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2024 has come and gone, and left us with more memes than we can count. But among them, some of them stick out in the pop culture landscape as true paragons of villainy and bad taste. From characters in movie franchises to, um, Elon Musk , they’ve made their mark on the social discourse this year, for better or worse. And is there any better way to ring out the year than by marking their various misdeeds? In no particular order, here are the biggest pop culture villains of 2024. Turns out, Austin Butler can do villain. And he can do villain very well, as his turn in the second instalment of blockbuster franchise Dune proves. In it, Butler plays Feyd-Rautha, the unhinged nephew of the evil Baron Harkonnen and rocker of an all-bald look. Also, the person Timothee Chalamet’s Paul would have married if he’d been born a woman. There is a weird kind of sexual chemistry there, but Butler plays it (as he plays the entire role) with a kind of psychopathic unpredictability. Anybody who licks their sword after killing somebody is somebody to stay far, far away from. The UK finally got its first Love is Blind season earlier this year. And because nothing brings the nation together faster or more cohesively than a villain, we got one of those too. Step forward, Sam Klein. The product manager first raised eyebrows in the pods, where he emotionally manipulated Nicole and Jasmine, boasting about “if you saw me, then I think you might be impressed”, or that the book of his life would be “one of the best books that someone could ever read.” Sam and Nicole eventually got engaged (much to the dismay of Nicole’s other prospective partner Benaiah), but things didn’t go to plan. “I think I love you,” he told her when they first met (never mind that half an hour before, he’d been making snide jabs about her weight). Nevertheless, within a few days Nicole had called off the engagement, after which Sam popped up at a couple’s party (where she was now with Benaiah) to spread the rumour that she had asked to sleep with him during the time they were ‘engaged’. Nicole denied it, everybody got upset, Sam was unrepentant. Problematic much? Hear me out - isn’t Moo Deng a low key villain? The pint-sized pygmy hippo shot to fame in 2024 thanks to the internet, her short legs and a penchant for being a bit sulky. We couldn’t get enough of her sulking, squealing, running around and generally being a bit of a nuisance to her long-suffering mother. Crowds lapped it up. There’s nothing more 2024 than being celebrated for bad behaviour: very brat. I can’t believe it needs to be said, but here we go. Musk took over Twitter in 2022, and since then he’s set about transforming it into his personal playground, or, as he puts it, his “social experiment on humanity.” Since then, it’s become a dark and dangerous place: posts sharing misinformation abound, staff levels have been slashed and moderation policies have been culled. In 2024, that went further: now, the block function has been changed, and blocked people can still view what you post. The algorithm also seems to think that what all users want to see most is far-right content from users like Tommy Robinson or MAGA supporters. With Trump in power, this is likely to get worse - and that’s before we get onto Musk’s dabbling in Trump’s new government. Sinister doesn’t cut it. Venture there at your own risk. Apparently, beefing is good for business. And that’s exactly what Kendrick Lamar and Drake did earlier this year, both of them leaning so hard into the villainy arc that their spat generated headlines worldwide. It all started when rapper J. Cole released a track calling himself, Lamar and Drake “the big three.” Lamar was extremely unimpressed - so much so that he released a verse claiming there was no “big three - it's just big me". Soon enough, Drake and Lamar were beefing hard. So hard, in fact, that Drake insulted his rival’s height and called him a record label puppet; Lamar claimed he was a “master manipulator” who was addicted to drink and drugs and had relationships with underage girls. Many, many diss tracks were released and in the end Lamar seemed to put an end to it all with his epic Not Like Us. Still. There are no winners here: only villains. Seriously, who keeps getting Nicole Kidman these roles? The star has been all over our screens in 2024, but for a series of TV shows/ films that just seem to keep missing the mark: A Family Affair, The Perfect Couple, Apple TV+’s uneven Expats. In them, Kidman plays the same archetype over and over: a mother, who has to deal with either a death or a terrible tragedy, which exposes some secrets the family would rather keep hidden. It’s tiring. Here’s hoping Babygirl will set things back on track again. Making the case for why buildings can be villains too. In May, Manchester’s much-hyped new venue finally opened, after several very embarrassing delays. Though Peter Kay was set to launch the venue with a gig in April, issues with the ventilation ducts and electrics meant it had to be pushed back. Oh, and the air conditioning fell off. The upshot: a test event it was due to hold with Rick Astley was scaled back, and several more gigs were cancelled, including A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (on the night itself, as fans were lining up outside) and several Olivia Rodrigo gigs on the following weekend. Fans were furious. And though the arena has since opened fully, will it ever be able to wash off the stench of shame? For many things, but in a pop culture sense, for calling Democrats a “bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives.” Of course, this created an uproar, and Jennifer Aniston was quick to respond. “I truly can’t believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States,” she wrote. “All I can say is... Mr Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day.” Vance later defended his comments, but it became something of a theme over the following months. When Taylor Swift came out for Kamala Harris, she referred to herself as a “childless cat lady”. Revenge of the cats? Whether it’s trespassing on crime scenes or digging into things that should be kept out of the public eye, internet sleuths have a lot to answer for this year. Take the case of Baby Reindeer. The Netflix show became a sleeper hit when it launched in April thanks to its creator Richard Gadd’s brutally honest retelling of his own run-in with a stalker. However, it grew into something much bigger when internet ‘detectives’ decided to try and track down the real-life ‘Martha’. Spoiler alert: despite Gadd’s pleas for the detectives to back down (and them trolling several people who turned out not to be the ones Gadd was basing his characters on), they succeeded. She was identified as Fiona Garvey, and now she’s suing Netflix for what she calls the “brutal lies” of the way she’s portrayed in the drama. Netflix have pushed back, saying they intended to “defend this story rigorously”. It’s a right mess, and to be honest, a cautionary tale for the damage that modern internet culture can cause.WASHINGTON — The House shut down Democrats' efforts Thursday to release the long-awaited ethics report into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, pushing the fate of any resolution to the yearslong investigation of sexual misconduct allegations into further uncertainty. Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate Nov. 14 in Palm Beach, Fla. The nearly party-line votes came after Democrats had been pressing for the findings to be published even though the Florida Republican left Congress and withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., was the sole Republican to support the effort. Most Republicans have argued that any congressional probe into Gaetz ended when he resigned from the House. Speaker Mike Johnson also requested that the committee not publish its report, saying it would be a terrible precedent to set. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. Shortly before the votes took place, Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., who introduced one of the bills to force the release, said that if Republicans reject the release, they will have “succeeded in sweeping credible allegations of sexual misconduct under the rug.” Gaetz has repeatedly denied the claims. Earlier Thursday, the Ethics panel met to discuss the Gaetz report but made no decision, saying in a short statement that the matter is still being discussed. It's unclear now whether the document will ever see the light of day as lawmakers have only a few weeks left before a new session of Congress begins. It's the culmination of weeks of pressure on the Ethics committee's five Republicans and five Democrats who mostly work in secret as they investigate allegations of misconduct against lawmakers. The status of the Gaetz investigation became an open question last month when he abruptly resigned from Congress after Trump's announcement that he wanted his ally in the Cabinet. It is standard practice for the committee to end investigations when members of Congress depart, but the circumstances surrounding Gaetz were unusual, given his potential role in the new administration. Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., the committee chairman, said Wednesday that there is no longer the same urgency to release the report given that Gaetz has left Congress and stepped aside as Trump's choice to head the Justice Department. “I’ve been steadfast about that. He’s no longer a member. He is no longer going to be confirmed by the Senate because he withdrew his nomination to be the attorney general,” Guest said. The Gaetz report has also caused tensions between lawmakers on the bipartisan committee. Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the panel, publicly admonished Guest last month for mischaracterizing a previous meeting to the press. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and said last year that the Justice Department’s separate investigation against him into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls ended without federal charges. His onetime political ally Joel Greenberg, a fellow Republican who served as the tax collector in Florida’s Seminole County, admitted as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in 2021 that he paid women and an underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The men were not identified in court documents when he pleaded guilty. Greenberg was sentenced in late 2022 to 11 years in prison. Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Kash Patel spent several years as a Justice Department prosecutor before catching the Trump administration’s attention as a staffer on Capitol Hill who helped investigate the Russia probe. Patel called for dramatically reducing the agency’s footprint, a perspective that sets him apart from earlier directors who sought additional resources for the bureau. Though the Justice Department in 2021 halted the practice of secretly seizing reporters’ phone records during leak investigations, Patel said he intends to aggressively hunt down government officials who leak information to reporters. Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. Jared Isaacman, 41, is a tech billionaire who bought a series of spaceflights from Elon Musk’s SpaceX and conducted the first private spacewalk . He is the founder and CEO of a card-processing company and has collaborated closely with Musk ever since buying his first chartered SpaceX flight. He took contest winners on that 2021 trip and followed it in September with a mission where he briefly popped out the hatch to test SpaceX’s new spacewalking suits. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Former Rep. Billy Long represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023. Since leaving Congress, Trump said, Long “has worked as a Business and Tax advisor, helping Small Businesses navigate the complexities of complying with the IRS Rules and Regulations.” Former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler was appointed in January 2020 by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and then lost a runoff election a year later. She started a conservative voter registration organization and dived into GOP fundraising, becoming one of the top individual donors and bundlers to Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. Even before nominating her for agriculture secretary, the president-elect already had tapped Loeffler as co-chair of his inaugural committee. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Marty Makary, Food and Drug Administration Makary is a Johns Hopkins surgeon and author who argued against pandemic lockdowns. He routinely appeared on Fox News during the COVID-19 pandemic and wrote opinion articles questioning masks for children. He cast doubt on vaccine mandates but supported vaccines generally. Makary also cast doubt on whether booster shots worked, which was against federal recommendations on the vaccine. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Surgeon General Nesheiwat is a general practitioner who serves as medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey. She has been a contributor to Fox News. Dr. Dave Weldon, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weldon is a former Florida congressman who recently ran for a Florida state legislative seat and lost; Trump backed Weldon’s opponent. In Congress, Weldon weighed in on one of the nation’s most heated debates of the 1990s over quality of life and a right-to-die and whether Terri Schiavo, who was in a persistent vegetative state after cardiac arrest, should have been allowed to have her feeding tube removed. He sided with the parents who did not want it removed. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.CONX Corp. Announces Acquisition of Red Technologies SAShow to withdraw ph365 。

MALAGA, Spain (AP) — No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner won matches in singles and doubles to lead defending champion Italy to a 2-1 comeback victory over Argentina on Thursday, earning a return trip to the Davis Cup semifinals. “I’m here trying to do the best I can in the singles,” Sinner said. “If they put me on the court in doubles, I’ll also try my best.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

