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HP Study: Why Work Isn’t Working And What Can Fix ItBy JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. Related Articles On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

Imphal: Normal life was badly affected in the Imphal Valley comprising five Manipur districts on Saturday due to a 24-hour shutdown called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in protest against the killing of a village defence volunteer. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) called the 24-hour shutdown, which ended on Saturday evening, to protest the killing of a village defence volunteer, and the arrest of six others on December 14. Police earlier said that village volunteer Laishram Prem was killed and six others were arrested after an encounter with the Manipur police commandos near Salungpham High School in Thoubal district. Police claimed that the six persons they arrested and the slain were members of the banned outfit PREPAK who were allegedly involved in extortion activities. Some arms and ammunition, including those earlier looted from police armouries, were recovered from their possession, the official said. In view of the shutdown, markets, including the usually bustling Paona and Thangal Keithel markets in Imphal, were deserted as shopkeepers closed their establishments. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, also remained shut, and most vehicles remained off the roads across the valley, comprising five districts. Members of the ‘Meira Paibis’ (women vigilantes) took to the streets to enforce the shutdown. Local clubs, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the Women’s Wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) also supported the shutdown. No major incident in connection with the shutdown was reported in any of the five valley districts. In Bishnupur district, bandh supporters vandalised a few vehicles that were plying on the roads. The JAC has decided not to claim Laishram Prem’s body until their demands are fulfilled. The JAC has been demanding strict action against police officials allegedly involved in the death of the village volunteer and the unconditional release of six village volunteers arrested on December 14.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has directed oil marketers to halt petrol imports, counting on the Dangote Refinery to meet the country’s fuel demands. According to BusinessDay, this mandate was disclosed at a high-level meeting in Abuja, attended by NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari, representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and other key stakeholders. NNPC declared that all petrol supplies would now hinge on clearance from the Dangote Refinery, which reportedly has the capacity to cater to Nigeria’s fuel needs. This refinery, operational since January 2024, has produced diesel, jet fuel, and other products mainly for international markets. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . Recently, it began supplying petrol domestically, adhering to premium quality standards of 10ppm sulfur content, a significant improvement over the 50ppm standard previously dominant in Nigeria. While the refinery’s capacity is significant, oil marketers have questioned its ability to handle Nigeria’s fluctuating fuel demand reliably. Additionally, marketers raised concerns about the refinery’s payment structure, which requires advance payment—unlike the traditional post-delivery settlement model. This shift could strain the liquidity of smaller players in the downstream sector. BusinessDay quoted one marketer as saying, “Paying upfront significantly increases financial pressure, especially for businesses with limited capital.” The quality of Dangote’s fuel has introduced a price differential compared to imported alternatives, which typically have a higher sulfur content (50 ppm). While Dangote’s product aligns with global standards, some marketers have reportedly undercut its prices by sourcing cheaper, lower-quality imports, exacerbating market challenges. Dangote Refinery has accused these activities of distorting the market and even threatened legal action against NNPC for continued fuel imports. Mele Kyari recently stated that the NNPC had ceased fuel imports and was sourcing products exclusively from domestic refineries. However, this claim faced scrutiny as documents revealed significant fuel importation volumes between October and November 2024. The NNPC clarified that Kyari’s statement was taken out of context, explaining that while it prioritizes local refineries, importation remains an option when economically viable. However, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), announced earlier this week that it has reached an agreement with Dangote Refinery for fuel supply. As part of this significant agreement, the refinery will supply 60 million liters of petrol each week to IPMAN. This partnership could see the association receiving up to 240 million liters of petrol monthly. While the directive underscores the government’s reliance on the Dangote Refinery to stabilize Nigeria’s fuel supply, a giant obstacle stands in the way. Challenges surrounding crude oil supply to the refinery have cast doubt on the viability of this initiative. The success of this policy hinges on uninterrupted crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery. However, The NNPC has struggled to meet its obligations under its stock agreement with the refinery. Dangote Refinery recently disclosed that the NNPC is failing to fulfill its crude oil supply commitments, especially under the much-publicized naira-for-crude agreement. This arrangement was designed to ensure that the NNPC supplies crude oil to the refinery in exchange for naira payments, a system projected to save Nigeria up to $8 trillion annually. Unfortunately, these supply disruptions have forced the Dangote Refinery to procure crude oil from international markets, including the United States, paying in dollars—a practice that undermines the purpose of the agreement. The decision to prioritize Dangote Refinery is expected to bolster the naira in the foreign exchange market by reducing the demand for dollars typically needed by importers. Curbing the dollar demand associated with petrol importation was touted as a way the naira’s performance in the FX market could stabilize. Analysts project that this directive could significantly lower Nigeria’s annual dollar outflows, allowing more resources to be channeled toward other economic priorities. Stakeholders are expressing concern about the sustainability of the directive, given the refinery’s operational challenges. Market experts worry that inconsistent crude oil supply and the refinery’s financial pressures could disrupt the envisioned stability in Nigeria’s fuel market. The failure of the naira-for-crude agreement not only threatens Nigeria’s FX goals but also risks destabilizing the refinery’s pricing and distribution plans. If crude oil procurement costs remain high, it may lead to higher petrol prices, further straining consumers already grappling with economic hardship.Cornell University has issued detailed guidance to its international community as the United States prepares for potential immigration changes under President-elect Donald Trump . The advisory, released Tuesday, urges students, faculty, and staff to prepare for a likely travel ban and increased visa scrutiny as the new administration takes office in January 2025. Cornell identifies citizens from countries targeted during Trump's first presidency, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria and Somalia, as likely to face renewed restrictions. The university also warns that additional countries, such as China and India, could be added to the list. Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen and Venezuela are also on Cornell's list . "International students from these countries are advised to return to Ithaca before the semester begins on January 21, 2025," the advisory states, emphasizing the importance of timely travel arrangements and proper documentation. The guidance also addresses undocumented students, offering resources and support through its student support office. While acknowledging the possibility of mass deportations, Cornell notes that such actions could face legal challenges. "Mass deportations are likely to initially target individuals with final orders of deportation," the statement explains, adding that court proceedings could delay enforcement efforts. Cornell advises students to start the application process for employment visas, such as H-1B or O-1 visas, well in advance of deadlines to avoid complications. Newsweek reached out to Cornell University for comment on Tuesday. During his 2024 campaign, Trump positioned himself as a champion of legal immigration, distinguishing between those who enter the United States lawfully and those who do not. He even promised to issue green cards to all foreign students upon graduation as part of his "Day One" agenda. However, the experience of his first term raises concerns among students and universities, especially with over 400,000 undocumented students currently enrolled in U.S. higher education, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Between 2016 and 2019, visa and work permit processing times increased by 46 percent, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association. These delays were largely attributed to policies implemented by Stephen Miller , Trump's adviser, who is expected to return to the White House in a higher-ranking role as deputy chief of policy. The potential return of travel bans recalls Trump's executive orders during his first term, which restricted entry for citizens from several predominantly Muslim countries. These policies caused widespread confusion and detentions at U.S. airports, disrupting travel for many students and scholars. Now in 2025, Trump's proposed immigration policies, including mass deportations and tighter visa restrictions, have heightened concerns across U.S. universities. Academic institutions fear a repeat of past disruptions, compounded by additional measures such as visa suspensions and stricter enforcement. Other universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Wesleyan University, have issued similar warnings, advising students to return to campus before the January 20 inauguration to avoid potential travel issues. Yale University recently hosted a webinar on the future of immigration policy following Trump's reelection, while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has urged students to reassess their winter break travel plans immediately.

