WASHINGTON — A top White House official said Wednesday at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations were impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. FILE - The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, in Zhangjiakou, China, on Feb. 2, 2022. A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. The U.S. believes the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” US officials recommend encrypted messaging apps amid "Salt Typhoon" cyberattack, attributed to China, targeting AT&T, Verizon, and others. The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday. White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Trump's pick to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel was allegedly the target of cyberattack attempt by Iranian-backed hackers. Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online. Picture this: You're on vacation in a city abroad, exploring museums, tasting the local cuisine, and people-watching at cafés. Everything is going perfectly until you get a series of alerts on your phone. Someone is making fraudulent charges using your credit card, sending you into a panic. How could this have happened? Cyberattacks targeting travelers are nothing new. But as travel has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, so has the volume of hackers and cybercriminals preying upon tourists. Financial fraud is the most common form of cybercrime experienced by travelers, but surveillance via public Wi-Fi networks, social media hacking, and phishing scams are also common, according to a survey by ExpressVPN . Spokeo consulted cybersecurity sources and travel guides to determine some of the best ways to protect your phone while traveling, from using a VPN to managing secure passwords. Online attacks are not the only type of crime impacting travelers—physical theft of phones is also a threat. Phones have become such invaluable travel aids, housing our navigation tools, digital wallets, itineraries, and contacts, that having your phone stolen, lost, or compromised while abroad can be devastating. Meanwhile, traveling can make people uniquely vulnerable to both cyber and physical attacks due to common pitfalls like oversharing on social media and letting your guard down when it comes to taking risks online. Luckily, there are numerous precautions travelers can take to safeguard against cyberattacks and phone theft. Hackers can—and do—target public Wi-Fi networks at cafés and hotels to gain access to your personal information or install malware onto your device, particularly on unsecured networks. Travelers are especially vulnerable to these types of cybersecurity breaches because they are often more reliant on public Wi-Fi than they would be in their home countries where they have more robust phone plans. This reliance on public, unsecured networks means travelers are more likely to use those networks to perform sensitive tasks like financial transfers, meaning hackers can easily gain access to banking information or other passwords. One easy way to safeguard yourself against these breaches is to use a virtual private network, or VPN, while traveling. VPNs are apps that encrypt your data and hide your location, preventing hackers from accessing personal information. An added bonus is that VPNs allow you to access websites that may be blocked or unavailable in the country you are visiting. To use a VPN, simply download a VPN app on your phone or computer, create an account, choose a server, and connect. Pickpockets, scammers, and flagrant, snatch-your-phone-right-out-of-your-hand thieves can be found pretty much everywhere. In London, for instance, a staggering 91,000 phones were reported stolen to police in 2022 , breaking down to an average of 248 per day, according to the BBC. Whether you're visiting a crowded tourist attraction or just want peace of mind, travel experts advise taking precautions to make sure your phone isn't physically stolen or compromised while traveling. There are several antitheft options to choose from. If you want a bag that will protect your phone from theft, experts recommend looking for features like slash-resistant fabric, reinforced shoulder straps, hidden zippers that can be locked, and secure attachment points, like a cross-body strap or a sturdy clip. For tethers, look for those made of tear-resistant material with a reinforced clip or ring. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, there's a good chance you won't be getting it back. Out of those 91,000 phones stolen in London in 2022, only 1,915 (or about 2%) were recovered. The good news is that you can take precautions to make the loss of your phone less devastating by backing up your data before you travel. With backed-up data, you can acquire a new device and still access your photos, contacts, messages, and passwords. Moreover, if you have "Find My Device" or "Find My Phone" enabled, you can remotely wipe your stolen phone's data so the thief cannot access it. It's safest to back up your data to a hard drive and not just the cloud. That way, if you have to wipe your device, you don't accidentally erase the backup, too. In order for the previous tip on this list to work, "Find My Phone" must be turned on in advance, but remotely wiping your device isn't the only thing this feature allows you to do. The "Find My Phone" feature enables you to track your device, as long as it's turned on and not in airplane mode. This is particularly helpful if you misplaced your phone or left it somewhere since it can help you retrace your steps. While this feature won't show you the live location of a phone that has been turned off, it will show the phone's last known location. With "Find My Phone," you can also remotely lock your phone or enable "Lost Mode," which locks down the phone, suspends any in-phone payment methods, and displays contact information for returning the phone to you. If your phone was stolen, experts caution against taking matters into your own hands by chasing down the thief, since this could land you in a potentially dangerous situation and is unlikely to result in getting your phone back. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.g i casino 。

