, Tesla still accounts for almost half of all electric car sales in the United States and sets the tone for technology. Related Story: Musk Is Largely Silent on Tesla Sales Musk has been vocal about many topics on X, the social platform he owns. He regularly discusses government spending he believes is wasteful, immigrants he blames for crime and his conviction that “woke mind virus is one of the biggest threats to the existence of humanity.” But he is largely silent about plans to revive Tesla’s sales, providing few details about a new budget-priced car that may sell for as little as $25,000. The company has promised to begin selling a more affordable vehicle by mid-2025 to bring electric driving within reach of the middle class. Tesla and Musk did not respond to requests for comment. Some analysts wonder whether he has lost interest in cars as he juggles numerous other activities. They include X; SpaceX, the federal government’s main rocket contractor; and his role as co-head of a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, which will advise Trump on slashing federal spending. Musk has not shown the same level of dedication to carmaking that he did in 2018 when Tesla was struggling to mass-produce the Model 3 and he slept at the factory, said Kenneth Boyer, a professor of business at Ohio State University. “He was all in,” said Boyer, whose recent book, “The Electric Vehicle Revolution: Five Visionaries Leading the Charge,” includes a chapter on Musk. “The question now is, what is Elon committed to, or is he spread too thin?” Related Story: Tesla to Release Sales Figures Tesla is about to release its sales figures for the last three months of 2024. Data and estimates available so far indicate that its sales have fallen in all of its major markets. In the United States, Tesla sales will be down around 6% in 2024, a bigger decline than any carmaker except the troubled Stellantis, according to estimates by Cox Automotive. Tesla will end the year with 633,000 cars sold in the United States, Cox expects, giving it a 4% share of the total car market. Sales of Teslas may have spiked toward the end of the year as buyers rushed to take advantage of federal tax credits, worth up to $7,500, that Trump and Republicans in Congress may repeal or slash. In the European Union, Tesla sales through November fell 15% from a year earlier, to 211,000 cars, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Tesla sales also slipped in China, the world’s largest car market. It was inevitable that Tesla, a pioneer in battery-powered cars, would lose market share as other carmakers introduced more such models. Until a few years ago, Tesla had the market largely to itself. Now, it faces stiff competition from the likes of BYD in China, Volkswagen and BMW in Europe, and GM, Ford Motor Co. and others in the United States. But Tesla’s situation appears to be more concerning. Its sales are falling even as the overall market for electric vehicles grows, rising 25% through November globally, according to Rho Motion, a research firm. Related Story: Investors Hope for a Cheaper Tesla Model Some investors hope that a new, cheaper Tesla could supercharge sales. The least expensive Tesla, the Model 3 sedan, starts at $42,500 in the United States before government incentives. A $25,000 Tesla would make electric cars accessible to many more buyers. The average sales price for electric vehicles currently on the market is more than twice that. “The idea of Tesla being able to open up the market to a wider range of buyers with an even more affordable option than the Model 3 — that is what has investors most excited,” said Ben Rose, president of Battle Road Research, who expects Tesla shares to outperform the broader stock market. But Rose acknowledged, “This seems to be the product that Elon Musk is least excited about.” Tesla has not displayed a prototype or revealed much information about a lower-cost vehicle’s price or performance. That contrasts with the company’s Cybertruck, a futuristic pickup that Tesla unveiled in 2019, four years before it went on sale. Aside from the Cybertruck, which starts at $80,000, Tesla has not introduced a completely new vehicle since the Model Y SUV in 2020. (Tesla did begin selling an updated version of the Model 3 this year.) Early indications are that the angular, stainless steel Cybertruck does not have broad enough appeal or a low enough price to revive the company’s overall sales. Tesla sold 28,000 Cybertrucks through September, according to Cox, making it the best-selling electric pickup in the United States. But the company sells only a tenth as many Cybertrucks as it does the Model Y, Tesla’s most popular vehicle. Car shoppers are yearning for less expensive electric vehicles. Used Model 3s priced around $25,000 are among the fastest-selling vehicles on CarGurus.com, said Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence at the online sales site. “When the price comes down, the interest is there,” he said. — This article originally appeared in . By Jack Ewing/Loren Elliott c. 2024 The New York Times CompanyNoneABC projects that Democrat Adam Gray will win the race for California's 13th Congressional District , unseating incumbent Republican John Duarte and flipping the final unresolved seat in the 2024 election. With all 435 House races projected, ABC News estimates Republicans will hold 220 seats and Democrats 215 in the 119th Congress. But it's not clear how vacancies -- or, illness or other absences -- will impact the day-to-day division of power when the House convenes on Jan. 3. President-elect Donald Trump initially tapped three House Republicans for positions in his upcoming administration: Florida Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. Gaetz has already resigned from Congress and withdrew last month from consideration to serve as President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general. And though he won reelection to his seat last month, he said he won't serve another term. MORE | Democrat Adam Gray projected to win California's 13th Congressional District Republicans could have a 217-215 majority while their seats are vacant -- the narrowest GOP majority in history -- and special elections to fill those seats can take months to complete. In this case, any single Republican can hold Johnson hostage: Losing just one Republican on a vote would result in a 216-216 tie. The speaker acknowledged the thin majority, which could pose a challenge in passing Trump's agenda. "Well, just like we do every day here, we've developed an expertise in that. We know how to work with a small majority. That's our custom now," Johnson said. "So, yes -- do the math. We can, we have nothing to spare. But all of our members know that we talked about that today, as we do constantly, that this is a team effort that we've got to all row in the same direction." But several elderly Democrats have missed votes recently, which could give Republicans a little more breathing room next year. In California's 13th District, Duarte conceded to Gray on Tuesday, according to the Turlock Journal. "I'm a citizen legislator, and I didn't plan on being in Congress forever," Duarte told the newspaper. "But whenever I think I can make a difference, I'll consider public service in different forms, including running for Congress again." Gray released a victory statement on X Tuesday evening, extending his gratitude and saying the "final results confirm this district is ready for independent and accountable leadership that always puts the Valley's people ahead of partisan politics." ABC News' Marilyn Heck and Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report.
