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Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. Trump said in a social media post that Gaetz “did not want to be a distraction for the Administration.” Gaetz said “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work" of the transition team. He added, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.”The latest development came hours after thousands of his 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 PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than 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 night-time operation. 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 on 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, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr 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,” Mr Ali 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 hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr 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. 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 Mr 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.TORONTO (AP) — The Utah Hockey Club said players were forced to walk to their game against the Maple Leafs after their bus got stuck in Toronto traffic Sunday night. The team posted a video on social media of team members walking to Scotiabank Arena, with player Maveric Lamoureux saying the bus was “not moving at all.” Several city streets had been closed during the day for the annual Santa Claus parade. The Maple Leafs earned their fourth consecutive win by defeating Utah 3-2. The viral incident prompted Ontario Premier Doug Ford to call the congestion “embarrassing” and “unacceptable,” highlighting his government’s plan to address the city’s gridlock through bike lane legislation. It wasn’t the first time a Toronto visitor had to ditch their vehicle to make it to an event on time. In June, former One Direction band member Niall Horan had to walk through traffic to get to his concert at Scotiabank Arena. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Guwahati: World Bank ’s board of executive directors approved a major 225.5 million dollar initiative, supporting over seven lakh people in managing forest landscapes and improving forest value chains across more than 400 villages in Tripura and Nagaland , an announcement said on Tuesday. Forests, spanning approximately 1.5 million hectares, are crucial to the rural economy in Nagaland and Tripura and sustain numerous tribal communities. However, the past decade witnessed declining forest coverage, posing risks to biodiversity and forest-dependent communities’ livelihoods. According to the World Bank’s statement, the Enhancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management (ELEMENT) Project aims to preserve and restore over 100,000 hectares of forest, boost landscape-based value chains for economic transformation and prevent roughly 435,000 tonnes of annual carbon emissions. Additionally, the initiative will enhance soil conservation and water availability. “The Project will contribute to leveraging forests for private sector-driven job creation in non-timber economic activities, enhancing the carbon sink capacity of the forest and ultimately contributing to economic growth and social well-being in Tripura and Nagaland,” said World Bank country director for India Auguste Tano Kouame. The statement said the ELEMENT project seeks to create economic prospects for communities through forest products, including agarwood, bamboo, and honey, by collaborating with the private sector. It will also support the enhancement of national parks and protected areas while developing nature-based tourism facilities. The initiative targets creating 60,000 jobs for youth and women by promoting forest-based entrepreneurship through skills development in the hospitality and nature guide training sectors. The project will implement a comprehensive approach to forest management . “This goes beyond traditional forests to include areas like grasslands, wetlands and farmlands to maximise community benefits,” said Pyush Dogra and Raj Ganguly, the task team leaders for the project. “This will improve climate resilience of rural and forest-dependent communities and increase their livelihoods,” they added This funding follows the Bank’s 43 million dollar financing for similar initiatives in Meghalaya. The International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan has a 12-year final maturity with a 4.5-year grace period. The project will also benefit from a complementary 2.4 million-dollar Global Partnership for Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes grant. We also published the following articles recently World Bank approves $225.5M initiative for forest management in Tripura & Nagaland The World Bank has greenlit $225.5 million to bolster forest management and rural livelihoods in Tripura and Nagaland. This initiative will benefit over 700,000 people across 400 villages, aiming to restore forest cover, develop sustainable value chains, and create 60,000 jobs. The project emphasizes private sector