White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign

At least 6 dead in political protests in Pakistan’s capitalNebraska defensive lineman Kai Wallin enters the transfer portalStock market today: Stocks drift higher as US markets reopen after a holiday pause

Kodak Stock Hits Over 2-Year Highs On Pension Asset Sale And Termination Plans: Retail ApplaudsPowell: Fed's independence from politics is vital to its interest rate decisions WASHINGTON (AP) — Chair Jerome Powell said the Federal Reserve’s ability to set interest rates free of political interference is necessary for it to make decisions to serve “all Americans” rather than a political party or political outcome. Speaking at the New York Times’ DealBook summit, Powell addressed a question about President-elect Donald Trump’s numerous public criticisms of the Fed and of Powell himself. During the election campaign, Trump had insisted that as president, he should have a “say” in the Fed’s interest rate policies. Despite Trump’s comments, the Fed chair said he was confident of widespread support in Congress for maintaining the central bank’s independence. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to the millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk early Wednesday swiftly became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans. He had worked at the company for 20 years. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation package made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Trump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair President-elect Donald Trump says he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins is the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner. Trump calls Atkins a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. The SEC oversees U.S. securities markets and investments. If confirmed next year by the new Republican-led Senate, Atkins would replace Gary Gensler, who's been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Atkins was widely considered the most conservative SEC member during his tenure and known to have a strong free-market bent. Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there? It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history. Experts say it could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success — keeping kids off social media until they turn 16. Australia’s new law was approved by its Parliament last week. It's an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life — formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. The ban won’t go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That’s not clear, nor will it be easy. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. District of Columbia says Amazon secretly stopped fast deliveries to 2 predominantly Black ZIP codes The District of Columbia is alleging in a lawsuit that Amazon secretly stopped providing its fastest delivery service to residents of two predominantly Black neighborhoods in the city. The district says the online retailer still charged residents of two ZIP codes millions of dollars for a service that provides speedy deliveries. The complaint filed on Wednesday in District of Columbia Superior Court revolves around Amazon’s Prime membership service. The lawsuit alleges Amazon in mid-2022 imposed what it called a delivery “exclusion” on the two low-income ZIP codes. An Amazon spokesperson says the company made the change based on concerns about driver safety. The spokesperson says claims that Amazon's business practices are discriminatory are “categorically false.” Biden says 'Africa is the future' as he pledges millions more on the last day of Angola visit LOBITO, Angola (AP) — President Joe Biden has pledged another $600 million for an ambitious multi-country rail project in Africa as one of the final foreign policy moves of his administration. He told African leaders Wednesday that the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future.” Biden used the third and final day of his visit to Angola to showcase the Lobito Corridor railway. The U.S. and allies are investing heavily to refurbish train lines in Zambia, Congo and Angola in a region rich in critical minerals to counter China's influence. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. US senators grill officials from 5 airlines over fees for seats and checked bags A U.S. Senate subcommittee is taking aim at airlines and their growing use of fees for things like early boarding and better seats. Members of the Senate Permanent on Investigations say airlines have raised billions of dollars by imposing fees that are getting hard to understand and even harder to avoid paying. The senators and the Biden administration call them “junk fees,” and they say the extra charges are making travel less affordable. Some senators expressed frustration during a hearing on Wednesday hearing when airline executives couldn't explain how they set various fees. Airlines say fees let consumers pay for things they want, like more legroom, and avoid paying for things they don't want. OpenAI's Sam Altman 'not that worried' about rival Elon Musk's influence in the Trump administration OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is locked in a legal dispute with rival Elon Musk. But he says he is not that worried about Musk’s influence in the incoming Trump administration. Altman told a New York Times conference Wednesday that he may turn out to be wrong but he believes strongly that Musk will do the right thing and won't use his political power to hurt competitors. Musk was an early OpenAI investor and board member. He sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that it betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.

Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Related Articles Business | The year in money: inflation eased, optimism ticked upward Business | Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds Business | How to protect your communications through encryption Business | About 2.6 million Stanley cups recalled after malfunctions caused burns. Is your mug included? Business | Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Jonathan Greenard was gassed, gasping for breath and gulping some water late in the game on Minnesota's sideline, having chased around Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray to the point of sheer exhaustion after fighting through an illness all week. The Cardinals faced fourth down in those closing seconds on Sunday , trailing by one, and Greenard needed a break.What went wrong on the onside kick that almost cost the Vikings?

Tarar for 'acceptable to all' AI regulatory frameworkHouse Democrats who voted yes on NDAA lament transgender restrictionsA charity founder who busted two guys "shoplifting" football shirts on has a message for the thieving duo. Two men were caught on camera appearing to pinch the shirts from the Friends Fighting shop in Portsmouth. CCTV footage cleary captures the men perusing shirts and clothing before one man seemingly pulls a blue top off its hanger, folds it up and then shoves it up his parka. His pal does the same with a white shirt, but appears to pop it in his pants for safe keeping. While many business owners would react with anger and go straight to the police, charity founder Ray Ogilvie, has taken a more gentle approach in the hope of recovering his stock or money. He shared the video across social media, politely asking the “two gentlemen” return the shirts which they “forgot” to pay for. The post read: “Would these two gentlemen please return our football tops to the The FFC Shop as soon as they become aware that they forgot to pay for these items on Saturday 23rd Nov. “If you know them please can you give them a friendly nudge in our direction.” Ray said that while items in the shop go missing, this footage was first time they've managed to bust the apparent culprits on CCTV. Ray told the Daily Star: “It's strange, the way we can tell something’s stolen is if the coat hanger is hanging there on its own. “We’ve noticed items have gone missing a couple of times before but this is the first time we've scaled it down to the day and hour to catch it on CCTV. “The sporting community comes in, donates their shirts all the money that comes in goes to local families affected by cancer. “My dad thought it was a little bit suspicious at the time as a couple of lads were hanging around outside the shop on Saturday. “I'm hoping these gentleman can see this and come back to return the shirts or buy them.” Friends Fighting Cancer was set up in 2008 as Football For Cancer. Covering Bournemouth, Southhampton and Portsmouth, the charity hands out micro grants to make life easier for people battling cancer.

Wake up the ghosts! Texas, Texas A&M rivalry that dates to 1894 is rebornStocks drifted higher on Wall Street in midday trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped boost the market. The S&P 500 rose less than 0.1%. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 19 points, or 0.1%, as of 12:32 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was up less than 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.9%, Intel was up 0.7% and Apple gained 0.4%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.9%, Amazon was down 0.5%, and Netflix gave up 1.4%. Health care stocks also helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.9% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 2.9%, Best Buy was up 2.1% and Dollar Tree gained 2.2%. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 15.8%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.61% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.