NuScale Power ( SMR 10.10% ) stock is unstoppable -- it surged 28% this week to an all-time high of $29.52 per share at its highest point in trading through Friday noon, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . The nuclear energy stock is now up a whopping 50% in November, after rallying 65% in October . Why is NuScale Power stock soaring higher and higher? Could nuclear energy win under Trump? Investors in NuScale Power are betting big on the company's potential growth as the U.S. continues to take measures to boost the domestic nuclear energy industry. Last week, the White House announced its intention to "at least" triple U.S. nuclear energy production by 2050. Plans include supporting the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). That's what NuScale Power is also all about -- it is building scalable SMRs to provide low-cost, reliable, carbon-free electricity. SMRs are significantly smaller and can be built at locations not suitable for traditional nuclear reactors. This week, investors in nuclear energy stocks like NuScale Power found another reason to bet more money: President-elect Donald Trump's pick for the next secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), Chris Wright. Things get interesting at this point. Wright is the CEO of Denver-based fracking company Liberty Energy and a staunch supporter of fossil fuels. In a video posted on LinkedIn in 2023, Wright even said, "there is no climate crisis, and we're not in the midst of an energy transition either." So while climate change activists believe Trump as the president is bad news for the renewable energy industry, the nuclear energy industry should still thrive since the energy source has found support from both the Republicans and the Democrats. What's next for NuScale Power stock? NuScale Power still has a long way to go as the company could still take years to commercialize its flagship "VYOGR" SMR plant. Yet, NuScale Power's story is exactly the kind that excites aggressive investors -- a start-up building a technology that could be a huge thing if proven. To investors' -- and NuScale's -- credit, the company has won some DOE cost-share awards, and its SMR design is the first to be certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Long story short, SMRs and NuScale Power have solid potential , but only if the technology is proven and feasible. Like it or not, NuScale Power stock remains a speculative bet that isn't for the faint of heart.NoneBy AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.
Trico Bancshares director sells $252,275 in stock
In a hockey-crazed city like Vancouver, goaltending has always been in the spotlight. For the Canucks, the debate about how to manage their netminders is heating up. Thatcher Demko is the undisputed star, but the addition of Kevin Lankinen has made things interesting. Let's dive into the dynamics of this goalie duo and what it could mean for the team moving forward. Traditionally, the starting goalie plays at least 50 games, while the backup steps in when needed, usually on back-to-back games. Most teams stick to this model-it's simple and reflects the financial reality of paying a starter to lead the charge. But some organizations are rethinking the formula. Look at the Boston Bruins last season: Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark split duties nearly evenly, and the results were stellar. Their shared load kept both fresh and performing at a high level, though financial constraints eventually forced the Bruins to break up the tandem. Could a similar approach work for the Canucks? Demko, at 29, is coming off a knee injury and remains the backbone of the team . His contract at $5 million is a bargain for now, but it's only a matter of time before he commands a bigger payday. Meanwhile, Lankinen has been a revelation. Signed as a free agent for just $875,000, the 29-year-old has shattered expectations. From setting an NHL record with 10 straight road wins to posting top-15 numbers in goals-against average and save percentage, he's proving he's more than just a backup. However, with Lankinen's stock rising, the Canucks face tough decisions. Can they afford to keep him long-term? Would he accept a reduced role for around $2-3 million if Demko gets a significant raise? And where does this leave promising prospects like Arturs Silovs, currently refining his game in Abbotsford? The Canucks have enviable goalie depth, but managing it is another story. With Demko's health and long-term contract needs, Lankinen's breakout season, and Silovs' potential, this is a situation worth watching. Sharing the crease more evenly might be the short-term answer, but the long-term solution? That's anyone's guess. One thing's certain: in the NHL, the bottom line always plays the final hand. This article first appeared on Canucks Daily and was syndicated with permission.Racing Optics® Introduces Game-Changing Twilight Tearoff to Enhance Visibility in Low-Light Racing Conditions
