Letters to The Editor — December 13, 2024Putin says he will fire MORE of Russia's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine and has already begun mass production of the nuclear-capable weapon By MIRIAM KUEPPER Published: 12:32 EST, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 13:18 EST, 22 November 2024 e-mail 223 View comments Vladimir Putin has said he will fire more of Russia 's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine. The Russian president added that his country has already begun mass production of the nuclear-capable weapon. Putin also said that Moscow would carry out more tests of the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in 'combat conditions,' a day after firing one on Ukraine. 'We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posted to Russia,' he said in a televised meeting with military chiefs. Putin said that while it isn't an intercontinental missile, it's so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic - or nuclear - weapons. Russia fired the new-generation missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro early Thursday in a major escalation of the weaponry being deployed in the nearly three-year conflict. The Kremlin boss also ordered the missile, which flies at speeds of Mach 10 - 10 times the speed of sound - to be put into serial production. Russia is developing similar advanced systems, he added. 'We need to begin serial production. The decision... has in effect been taken,' Putin said, praising the 'particular strength of this weapon and its power. The moment Russia used the Oreshnik for the first time to strike Dnipro, on November 21 Security camera footage out of the central-eastern city of Dnipro showed several projectiles streaking in and detonating in a series of violent, fiery explosions 'The weapon system that was tested yesterday is another faithful guarantee of Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty,' he added. Putin claimed no other countries in the world had such missile technology. While he conceded other states would soon develop them, he said: 'That will be tomorrow, after a year or two. But we have this system now. That's important.' His choreographed meeting with the defence minister and those in charge of developing the missile came at the end of a week that has seen the Ukraine conflict escalate rapidly. Putin said the firing of the Oreshnik missile was a direct response to Kyiv's forces using US- and UK-supplied missiles on Russian territory for the first time. In an address to the nation on Thursday, Putin said Russia reserved the right to fire missiles at military facilities in countries whose weapons are being used by Ukraine - specifically the United States and Britain. Meanwhile, Ukraine is asking its Western partners for updated air defence systems after Russia fired an ultra-fast ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday. 'Ukraine's defence minister is already holding meetings with our partners on new air defence systems - exactly the kind of systems that can protect lives from new risks,' Zelensky said in an evening video address published on social media. A Russian animation simulates how a Yars ICBM is deployed The RS-24 Yars is capable of unleashing up to four separate nuclear warheads anywhere in the US after flying through space at 19,000mph A grab taken from handout footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry on March 1, 2024 purport to show the test firing of an ICBM belonging to the country's nuclear deterrence forces Read More Putin's new missile leaves the whole of Europe minutes from Armageddon Ukraine's parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday's Russian strike on the military facility in Dnipro. NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked Dnipro with the experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is 'entering a decisive phase,' Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and 'taking on very dramatic dimensions.' Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin's claim that even with conventional warheads, 'the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming 'the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries' in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. 'The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined,' he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow's talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. 'These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world's most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,' Orbán said on state radio. 'There is a strong assumption - that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.' Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia's responses, emphasizing that the country's recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a 'bluff.' 'It's not a trick- there will be consequences,' he said. This is a breaking news story. More to follow. Ukraine Russia Vladimir Putin Moscow Share or comment on this article: Putin says he will fire MORE of Russia's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine and has already begun mass production of the nuclear-capable weapon e-mail Add commentSC Technology & Aviation CenterFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save OCEAN CITY — The cost of a short stay in the city could go up under an ordinance introduced by City Council creating a 3% fee on stays in hotels, motels or other lodgings booked online. A public hearing must take place before a final vote, planned for 10 a.m. Dec. 5 on the third floor of City Hall, 861 Asbury Ave. The original ordinance was written only for accommodations booked online through third-party services like Vrbo or Airbnb, what the ordinance describes as the “transient space marketplace.” There are currently no local