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PUNE, India , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Data Center Market Size and Forecast Growing Market Demand and Expanding Infrastructure The global data center market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing need for digital infrastructure across various industries. According to the report published by Credence Research " Data Centre Market By Type (Enterprise, Edge, Colocation, Hyperscale, Managed, Modular); By Component (Hardware, Power Systems, Cooling Systems, Racks, Servers, Networking Devices, Others, India Data Centre Infrastructure Management Software, Cloud-based, On-premises, Service, Professional Services, Integration & Implementation, Consulting, Support & Maintenance, Managed Services); By Size (Small, Mid-Sized, Large); By Tier (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4); By Industry (IT & Telecom, BFSI, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Government, Others) – Growth, Share, Opportunities & Competitive Analysis, 2024 – 2032 " In 2023, the Data Center Market size was valued at USD 324,198.23 million , and it is projected to grow to USD 607,832.10 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.70% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. This growth is fueled by the rapid adoption of cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which require robust data processing and storage capabilities. Moreover, the proliferation of hyperscale and edge data centers, coupled with rising investments in digital transformation, is propelling the market. Notably, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a significant growth hub, supported by favorable government policies and increasing demand for IT infrastructure. Technological Innovations and Sustainability Initiatives Technological advancements and a focus on sustainability are shaping the future of the data center market. Innovations in energy-efficient designs, advanced cooling systems, and renewable energy integration are enabling operators to reduce costs and meet sustainability goals. Modular and prefabricated data centers are gaining traction for their cost efficiency and faster deployment times. Additionally, hybrid and multi-cloud solutions are becoming increasingly popular, offering enterprises greater flexibility and security in their data storage strategies. As regulations around data sovereignty and security tighten globally, the demand for localized data centers is also on the rise. With these drivers, the market is expected to sustain its upward trajectory, playing a pivotal role in supporting the digital economy and global connectivity. Dive deeper into market insights, growth drivers, and key trends by browsing the comprehensive report. Click here to access the full report- https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/data-centre-market Data Center Market Drivers Rapid Digital Transformation Across Industries The increasing adoption of digital technologies, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics, is a key driver of the data center market. Organizations across industries are leveraging these technologies to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and enable real-time decision-making. This paradigm shift is fueling the demand for robust data processing and storage infrastructure, driving the global expansion of data center facilities. Cloud computing adoption has surged as organizations migrate workloads to the cloud to benefit from its scalability and cost-efficiency. This migration significantly increases the demand for data centers to host cloud infrastructure. Similarly, AI applications, which require substantial computational power and storage, have spurred the development of high-performance data centers, making AI a critical factor in the rising demand for advanced facilities. The proliferation of IoT devices is generating massive amounts of data, necessitating data centers capable of handling large-scale processing and storage needs. Furthermore, organizations are increasingly utilizing big data analytics to derive actionable insights and make data-driven decisions, further amplifying the need for robust data center infrastructure. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce, online services, and digital payment systems has heightened the demand for reliable and scalable data center solutions. E-commerce activities, especially, have intensified the need for data centers to manage online transactions, customer data, and logistics. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as consumer reliance on online shopping increased. Similarly, the rise in digital payment systems has bolstered the demand for secure and dependable data centers to ensure seamless and protected transactions. Together, these factors are propelling the growth of the data center market on a global scale. Growth in Cloud Services and Edge Computing The widespread adoption of cloud services across enterprises, from startups to large-scale organizations, is a major catalyst for the growth of the data center market. Over 90% of organizations now utilize cloud solutions, with the global cloud computing market projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2028. Cloud service providers are making substantial investments in hyperscale data centers to accommodate the escalating demand for storage and computational capabilities. For instance, Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed $10 billion to establish two data center complexes in Mississippi , while Microsoft is investing $3.4 billion to expand its AI infrastructure in Germany . Simultaneously, the increasing adoption of edge computing, driven by the demand for low-latency and real-time data processing, is fostering the deployment of localized data centers closer to end-users. This trend is reshaping the data center landscape by enabling enhanced performance and scalability. The dual growth of cloud and edge computing solutions is transforming the global data center ecosystem. These advancements are enabling organizations to achieve greater operational efficiency, scalability, and performance, marking a new era in data infrastructure development. Rising Focus on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Sustainability is becoming a key focus in the data center market, with operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs. The integration of renewable energy sources, advancements in energy-efficient cooling technologies, and the development of "green" data centers are major trends driving growth. Governments and regulatory bodies are also encouraging sustainable practices through stricter environmental regulations and incentives for adopting clean energy. This focus on energy efficiency and sustainability is compelling data center operators to innovate and invest in greener solutions. Expanding Data Localization and Security Requirements Increasing concerns around data sovereignty and cybersecurity are driving the demand for localized data centers. Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations to ensure sensitive data is stored within national borders, particularly in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and defense. Additionally, the growing threat of cyberattacks and data breaches is encouraging organizations to invest in secure data center infrastructure. This regulatory and security-driven demand is leading to higher investments in the development of new data center facilities globally, contributing to market growth. Data Center Market Restraints High Initial Capital Investment One of the primary restraints in the data center market is the significant upfront capital required for the construction and operation of these facilities. Building a data center involves substantial costs associated with land acquisition, advanced IT infrastructure, cooling systems, power supply, and networking equipment. The high initial investment often acts as a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, limiting their ability to establish or expand data center operations. Additionally, ongoing operational expenses, including power consumption and maintenance, further compound the financial burden, making it challenging for companies to achieve a quick return on investment. Rising Energy Consumption and Environmental Concerns Data centers are among the most energy-intensive facilities, with rising demand for computational power contributing to significant energy consumption. This growing energy usage has raised environmental concerns, as many data centers still rely on non-renewable energy sources. Regulatory pressures and the need to comply with environmental standards are creating challenges for data center operators, particularly those unable to invest in energy-efficient technologies or renewable energy integration. Balancing operational efficiency with sustainability goals remains a critical hurdle for the industry. Challenges in Managing Data Security and Compliance The increasing complexity of data privacy regulations and cybersecurity threats poses significant challenges for data center operators. Compliance with strict data localization laws and industry-specific regulations requires continuous investment in secure and compliant infrastructure. Moreover, the rising frequency of cyberattacks and data breaches necessitates advanced security measures, which can be costly and resource-intensive. Failure to address these challenges effectively can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust, making regulatory compliance a significant restraint for the market. Limited Availability of Skilled Workforce The data center industry requires a highly skilled workforce to manage operations, maintain infrastructure, and implement advanced technologies. However, there is a global shortage of qualified professionals with expertise in data center design, management, and cybersecurity. This talent gap can delay the deployment of new facilities, increase operational inefficiencies, and escalate costs for training and hiring. The lack of a skilled workforce is a critical constraint, particularly in emerging markets where demand for data centers is growing rapidly but technical expertise is scarce. Data Center Market Segmentation Analysis Based on Type The data center market is segmented into Enterprise, Edge, Colocation, Hyperscale, Managed, and Modular data centers. Enterprise data centers cater to specific organizational needs, providing complete control over data and infrastructure. Edge data centers are gaining traction due to the growing demand for low-latency processing, particularly for IoT applications and real-time analytics. Colocation data centers are widely adopted by businesses seeking cost-effective solutions, while Hyperscale data centers dominate the market, driven by tech giants focusing on massive scalability and efficiency. Managed data centers provide outsourced IT services, and Modular data centers are preferred for their scalability and rapid deployment capabilities. Based on Component The market is categorized by Hardware, Software, and Services. Hardware components include Power Systems, Cooling Systems, Racks, Servers, Networking Devices, and Others, which form the backbone of data center operations. Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software is further divided into Cloud-based and On-premises solutions, offering insights into operational efficiency and resource utilization. The Service segment comprises Professional Services (Integration & Implementation, Consulting, and Support & Maintenance) and Managed Services, both critical for ensuring seamless data center functionality and adaptability to evolving technologies. Segmentation of Global Data Centers Market- Based on Type: Enterprise Edge Colocation Hyperscale Managed Modular Based on Component: Hardware Power Systems Cooling Systems Racks Servers Networking Devices Others Data Centre Infrastructure Management Software Cloud-based On-premises Service Professional Services Integration & Implementation Consulting Support & Maintenance Managed Services Based on Size: Small Mid-Sized Large Based on Tire: Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Based on Industry: IT & Telecom BFSI Manufacturing Healthcare Government Others Based on the Geography: North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea South-east Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa GCC Countries South Africa Rest of the Middle East and Africa Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request customization now- https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/data-centre-market Regional Analysis North America North America dominates the data center market due to its advanced IT