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After-hours movers: HP Inc., Dell Technologies, Workday and moreI don’t fault President Joe Biden for pardoning his son Hunter. That’s why parents aren’t allowed to negotiate with terrorists. Parents would give away the nuclear codes to help a child who is facing an execution. Others may die because parents give millions of dollars to save a child held by a terrorist, but a parent can’t see the consequences of their actions. They are singly focused on saving their own child. Biden did the same thing for his child in a way. Facing certain jail time, Hunter Biden was not a hostage, but he was found guilty of several federal crimes. Maybe a president should not have the power to pardon his or her own family, but to change that would take a Constitutional amendment. In his statement giving Hunter Biden a pardon for every federal offense known or unknown between Jan. 1, 2014 and now, President Biden said, “I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice ...” If Biden believes the system has been infected by politics, then why can’t Donald Trump make the same claim? Since Biden appointed the leadership of the Department of Justice, it’s hard to say just how politics infected the process. Hunter Biden’s infractions would be prosecuted if anyone else did the same things he did. That cannot be said about Trump. The charges against him are what legal experts call “novel.” What they mean by that is these cases have never been presented against anyone before under creative charges and interpretations of the law. The two New York cases, one civil and one criminal, would never be charged against anyone else but Trump. The civil case didn’t even have a plaintiff. No one claimed Trump harmed them by claiming what his properties were worth. The banks that loaned him money were all repaid with interest and were willing to do additional loans to the Trump organization. But Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, ran for office claiming she would find something to charge against Trump. They dug. And dug. And dug. And the best they could find was how Trump valued his properties on loans. Those same papers told the lenders they should seek their own appraisals. The New York court rejected expert testimony that stated Trump’s company kept very good records and that the valuations were completely legitimate. The expert witness was not some Trump insider. The witness had testified in multiple white-collar cases in the same courtroom, and his testimony was the basis for several other rulings. But not this one. All of a sudden his testimony was biased. The result was a record-shattering, unprecedented $350 million fine. When the State of New York brings a case against someone without a plaintiff, without a victim, without precedent for any case very being brought, then it is safe to say that “raw politics” have infected the process. In the criminal case against Trump, District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who also ran on a platform that he would get Trump, created a charge of Trump misfiling a legal expense to Stormy Daniels even though the statute of limitations had run out on the case, and he used a “novel” claim that Trump did this to benefit his run for office, even though he was already president when the non-disclosure arrangement was legally made, so he could turn a misdemeanor into a felony, and then he duplicated the charge 37 times. Again, it is clear this was “raw politics” infecting the process. Trump maintained his innocence, but a jury in the deep blue district found him guilty, giving the Democrats what they wanted – Trump was a convicted felon. It’s not clear at all whether or not those charges are going to stick. Judge Merchan has granted the Trump defense team a motion to have the charges and the conviction tossed, and even if he eventually denies the motion, it is almost assured that the appellate court will vacate the case. To this day I still have online exchanges with those who refer to the re-elected president as “convicted felon Donald Trump.” Justice has nothing to do with either of these judgments. Hunter Biden’s convictions for very clear violations of federal law, however, were only skewed in Hunter’s favor. The prosecutor first tried to get Hunter’s charges dismissed in a plea agreement that the judge had never heard before. The DOJ eventually exposed that the wrap on the wrist didn’t apply to all charges, and that led Hunter’s team to withdraw their agreement to pleading guilty to lesser charges. Did politics come into play? Sure, but in Trump’s case it was against him, and in Hunter’s case it was for him. The problem is the Justice Department now has two presidents claiming politics have infected the pursuit of justice. Like any parent, Biden doesn’t care about the fallout. He only wants his son to be protected from jail time. And he made Trump’s case that the system is rigged for the politically connected and against everyday people. Trump is appointing people to rid these departments of the abusers while keeping the legitimate agents who truly seek justice. Trump could not have had a better example than what Biden just did and how he justified his pardon. Trump believes others have been maliciously prosecuted for political reasons including many who were involved in a riot at the Capitol Jan. 6, 2021. Much like Bragg’s attempt to pile on a misdemeanor and turn it into a felony, Biden’s Department of Justice sought to turn a riot into an insurrection. And they went hard after anyone and everyone they could who was even standing outside that day. Trump has stated that he would pardon what he called “political prisoners” when he ran for re-election. And he still won the Electoral College and the popular vote. Now he has the endorsement of Biden to do it and under the exact same circumstances Biden used – raw politics have infected the process. Earl Watt is the owner and publisher of the Leader & Times in Liberal. Watt started his career in journalism in 1991 at the Southwest Daily Times. During his career, the newspaper has won a total of 17 Sweepstakes awards from the Kansas Press Association for editorial content and 18 Sweepstakes awards for advertising. Watt has been recognized with more than 70 first place awards for writing in categories from sports and column to best front pages, best sports pages and best opinion pages. Watt is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and is the descendant of several patriots who fought for America’s freedom and independence.