Calgary 4, Minnesota 3OTTAWA — Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada’s hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country’s under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. “You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?” Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. “Is that how this works?” That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. “We’re certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. “We’ve got to be really careful.” Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. “We played really, really hard,” Anholt said in defending his players. “We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game.” Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year’s Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia’s net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. “Tough blow for the kid,” Anholt said. “The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed.” Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday’s ugly result in the nation’s capital. “We’re good,” said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. “Everyone’s lost a hockey game before.” But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. “Bit of a (crappy) feeling,” said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. “We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. “We’ll bounce back.” Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team’s overall roster construction. “We’re not really worried about it,” defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year’s team, said of the outside noise. “We know we didn’t play well.” Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there’s a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Great player,” Cowan said. “He finds ways.” Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. “Let’s not panic,” he said. “The world hasn’t fallen in. It’s hard, but we’ll learn from it.” It’s something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. “People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you,” said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. “Gotta keep doing you.” Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn’t getting 2024 vibes from this year’s group. “Not even in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We’ve just got to take care of business.” They get a first shot at redemption Sunday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press

wisan224/iStock via Getty Images Myers Industries’ ( NYSE: MYE ) businesses revolve around material handling products and distribution of auto aftermarket tools and equipment. Myers is a collection of various rather independent subsidiaries and the company pursues an active acquisition strategy to Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of MYE either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Jurors end 1st day of deliberations without a verdict in the YSL gang and racketeering trialSouth Africa’s greatness: squad depth and genius of Rassie Erasmus

Shares of Globalstar, Inc. ( NYSEAMERICAN:GSAT – Get Free Report ) saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 3,154,484 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 61% from the previous session’s volume of 8,017,312 shares.The stock last traded at $2.05 and had previously closed at $1.97. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Craig Hallum raised their price target on Globalstar from $4.00 to $5.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 4th. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on GSAT Globalstar Stock Up 0.9 % Hedge Funds Weigh In On Globalstar Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of GSAT. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of Globalstar by 12.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,791,176 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,126,000 after purchasing an additional 307,357 shares in the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Globalstar during the second quarter valued at about $35,000. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Globalstar by 10.7% during the second quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 460,659 shares of the company’s stock valued at $516,000 after buying an additional 44,514 shares during the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Globalstar by 12.0% in the second quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 336,908 shares of the company’s stock worth $377,000 after buying an additional 36,192 shares during the period. Finally, CIBC Asset Management Inc lifted its stake in shares of Globalstar by 154.9% in the 2nd quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 53,535 shares of the company’s stock valued at $60,000 after acquiring an additional 32,535 shares during the last quarter. 18.89% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Globalstar Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Globalstar, Inc provides mobile satellite services in the United States, Canada, Europe, Central and South America, and internationally. The company offers duplex two-way voice and data products, including mobile voice and data satellite communications services and equipment for remote business continuity, recreational usage, safety, emergency preparedness and response, and other applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Globalstar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Globalstar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Trump’s tariff threat grim reminder of turbulent trade in first administration

McNeese vs. New Orleans Predictions & Picks: Spread, Total – December 28