Shopping on Shein and Temu for holiday gifts? You're not the only one

How major US stock indexes fared Tuesday, 12/3/2024STORY: :: Atlanta, Georgia :: December 29, 2024 :: Atlantans pay respect to 'Georgia's own' Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday aged 100 "He's Georgia's own President, in the community they highly respect him, and he has done so much not for just like democratic politics, but also just like helping his community, like I have never been to Plains, Georgia, I haven't had the pleasure of going into his church services, but like I really respect him as a person." :: Craig Withers, Vice president of Overseas Operations, The Carter Center "He was pretty direct. He was soft-spoken, very intelligent, synthesized information very quickly and had very clear ideas of what he wanted to do. He did solicit input, but he usually had a pretty good idea of what is going on and what he wanted to do. He was very demanding. He was very data-driven. If you didn't have the facts, he probably did, and it was a situation where he would then he would view the information that he was soliciting, so you always had to be on your game when you were with President Carter." Some of those paying tribute worked for Carter, others had never met him but admired him and learned from him. "He's Georgia's own President, in the community they highly respect him, and he has done so much not for just like democratic politics, but also just like helping his community," said 22-year-old student James Stevens. "You always had to be on your game when you were with President Carter," Craig Withers, Vice President of Overseas Operations for the Carter Center. Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, served as president from January 1977 to January 1981 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 U.S. election. Carter was swept from office four years later in an electoral landslide as voters embraced Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, the former actor and California governor.Celebrities who had the worst year in 2024

The US Department of Homeland Security estimated some 11 million immigrants were in the US illegally as of January 2022, although the figure is likely higher today Donald Trump gestures as he delivers remarks on border security and immigration, in Austin, Texas, during the presidential campaign. Photo: Reuters US president-elect Donald Trump aims to deport all immigrants in the US illegally over his four-year term but wants a deal to protect so-called "Dreamer" immigrants, he said in an interview that aired on Sunday on NBC News' Meet the Press with Kristen Welker . Trump also said he plans to take executive action on his first day in office to try to end birthright citizenship, which confers citizenship on anyone born in the US regardless of their parents' immigration status. Trump, a Republican who won a second term in the White House promising mass deportations, is expected to declare illegal immigration a national emergency when he takes office on Jan. 20 and draw on resources from across the federal government to support a wide-ranging crackdown. The US Department of Homeland Security estimated some 11 million immigrants were in the US illegally as of January 2022, although the figure is likely higher today. In the NBC News interview, Welker asked Trump if his plan was to deport everyone without legal status. "I think you have to do it," Trump said. "It's a very tough thing to do. You know, you have rules, regulations, laws." Trump said he wanted a deal to protect "Dreamer" immigrants brought to the US illegally as children, saying Republicans are open to the idea. During his 2017-2021 presidency, Trump tried to end a program that provides deportation relief and work permits to the immigrants, but was rebuffed by the Supreme Court. Trump's plans to try to end birthright citizenship will likely face legal challenges. The right stems from an amendment to the U.S. Constitution and is supported by 1898 Supreme Court precedent. Speaking to Welker, Trump suggested Republicans may need to pursue a constitutional amendment to address the issue - an arduous process. "We'll maybe have to go back to the people," he said. Trump's incoming border czar Tom Homan and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller both told Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures that Congress should provide a major funding increase for immigration enforcement. The pro-immigration American Immigration Council estimated that deporting all immigrants in the US illegally over more than a decade would cost $88 billion annually. Homan said the minimum needed would be near that amount. "We're going to need as much money as Congress can get us," he said. Trump also said he believes members of the January 6 committee should be thrown in jail, though he stopped short of outright threatening to use the Justice Department to do so. