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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. People are also reading... 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. Here are the people Trump picked for key positions so far President-elect Donald Trump 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, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State 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, Secretary of Defense 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. Pam Bondi, Attorney General 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. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security 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. Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior 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., Secretary of Health and Human Services 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, Treasury Secretary 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. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Labor Secretary 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, Housing and Urban Development 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, Secretary of Transportation 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. Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy 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. Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education 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, Secretary of Agriculture 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. Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce 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, Secretary of Veterans Affairs 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, White House press secretary 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. Tulsi Gabbard, National Intelligence Director 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. John Ratcliffe, Central Intelligence Agency Director 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, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director 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. Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator 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.” Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission 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. Paul Atkins, Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission 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, NASA Administrator 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. Elise Stefanik, Ambassador to the United Nations 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. Matt Whitaker, Ambassador to NATO 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. Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel 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. Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East 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. Keith Kellogg, Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia 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) Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser 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, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy 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. Tom Homan, ‘Border Czar’ 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. Billy Long, Internal Revenue Service commissioner 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.” Kelly Loeffler, Small Business Administration administrator 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, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services administrator 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 and Vivek Ramaswamy to advise White House on government efficiency 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, Office of Management and Budget 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. Additional selections to the incoming White House 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.Efforts by Sarabha Nagar shopkeepers pay off as MC declares parking free

Social Security tackles overpayment ‘injustices,’ but problems remain

MIAMI , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami is proud to announce the completion of its highly anticipated renovations, redefining luxury and sophistication in the heart of South Beach at 1600 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Designed by Lang & Schwander to embody the vibrant energy and upscale charm of Miami , the updates include newly reimagined rooms and suites, check-in lobby, inclusivity spaces, from food and beverage and communal lounge areas that celebrate the hotel's commitment to connecting guests to the pulse of the city. Elevated Rooms and Suites The newly renovated 105 guest rooms and suites blend modern design with thoughtful functionality. Each space is adorned with sleek furnishings, neutral tones, and vibrant accents inspired by Miami's art scene. Enhanced amenities include plush bedding, state-of-the-art technology, and expansive windows offering stunning views of South Beach's iconic skyline and coastline. Enhanced Check-In Lobby and Inclusivity Spaces Guests are greeted with an upgraded check-in lobby on the third floor that exudes warmth and style. Featuring contemporary decor and comfortable seating, the space serves as an inviting prelude to their South Beach experience. Communal areas have also been reimagined to foster connection, offering vibrant social spaces. From a chic full bar serving classic and unique cocktails, to indoor communal lounge area to serene outdoor terraces, Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami provides the perfect setting to connect and recharge with fellow travelers. Unparalleled Amenities Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami continues to deliver exceptional amenities that cater to modern travelers. Guests can enjoy: "Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami has always been envisioned as a destination where the vibrant spirit of South Beach meets unparalleled hospitality. Our recent renovations mark the next chapter in our dedication to elevating guest experiences and showcasing the beauty and culture of Miami Beach ," said Robert Finvarb , Founder of Robert Finvarb Companies. Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami serves as the ultimate launchpad for adventure, offering guests access to the city's finest attractions, including Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road Mall, and the Art Deco Historic District. About Hyatt Centric Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created to connect guests to the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery so they never miss a moment of adventure. Each hotel offers social spaces to connect with others in the lobby, meanwhile the bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they don't. A passionately engaged team is there to provide local expertise on the best food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. For more information, please visit hyattcentric.com . Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram , and tag photos with #HyattCentric. About Robert Finvarb Companies Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created to connect guests to the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery so they never miss a moment of adventure. Each hotel offers social spaces to connect with others in the lobby, meanwhile the bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they don't. A passionately engaged team is there to provide local expertise on the best food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. For more information, please visit hyattcentric.com . Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram , and tag photos with #HyattCentric. About Robert Finvarb Companies Robert Finvarb Companies (RFC) is a private real estate investment and development company based in Miami, Florida . Robert Finvarb , founder of the company, started his development career in 2002. Since then, RFC has developed nineteen hotels containing an excess of 3,500 guestrooms that operate under various Marriott and Hyatt brands and are located in seven states and the District of Columbia . RFC has a reputation for developing high-quality assets and possesses a track record of success in all market cycles. As a private company, the principals invest their own equity in all projects and are personally involved in all phases of development and operations. For more than 20 years, RFC has carefully cultivated its reputation of excellence in the hospitality industry. RFC's team of development and lodging specialists have a wide-ranging expertise in real estate and capital markets that is applied in identifying accretive investment opportunities to maximize the financial performance of such projects. CONTACT: Jacqueline Mercado Hyatt Hotels Corporation + 1 786 578 6886 jacqueline@identitymediapr.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-year-new-look-hyatt-centric-south-beach-miami-debuts-elevated-style-and-luxury-302337669.html SOURCE Hyatt Centric South Beach MiamiKey points from 5 who want to be the next governor of NJ

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Naked man arrested on California school football field accused of killing teenagerThe Government has not held any discussions nor have entered into any agreements with India regarding the proposed Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between India and Sri Lanka during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India. Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said this during the special media conference held yesterday (20) at the Department of Government Information to create awareness and to provide insights into President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India. The Minister said that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka was further strengthened as a result of this state visit to India by the President and the Sri Lankan delegation, as they were well received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian President Droupadi Murmu and other Indian authorities, which is a significant victory for the country and will further benefit Sri Lanka and its people in many ways with important decisions that were made that are highly beneficial for Sri Lanka and its people in economic, cultural, digital, technological, environmental and many other spheres. Bilateral talks were held between the Indian and Sri Lankan authorities and a statement by the President of Sri Lanka and the Indian Prime Minister were made separately followed by a joint statement by both. Two Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) were signed between the two countries. An MOU was signed for a two week training programme on public service to be conducted for 1,500 Sri Lankan state officials in India for the next five years. A second MOU was signed on the removal of the existing double taxation for businesses of Sri Lankans in India and Indians in Sri Lanka where currently such businessmen are taxed by both countries which will benefit the business community economically in both countries going forward as a result. There were no agreements that were signed besides the two MOUs and only discussions were held on technical matters and development projects between both countries during the three day state visit of India by President Dissanayake. In-depth discussions were held about the issues faced by the Sri Lankan fishermen in the North and the South Indian fishing community to find further solutions to them. President Dissanayake emphasized to Indian authorities about the ongoing problem of South Indian fishermen coming to Sri Lankan waters and continuing to carry out bottom trawler fishing activities and also being arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities for trespassing into Sri Lankan territorial waters for fishing. Both parties agreed to arrive at an expedited permanent solution to these continued fishing problems. The Indian government assured that the ongoing housing projects carried out with Indian aid in its third and fourth stages constructed in the country will be further strengthened and continued. Indian Prime Minister Modi has promised to convert the complete loan amount given by India into a grant, to renovate the Mahawa – Omanthai railway line with the construction of the traffic signal system which is nearing completion that will run two trains between Anuradhapura and Jaffna, which is a significant victory achieved by the Sri Lankan government during this visit. India has also agreed to provide all funds required as a grant to build the Karainagar Boat complex that will greatly benefit the fishing industry in the North and the entire country. The government of India also agreed to expedite the removal of existing legal barriers for the Mahabodhi Foundation in receiving foreign donations. Sri Lankan proposal was made by President Dissanayake to Indian Prime Minister Modi emphasising on the need to discuss and finalise on the demarcation of the Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends from the Sri Lankan coastline of the Sri Lankan maritime zone as the finalized EEZ area need to be communicated to the United Nations after agreement reached with India, which the Indian government agreed to commence discussions on, to arrive at a final agreement. The President has assured the Indian Prime Minister that the Sri Lankan territory including land and sea areas will not be permitted to be used by anybody including any foreign powers that will cause security threats to India or the Asian region in any way. Discussions were made between the two countries on the ongoing proposed power and energy, electricity development projects which face some technical problems, besides technical, political and cultural fields requiring development that will benefit both countries. The Sri Lankan government agreed to continue the Sampur solar power project that an agreement has already been reached before, between the two countries which the Ceylon Electricity Board and an Indian company have already signed an agreement on the project which will generate solar power for the country. It has been agreed by the Sri Lankan government to hold discussions over power and energy and electricity generating projects between both countries using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Wind Power, to export excess electricity generated by solar power and wind power which are natural resources that the country possess to other countries through India, under the BIMSTEC economic cooperation which will greatly benefit the country bringing in revenue.Agreement has been made to continue further discussions in the future on the proposed joint venture between Sri Lanka, India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on construction of a multi-product oil pipeline between Sri Lanka and India to supply affordable and reliable energy, establishment of a high-capacity power grid interconnection between India and Sri Lanka while prioritising environmental protection through flora and fauna project. Minister Herath emphasised that the Sri Lankan government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will not agree to anything that is detrimental to the country in any way.

