The story of this missing woman, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, gripped the nation as details of her unexpected return came to light. Many were shocked by the revelation that she had been living with Zhang for over a decade, completely unbeknownst to her family and friends. Questions arose about how such a situation could have unfolded and why she did not seek help or make her presence known earlier.BIS Issues Significant New Round of Semiconductor Export Controls: Six Notable ChangesThe incident has brought to light the challenges and complexities associated with managing medical emergencies in the confined space of an aircraft, where access to comprehensive medical facilities and resources is limited. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that well-trained flight crew and emergency responders play in ensuring the safety and security of passengers during unforeseen circumstances.
Wall Street's Mixed Signals: Nasdaq's Milestone & Economic UncertaintiesBronny James had the best offensive performance of his professional career last night. He put up 30 points to lead all scorers on 13-23 shooting in a loss to the Valley Sun 106-100 in Tempe, Arizona. He added three rebounds and two assists to the box score as well. James is coming off missing several weeks with a left heel contusion and looks to be adjusting well in his time back despite limited opportunities. He has now averaged 14 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his four appearances for South Bay. His new career high comes one game after setting his previous best with 16 points against the San Diego Clippers. A career-high night for Bronny James! The @Lakers draftee made his road debut, scoring a game-high 30 points on 57% shooting. Bronny, coming off a previous career-high of 16 points, is now averaging 14 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.5 APG. pic.twitter.com/5QnpeEZQTp The career-best comes in James’ road debut despite early reports said he would play exclusively home games at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. Now, his participation in road games is expected to align with the rest of the team, granting James valuable reps as he continues to refine his raw talent. LeBron James , James’ father, will miss tonight’s Los Angeles Lakers game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with what the team describes as “foot soreness”. This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.
By LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump taps his attorney Alina Habba to serve as counselor to the president But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.ET CEO Roundtable: 'Animal spirits need a release,' says BCCL CEO Sivakumar Sundaram
Canadian consumer confidence plunges after Trump election winAmazon Stock In Focus Amid Plans For $1M Trump Inauguration Donation: Retail Has Eyebrows RaisedOpen any social media platform today, and you are greeted with posts, videos, and discussions dominated by a single contentious issue: the new reservation policy. Students are taking to the streets in protest, and those who aren’t, they can be seen channeling their frustrations through every means available. The topic of reservation is becoming pervasive. It is sparking debates that are increasingly polarized and acrimonious. The timing of the discussion about the reservation issue, just after elections, has added fuel to the fire. Many voters, particularly the youth, had pinned their hopes on political parties they believed would bring fairness and justice to governance. With the National Conference (NC) government now in power, supported significantly by the youth electorate, public expectations are soaring. The government is seen by many as the final resort that can rectify what they view as an unjust reservation policy. However, the government’s initial response—forming a cabinet sub-committee to review the policy—has not inspired confidence. The committee’s composition, made up of majority of members from reserved categories, has been criticized for lacking impartiality. Adding to the skepticism is the absence of a clear deadline for the submission of the committee’s findings. To many pragmatic observers, it is a tactic to buy time than a sincere attempt to resolve the issue. Recently during a media interaction, education minister Sakina Yatoo, a member of the cabinet sub-committee, stated that commenting on the reservation issue is inappropriate as the matter is sub-judice. Such remarks make it evident how much we can realistically expect from the sub-committee. For the NC government, the reservation policy represents one of the first major challenges since coming to power. The youth, who voted overwhelmingly for the party, see this as a defining moment. Their dissatisfaction with the policy was evident during the election campaign, and now they expect swift and decisive action. How the government handles this issue will be a litmus test for its ability to meet public expectations and honor its promises. At the very least, the NC government must take steps to reverse the policy to its previous state. Restoring the status quo ante would not solve all the problems associated with reservation, but it would quell immediate tensions and bring relief to those who feel disenfranchised by the new rules. Such a move would also demonstrate that the government is listening to its electorate and is capable of acting in the public’s interest. NC government must understand that people want them to reverse the new reservation policy immediately — long-term reforms can wait. The debates around reservation on social media are becoming increasingly toxic. Arguments have turned into personal attacks, with individuals from opposing sides trading barbs. The open hostility is alarming, and if left unchecked, this divisiveness could escalate into something more serious, threatening the social fabric. One common grievance voiced by those from open merit categories is that reservations are unwarranted and lead to undeserving candidates occupying government positions. This narrative is both unfair and misleading. The difference in scores between open merit candidates and those from reserved categories is often negligible, and reserved category candidates also face intense competition within their respective quotas. On the other hand, some individuals from reserved categories view reservations as an inherent right rather than a temporary measure to address historical injustices. This perspective has led to resistance against any reforms, including the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Yet, many right-thinking individuals within these communities recognize the need for reform and advocate for measures like sub-categorization, which could help address disparities within reserved groups. While reversing the new policy is an immediate priority, it is clear that the reservation system as a whole needs systematic reform. Over the years, the system has strayed from its original purpose of bridging social and economic inequalities. Instead, it has often become a tool for political appeasement, leading to resentment and polarization. Any meaningful reform must strike a balance between addressing historical injustices and ensuring meritocracy. Sub-categorization of SCs and STs, for instance, could ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most disadvantaged within these communities. Similarly, periodic reviews of the socio-economic status of beneficiaries could help prevent the misuse of reservations by those who no longer need them. However, these reforms require a national dialogue and consensus. They cannot be implemented hastily or without considering things thoroughly. For now, the NC government must focus on calming the immediate unrest by reversing the policy to its previous state. This would provide breathing room for broader discussions on long-term reforms. As the protests continue and the debates grow louder, will the government choose to act decisively and restore public confidence, or will it succumb to the inertia of political expediency? The answer to this question will determine not just the fate of the reservation policy but also the legacy of the National Conference government. In the end, what is needed is not just a rollback of policies but a genuine effort to address the issue. Only then can we hope to move beyond the divisive debates and towards a future where opportunity is not a matter of privilege but a fundamental right for all.
Xu Hujie, a leading expert in environmental science and sustainable development, has been lauded for his innovative approach to solving some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. From developing new technologies for renewable energy to promoting conservation efforts, Xu's work has had a profound impact on shaping policies and practices for a more sustainable future. His advocacy for environmental justice and community empowerment has earned him widespread recognition as a champion for positive change.