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” he told Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker. Though, he added: “I’m not looking to go back into the past,” when asked if he would seek the prosecution of the Biden family, including President Joe Biden. “I’m looking to make our country successful. Retribution will be through success.” He also mentioned his nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, and said: “I want her to do what she wants to do. I’m not going to instruct her to do it.” The president-elect made headlines throughout his 2024 campaign, much like during his 2016 bid for the presidency, by threatening to jail his political opponents. Most recently in September, he wrote in a Truth Social posting: “those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted,” referring to top Democratic leaders such as Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. And while he did not follow through with his explicit threat to jail Hillary Clinton following his 2016 election victory, his new focus on installing loyalists at top agencies including the FBI and Justice Department have led many to wonder if the threats were real this time. Despite losing his 2020 re-election bid to Joe Biden, Trump maintained (and still maintains) that he was the rightful winner. His fact-free claims of widespread fraud were weaponised to instigate a mob attack against the US Capitol on January 6, as throngs of his supporters attempted to stop Congress from certifying the transfer of power. Trump went on to be prosecuted for those actions in a now-defunct investigation ended by the Justice Department after his election victory, as well as by Congress in the form of the bipartisan committee to investigate January 6. Members of the committee compiled countless hours of video evidence and testimony which painted a horrifying scene of the violence that played out during the attack as well as the depth of knowledge Trump and his team had to predict that the attack would occur. In his interview airing Sunday, Trump said he’d pardon some of those rioters on his “first day” in office. “I’m going to be acting very quickly. First day,” Trump said, adding later about their imprisonment, “they’ve been in there for years, and they’re in a filthy, disgusting place that shouldn’t even be allowed to be open.” The president-elect’s pick for the FBI in particular, Kash Patel, has called for the government to go after journalists with criminal and civil legal action. Patel has also called for the FBI itself to be dismantled following its investigation of the 2016 Trump campaign’s alleged ties to Russian operatives. Biden moved to shield his family from some of that danger this past week, and issued a blanket pardon for his son Hunter covering any crimes committed over an 11-year period. The adult son of the incumbent president has a history of drug abuse and at the time of his pardoning was due for sentencing on tax and gun charges. Trump and his allies attacked the pardon as symbolic of Washington corruption while the president’s allies did the opposite of rush to his defence: many Democrats criticised the president for giving the appearance of a separate standard of justice for his family members, given that the facts of his son’s criminal case are not in dispute. But the president does have some defenders who have characterised the move as necessary to shield the president’s family from political retribution from the incoming administration.No. 8 Kentucky flying high ahead of Western Kentucky meeting

Photo: jaishankar To make presence felt in electronics, green energy Panaji: Amid the ongoing events in the state, good tidings are coming Goa’s way, with US Consul General in Mumbai Mike Hankey on Friday stating that American companies are eager to offer technologies to the industries in the state. “In the coming months, Goa will see enhanced business connections with the US. Corporate tie-ups, signing of MoUs and technology collaborations are on the cards for the state as US companies move to make their presence felt in Goa’s electronics and green energy industries,” said Hankey. “The industries in Goa offer a lot of opportunities for deeper economic ties with the US,” said Hankey, who visited the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Goa office on Friday and met Goan businessmen to scout for trade opportunities. Stating that the innovation ecosystem in the state is advanced and ready to receive foreign investment, Hankey said, “There is a lot of research going on in institutions like BITS Pilani, Goa in areas like semi-conductors, clean energy and pharmaceuticals. The three industries are predominant in Goa and are the sectors where the US wants to partner with India.” The US Consul General said his country can offer technology in electric vehicles and cutting edge solutions in information technology. Further, he said the country is looking to drive a change in India’s supply chain that is presently dominated by China. Hankey visited Goa in view of the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 and the Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. Hankey said several US filmmakers are in Goa for the Film Bazaar. “They are reading scripts for web series. The next new web series could be the result of joint ventures between US and Indian filmmakers,” he said. Giving thumbs up to the inclusivity measures taken for the differently-abled at the Exposition, Hankey said, “The Goa Disability Commission has done groundbreaking work in providing electric wheel chairs and e-vehicles at the historic decennial event. It is another area where the US can help Goa,” he