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Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The internet is rife with fake reviews. Will AI make it worse? Researchers and watchdog groups say the emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce detailed and novel online reviews has put merchants, service providers and consumers in uncharted territory. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. But AI-infused text generation tools enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice is illegal in the U.S. and becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season, when many people rely on reviews to buy gifts. A tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews says AI-generated reviews have multiplied. Romanian lawmakers narrowly approve new pro-European coalition during period of political turmoil BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers have voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move on Monday could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, the center-right National Liberal Party, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government on Monday night. Government regulators close investigation into Ford Focus recalls Government safety regulators are closing an investigation into two previous recalls of the Ford Focus after determining that Ford Motor Co. has satisfied its concerns. Ford recalled around 1.5 million Ford Focus sedans from the 2012-2018 model years in 2018 because they could lose power. The issue was a malfunctioning canister purge valve and software that didn’t adequately detect when it was stuck open. Ford fixed the software in two separate recalls, but after cars continued to stall, the government opened an inquiry last year. Earlier this fall, Ford offered to replace the canister purge valve on all of the vehicles, satisfying regulators' concerns. AI will eavesdrop on world's wildest places to track and help protect endangered wildlife PUERTO JIMÉNEZ, Costa Rica (AP) — A biologist hid 350 audio monitors across Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests to spy on endangered spider monkeys in order to help protect them. But she had to go back to collect the data and feed those sounds into artificial intelligence systems that can recognize monkey calls. Now tech giant Microsoft's philanthropic arm is hoping to supercharge AI-assisted wildlife research with new solar-powered devices that can capture sounds, images and other wilderness data for a year or more without human intervention. Researchers say more AI wildlife surveillance is urgently needed to monitor the health of species at risk of extinction.
ROME — How is Santa Claus able to visit billions of homes around the world in a single night? He has help. The men and women serving at the Eastern Air Defense Sector on the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome are on hand this Christmas Eve to help track Santa in his flight, a duty they have undertaken for decades. And they are only part of a larger tracking operation by NORAD. “EADS is always happy to support NORAD’s Santa tracking operation,” said Col. Joseph F. Roos, EADS Commander. “Our highly trained Airmen defend the homeland day and night, and they are prepared and ready to track Santa this December 24.” EADS, which is responsible for the air defense of the United States east of the Mississippi River, is composed of the New York Air National Guard’s 224th Air Defense Group, a Canadian Armed Forces detachment, U.S. Army and Navy liaison officers, and federal civilians and contractors. EADS also has a squadron and a detachment in the National Capital Region. The annual tracking operation involves radar systems, satellites, and fighter jets that work in tandem to follow Santa’s sleigh as it travels from the North Pole. Real-time updates are provided to eager children and families through NORAD’s official Santa Tracker website and hotline at www.norad santa.org. Trackin g is also available on Facebook and YouT ube. The tracking begins at 4 a.m. on Dec. 24. And starting at 6 a.m., children and parents can call to get updates on Santa’s journey by dialing 1-877-446-6723 to speak to a live phone operator or to hear a recorded update. The modern tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 when a young child accidentally dialed the unlisted phone number of NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command operations center. The Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, answered the phone and instructed his staff to check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. A tradition was born and continued when NORAD was formed in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has dutifully reported Santa’s location on Dec. 24 to millions of children and families across the globe.Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Whiskey slashes 44% off price ahead of Black FridayWhat's your health forecast? Expert explains science behind personal guides to well-being