collaboration and nature-based tourism, ultimately promoting economic growth and climate resilience in the region. Forest corp opens community-run Surla campsite for nature tourism Goa's first eco-tourism campsite has opened in Surla forest, offering eco-friendly cabins, tents, and nature trails. Visitors can enjoy guided trekking, bird-watching tours, and cultural workshops led by local communities. The project promotes conservation awareness and sustainable tourism, creating economic opportunities while preserving Goa's biodiversity beyond its beaches. No deemed forest or tiger corridor under Bhopal div: Forest dept to NGT Madhya Pradesh's forest department refuted claims made by environmental activist Rashid Noor Khan regarding the Kaliyasot-Kerwa region, specifically Chandanpura. Khan's petition to the National Green Tribunal alleged the area was a protected forest, tiger corridor, and breeding ground facing encroachment.Having received a bye in the first round of the National League U19 Alliance Academy Cup, Blues now approach an elongated festive break in the best possible form as Jack Stone and Julius Nwike put the visitors two goals clear at the break. And further strikes from Freddie Miller and George Pulham eased the teenage Shrimpers away from their opponents late on. “There is resilience in abundance, but the boys are getting confidence from winning games of football,” declared youth team coach Heath. “As coaches in youth development, we get confidence from seeing the boys perform well, but everyone likes winning games of football at any level. “Performances are the bigger picture, but winning with the performance is the ideal outcome, and we’ve now won four out of four, and in each of those games we’ve been the better team and had the better players on the pitch. “The performances are there, and the boys are getting the wins with them. "Their team target in the first ten games was to be in the top three as a minimum, and they were in there after this game, so we’re happy that they achieved that before the afternoon fixtures." Blues were forced into two changes as defender Rio Thomas failed a fitness test and forward Obi Okafor broke down en route to the venue for the National League U19 Alliance Academy South Division clash. That presented Olu Shobowale and Joshua Jackson with an opportunity to impress. However, the disruption didn’t affect Southend’s start to the match, and Pulham had already swung a 25-yard free-kick narrowly over by the time the visitors took the lead in the ninth minute. Nathan Woodley found Mitchell Ward on the edge of the penalty area, and he worked the ball onto his left foot before angling a shot across goal that Stone diverted into the net. Two minutes later, Blues could have doubled their advantage as Pulham was located on the right-hand edge of the penalty area and his rasping shot was turned against the underside of the crossbar by Darts goalkeeper Josh Atkinson. Sixty seconds later, skipper Joe Poxon saw a curling finish from Zevieyan Makangu’s pass ruled out for offside. There was a nervy moment for Southend after a quarter-of-an-hour when Ashdon Day directed an unmarked header over, but Blues made it 2-0 after 27 minutes after Stone had seen a fierce attempt charged down. Pulham’s corner was flicked on by the forward, and Thato Molefi stabbed the ball goalwards before Nwike managed to turn home from close range. A two-goal cushion was no more than the Shrimpers deserved, and a dominant first-half performance concluded with Makangu sending a left-footed shot inches over and Ward curling a free-kick marginally the wrong side of the right-hand post. Dartford came out after the interval seeking to disrupt Southend’s play, and they were partially successful. Blues struggled to create clear-cut chances, despite being awarded a number of free-kicks, with Stone seeing an indirect set-piece after a back-pass charged down before the hosts were awarded a free-kick for an identical infringement, with Blues making the block. Dartford pulled a goal back midway through the second period when Thommo Mitcham managed to power home a header at the far post from a Luke Mandry cross. Goalkeeper Luca Sorrentino landed awkwardly as he attempted to push the cross away, and he had to be replaced by the returning Charlie Brown as a consequence. Although Dartford had halved the deficit, Southend immediately organised themselves and ensured there were very few anxious moments during the final 25 minutes. The only concerning passage of play saw Blu Husthwaite send a deflected half-volley narrowly wide in the 77th minute. Instead, Blues were the more likely team to score again, with Stone inches away from connecting with an Obi Okafor delivery in the 81st minute and Ward firing wide after Makangu had retrieved the ball on the far side. The destination of the three points was confirmed in the 87th minute following another marauding Makangu run. He was fouled 25 yards out and Pulham’s free-kick was parried out by Atkinson to substitute Miller, who side-footed the rebound through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 3-1. The