Kobe Sanders tied a season high with 27 points as Nevada claimed fifth place in the Charleston Classic with a 90-78 victory over Oklahoma State Sunday afternoon in South Carolina. Sanders helped the Wolfpack (6-1) earn a second win following one-possession games against Vanderbilt and VCU. After hitting the decisive 3-pointer with five seconds left in Friday's 64-61 win over VCU, Sanders made 7 of 10 shots, hit three 3s and sank 10 of 13 free throws Sunday. Nick Davidson added 223 points as Nevada led by as many as 19 and shot 58.9 percent. Brandon Love contributed 11 on 5-of-5 shooting as the Wolfpack scored 46 points in the paint and scored at least 85 for the fourth time this season. Marchelus Avery led the Cowboys (4-2) with 15 points and Arturo Dean added 13. Robert Jennings and Abou Ousmane added 11 apiece but leading scorer Bryce Thompson was held to seven points on 1-of-9 shooting as Oklahoma State shot 42 percent and 73.2 percent (30-of-41) at the line. After Avery's 3 forged a 12-12 tie with 13:41 remaining, Nevada gradually gained separation. The Wolfpack took a 24-15 lead on Chuck Bailey's jumper in the paint with 8:28 left but the Cowboys inched back, getting within 33-31 on a dunk by Avery with 4:11 left. Another Bailey jumper staked Nevada to a 40-33 lead by halftime. Nevada began pulling away early in the second half as it scored eight in a row for a 52-40 lead on a basket by Love with 16:44 left. A 3 by Sanders opened a 62-43 lead with 14:06 remaining before Oklahoma State charged back. After Nevada made eight straight shots, the Cowboys countered with 11 straight points and trailed 62-54 with 11:19 left on a 3-pointer by Avery. Thompson made his first basket by sinking a jumper with 10:37 left to get Oklahoma State within 64-56 left, and Keller's triple cut the margin to 70-64 nearly three minutes later. The Cowboys were within 78-72 on a basket by Avery with 3:56 remaining, but he fouled out about a minute later and the Wolfpack outscored Oklahoma State 12-6 the rest of the way as Sanders sank five free throws. --Field Level Media

No club wins an Draft on the night, but when you own a third of the top 24 it was always going to be tough for the Tigers to lose it. Richmond capitalised on its historic hand by swinging for upside and landing North Melbourne's future first-rounder - which has finished as a top two pick for the past four consecutive seasons. West Coast and Port Adelaide capitalised on sliders, Brisbane and Gold Coast matched bids on top 10 talents and we saw 71 selections for the first time since 2018, proving the lauded depth of 2024's draft pool. This is how ESPN has graded every club's haul from both nights of the 2024 AFL Draft. Adelaide Sid Draper (4), Tyler Welsh (59) No midfielder better fits Adelaide's on-ball brigade than boyhood Crow Sid Draper. His speed, agility, clean hands and damage on the outside of the contest will complement the likes of Jordan Dawson and Jake Soligo perfectly. Draper was so keen on the Crows he called Matthew Nicks days out from the draft, imploring the coach to read out his name with pick 4. Adelaide only planned to use two selections and listed father-son Tyler Welsh at pick 59. The key forward offers strength in abundance and has kicked goals at every level this year. A Levi Ashcroft (5), Sam Marshall (25), Ty Gallop (42) What a result for the Lions gaining access to Levi Ashcroft at pick 5. A bid at pick 1 would have made finding points for both he and Sam Marshall near impossible, but they were afforded room to trade into 2025's draft with an eye on Academy midfielder Daniel Annable. Ashcroft's drive and intensity about his football is stunning -- he refused to touch the premiership cup on Grand Final day. Sam Marshall is an elite runner who could also play early senior football for the Lions as a wingman or halfback. Brisbane would have liked a later bid on Academy forward Ty Gallop, but were keen to add him to the list given his athletic traits at 194cm. A Jagga Smith (3), Harry O'Farrell (40), Ben Camporeale (43), Lucas Camporeale (54) Jagga Smith was the man for the Blues all along. It was a coup for the finalists to trade up to pick 3, and seeing the midfielder they rated no. 1 in the draft at their selection must have felt like Christmas morning for Nick Austin and his team. Smith also landed at no. 1 on ESPN's draft board - he's a ball magnet that will thrive alongside Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh. The Blues held their nerve on the pick in Ben Camporeale's bidding range, and were rewarded with athletic key defender Harry O'Farrell whose father is the much-beloved Carlton lawyer Patrick Cripps can thank for his first Brownlow Medal. The Camporeale twins are one of the great stories stemming from the second night. Ben is a tough and physical inside midfielder built for the clinches. Lucas has class and courage, able to run up and down a wing all day. Both will take time to develop in the VFL but have traits to be unlocked in a professional environment. A+ Joel Cochran (47), Charlie West (50), Will Hayes (56) The Pies entered the draft late and immediately bid on Sydney's academy graduate Joel Cochran which was not matched. The key defender took out the combine 2km time trial - he's an elite runner and can play on a variety of forwards. South Australia's Charlie West will take time to develop but presents upside as a bustling key forward that loves to take pack marks. Finally, the Pies grabbed specialist wingman Will Hayes who can run all day and makes smart decisions. He's one that could impact in 2025, but Collingwood would have loved to gain access to more ready-made talent. C Isaac Kako (13), Kayle Gerreyn (37), Angus Clarke (39), Rhys Unwin (61), Zak Johnson (70) Isaac Kako is the crown jewel for Matt Rosa's team in 2024, the best small forward for a goal-hungry side that