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Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met with French President Emmanuel Macron, along with senior French business leaders, in Riyadh on Tuesday. The discussions focused on strengthening Saudi-French relations, combating desertification, exchanging innovative technologies, advancing research and development to address water challenges, and ensuring sustainable water resources. Additionally, several economic initiatives were reviewed to bolster cooperation between the two nations. On the sidelines of the One Water Summit, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also held bilateral meetings with several world leaders and dignitaries to discuss key issues related to environmental sustainability and water resource management. The Crown Prince met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to explore ways to enhance bilateral ties and develop cooperation across various sectors. They also discussed joint efforts to ensure water sustainability and address environmental challenges. During a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Crown Prince reviewed Saudi-Pakistani relations and bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international developments. The discussions also emphasized addressing water-related challenges and advancing mutual efforts in this area. The Crown Prince also engaged with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, where they discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries and reviewed topics on the summit’s agenda. A meeting with World Bank President Ajay Banga focused on Saudi Arabia’s collaboration with the World Bank, especially regarding water resource management. Discussions highlighted the Kingdom’s initiatives to address water challenges, enhance water usage, and protect resources while exploring key topics on the summit’s agenda. Finally, the Crown Prince met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan. The two leaders discussed friendly relations between their countries and exchanged views on addressing environmental challenges, particularly those related to water scarcity and drought. < Previous Page Next Page >Back for its fourth year, the McDonald’s x Pokemon TCG promotional crossover will feature fan-favorite Dragon-types. However, early concerns have started to arise about how the Kanto starter’s inclusion could impact availability. Few Pokemon TCG fans have likely forgotten the Happy Meal frenzy that followed the 2021 debut of the McDonald’s and Pokemon TCG collaboration. Amidst an ongoing card shortage during the Sword and Shield era of expansions, the special card packs in kid’s meals led to a flood of adults purchasing dozens of meals, driving the cards out of stock before the intended audience could get them. While the packs have returned with new card lists in subsequent years, they haven’t inspired quite the same frenzy until now, as PokeBeach has confirmed that the 2024 list will be themed for the Year of the Dragon, and spotlight a handful of extremely popular Pokemon, including Charizard . McDonald's 2024 Happy Meal Pokemon TCG Promotion Themed After Year of Dragon, Will Include Charizard and Umbreon! Check out this article on PokeBeach for all the details: ➡️ https://t.co/gRDEKSKpRA pic.twitter.com/SOssU8VI51 2024 McDonald’s x Pokemon TCG promotion card list According to the article written by PokeBeach exclusively revealing the information, the card list will include the following Pokemon: Charizard Quagsire Pikachu Miraidon Hatenna Koraidon Umbreon Dragapult Hydreigon Roaring Moon Jigglypuff Dragonite Eevee Rayquaza Drampa Of these particularly exciting inclusions, Charizard, Umbreon, Miraidon, Dragapult, Roaring Moon, Dragonite, and Rayquaza in particular are drawing attention from eager Pokemon TCG enthusiasts. Many have commented below the post, sharing their plans for rushing their local McDonald’s locations, with one stating, “THIS IS SO EXCITING I’M GOING TO LIVE AT MCDONALDS” and another adding, “Time to waste money on Happy Meals again lol”. Others have expressed their concern about the impact this will have both on the kids hoping for a pack in their lunch, and for those who have to deal with the rush at the restaurants. One reader commented, “Oh lord this will not end well...” and another speculated, “A lot of kids not gonna get their cards cuz some guys gonna come up and buy up the case a week before they come out.” Related: The cards included in the McDonald’s x Pokemon TCG promotion are typically reprints with new numbering. Of the list, six will feature the confetti holofoil specifically used for the print run. Charizard is expected to have this holofoil background. At this time, there has not yet been a release date confirmed for the US or UK locations, but France can expect to see these card packs in Happy Meals from December 4, 2024, through January 21, 2025, while supplies last. It is speculated that the US/UK release will be in a similar window.