St. Petersburg council approves $23M repair to hurricane-ravaged Tropicana Field roof

Nebraska women’s basketball player Callin Hake summed it up as well as anyone could. “I think in South Dakota we shot the crap out of it, which is awesome,” the guard from Minnesota said. On that night last weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Huskers made a school-record 20 3-pointers on 58% shooting beyond the arc in a 113-70 win against South Dakota. That was three more than the previous record, from 2010. Now comes another game against Creighton where the series at times has at times been defined by the 3-point line — both the ability to make and defend it. The 3-point line is something to watch closely again when the Huskers and Bluejays play at 4 p.m. Friday at Sokol Arena in Omaha, a few hours before the men’s teams from the same schools play at CHI Health Center Omaha. People are also reading... Recap: Here's how Joey Graziadei will win 'Dancing with the Stars' At the courthouse, Nov. 16, 2024 Zitel bound over to district court in death of child Kidnapping in Nebraska prompted police chase that ended with 3 dead on I-29 in Missouri Beatrice native's latest film gets special engagement in hometown BPS mini-marts offer help They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. Chamberlain among seven inducted into Nebraska Baseball HOF Inmate cited for damaging video system Just Askin': Dana Holgorsen noncommittal on future, ranking a big week for Nebraska Athletics Beatrice High School first-quarter honor roll Micheal J's to reopen Former Daily Sun publisher Thomas dies Historical society appoints board members, elects officers At the courthouse, Nov. 9, 2024 Creighton (1-2) has won two straight in the series. Last year, Morgan Maly made three 3-pointers in the first three minutes of the game and Creighton led the entire game while winning 79-74. Creighton didn’t keep its hot 3-point shooting going the entire game but made nine and outscored the Huskers by 18 points beyond the arc. Nebraska was 3-for-21 on 3-pointers. In 2022, Creighton blasted the Huskers 77-51 after making five of its first eight 3-pointers. “One thing I know is they (Creighton) all shoot it pretty well,” Nebraska coach Amy Williams said. “Last year we gave up eight made threes in the first quarter. That’s something we’ll have to shore up. They’re very, very good off the ball with their movement and cuts so you’re positioning really matters. We’ll have to make the hustle plays and not give them second-chance opportunities.” Creighton has won seven of the last eight meetings with the Huskers. The Bluejays are averaging 10.4 made threes per game during the stretch, while Nebraska is averaging 3.6. The 5-0 and 21st-ranked Huskers faced a major dose of adversity this week when sophomore forward Natalie Potts sustained a season-ending knee injury during Tuesday’s game against North Alabama. She’s scheduled for surgery in two weeks. Williams called the injury is “devastating.” “What a start she’s had to the season, leading our team in scoring and rebounding,” Williams said. “She worked really hard this offseason.” Creighton has reached the NCAA Tournament the past three seasons, making the Elite Eight in 2022, the first round in 2023 and the second round in 2024 with several of the same players that are on the team this year. Creighton may be the most experienced team the Huskers face all season, as the Bluejay playing rotation includes five graduate students, two seniors and two juniors. “We’re incredibly familiar with their roster, and they’re incredibly familiar with our roster,” Williams said. Creighton guard Lauren Jensen has already gone off this season, scoring a career-high 32 in an 80-72 win against Drake. She was 6-for-10 on threes and made each of her six two-point shots. One thing new to the series for Nebraska is Britt Prince, the freshman from Elkhorn North getting her first taste of playing against her hometown school. In the past two games combined, Prince is 15 for 21 shooting. She’s driving to the basket, and also shooting 3s. “She’s gotten more aggressive, and I’d like to see her be even more aggressive,” Williams said. The 113-70 win against South Dakota showed the Huskers what it can look like this season. The Huskers zipped passes around the perimeter to get lots of good 3-point chances. Nebraska had 33 assists on 41 field goals. Hake felt like a lot of inside-outside passes helped the Huskers to the fourth-best scoring total in program history. “When you have posts that are willing to kick it out and give you dimes for passes that makes shooting in a guard’s job a lot easier,” Hake said. “I think we really wanted to carry that forward. But we don’t want to live and die by the three.” Nebraska (5-0) G – Britt Prince; 5-11; Fr.; 13.0 G – Callin Hake; 5-8; Jr.; 6.0 G – Alberte Rimdal; 5-9; Sr.; 10.4 G – Logan Nissley; 6-0; So.; 8.0 C – Alexis Markowski; 6-3; Sr.; 13.8 Creighton (1-2) Player; Ht.; Yr.; PPG. G – Molly Mogensen; 5-7; Sr.; 6.0 G – Lauren Jensen; 5-10; Sr.; 21.3 G – Kiani Lockett; 5-8; Jr.; 11.3 G – Mallory Brake; 6-0; Sr.; 2.7 F – Morgan Maly; 6-1; Sr.; 15.3 Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com . On Twitter @LJSSportsWagner. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Jasleen Kaur Wins 2024 Turner PrizeMerck Recommends Rejection of TRC Capital’s “Mini-Tender” OfferTerrifying Fire Breaks Out At Apartment Building Owned By NFL Owner

Tiger Woods will not compete at this year's Hero World Challenge, the 15-time major winner confirmed in a social media post on Monday. The former world No 1 has been plagued by injury in recent years and has only made 11 competitive starts since his career-threatening car crash in February 2021, missing the cut in three of the four majors this year. Woods underwent surgery in September to alleviate "back spasms and pain" that hampered his limited playing schedule during the 2024 season. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player After missing the cut at The Open, Woods said at the time he was hoping to return for the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship later in December where he is set to partner his son Charlie. But in a post on X on Monday, Woods stated: "I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge", while at the same time welcoming Justin Thomas, Jason Day and Nick Dunlap into the 20-player field. Trending The tournament, which Woods hosts, runs between Thursday December 5 and Sunday December 8 in the Bahamas and is live on Sky Sports. Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland Enter Course, City, or Postal Code Courses Locations No results found. Please try another search. Woods' injury struggles plague 2024 season Woods had his first microdiscectomy in April 2014, two more the following year and then had his lower back fused in 2017. Also See: What golf is live on Sky Sports and when? Get Sky Sports or stream with NOW Latest golf videos & highlights Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp He had another microdiscectomy surgery in December 2020 to remove a pressurised disc fragment, before shattering bones in his right leg and ankle in a car crash during his recovery. The former world No 1 made a record 24th consecutive cut at The Masters earlier this year but shot 82 and 77 over the weekend, leaving him bottom of those who made the cut, then made early exits at the PGA Championship, US Open and The Open. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Woods had previously set an ambitious 'tournament a month' target for 2024, although his only other appearance outside of the majors saw him having to withdraw mid-round from the Genesis Invitational due to illness.Yet another stowaway has been caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, this time boarding a flight from Seattle to Hawaii without a ticket on Christmas Eve. A month after a woman was caught stowing away on a Delta flight heading from the U.S. to France, several news outlets confirm an unidentified individual was apprehended trying to do the same thing. Delta told ABC News that Flight 487 was taxiing at Seattle/Tacoma International Airport on Dec. 24 when the illegal passenger was discovered . “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed procedures to have an unticketed passenger removed from the flight and then apprehended,” a Delta spokesperson told People. “We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels and thank them for their patience and cooperation.” The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told the outlet the “individual did go through standard screening and did not possess any prohibited items.” Perry Cooper, an airport media relations spokesperson, told CNN the person went through security the previous evening, on Dec. 23. The following day, they “gained access to the loading bridge without a scanned ticket at the gate.” “The individual bypassed the identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded an aircraft at Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA) without a boarding pass,” the TSA continued in its statement. The incident caused the flight to take off about two hours and 15 minutes behind schedule , Fox Business reports. It remains unclear how the passenger managed to evade security checkpoints without a ticket and make their way aboard the aircraft. The passenger was arrested for trespassing and booked into South Correctional Entity jail, according airport authorities. Second Delta stowaway in a month In November, Svetlana Dali , a 57-year-old Russian national living in the U.S., was taken into custody in Paris after she made her way onto a Delta Air Lines flight at New York’s JFK International Airport without a boarding pass on Nov. 26 and flew all the way to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, apparently concealing herself by spending long periods of time in the plane’s multiple bathrooms. She was detained when authorities discovered she didn’t have a valid visa to enter the country, French National Police said at the time. After two unsuccessful attempts to deport her back to the U.S. — postponed after she “started screaming” and kicking up a fuss once aboard the departing planes — she was finally brought back to American soil on Dec. 4 and arrested by the FBI. Despite a Dec. 6 court hearing that ordered her not to leave Philadelphia and being outfitted with an ankle monitor until her trial, Dali was not deterred and was caught shortly after trying to sneak her way into Canada , reportedly cutting off her ankle monitor before boarding a Greyhound bus destined to the Great White North. Dali was able to get through an advanced imaging technology body scanner at JFK airport and dodge document and ID checks during the security process. A senior law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told CNN that, at the gate, Dali successfully blended in with a large group of other travellers and slipped by staff without a ticket.11 Crips gang members busted over violent Queens turf war: DA Katz

The nearly party-line votes came after Democrats had been pressing for the findings to be published even though the Florida Republican left Congress and withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., was the sole Republican to support the effort. Most Republicans have argued that any congressional probe into Gaetz ended when he resigned from the House. Speaker Mike Johnson also requested that the committee not publish its report, saying it would be a terrible precedent to set. While ethics reports have previously been released after a member’s resignation, it is extremely rare. Shortly before the votes took place, Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., who introduced one of the bills to force the release, said that if Republicans reject the release, they will have “succeeded in sweeping credible allegations of sexual misconduct under the rug.” Gaetz has repeatedly denied the claims. Earlier Thursday, the Ethics panel met to discuss the Gaetz report but made no decision, saying in a short statement that the matter is still being discussed. It's unclear now whether the document will ever see the light of day as lawmakers have only a few weeks left before a new session of Congress begins. It's the culmination of weeks of pressure on the Ethics committee's five Republicans and five Democrats who mostly work in secret as they investigate allegations of misconduct against lawmakers. The status of the Gaetz investigation became an open question last month when he abruptly resigned from Congress after Trump's announcement that he wanted his ally in the Cabinet. It is standard practice for the committee to end investigations when members of Congress depart, but the circumstances surrounding Gaetz were unusual, given his potential role in the new administration. Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., the committee chairman, said Wednesday that there is no longer the same urgency to release the report given that Gaetz has left Congress and stepped aside as Trump's choice to head the Justice Department. “I’ve been steadfast about that. He’s no longer a member. He is no longer going to be confirmed by the Senate because he withdrew his nomination to be the attorney general,” Guest said. The Gaetz report has also caused tensions between lawmakers on the bipartisan committee. Pennsylvania Rep. Susan Wild, the top Democrat on the panel, publicly admonished Guest last month for mischaracterizing a previous meeting to the press. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and said last year that the Justice Department’s separate investigation against him into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls ended without federal charges. His onetime political ally Joel Greenberg, a fellow Republican who served as the tax collector in Florida’s Seminole County, admitted as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in 2021 that he paid women and an underage girl to have sex with him and other men. The men were not identified in court documents when he pleaded guilty. Greenberg was sentenced in late 2022 to 11 years in prison.