LINCOLN — A Lancaster District Court judge dismissed a challenge seeking to invalidate a pair of successful ballot measures that are slated to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska. Judge Susan Strong ruled that, despite the claims former State Sen. John Kuehn and Secretary of State Bob Evnen made against petition circulators and notaries associated with the ballot initiatives, both measures met the legal requirements to qualify for the ballot. The case is expected to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court. “We appreciate the court’s time and thoughtful consideration in deciding this matter,” a statement from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office read. “We are reviewing the decision and considering next steps.” Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana ran two petition drives to get a pair of measures on the ballot this November that together will legalize medical marijuana in the state. Voters ultimately passed both measures by wide margins, earning roughly 70% support for each. This is the third attempt Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana has made to legalize medical cannabis since 2020. That year, their initiative qualified for the ballot, but was thrown out by the Nebraska Supreme Court for containing more than one subject, leading to the campaign splitting their petitions into two measures. In 2022, both petitions fell short of the signature requirement to qualify for the ballot. Each petition needed around 86,000 valid signatures in order to qualify for the ballot, and after submitting their petitions this summer, Evnen’s office certified that both petitions garnered roughly 89,000 valid signatures. As Strong put it, this made the case against the initiative “about numbers,” with plaintiffs needing to provide evidence to invalidate enough signatures to put the petition drives below the minimum requirement to qualify for the ballot. With the evidence Kuehn and Evnen offered, they fell “well short,” Strong said. “We have long been committed to seeing this day through, and we are pleased with Judge Strong’s decision,” Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign manager Crista Eggers said in an email. “Many years of hard work have gone into this effort — from volunteers, patients and families across the state. Knowing that another mother will soon have an option for her suffering child makes it all worthwhile.” If the courts uphold the initiatives, Nebraska will join 38 other states and Washington, D.C., which have legalized medical marijuana. At the federal level, marijuana is still illegal and listed as a Schedule I drug. According to the initiatives, medical marijuana in Nebraska would be regulated by a commission that will establish criteria to approve or deny businesses applying to sell the drug before July 1, 2025. Voters pass medical marijuana measure in Nebraska, though litigation continues Nebraska voters rejected 'school choice' program. What's next for students, schools, policies? Jeffrey Funke sworn in as new chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court Norfolk Catholic players celebrate after winning the fifth and final set of a Class C2 first round state volleyball tournament match against Yutan at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. Thayer Central players celebrate after winning the fourth and final set of a Class C2 first round state volleyball tournament match against Freeman at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. With results still too close to call, State Sen. Tony Vargas stands with his mother, Lidia Vargas, left, and his wife, Lauren Vargas, right, after speaking to supporters during an election night watch party at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Louise LaFramboise holds white roses given to her by the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard’ during their Living Tribute Ceremony for LaFramboise at the Center of Nursing Science at UNMC in Omaha on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Deb Zobel, right, honors Louise LaFramboise during the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard’s Living Tribute Ceremony at the Center of Nursing Science at UNMC in Omaha on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Deb Zobel, right, holds the hand of Louise LaFramboise as she honors her during the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard’s Living Tribute Ceremony at the Center of Nursing Science at UNMC in Omaha on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Milford's Sarah Reynolds (15) serves the ball during the first set of a Class C1 first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Gothenburg, bottom and Minden warm-up before the first set of a Class C1 first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Waverly celebrates their win over Bennington during the first set of a Class B first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Elkhorn North's Kaitlyn Huff (15) lifts up Elkhorn North's Ava Thompson (3) to celebrate during the first set of a Class B first round state volleyball tournament match at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. A pass bounces off Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) before being intercepted by UCLA's Kaylin Moore (9) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) hurdles UCLA's Ramon Henderson (11) during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. UCLA's Oluwafemi Oladejo (2) hits Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) as throws a pass during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The line for early voting at the Douglas County Election Commission in Omaha extends out of the parking lot on 122nd Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The line for early voting at the Douglas County Election Commission in Omaha extends out of the parking lot on 122nd Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. The ball bounces off of the knee of Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) before UCLA recovered the ball during the second half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Nebraska's