Black Friday Streaming Deals: Read the Fine Print FirstNew Zealand and England will honour the late Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe with a trophy named in the pair's honour, when the three test series starts in Christchurch. The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy will be unveiled by Deb Crowe (Martin's sister) and former England Test captain Michael Atherton on the ground ahead of the national anthems on Thursday. Both players were hugely successful during their time in test cricket. Crowe, a former Black Caps captain played 77 tests and died of cancer in 2016. He was 53. He averaged 45.36 in his test career scoring 17 centuries - the last of which was against England at Old Trafford in 1994. His higest test score was 299, scored against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington in 1991. Thorpe played 100 tests for England. He took his own life in August this year, his family said . He was 55 Thorpe scored 16 test centuries averaging 44.66. His highest score was 200 not out - against New Zealand in 2002. The trophy is made from wood from a bat from each player. The bat gifted by the Thorpe family (a Kookaburra) is the one with which Graham scored his first two centuries against New Zealand, in consecutive Tests in 1997, while the one donated by the Crowe family was the GM with which Martin scored his century at Lord's in 1994. New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Scott Weenink said it was fitting the stories and memories of both players would be kept alive through the newly named trophy. "Today's generation of players are standing on the shoulders of those who went before them, players like Graham and Martin," said Weenink. "Both were seriously good batsmen who understood the game intimately - they commanded respect wherever they went." Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said "it's heart-breaking to have lost both men so early, but by honouring them in this way I hope we can help ensure the memories and legacies of two of our nations' finest cricketers live on long into the future."
Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Monday called the meeting of Sikh clergy on December 2 to pronounce the much-awaited tankhah (religious punishment) to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Sukhbir was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) by the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs on August 30 for the mistakes committed by the party and its government from 2007 to 2017 on complaint of the rebel Akali leaders. Along with Sukhbir, Sikhs who served as ministers during the Akali government from 2007 to 2017, and members of the then core committee of the party have also been summoned on the day of the meeting. As per a communiqué shared by the Takht secretariat, the meeting has been called to discuss the matter related to the Akali Dal and current Sikh issues. The meeting will start at 1 pm. “Those summoned have been sent letters from the secretariat. The SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami along with all the secretaries of the SGPC have been asked to be present before Akal Takht on the occasion”, said the spokesperson of the Takht secretariat. On November 16, Sukhbir tendered his resignation as the party president and stated in his latest letter to the jathedar that he wanted to appear before the Takht as a ‘humble Sikh’. However, his resignation was not accepted by the working committee of the party during its meeting on November 18 and the decision has been kept pending. The SAD president and other party leaders of his camp had been making repeated appeals to Giani Raghbir Singh to give a decision on this matter at the earliest citing that it’s been more than two and half months since he (Sukhbir) was declared tankhaiya. Being held tankhaiya, Sukhbir has not been able to participate in any public activities. Takht turned down SAD leaders’ plea for allowing him to lead the party campaign in recently held bypolls in four assembly segments in Punjab. Following this, the party decided not to contest bypolls in the absence of the president, though Balwinder Singh Bhundar was appointed as working president. The mistakes cited by the rebel leaders include the revocation of the blasphemy case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim for imitating Guru Gobind Singh in 2007; the failure to punish perpetrators of the Bargari sacrilege and police officials for the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing incidents; allowing the appointment of controversial IPS officer Sumedh Singh Saini as the Punjab DGP besides giving Farzana Alam, the wife of controversial police officer Izhar Alam, the party ticket in the 2012 assembly elections and appointing her chief parliamentary secretary; and lastly, failing to deliver justice to victims in fake encounter cases. The rebels blamed Sukhbir for these mistakes which were termed as ‘sins’ by the Sikh clergy while declaring him ‘tankhaiya’. Any ‘political punishment’ to Sukhbir can have widespread ramifications for the party as it would mean his removal as party head as is being demanded by a section of the Sikh community. The party is already going through an existential crisis and has faced a series of debacles in the assembly and parliamentary elections since 2017. Moreover, this time around the Sikh clergy seems to be in the mood to put an end to the episode of granting pardon to Sirsa-based dera’s controversial head Gurmeet Ram Rahim from Akal Takht on September 24, 2015. It is alleged that the then-Sikh clergy took that decision under pressure from SAD’s honchos. The Sikh clergy and SAD faced unprecedented backlash over this move which was revoked later following the opposition. The Takht has sought clarifications from former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, former Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar Giani Gurmukh Singh and former Takht Patna Sahib jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh who were part of the Sikh clergy which pardoned the dera head. Giani Gurmukh Singh is currently serving as head granthi of Akal Takht. After he alleged that Badals pressurized the Sikh clergy to grant the apology, he was removed from the post of Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar and transferred to a historic gurdwara in Haryana in 2018. Besides, members of the then executive committee of the SGPC have also been summoned. The gurdwara body got ₹ 90 lakh advertisements published in newspapers to justify the pardon. Following the complaint of the rebel Akali leaders, the Takht had sought clarification from the gurdwara body, which had been submitted to the jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.