After Rudy Giuliani’s courtroom outburst, judge warns ‘court will take action’Open enrollment for Medicare ends Dec. 7, but there are changes taking effect in 2025. Out-of-pocket prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000 for the first time, and Medicare enrollees can now pay by the month, instead of all at once, at the pharmacy. Medicare recipient Janie Flynn is on 12 prescriptions. It's why she's always looking to save every dollar she can. "It changes from year to year, not just every three years or something, so always have it checked out so you just know if you're going to save some money," Flynn said. RELATED STORY | Big medicare changes are coming. Here's how seniors can prepare for them Flynn saved $500 when she enrolled this year with help from KC Shepherd's Center — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting older adults. It was as simple as switching plans to find one that worked better for her this year that ended up saving her more, too. "It's just kind of working your way down all the choices," Flynn said. "And then the choices that'll take your prescription, and then the drugstore that has the best price that also takes your prescriptions." KC Shepherd’s Center has a number of senior volunteers who support seniors in the community. Flynn is a volunteer. Greg Lear is another, but before his time as a volunteer, he was a Medicare employee for nearly 30 years. For the last 15 years, he's counseled seniors through their Medicare enrollment. RELATED STORY | Biden administration wants Medicare, Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medicines "We say every year you need to take a look to see if your plan is still best for you," Lear said. "So, while in 2024 you may have a company that you're quite happy with and your drugs are relatively inexpensive, you may find in 2025 that there is a drug that they are no longer supporting." When comparing prices on your prescriptions during open enrollment, Lear recommends using Medicare.gov . It allows you to type in any of your prescriptions and compare what the best options are, so you get the best price. The solution to saving money might seem complicated, but for Flynn, it's worth it. "As my mom used to say, 'All they can do is say no,'" Flynn said. “So why not at least check it out to see if you can save some money?" This story was originally published by Elyse Schoenig at Scripps News Kansas City.Government ministers mocked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi in the early hours of Wednesday for allegedly fleeing as law enforcement agencies took action to disperse PTI protesters from Islamabad’s D-Chowk. Protesters earlier gathered at the site for the party’s protest to demand PTI founder Imran Khan’s release, among other things, amid reports of intense tear gas shelling by security forces to curtail the large crowds. The PTI convoys have been plying roads countrywide since Sunday. A Dawn.com correspondent reported that PTI protesters began retreating from D-Chowk in the face of heavy teargas shelling and action by the authorities as the Pakistan Rangers began arresting people. A statement posted on state broadcaster PTV ’s X account, attributed to “security sources”, said Blue Area was cleared and no operation was ongoing at the moment. What we know so far: Addressing a press conference later at D-Chowk, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi quipped while questioned about CM Gandapur and Bushra Bibi’s whereabouts that they were “fleeing till as of now”. Naqvi further said: “They ran away in front of you, not one or two or three but thousands of people ran away.” He said it was a priority to restore the roads that were closed for traffic in the capital. He announced that schools would reopen on Thursday. “Mobile and internet services will be restored by morning. You will find all roads in working condition by morning.” He hoped that tomorrow would herald a “new dawn”, saying the administration would try to remove all containers by morning. Addressing a press conference soon after him at D-Chowk, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar similarly pilloried Gandapur and Bushra Bibi for allegedly fleeing the protest. Saying that he visited till the end of Blue Area, Tarar said: “Sadly I must say this was not a final call but a miscall.” He blasted the KP chief minister, saying it was the second time he had “fled” a protest after a previous disappearance in October’s protest. Meanwhile, the minister claimed that “running away” had become a “hobby” for the former first lady. “Is this a hobby? was it a 100-metre race in a school?” Tarar said as he wondered at a final call where “everyone ran away”. The minister said the call had actually damaged the PTI and it would not be able to recover from it. “They won’t dare after today,” he said, calling on Gandapur and Bushra to “never again turn towards Islamabad.” Referring to PTI protesters, Tarar claimed that he had gone from D-Chowk to 7th Avenue and “you will not believe how they’ve run away from here. They’ve abandoned their cars, sandals and some even their clothes here”. He alleged that documents were also found detailing a plan to enter the Red Zone to attack parliament and government property, and target state officials. Tarar said the whole route at D-Chowk was clear and roads were reopening as well. Meanwhile, the PTI claimed otherwise, sharing what it said was footage of protesters still at D-Chowk as many leaders and individuals associated with the party derided the news regarding CM Gandapur and Bushra Bibi as propaganda and “fake news” to divert attention from the protest. Questioned about media reports earlier regarding the alleged arrests of the two, the PTI’s media cell told Dawn.com the rumours were “not true”. Dawn.com correspondents reported that there were blackouts in many areas of Islamabad, including D-Chowk, Jinnah Avenue, G6, G8 and G9. The PTI also shared footage of alleged firing by law enforcement agencies at party protesters, claiming that intense shelling was under way. Scores of people were injured, including journalists who were reportedly attacked by demonstrators, as dozens of PTI supporters allegedly beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration extended the shutdown of all educational institutes for another day on Wednesday. D-Chowk, a roundabout in Islamabad’s heavily fortified Red Zone, has long served as a spot for political protests. The junction leads to