Rollie Worster (24) goes up for a layup against Texas Rio Grand Valley's Cliff Davis (10) during the second half of a college men's basketball game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Marcus Hardy fills out his ballot at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Voters walk into Ronald Wilson Reagan Elementary School to vote in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Scott Hill fills out his ballot at Metropolitan Community College Elkhorn Valley Campus in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) goes up for a shot against Texas Rio Grand Valley's Tommy Gankhuyag (33) during the first half of a men's college basketball game at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) dunks the ball above Texas Rio Grand Valley's DK Thorn (3) during the second half of a men's college basketball game at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Veterans salute during the singing of the national anthem during a Veteran's Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Omaha on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Members of the Omaha Benson JROTC prepare for a Veteran's Day ceremony at Memorial Park in Omaha on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Brian Prokop holds his and his fiancee Tracy Bequett’s cat Ballsac at their home in Kennard on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. The cat went missing after an EF-4 tornado destroyed most of the structures on the property, including their and Bequett’s father’s homes, in April. Six months later, Ballsac was found and returned home. Attendees salute at the Veterans Day Parade in Bellevue on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. Shamus Connor, 10, hands American flags to members of the Bellevue fire department at the Veterans Day Parade in Bellevue on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. People watch as Omaha’s official Christmas tree, a 40 foot spruce donated by Mark and Joanie Maszk, is brought in at The Durham Museum in Omaha on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Ethan McCullough, left, and Michaela Lentsch stand under an umbrella as they look at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree during it’s stop at the Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront in Omaha on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Makai Hatcher shows his daughter, Mackenzie, how to put a fish hook on a line while fishing at Miller Park in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Mackenzie is one. Makai Hatcher spends the afternoon fishing at Miller Park in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Makai Hatcher puts a worm on a hook while fishing at Miller Park in Omaha on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Zoo employees and their family members enjoy a preview of Zoolightful at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. A worker helps to set up the Christmas tree near the Skate Ribbon at Heartland Of America Park in Omaha, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. Antonio Martinez plugs Christmas lights in the Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. ebamer@owh.com Twitter @ErinBamer We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Get local news delivered to your inbox!A huge crocodile that rose to fame with a cameo in hit film Crocodile Dundee has died. Burt died over the weekend, the Crocosaurus Cove reptile aquarium in Darwin, Australia, said. He was at least 90 years old. “Known for his independent nature, Burt was a confirmed bachelor – an attitude he made clear during his earlier years at a crocodile farm,” Crocosaurus Cove wrote in social media posts. The aquarium added: “He wasn’t just a crocodile, he was a force of nature and a reminder of the power and majesty of these incredible creatures. While his personality could be challenging, it was also what made him so memorable and beloved by those who worked with him and the thousands who visited him over the years.” A saltwater crocodile, Burt was estimated to be more than 16 feet long. He was captured in the 1980s in the Reynolds River and became one of the most well-known crocodiles in the world, according to Crocosaurus Cove. The 1986 film stars Paul Hogan as the rugged crocodile hunter Mick Dundee. In the movie, American Sue Charlton, played by actress Linda Kozlowski, goes to fill her canteen in a watering hole when she is attacked by a crocodile before being saved by Dundee. Burt is briefly shown lunging out of the water. But the creature shown in more detail as Dundee saves the day is apparently something else. The Internet Movie Database says the film made a mistake by depicting an American alligator, which has a blunter snout. The Australian aquarium where Burt had lived since 2008 features a Cage of Death which it says is the nation’s only crocodile dive. It said it planned to honour Burt’s legacy with a commemorative sign “celebrating his extraordinary life and the stories and interactions he shared throughout his time at the park”.‘Uniquely mysterious’: Unpacking a development proposal in Paradise Valley