Donald Trump’s election interference and classified documents cases dismissed
BEIRUT (AP) — In 2006, after a bruising monthlong war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution to end the conflict and pave the way for lasting security along the border. But while relative calm stood for nearly two decades, Resolution 1701’s terms were never fully enforced. Now, figuring out how to finally enforce it is key to a U.S.-brokered deal that brought a ceasefire Wednesday. In late September, after nearly a year of low-level clashes , the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah spiraled into all-out war and an Israeli ground invasion . As Israeli jets pound deep inside Lebanon and Hezbollah fires rockets deeper into northern Israel, U.N. and diplomatic officials again turned to the 2006 resolution in a bid to end the conflict. FILE - An Israeli police officer runs to the site where a Hezbollah-fired rocket directly hit a building in the northern costal town of Nahariya, on July 13, 2006. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File) FILE - An Israeli police officer runs to the site where a Hezbollah-fired rocket directly hit a building in the northern costal town of Nahariya, on July 13, 2006. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More FILE - Smoke rises and debris flies from a bridge as it is targeted by an Israeli air raid, in the Zahrani region, on the Mediterranean coast, southern Lebanon, on July 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari, File) FILE - Smoke rises and debris flies from a bridge as it is targeted by an Israeli air raid, in the Zahrani region, on the Mediterranean coast, southern Lebanon, on July 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Years of deeply divided politics and regionwide geopolitical hostilities have halted substantial progress on its implementation, yet the international community believes Resolution 1701 is still the brightest prospect for long-term stability between Israel and Lebanon. Almost two decades after the last war between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States led shuttle diplomacy efforts between Lebanon and Israel to agree on a ceasefire proposal that renewed commitment to the resolution, this time with an implementation plan to try to reinvigorate the document. What is UNSC Resolution 1701? In 2000, Israel withdrew its forces from most of southern Lebanon along a U.N.-demarcated “Blue Line” that separated the two countries and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, which most of the world considers occupied Syrian territory. U.N. peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL , increased their presence along the line of withdrawal. Resolution 1701 was supposed to complete Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and ensure Hezbollah would move north of the Litani River, keeping the area exclusively under the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers. Up to 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers would help to maintain calm, return displaced Lebanese and secure the area alongside the Lebanese military. FILE - A Spanish U.N. peacekeeper stands atop an armored personnel carrier as U.N. flags are seen in the Spanish troops’ new base in the southern village of Taibeh, Lebanon, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, as they joined the expansion of the UNIFIL peacekeeping force in Lebanon under a new Security Council resolution. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos, File) FILE - A Spanish U.N. peacekeeper stands atop an armored personnel carrier as U.N. flags are seen in the Spanish troops’ new base in the southern village of Taibeh, Lebanon, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, as they joined the expansion of the UNIFIL peacekeeping force in Lebanon under a new Security Council resolution. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More The goal was long-term security, with land borders eventually demarcated to resolve territorial disputes. The resolution also reaffirmed previous ones that call for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon — Hezbollah among them. “It was made for a certain situation and context,” Elias Hanna, a retired Lebanese army general, told The Associated Press. “But as time goes on, the essence of the resolution begins to hollow.” Has Resolution 1701 been implemented? For years, Lebanon and Israel blamed each other for countless violations along the tense frontier. Israel said Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force and growing arsenal remained, and accused the group of using a local environmental organization to spy on troops. Lebanon complained about Israeli military jets and naval ships entering Lebanese territory even when there was no active conflict. “You had a role of the UNIFIL that slowly eroded like any other peacekeeping with time that has no clear mandate,” said Joseph Bahout, the director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy at the American University of Beirut. “They don’t have permission to inspect the area without coordinating with the Lebanese army.” FILE - Peacekeepers representing 41 different national contingents that make up the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), prepare to raise flags during a ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of its peacekeeping presence in southern Lebanon, at the mission headquarters in the coastal town of Naqoura, Lebanon, Monday, March 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) FILE - Peacekeepers representing 41 different national contingents that make up