has lacked depth in the area for a long time. Kako has the talent and temperament to play AFL football right away with a full pre-season. At pick 37, Kayle Gerreyn was top of ESPN's available prospects, and Port was sweating on his availability at pick 38. The gifted ruck-forward can pinpoint passes off both feet, is nimble in congestion and plays with a physical edge. He's likely to play his best football as a marking forward that can cameo in the ruck. Two selections later, Essendon added SA halfback Angus Clarke, who grew up in the same town as Mason Redman and plays a similarly damaging game from defence. He loves to fly for his intercept marks and kickstart transition. They added Rhys Unwin whose speed in the forward half is of value, and classy halfback Zak Johnson who can also run on-ball. The Dons will add NGA small Jayden Nguyen to their category-B rookie list on Friday after he got through without a bid. A- Murphy Reid (17), Charlie Nicholls (34), Jaren Carr (63) The Dockers were surprised that Murphy Reid was still on the board at 17. The Dragons midfielder took out Vic Metro's carnival MVP after an impressive block of football where he proved to be a damaging accumulator. Charlie Nicholls is a project tall out of South Australia that could end up at either end of the ground, but has done most of his work as a hard-leading forward. Finally, Fremantle committed to father-son Jaren Carr who made his WAFL debut this year and can play in a variety of roles at 191cm. B- Jay Polkinghorne (44), Jacob Molier (52), Lennox Hofmann (66), Keighton Matofai-Forbes (69) The Cats entered the draft late on night two and took two South Australian prospects with their first two picks. Jay Polkinghorne presents as an X-factor forward at 191cm, able to clunk marks and kick accurately for goal. Jacob Molier was the first pure ruckman taken in the draft; his excellent state combine was capped off with an elite 20m sprint time at 201cm. Geelong were shocked to see St Kilda pass on their Lennox Hofmann bid, who had interest much higher up the order. The defender plays lockdown roles but also loves to get forward and use his supreme pace to break the game open. Finally, Keighton Matofai-Forbes got his chance late in the piece. The powerful forward relishes one-on-ones and has an incredible fluidity to his game at 188cm. C+ Leo Lombard (9), Cooper Bell (49) Leo Lombard is another academy coup for the Suns, and would have been taken higher if he was in the open draft. The midfielder comes into the AFL as one of its most explosive athletes ever based on combine results, and it translates to the field where his power, physicality and speed shine. GWS opted not to match a bid on academy key defender Cooper Bell who adds depth to Gold Coast's defensive stocks. B Ollie Hannaford (18), Harrison Oliver (19), Cody Angove (24), Jack Ough (36), Logan Smith (71) GWS swung the biggest surprise on night one again, grabbing West Australian speedster Cody Angove at pick 24. A bolter from nowhere, the Claremont product has smarts and creativity forward of the ball, and has a valuable speed-endurance blend that Adrian Caruso's team craves. Before that, they took massive riser Ollie Hannaford, completing the swing from no national combine invite to top 20 pick. The forward's speed and competitiveness are highlights of his exciting game. They also grabbed tough and balanced running defender Harrison Oliver, who had suitors in the late first round. The Giants finished off their haul with 194cm smooth-moving midfielder Jack Ough, and athletic academy ruckman Logan Smith, who didn't attract a bid. The Giants will add NGA prospect Josaia Delana to their rookie list. C+ Noah Mraz (35), Cody Anderson (64) It was a quiet draft for the Hawks after a busy trade period of bringing in two key defenders, and they grabbed another one to boot. Noah Mraz was a forgotten man after a navicular fracture wiped out his season, but his capabilities as a key defender to intercept and lock down shouldn't be underestimated. Hawthorn also snared NGA prospect Cody Anderson, dubbed 'The Beast From The East' for his attack on the man and the ball out of the Eastern Ranges. He's an exciting player with a great defensive game through the midfield and up forward. C+ Harvey Langford (6), Xavier Lindsay (11), Aiden Johnson (68) The Demons traded up with the Dons and were stoked to land two of the best midfielders in the pool. Harvey Langford was a joint Larke Medallist this year after an outstanding campaign as a 190cm on-baller than finds a lot of ball and gains territory with his massive left boot. Xavier Lindsay adds polish and craft on the outside, a beautiful user and hard runner with leadership aspirations. The Dees rounded out their selections with mature-age VFL premiership Bee Aidan Johnson who adds depth to their key forward stocks at 193cm. Indigenous small forward Ricky Mentha will land at the Dees via the category-B rookie list. A- Finn O'Sullivan (2), Matt Whitlock (27), Luke Urquhart (57), River Stevens (67) North took big swings on the first night. They grabbed their no. 1 prospect in the draft in Finn O'Sullivan, whose elite body of work across his junior career warranted the pick. He's another midfielder but has versatility with his aerial ability and capacity to hit the scoreboard. They then pulled a stunner, trading their future first-rounder for pick 27 to grab project key defender Matt Whitlock, who they rated inside the top 10. North's first round pick has landed inside the top 2 for the past five seasons. On night two they grabbed WA hard-nosed midfielder Luke Urquhart whose athletic profile, intensity and clearance work saw him dominate the championships. They then finished up with small forward River Stevens, the son of former captain Anthony. North needs to catapult up the ladder to justify the decision to trade their 