said. “US citizens will be arriving here to attend the Exposition; they are a part of the international visitors, who will be visiting the state,” he said. With the election of Donald Trump as the next president of America, change in the country’s administration will occur from January 20. “Each new administration in the US has always continued with student visas and trade relations. It has been the trend,” said Hankey. India has emerged as the top country, sending students to the US. Presently there are 3,30,000 Indian students studying in the US. “All the US embassies and the consulate offices are finding ways to hasten the processing of visa applications. We have deployed technology, commenced remote processing of applications and waived interviews for people who are renewing visas,” said Hankey.Stock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more recordsUN watchdog to conduct probe into sexual misconduct allegations against top international prosecutor

Article content Baseball, apparently, has lost its mind and quite possibly its conscience. All in a rather brazen attempt to make the game better, more interesting, more exciting, more full of moments, less real. Having more scripted moments, more like WWE and less like the almost perfect sport it was before its leaders began stripping away at the fabric of the games with so many additional rules and alterations. There is enough wrong with baseball right now with pitching clocks and instant replay, with analytics and pitch counts, with shifting and not shifting, with rules on how many batters a relief pitcher can face, and how wide the bases may be. But what’s happening now — in thought and over time, in possibility — makes you wish you could turn the clock back to a time when baseball was simpler and maybe more beautiful. When you didn’t need to place a runner on second base in extra innings — a rule stolen from international softball — so that the game would end quicker or more offence would occur unnaturally. You may or may not have heard about the apparent Golden Rule that is being talked about from baseball’s tallest foreheads these days. Here’s what’s being discussed by the commissioner, Rob Manfred, and by those around him: They are talking about changing the game from what it has ever been. They are talking about altering the fabric of the sport and by that, making a change that seems so ridiculous that it might actually be possible by those now in charge. This is how the Golden Rule might work if it ever is instituted. Once in the game — possibly twice, this is still being debated — a team would be allowed to alter its batting order to allow someone to hit in a spot in the lineup that isn’t his. In other words, you could lead off the ninth inning with Vladimir Guerrero hitting a double to left field. And then, under this rule, have Guerrero go back to the plate and see if he couldn’t knock himself home from second base. This is something between T-ball and senior men’s slow pitch. It may for the little kids and the older kids — but not for the best players in the world. Think of the most recent post-season, with incredible moments of excitement, especially from the Cleveland Guardians-New York Yankees series, and you want to change that? You want to alter baseball after 150 years of doing things one way? All in the name of what? Fake drama. What they’re talking about would tinker with the essence of baseball. The game is already unpredictable. You want to lose the spontaneity? You want Juan Soto or Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani hitting first and second in an inning? This is like a video game. Baseball is great in spite of itself, in spite who keeps trying to make it something it’s not. Because is great because of its history. Because we can link Ted Williams to Hank Aaron to Barry Bonds on steroids to Judge and Ohtani, all of them playing under mostly the same rules. More than any other sport, baseball is an ongoing conversation. It’s all about how and why and who and when and where — and they do it all again tomorrow. That’s why the best sporting movies and the sporting books and the best sports writing is always done on baseball. It’s closer to sporting poetry than any of its counterparts. Forcing a Golden Rule on the game is blasphemy of sorts. It has to be offensive to purists and maybe even to those who aren’t. You can’t change batting orders now or ever. You can’t do that and call it progress. BLUE JAYS TIDBITS Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins met with the Toronto chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America yesterday, as he does every year at this time, and talked about the upcoming winter with his usual blind enthusiasm. He admitted, as has been reported everywhere, that the Blue Jays have made a pitch to free agent Juan Soto, but out of respect for Soto and respect for agent Scott Boras, he would say little more than that. He did say: “There’s still a great deal of opportunity for us. We feel confident of making our team better.” ... Atkins also said, while not disclosing budget numbers: “We don’t have unlimited resources, but we have the potential to make our team better with free agency and trades.” ... Atkins did admit the Blue Jays attempted to keep pitcher Jordan Romano before