infrastructure, high adoption of cloud services, and the presence of leading technology companies. The U.S., being a key contributor, has a robust network of hyperscale and colocation data centers driven by significant investments from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services. The region also benefits from favorable regulations supporting data center development and the growing focus on renewable energy integration. Additionally, increasing demand for edge data centers to support IoT applications and 5G rollout further strengthens the market in this region. Europe Europe is a prominent market for data centers, driven by stringent data protection regulations such as GDPR and rising demand for data localization. Countries like Germany , the U.K., and the Netherlands lead in colocation and hyperscale data center deployments. The region is witnessing significant growth in green data center initiatives, with operators focusing on renewable energy and energy-efficient cooling technologies. Furthermore, government support for digital transformation and the expansion of 5G networks are fueling demand for scalable data center solutions across the continent. Asia-Pacific Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the data center market, fueled by rapid digitalization, a surge in e-commerce, and increasing investments in IT infrastructure. Countries like China , India , and Japan are at the forefront, driven by growing internet penetration and rising adoption of cloud services. The region also benefits from favorable government initiatives, such as India's Digital India program, which encourages data center development. Hyperscale and edge data centers are experiencing significant growth in this region to support large-scale digital ecosystems and real-time processing needs. Middle East & Africa The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is emerging as a promising market, supported by growing investments in IT infrastructure and increasing adoption of cloud technologies. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the region's growth, with significant developments in hyperscale and colocation data centers. Government initiatives to diversify economies and improve digital infrastructure are boosting the market. However, challenges such as high energy costs and limited skilled labor may hinder growth in certain parts of the region. South America South America is gradually expanding its data center market, driven by growing digitalization and increasing demand for cloud services. Brazil leads the region with the largest share, supported by investments from global and local players. The market is driven by the proliferation of e-commerce, mobile internet usage, and the need for reliable data storage solutions. Despite growth opportunities, the region faces challenges such as high operational costs and inconsistent infrastructure in some countries. Top Companies – IBM Corporation Cisco System, Inc. HPE Dell Technologies Hitachi Ltd NTT Communications Schneider Electric Comarch SA ABB Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd Competitive Landscape The data center market is highly competitive, with the presence of numerous global and regional players striving to expand their market share through innovation, partnerships, and strategic investments. Key players in the market include IBM Corporation, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM, Cisco System, Inc., HPE, Dell Technologies, Hitachi Ltd, NTT Communications, Schneider Electric, Comarch SA, ABB, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. These companies dominate the market through their robust portfolios of hyperscale data centers, cloud solutions, and advanced technologies. Strategies and Developments To maintain a competitive edge, major players focus on expanding their global footprint by constructing new data centers and upgrading existing facilities with advanced technologies. Equinix and Digital Realty Trust are at the forefront of colocation services, offering high connectivity and scalability. Cloud service providers like AWS , Microsoft Azure , and Google Cloud are heavily investing in hyperscale data centers to support their growing cloud customer base. IBM Corporation and Oracle Corporation are leveraging their expertise in hybrid cloud and AI-driven data center solutions to enhance operational efficiency and security. Sustainability and Innovation Sustainability has emerged as a critical focus area, with companies adopting energy-efficient cooling systems, integrating renewable energy sources, and pursuing certifications for green data centers. For instance, Microsoft has committed to becoming carbon-negative by 2030, while Google aims to operate its data centers entirely on renewable energy. Additionally, advancements in modular and edge data centers are enabling companies to cater to the growing demand for low-latency services and rapid deployment. Latest Developments: September 2024 : Oracle revealed plans to develop a gigawatt-scale data center powered by small modular nuclear reactors. August 2024 : Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the expansion of its data center operations in Telangana, India , to strengthen its cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities in the region. July 2024 : Equans completed the second phase of Digital Realty's PAR13 data center in Paris, France . The facility now boasts 20MW of IT capacity. April 2024 : Schneider Electric partnered with Digital Realty to enhance the lifespan of mission-critical systems at the PAR5 data storage facility. March 2024 : Eaton introduced a modular data center solution catering to enterprises leveraging machine learning, artificial intelligence, and edge computing technologies. Ardian finalized a deal with Verne, a UK-based green data center platform, committing up to USD 2 billion to support Verne's robust expansion plan in Northern Europe . This funding was secured through a green financing package with renowned European and international banks. January 2024 : Digital Realty opened its first data center in India , located in Chennai's manufacturing and industrial hub. The 10-acre campus supports up to 100 megawatts of critical IT load capacity. NTT Data launched a new data center in Delhi, India , spanning six acres and offering 52.8MW of critical IT load across two data storage centers. Evoque Data Center Solutions announced the acquisition of Cyxtera's data center portfolio. This merger created a data center giant with over 50 facilities, primarily in North America . Udhay Mathialagan , Evoque's Chairman of the Board, highlighted this as a significant step toward long-term data infrastructure investments. 