Highlights from Trump's interview with Time magazineIndependent TDs are seeking as many as three junior ministerial roles as well as a super junior appointment as part of Government negotiations, but the role of Ceann Comhairle remains up for grabs. It is understood that the two main parties have indicated a willingness to give those in the regional group of Independents two minister of state roles as well as a super junior role, which would allow that person attend Cabinet. However, the group of Independents is pushing for more than this with one indicating that “we might get one more” before adding that “it’s hard to keep everyone happy”. The group of non-party TDs is also seeking the backing of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to ensure Verona Murphy is appointed Ceann Comhairle next week. But one source indicated that Micheál Martin "still has some work to do" to convince party members to back her for the powerful position, with veteran TD John McGuinness entering the race alongside outgoing Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl. Mr McGuinness filed his nomination papers to fill the position as the Dáil's chair on Thursday. He told the Irish Examiner that Mr Martin was aware of his decision. He said he had been nominated by "a smattering" of people across parties and said reform of the Dáil is needed. "I'm in the Dáil for 27 years and know the workings inside and out. I know the changes that need to be made to allow members go front and centre to make it more democratic. I see reform as being a centrepiece of this work. I see the members being central to that." The vote to fill the Ceann's chair will be held on Wednesday when the 34th Dáil sits for the first time. Fianna Fáil sources said they believe that the party's TDs would "much rather" vote for one of their own than Ms Murphy. While some said the Wexford TD had "annoyed" Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in previous dealings across the Dáil chamber, one party TD said that it was "not personal". "Why wouldn't we want to see one of our TDs elected to the role?" they said. Others questioned whether Mr Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris could even promise the role to anyone given that it is one of the rare instances of a secret ballot in Irish politics. In 2020, the Government's nominee for Leas Ceann Comhairle Fergus O'Dowd was beaten by Galway TD Catherine Connolly in a shock result. A Fianna Fáil TD questioned whether Mr Martin would leave himself open to a similar result. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats will continue discussions with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael around government formation next week, the party has decided. Deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan has said that he expects the party's five dealbreakers to come into focus when they meet with Micheál Martin and Simon Harris again. With this in mind, it was decided that talks will also continue with Sinn Féin and Labour. Labour will meet with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on Friday, but the growing expectation is that the party will not go into government. The Social Democrats negotiating team, made up of Mr O'Callaghan, Jennifer Whitmore, and Gary Gannon, had met with the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ministers on Wednesday and updated the party on Thursday. "We reported that the meetings had been positive and constructive with a good exchange of views," Mr O'Callaghan said. He said there were detailed discussions with the two leaders around climate, housing, disability, healthcare, and childcare. The Social Democrats outlined its red line issues during the campaign and said it intends to stand by these. He said there was "some interest" shown in the proposal to have a senior minister for disability. "I wouldn't say it was rejected outright or anything like that but it was very initial discussions that we were having in those areas," Mr O'Callaghan said. The most challenging topic of the discussions was in terms of climate, he said, but added there were further challenges in other areas as well.
JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson on Thursday named his pick for St. Louis County’s prosecuting attorney, another maneuver in the standoff between the state and county chiefs. Parson, a Republican, picked county assistant prosecuting attorney Melissa Price Smith, a Democrat, to complete the term of current top prosecutor Wesley Bell after he resigns next month to take his newly elected seat in Congress. “I am so grateful for this appointment, and I want to thank Gov. Parson for putting his faith in me,” Price Smith told the Post-Dispatch Thursday afternoon. “I so look forward to continuing the work I’ve been doing in partnership with law enforcement.” She would be the first woman to serve as county prosecuting attorney. The governor’s announcement comes just days after St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, a Democrat, announced his own replacement for Bell, who plans to step down Jan. 2. Price Smith, 56, has worked as a St. Louis County prosecutor since 2008, according to the Post-Dispatch’s public pay database . She leads the sexual assault and child abuse team. Parson and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, both Republicans, sued Page and the county late last month, asking a judge to stop the county executive from naming the county’s next top law enforcement official. Bailey argued the governor has the power to appoint prosecuting attorneys under the Missouri Constitution. St. Louis County lawyers disagreed. They argued the county charter allows Page to nominate a replacement. Missouri counties with their own charters, including St. Louis County, have such power under the state Constitution, the attorneys said. St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, a Republican, appointed Joseph McCulloch as prosecuting attorney last year after Tim Lohmar resigned. “The (St. Louis