Behavior that is rewarded is repeated. It's a very simple concept, and one the Left knows: which is why they encourage (and often don't punish) anti-social behaviors like blocking roads, theft, and other crimes. This is why repeated offenders are set loose with little or no bond, no matter how many times they commit crimes (violent or otherwise). But people are fed up with being cowed by criminals. In Cook County, IL the new state's attorney -- unlike former state's attorney Kim Foxx -- has decided to enforce laws concerning shoplifting. Shocking, we know. HUGE: Felony theft charges in Chicago surge by 154% this month after O'Neill Burke took over Soros DA Kim Foxx. $1,000 threshold is now $300. pic.twitter.com/rVWT2gHeb6 More from CWB Chicago (emphasis added): Shoplifters in Chicago are more than 100% more likely to be slapped with felony charges under Cook County’s new state’s attorney than they were under Kim Foxx’s administration. Retired justice Eileen O’Neill Burke took office on December 2 and immediately followed through on her campaign promise to adhere to state law by pursuing felonies against people who shoplift merchandise worth more than $300. Foxx ordered prosecutors to withhold felony charges unless the value exceeded $1,000 or the accused shoplifter had ten or more previous convictions . Just amazing. Foxx let people steal multiple times or steal less than $1,000 and get away with it without felony charges. O'Neill Burke ain't having none of that. When you have laws that are enforced, your have order. This is food so everyone! Black, brown and white families don’t like paying more for groceries because other criminals are looting and destroying stores. Law and order is the way to go! They're not stealing food, though. Case in point: Gucci 100% discount only for cultural enrichers pic.twitter.com/b1LbfD7g9e You can't eat Gucci. Thank goodness we're finally starting to charge people with crime. I live in Chicago, things were starting to get out of control here. We might finally see crime come down again in a number of categories that have dramatically increased because of Black Lives Matter reforms. We'll see how the crime stats change following this. Will Mayor Brandon Johnson claim credit for this? Crime will go down now but his woke agenda is being thwarted. Interesting situation. His approval rating is in the toilet, so he'll try to take any credit he can. Funny how that works isn’t it. Turns out they were just finding ways to not prosecute real crime. While gaslighting us by saying crime was down. I just wish (D) politicians and elites had to publicly come forward to explain why they’re going to be tougher on crime and who that will disproportionally affect and why they no longer care. There's always one. The only people disproportionately affected by tough-on-crime politicians are criminals. And it's not the politicians don't care, they care about the innocent victims and not the criminals. About time that the prosecutors started doing their jobs!!! https://t.co/mOHdwE8W4H What a novel concept, no? Poof that crime was never on a downward trend. https://t.co/Oz5y5vxdMy Yep.DEC biologist Todd receives honor Michael Todd, aquatic biologist for the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Bureau of Fisheries in Region 9, was recently named Professional Conservationist of the Year by the New York State Conservation Council, the state’s largest conservation/sportsman organization. Todd began with DEC in 2003 as a fish and wildlife technician at the Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit after graduating from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His primary responsibility as an aquatic biologist with DEC is an angler outreach and education specialist. In a typical year, Todd runs at least eight youth fisheries clinics throughout Western New York, reaching over 600 participants. The programs focus on teaching basic fishing skills through a five-station process that Todd developed, followed by fishing to utilize the skills that participants learned. Todd is responsible for updating the Western New York Fishing Hotline. He also provides public outreach at sportsmen’s shows, fishing expos and county fairs. He coordinates all the Region 9 salmon and trout stocking efforts in Lake Ontario, working with local federations running four net pen projects that raise Chinooks and steelhead for the Great Lakes. Quinn Galante, of Massachusetts, shows off a brown trout he caught while fishing with Capt. Joe Srouji of Ransomville. NYPA facilities closing for season As winter conditions arrive in Western New York, the New York Power Authority has announced that they are ready to close its popular fishing facilities for the winter season starting at dusk on Sunday . The facilities include the fishing pier in the lower Niagara River at Devil’s Hole; the shoreline stairway in Devil’s Hole; and adjacent lower