2023 January 2023 : CyrusOne acquired the Europark office complex in Frankfurt, Germany , for EUR 95 million ( USD 102.3 million ) from Corum. The company plans to convert the complex into a data center campus. July 2023 : Comarch SA inaugurated a new data center facility in Arizona , U.S., designed to provide secure and reliable private cloud and colocation services for the U.S. market. 2022 August 2022 : Dell Technologies, in collaboration with NVIDIA, introduced a new data center solution tailored for the AI era. This solution offers businesses worldwide advanced capabilities for AI training, data science, data processing, and zero-trust security. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion). Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region. Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years. Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning. 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DENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. “We’re excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. “Together, we’re assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world.” Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. “The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team,” Michael Andretti posted on social media. “I’m very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!” The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti’s dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA . The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they’ve already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti’s application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1’s current grid. “General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. “Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024,” F1 said in a statement. “Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1." AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racingReal Madrid suffered a 2-1 LaLiga defeat at Athletic Bilbao as Kylian Mbappe missed from the penalty spot again. Alex Berenguer prodded the hosts ahead after 53 minutes before Mbappe – who failed to convert a Champions League penalty against Liverpool last week – sent his kick too close to Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. Jude Bellingham appeared to have rescued a point for Real after scoring for the fourth successive league game 12 minutes from time. 📸 PORTERAZO. JULEN, JULEN! JULEN JULEN! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/w260s6xo79 — Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024 But Federico Valverde’s mistake two minutes later gifted Gorka Guruzeta the winner in front of a delirious San Mames crowd. On a busy night of second-round Copa del Rey action, Villarreal suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Pontevedra while there were wins for Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano and Valencia. Fiorentina went out of the Coppa Italia to Empoli on penalties on an emotional night at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Viola were back in action after Edoardo Bove’s health scare forced their weekend league fixture with Inter Milan to be abandoned during the first half. Midfielder Bove collapsed on the pitch and required emergency medical treatment. He was taken to hospital but regained consciousness in intensive care. Esposito's penalty books Empoli's place in the next round 💪 #FiorentinaEmpoli pic.twitter.com/UUxghH9l6b — Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 4, 2024 Empoli led at half-time through Emmanuel Ekong’s fourth-minute opener before Moise Kean and Riccardo Sottil put Fiorentina ahead. Sebastiano Esposito struck 15 minutes from time to make it 2-2 and take the last-16 tie into extra time, Empoli eventually winning 4-3 on penalties. Benjamin Sesko opened the scoring and Luis Openda struck twice as RB Leipzig brushed aside Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in the German DFB Pokal. Second-half goals from Denis Vavro, Jonas Wind and Yannick Gerhardt saw Wolfsburg beat Hoffenheim 3-0. Cologne knocked out Hertha Berlin 2-1 after extra time with Dejan Ljubicic converting a penalty in the final seconds, while Augsburg prevailed 5-4 on penalties against Karlsruhe after a 2-2 draw.Time is running out for Joe Biden's presidency. Mostly, he seems resigned to sleep his way to Donald Trump's inauguration in January. However, the pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has many people wondering if there's more to come. Some radical Democrats have called for Biden to pardon a slate of bad actors like Adam Schiff, Nancy Pelosi, and Liz Cheney. Even Anthony Fauci's name has been dropped. The Nation notoriously suggested that Biden should issue a blanket pardon for all illegal aliens. Outgoing Representative Jamaal Bowman wants Biden to "pardon the 40 people who are on death row right now," as well as "the 3,000 people who are in federal jail for trumped-up marijuana charges." Biden did issue 39 more pardons and 1,500 commutations this week, and people are still sorting out who those recipients were. It was the largest commutation in history, and it included child pornographers and abusers, as well as a Hamas financier. Looking forward, if Biden issues any more pardons to protect his cronies in the Democrat Party from possible prosecution in the new Trump administration, the political justification would be that Biden is supposedly trying to protect his people from what they expect to be Trump's revenge. Make Trump the bad guy, and voila. But there's also a risk in making such a brazen move. "This is a pardon, after all," Noah Rothman writes at National Review, "and the Supreme Court's ruling in Burdick v. United States establishes that accepting a pardon carries with it 'an imputation of guilt and acceptance of a confession of it.' If the Biden White House issued these pardons, they'd be doing the Trump administration's work for them by branding them criminals in some ill-defined way." Politico added, "That the conversations are taking place at all reflects the...