critical government buildings, including Parliament House, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Pakistan Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Office. On Nov 13, Imran issued a “ final call ” for nationwide protests on Nov 24, demanding the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of detained party members and the reversal of the 26th Amendment , which he said has strengthened a “dictatorial regime”. Meanwhile, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the KP chief minister’s adviser on information, said that Imran had agreed to the government’s suggested proposal to move the venue of the party’s protest from D-Chowk to the sub-urban areas but Bushra Bibi and the party had refused the suggestion. Last night, Naqvi seemed to confirm talks with the protesting opposition party, saying that the government had offered Sangjani — the same venue on the outskirts of Islamabad where the PTI held its Sept 8 rally — for the protest. Late-night media reports had suggested that PTI leaders were trying to prevail upon Bushra Bibi, who is leading the main caravan of protesters coming from KP to Islamabad, to accept the proposal to change the protest venue. However, Barrister Saif said while speaking in an interview on Samaa News programme ‘Nadeem Malik Live’ today: “Our announcement since the beginning was regarding D-Chowk ... but the administration was not giving permission for it and then the Islamabad High Court issued an order [against it] as well so in this situation, a suggestion came from them (the government) to hold a rally in Islamabad’s suburbs and then granting permission could be considered. “We took that suggestion to Khan sahib and he expressed agreement after discussion that alright we are ready to hold it there. But the issue that arose was when we discussed the matter with our fellows so the party refused to accept it and they kept on insisting that we will go towards D-Chowk. Mainly, Bushra Bibi said she would only go to D-Chowk and told people to sit there.” He said Bushra Bibi was an “important personality” for the party in a political sense and was worthy of tribute and praise for her part in leading the PTI. Barrister Saif later said in an interview on Geo News show ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ that no commitment was made by the PTI to change the protest venue to Sangjani and it was merely a suggestion from the government. He reiterated that the party’s senior leadership did not agree with the move. Earlier, the PTI shared a video on X of CM Gandapur addressing protesters while leading a convoy towards D-Chowk. The post used a hashtag of “first release, then negotiations”. Similarly, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told Dawn.com : “There is no hope of talks between the government and PTI yet. The government has not made any contact yet.” Responding in kind, Interior Naqvi similarly ruled out any negotiations with the PTI while addressing a press conference with Tarar in Islamabad. Meanwhile, CM Gandapur said Imran had always talked about remaining peaceful and upholding the rule of law and warned the people to beware of elements among them who might try to instigate wrong acts. View this post on Instagram He renewed his vow to reach the planned protest venue. “We have to reach D-Chowk,” he told protesters near D-Chowk, who replied to his call with chants of “D-Chowk”. “Till Imran Khan doesn’t give orders [...] we have to protect him (Imran),” the PTI leader, accompanied by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan at the container, asserted. “We are peaceful. Let us hold a sit-in in a peaceful manner,” he added. A message posted on Imran’s X account also urged protesters to not back down till the party’s demands were met. The post alleged that law enforcement agencies “fired and shelled our workers and martyred and injured the peaceful citizens” on the interior minister’s orders, adding that he would have to answer for it. “The citizens were not only peaceful but also kept rescuing the police and rangers who were shelling and firing.” Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, and PTI supporters attend a rally demanding his release, in Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — Reuters/Waseem Khan Earlier, Bushra Bibi vowed to be the last woman standing at D-Chowk and said she would not leave without Imran, while addressing a large crowd of protesters at Blue Area alongside Gandapur and Ayub. She lamented Imran’s treatment in both Attock and Adiala Jail, questioning how an ex-premier could be treated the way he had been. “Khan is standing because of you and will continue standing for you, and you must promise that until Khan is with us, you will not leave D-Chowk. “I promise that I will be the last woman here, I will not leave D-Chowk without him. If anyone tells you otherwise, it is a lie,” she said to cheers from the crowd. “Muslims don’t hit other Muslims, so then why are you shelling us?” she questioned. View this post on Instagram Separately, following reports of heavy teargas shelling at protesters, Barrister Gohar called upon the government to “refrain from [firing] at innocent people”. “I called upon the government to refrain from firing at innocent people,” Gohar said on X . “I appeal [to] all PTI’s workers and supporters to remain peaceful in their struggle. I want to tell you all that we are very much hopeful of early release of [Imran] Khan sab , InshaAllah.” Visuals shared by a Dawn.com correspondent present at the scene at around 3pm showed dozens of PTI protesters gathering near Islamabad’s D-Chowk and climbing up containers placed there to obstruct their way. Army personnel were also standing on top of a container, the correspondent said. View this post on Instagram Later visuals showed protesters converging about 550 metres away from D-Chowk, where as many as three layers of containers could be seen piled atop each other. This screengrab shows the pin location of where PTI protesters had gathered at around 3pm on Nov 24, according to footage shared by a Dawn.com correspondent. — via Google Maps In a post on X , the PTI appealed to Islamabad’s residents to bring various items — including Betnesol-N eyedrops, rose water and drinking water — to the protesters to reduce the effect of teargas. The government and the PTI have apparently opened a ‘back-channel’ for the sake of negotiations. Naqvi said that they had offered the PTI an agreement to