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wow88 Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok's petition to overturn the law — which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — and rebuffed the company's challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment. “The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” said the court's opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, though its unclear whether the court will take up the case. “The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting ans’ right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement. Police believe the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO quickly left NYC on a bus after shooting NEW YORK (AP) — The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer likely left New York City on a bus soon after the brazen ambush that has shaken corporate America, police officials said Friday. Three days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still did not know the gunman's whereabouts or a motive for the killing. Investigators were looking at whether the shooter may have been a disgruntled employee or client of the insurer, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters. Video of the gunman fleeing Wednesday's shooting showed him riding a bicycle into Central Park and later taking a taxi to a bus terminal that offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C, according to Kenny. Police have video of the man entering the bus station but no video of him exiting, leading them to believe he left the city, Kenny said. CNN first reported that the suspect may have escaped the city by bus. Investigators also believe the shooter left a backpack in Central Park and were carrying out a massive sweep to find it in a vast area with lakes and ponds, meadows, playgrounds and a densely wooded section called “The Ramble.” As dusk approached Friday, small groups of officers could be seen roaming among trees across ground covered with leaves. Trump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday offered a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled choice to lead the Defense Department, whose confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat. Hegseth, a former Fox News Host, Army National Guard major and combat veteran, spent much of the week on Capitol Hill trying to salvage his Cabinet nomination and privately reassure Republican senators that he is fit to lead Trump’s Pentagon. “Pete Hegseth is doing very well,” Trump posted on his social media site. “He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense." The president added that "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” The pitched nomination battle over Hegseth is emerging not only as a debate about the best person to lead the Pentagon, but an inflection point for a MAGA movement that appears to be relishing a public fight over its hardline push for a more masculine military and an end to the “woke-ism" of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Trump’s allies are forcefully rallying around the embattled Hegseth – the Heritage Foundation’s political arm is promising to spend $1 million to shore up his nomination – as he vows to stay in the fight, as long as the president-elect wants him to. IAEA chief: Iran is poised to 'quite dramatically' increase stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Iran is poised to “quite dramatically” increase its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium as it has started cascades of advanced centrifuges, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Friday. The comments from Rafael Mariano Grossi came just hours after Iran said it conducted a successful space launch with its heaviest payload ever, the latest for its program that the West alleges improves Tehran’s ballistic missile program. The launch of the Simorgh rocket comes as Iran’s nuclear program now enriches uranium at 60%, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%. While Iran maintains its program is peaceful, officials in the Islamic Republic increasingly threaten to potentially seek the bomb and an intercontinental ballistic missile that would allow Tehran to use the weapon against distant foes like the United States. The moves are likely to further raise tensions gripping the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and as an uneasy ceasefire holds in Lebanon. However, Iran may as well be preparing the ground for possible talks with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who in his first term unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers. Grossi, speaking to journalists in Bahrain, on the sidelines of the International Institute of Strategic Studies’ Manama Dialogue, said his inspectors planned to see just how many centrifuges Iran would be spinning after Tehran informed his agency of its plans. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report from the Labor Department report showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. Hourly wages rose 0.4% from October to November and 4% from a year earlier — both solid figures and slightly higher than forecasters had expected. The November employment report provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. The job market’s gradual slowdown is, in part, a result of the high interest rates the Federal Reserve engineered in its drive to tame inflation. The Fed jacked up interest rates 11 times in 2022 and 2023. Defying predictions, the economy kept growing despite much higher borrowing rates for consumers and businesses. But since early this year, the job market has been slowing. Trump taps forceful ally of hard-line immigration policies to head Customs and Border Protection WASHINGTON (AP) — The picture of who will be in charge of executing President-elect Donald Trump's hard-line immigration and border policies has come into sharper focus after he announced his picks to head Customs and Border