County) charter clearly states that the county executive is authorized to appoint the prosecuting attorney when a vacancy occurs,” said Page spokesman Doug Moore in a statement Thursday. “We are confident the courts will agree.” Last week, Page named former federal prosecutor Cort VanOstran, a Democrat, as his pick to fill the remainder of Bell’s term, which ends in January 2027. Price Smith said Thursday she applied and interviewed for the job with Page’s and Parson’s offices, both. “I am confident the law is on the governor’s side, and I’m confident the courts will make the right decision,” Price Smith said. Parson said St. Louis County needs an experienced prosecutor “who demands and upholds law and order.” “Melissa is committed to the rule of law, and we are confident that she will deliver, as demonstrated by her distinguished career putting criminals behind bars, including child abusers, perpetrators of sexual assault and violent offenders,” Parson said in a statement. Price Smith is the daughter of Margie and Herschel Price , a St. Louis businessman and Playboy Club owner. Margie Price was working as a Playboy bunny at a club on Lindell Boulevard when she met her husband in the 1960s. She later owned and operated a club on South Lindbergh Boulevard that closed in the mid-80s. Price Smith grew up in Creve Coeur, attended a strict ballet school, and said her parents raised her and her sister to be “very strong and independent.” She earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In her 20s, Price Smith put her ballet skills to work in Las Vegas as a dancer with her twin sister in the Siegfried and Roy show. Back at home, they became cheerleaders for the St. Louis Cardinals’ Team Fredbird. But Price Smith said she wanted to “make a difference.” She decided to go to law school, and earned her degree from St. Louis University. Price Smith’s first job was at the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office under former Circuit Attorney Dee Joyce-Hayes. She then practiced civil litigation for seven years before going to work for St. Louis County. Until earlier this year, Smith’s sister, Teresa Price Bomkamp, was also an assistant prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County. Prior to Bomkamp retiring, the sisters worked together on sexual and child abuse crimes. Price Smith said the first thing she would do as prosecuting attorney is an internal audit to find ways to “make our trial teams more effective with the resources we have.” She wants to make sure police know they have a partner in the prosecuting attorney’s office. And she also wants to focus on recruitment and retention. She supports higher pay, but wants to recruit people “who want to do this kind of work.” “The people in this office never went into prosecution to make a lot of money,” Price Smith said. Price Smith made $110,000 last year as a senior attorney in Bell’s office. A hearing in Bailey’s case has been set for 9 a.m. Dec. 18 in St. Louis County Circuit Court. Joe Holleman of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelationsHow to design the perfect space for socializing – expert tips from interior designers - Homes & GardensNone
Fox News Digital spoke with New York Times employees about how the tech worker strike might impact coverage of the 2024 presidential election. The New York Times Tech Guild reached a tentative contract agreement with management Wednesday, a month after its election week strike . The NewsGuild of New York, which represents the Times Tech Guild, reached a deal on a three-year contract following the union's week-long strike in November over unfair labor practices. The three-year agreement is the first for the Times Tech Guild, which is a bargaining unit of The NewsGuild of New York and the largest union of tech workers with collective bargaining rights in the country, the union announced in a press release. "We’re thrilled to reach an agreement that secures ‘just cause’ protections, sustains workplace flexibility, and guarantees annual raises for our members," Kathy Zhang, a Senior Analytics Manager at The New York Times and unit chair of the Tech Guild, said. "These first contract wins set a strong foundation for job protections that our colleagues will build upon for generations. I could not be more proud to have been part of organizing this strong, fighting union. Serving on our first bargaining committee has been the honor of a lifetime." Image 1 of 3 next Members of The New York Times news division stood in solidarity with tech employees on strike during Election Day 2024. (Fox News Digital) Image 2 of 3 prev next New York Times employees protesting in front of the entrance in New York City. (Fox News Digital) Image 3 of 3 prev New York Times tech worker strike (Fox News) NEW YORK TIMES TECH WORKER STRIKE STRETCHES INTO ELECTION DAY The union's members returned to work in early November following the week-long election strike in which they failed to come to an agreement with management. The deal marks the end of more than two years of bargaining, which began shortly after the unit won its National Labor Relations Board election by a landslide in March 2022, solidifying their unionization. Software developers, project managers and graphic designers at The New York Times unionized alongside a wave of other tech workers at SEGA, Meow Wolf, NPR, Activision Blizzard and Alphabet, organizing as part of CODE-CWA, or the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees. Goran Svorcan-Merola, a Times senior software engineer and member of the Tech Guild's bargaining