hold their rallies in Sangjani, which the party agreed to twice but did not abide by the “ceasefire”. Mohsin Naqvi speaks at D-Chowk on Nov 26, 2024. — DawnNewsTV “So much so that they had asked us to open the routes to Sangjani,” he said while speaking to the media at D-Chowk earlier today. “We have spoken with them in every way. [...] I had said this yesterday too that let’s stand at the D-Chowk right now and start firing there, then no person would be seen there. “But we do not plan to do that,” the minister asserted. The interior minister said he had informed the Islamabad inspector general that it was up to him to tackle the protesters “however he wishes”. “We will definitely support him.” While confirming reports of the army being deployed in Islamabad, the interior minister said that the forces’ priority was to protect the visiting Belarusian delegation and the Red Zone. “Your head of state is in the Red Zone right now and his protection is of the utmost importance for us,” Naqvi said, referring to PM Shehbaz. He alleged that the PTI was using resources of the KP government led by it, including teargas shells. “Their entire leadership does not want this bloodshed, except for one secret hand behind them controlling every single thing,” he said. When asked about the number of PTI protesters heading for Islamabad, Naqvi said there were “three to four convoys”, claiming all of them were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI supporters attend a rally demanding release of former prime minister Imran Khan, in Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — Reuters Dawn quoted police officers as saying that the convoy of the PTI leaders and workers coming from KP comprised over 34,000 persons. Meanwhile, Naqvi said three Rangers personnel and a Punjab policeman lost their lives on Monday, in what he said was an “attack by miscreants”. Addressing the media at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Naqvi said: “Yesterday, a total of our four people were martyred, including three Rangers and a Punjab police official.” Stating that two Rangers and four Islamabad policemen were in critical condition, Naqvi said two additional superintendent of police (ASP) and a superintendent of police (SP) were among the injured. The minister further said that 70 Punjab cops were also injured, five of whom were in critical condition. Barrister Saif called for an inquiry in response to the government’s allegations and said the PTI was ready to face any investigation. In an earlier statement issued by his ministry, Naqvi had said four Rangers personnel had lost their lives in an alleged attack, condemning it in the strongest terms. Meanwhile, state-run Radio Pakistan reported the deaths of five personnel, including three Rangers and two Punjab police. “Scores of others were injured in attacks by the violent PTI workers,” the report claimed, adding that 22 vehicles of the Punjab police had been damaged. “The police have arrested several violent protesters, while [the] process of identifying the perpetrators is underway,” the state media asserted. A previous report had also stated that “five other Rangers personnel and several police officials sustained severe injuries”. While an updated report did not specify the cause of the deaths, an earlier version, citing security sources, had said “miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel” on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad. The report had said a “bunch of miscreants, equipped with weapons and ammunition, pelted stones at the Rangers personnel and carried out indiscriminate firing on the security personnel at Chungi No 26 in Rawalpindi”. Resultantly, the report said, a ranger personnel sustained serious injuries and was shifted to Rawalpindi Combined Military Hospital in critical condition. A press release from the Inter Services Public Relations today said the funeral prayers for the three were offered at Chaklala Garrison with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in attendance. “Pakistan cannot afford any chaos and bloodshed for achieving vested political purposes. These acts of violence are unacceptable and highly condemnable which are bordering the limits of restraint by the law enforcement agencies. The entire nation pays homage to the martyred Rangers soldiers and all those police officials who have embraced martyrdom and those who are injured during these riots,” the press release quoted the prime minister as saying. On the other hand, PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram alleged that six people died due to shooting by the “fascist government”. He further claimed that 45-60 injured were reported to be admitted to the Polyclinic and Pims hospitals for treatment. The party earlier claimed that “paramilitary Rangers shot live ammunition” at its protesters in Islamabad, resulting in the death of two and injuring another four. “Participants claim they saw at least six people being shot, two of whom died on the spot and four were taken to hospital,” the party said on X . In a separate post , the party claimed that the “unarmed” party workers were under intense tear gas shelling by law enforcement agencies. The “fake” government is willing to go to any extent to maintain its illegal occupation, the party said. It added that the government, through its use of state institutions against its own people, was “not only inciting hatred among Pakistanis but also becoming the cause of Pakistan’s disgrace in front of the world”. Tarar, while speaking to the media earlier, lamented that PTI leadership like Bushra Bibi was “hiding in Shaheed-i-Millat” while allegedly sending children and labourers “to the front lines”, who he claimed were throwing tear gas at the police. Attaullah Tarar speaks to media in Islamabad. — DawnNewsTV “The state is being very patient and not giving in to the demands simply because Bushra Bibi planned this and wants bloodshed and bodies to pile up,” he said. Tarar issued a challenge to Imran, saying: “Bring your three children to the front lines, Tyrian, Qassim, Suleiman.” The minister stressed that the PTI chooses to hold a protest only when a foreign delegation visits from overseas. “Why at this location? Because they are enemies of the state and want to spread anarchy, which we will not allow.” “We are responding, but not the way you want, that we respond to your bullets with bullets,” the minister asserted. According to Tarar, he spoke to protesters who admitted that they were paid for attending the protest. Tarar also noted that Rangers, police and the armed forces have been deployed in the capital. Separately, a resolution demanding a ban on the PTI was submitted in the Punjab Assembly by PML-N MPA Hina Pervez Butt. It said the assembly strongly condemned the PTI’s “attack on the federation in droves” and criticised the alleged actions of protesters. PM Shehbaz also condemned the “attack by protesters” as state media reported that four Rangers personnel and two cops were left dead as a vehicle “rammed” into them. In his statement, PM Shehbaz said the “attack” was carried out “using a vehicle on Srinagar Highway. He directed that those involved in the incident be identified immediately and brought to justice. The premier also ordered that the best possible medical facilities be provided to the Rangers and police personnel “injured in the attack”. He said that “attacks on police and Rangers, under the guise of a so-called peaceful protest”, were condemnable. PM Shehbaz noted that police and Rangers were assigned to maintain law and order in Islamabad, asserting, in an apparent reference to the PTI, that an “anarchist group seeks bloodshed”. He emphasised that this was not a peaceful protest, but extremism. The prime minister said Pakistan cannot afford any form of chaos or bloodshed. “Bloodshed for nefarious political agenda is unacceptable and highly condemnable.” Naqvi also vowed to hold the miscreants involved to account, reaffirming his support for the families of the deceased. Policemen fire tear gas shells to disperse PTI supporters during a protest to demand the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, in Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — AFP PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the incident as well, terming it “outright terrorism” and calling for the suspects involved to be brought to justice. “The Rangers and police personnel who embraced martyrdom were brave sons of the nation,” he said in a statement . “The PPP’s stance about the right to peaceful protest [compared to] mischief and terrorism is clear,” the PPP chief said. Meanwhile, as tensions between PTI protesters and the government heightened, the Pakistan Army was called into Islamabad on Tuesday to “deal with miscreants”, state-run Radio Pakistan reported . “Under Article 245, the Pakistan Army has been called in, and orders have been issued to deal with the miscreants with an iron hand,” Radio Pakistan stated. “Clear orders have also been issued to shoot miscreants and troublemakers on sight,” it added. Citing security sources, the report said all necessary measures were being taken to “counter terrorist activities by disruptive and extremist elements”. While the Associated Press of Pakistan reported the same citing security sources, it is not confirmed whether a notification for the requisition has been issued so far. Dawn.com has reached out to the interior ministry for a comment. International rights organisation Amnesty International called on the government to immediately rescind the alleged “shoot-on-sight” orders and also to fully protect and ensure the rights of protesters. “The authorities must exercise maximum restraint, aiming to prevent and de-escalate violence and to avoid the use of force. “Any use of force must be lawful and no more than is necessary and proportionate and the authorities must take all necessary measures to prevent arbitrary deprivation of life, including by ensuring that law enforcement actions are adequately planned to minimise the risk to life. There must also be effective accountability for any unlawful use of force.” It said the severe restrictions on assembly, movement and mobile and internet services, as well as arbitrary detentions of “thousands of protesters across Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad”, were a grave violation of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, movement and expression. A Dawn.com correspondent also reported seeing troops of the Pakistan Army deployed at D-Chowk. Pakistan Army stands guard near D-Chowk, Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — Photo by Umar Bacha Naqvi hinted at the move yesterday, stating that the government would deal with violent protesters with an iron hand . He warned that he would not hesitate to impose a curfew or invoke Article 245, which empowered the government to call armed forces for security purposes. The PTI’s protest, which the government is determined to foil with force, was originally scheduled to be staged on November 24 . However, the party’s convoys took a breather on Sunday night as PTI leaders said they were in “ no hurry ” to reach the federal capital for their ‘do or die’ protest. The PTI protesters, some of them employing industrial fans to counter tear gas, crossed Islamabad’s Toll Plaza on Monday night as the government vowed to not spare those behind a cop’s death in “violence of miscreants”. As PTI workers from across the country attempted to defy arrests, baton charges and tear gas to participate in the agitation, around 800 PTI leaders and supporters were arrested from across Punjab as well as in and near Islamabad on Sunday. In an update, capital police officials told Dawn that during the ongoing protests, over 500 local PTI leaders and workers have been arrested in Islamabad. Anticipating more arrests, the Islamabad administration declared the Crime Intelligence Agency’s building in the federal capital as a sub-jail to detain PTI leaders and workers. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that PTI’s planned protest is unlawful and directed the federal government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in Islamabad without disrupting public life, particularly as the Belarusian president’s arrival coincided with the protest. Separately, the Pakistan Cricket Board said that it postponed the last two matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series due to “political activity” in the federal capital. According to a press release , the PCB said the last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium but both boards will now collaborate to finalise new dates to complete the series. It added that the Shaheens lead the series, having won the two four-day matches 1-0 and the opening 50-over match on Monday by 108 runs. Additional input from APP.

NoneScientists Find How Often Sun-like Stars Emit 'Superflares.' It Shocked Them.