scoring was completed in the sixth minute of stoppage time, with Miller involved again. This time he tracked across the midfield before picking out a pass to Poxon, who located Pulham to slide the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Southend United: Luca Sorrentino (Charlie Brown 69), Julius Nwike, Mitchell Ward, Zevieyan Makangu, Thato Molefi (Alfie Humphrey 65), Olu Shobowale, George Pulham, Nathan Woodley (Obi Okafor 76), Jack Stone (Jared Nana Asare 90), Joe Poxon, Joshua Jackson (Freddie Miller 83).ABC has made the holiday season a little brighter thanks to The Great Christmas Light Fight . Season 12 is currently underway with more elaborate and unique displays. Even though Carter Oosterhouse has been judging for more than a decade, the longtime judge continues to be impressed. The construction expert and interior designer Taniya Nayak has the difficult task of deciding who out of the four families they visit in each episode takes home $50,000 and the coveted trophy. Here Oosterhouse talks about the show’s longevity and what his residence looks like during the holidays with his wife, actress Amy Smart . It’s amazing how this show has become such an annual holiday tradition for families to watch together. Carter Oosterhouse: The Great Christmas Light Fight is the gift that keeps on giving. The more we are on, the more people come up to me at the airport and reflect on how it’s a tradition for them. They tell me, “We know it’s Christmas time when we see this show come on air.” The family programming this embodies is so sweet and perfect for the holiday season. You have the holiday movies on, which are nostalgic and fun. This is a little bit different, yet gives the same moment for families to gather and have a nice little night at home. Disney/Jim Gensheimer How would you say your judging eye has evolved? That’s a good question. I think sometimes as a judge you don’t even realize how these displays continue to get better. And it’s not just bigger. It’s more than more lights. I always say I can pick the winner right when the lights go on, but that’s not always true because now what I’ve seen is the creativity level has skyrocketed. People are more and more creative than ever before. It’s not just about putting lights on a tree or making sure the balance is correct or the color profile is engaging and interesting. It’s really about creativity. What that means is people are starting to tell stories with their lights. That’s fascinating. In scripted or nonscripted TV, it’s all about telling a story. When you watch something, that is why you keep going back to it. Now these families with these light displays are telling stories. As the viewer, it’s so much more dynamic and interesting to the point you have to scratch your head and say, “I’m blown away. I’m shocked. Just when you think you’ve seen them all, you haven’t.” Technology has also advanced within these displays through computer programming and drones. The technology is there and every year it gets better. Sometimes we do have people who are extremely good with computers and putting light and synchronized lights together, but that’s not always the winner. I don’t want to say it’s usually not the winner, but it seems to me what I have learned is over time I go back to the creative ones. Those are going to be the winners. If they can throw tech in there, even better because it makes it faster, more efficient maybe, and more interesting to some degree. As far as technology goes, every year we’re seeing something different. The light fighters who have been doing it for decades and are at the forefront of this technology, really geek out over that. I do too. I love learning more about it. Then some people who are doing it for the first time knock your socks off because they have no frame of reference. They just want to do something they want to do and in their mind is really cool. I’m always amazed at the dedication of these participants. The light fighters work extremely hard. They are very diligent with what they are doing. The families are in the grind. When September comes around, they are starting to put their lights up and it’s all hands on deck. It’s a lot of work. As a judge too, I want to make sure I applaud them and give them the credit they deserve. It is impressive to see the lengths they go. These guys are beyond the next level. They know the drill. They take the kids to school, go to work, and then come home to start working on their display at all hours of the night. Then they get up the next day and do the same thing. The cool thing is I’d say 99 percent of the people are happy to do this for their community. That’s the best part. On your travels, have there been places you never thought about going but are glad you went? For Trading Spaces , we traveled all over the United States. I think that was the indoctrination of a really crazy travel schedule. I’d say the good thing is I can go back to some of these areas. To your point, I do get to see areas that have lit up these lights or sometimes they are theme parks because we do heavyweights as well. We get into bigger areas that have the capability of dressing it up. Those are eye-opening. I’m in this last round of shooting right now where there are plenty of places I’ve said, “I want to bring my daughter back here.” That’s a sign they’ve done a really good job. You and Taniya are solo judging in these episodes, but do you talk much? We touch base a couple of times during the season and before. It’s funny because it is all very similar for us. There is a progression of what these light fighters are doing. I always feel like I can figure it out if they are going to be a top tier when the lights go on. Lately, I feel as you’ve gotten into it, this is not what I expected at all and even better. That’s fun. Taniya and I have been on the same page with all that. Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart at “Common Ground” Screening. (Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images) Does this being known for this show put pressure on you at home to deliver a good display? Does Amy get you to work? Good question. It used to be my wife saying, “So what are we doing? Why aren’t we having any lights?” I say, “I am the judge of The Great Christmas Light Fight . I feel like I would not do a service and carry out the oath of being a judge and fail miserably putting lights up.” Usually, when I get home it’s a lot closer to Christmas. So, we do the inside. I’ve been trying to bring back things people make as a builder and duplicate them. There are a lot of makers out there. You see this guy who has been working in his workshop, who has this crazy Santa Claus walking up a ladder built on a timing system. I think that’s really cool that I want to go home and do that. So I have dabbled in those. You mentioned you’re filming right now for next year. Do you go back and watch the episodes airing as a family at home? We try to, absolutely, when I’m not shooting for next year. We critique. If my daughter is into it, I feel like I’m doing my job. There are tons of shows she can watch, especially during the holidays. I feel if she is into it, I’m doing alright. What’s your go-to Christmas movies to watch? Do you watch Amy’s movie Just Friends ? I feel sometimes people forget that is a Christmas movie. Just Friends , we do watch that. That is definitely a Christmas movie. We go back to all the nostalgic movies. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation , we run back through all that. Now there are all these shows, too. Like these Christmas baking shows. I feel like those are of interest to us too. I guess we’re finding shows I never thought I would watch and falling into. Also, being on a show this long, we’re so thankful it has been on the air this long and having such a successful run. You go through a rollercoaster of emotions. Right now, we’re doing great. It’s fun. It’s a new interest not just on the show but on Christmas too. It’s all about being loved ones. This experience has really helped me dive deeper into the whole Christmas world and look at it from other angles compared to when I first started on the show. Anything you can tease about the episodes to come? There is one episode that is coming up, and what was really of interest was the coordination. Not just of the lights but things that these blow molds were doing within the light display. We see a lot of coordination from the tech world, but when you can take traditional elements and mix those into a newer feel, that was really impressive. There was this choir of blow molds in the show, and that was so dynamic because you think, “Wait? Are those blow molds singing to me now?” There was a ton of them. Not only was it visually interesting but to hear it was amazing. What do you want to see from the show moving forward? I do like the heavyweights. Those are really fun to shoot because they are on such a different level. It’s also the community is helping out as well. You just have more people involved. I’d like to see more of those to tell you the truth because there seems to be a lot more people, which creates a bigger energy. That’s not to say the homes don’t do that. We only do one of these types of episodes a year, but I’d love to see more of them. The Great Christmas Light Fight , Thursdays, 8/7c, ABC More Headlines:

A couple was killed trying to buy a vintage car in 2015. A man was just sentenced for their deaths.QUÉBEC — Quebec Premier François Legault says he's looking at ways to end prayer in public places, including parks, as his government promises to table new legislation to strengthen secularism in schools. Legault made the comments during a press conference in Quebec City on Friday to mark the end of the fall legislative session. He said he wants to send a "very clear message to Islamists" that Quebec will fight against any disrespect of its fundamental values, including secularism. The premier said that recent reports of teachers allowing prayers in classrooms and preventing girls from playing sports, which have triggered an outcry in Quebec, are "totally unacceptable." "There are teachers who are bringing Islamist religious concepts into Quebec schools," he said. "I will definitely not