the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), prepare to raise flags during a ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of its peacekeeping presence in southern Lebanon, at the mission headquarters in the coastal town of Naqoura, Lebanon, Monday, March 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More UNIFIL for years has urged Israel to withdraw from some territory north of the frontier, but to no avail. In the ongoing war, the peacekeeping mission has accused Israel, as well as Hezbollah , of obstructing and harming its forces and infrastructure. Hezbollah’s power, meanwhile, has grown, both in its arsenal and as a political influence in the Lebanese state. The Iran-backed group was essential in keeping Syrian President Bashar Assad in power when armed opposition groups tried to topple him, and it supports Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen. It has an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles pointed at Israel, and has introduced drones into its arsenal . Hanna says Hezbollah “is something never seen before as a non-state actor” with political and military influence. How do mediators hope to implement 1701 almost two decades later? Israel’s security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The ceasefire began at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday. Efforts led by the U.S. and France for the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah underscored that they still view the resolution as key. For almost a year, Washington has promoted various versions of a deal that would gradually lead to its full implementation. International mediators hope that by boosting financial support for the Lebanese army — which was not a party in the Israel-Hezbollah war — Lebanon can deploy some 6,000 additional troops south of the Litani River to help enforce the resolution. Under the deal, an international monitoring committee headed by the United States would oversee implementation to ensure that Hezbollah and Israel’s withdrawals take place. It is not entirely clear how the committee would work or how potential violations would be reported and dealt with. The circumstances now are far more complicated than in 2006. Some are still skeptical of the resolution’s viability given that the political realities and balance of power both regionally and within Lebanon have dramatically changed since then. “You’re tying 1701 with a hundred things,” Bahout said. “A resolution is the reflection of a balance of power and political context.” In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. (Israeli Government Press Office via AP) In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. (Israeli Government Press Office via AP) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More President Joe Biden walks out to speak in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) President Joe Biden walks out to speak in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Now with the ceasefire in place, the hope is that Israel and Lebanon can begin negotiations to demarcate their land border and settle disputes over several points along the Blue Line for long-term security after decades of conflict and tension.
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Got 5 Benjamins? After failed AG bid Gaetz selling Cameo videos for pep talks, weddings, whateverNeulight's IntelliTier: Empowering Educators with Next-Gen EdTech for Personalized Student SupportPresident-elect Donald Trump announced a slew of new administration picks on Wednesday, including his choices to head the Securities and Exchange Commission, the IRS and NASA — as well as the first ever envoy for “hostage affairs.” The move comes as Trump, 78, looks to wind down global conflicts that erupted during President Biden’s tenure — in both the Middle East and Ukraine — and make good on his mandate from voters to bring back the roaring economy that his first term ushered in before the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the major announcements Trump made on appointments on Wednesday. Adam Boehler for Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler will serve in a novel position as Trump’s special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, which will also have the rank of ambassador. Trump noted in his announcement that Boehler worked with him as a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords, which in 2020 opened up diplomatic relations between Israel and the Arab nations of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. “He has negotiated with some of the toughest people in the World, including the Taliban, but Adam knows that NO ONE is tougher than the United States of America, at least when President Trump is its Leader,” the once and future president posted on his Truth Social. “Adam will work tirelessly to bring our Great American Citizens HOME.” Boehler, a businessman, was college roommates with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who led the the Abraham Accords negotiations. After leaving the administration in 2021, Boehler founded a health care investment firm called Rubicon Founders. Trump has already prioritized getting home US hostages being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip — more than a year after the terrorists invaded Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250. In a scathing message on Monday, the soon-to-be 47th president warned there will be “all hell to pay” if the hostages were not released soon — hours after it was confirmed that New Yorker Omer Neutra , 21, was killed by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW!” Trump wrote. Billy Long for IRS commissioner