parking area at the base of NYPA’s Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. The fishing pier near the Upper Mountain Fire Company at the Lewiston Reservoir, as well as the water intakes along the upper Niagara River, also will close for the season. Each winter, NYPA closes the facilities for safety reasons due to freezing temperatures or snowy conditions. The fishing facilities will reopen in the spring when the snow and ice have sufficiently cleared. The fish cleaning station will reopen once the threat of freezing temperatures has passed. For information on the fishing pier, call 716-286-6662 for a recorded message. Sponsored pheasant hunt deadline looms Applications to host a sponsored pheasant hunt are being accepted through Jan 10. Such hunts can be hosted at any point during an open pheasant season. These hunts have historically been offered during youth hunt weekends and prior to firearms deer seasons. However, due to the length of the pheasant season, there are plenty of opportunities for late-season sponsored hunts. Sponsored hunts are free, noncompetitive events open to the public and coordinated by a group, club, individual or organization to benefit youth, women, first-time hunters, veterans, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Pheasants are provided free of cost, with a maximum of two pheasants per registered hunter. To find out more information about sponsored pheasant hunts, check out the fact sheet produced by the Department of Environmental Conservation at dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/sponsoredpheasanthuntfactsheet.pdf . Buffalo Audubon taking trip reservations Buffalo Audubon is offering a unique opportunity for area wildlife enthusiasts. The group is organizing a trip from Jan. 18-20 to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. The cost is $1,050 for double occupancy and $1,250 for single occupancy. The package includes two-night hotel accommodation in Huntsville, Ont.; transportation via passenger van, packed lunches from a deli, dinners at local restaurants and all park fees. Dec. 1 is the deadline to register for this unique opportunity. Attendees will need a U.S. passport or an enhanced New York driver’s license to enter Canada. Buffalo Audubon Naturalist Tom Kerr and Mike Radomski of Outside Chronicles will guide attendees to the wilds of northern Canada in a search for boreal birds, such as the Canada jay and spruce grouse. There could be nomadic winter finches, as well as other Canadian wildlife. For more information, go to buffaloaudubon.org . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Reading International (B) stock hits 52-week low at $5.85cockfighting picture 。

Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victoryIn addition to Fu Jing's stellar performance, "Moonlight Bang!" boasts impressive production values, with stunning cinematography that captures the vibrant energy of the cityscape and a lively soundtrack that sets the tone for each scene. The film's art direction and costume design add a colorful and visually appealing aesthetic that complements the humor and playfulness of the story.

As the investigation unfolded, details about the shooter began to emerge. Described as a young man in his 20s, the assailant was a former student at a prestigious Ivy League university, where he excelled academically and socially. Coming from a privileged background, he had all the advantages that wealth and education could provide. However, it seems that something had turned him against the very system that had nurtured and supported him.Washington Marble Polishing Excels in Marble and Stone Restoration Across Beltsville, MD 11-26-2024 11:08 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Washington Marble Polishing, a trusted name in marble and stone restoration services [ https://washingtonmarblepolishing.com/ ] in Beltsville, MD, proudly announces significant achievements in delivering high-quality solutions for residential, commercial, and institutional clients. With expertise in stone polishing [ https://washingtonmarblepolishing.com/ ], grout repair, concrete refinishing, and more, the company continues to set the standard for excellence in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Enhanced Stone and Marble Restoration Services Washington Marble Polishing offers a full suite of services to restore and enhance the beauty of natural stone surfaces. Their key offerings include: * Marble Polishing: The company specializes in restoring the shine and elegance of marble surfaces, ensuring a flawless finish for both residential and commercial properties. Learn more about their services here [ https://washingtonmarblepolishing.com/services/ ]. * Grout Repair: Their grout repair solutions ensure that tiled surfaces are not only visually appealing but also protected against water damage and wear. * Concrete Polishing and Staining: Washington Marble Polishing provides durable and attractive finishes for concrete floors, adding both functionality and aesthetic value. * Slate and Travertine Refinishing: With expert care, the company revitalizes slate and travertine surfaces [ https://washingtonmarblepolishing.com/ ], bringing out their natural beauty while improving durability. * Sealing and Maintenance Services: Their sealing solutions protect stone surfaces from stains, scratches, and weathering, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining their visual appeal. These services reflect Washington Marble Polishing's commitment to providing tailored solutions that deliver superior results for clients across the Maryland, DC, and Virginia regions. Commitment to Excellence and Customer Satisfaction With over 14 years of experience, Washington Marble Polishing is known for its meticulous attention to detail and exceptional customer service. The company's team of certified technicians uses advanced tools and techniques to ensure every project meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Their focus on professionalism, reliability, and competitive pricing has earned them a strong reputation and positive reviews from clients in the community. Looking Ahead As part of its growth strategy, Washington Marble Polishing is expanding its service offerings and investing in state-of-the-art equipment to better serve residential, commercial, and institutional customers. The company remains dedicated to helping clients maintain the beauty and functionality of their stone surfaces. For more information about Washington Marble Polishing or to schedule a consultation, visit their website and explore their full range of services. Media Contact Company Name: Washington Marble Polishing Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=washington-marble-polishing-excels-in-marble-and-stone-restoration-across-beltsville-md ] Phone: +12404829495 Address:7801 Alloway Ln City: Beltsville State: Maryland Country: United States Website: https://washingtonmarblepolishing.com/ This release was published on openPR.

FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign at the end of Biden's term in January

The family of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has unveiled a mausoleum in his honour in Owo, his hometown. The structure, named the Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu Mausoleum & Memorial Park, was revealed on Friday by Babajide Akeredolu, one of the late governor’s sons, who shared photos on Facebook. “The Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu Mausoleum & Memorial Park. Happy to share this with the public now. Grateful for the opportunity the family gave me to go to town on putting this place together,” Babajide wrote. He added, “Four-year post requirements completed. See you in 2028.” Tribune Online earlier reports that the friends, family, professionals, and political associates of the late APC stalwart on Friday converged on his Owo country home to remember and celebrate him. This was just as the state government organised a lecture to commemorate Akeredolu’s passing at the International Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, the state capital. The two-fold event, held simultaneously, was attended by several dignitaries who gathered at The Dome and his residence in Owo to eulogise the late Southern Chairman of the Governors’ Forum. Akeredolu, who served as Ondo State governor from 2017 to 2023, passed away on December 27, 2023, in Germany after battling prostate cancer. He was 67 years old. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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Furthermore, analysts point to the ideological alignment among the nominees as a key factor that is likely to facilitate smoother policy implementation. Many of the individuals selected for cabinet positions share a similar vision for the direction of the country and are known to have a history of working together towards common goals. This sense of ideological unity is expected to reduce internal conflicts within the administration and enable a more coordinated approach to governance. As a result, analysts believe that the Trump 2.0 administration will be better positioned to push through its policy initiatives without facing as much resistance from within the government.As Evan traveled across the country, he made it a point to interact with local chefs, street vendors, and home cooks, eager to learn their secrets and stories. He watched in awe as skilled chefs expertly tossed noodles in the air, marveled at the precision and speed of dim sum chefs folding delicate dumplings, and listened attentively as grandmothers shared recipes passed down through generations. Through these encounters, Evan gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into creating each dish.Despite concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, football's