tolerate that. We don't want that in Quebec." Legault then went a step further when asked by a reporter if he was also bothered by prayer in public places. "Seeing people on their knees in the streets, praying, I think we have to ask ourselves the question. I don't think it's something we should see," he said, adding that his government is considering whether it can legislate on the issue. He went on to say he doesn't want to see people praying "in public parks or public streets." When questioned about the constitutionality of banning public prayer, he said the government is "looking at all possibilities, including the use of the notwithstanding clause," which allows governments to override certain sections of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Images of Muslims praying in Montreal have sparked controversy in recent months, including when a group gathered in a city park to celebrate Eid al-Adha last June, prompting the borough mayor to muse about banning all religious events in public parks. In a statement, the Canadian Muslim Forum said Legault's comments suggest that some politicians view Muslims as second-class citizens. "These remarks add to a pattern of political rhetoric that unfairly targets Quebecers, especially those of Muslim faith, based solely on their backgrounds," the statement reads. Legault's comments come as the province grapples with a series of reports about Muslim religious practices appearing in some of the province's public schools. On Friday, Education Minister Bernard Drainville declared the government will introduce a new bill aimed at reinforcing secularism in Quebec schools. The announcement followed a Friday report in La Presse that documented students at a high school in Laval, north of Montreal, praying in classrooms and hallways and disrupting a play focused on sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy prevention. Drainville told reporters in Quebec City that the behaviour does not represent "our Quebec" and is "completely intolerable and unacceptable." "These acts of a religious nature clearly contravene secularism obligations," he said in a social media statement. "One can easily imagine the psychological impact that some of these behaviours may have had on students." The news story is the latest in a growing number of incidents reported at Quebec schools involving Muslim teachers and students. The wave of allegations was sparked by a government investigation, made public in October, that found a toxic climate at a Montreal elementary school. The report found that a group of teachers at Bedford school, mostly of North African descent, yelled at and humiliated students. Some teachers didn’t believe in learning disabilities and attributed students’ difficulties to laziness. Subjects like science and sex education were either ignored or barely taught, and girls were prevented from playing soccer. Eleven teachers have since been suspended from the school. The government is now looking into 17 schools it believes may have breached the province's secularism law. The report on those schools is expected in January, but Drainville says he can already confirm that the government is going to act. Quebec used the notwithstanding clause to shield the province's controversial secularism law, Bill 21, from constitutional challenges. That law prevents certain public sector workers, including teachers and police officers, from wearing religious symbols on the job. The government also invoked the clause to protect its contentious language law, Bill 96. On Friday, Legault said the protection of Quebec's identity has been one of his top priorities over the last year and repeated his claims that temporary immigration is threatening the French language in Montreal. He also reiterated that he's "open" to the idea of a Quebec constitution, following a recent recommendation from a committee tasked with coming up with ways to boost Quebec's autonomy. He said a constitution could enshrine Quebec's values, including secularism and equality between men and women. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2024. — By Maura Forrest in Montreal The Canadian PressOttawa police warning of ongoing card swap scam involving taxis and ridesharesThe states that saw the most active attacks against election certification two years ago certified the results of this year’s races without controversy this week, prompting the Arizona secretary of state to proclaim that “election denialism” is a thing of the past. Others said they weren’t so sure. Certification proceeded normally this year in part because Donald Trump won the presidential race, quieting his supporters after he had spent the campaign making unsubstantiated claims that he could lose only through widespread cheating . The statewide certification votes Tuesday in Nevada and New Mexico follow a vote Monday to certify the results in Arizona. In all three states, the certification process was tumultuous during the 2022 midterms when Democrats won most statewide offices. Those controversies followed attempts by Trump and his allies to halt or challenge certification in