Former Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) was announced as Trump’s pick to lead the Internal Revenue Service. Long, a 69-year-old certified auctioneer, represented Missouri’s 7th congressional district from 2011 to 2023. He has worked as a business and tax adviser since leaving office, assisting small businesses “navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” “Billy brings 32 years of experience running his own businesses in Real Estate and, as one of the premier Auctioneers in the Country,” Trump said of the incoming IRS commissioner. “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm,” the president-elect added. “He is the consummate ‘people person,’ well respected on both sides of the aisle.” Paul Atkins for Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission Trump selected Paul Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Global Partners, to be chairman of the SEC. The former president has expressed friendly views on cryptocurrency, and Atkins, who is a backer of crypto, would be replacing Gary Gensler, who has led a crackdown on crypto companies. Atkins previously served as one of five SEC commissioners between 2002 and 2008 in the Bush administration and was one of the economic leaders advising Trump in 2016 through the President’s Strategic and Policy Forum. “Paul is a proven leader for common sense regulations,” Trump said in his Truth Social post. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.” Monica Crowley for Chief of Protocol of the United States Trump tapped Monica Elizabeth Crowley to lead implementation efforts for major US events throughout his administration, in the position of ambassador, assistant secretary of state and chief protocol of the US. Crowley will be the administration’s representative for “America’s 250th Birthday in 2026, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028,” Trump wrote in his announcement. The former Fox News personality served as Trump’s assistant secretary of public affairs in the Treasury Department during his first term, then serving as spokesperson for the department. Gail Slater for assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division at the Justice Department Trump also said Gail Slater — an economic adviser for Vice President-elect JD Vance and an antitrust guru — will be the assistant attorney general for the antitrust division at the DOJ. The position, Trump said, will allow Slater to potentially break up big tech platforms. “Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!” Trump wrote in his Truth post. Slater previously worked as a legal adviser at the Federal Trade Commission and general counsel at the former Internet Association, a tech industry trade association, before joining Trump’s first administration in 2018 as special assistant to the president for technology, telecommunications and cybersecurity. She then worked for Fox and the streaming device company Roku before becoming Vance’s economic adviser and later serving an antitrust adviser to the Trump transition team. “Gail will help ensure that our competition laws are enforced, both vigorously and FAIRLY, with clear rules that facilitate, rather than stifle, the ingenuity of our greatest companies,” Trump wrote. Michael Whatley for Chairman of RNC Michael Whatley will be reprising his role as chair of the Republican National Committee after leading since March when Ronna McDaniel stepped down following pressure from the former president. Trump praised Whatley’s record of leading the RNC through their election integrity efforts and their get out the vote initiative that won him the election. “He is a smart, tough lawyer who put together a completely unprecedented ELECTION INTEGRITY OPERATION that protected the Vote all across America, and a GET OUT THE VOTE CAMPAIGN that delivered the Votes we needed in every Battleground State,” Trump wrote. “Michael and Lara transformed the RNC into a lean, focused, and powerful machine that will empower the America First Agenda for many years to come.” Jared Isaacman to lead NASA Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman was tapped by the president-elect to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Isaacman, 41, is the founder and CEO of the payment processing company Shift4 and founded Draken International, which operates a large fleet of privately owned military aircraft to train and support air forces around the world. A close collaborator with Elon Musk, Isaacman performed the first private spacewalk in September in which he flew the farthest from Earth a human has been since the Appollo moon missions. “Jared will drive NASA’s mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration,” Trump said in his announcement. Kelly Loeffler for the Small Business Administration Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) was nominated by Trump to serve as administrator of the Small Business Administration. Loeffler, a vocal supporter of Trump, served about a year in the upper chamber beginning in January 2020 and has recently been leading the president-elect’s inaugural committee. The former Georgia lawmaker has an MBA from DePaul University has worked for several major corporations, including Citibank. She was the CEO of Bakkt, a software company, and a former part-owner of the Atlanta Dream WNBA team. “Kelly will bring her experience in business and Washington to reduce red tape, and unleash opportunity for our Small Businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive,” Trump wrote in his announcement. “She will focus on ensuring that SBA is accountable to Taxpayers by cracking down on waste, fraud, and regulatory overreach.”