2025 first round selection. D Joe Berry (15), Jack Whitlock (33), Christian Moraes (38) Port Adelaide pulled the first live trade of the draft, moving up a spot to grab half forward Joe Berry. The Bushrangers goalkicker models his game on Robbie Gray and boasts similarities in his silky ball use and penchant for standing up in big games. They were considering Jack Whitlock at 15, and were stunned to see him slide all the way to pick 33 where they snatched him up. He will take time to develop his 200cm frame but presents as a long-term Charlie Dixon replacement leading out of full forward. Finally, Christian Moraes was another slider they were keen to grab. The Ranges midfielder has played across all three areas of the ground and does not stop running. It means he finds plenty of ball and can kick goals. Benny Barrett will slot onto their rookie list as an NGA small forward. The Power needed to capitalise on this draft after trading Dan Houston, and they grabbed three high quality prospects with two likely to play AFL football next year. A Sam Lalor (1), Josh Smillie (7), Taj Hotton (12), Jonty Faull (14), Luke Trainor (21), Harry Armstrong (23), Thomas Sims (28), Jasper Alger (58) It was difficult for Richmond to not capitalise on their incredible draft hand, but they were also able to maximise their 2025 hand with North's future first-rounder. It gives them a genuine chance at securing the top two picks in 12 months' time. Many of their selections were drafted with upside in mind. Sam Lalor has the highest upside of all prospects and was taken at pick 1. The powerful midfielder will start his career as a dangerous forward. Josh Smillie then fell at pick 7 - the 195cm battering ram through the middle will eventually form a physical one-two punch with Lalor. Taj Hotton was a slight surprise, but was again a punt on tantalising upside after dominating the first month of the season. We won't see him in action until the back half of 2025 as the mercurial forward-half accumulator recovers from a torn ACL. Three key forwards were taken in a sign of the long-term view. Jonty Faull is a consistent and hard-working key forward that could impact early, Harry Armstrong is the best set shot in the pool and brings a strong athletic profile, and Tom Sims is a wildcard selection with the first pick of night two. At 199cm with a long reach he has physical traits that give him a shot at becoming a great AFL forward. Luke Trainor's slide was halted by the Tigers and he will learn plenty from Nick Vlastuin. The Dragons interceptor is an elite reader of the play and also possesses tidy foot skills. Finally, the Tigers traded back into the draft to snatch up Jasper Alger, with the small forward sliding into the 50s. He adds ground level pressure in the forward 50. We will wait and see if Richmond nailed this draft, but Blair Hartley's team has put the club in a position to achieve long-term success once more. A+ Tobie Travaglia (8), Alix Tauru (10), James Barrat (32), Hugh Boxshall (45), Alex Dodson (53), Patrick Said (60) The Saints were busy on both nights, and shaped the draft by taking the blonde defenders in the top 10. Tobie Travaglia is the ultimate competitor off halfback. He's a great interceptor and goes on long runs down the ground with an elite work rate. He harbours ambitions of moving into the midfield as a Will Day type player. Alix Tauru rose into top 10 contention with incredible aerial exploits. He's an elite mark and brings a physical edge to his game. His confidence and strong hands could make him one of the game's best interceptors. St Kilda took a third defender in James Barrat, who could be the Josh Battle replacement as a tough lockdown defender. His physicality and positional flexibility will be highly valued by Ross Lyon. Hugh Boxshall is an elite runner and a strong inside midfielder out of Claremont, Alex Dodson tumbled down the order despite being ranked by ESPN as the draft's best ruckman, and Patrick Said adds ground level pressure to the forward 50. They surprisingly ended the night without their NGA prospects, not matching Geelong's bid on Lennox Hofmann and seeing Adrian Cole fall through the draft. They're yet to make a decision on Cole and father-son prospect Elwood Peckett. The Saints needed midfield depth but opted for best available at their top selections. There may be some short-term pain for long-term gain. B Jesse Dattoli (22), Ned Bowman (26), Riley Bice (41), Riak Andrew (55) The Swans loomed as favourites to land key position talent in the first round, but instead opted for more scoreboard impact from medium forwards. Jesse Dattoli could be anything at the next level, able to take contested marks, run through the midfield, and kick bags of goals. Ned Bowman is a human highlight reel and has special aerial ability inside forward 50. He had suitors in the 30s, so Sydney had to pounce if they wanted him. Riley Bice adds ready-made polish off halfback. He won a flag with Werribee in the VFL and as a 24-year-old is ready to go. With their final pick, the Swans scored Riak Andrew after Melbourne chose not to match the bid. His lockdown capabilities improved greatly this year and it's that rate of development that sold Sydney. Interestingly, they chose not to match Collingwood's bid on academy defender Joel Cochran, instead opting to bid on Andrew. C- Bo Allen (16), Jobe Shanahan (30), Tom Gross (46), Luca Greggo (48), Hamish Davis (65) West Coast rivals Richmond for the biggest winners of the 2024 AFL Draft. It was tough to envisage after trading back from pick 3 to 12 in the Liam Baker deal, but WA's best prospect Bo Allan slid through to the selection after they traded back with Port Adelaide and the Eagles scooped him up. Allan is a ready-made, physical midfielder who leads from the front. He will start his career at halfback but it won't be long before he