Michigan, Georgia and other battleground states in 2020, disrupting what until then had been a routine administrative process. This year, some who have been the most vocal in questioning the integrity of elections have instead been celebrating Trump’s victory. “The results are being accepted in the manner that they are, in part, because those who have been eroding trust or casting doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections have a result they feel good about,” said David Levine, a former local election official in Idaho who now advises on election administration issues. “Hopefully we can get back to a place where Americans can feel confident in the results even if it’s one they disagree with.” On Tuesday, Nevada and New Mexico certified their statewide results with little discussion. During Monday’s certification in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes reflected on the lack of controversy this year. “I think the age of election denialism, for all intents and purposes, is dead,” he said. Sitting next to Fontes, state Attorney General Kris Mayes, a fellow Democrat, said she was more skeptical. Her Republican opponent in 2022 spent two years challenging his loss . “Do I think election denialism is dead? No, I don’t,” she said. “We’ll see over the next couple of election cycles what happens, but I don’t think we’re there yet.” Public confidence in elections has dropped since Trump challenged his loss in 2020 and made false claims of widespread fraud, particularly among Republicans . Some Republicans began targeting the certification process, when local and state boards certify the results after local election officials provide them with the final tally of votes. A firestorm erupted in Georgia over the summer when the state election board, with a new pro-Trump majority, attempted to politicize the certification process with changes later blocked by the courts. While certification battles did not surface after the Nov. 5 election , a vocal segment within the Republican Party remains deeply skeptical of election processes, particularly of the availability of mail ballots and the use of ballot scanners to tally votes. During a forum Monday on the social platform X led by the group Cause of America, the group's director expressed doubt about voting equipment. Shawn Smith, who also is a retired Air Force colonel, argued the certification process suppresses legitimate concerns and goes against “the sovereignty of the people.” Although not as widespread as four years ago, this sentiment did surface sporadically at the local level this month. In Washoe County, Nevada, which includes Reno and voted narrowly for Vice President Kamala Harris, the vote to certify the results was 3-1 with one abstention. Commissioner Jeanne Herman has consistently voted against certification and did not make a public comment about her vote this year. Commissioner Mike Clark, a staunch Trump supporter who had also previously voted against certification, said he would abstain and left before the vote. “I am not an election denier and clearly the person I wanted to win, won this state,” Clark said before leaving the meeting. “However, that does not mean that all the protocols were followed and that we can truly certify the election.” Such skepticism, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, leaves the door open to certification disputes during future elections. The questioning of election results isn't limited to Republicans. Even though Harris quickly conceded after losing all seven presidential battleground states , online posts among her supporters continue to raise concerns about her loss. One Reddit community that has amassed 23,000 members features a steady drumbeat of Democrats scrutinizing a result they can’t believe is real. Some posting in the group have issued calls to contact Harris and her running mate to ask them to demand a recount or otherwise object to the outcome. Among the battlegrounds, Michigan was among those where Trump and his allies pressed to halt certification of the 2020 election for Democrat Joe Biden amid false claims of fraud and manipulation. Two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers who initially opposed certification eventually relented. The state board of canvassers eventually voted to certify, even after one Republican member abstained. This year, the state board voted unanimously on Nov. 22 in favor of certifying and praised the state’s election workers. In Georgia, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified his state’s results on Nov. 22. Four years ago, the Republican state official was facing immense pressure from Trump and his allies to investigate their unsubstantiated claims of fraud. Also certifying results Tuesday, and doing so unanimously, was the state Board of Elections in North Carolina. It was the only presidential battleground state won by Trump in 2020 — and the only one where he and his allies didn't make claims of fraud. ___ Cassidy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ken Ritter in Las Vegas, Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report.