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Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson has urged unpaid carers to check their eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland. The call comes following the figures in the latest census, which show that there are 45,300 unpaid carers in North Lanarkshire. Ms Adamson also warned that many people who care for a friend or loved one do not think of themselves as a carer. The MSP added that it was important to register with a local carers’ organisation for advice and support. Earlier in November, Scotland’s Carer Support Payment, which replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, was rolled out across the country, expanding eligibility to those who are in full-time education, and introducing backdating for some applicants. The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you. Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android This joins a suite of support for carers only available in Scotland, like the Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement. Ms Adamson said: “The nationwide rollout of the Carer Support Payment is a big moment for Scotland. “There are 45,300 unpaid carers across North Lanarkshire and that figure is likely an underestimate. “Unpaid carers are performing critical roles in our community; it is a difficult and demanding role. I want to ensure that no one is missing out on financial support that they are entitled to. “The SNP developed Social Security Scotland with the principles of dignity, fairness and respect in its founding principles. The new Carer Support Payment improves on Carer’s Allowance by making those in full time education eligible and introducing backdating for some applicants. “So if you are caring for someone – a neighbour, friend, or loved one – please check your eligibility for extra support through Social Security Scotland. And ensure you are registered with a carers’ organisation.” You can apply for Carer Support Payment using the online form, on the phone, by post, or in person. Find out more about Carer Support Payment online at mygov.scot/carer-support-payment or call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .Back for its fourth year, the McDonald’s x Pokemon TCG promotional crossover will feature fan-favorite Dragon-types. However, early concerns have started to arise about how the Kanto starter’s inclusion could impact availability. Few Pokemon TCG fans have likely forgotten the Happy Meal frenzy that followed the 2021 debut of the McDonald’s and Pokemon TCG collaboration. Amidst an ongoing card shortage during the Sword and Shield era of expansions, the special card packs in kid’s meals led to a flood of adults purchasing dozens of meals, driving the cards out of stock before the intended audience could get them. While the packs have returned with new card lists in subsequent years, they haven’t inspired quite the same frenzy until now, as PokeBeach has confirmed that the 2024 list will be themed for the Year of the Dragon, and spotlight a handful of extremely popular Pokemon, including Charizard . McDonald's 2024 Happy Meal Pokemon TCG Promotion Themed After Year of Dragon, Will Include Charizard and Umbreon! Check out this article on PokeBeach for all the details: ➡️ https://t.co/gRDEKSKpRA pic.twitter.com/SOssU8VI51 2024 McDonald’s x Pokemon TCG promotion card list According to the article written by PokeBeach exclusively revealing the information, the card list will include the following Pokemon: Charizard Quagsire Pikachu Miraidon Hatenna Koraidon Umbreon Dragapult Hydreigon Roaring Moon Jigglypuff Dragonite Eevee Rayquaza Drampa Of these particularly exciting inclusions, Charizard, Umbreon, Miraidon, Dragapult, Roaring Moon, Dragonite, and Rayquaza in particular are drawing attention from eager Pokemon TCG enthusiasts. Many have commented below the post, sharing their plans for rushing their local McDonald’s locations, with one stating, “THIS IS SO EXCITING I’M GOING TO LIVE AT MCDONALDS” and another adding, “Time to waste money on Happy Meals again lol”. Others have expressed their concern about the impact this will have both on the kids hoping for a pack in their lunch, and for those who have to deal with the rush at the restaurants. One reader commented, “Oh lord this will not end well...” and another speculated, “A lot of kids not gonna get their cards cuz some guys gonna come up and buy up the case a week before they come out.” Related: The cards included in the McDonald’s x Pokemon TCG promotion are typically reprints with new numbering. Of the list, six will feature the confetti holofoil specifically used for the print run. Charizard is expected to have this holofoil background. At this time, there has not yet been a release date confirmed for the US or UK locations, but France can expect to see these card packs in Happy Meals from December 4, 2024, through January 21, 2025, while supplies last. It is speculated that the US/UK release will be in a similar window.
Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter plans to turn pro and prefers to continue a dual role, playing wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. Hunter could be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and is the favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Speculation about his future quieted as he gained notoriety by the week this season. Field Level Media projects Hunter as a top-three pick in the draft, and he confirmed Thursday this will be his last season at the college level. "That's definitely for sure," Hunter said on a conference call with reporters. Hunter is consistently playing between 100 and 125 snaps per game for Colorado. He has three interceptions on defense with 74 receptions, 911 yards and nine touchdowns playing wideout for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Also a projected early first-round pick, Sanders committed to play in the East-West Shrine Game in Dallas. The son of Colorado head coach and Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders said Thursday he would cast a Heisman vote for Hunter. "If it's between me and him, I would want him to get it," Sanders said. "He does a lot of amazing things and things that haven't been done before. I'm not a selfish guy. I know what he's capable of, so I would rather him win." Hunter said he would invite his QB to New York if he's not named a Heisman finalist before they go about the business of finishing the season, possibly in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Shedeur Sanders said he's the best quarterback in the draft, and doesn't believe that's anything new. "I feel like I was the best quarterback in the last draft, too," said Shedeur Sanders. "Ever since I was draft eligible, I knew I'm the best quarterback. It's not up for me to prove myself to talking about why." Former teammates at Jackson State where Deion Sanders also coached, Hunter said he felt his draft stock began to rise only after critics moved past "the hate" for his coach. A flashy, charismatic cornerback in the NFL after starring at Florida State, Deion Sanders was the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Hall of Famers Troy Aikman (first, Cowboys), Barry Sanders (third, Lions) and Derrick Thomas (fourth, Chiefs) were chosen ahead of "Prime Time" along with offensive tackle Tony Mandarich (second, Packers). Hunter has picked the brain of Deion Sanders about a dual role in pro sports. Sanders was used selectively as a wide receiver and returned punts but was primarily a cornerback in addition to playing Major League Baseball. There's no base-stealing in Hunter's future, but he does believe he can push the envelope as a full-time two-way NFL player. "It's never been done," Hunter said. "I understand that it will be a high risk, (teams) don't want their top pick to go down too early, and I know they're going to want me to be in a couple packages. But I believe I can do it. Nobody has stopped me from doing it thus far. I like when people tell me I can't do it." --Field Level MediaMy son was in pre-K when he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder . We enrolled him in speech therapy and used holistic remedies to help calm his anxiety and assist with communication, but he still had regular outbursts. During them, he'd sometimes throw himself to the ground and bang his head and body against it. I was worried about his safety, and that's what led me to try giving my son CBD. As a podcaster and journalist who often reports on plant medicine, I was aware of the potential benefits of CBD, aka cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant . CBD is chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, but the former doesn't get you high. I'd heard many stories about how the plant can help children and adults with everything from autism to seizures to menstrual cramps. I've even used CBD and other cannabinoids for my own health issues. But it took me a while to try it for my son. In addition to the positive stories, I'd heard of many instances where parents and caretakers are penalized for giving their children CBD. Besides the fact that I'd never want to risk custodial intervention, I was concerned about side effects or other health issues, as I'd also seen reports about some CBD products containing dangerous metals or other chemicals. But then I came across the book "Seeing Through the Smoke" by Peter Grinspoon , MD, a primary care physician and cannabis expert (who I've interviewed twice for my podcast). One chapter focuses on how cannabis can improve the quality of life of autistic children. It made me think that perhaps CBD could help my son, and I began going back over the research I had done in the past. There aren't enough studies into the potential uses for CBD among children with ASD to definitively say that it works, or how. But there is promising evidence that it might. One small 2022 study in the journal Nature that involved 110 people with ASD, ages 5 to 25 and with an average age of 9, showed that treatment with a CBD-rich cannabis strain led to large improvements in social affect symptoms , which include things like difficulty with eye contact or starting conversations. Some preclinical research shows that CBD may affect areas of the brain associated with autism, such as the basal ganglia, which control functions such as emotional processing, per the journal Neuropsychopharmacology . I also checked in with friends who gave their kids CBD for a variety of reasons, as well as nurses and doctors I've interviewed in the past. Everyone agreed it could really help with my son's anxiety, which made me feel safe enough to give CBD a try. I chose to experiment with Charlotte's Web CBD oil, because the brand was originally created to help a child. Additionally, the company has a long history