letting him walk and will attempt to sign him now. It’s clear the Jays offered Romano a pay cut to stay with the team, but Romano chose not to accept it. Atkins did say he had no questions about Romano’s health for the coming season. “We remain interested in him and will be heavily pursuing his return,” said Atkins ... What did Atkins learn from the failed attempt to get Shohei Ohtani last year? “All positive things from the (Ohtani negotiations). We’re a destination, we’re an attractive market for (free agents). We’re better at presenting that (now) and better at trying to execute that.” ... When asked about paying deferred dollars to free agents, the way the Dodgers did with Ohtani last year and pitcher Blake Snell this year, and how that work for the Jays, Atkins said: “That’s a better question for the CEO or CFO of Rogers.” He didn’t say when the CEO or CFO of Rogers would be answering questions ... Atkins was asked about whether Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would have to be signed beyond next season to attract free agents looking for stability? His answer: “That’s hard to project.” ... In unrelated news, Atkins did say that centre fielder Daulton Varsho is unlikely to be ready to start the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.The challenges affecting Guam’s tourism industry today stem from deep and systemic issues that require thoughtful attention. While the relocation of the military from Okinawa to Guam provides short-term economic activity, it does not contribute directly to the recovery of our tourism sector. Instead, it absorbs valuable resources, strains local infrastructure, and perpetuates the perception of Guam as a military outpost rather than the tropical paradise it once was known for. At the same time, Guam faces significant geographic and economic challenges. High operating costs, limited flight connectivity post-pandemic, and fierce competition from regional destinations like Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam exacerbate our struggles. These destinations have not changed from pre-COVID to present conditions; they remain competitive because they continue to offer affordable travel packages, modern infrastructure, and cultural experiences that attract tourists from our key markets. Meanwhile, Guam has seemingly become Okinawa overnight, creating an environment Japan, our largest tourist market, does not want. Japan rejects the so-called “Tip of the Spear” atmosphere in favor of the “Hafa Adai Spirit,” which has historically drawn visitors to our island. It is clear that we are now competing against overwhelming odds and may never regain the market share the GVB board aims to achieve without addressing these foundational issues. Adding to these challenges is the recent resignation of former Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez as general manager and CEO of the Guam Visitors Bureau. His departure, reportedly due to tactful and deliberate actions by the GVB board and political leaders, is both disappointing and concerning. Governor Gutierrez brought unparalleled experience, leadership, and dedication to Guam’s tourism sector at a time when visionary guidance is needed most. His resignation raises serious questions about the priorities of the board and our political leaders, particularly as it appears to cater to outside interests rather than addressing the critical needs of our island. It is nauseating to now see advertisements in the daily paper soliciting a new general manager with such a generic job description, as if to depict that Mr. Gutierrez failed in his efforts to recover our tourism market share in the region. This completely disregards Guam’s unique situation. Such oversimplified messaging fails to consider the deeper, systemic challenges Guam faces and does a disservice to the hard work and progress made under Mr. Gutierrez’s leadership. This situation reflects a broader failure to focus on the root causes of Guam’s tourism struggles. The big picture remains clear: these problems go far beyond surface-level concerns like “cleaning toilets.” Guam needs balanced leadership that fosters sustainable solutions, revitalizes our tourism industry, and restores confidence among stakeholders. While the military buildup absorbs much of the labor and construction resources, the vision of “One Guam” has fallen by the wayside. What happened to initiatives that aimed to create a balance beneficial for both the military and the private sector? Guam’s livelihood depends on finding this equilibrium. We worry about being at the front of a nuclear war, but when the dust settles after the military buildup, I am concerned about our fragile island becoming so small and dependent on the federal government. We risk being overshadowed and displaced by the immense, non-taxable military industry, falling back into the very reality General Murray described in his 1945 secret message to Congress: that Guam has no economic value to the United States and remains subservient to its will. Our island deserves better than to be left in such a state, and it is time for leadership that puts our people first, fostering self-sufficiency and dignity.

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Photo: Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”