committee, told Fox News Digital that he is excited to finally be able to implement the protections they've been fighting for in recent years. "We were able to really push leadership to give us what we're worth," he said. "In terms of attitudes towards management, I have to say, some of them, some of their positions have been unfortunate. But ultimately, we are looking to work with one another on this." "We hope to have a productive three years as we continue to fight for our members," he added. As part of the new contract, workers will get enhanced job security with "just cause" protections, guaranteed wage increases for the first time of up to 8.25%, prioritization of the largest wage increases for the lowest paid members over the life of the contract, additional compensation for on-call work, important protections that lock in guardrails on additional variable compensation, including stocks and bonuses, improved protections for workers on visas, language guaranteeing flexible hybrid work schedules, as well as transparency protections for career growth, performance reviews and other workplace issues, according to the press release. Tech Guild members will vote on ratification of their contract on Thursday, Dec. 19th. Image 1 of 1 New York Times tech worker strike (Fox News) FORBES EDITORIAL STAFFERS WALK OFF THE JOB THE SAME DAY AS RELEASE OF THE COMPANY'S ‘30 UNDER 30’ LIST During the strike, NYT subscribers across the country expressed solidarity with striking tech workers by opting to forego games operated by tech workers, including Wordle and Connections, or using the Cooking app. Instead, Tech Guild members created their own games site that amassed more than a half million page views and more than 320,000 active users, the union said in its press release. "With this contract our Tech Guild members demonstrate what happens when workers band together to fight for the value of their labor," Susan DeCarava, President of The NewsGuild of New York said. "We not only won a first contract that set new standards for workers within the New York Times, but we’ve also established a strong foundation for what is possible for tech workers in the future when they organize and bargain collectively." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Kendall Tietz is a writer with Fox News Digital.ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Cornerback Taron Johnson is still agitated over the dud the Buffalo Bills defense produced in giving up season worsts in points and yards, while melting down on third down in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams last weekend. There’s no better time or opportunity to show how much better they are than this Sunday. That’s when the Bills (10-3) travel to play the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (12-1), who just happen to lead the NFL in scoring and feature the same dynamic style of offense as the Rams. “I think our mindset is just going to be attack,” Johnson said after practice Wednesday. “We can’t wait to play Sunday just to prove people wrong and prove to ourselves that how we played wasn’t who we are.” The Bills acknowledge having several excuses to lean on for why they unraveled in a 44-42 loss — riding a little too high after a division-clinching win, a cross-country trip and facing a more driven opponent in the thick of a playoff race. What’s unacceptable is the hesitancy their usually reliable defensive backs showed in coverage and the lack of pressure applied by their defensive front. The bright side is the substandard performance potentially serving as a late-season reminder of this not being the time to let their foot off the gas. “A lot of teams have scars on their way to having a darn good season. And we’re having a darn good season,” coach Sean McDermott said. “So what has to be in front of us this week is the opportunity that’s in front of us, quite frankly, to challenge that team,” he added, referring to Detroit. “You better bring your heart, you better bring your guts, you better put it on the line.” With a little bit of added fire, the Bills are going back to the basics on defense following an outing in which very little went right. The defense was off-balance from the start in being unable to stop the run, before eventually being picked apart in the passing game while allowing the Rams to score on each of their first six drives (not including a kneel-down to close the first half) in building a 38-21 lead. The most frustrating part was Buffalo’s inability to get off the field while allowing the Rams to convert 11 of 15 third-down chances. LA’s 73.3% third-down conversion rate was the third highest against Buffalo — and worst since Miami converted 75% of its chances in 1986 — since the stat was introduced to NFL gamebooks in 1973. “The recipe to lose a football game is what we did (Sunday) and it starts with me, first and foremost,” defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said Monday. “Move on and let it not happen again. Let it be a learning lesson. Failure is the best teacher.” The challenge is preparing for an exceptionally balanced Lions offense that ranks fourth in the NFL in both rushing and passing, and averaging 32.1 points per outing. The objective, McDermott said, is to not overcorrect but stick to the fundamentals that led to Buffalo winning seven straight before losing to Los Angeles. He placed an emphasis on winning at the line of scrimmage and forcing takeaways, something Buffalo failed to do last weekend for the first time this season. A little more urgency, would help, too. “It is a mentality. It is an