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will notify runners today of their selection status for the 2025 event. The race, which is the final event in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, continues to see unprecedented interest with more than 160,000 individuals applying for a chance to participate. Those who secure an entry into the race will join another record-breaking field with more than 53,000 participants expected to cross the finish line in on . Today's selection shows growing interest and participation in the Shamrock Shuffle Run, 13.1 and Chicago Marathon, which together form the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. In 2024, the events welcomed more than 81,000 finishers, with 2,700 completing all three Series events. As enthusiasm in the events builds, event organizers are excited to unveil a new look and feel for the third rendition of the Series. The new logos connect each event and celebrate the unique attributes that the local and global running communities associate with the popular road races. "Today we welcome a new field of participants to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and launch the next chapter of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series," said Executive Race Director . "When we started the Series in 2023, our goal was to celebrate the running community, from individuals discovering the sport for the first time to our longtime participants. We continue to be humbled by the running community's enthusiasm and embrace of the events and we're excited to launch a new look that celebrates , the spirit of each race and the achievement made possible through the dedication of thousands of runners." Individuals interested in participating in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series are encouraged to register early, as all races are expected to sell out in 2025. Continue reading for more information about the events that make up the Chicago Distance Series. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on . Runners who receive an entry through today's drawing will join those who guaranteed their entry into the race during the four-week application window. Guaranteed entries include Bank of America Chicago Marathon legacy finishers, time qualifiers, international tour group participants, charity runners, 2024 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series finishers and those who cancelled their 2024 race entries. Runners who did not receive an entry through the drawing can still sign up through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program. Since 2002, the Charity Program has generated more than for local, national and global causes. The 2025 Charity Program includes 217 nonprofit organizations raising funds related to 10 cause categories: Advocacy, Animal Rights and Welfare, Education, Environment, First Responder and Military, Healthcare, Research, Social Service, Sports and Youth Development. Individuals who register to run with an official charity at this time are required to raise a minimum of . For a list of official charities and information on how to register by joining a charity team, go to . For the latest event updates, registered participants and community members are encouraged to visit the which is available at . The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 will take place on . The fourth annual half marathon is set to welcome more than 9,000 finishers on a course that weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park. Following the race, participants and community members are encouraged to celebrate at the Race Day Festival, featuring a mix of entertainment, health and wellness activities and community activations including the West Wellness Walk, a 1.31-mile walk on . Additional details about the 2025 event and registration information are available at . The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will take place on . This beloved tradition in its 44 year is regarded as the official kickoff to the running season and a continuation of the city's St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The race is set to welcome more than 24,000 participants to a one-of-a-kind Run (4.97 miles) through Loop. Fitness enthusiasts looking for shorter distance events are encouraged to join The Mile event on , or the 2-Mile Walk on Sunday. All three events will start and finish in . Additional details about the 2025 event and registration information are available at . For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the and . Phone: 1.312.992.6618 , Bank of America, Phone: 1.312.992.2370 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bank of America Corporation

After-hours movers: HP Inc., Dell Technologies, Workday and moreYou might have thought we were done with the dynamic duo of Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Joe Manchin (I-WV), whose senatorial careers end later this month. After all, as , Sinema had “skipped every vote since November 21,” including those on squeaker-close judicial confirmations. (On what basis Sinema draws her salary has long been a mystery.) As for Manchin, when the Senate voted yesterday on the confirmation of President Biden’s nomination of National Labor Relations Board chair Lauren McFerran to another term, he was nowhere to be found until the last minute. But the redoubtable two—S&M, if you prefer—managed to show up after all to vote against McFerran, and thereby ensure that by one vote she’d be rejected. (The vote was 49 yes, 50 no, with all other Democrats voting yes and all the Republicans, save one who wasn’t there, voting no.) Sinema, who , showed up first, which put the measure into a 49-49 tie, which Vice President Harris could have broken in McFerran’s favor. Only then did Manchin rouse himself to race to the floor and vote no. Based on reporting, it seems that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had expected Manchin to be absent, prepping VP Harris to get over to the Senate to break the tie. But Manchin, who was at a speaking engagement, . “The only thing they could do is catch me when I’m not there,” he told Semafor. McFerran was one of the three Democratic appointees on the five-member board. Had she been confirmed for another five-year term, the Democrats would have preserved their board majority until 2026, when another member’s term would end, whom Donald Trump would then replace with a Republican. Under McFerran’s leadership, the Board has sought to restore the National Labor Relations Act to something like what its 1935 authors intended it to be. They increased the previously negligible penalties employers had to pay when they illegally fired workers engaged in organizing campaigns, required those employers to enter into bargaining if they were found to repeatedly violate the law when a majority of their workers had signed union affiliation cards, and recently banned “captive audience” meetings, in which employers compel their employees to attend anti-union propaganda meetings. (Such meetings can continue, only employers can no longer threaten their workers with penalties or firing to compel their attendance.) By voting against McFerran, S&M have enabled Trump to promptly appoint her replacement and put the Board under his control. During Trump’s first term, the Board issued a host of rulings that essentially allowed management to run roughshod over their workers if they sought to join or form a union, and there’s no reason to think that Trump’s second-term Board would do anything different. Manchin’s defenders customarily say that he’s just expressing the views of ordinary Americans, which are well to the right of the Democrats on cultural issues. Centrist commentators of the Ruy Teixeira strain also have argued that the Democrats have moved too far left on some economic issues, too. But while some of those commentators have questioned the size of the Biden stimulus and some antitrust policies, I can’t think of any who have objected to the Biden NLRB’s efforts to enable workers to freely join unions, which was, along with Social Security, the signal achievement of the New Deal. Moreover, S&M weren’t voting in accord with public opinion, either. Their vote comes at a moment when unions’ approval rating is higher than it’s been in almost 70 years, when at least 4 out of 5 Americans under 30 approve of unions, and when polls also show that approve of unions by substantial majorities, too. In short, the very voters that the Democrats need to reclaim are decidedly pro-union. But S&M are made of sterner stuff, rejecting not just current Democratic positions, but the party’s New Deal foundations. Sinema’s vote evokes memories of her vote that killed the bill to raise the $7.25 federal minimum wage, which she accompanied with a thumbs-down gesture and a little wiggle. Manchin’s vote called to mind his vote that killed the extension of the Child Tax Credit that had, during the pandemic, reduced the rate of child poverty in America by between 30 and 40 percent. (Reports that The Friends of Child Poverty plan to give Manchin a lifetime achievement award are probably unfounded.) Of course, in Manchin’s defense, he could always argue that there’s no poverty in West Virginia. Those who argue that the Democrats need to become more of a “big tent” party are usually constrained by their belief that Democrats should at least agree on the notion that workers deserve some agency, some modicum of power. Such constraints have never impeded S&M. Their vision of a suitable Democratic Party has been one in which the party reached out to the working class with perspectives and policies that completely fucked it over. Where will we find their like?