taxes on those rentals, which have become a significant part of the summer rental market. Council President Pete Madden suggested moving the ordinance forward as proposed, and revisiting the potential addition of hotel and motel rooms at a later date. As city attorney Dottie McCrosson described it, there had been discussion of including hotel and motel rooms, but those visitors already pay a 5% state occupancy tax and a 6.625% sales tax, adding 11.625% to the total bill. Jersey Shore restaurants shift gears to survive in offseason Friday’s New Jersey high school football playoff scores Not too late! Voting closes at noon for The Press Football Player of the Week Galloway Township gymnastics center co-owner charged with sexually assaulting minor Offshore wind company to buy vacant 1.5-acre Atlantic City lot for $1 million Atlantic City International Airport's 1 carrier, Spirit Airlines, files for bankruptcy Which players did the Cape-Atlantic League coaches pick as the best of the best in fall sports? Prosecutor still determined to find whoever is responsible for West Atlantic City killings Galloway man gets 3 years in Ocean City fatal crash Upper Township employees disagree on morale These Atlantic City area restaurants are serving Thanksgiving dinner 2 Galloway men arrested after spraying workers with rocks in Nature Preserve $23 million apartment complex promises to bring new vitality to quaint Swedesboro UPDATED NHL referee taken away on stretcher at Flyers game Julian Turney's TD sends St. Augustine past Delbarton in state Non-Public A playoffs As the new ordinance was discussed at the morning meeting, Council member Dave Winslow questioned why it did not include hotels or motels. Those existing taxes do not go to the city, and a move to increase revenue would see a bigger local return if they were included. Council members Keith Hartzell and Sean Barnes took up the call, and Barnes made a motion to amend the ordinance before introduction, which was approved in a 4-3 vote. Council member Terry Crowley recommended against the move, at least without more research. The city hopes to have the new tax in place before Jan. 1. “I would encourage you to really research that,” Crowley said. “There’s a downside there as well. I don’t think we’re considering everything.” A red sticker on a Glenn Cove bulkhead indicates work has come to a halt on boat slips in Ocean City’s smallest lagoon, at least for now. He said the city could approve the ordinance as written and then bring the local room tax up later. “This version is kind of the cleanest way to kickstart the process, to look to bring in additional revenue to the town. It’s been done in many other towns,” Crowley said. “By doing it this way, we're really not incurring any administrative costs. We’re not going to have to hire the anyone else.” At one time, it was difficult and cumbersome to tax third-party rental systems. Now, Vrbo, Airbnb and others are set up to include local fees and taxes, and McCrosson said the state has recently empowered towns to add the additional taxes. Mayor Jay Gillian said the idea has been talked about for some time and was previously raised by former Council member Bob Barr, who is now on the Cape May County Board of Commissioners. McCrosson said she did not intend to single out Airbnb and Vrbo, but those are the two largest online rental marketplaces by a significant margin. As originally proposed, the ordinance would not have applied to rentals through Realtors or directly from the owner, or for hotel stays booked through the hotel’s own website or through the front desk. Some hotel owners have requested some sort of local fee. “There was a perception among hotel (and) motel owners in town that there was not a level playing field,” McCrosson told council. “That Ocean City should somehow tax them or put license fees on them. At that time it was not an easy thing to do.” With the current state law in place and systems created for the third-party rental systems, it is now relatively simple to impose and collect an additional tax on the rentals. Barnes presented the issue as a matter of fairness. Ocean City officials announced Thursday that a 3rd Ward meeting to be led by City Council member Jody Levchuk will be moved from council chambers in City Hall to the larger Chris Maloney Lecture Hall at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave. Plans for the former Gillian's Wonderland are expected to be part of the discussion. “I don’t want to see anybody pay more taxes than their competitor, but I want to make sure that they’re all paying the same,” he said. He also questioned where the additional fees paid by hotel visitors end up. “It leaves Ocean City,” McCrosson said. “It’s various fees, but it leaves Ocean City.” McCrosson told council the ordinance was their decision, and that a majority of members could amend the ordinance prior to introduction or introduce a new ordinance at a later meeting. “The concern of the administration is, if you’re going to do it, lets get it in place by January,” she said. Barnes, Hartzell, Winslow and Council member Tony Polcini voted to amend the ordinance prior to introduction to include hotel and motel rooms, with votes against from Crowley, Madden and Council member Jody Levchuk. The same 4-3 majority voted to introduce the ordinance, the first step toward a potential final adoption in December. Other communities have imposed local taxes on hotel and motel rooms. In Cape May, the charge is 3%, while in Atlantic City, a $2 surcharge per day in casino rooms, in addition to the 9% Atlantic City luxury tax familiar to any Monopoly player, joins sales and occupancy taxes and other fees. In Ocean City, many hotels also charge additional fees beyond the room rate, such as resort fees covering the use of the pool or other offerings. Ocean City also charges a license fee for rental properties. At the Thursday meeting, McCrosson emphasized the distinction that it was a fee rather than a tax. Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