Protection and also the agency tasked with deporting immigrants in the country illegally. Trump said late Thursday he was tapping Rodney Scott, a former Border Patrol chief who’s been a vocal supporter of tougher enforcement measures, for CBP commissioner. As acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Trump said he had chosen Caleb Vitello, a career ICE official with more than 23 years in the agency. They will work with an immigration leadership team that includes South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as head of the Department of Homeland Security; former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement head Tom Homan as border czar; and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff. Here's a closer look at the picks: Romania's top court annuls first round of presidential vote won by far-right candidate BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A top Romanian court on Friday annulled the first round of the country's presidential election, days after allegations emerged that Russia ran a coordinated online campaign to promote the far-right outsider who won the first round. The Constitutional Court’s unprecedented decision — which is final — came after President Klaus Iohannis declassified intelligence on Wednesday that alleged Russia organized thousands of social media accounts to promote Calin Georgescu across platforms such as TikTok and Telegram. The court, without naming Georgescu, said that one of the 13 candidates in the Nov. 24 first round had improperly received “preferential treatment” on social media, distorting the outcome of the vote. Georgescu denounced the verdict as an “officialized coup” and an attack on democracy, as did the second-place finisher, reformist Elena Lasconi of the center-right Save Romania Union party. Despite being an outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner who was to face Lasconi in a runoff on Sunday. Some 951 voting stations had already opened abroad on Friday for the runoff for Romania’s large diaspora, but had to be halted. Crews recover the body of a woman from a Pennsylvania sinkhole after a 4-day search The remains of a woman who fell into a sinkhole were recovered Friday, four days after she went missing while searching for her cat, a state police spokesperson said. Trooper Steve Limani said the body of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard was sent to the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy after rescuers used machinery to bring her to the surface. Limani told reporters Pollard was found at about 11 a.m. approximately 30 feet (9 meters) underground, some 12 feet (4 meters) from the opening of the sinkhole. Limani said Pollard apparently fell onto a cone-shaped pile of debris created by the crumbling mine, then rolled or otherwise moved toward the southwest to where her body was recovered. The autopsy may help determine whether Pollard was killed by the fall, Limani said. The announcement came in the fourth day of the search for Pollard, who had last been seen Monday evening, looking for the cat near a restaurant half a mile (0.8 kilometers) from her home in the village of Marguerite. Jury will consider lesser charge in NYC subway chokehold case, judge dismisses manslaughter charge NEW YORK (AP) — The judge overseeing the trial of a man accused of using a deadly chokehold on an unruly New York subway passenger dismissed the top charge in the case on Friday at prosecutors' request, allowing jurors to consider a lesser count after they deadlocked on whether Daniel Penny was guilty of manslaughter. Judge Maxwell Wiley's decision will let jurors deliberate a charge of criminally negligent homicide, which carries a lighter punishment. “Whether that makes any difference or not, I have no idea. But I’m going to direct you to focus your deliberations on count two,” he said, before directing them to “go home and think about something else.” The judge’s decision came hours after Manhattan jurors sent him a note saying they couldn't agree on a manslaughter verdict. Jurors previously were instructed that they needed to reach a verdict on the top charge before they could consider the lesser count. Jurors have been deliberating since Tuesday on whether to convict Penny in the death of Jordan Neely. Penny, a former U.S. Marine, placed Neely in a chokehold for about six minutes on a New York City subway in May 2023 after Neely got on the car yelling and asking people for money. Vance tells residents in hurricane-stricken North Carolina that they haven't been forgotten FAIRVIEW, N.C. (AP) — Vice President-elect JD Vance on Friday assured residents of western North Carolina still cleaning up from Hurricane Helene that they haven't been forgotten as he surveyed storm wreckage and talked to first responders in one of his first public appearances since the election. Vance said he was visiting because the holidays are approaching and he wants to provide some comfort to those affected by the hurricane as they go about trying to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. “My simple message to the people of Appalachia is that we haven’t forgotten you — we love you,” said Vance, who made a name for himself writing about the region in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” He added, “Certainly when this administration changes hands in the next 45 days, we’re going to do everything that we can to help people rebuild, to get them back on their feet, to bring some commerce back to this area, but, most importantly, to allow people to live in their homes.” The hurricane struck in late September. In North Carolina, the state government estimates that the storm caused a combined $53 billion in damages and needed upgrades to protect against future natural disasters. More than 100 North Carolina residents died from the storm, which the state estimates damaged over 120,000 homes, at least 6,000 miles (9,700 kilometers) of roads and over 160 sewer and water systems.