governing body has voiced confidence the kingdom can host the 2034 World Cup. Amnesty International called the FIFA report an "astonishing whitewash." FIFA, the world's governing football body, released a report Saturday on Saudi Arabia 's bid to host the 2034 World Cup . Saudi Arabia is the only nation seeking to host the tournament in 2034, and one whose de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is chummy with FIFA President Gianni Infantino . FIFA's report gave Saudi Arabia high marks, while assessing the kingdom's bid as presenting "low" environmental and "medium" human rights risks . Late last year, Saudi Arabia submitted its bid to host the 2034 tournament (which was only open to Asia and Oceania nations) — while Morocco, Spain and Portugal submitted a joint bid for 2030, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay also each slated to host one game during the centenary edition of the tournament. The fate of Saudi Arabia's bid , as well as that of the 2030 hosts, will be known on December 11, when a virtual meeting of FIFA's 211 national football associations takes place. Why is Saudi Arabia investing billions in sports? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Saudi bid presents 'strong all-round proposition' The Saudi bid, according to FIFA, "presents a very strong all-round proposition, reflected in the results of the technical evaluation, which assesses the proposed infrastructure (both sporting and general) as well as its commercial potential." FIFA highlighted the "substantial hospitality footprint proposed" by Saudi Arabian organizers as another potential revenue stream . Despite past evidence, the FIFA report voiced hope the tournament could prompt a turnaround in Saudi Arabia's repressive society, "in terms of human rights, the undertaking involved in implementing the various measures... particularly in certain areas, could involve significant effort and time." "It is important to note that the bid involves significant opportunities for positive human rights impact," continued FIFA, "There is good potential that the tournament could serve as a catalyst for some of the ongoing and future reforms and contribute to positive human rights outcomes for people in Saudi Arabia and the region that go beyond the scope of the tournament itself." Saudi Arabia has worked hard to shake negative headlines about its human rights abuses and even its state-sanctioned killing of political rivals , for instance, by investing massive amounts of oil cash into sporting events like Formula One races, tennis tournaments and even a new, professional golf league — in a phenomenon known as "sportswashing." Despite those investments and much international attention, Saudi society has yet to experience the arrival of a new era of human rights and liberalization. Saudi guards accused of killing Ethiopian migrants To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Amnesty International denounces FIFA report as 'astonishing whitewash' Human rights organization Amnesty International blasted Saturday's report releasing a statement denouncing it as an "astonishing whitewash." "FIFA's evaluation of Saudi Arabia's World Cup is an astonishing whitewash of the country's atrocious human rights record," Amnesty's head of labor rights and sport Steve Cockburn said. "The sports body has decided to ignore the clear evidence of worker exploitation, legalized discrimination and severe repression, and press ahead with a predetermined decision." "At every stage of the process," continued the statement, "FIFA has ensured that nothing would stand in the way of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 World Cup and it has effectively discarded its human rights policies to achieve this end." Rights groups have regularly highlighted Saudi Arabia's myriad abuses, including mass executions and allegations of torture, pointing out that free expression, too, is severely restricted — with some people receiving lengthy jail terms over critical social media posts. js/wd (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)

TRENTON — As the city and police administrators are still digesting the findings of a Department of Justice report that found a pattern of unconstitutional policing, many in the community are speaking out and hoping to make this report the first step in a long process of making Trenton a safer place to live. The DoJ, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced Thursday that a year-long investigation into the Trenton Police Department found a pattern and practice of unconstitutional policing where officers violated the Fourth Amendment. The report, a 45-page document, included numerous examples and also provided recommendations for increased training, supervision, and accountability. Trenton NAACP President, Austin Edwards, Esq., said the report was a good step, but flawed