Norfolk Southern Corp. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors despite daily gainsAustralia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Whether they’re hung on fireplace mantles, stair banisters or at the foot of the bed, Christmas stockings are a beloved holiday tradition for many. While the origins are a bit murky (some credit the story of Saint Nicholas leaving behind gold in the drying stockings of a poor family as the source), stockings continue to be a fun way to gift small items like toys and sweets at Christmas. Technically, anything that fits inside a stocking could be considered a stocking stuffer. However, I always find practical yet inexpensive or edible gifts to be the best choice. With that in mind, here are 10 of our favourite under-$25 stocking stuffers to delight your friends and family this Christmas. Much like vinyl pressings in recent years, film photography is having a resurgence. The holidays are the ideal time to get started on capturing family memories, and this disposable Fujifilm camera is the perfect gift for anyone looking to dip their toes into the trend. Price: $24 Where to buy: Amazon With winter in full swing, you can never have too many accessories on hand to beat the chill. This unisex headband is reversible for two looks in one, plus it comes in three colours: red, purple and black. Price: $18 Where to buy: Roots What’s better than finding sweets inside your Christmas stocking? Finding a whole variety of them. This tasting pack of Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate contains a mix of six flavours: milk chocolate, milk chocolate caramel sea salt, dark milk chocolate pretzel toffee, dark chocolate almond sea salt, milk chocolate honey almond nougat and dark chocolate. Price: $10 Where to buy: Natura Market We could all use a little extra pampering throughout the busy holiday season. These Sephora sheet masks are an affordable luxury that help to refresh and restore tired skin. They hydrate, boost radiance, mattify and soothe skin with hyaluronic acid and plant-powered ingredients like coconut, lychee and watermelon. Price: $8 Where to buy: Sephora Eatable is a Canadian company that makes artisan small-batch popcorn in a range of flavours that make the season merry and bright. This flavour contains Belgian white chocolate-covered kettle corn sprinkled with candy cane and popping peppermint-infused sugar crystals – perfect for snacking. Price: $10 Where to buy: Eatable For the ultimate astrology fan in your life, this pair of zodiac socks is a winning gift idea. They are made from an eco-friendly fabric blend (54 per cent viscose from bamboo, 22 per cent recycled polyester, 22 per cent cotton, 2 per cent elastane) that’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal due to the bamboo. Price: $18 Where to buy: Uncommon Goods By now, most of us already have one of lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bags (or a similar version from another brand). This tiny bag charm version is a fun alternative to hold small essentials like change, headphones or lip balm. Pro tip: reviewers say it’s just the right size to attach to a water bottle like the viral Stanley Quencher. Price: $24 Where to buy: lululemon A sweet and indulgent black tea that’s perfect for the holiday season. This tea blend is made with a combination of Chinese black tea, peppermint leaves and spices – plus adorable candy cane sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Each serving is pre-portioned into 15 sachets to steep on the go. Price: $12 Where to buy: David’s Tea A reusable bag might not seem like an exciting gift, but Baggu’s huge selection of colourful prints might just convert any doubters. From kitschy pet prints to graphic illustrations and bold checkers, there’s a Baggu bag for every personality. Each bag holds up to 50lbs and folds up into its own flat 5′′ × 5′′ pouch for easy storage. Price: $20 ($14 USD) Where to buy: Baggu | Urban Outfitters Handcrafted in small batches in Thunder Bay Ont., Heartbeat Hot Sauce adds a dose of spice to any dish. The Pineapple Habanero flavour is a favourite in my household due to its bright and tangy mix of sweet heat. Add it to pizza, wings, noodles and more. Price: $12 Where to buy: Heartbeat Hot Sauce | Amazon Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter . kmendonca@postmedia.com instagram.com/kate.mendonca Love a deal? Us too. Explore Postmedia’s latest coupon codes from top brands we know and love.Man, 2 children fall into open manholeAlberta working to get money’s worth on Turkish medication deal after two years

The latest development came hours after thousands of his 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 PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than 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 night-time operation. 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 on 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, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr 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,” Mr Ali 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 hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr 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. 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 Mr 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.9 holiday gifts to hit the right note for music lovers