Jammu, Dec 28 (PTI) Kashmiri pandits on Saturday hit out at the BJP-led central government for not acknowledging their displacement from Kashmir over three decades ago as ‘genocide’ and reiterated their demand for the implementation of 'Margdarshan resolution'. Observing the 33rd homeland day anniversary here, the displaced community also demanded enhancement of relief measures, adequate security for PM-package employees working in the valley and ample employment opportunities for the youth of the community in Jammu. The Kashmiri pandits highlighted the demands in two resolutions passed at the 33rd ‘National Homeland Day Convention’, hosted by Panun Kashmir, one of the leading organisations representing Kashmiri migrant pandits, a spokesperson of the group said. He said the event, themed ‘Kashmiri Hindus caught between Jehad (holy war) and denial of genocide’, marked 33 years since the ‘Margdarshan resolution’, which was passed by the community on this day in 1991 after mass migration from Kashmir. The spokesperson said the first resolution strongly condemns the ‘denial of the genocide’ and calls for urgent measures to address the frequent terrorist attacks targeting the community in the valley. "It reaffirms the commitment to the Margdarshan resolution, demanding the creation of a separate Union Territory for the permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus,” he said. He said the second resolution deals with the alleged state’s apathy towards displaced Kashmiri Hindus, urging the Indian government to withdraw the humiliating "migrant" label and to take immediate action to enhance relief measures, provide security for Prime Minister-package employees working in the valley, and create employment opportunities in Jammu. Earlier in his address, a prominent Kashmiri pandit leader, Tito Ganju acknowledged the significant contributions of all those who have fought for the cause of Kashmiri Hindus and reaffirmed the collective resolve to not rest until justice is served. "The road ahead may be long, but we will continue our fight for justice, dignity and a secure homeland. We are united in our cause, and together, we will make our voices heard,” Ganju said. Amidst the solemn reflections and speeches, the convention also featured remarkable cultural performances, underscoring the strength and unity of the Kashmiri Pandit community. A soulful rendition of Kashmiri folk songs - transporting the audience to a time before exile and traditional Kashmiri music filled the atmosphere with energy and vibrancy during the event, the spokesperson said. Chairman of Panun Kashmir, Ajay Chrungoo condemned what he called denial of the genocide faced by Kashmiri Hindus, criticising both the state’s indifference and the world’s silence. "The fight for justice was not merely about land but about acknowledging the pain and suffering that the community has endured,” he said. He reaffirmed the Margdarshan Resolution for the permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus. He said such a move was not just an aspiration but a necessity, given the continuing terror threat and the alleged inability of the current political establishment to address the community’s plight. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)Dawn Staley gave five-word message to South Carolina star that inspired breakout game

AP News in Brief at 6:04 p.m. ESTBIG 12 THIS WEEKApple’s M4 Macs are transforming the computing landscape, setting new benchmarks for . With innovative models like the M4 MacBook Pro, , and M4 iMac, Apple is delivering unparalleled speed, extended battery life, and exceptional user experiences. Whether you are a professional tackling demanding projects or a casual user seeking reliable performance, the M4 series is designed to exceed your expectations and remain relevant for years to come. The video below from Max Tech gives us a look at the latest M4 Macs. The M4 Macs are powered by Apple’s latest , which integrates high-performance CPUs, desktop-class GPUs, and advanced neural engines on a single chip. This unified architecture enables seamless communication between components, resulting in optimized performance and efficiency. With the M4 chip at their core, these Macs are capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease, from editing 4K video to running complex AI-driven applications. One of the key strengths of the M4 Macs is their ability to deliver in a compact and efficient package. The M4 chip’s high-performance CPUs and GPUs rival even dedicated graphics cards like the NVIDIA RTX 3080, allowing users to tackle resource-intensive tasks with ease. This level of power ensures that most users won’t feel the need to upgrade their devices anytime soon, as the M4 Macs are built to handle both current and future computing demands. To illustrate the exceptional performance of the M4 series, consider the M4 Pro Mac Mini. This compact powerhouse , offering professional-grade performance at a significantly lower cost. The combination of power, affordability, and efficiency positions the M4 Macs as a top choice for both professionals and casual users in the desktop PC market. In addition to their impressive