No. 22 Army faces unexpected foe La. Tech in Independence BowlInvesting in lesser-known Canadian exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the can be an excellent way to diversify your portfolio with a modest investment. So let’s dive in right now and explore some intriguing ETFs you can buy with just $100. USD options First up is the ( ). This ETF focuses on U.S. large-cap stocks with lower sensitivity to market volatility, aiming to provide stable returns. As of writing, its net asset value (NAV) was $56.37 CAD, with a 12-month yield of 1.9%. Its top holdings include , , and , reflecting a concentration in the healthcare and technology sectors. Over the past year, ZLU.U has returned 17.3%, and its year-to-date return stands at 16%, thus indicating robust performance in 2024. The ETF’s low volatility strategy positions it well for investors seeking reduced exposure to market fluctuations. ( ) targets U.S. companies with strong financials and above-average dividend yields. Its diversified portfolio spans sectors like consumer staples and information technology, with top holdings such as and . The ETF offers a dividend yield of approximately 2.4%, providing regular income for investors. While specific recent performance data is not available, the focus on quality dividends suggests a stable income stream and potential for capital appreciation, especially appealing in uncertain economic climates. ( ) offers broad exposure to the American market, encompassing 500 large- and medium-sized companies. Over the last decade, XUS has achieved an impressive annualized return of 15%. With an expense ratio of 0.10%, XUS remains an affordable option for investors seeking U.S. market exposure. The alignment with the S&P 500 provides investors with access to the performance of leading U.S. companies, thus making it a staple in many portfolios. Tech ( ) provides exposure to global giants, including , , and . With a management expense ratio (MER) of 0.39%, it offers a cost-effective way to tap into the tech industry’s growth. Year-to-date, TEC has returned 26%, reflecting the robust performance of the tech sector. Given the continuous innovation and demand in technology, TEC’s future outlook appears promising, thus aligning with the sector’s growth trajectory. The TSX ( ) provides exposure to a broad selection of Canadian stocks, focusing predominantly on larger companies. Over the past decade, XIC has delivered an annualized return of 7.3% and offers a dividend yield of 2.9%, paid quarterly. Its low expense ratio of 0.06% makes it an affordable option for investors. XIC’s comprehensive coverage of the Canadian market makes it a foundational holding for those seeking exposure to Canada’s economy. Then, ( ) tracks the performance of 60 large Canadian stocks. This ETF offers a solid dividend yield of 2.8% and has a management expense ratio of 0.15%. Investing in ZIU provides exposure to prominent blue-chip Canadian stocks, thus making it a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio. The focus on large-cap companies offers stability and potential for steady growth, appealing to conservative investors. Bottom line These ETFs provide a range of investment opportunities across different sectors and markets. By investing in a combination of these funds, you can build a diversified portfolio that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Govt 'ready for talks' with PTI despite apprehension

DALLAS (AP) — More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated , conspiracy theories still swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to fascinate . President-elect Donald Trump promised during his reelection campaign that he would declassify all of the remaining government records surrounding the assassination if he returned to office. He made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bended to appeals from the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld. At this point, only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released, and those who have studied the records released so far say that even if the remaining files are declassified, the public shouldn't anticipate any earth-shattering revelations. “Anybody waiting for a smoking gun that’s going to turn this case upside down will be sorely disappointed,” said Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” which concludes that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Friday's 61st anniversary is expected to be marked with a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m. in Dealey Plaza, where Kennedy's motorcade was passing through when he was fatally shot. And throughout this week there have been events marking the anniversary. Nov. 22, 1963 When Air Force One carrying Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas , they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds. With a reelection campaign on the horizon the next year, they had gone to Texas on political fence-mending trip. But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building. Police arrested 24-year-old Oswald and, two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate the assassination, concluded that Oswald acted alone and there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that hasn't quelled a web of alternative theories over the decades. The collection In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had boasted that he'd allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released during President Joe Biden's administration, some still remain unseen. The documents released over the last few years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. Mark S. Zaid, a national security attorney in Washington, said what's been released so far has contributed to the understanding of the time period, giving “a great picture” of what was happening during the Cold War and the activities of the CIA. Withheld files Posner estimates that there are still about 3,000 to 4,000 documents in the collection that haven’t yet been fully released. Of those documents, some are still completely redacted while others just have small redactions, like someone's Social Security number. There are about 500 documents where all the information is redacted, Posner said, and those include Oswald's and Ruby’s tax returns. “If you have been following it, as I have and others have, you sort of are zeroed in on the pages you think might provide some additional information for history,” Posner said. Trump's transition team hasn’t responded to questions this week about his plans when he takes office. A continued fascination From the start, there were those who believed there had to be more to the story than just Oswald acting alone, said Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the assassination from the building where Oswald made his sniper's perch. “People want to make sense of this and they want to find the solution that fits the crime," said Fagin, who said that while there are lingering questions, law enforcement made “a pretty compelling case” against Oswald. Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said his interest in the assassination dates back to the event itself, when he was a child. “It just seemed so fantastical that one very disturbed individual could end up pulling off the crime of the century," Sabato said. “But the more I studied it, the more I realized that is a very possible, maybe even probable in my view, hypothesis.”