of providing quality products and also shares third-party lab results; I felt confident that it was safe. Realm of Caring, a nonprofit partnered with Charlotte's Web, also offers a library of research about cannabis and CBD for newcomers to reference. Even with everything I learned, I was hesitant at first. In all of the research I did, I found that adverse reactions were minimal , but anxiety did worsen in some cases. So for my son's first dose, I only gave him a quarter of the suggested amount of oil. I did this at night, just in case it made him sleepy. He went to bed without incident, which was new, and slept through the night, also new. We had plans to visit a local pool the next day. When it came time to leave, he didn't have his usual intense outburst. Of course, I couldn't know for sure that any of this had to do with the CBD, but the small dose I'd given him certainly didn't seem to be having any ill effects. I felt encouraged to continue giving CBD to my son, slowly increasing the dosage over the course of two or three weeks until I reached the recommended daily amount (1 mL). I continued to notice improvements over the next few months. The biggest change was how my son responded to transitions: leaving a fun outing, ending an activity, putting away a toy. Before taking CBD, he would get upset and have intense reactions, because he couldn't verbalize his feelings and needs. A few months after his first dose, he was making clear declarations like "I'm mad" or "hungry," and was more open to emotional regulation methods like a change of scenery or singing a song. He also seemed less bothered by loud noises or other disruptions, and began engaging in pretend play for the first time. I was so heartened by the improvements, but I was still afraid about certain people finding out I give my son CBD. Even though I live in a state where adult cannabis use is legal, the local attitude isn't largely pro plant medicine. And legally, CBD falls into a sort of gray area, especially when it comes to children. With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, most states updated their hemp codes but did not change their child endangerment laws. Some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, even those that claim to be THC-free, due to issues like mislabeling, per WebMD . And giving minors cannabis is illegal, except in some specific instances (like when they have a medical marijuana card), which means giving a child CBD could potentially lead to Child Protective Services getting involved. Eventually, we did tell my son's dentist and pediatrician about his CBD use, and didn't run into any issues. But before that, I had to be intentional about getting medical support for my son. My job requires me to regularly interview doctors and nurses who specialize in cannabinoids (the compounds in the cannabis plant). Therefore, I have access to experts who can answer questions I may have about my son's CBD use and that I don't feel I can bring to his regular doctors. But other parents curious about using CBD (or other cannabinoid therapies) may struggle to find guidance on dosage and complementary medicine or plants, resorting to word-of-mouth recommendations or telehealth sources. Ultimately, I feel that the lack of large-scale, quality research into the use of CBD in children and the lack of regulatory oversight of CBD products prevents pediatricians from being able to counsel parents about the compound. And I believe this is to the detriment of many families who are in situations similar to my own. Doctors aren't trained to understand how cannabinoids impact the body, says Benjamin Caplan, MD , a family physician who specializes in cannabis medicine. "We didn't know the endocannabinoid system existed until the '80s and '90s," he says. "This is fresh, and most of the practicing clinicians out there went to school after this was discovered. So most of them aren't reading about it — they don't know about it." Dr. Caplan hopes for more research that will demonstrate CBD's potential to benefit children like mine, so parents who are interested in exploring it have more evidence-backed support. Over a year later, I still give my son CBD, and I still believe it benefits his well-being. That said, I'm aware that it's impossible to say for sure whether the CBD is to thank for his improvements, or whether it's the other tools we've been using as well, such as his Individualized Education Plan . Likely, it's everything together. Personally, I think CBD has made a huge difference, in a good way. Before I gave him CBD, he would resist change in class and have potentially unsafe reactions when he was unhappy. Now, his teaching team continues to tell us how happy he is and how well he is doing. His testing scores have increased since last year. He hits all of his daily goals without incident. There's still a lot to learn about neurodivergent children and CBD, and I hope researchers prioritize studying the compound further, so parents looking to help their kids have more resources they can turn to without fear of judgment or worse. I can't scientifically prove that CBD has played a role in my son's improved communication and behavior. But I do know that it is a tool in our wellness belt that we're grateful for, and I think all parents could use as much help as they can get. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. Anyone uncertain about what course of action is appropriate for them or their situation should consult your doctor regarding matters pertaining to you and your family's health, and legal professionals familiar with your circumstances and the applicable state's laws. Diana-Ashley Krach is a freelance writer and content creator with a focus on plant medicine. Her work can be found on High Times, Civilized, Miss Grass, Dame, SheKnows, and more.