joins Harley Reid in the engine room. Another minor miracle occurred with highly-rated key forward Jobe Shanahan falling all the way to pick 30 despite receiving a draft invitation on night one. Shanahan's ceiling is immense as a 194cm goalkicking power forward, but some clubs also see his future down back where he reads the play and his athleticism is on show. They snared tough inside midfielder Tom Gross at 46, with his point of difference being an underrated aerial ability. Luca Greggo offers serious speed on the edge of contests, while massive slider Hamish Davis was scooped up at 65 out of Claremont. The 190cm forward kicked four goals in a WAFL final this year, won 40 disposals in a midfield masterclass at Colts level and also took out best on ground honours in the Colts Grand Final. He could play football early for the Eagles, but needs to re-work his kicking action to become more reliable distributing the ball. West Coast can list Malakai Champion as a category-B rookie after he slid through the national draft. A+ Cooper Hynes (20), Lachie Jaques (29), Josh Dolan (31), Sam Davidson (51), Luke Kennedy (62) The Dogs were sweating on Murphy Reid's availability but were happy to grab Cooper Hynes who adds the power, speed, and aggression this list lacks in the forward half. Hynes has played a lot through the midfield but should start his career as an impact medium forward. Lachie Jaques was added out of the Falcons as a dashing halfback with the ability to play on talls and smalls, while Josh Dolan's smarts and leadership in the forward half will be valuable. Sam Davidson presents as the ready-made forward at 190cm after winning the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medal with Richmond. After starting his pre-season with VFL side Coburg, Luke Kennedy will also be heading to the Kennel. The consistent Sandy midfielder brings poise and class. B+Blame it on the food and drink?NEWCASTLE, England : Mohamed Salah struck twice for Premier League leaders Liverpool but it was not enough to earn them victory at Newcastle United as a thrilling 3-3 draw meant the gap at the top of the table was cut to seven points on Wednesday. Liverpool were minutes away from a 12th victory from their opening 14 league games but Newcastle defender Fabian Schar capitalised following a mistake by keeper Caoimhin Kelleher to equalise in the 90th minute at St James' Park. Arne Slot's side have 35 points with Chelsea and Arsenal both on 28 after convincing wins. Chelsea thrashed 10-man bottom club Southampton 5-1 away while Arsenal inflicted a first defeat on Manchester United's new manager Ruben Amorim, winning 2-0 at The Emirates with goals by Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. Champions Manchester City returned to form as they ended a seven-match winless run by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0. Everton crushed Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 to ease away from the bottom three while Aston Villa got back to winning ways with a 3-1 home victory against Brentford. Newcastle twice led against Liverpool but Salah's brace looked like sealing victory for the visitors until Kelleher misjudged the flight of a cross and Schar turned in a half volley from an acute angle in the 90th minute. "We were outstanding in the second half but the first half we were not good enough," Slot said. "They were really aggressive and forced us to make mistakes. But the second half was so much better and we had much more control. "3-3 was probably what the game deserved. We were happy to still be in it at halftime." The in-form Salah has now scored and assisted in 37 Premier League games in his career - a new record - and leads this season's Premier League scoring chart with 13 goals. Newcastle had dominated the opening period and thoroughly deserved the lead given to them by Isak's spectacular shot from the edge of the area in the 35th minute. Liverpool were a different proposition in a sensational second half, however, and Salah's superb pass with the outside of his foot enabled Curtis Jones to make it 1-1. POSITIVE START Amorim has had a positive start with United and arrived in north London on the back of a 4-0 win over Everton. But the Portuguese got a reality check at Arsenal as Timber and Saliba both scored in the second half. Timber headed in a Declan Rice corner in the 54th minute before a Thomas Partey header from a Bukayo Saka corner bounced off Saliba and in. "Until the set pieces the game didn't have too many opportunities for both sides, the set pieces killed the game," former Sporting manager Amorim said after his first domestic league defeat for a year. Arsenal trail Chelsea on goal difference after Enzo Maresca's side thumped hapless Southampton. Chelsea took the lead in the seventh minute through Axel Disasi's header but Joe Aribo drew Southampton level four minutes later before a goalkeeping howler allowed Christopher Nkunku to put the visitors back ahead. Noni Madueke extended Chelsea's lead before a moment of madness saw Jack Stephens sent off for a hair-pull on Marc Cucurella. Late goals by Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho rounded off the win. Manchester City's horrible run of six defeats from seven games in all competitions ended as goals by Bernardo Silva, captain Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku against Nottingham Forest put City fourth on 26 points. "Today is hopefully a first step to improve," De Bruyne said. "It's good to change the momentum. In some games we lost there were periods we weren't playing bad." Aston Villa ended an eight-match winless streak as they sped into a 3-0 halftime lead against Brentford with Morgan Rogers, an Ollie Watkins penalty and a Matty Cash shot putting Unai Emery's side in command. Mikkel Damsgaard pulled one back early in the second half for Brentford. Ashley Young became Everton's oldest ever goalscorer as the 39-year-old's free kick put his side ahead against Wolves for whom Craig Dawson scored two own goals. Wolves are second from bottom with nine points and fans vented their anger at manager Gary O'Neil.

Article content SALT LAKE CITY — A Department of Homeland Security agent who the FBI says conspired with another agent to sell an illicit drug known as “bath salts” pleaded not guilty to a drug distribution conspiracy charge Friday in federal court. Recommended Videos A grand jury in Salt Lake City brought the criminal charge against Special Agent David Cole of the Homeland Security Investigations unit earlier this week. The indictment alleges that Cole abused his position as a federal law enforcement agent to obtain and sell drugs for profit. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Cole took drugs that had been seized as evidence, telling colleagues he was using them for legitimate investigations, and instead sold them to a confidential informant who resold the drugs for profit on the streets of Utah, according to the indictment. The informant, who has a lengthy criminal history, had been recruited by federal agents to work for them upon his release from prison. But in addition to conducting controlled buys from suspected drug dealers as directed by investigators, the informant said he was compelled by Cole and another agent to also engage in illegal sales. The investigation began after the informant’s defense attorney contacted the U.S. Attorney in Utah in October to report that agents had required him to engage in potentially illegal acts dating from last spring to early December. Details of drug sales offered by the informant were confirmed through surveillance and other sources, the FBI said. Cole and the second agent — identified in court documents only as “Person A” — profited up to $300,000 from the illegal scheme, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the case. FBI spokesperson Sandra Barker said Friday that “Person A” had not been arrested or charged, but the investigation was ongoing. Cole, 50, of South Jordan, Utah, entered the courtroom Friday handcuffed and hunched over, wearing a white and gray, striped jumpsuit. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead accepted Cole’s not guilty plea and scheduled a trial for the week of Feb. 24. Federal officials say Cole’s indictment sends a message that officers who break the law and undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement will be prosecuted. “A drug dealer who carries a badge is still a drug dealer — and one who has violated an oath to uphold the law and protect the public,” said Nicole Argentieri, head of the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No one is above the law.” Special Agent Shohini Sinha, who leads the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said Cole’s alleged actions helped fuel an already devastating drug crisis. Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities who say it’s similar to methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy. They are unrelated to actual bathing products. Cole’s attorney, Alexander Ramos, has declined to directly address the criminal allegations but said his client has a strong reputation within the federal law enforcement community. Ramos did not immediately respond Friday to emails seeking comment on the not guilty plea. The Homeland Security Investigations department where Cole worked conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, weapons, drugs and sensitive technology into, out of and across the U.S. Cole and the second agent had their credentials suspended but have not been fired, according to court documents.LONDON: Gaza Cola, a Palestinian soft drink launched as a “genocide-free” alternative, has taken the UK by storm. According to an International media outlet, this unique beverage, branded as “racism-free,” is gaining traction amidst global boycotts of major companies accused of supporting Israeli actions in Palestine. Available at Hiba Express, a Palestinian restaurant located in Holborn, central London, the drink’s cans feature Arabic calligraphy and the Palestinian flag, embodying a powerful message of resistance. The food chain, housed in the six-story Palestine House , serves as a hub for Palestinian culture and solidarity. Osama Qashoo, the 43-year-old creator of Gaza Cola, launched the drink in November 2023. Inspired by a mission for justice, Qashoo said, “This drink is about freedom — a taste untainted by violence or oppression.” A refugee forced to flee Palestine in 2003 for opposing Israel’s controversial wall, Qashoo’s vision for Gaza Cola is clear: to boycott brands linked to oppression and provide a sip of liberation. The cola, sweet and fizzy like Coca-Cola but made with a unique recipe, is rapidly becoming a symbol of ethical consumerism and solidarity with Palestine. Read More: Pope Francis suggests international study into possible genocide in Gaza In December 2023 South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for allegedly violating the Genocide Convention. In January 2024 the judges at the court ordered Israel to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts. The court has not yet ruled on the core of the case – whether genocide has occurred in Gaza. Israel says accusations of genocide in its Gaza campaign are baseless and that it is solely hunting down Hamas and other groups. “Following today’s report in Vatican News: There was a genocidal massacre on 7 October 2023 of Israeli citizens, and since then, Israel has exercised its right of self-defense against attempts from seven different fronts to kill its citizens,” said Yaron Sideman, ambassador to the Holy See. “Any attempt to call it by any other name is singling out the Jewish state,” he posted on social media.