Does it feel like your X account belongs to you and you can do whatever you want with it? That’s not true, according to a new court filing from the social media company formerly known as Twitter. It’s an argument that X is making in order to throw a wrench in The Onion’s recent purchase of InfoWars, the conspiracy theory media company run by Alex Jones. And it’s a great reminder that you don’t actually own what you think you own in the digital age. The people behind the Onion recently won InfoWars in an auction , sold as part of a legal judgment against Jones who was found guilty of defaming the families of teachers and students who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. The families won a $1.4 billion judgment against Jones and selling off InfoWars was part of the liquidation process for the conspiracy theorist’s assets in order to pay down that debt. But a company tied to Jones has challenged the validity of the Onion’s purchase. And X is trying to help stop the sale. X’s legal filing on Monday, posted online by 404 Media , argues that all of the social media accounts in the auction can’t be transferred. “Put simply, accounts are inherently part of X Corp.’s Services and their ‘use,'” the company said in Monday’s court filing . “A user must use X Corp.’s Services to create an account in the first instance, and to continue using the account going forward.” X insists it wasn’t claiming ownership of the content in the accounts, and is only saying it controls the accounts themselves. “While X Corp. takes no position as to the sale of any Content posted on the X Accounts, X Corp. is the sole owner of the Services being sold as part of the sale of the X Accounts,” the social media company wrote in its court filing. “While X Corp. has granted account holders, such as Jones and FSS, a license to use the Services, such license is non-assignable, both under the terms of the TOS and applicable non-bankruptcy law (i.e., as a personal services contract), and the Trustee cannot sell, assign, or otherwise transfer such license absent X Corp.’s consent.” As 404 Media notes, it’s pretty standard for social media accounts to be transferred to new companies when a brand is sold. And Musk himself even threatened to reassign NPR’s X handle back in 2023 after the media outlet briefly stopped posting when the billionaire started labeling the broadcaster as state media. Oddly enough, X is essentially state media now that Musk has been named to an unofficial commission called DOGE that threatens to strip the federal budget of $2 trillion. Musk has, of course, donated millions to Donald Trump and helps boost far-right voices on the site in an effort to help the once and future president. It’s not unexpected that Musk and his ilk would try to help a fellow far-right conspiracy theorist like Jones. But it would certainly be strange to explain this exact scenario to someone in late 2022 when Musk first bought Twitter. At the time, Musk was hesitant to allow Jones back on the social media platform after he had been banned years earlier. Musk specifically said at the time that he wouldn’t allow Jones back on Twitter because his first child died and suggested that Jones had caused too much pain to grieving parents after the Sandy Hook massacre. “My firstborn child died in my arms. I felt his last heartbeat. I have no mercy for anyone who would use the deaths of children for gain, politics or fame,” Musk tweeted on Nov. 20, 2022 , roughly a month after buying the platform. Obviously, that changed and Musk allowed Jones back on the platform. And now he’s going so far as to throw a wrench in The Onion’s purchase of InfoWars, which was enabled with the blessing of the Sandy Hook families, who lost twenty children and six staff when a mass shooter entered the school over a decade ago. Musk, as the world’s richest person with $348 billion, has no actual principles beyond self-interest, making him a perfect fit for the MAGA agenda. And he’s going to utilize his power to keep guys like Jones from feeling any inconvenience in the name of helping Trump. X didn’t respond to an email sent Tuesday afternoon. Gizmodo will update this post if we hear back.

Today’s news headlines and Thought for the Day for school assembly: 27 November 2024

By Augusta Saraiva | Bloomberg US household wealth rose to a fresh record in the third quarter, fueled by a stock-market rally ahead of the presidential election. Household net worth increased nearly $4.8 trillion, or 2.9% from the prior quarter, to $168.8 trillion, a Federal Reserve report showed Thursday. The value of Americans’ equity holdings rose $3.8 trillion. The value of real estate eased by almost $200 billion after sizable advances in the first half of the year. In the third quarter, investors benefited from a stock-market rally in anticipation of interest-rate cuts from the Fed and that Donald Trump would return to the White House next year. Since his victory in the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 has climbed to new highs amid expectations that the president-elect will enact pro-business policies. Households have been the main driver behind robust economic growth in recent years, as healthy balance sheets and strong wage growth have supported resilient consumer spending. That said, economists generally expect a moderation in demand against a backdrop of still-elevated borrowing costs and a higher cost of living. The Fed’s report showed that consumers increased their borrowing at a faster pace last quarter, while business borrowing cooled. Business debt outstanding increased at a 3% annualized rate, while consumer non-mortgage credit rose at a 2.5% pace. Mortgage debt climbed 3.1% for a second quarter. In the public sector, state and local government debt grew at a slower rate. Household liquidity picked up to a record. Deposits held by households and nonprofit organizations, which includes savings and checking accounts and money market funds, rose by $379.5 billion to $18.9 trillion.

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