Intel’s (NASDAQ:INTC) $8B Payout Catches Workers’ Attention - TipRanksElectoral Commission Destroys Defective Ballot Papers in Eastern Region Ahead of December 5 Special Voting

Share Tweet Share Share Email Agriculture is the backbone of many economies worldwide, providing food, raw materials, and livelihoods to millions of people. However, farmers face significant challenges, including unpredictable weather, pests, diseases, and market fluctuations. To mitigate these risks, insurance has long been a critical tool. Yet, traditional insurance systems are often fraught with inefficiencies, delays, and a lack of transparency. Enter blockchain technology—a revolutionary approach that promises to transform livestock and crop insurance , making it more transparent, efficient, and reliable. Understanding Blockchain Technology Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in a secure, tamper-proof manner. Each block of data is linked to the previous one, creating a chain of information that is transparent and immutable. This technology offers several key benefits that make it ideal for applications in agriculture insurance: Transparency: All transactions are visible to authorized parties, reducing disputes and enhancing trust. Security: Data is encrypted and distributed across a network, making it highly resistant to tampering. Efficiency: Automated processes and smart contracts reduce administrative overhead and delays. These features address many of the pain points in traditional insurance systems, paving the way for more effective coverage for farmers. Challenges in Traditional Livestock and Crop Insurance Before diving into blockchain’s potential, it is crucial to understand the limitations of conventional livestock and crop insurance: Lack of Transparency Farmers often struggle to understand policy terms, claim procedures, and payout calculations. This lack of clarity can lead to mistrust and dissatisfaction. Slow Claim Processing Claims often require extensive documentation and manual verification, causing significant delays in payouts. For farmers facing urgent needs, these delays can be devastating. High Administrative Costs Insurance providers incur substantial expenses in underwriting, claims assessment, and fraud prevention, driving up premiums for farmers. Limited Accessibility Small-scale farmers in remote areas often lack access to affordable insurance products due to logistical and financial constraints. Blockchain technology can address these issues, offering a more farmer-centric approach. How Blockchain Transforms Livestock and Crop Insurance Blockchain technology brings a host of advantages that can revolutionize the agricultural insurance space . Here’s how: Transparent Policy Management With blockchain, insurance policies can be digitized and stored on a shared ledger. Farmers, insurers, and regulators can access the same information, ensuring complete transparency. Smart contracts—self-executing agreements with predefined rules—can automate policy terms and eliminate ambiguities. For example, a smart contract could automatically trigger a payout when certain conditions, such as extreme weather events, are met. Faster Claims Processing Blockchain enables real-time data sharing and verification. Weather data, satellite imagery, and IoT sensors can feed directly into the blockchain, providing accurate and timely information. This automation reduces the need for manual intervention, speeding up claim settlements. Imagine a scenario where a farmer’s crops are damaged by a drought. Sensors in the field detect soil dryness, and weather data confirms prolonged aridity. The blockchain smart contract processes this information and initiates a payout without requiring the farmer to file a claim manually. Reduced Fraud and Errors Fraudulent claims and data manipulation are significant challenges in traditional insurance. Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures that all transactions are permanently recorded and verifiable. This reduces the likelihood of fraud and errors, protecting both insurers and farmers. Lower Administrative Costs By automating processes and eliminating intermediaries, blockchain significantly reduces administrative expenses. These cost savings can be passed on to farmers in the form of lower premiums. Improved Accessibility Blockchain-based platforms can integrate with mobile applications, making insurance products more accessible to small-scale farmers in remote areas. Payments and claims can be processed digitally, eliminating the need for physical visits to insurance offices. Real-World Applications of Blockchain in Agriculture Insurance Several projects and initiatives are already demonstrating the potential of blockchain in livestock and crop insurance: ACRE Africa ACRE Africa is leveraging blockchain technology to provide weather-based index insurance to smallholder farmers. By using blockchain to automate data collection and claims processing, ACRE Africa ensures timely payouts, enhancing farmers’ resilience. Etherisc Etherisc is a decentralized platform offering blockchain-based insurance solutions, including crop and livestock coverage. Farmers can purchase policies, file claims, and receive payouts directly through the platform, all powered by smart contracts. Pula Pula is another innovative initiative using blockchain to deliver affordable insurance to small-scale farmers. The platform integrates satellite data and blockchain to assess risks and process claims efficiently. Benefits of Blockchain-Based Insurance for Farmers Adopting blockchain technology in livestock and crop insurance offers numerous advantages for farmers: Fair and Transparent Policies: Farmers can clearly understand policy terms and conditions, building trust in the system. Timely Payouts: Automated claims processing ensures farmers receive compensation promptly, minimizing financial stress. Affordability: Reduced administrative costs and streamlined processes make insurance more affordable. Increased Coverage: Accessible platforms enable more farmers to benefit from insurance, enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience. Challenges and Considerations While the potential benefits are immense, implementing blockchain-based insurance systems is not without challenges: Technological Barriers Adopting blockchain requires access to reliable internet and digital devices, which may be limited in rural areas. Initial Costs Developing and deploying blockchain systems involves significant upfront investment. Collaboration between governments, insurers, and tech companies is essential to share these costs. Regulatory Hurdles Regulators need to establish clear guidelines to govern blockchain-based insurance systems, ensuring compliance and protecting stakeholders. Education and Awareness Farmers and insurers need training to understand and adopt blockchain technology effectively. The Future of Livestock and Crop Insurance with Blockchain The integration of blockchain technology in livestock and crop insurance is still in its early stages. However, as more stakeholders recognize its potential, adoption is expected to grow. Here are some trends to watch: Integration with IoT and AI: Combining blockchain with IoT devices and AI algorithms can enhance data accuracy and risk assessment. Government Support: Governments may invest in blockchain-based insurance systems to support farmers and boost agricultural productivity. Global Collaboration: Cross-border partnerships can facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources, accelerating adoption. Conclusion Blockchain technology offers a promising solution to the challenges plaguing traditional livestock and crop insurance systems. By enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accessibility , it empowers farmers with reliable and affordable coverage. While there are hurdles to overcome, the potential benefits for the agricultural sector are too significant to ignore. As stakeholders work together to address these challenges, blockchain could become a cornerstone of a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future. Related Items: Blockchain in Agriculture Insurance , Blockchain Technology , Livestock and Crop Insurance Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Designing for Trust: Visual Elements That Build Credibility How Blockchain Technology Enhances Business Process Management Software VIRTUALS proved AI Agents Are the Future, can Binance listed UFT be the next? CommentsNEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) — A Louisiana civil court judge on Monday halted state agencies' plans to forcibly clear homeless encampments in New Orleans. Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Ethel Julien issued a temporary restraining order blocking state police and two other agencies from evicting homeless people from their encampments in New Orleans or seizing their property without following city laws and due process. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry had called earlier this month for the City of New Orleans to remove a large encampment before Thanksgiving and warned he would intervene if the city did not comply. “If a judge believes that people have a right to be on whatever public space they choose, maybe that judge should have them move into her chambers and courtroom," Landry said after the judge issued the restraining order Monday. Louisiana State Police spokesperson Sgt. Katharine Stegall said the agency’s legal team and the state Attorney General’s Office are reviewing the order. State police have “promptly halted activities” and are “complying with the restrictions” of the order, Stegall said. Landry and New Orleans officials have repeatedly clashed over how to address the issue of homelessness in the city. New Orleans City Councilmember Lesli Harris said Monday that directing more resources towards moving homeless people into stable housing was “infinitely more effective than punitive sweeps” of encampments. “Coordination between the government and service providers on the housing of people is imperative, and continuously moving people only makes it that much harder to house them,” Harris said. But the governor has pushed to clear homeless encampments. In late October, Louisiana State Police, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Department of Transportation and Development converged on a homeless encampment under a highway to remove and relocate dozens of people prior to pop star Taylor Swift’s concerts in the nearby Superdome. Some people who had been away at the time of the clearances returned to the area to find they had lost their personal property including family heirlooms, identification documents and medication, according to testimony in court documents. City officials and advocates for homeless people decried the evictions and said they disrupted ongoing efforts to secure long-term housing for these individuals because they became harder to locate. A judge later granted a temporary restraining order preventing more clearances but declined to extend it beyond early November after lawyers representing the state police indicated in court that removals tied to the Taylor Swift concerts had ceased. But on Friday, homeless people began receiving flyers from state police officers ordering them to leave their encampments within 24 hours, according to a motion for relief filed on behalf of two homeless plaintiffs by the Southern Poverty Law Center and two other legal groups. The planned sweeps preceded the Bayou Classic football game on Saturday between Southern University and Grambling State University at the Superdome. “Your presence is considered a violation,” the flyers stated, according to the motion for relief. However, they were halted by the new temporary restraining order. On Dec. 3, the judge is scheduled to deliberate on whether to issue a preliminary injunction against the three state agencies. “The vulnerable people with disabilities who make up the vast majority of people living in the street deserve to be treated with sensitivity and compassion,” said Joe Heeren-Mueller, director of community engagement for Unity of Greater New Orleans, a homeless outreach organization. There are about 1,450 homeless people in New Orleans and neighboring Jefferson Parish, according to a January survey by the nonprofit Unity of Greater New Orleans. The city has committed to securing housing for these individuals by the end of 2025. Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96

Vice President Kamala Harris took to social media to urge supporters to remain resilient despite her Election Day loss to President-elect Donald Trump. “I just have to remind you, don’t you ever let anybody take your power from you. You have the same power that you did before November 5, and you have the same purpose that you did, and you have the same ability to engage and inspire,” Harris said. Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, discussed the election during a conference call with the Democratic Party’s financial committee. It was the first time Harris spoke about the election loss since delivering her concession speech at Howard University three weeks ago. On the call, Harris highlighted the campaign’s fundraising efforts. According to Harris, her campaign raised nearly $1.5 billion during the three-month campaign, with almost 8 million donors contributing an average of $56. “The work that you all did is going to have [a] lasting effect,” she said. “Again, I’ll say you know that the election didn’t turn out like we wanted it to, certainly not as we planned for it to, but understand that the work we put into it was about empowering people. That’s the spirit with [which] we did our work.” In her address, Harris emphasized the importance of building a diverse coalition. “Hard work is good work. Hard work can be joyful work, and in doing our work, we will remain committed and intentional about building community, building coalitions, reminding people that we all have so much more in common than what separates us. We will be armed with the faith and the fuel that tells us what is possible and then drives us to achieve it,” she added. She also thanked top donors for their support. “The outcome of this election, obviously, is not what we wanted. It is not what we worked so hard for, but I am proud of the race we ran, and your role in this was critical,” Harris said. “What we did in 107 days was unprecedented. Think about the coalition that we built.” Leaders of Harris’ campaign have insisted they simply didn’t have enough time to execute a winning strategy. Speaking on the “Pod Save America” podcast that aired Tuesday, Harris’ leadership team defended strategic decisions made in the campaign’s closing days, some of which have faced scrutiny in the weeks since Trump’s decisive victory. Specifically, they defended Harris’ outreach to Republican voters, her unwillingness to distance herself from President Biden, her silence on Trump’s attacks on her transgender policies, and her inability to schedule an interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan. “In a 107-day race, it is very difficult to do all the things you would normally do in a year and a half, two years,” said Harris campaign senior adviser Jen O’Malley Dillon. David Plouffe, another senior adviser, added, “There was a price to be paid for the short campaign.”CONX Corp. Announces Acquisition of Red Technologies SAS

New Delhi, Dec 27 (IANS): The Finance Ministry’s Department of Expenditure (DoE) has enabled the real-time, transparent distribution of funds for 1,206 schemes covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in FY 2024-25, processing transactions worth a record Rs 2.23 lakh crore, according to a year-end report released on Friday. "This initiative has supported the Digital India mission by extensive integrations with 117 external systems and seamless interfaces with major banks have enhanced efficiency and accountability," the review stated. The system enables the complete tracking of funds from their release to credit into the bank account of intended beneficiaries as a result of which leakages are plugged. In alignment with the 15th Finance Commission's recommendations, the DoE has also strengthened state finances by facilitating additional borrowing capacities, performance-linked incentives, and grants for disaster recovery, healthcare, and regional development. For FY 2024-25, the net borrowing ceiling was set at Rs 9.40 lakh crore, with an additional 0.5 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) allocated for power sector reforms. These measures aim to boost operational efficiency and promote economic sustainability across states, the report observed. Public procurement reforms remain a key focus, with increased financial thresholds under the General Financial Rules (GFRs) and the release of a revised Procurement Manual in 2024. These updates prioritise Ease of Doing Business, transparency, and clarity in procurement processes, ensuring alignment with modern governance requirements. The delegation of Financial Powers Rules, 2024, further simplifies decision-making by empowering departments and individuals, fostering efficiency and responsibility in financial management, the report observed. The DoE has also introduced social security reforms for Government employees with the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which guarantees assured pensions and inflation-adjusted benefits for retired personnel. Scheduled for implementation from April 1, 2025, the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to securing the welfare of its workforce. Simultaneously, disaster management initiatives have included the timely release of funds to states affected by floods and landslides, as well as the modernisation of fire and emergency services. These milestones are in line with the vision to maintain fiscal prudence, operational efficiency, and inclusive development. By integrating digital technologies, empowering financial autonomy, and addressing critical needs such as disaster recovery and social security, the DoE continues to strengthen governance and foster economic resilience through support for capital investment, the report added.Real vs. fake: Can you spot AI-generated images?