None"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Keir Starmer has promised “zero tolerance” for benefits cheats as Labour seeks to tame the UK’s ballooning welfare bill. The prime minister warned those who try to “take advantage of state generosity will feel the force of the law” and that ministers would even “take cash straight from the banks of fraudsters”. His vow came as ministers prepare to unveil “tough” changes to the welfare system later this week. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall said on Sunday that young people who repeatedly refuse to take up jobs or training would lose their benefits. In a piece for the Mail on Sunday, the Labour leader pledged the public would see “sweeping changes. Because make no mistake, we will get to grips with the bulging benefits bill blighting our society.” Labour has said it will stick by a Tory commitment to slash the cost of the welfare bill by £3 billion over five years, although Sir Keir also promised not to “call people shirkers or go down the road of division” - a dig at previous Conservative governments. Ms Kendall is to set out her plans in detail later this week, but on Sunday wanted of “tough” action ahead as she said that if young people “repeatedly refuse to take up the training or work responsibilities, there will be sanctions on their benefits”. Asked if this meant losing those benefits, she told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “Yes.” Benefits claimants had a "responsibility" to engage with training or employment programmes, she added. She also said she believed "many millions" of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions want to work. Figures suggest more than 4 million people will be claiming long-term sickness support by the end of the decade. But Sir Keir came under fire from Diane Abbott , who accused the prime minister of “peddling... benefit scrounger mythology”. In response to his article, the veteran Labour MP tweeted that it was: “Sad that Starmer is peddling the benefit scrounger mythology.” Ms Abbott’s criticism was backed by the ex-Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who quit the party at the end of September, who asked: “Where’s the Labour government that was elected?” Ms Kendall’s proposals are designed to "get Britain working" and are expected to include work coaches in mental health clinics as well as a "youth guarantee", designed to ensure that all 18 to 21-year-olds are either working or studying. The reasons for the increased number of claims are "complex" and that Britain is "an older and also sicker nation", she said. "I think there are a combination of factors here," she said. "I do think we are seeing an increase in the number of people with mental health problems, both self-diagnosed - I think it’s good that stigma has been reduced - but also diagnosed by doctors. "We’re also seeing more people in their 50s and above, often women, with bad knees, hips, joints. We’ve got a real problem with our health service." Asked whether she believes "normal feelings" are being "over-medicalised", Ms Kendall told the BBC: "I genuinely believe there’s not one simple thing. You know, the last government said people were too bluesy to work. "I mean, I don’t know who they were speaking to. There is a genuine problem with mental health in this country." James Taylor, from the disability equality charity Scope, said: “We agree disabled people should have the same chances and opportunities to work as everyone else. Personalised and comprehensive employment support could be transformative for so many disabled people. But the government must fund it well and commission the right organisations to deliver it.” He also warned: “Pressing ahead with the previous government’s planned cut to disability benefits will leave disabled people financially worse off and further from work. Over the years we have seen the repeated tightening of sanctions and conditionality ramp up misery, which has done little to improve the number of disabled people in work. “We’d urge the Secretary of State to take a fresh approach to supporting disabled people into work. By spending time listening to their experiences, and understanding the barriers they face that a focus on overall budgets and sanctions won’t solve.” A Conservative Party spokesman said: “Labour’s hollow promises on welfare reform will fool no-one. When the last Conservative government introduced messages to tackle the growing benefits bill, Labour opposed them every step of the way. At the Budget, instead of following in our footsteps and taking difficult decisions on welfare to fund public services, Rachel Reeves instead reached straight for the tax lever. “This new government has no clue what is needed to get people off benefits and back into work.”