performance, the M4 Macs are also engineered for . The unified architecture of the M4 chip enables optimized power consumption, allowing these devices to handle intensive workloads while maintaining battery life. This balance between performance and efficiency ensures that users can rely on their M4 Macs for extended periods without worrying about frequent charging or battery replacements. Apple has designed the M4 Macs with longevity and value in mind. By equipping even the base models with , Apple ensures that these devices can handle demanding applications and multitasking scenarios without compromising performance. This generous amount of memory also contributes to the long-term viability of the M4 Macs, as users are less likely to encounter limitations or feel the need to upgrade due to insufficient RAM. The combination of , efficient architecture, and ample memory makes the M4 Macs a . For most users, an M4 Mac purchased today could remain a capable and reliable tool for 5-10 years, providing exceptional value and reducing the need for frequent upgrades. This longevity not only benefits consumers financially but also contributes to a more sustainable approach to technology consumption. While the M4 series sets a high bar for performance and efficiency, it also presents a challenge for Apple in terms of future innovation. With the M4 Macs already pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of speed and power consumption, future upgrades like the M5 or M6 may offer only incremental improvements in these areas. This raises an important question: how can Apple continue to entice users to upgrade their years? One potential avenue for innovation lies in . Apple could focus on introducing thinner and lighter designs, incorporating additional ports for enhanced connectivity, or improving keyboard and touchpad experiences. These design-oriented upgrades could attract users who prioritize portability, usability, and aesthetics, even if the performance gains are minimal compared to the M4 series. Another area where Apple could innovate is in . The company has already shown interest in tandem OLED displays, which promise better color accuracy, contrast, and energy efficiency compared to traditional LCD screens. By introducing exclusive tandem OLED technology in future Mac models, Apple could create a compelling reason for users to upgrade, especially for professionals who require the highest level of visual fidelity in their work. Apple may also explore to maintain consumer interest and drive upgrades. For example, the company could introduce foldable devices that combine the portability of an iPad with the functionality of a MacBook, or develop larger MacBook Air models that cater to users who require more screen real estate without sacrificing portability. By diversifying its product lineup and catering to specific , Apple can ensure that there is always a compelling reason for consumers to consider upgrading their devices. In addition to hardware innovations, in driving future upgrades for Apple Macs. By introducing exclusive features and capabilities that are tied to newer models, Apple can create compelling reasons for users to invest in the latest devices. For instance, Apple could leverage the advanced AI processing capabilities of future Mac chips to introduce that are exclusive to newer models. These features could include intelligent task automation, advanced voice recognition and control, or real-time language translation. By offering these innovative AI functionalities only on the latest Macs, Apple can entice professionals and enthusiasts who rely on these tools to upgrade their devices. Similarly, Apple could introduce that are optimized for the latest Mac hardware. These could include improved multitasking capabilities, advanced security features, or seamless integration with other Apple devices and services. By tying these software enhancements to the newest Mac models, Apple can create a compelling ecosystem that encourages users to stay up-to-date with the latest hardware and software offerings. For consumers, the M4 Macs represent a . Whether you are a professional tackling demanding projects or a casual user seeking a reliable and capable device, the M4 series is built to meet your needs without requiring frequent upgrades. When considering an M4 Mac, it is important to keep in mind that future upgrades may be driven by factors beyond raw performance improvements. While the M4 chip already delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, future decisions to upgrade may hinge on design innovations, exclusive software features, or new product categories that cater to specific user needs. Ultimately, the M4 Macs offer a future-proof investment that combines the best of Apple’s hardware and software expertise. By delivering unmatched performance, efficiency, and value, these devices are poised to reshape the computing landscape and set a new standard for what users can expect from their Macs. Apple’s M4 Macs deliver exceptional performance, efficiency, and value, thanks to the powerful Apple Silicon M4 chip. The M4 series is designed for longevity, with ample RAM and efficient architecture that ensure long-term viability and reduce the need for frequent upgrades. Future innovations in Apple Macs may focus on hardware design, display technology, new product categories, and exclusive software features to drive upgrades. For consumers, the M4 Macs represent a future-proof investment that combines top-tier performance, long-term value, and energy efficiency. Source & Image Credit:

Payments technology provider Dojo reportedly has signed a new agreement with American Express that will help Dojo’s small business customers in the United Kingdom accept American Express payments with one unified contract. With this agreement, the small businesses will see a consolidated statement for transaction reconciliation, a unified settlement process, streamlined onboarding and a single point of contact for servicing, Fintech Finance News reported Thursday (Dec. 5). “We want to make life easier for our customers while giving them time back to focus on what matters — running their business and delivering a fantastic customer experience,” Dojo Vice President of Payment Nuno Mateus said in the report. Daniel Edelman , general manager, merchant services at American Express, said in the report: “As we look to continue our coverage growth momentum, this new strategic agreement will enable yet more businesses across the U.K. to benefit from the spending power of Amex Cardholders.” American Express announced some other partnerships in the U.K. earlier this year. In October, the company teamed up with Revolut Business to enable that company’s merchants in the U.K. to accept American Express payments. The collaboration allows Revolut to enable its merchants to access a previously untapped pool of premium customers and helps American Express expand its merchant network in the U.K., Revolut said at the time in a press release. The addition of American Express brought to seven the number of payment methods that Revolut Business enables merchants to accept at their checkout. In March, American Express partnered with Ryft , a payment platform for marketplaces and digital platforms, to enable that company’s merchants in the U.K. to accept payments from American Express cards . The partnership increases payment flexibility for eCommerce merchants in the U.K., allows more digital platforms to accept American Express, and boosts the competitive position of Ryft. “Amex is a strong card brand, especially when it comes to business to business payments,” Ryft CEO Sadra Hosseini said at the time in a press release. “We are proud to be working together to mutually grow across this sector and bring some of the great Amex benefits to our merchants.” For all PYMNTS B2B coverage, subscribe to the daily B2B Newsletter .

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Retirement: 4 ways to maximize your 401(k) contributions before the year endsPresident-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case and was written by D. John Sauer, Trump’s choice for solicitor general. The argument submitted to the court is the latest example of Trump inserting himself in national issues before he takes office. The Republican president-elect has already begun negotiating with other countries over his plans to impose tariffs, and he intervened earlier this month in a plan to fund the federal government, calling for a bipartisan plan to be rejected and sending Republicans back to the negotiating table. He has been holding meetings with foreign leaders and business officials at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida while he assembles his administration, including a meeting last week with TikTok CEO Shou Chew. Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined the TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He said earlier this year that he still believed there were national security risks with TikTok, but that he opposed banning it. The filings Friday come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. The law was was signed by President Joe Biden in April after it passed Congress with broad bipartisan support. TikTok and ByteDance filed a legal challenge afterwards. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” In their brief to the Supreme Court on Friday, attorneys for TikTok and its parent company ByteDance argued the federal appeals court erred in its ruling and based its decision on “alleged ‘risks’ that China could exercise control” over TikTok’s U.S. platform by pressuring its foreign affiliates. The Biden administration has argued in court that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its connections to China. Officials say Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok’s U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread or suppress information. But the government “concedes that it has no evidence China has ever attempted to do so,” TikTok’s legal filing said, adding that the U.S. fears are predicated on future risks. In its filing Friday, the Biden administration said because TikTok “is integrated with ByteDance and relies on its propriety engine developed and maintained in China,” its corporate structure carries with it risk. This story was reported by The Associated Press.

Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu and far-right George Simion are the most likely to move on to a run-off on December 8. The first round of presidential elections has begun in Romania, with voters choosing a replacement for the outgoing President Klaus Iohannis. Romanians are choosing between 13 candidates on Sunday, with the top two moving on to a second round of voting on December 8 if no single candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round. That second presidential vote may be between current Social Democratic Party (PSD) Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the far-right leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), George Simion. By 12:00 GMT, Romania’s central election bureau said the voter turnout was 27 percent. Romanians have until 19:00 GMT to cast their votes. Ciolacu has been leading in the polls with 25 percent compared with Simion, who according to opinion polls holds the support of 15 to 19 percent of the country. Romanian political analyst Cristian Pirvulescu said that the AUR party could get a boost in the parliamentary election slated for December 1 if Simion performs well in the presidential vote, and other right-leaning voters could coalesce around Simion if he reaches the run-off. “Romanian democracy is in danger for the first time since the fall of communism in 1989,” Pirvulescu told the news agency AFP. Ciolacu’s PSD has shaped the country’s politics since 1990, but this election comes at a tumultuous time in the European Union member state amid rising inflation and the ongoing war in neighbouring Ukraine. Simion has been able to tap into an affordability crisis in the country. While inflation is trending downwards from a record 10 percent last year, the far-right candidate has tapped into voter frustrations about economic issues. Inflation is expected to be 5.5 percent by the end of 2024. Simion opposes sending military aid to Ukraine – a country with which Romania shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border. Simion, who has repeatedly praised United States President-elect Donald Trump , has tapped into a hard right message that appears to be growing in popularity in both the US and Europe . Borrowing from the Trump playbook, Simion has warned of possible electoral fraud, and has also opposed sending military aid to Ukraine. Simion has also campaigned for unification with Moldova, which has renewed a five-year ban on him entering the country. “We are at a point where Romania can easily divert or slip towards a populist regime because [voter] dissatisfaction is pretty large among a lot of people from all social strata,” Cristian Andrei, a political consultant, told The Associated Press news agency. “And the temptation for any regime, any leader, will be to go on a populist road.”

For the third straight postseason, Port Neches-Groves and South Oak Cliff will square off. After playing for the Texas UIL 5A Division II title each of the past two seasons, this time the Indians face the Golden Bears Friday night for the 5A DII Region II title. Two years ago, SOC defeated PNG, 34-24 to win state, but the Indians turned the tables on the Golden Bears in last year’s 5A DII title tilt, prevailing 20-17. So, who will take the rubber match between the two teams this time around on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. We’re about to find out. How to watch Port Neches-Groves vs. South Oak Cliff in 2024 Texas High School Football playoffs: Live stream, game time Follow The Sporting News correspondent Buck Ringgold (@Bucks_Ballpark) for all of the live updates and scoring from Nacogdoches. Scroll down for live score and game updates from kickoff to the postgame. Refresh this page for the latest. PORT NECHES-GROVES VS. SOUTH OAK CLIFF Refresh for latest PREGAME - Coming to you from Nacogdoches as Port Neches-Groves faces South Oak Cliff for the third straight postseason, this time with the 5A Division II Region II championship at stake. ABOUT PORT NECHES-GROVES (12-1) PNG started out this season 7-0 before a 24-21 loss to Nederland on Oct. 25. The Indians have won five straight since, the latest a wild back-and-forth 31-28 win against Texarkana Texas High in last week’s regional semifinals. ABOUT SOUTH OAK CLIFF (11-2) The Golden Bears dropped their opening two games, falling to 6A DI title contenders Galena Park North Shore and Duncanville. The following week, SOC edged Longview, 45-44, jumpstarting the Bears to a current 11-game win streak, including a 35-7 win against Marshall in last week’s regional semis.

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