Slot’s impact has been equally evident in Europe, where the Merseyside club has dominated the Champions League, securing victory in all five of their league phase matches. With the January transfer window approaching, Liverpool are reportedly targeting Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to strengthen their squad and sustain their dominance across all competitions. Liverpool make offer for Frenkie de Jong According to a report by , the Dutch international is seen as an ideal successor to Ryan Gravenberch, who is drawing strong interest from Real Madrid. It was that the Reds could make an offer for de Jong and as per this report, the Reds want to sign the midfielder and have made an offer worth €40m as they look to take advantage of the player’s current situation with the Spanish side. The report adds that Arne Slot has personally advised the club to sign him. De Jong has struggled with injuries at Barcelona The 27-year-old endured a difficult previous season, with an ankle injury sidelining him for the majority of the campaign, resulting in 47 missed games for both club and country. Under Barcelona’s new coach Hansi Flick, De Jong has made 11 appearances this season but only two starts, highlighting his diminished role within a crowded midfield. Since joining Barcelona, he has made 224 appearances for them, scoring 18 and assisting 22. His overall tally across all competitions and levels is 35 goals and 48 assists in 385 games. ( ) He has been a long-term Manchester United target as well under former manager Erik ten Hag and as per a recent report, it is suggested that . Slot’s vision of a possession-focused, dynamic midfield makes De Jong an ideal fit. Known for his ability to control the tempo, break defensive lines, and maintain composure under pressure, he would complement Liverpool’s attacking philosophy perfectly. Should the move materialise, De Jong’s arrival could mark a pivotal step in Liverpool’s quest for domestic and European success while providing him a platform to re-establish himself as one of the world’s best midfielders.

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President-elect Donald Trump is expected to offer Kelly Loeffler the job of secretary of the Department of Agriculture, two people familiar with the matter told CNN. He is set to meet with her at Mar-a-Lago on Friday afternoon, but as is always the case, nothing is final until Trump announces it. Related video above: Trump nominates Pam Bondi for Attorney General Loeffler, who briefly represented Georgia in the Senate, had fundraised for Trump during the 2024 race and raised several million dollars for his campaign over the summer when she hosted a debate watch party with Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley. Several of Trump’s other Cabinet picks — including Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Elise Stefanik — were at that party. Loeffler is also co-chairing Trump’s inauguration, as CNN previously reported. The agriculture job will likely be significant — especially as Trump’s pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has promised to assert his influence over the agriculture industry. Loeffler, appointed to the Senate by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp over the wishes of Trump, lost her seat in a 2021 runoff to Democratic now-Sen. Raphael Warnock. Loeffler was a staunch Trump ally in Congress, saying prior to the violence on Jan. 6, 2021, that she planned to vote against certifying her state’s electoral results in support of Trump’s broader effort to upend Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. After the U.S. Capitol attack, Loeffler backed off her objection, saying on the Senate floor: “When I arrived in Washington this morning, I fully intended to object to the certification of the electoral votes. However, the events that have transpired today have forced me to reconsider, and I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors.” In the same speech, Loeffler condemned the violence at the Capitol, calling it “abhorrent.” Loeffler was among the witnesses who appeared before the grand jury as part of Trump’s 2020 election subversion criminal case in Georgia. Before joining the Senate, Loeffler served as an executive at a financial services firm in Atlanta. She was also a co-owner of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream. She was among the wealthiest lawmakers during her short time in Congress. Her husband, Jeffrey Sprecher, is the CEO of the Intercontinental Exchange. When running for election in 2020, she announced she and her husband were divesting from individual stocks amid sharp criticism over trades she and other lawmakers made ahead of the market downturn caused by the coronavirus. Kemp had appointed Loeffler to fill the seat of Johnny Isakson, who had left the Senate before the end of his term because of health concerns. Trump, however, had pressed the governor to appoint then-Rep. Doug Collins, who then challenged Loeffler for the remainder of Isakson’s term. The two Republicans sought to one-up the other and showcase their loyalty to Trump, moving further and further to the right in a state where Atlanta’s more moderate suburban voters were key. Collins fell short in the November 2020 election, while Loeffler and Warnock advanced to the January 2021 runoff. This year, Trump has selected Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.The loss of ITV's independence would be a blow to creative Britain, says ALEX BRUMMER