To lure Juan Soto, Mets created a video of his statue outside Citi Field next to Tom Seaver's NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets wanted Juan Soto to know his future with them could be set in stone. When the free agent outfielder traveled to owner Steve Cohen’s house in Beverly Hills, California, for a presentation last month, the team unveiled a video that included an image of a future Soto statue outside Citi Field, next to the one erected of franchise great Tom Seaver. Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time Thursday after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. NFL world reacts with excitement, surprise, questions after Bill Belichick is hired to coach UNC Bill Belichick is already the most decorated coach in NFL history. His next challenge is college football after he agreed to a five-year deal to coach at North Carolina. The reaction around the NFL ranged from excitement at seeing him back on the sideline to disbelief. Some of his former players believe his skill set will work at any level. Others caution that the players he brings into UNC should prepare to have their limits tested. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. LeBron James ruled out of Lakers' game at Minnesota on Friday with foot soreness LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James has been ruled out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game at Minnesota on Friday night due to soreness in his left foot. James will miss his second straight game when the Lakers return from a four-day break to face the Timberwolves. The top scorer in NBA history was away from the team this week with an excused absence attributed to “personal reasons,” coach JJ Redick said Wednesday. It’s unclear whether James will even make the quick round trip to Minnesota before the Lakers’ next game at home against Memphis on Sunday. Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Texas Rangers and RHP Nathan Eovaldi finalize $75 million, 3-year contract DALLAS (AP) — Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers have finalized a $75 million, three-year contract that keeps him in their starting rotation. The right-hander was the winning pitcher for Texas in its 2023 World Series clincher, and the Rangers said one of their primary goals this offseason was to re-sign Eovaldi. The sides agreed to financial terms earlier this week, pending a successful physical. To open a roster spot for Eovaldi, right-hander Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment. Eovaldi became a free agent Nov. 4 after declining a vested $20 million player option for the 2025 season. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.”

Trump's 2024 Campaign & Elon Musk's Success: Digital Marketing Parallels by FlyX Marketing Founder Albert ValiakhmetovLeeds condemn fans for singing anti-Palestine song in support of Manor Solomon

United Africans Transformation (UAT) says a statement made recently by ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe, that the party exited the government of national unity (GNU) discussions because it was seeking ministerial position that were not given to it, is “categorically false”. The political party, which has a seat in the National Assembly after the elections in May, was referring to a recent interview Mantashe had with eNCA. The party announced in July that it would not be joining the GNU. In a statement on Thursday, UAT said its decision to withdraw from the GNU negotiations was rooted in the ANC’s failure to act in good faith throughout the process. UAT said it was invited to participate in the GNU talks and attended two initial meetings with the ANC on June 22 and June 25 to discuss the GNU framework. “An agreement was reached that no media statements would be made until the secretary-general of the ANC issued a signed document. To date, we have not received this document,” the party said. It said despite repeated follow-ups, including a letter sent on July 1 seeking clarity, the ANC failed to provide any feedback. “We were taken by surprise after hearing the president of the ANC announcing that we are part of GNU without giving us any signed document or even discussing our participation in it. “We wrote a letter to their secretary-general seeking clarity about the announcement made by the president but were again ignored and never got any response.” The party said it distanced itself from the GNU, citing the ANC’s bad faith and disregard for its role and contributions. “Our withdrawal had nothing to do with demands for ministerial positions,” it said. TimesLIVEOn Tuesday, Wall Street experienced a downturn as investors anxiously awaited pivotal inflation reports that could shape the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision. Notably, the communication services sector saw a lift due to Alphabet's stock rally, following the unveiling of its new chip. Conversely, the technology sector faced setbacks, driven by a decline in Oracle shares after the company failed to meet Wall Street's expectations for its second-quarter results. Additionally, chipmakers, including Nvidia, suffered following China's announcement of an investigation into potential anti-monopoly violations, perceived as a retaliatory move against U.S. restrictions on China's chip industry. The S&P 500 dropped by 16.53 points to close at 6,036.32. In anticipation of upcoming consumer and producer price indices, investors remain cautious, with some hoping for signs that could indicate a pause in the Fed's easing cycle. The market remains vigilant for insights into the Fed's future interest rate trajectory. (With inputs from agencies.)