because the recommendations don’t go far enough. “Across the board, the answer is not more training,” Edwards told The Trentonian. “It’s the only career where you’re allowed to police yourselves. They’ve been given a blank check and we have to cash that, we need to call it due.” “I’m glad the investigation happened,” Edwards said. “These facts are just a few of hundreds of stories.” He said shedding light on these cases gives regular citizens the chance to have some kind of recourse, and also let people know they’re not alone, giving legitimacy to their own complaints and experiences with police in Trenton. “It gave voice to so many voiceless who have been saying this for generations,” Edwards said. As for recommendations, community input and interaction will be key. “We’re hoping that TPD is willing to work with the community to improve,” Edwards said. Civilian Review Boards, residency requirements that are more than just on paper, supporting community groups like Trenton Street Team, and pushing for more support and accountability from the state level are among the ideas Edwards supports. Edwards will be hosting a press conference at noon on Monday with the Trenton Branch of the NAACP outside of TPD headquarters, 225 N. Clinton Ave. to discuss the NAACP’s official response to the investigation and the findings. ******* One of the voices who led the call for investigating the practices of Trenton’s Police Department was The Rev. Dr. Charles Boyer of Mt. Zion AME Church in Trenton. Boyer is also the Executive Director of Salvation and Social Justice. The group released the following statement from him after the report on the investigation was released: Salvation and Social Justice commends US Attorney Philip Sellinger, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and the dedicated team at the DOJ for their investigation into the conduct and practices of the Trenton Police Department. The findings of this investigation while damning and alarming do not come as a surprise. This report merely memorializes on paper the harsh realities that too many Trenton residents have had to endure for years. It’s important to recall how we got to this point. It was September of 2023, when SandSJ hosted a town hall with US Attorney Sellinger at Greater Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, organizing a mass showing of community members and advocate partners who shared the needs and concerns of the people of Trenton. Overwhelmingly what we heard were harrowing accounts describing misconduct, violence, oversurveillance and unjust arrests of Black residents at the hands of Trenton police department. Just a month later, the investigation was launched thanks to the courage and resolve of the people who showed up to that town hall. One year later, with the release of these findings, we stand firm in that resolve to end this culture of police abuse in our communities through substantive policy change. If we are serious about reforming a system that is rooted in unjust targeting and brutalization of Black communities, then we must start by: SandSJ will continue to engage the community for feedback, ensuring that the voices of the directly impacted are centered as we continue to fight for the liberation of our communities in 2025 and beyond. ******* Isles Inc. also released a statement from CEO Sean Jackson: Today, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced the results of an ongoing investigation in which they found that Trenton and Trenton Police Department engaged in conduct that deprives people of their rights under the U.S. Constitution. We want to thank the US Attorney’s office for their thorough investigation. All members of the community have a right to be protected in appropriate ways, and Isles vigorously opposes the use of inappropriate force and unlawful practices. We know that safety is critical in our city and that community members and grassroot organizations have an essential role in ensuring this. Public safety is all our responsibility, and we can effectively address safety concerns together. Isles will continue to work with the Street Teams and other committed organizations to ensure community members are part of the solution and have a platform from which they can speak and be heard. We encourage the Trenton Police Department to work collaboratively and swiftly to implement remedial measures and look forward to ensuring our community members are appropriately supported.

As part of its commitment to ensuring the continuity of transportation services, the Gansu Transport Department has also prioritized the maintenance of public transit systems, railways, and airports to minimize disruptions and delays. By conducting regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades, the department aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure assets and promote smooth operations during adverse weather conditions.