attitude, and if you want to play good defense, that’s where it starts,” McDermott said. “There’s not a lot of shortcuts or ways around it. It’s got to be a mentality.” The message resonated even on offense, where quarterback Josh Allen nearly rallied the Bills to victory while becoming the NFL’s first player to throw three touchdown passes and rush for three more scores. “It was a case of you saw a team that’s fighting for their lives to try to make the playoffs in the Los Angeles Rams, and they came out ready to play. And maybe we didn’t have that type of urgency,” Allen said. “It forces us to know that we’ve got to be better. We know that.” NOTES: LB Baylon Spector (calf) and DE Dawuane Smoot (wrist) returned to practice Wednesday, opening their 21-day windows to be activated off IR. ... Starting CB Rasul Douglas did not practice and could miss time after hurting his knee on Sunday. ... Buffalo has until this weekend to determine whether to activate OL Tylan Grable (groin) off IR. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Stop the illegalities in Kogi – Aggrieved aspirant urges PDP NWCISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces launched an operation Tuesday night to disperse supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of Khan supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former prime minister began a “long march” from the restive northwest to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing nighttime operation, and police are also seeking to arrest Bibi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorized the police to respond as necessary,” Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Ali said. “If they fire bullets again, we will respond with bullets,” he said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Most demonstrators had the flag of Khan’s party around their shoulders or wore its tricolors on accessories. Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information Minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. He said the government did not want Bushra Bibi to achieve her goal of freeing Khan. “She wants bodies falling to the ground. She wants bloodshed,” he said. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed. Pakistan's Stock Exchange lost more than $1.7 billion Tuesday due to rising political tensions, according to economist Mohammed Sohail from Topline Securities. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report.Huge Australian crocodile made famous by cameo role in Crocodile Dundee dies
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Donald Trump set to be named Time's 'Person of the Year' Ringing bell signifies start or closing of trading day at world’s largest stock exchange, NYSE WASHINGTON: US President-elect Donald Trump is likely to be announced as Time magazine’s "Person of the Year" on Thursday, the day when he is set to appear at the New York Stock Exchange, where he will ring the opening bell, sources familiar with the matter have revealed. A spokesperson for Time declined to comment on the selection. The Republican president-elect built his fortune as a New York real estate investor before turning to politics. During his first term as president, he measured his success in part by the strength of the stock market, which has so far welcomed his re-election. The ringing of the bell signifies the start or closing of the trading day at the world’s largest stock exchange, and is considered an honour. The act has historically been reserved for company executives celebrating an initial public offering or other major corporate milestones, but celebrities and politicians like Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela and Arnold Schwarzenegger have also rung it. Politico first reported the news of Trump's selection and plans. Time bestowed the "Person of the Year" title to Trump once before, in 2016. It named Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris "Person of the Year" in 2020, after they defeated Trump. Pop star Taylor Swift received the title last year. Musk's net worth surpasses $400 billion after Trump's Nov victory Indian beauty start-up faces criticism over pretend emails sacking workers Woman sells 30-day-old baby to pay husband's loans in India Sara Sharif's father, step mother convicted of her murder
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Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened weekMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Another week, another pair of records for Miami quarterback Cam Ward — breaking 40-year-old marks by Bernie Kosar in both cases. Ward, Miami's Heisman Trophy contender who already holds the Hurricanes' single-season record for touchdown passes and is on pace to break the school mark for completion percentage, on Saturday eclipsed Kosar's school records for both passing yards in a season and completions in a season. Ward's 13-yard completion to Damien Martinez with 1:27 left in the second quarter gave him 3,643 yards for the season. Kosar's mark of 3,642 yards was set in 1984. Later Saturday, Ward threw a 15-yard pass to Xavier Restrepo for his 263rd completion of the year — topping Kosar's mark of 262, also set in 1984. “Congrats #CamWard,” Kosar posted on social media. “U R Awesome.” Ward is on pace to break Miami's single-season completion percentage mark of 65.8% set last year by Tyler Van Dyke. He also is on pace to top the Miami career mark — among those with at least 300 attempts — of 64.3% set by D'Eriq King in 2020 and 2021. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football