NoneJennifer Hudson makes revelation Common 'might not like' during latest TV appearance

How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 11/22/2024None

This is politics but not as we know it. Up and down the country public meetings are being held where attendees speak candidly, listen respectfully and pay tribute to those with whom they passionately disagree. The MPs are often, genuinely, undecided on the subject and are more inclined to listen than to impose their views. When it comes to assisted dying the debate feels different - underpinned by a free vote and informed by deeply personal experiences, much of it playing out in town halls and community centres. It's about as far away from the superficial divisions of Westminster politics as it can get. At a gathering this week in Sandhurst, Berkshire, a young woman described her mother, who is in her 60s - a once fun, kind and energetic woman who after years fighting cancer is now fading before her eyes. She told the silent room she feels powerless to help and broke down in tears as she appealed to Labour MP Peter Swallow to back a change in the law. As she struggled to tell her story a man sitting in the row in front got up and put his arm around her. He later told the meeting he was against the legislation, concerned it could make older people feel obligated to die. He believed his own father had felt like a burden in his final years. The woman who he had supported reached out and took his hand as he spoke. Others talked about their faith with quiet but compelling conviction, and many raised concerns about pressure on patients and doctors. Read more: Canada's assisted dying programme has gone too far, says lawyer who tried to take own life Why is assisted dying so controversial? 'I'm looking to my own conscience' Mr Swallow, the newly elected MP for Bracknell who held the meeting, described the process of coming to a conclusion on a matter of conscience. "This is one of the parts of my decision-making," he said. "I've also been speaking to medical experts, looking over contributions from people who work in the palliative care sector, and I have been reading the select committee report from the last parliament on this issue. "I've read line by line through the Bill as well... and of course, I'm looking to my own conscience, looking to my own experience with death and weighing up all of those issues. "I'll be listening to the debate in Parliament as well and using that to really finally decide how I'm going to cast my vote." He is one of hundreds of MPs who have spent the past few weeks weighing all the arguments and may even wait until the day to decide, making the result of the second reading vote on Friday as unpredictable as it is consequential. Decision 'about shortening some quite horrible deaths' The feeling among its supporters is that the shift in public opinion in favour of assisted dying will be reflected in parliament, and in particular among the vast new cohort of mostly Labour MPs. A leading voice among them is Dr Jeevun Sandher, who has been making the case to colleagues and offering public backing to the Bill's sponsor, Kim Leadbeater. He said: "We should be clear that 70 people die every single day... for whom palliative care cannot allay their pain. They have built a tolerance to opioids. They're allergic to them. You can't just pump them full of morphine. "So for those towards the end of their life, for me, the choice is quite clear. "What we should be doing is hope to alleviate suffering in accordance with their wishes in a safe, responsible manner, which Kim's bill does. "For some people, they will choose to end their life and others will not. And that's completely fine. But we are talking the last six months. This is about shortening some quite horrible deaths." 'I don't want our society to go down this route' There is, however, steadfast and long-standing opposition, made up of MPs like Conservative Harriett Baldwin whose own father was handed a death sentence by doctors, only to recover. "I think it's very difficult to say definitively that someone is going to die within the next six months," she said. "From a personal point of view, I had an experience with my own father who was basically decreed to be almost dead and lived for another 20 years... "He made it through. He lived to see his grandchildren grow up. And we're so blessed that we had him for those extra 20 years. "So, medically, ethically, legally, there are so many issues that I am not comfortable with and I don't want our society to go down this route. And that's why I shall vote against on the 29th." Follow our channel and never miss an update. For the many who are still undecided though, the next few days are critical. High-level interventions from Cabinet figures and angry headlines about splits at the top may sway opinion at the margins but what sets votes like this apart is that they are not won or lost in the corridors of power. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free For once, it's quiet voices, gentle politics and personal reflections that will dictate what Westminster does. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALKTributes are flowing in for former National Party Minister Nikki Kaye, who has died after a long battle with cancer at age 44. It's understood she died at the weekend. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at 36 years old . Her former colleague, Maggie Barry, posted a photo of the pair on Facebook with the caption "farewell my friend". Others have also chimed in to praise Kaye, National's deputy leader under Todd Muller, for her "tireless dedication" to her work. "Nikki's contribution to our party, her community, and New Zealand has left an indelible mark," Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and deputy National Party leader Nicola Willis said in a joint statement. "Nikki was a remarkable person and a crusader for what she believed in, and her contribution has left our country in a better place." Willis said Kaye was one of the bravest Parliamentarians New Zealand had seen. "She was not only a colleague, but a brilliant friend to many of us. She was fiercely committed to her constituents and her values and she contributed so much of her soul to this country and our party. "Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Willis said. Meanwhile, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said today's news was incredibly sad. "Nikki Kaye and I were opposite numbers at Parliament in the Education portfolio, and I would describe us very fondly as frenemies," Hipkins said. "I had a lot of respect for her and how she went about her work. "I didn't agree with all of her decisions, but found her immensely reasonable. She poured her heart and soul into the electorate and she always pushed for better for children and young people." Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Kaye worked incredibly hard, cared passionately about her electorate, and was always willing to agree an idea was good, or bad, based on her values rather than just politics. "We laughed a lot over the years, and while we may have had some decent debates, nothing ever felt genuinely personal. I'm sorry that I never knew Nikki was unwell again, if I had, I'd liked to have talked with her just one more time." Others also posted to social media to pay tribute: Kaye had openly spoken about her health before retiring from Parliament. She was in Parliament for 12 years, entering in 2008 (aged 28), before announcing in July 2020 she wouldn't contest the upcoming election. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.U.S. Supreme Court yet to decide whether it will hear West Virginia transgender sports law appealCollege Football Fans Have Mixed Feelings Amid Lee Corso’s College GameDay Future

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball switched a pair of series involving the Tampa Bay Rays to the first two months of the season in an attempt to avoid summer rain at open-air Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home following damage to Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay is scheduled to play 19 of its first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 through May 28, then play 64 of its last 108 games on the road. The Rays are home for eight games each in July and August. A series scheduled at the Los Angeles Angels from April 7-9 will instead be played at Tampa, Florida, from April 8-10, MLB said Monday. The second series between the teams will be played at Anaheim, California, from Aug. 4-6 instead of at St. Petersburg, Florida, from Aug. 5-7. Minnesota's first series against the Rays will be played at Steinbrenner Field from May 26-28 and the Twins' second will be at Target Field in Minneapolis from July 4-6. Tampa Bay heads into the All-Star break with a 10-game trip to Minnesota, Detroit and Boston, and has a 12-game trip to the Angels, Seattle, Oakland and San Francisco from Aug. 4-17. Tropicana Field, the Rays’ home since the team started play in 1998, was heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9 , with most of its fabric roof shredded. The Rays cannot return to the Trop until 2026 at the earliest, if at all. Tampa's average monthly rainfall from 1991 to 2020 was 2.25 inches in April and 2.60 in May , according to the National Weather Service, then rose to 7.37 in June , 7.75 in July and 9.03 in August before falling to 6.09 in September . The Class A Tampa Tarpons, the usual team at Steinbrenner Field, had six home postponements, two cancellations and four suspended games this year from June 21 through their season finale on Sept. 8. The Rays are now scheduled to play their first six games at home against Colorado and Pittsburgh, go to Texas for a three-game series, then return for a 13-game homestand against the Angels, Atlanta, Boston and the New York Yankees. The Tarpons will play their home games on a back field.

SIOUX FALLS — Dakota Valley broke out of an early funk in a big way, propelling the perennial powerhouse Panthers to victory on Thursday. No. 4-seed Dakota Valley overcame a slow start in the first set to top No. 5-seed Mount Vernon/Plankinton in four sets at the Premier Center in the Class A state volleyball quarterfinals. Set scores were 19-25, 25-22, 25-18 and 25-14. ADVERTISEMENT Having been in these positions in the past, the Panthers never became discouraged, instead focusing on lifting each other up as the Titans put together an 11-2 run to start the match. “I think (slow starts) happen to everyone. Ours was just a little bit more prominent today,” Dakota Valley head coach Erik Krenz said. “They really did a good job of encouraging each other through that and really picking themselves back up for that second set and were able to get the engine going.” The Panthers adjusted their positioning to receive serves better in the second set, and were able to get MVP into trouble with service errors, not before they pulled out to an early 5-1 lead. Samantha Kimball gave Dakota Valley the set lead on a kill to make it 8-7, as the Panthers’ imposing lineup began to wear down the Titans, who were able to stay within three points for the rest of the set, courtesy of a big block by Taryn Hegg. However, the adjustments made proved to be too much to handle. “When the other team adjusts, we have to be able to readjust our approach,” MVP head coach Darcy Deinert said. “Sometimes, that’s hard to do in the middle of a match, and we couldn’t keep up with their outsides.” Kimball played a part in closing out the deciding fourth set, picking up a pair of kills and taking attention off of teammate Claire Munch, who led all players with 24 kills and two blocks. More importantly, her positive spirit lifted the team in times when struggles tended to show. “(Samantha’s) just a workhorse,” Krenz said. “She’s a super positive kid, and that energy really gives the setter confidence to go back to her if she makes an error. She’s one of the hardest workers and its led her to being such an effective player.” ADVERTISEMENT Kimball was second on the Panthers with 16 kills and led the team with 25 digs. Madelyn Munch tallied 46 set assists and Emerson Mead recorded five kills and five service aces. Dakota Valley (30-5) will take on seven-time defending champion Sioux Falls Christian in the Class A semifinals on Friday, Nov. 22. For MVP (30-5), Reagan Rus finished with 19 kills and 16 digs, as Hegg added seven kills and five total blocks. Madalynn Lorang had eight kills and a pair of aces. Alyssa Johnson netted 31 assists, and Alexis Hauge had 17 digs. Mount Vernon/Plankinton faces off against Class A No. 1-seed Miller in the Class A consolation round at 12:45 p.m. Friday, as the Titans look to regroup quickly with two tournament matches remaining. “We lost together and we went together and we’re here together,” Deinert said. “We need to be grateful for the opportunities that we have, and continue to fight for each other and for where we’re at.”