Let us all strive to be a little kinder, a little more compassionate, and a little more supportive towards one another, for it is in these simple acts of humanity that the true beauty of life lies.Pioneering Toxicology Research Takes Center Stage at 2025 ACMT Annual Meeting in Vancouver

Cerity Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum Co. ( NYSE:OXY – Free Report ) by 27.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 70,580 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock after purchasing an additional 15,316 shares during the period. Cerity Partners LLC’s holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $3,638,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI lifted its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI now owns 9,088 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock worth $573,000 after buying an additional 175 shares during the last quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 0.6% during the second quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 27,519 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock worth $1,735,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 1.0% in the second quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 17,592 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock valued at $1,109,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Gateway Advisory LLC raised its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 3.9% during the second quarter. Gateway Advisory LLC now owns 4,847 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock worth $306,000 after purchasing an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Joule Financial LLC lifted its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Joule Financial LLC now owns 7,863 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock worth $497,000 after buying an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.70% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts recently commented on the stock. Wolfe Research increased their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $73.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. UBS Group cut their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $59.00 to $58.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 18th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $53.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $70.00 to $65.00 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Occidental Petroleum in a report on Wednesday, October 2nd. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $55.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $63.25. Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance NYSE OXY opened at $50.60 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96. The business’s 50 day moving average is $51.64 and its two-hundred day moving average is $56.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $47.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.18 and a beta of 1.58. Occidental Petroleum Co. has a 12-month low of $48.42 and a 12-month high of $71.18. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 10th will be given a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 10th. Occidental Petroleum’s payout ratio is 22.92%. About Occidental Petroleum ( Free Report ) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Co. ( NYSE:OXY – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Moreover, Jack Ma's speech also alluded to the importance of leadership and vision in guiding organizations through challenging times. He emphasized the need for leaders to inspire, motivate, and empower their teams to achieve greatness. This signal suggests that strong leadership is crucial for navigating uncertainty and driving success in today's turbulent business environment.Pop sensation G.E.M. Deng Ziqi recently took to social media to share an eye-catching photo from a promotional shoot for the highly anticipated video game "Black Myth: Wukong." In the photo, Deng Ziqi can be seen enjoying a can of co-branded cola featuring artwork inspired by the game, alongside a mysterious gourd. The unexpected addition of the gourd in the photo has left fans intrigued and excited about what surprises the game and its promotional campaign may have in store.

President Joe Biden's final move to help Ukraine should be to seize Russia's reserve assets held by the US before the start of Donald Trump's second term, two researchers wrote this week. "To motivate Europe to stand on its own in the era of Trump, President Joe Biden should set the precedent for sovereign seizure and confiscate the estimated $4-5 billion of Russian assets in the United States' jurisdiction," Research Institute fellow Maximilian Hess wrote alongside Carey K. Mott, a researcher at the Yale Program on Financial stability. Congress granted the outgoing president this authority in an April law known as the , but Biden has held off on using it until European powers follow suit. The US and its Western allies froze roughly $322 billion worth of as part of the package of financial and economic sanctions againts the Kremlin over its invasion of Ukraine. These assets are recognized as a significant source of potential defense funding for Kyiv, but Western leaders have been cautious. To avoid a negative response from Moscow, complete seizure of the assets has so far been off the table. Instead, the Group of Seven has agreed to as collateral for a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. But Hess and Mott argue that more should be done before the White House changes hands. President-elect Trump could withdraw US financial backing for Kyiv, they said, pulling a key pillar of support for the country's fight against Russia. The researchers expect that Biden has been waiting for unilateral " " to seize Kremlin assets, but the chances of finding this in Europe appear slim. "Europe has demurred, citing negative impacts to the euro and concerns over the European Union's international financial role," they said. "Saudi Arabia, for example, has threatened to sell its European debt holdings if Europe seizes the frozen assets." Political realities among EU leaders also play a role, Hess and Mott noted, citing a dissolved coalition in Germany and Hungary's continued opposition. Faced with this, Biden should forgo multilateral action before he leaves office in January, they argued. The US wouldn't be completely alone in doing so — both Canada and the United Kingdom appear willing to seize assets held in their countries. "But neither ally will act unless they are following Washington's lead. By setting a precedent for exercising asset-seizure authority, and demonstrating Putin's limited ability to respond, the United States and its allies can help smooth the legislative path to asset seizure in Europe, opening the possibility for the European Parliament to finance Ukrainian resistance if the next U.S. presidential administration does pull back its support." Russia has warned of retaliation if its frozen assets are seized, cautioning that it could seize Western-owned corporate assets . On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen noted that the administration is considering extra sanctions on Russia before it leaves the White House. She also told that Washington's contribution to the Ukraine loan should stay in place in the future. "What we're really trying to do is to strengthen Ukraine's situation, its ability to defend itself, and hopefully at some point to come to the table to bargain with Russia for a just peace," she said. Read the original article on