Jordan Scoville’s two-touchdown, one interception performance in S-E-M’s 38-12 State Semifinal win over Garden County earned him Athlete of the Week honors. The Pleasanton Bulldogs clawed their way into the Class D top 10 at last year's state wrestling meet, riding the shoulders of two state runner-ups — Gatlin Krepela (51-4) at 138 pounds and Luke Pawloski (35-3) at 215 pounds. While Krepela has transferred to Omaha Skutt Catholic for his senior season, Pawloski returns to lead the Bulldogs this year. Also back is Chase Gillming, a senior who was 24-18 and a state qualifier a year ago. Other lettermen on the Pleasanton roster are senior Kenan Hasenauer (285), junior Evan Kucera (126) and sophomores Dylan Phillips (120), Sawyer Gillming (132), Riegen Reissland (138) and Sam Smith (160)/ "We have 11 wrestlers out this year and hope to be competitive in quads and dual meets and get better as the year goes on," said coach Mike Herman, who is in his 39th year of coaching. Pleasanton’s Tyra Sekutera, left, and Cassidee Paitz, right, go after a loose ball during a game with S-E-M. The Pleasanton girls are looking for a rebound — the ones under the basket and the one in the standings. Plenty of indications point in that direction, too. "We have a team that is hungry to get back to competing for conference championships and getting back to Lincoln," coach Jordan Arensdorf said. "We had one of the best summers that I can remember as a coach. The girls put an emphasis on putting in the work to improve their overall game." Pleasanton returns four starters and three other letter winners from last year's 10-12 team, the first team with a losing record since 2015. Leading scorer Natalie Rasmussen was one of three seniors on that saw a lot of younger players get playing time. Back to restore the Bulldogs in the standings are 5-7 senior guard Tyra Sekutera, 5-9 junior guard Brittany Riley, 5-7 senior guard/forward Cassidee Paitz and 5-9 junior forward/center Cadence Dixon. Sekutera will be a three-year starter at Pleasanton. She averaged nearly nine points per game last season. Riley averaged seven points per game and was the team's leading rebounder. Other returning letter winners are 5-7 junior guard Brecken Wendt, 5-8 sophomore guard Emme Westland and 5-7 junior forward Claire Ahrens. "We will need some young players ... to step up and play like experienced players, which I believe they are capable of," Arensdorf said. Those players include Westland and freshmen Tenley Flood and Kenlie Zwiener, both of whom Arensdorf said will have a big impact on the varsity. "It will be important for this group to keep their composure and to be strong mentally in tough situations," Arensdorf said. "If we can control the controlables, not worry about the outside noise, I look for us to have an improved season." Former Kearney High girls basketball coach Jason Boyd returns to the coaching ranks with 20 years of experience and 310 victories under his belt. He takes over a Bulldog team that went 6-17 last year while starting four underclassmen. "I believe this team is ready to take the next step in their development and have a lot of success this season," Boyd said. "We have a competitive group that is hungry to turn things around and win now." That happened for the Bulldogs in football, but with the good came some bad as senior Ryelan Kingston, who averaged 9. 1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last year, is out with an injury. Others starters returning include 6-foot senior Gavin Zwiener, 6-1 junior Brennan Lindner and 6-2 senior Jayson Cronin. Lindner averaged more than nine points, three assists and three rebounds per game last season. Zwiener contributed six points and four rebounds per game. Other returning lettermen are 6-8 senior guard Cohen Cruise, 6-foot senior guard/forward Josh Pierce, 5-10 senior Gavin Stark, 6-4 junior center Cade Klein, 6-0 junior guard/forward Haden Smith, 6-1 sophomore guard/forward Owen Janitscheck and 6-0 junior forward Austin Hollingsworth. Boyd said the Bulldogs will rely on their experience for leadership in "holding the team accountable for working hard, having a good attitude and competing." Get local news delivered to your inbox!CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. “Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR's “take-it-or-leave-it” final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as “open” teams that don't have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was “primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR,” Freeze said. “NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit,” Freeze said. “NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved.” A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing “new circumstances” in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a “coordinated effort behind the scenes.” “This is completely false,” Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. “23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing,” Lauletta said. "Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. “It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships,” he continued. “It is a necessity because NASCAR’s monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level.” AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing