1 worldwide health The project is possible because of the commitment of a $553 million direct loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, created in 2019 during the first Trump administration to counter China's expansion of its global reach through infrastructure projects, such as the mega-port in Chancay, Peru, inaugurated just last month. On Monday, the U.S. agency celebrated its five-year milestone by vowing to advance U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests through projects around the world such as the one in Angola. It also seeks re-authorization from Congress and a greater ability to invest in more countries when there's a strategic need to compete with China. “We need to be good partners while offering an alternative based on our values," said Scott Nathan, the chief executive officer of the development agency, who was in Angola last week with the president. “Quite simply, we need to continue to show up.” Nathan is set to leave the post. President-elect Donald Trump is yet to name his pick to lead the agency. Over its first five years, the agency has developed a portfolio of more than $50 billion in 114 countries, including solar panel manufacturing in India, a power plant in Sierra Leone, and digital infrastructure in South America. To do that, the agency has leveraged government funding to partner with private investments. Last year, the agency committed to $12 billion in new transactions, using the roughly $800 million in appropriations, Nathan said. Investments by the agency are having a “transformational impact on economic development while concretely advancing U.S. strategic interests,” Nathan said. In Angola, for example, the rail project would help secure the supply chain by cutting both time and cost in transporting critical minerals. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the agency was created when the U.S. was “ceding the field" to China in a new era of geopolitics. The U.S. needed a vision “calibrated to new geopolitical realities” and that matched ”the scope of the transformational challenges we faced.” It was in 2013 when Beijing launched the massive Belt and Road Initiative to gain markets and influence around the world by building roads, railways, power plants, transmission lines and ports, usually in less-developed regions. A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office said China provided $679 billion for international infrastructure projects such as those in transportation and energy between 2013 and 2021, compared with the $76 billion the U.S. provided in the same period. Western politicians have criticized these Beijing-backed projects for creating debt traps, but Beijing argues that they have brought tangible and much-needed economic benefits to the host countries. In 2018, Congress passed a bipartisan bill that created the U.S. development agency, aimed at bringing private investments into low- and middle-income countries through tools such as equity investment, loan guarantee and political risk insurance. On Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the agency for “reimagining how the U.S. does development” and said, through its work, the U.S. has “shown countries that they don't have to resort to projects that are poorly built, environmentally destructive, that import or abuse workers, that foster corruption or burden countries with unsustainable debt.” "We really are the partner of choice,” Blinken said. As challenges lie ahead, Blinken said the agency needs to do even more and in more countries than before.VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — All Wright had 26 points in Valparaiso's 93-77 victory against Central Michigan on Saturday night. Wright shot 7 for 16 (4 for 8 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Beacons (5-4). Tyler Schmidt scored 21 points and added six rebounds. Jefferson Monegro had 16 points and shot 3 for 5 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. The Chippewas (5-4) were led in scoring by Anthony Pritchard, who finished with 20 points and six rebounds. Ugnius Jarusevicius added 18 points and six rebounds for Central Michigan. Jakobi Heady had 13 points, six rebounds and three steals. Valparaiso led Central Michigan 36-31 at the half, with Wright (13 points) its high scorer before the break. Valparaiso took the lead for what would be the final time on Schmidt's 3-pointer with 10:13 remaining in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Saudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise

Trump posts 'how it's going' message contrasting Time Person of the Year cover with mugshot

McDaniel puts up 22 in Lindenwood's 81-63 victory over IU Indianapolis

Germany to tighten criminal law as people-smuggling ‘action plan’ agreed with UKNBA superstar Kevin Durant, generally known as the king of the pull-up jumper, found himself fascinated by LSU sophomore guard Mikaylah Williams' performance during the Tigers' 94-88 overtime win against Stanford. The NBA superstar took to social media to tweet about Williams ' silky-smooth and efficient game, quote-tweeting a highlight reel of her standout moments with the words, "Everything pure." The video showed Williams hooping in Durant -like fashion, with jab-step pull-ups, off-the-dribble three-pointers, and jumpers straight from the triple threat, all moves that cemented Durant as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history . Williams delivered a career-best performance , scoring a game-high 32 points on a scorching 12-of-18 shooting. Like Durant, her clutch gene was fully displayed as she sank the game-tying jumper with just 4.3 seconds left in regulation. In overtime, she knocked down a dagger three-pointer with 38 seconds remaining, effectively sealing LSU’ s victory. Williams also logged 42 tiring minutes and contributed nine rebounds to solidify her all-around dominance on both ends of the floor. Caitlin Clark told she is 'close to being blocked' by former Iowa teammate Flau'jae Johnson reacts to Kim Mulkey's sideline behavior at LSU The sophomore guard followed up her career night with a reliable 16-point showing in LSU’s controlling 100-54 win over Grambling State. In that matchup, she was one of three Tigers to hit double figures, with Aneesah Morrow leading the charge with 26 points and Flau'Jae Johnson adding 20. Williams' consistency and efficiency have been central to LSU’s scorching start to the season, which has resulted in an undefeated 11-0 record. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey praised the Louisiana native for her on-court brilliance and her impact on the fan base. "I took her out so the crowd could all acknowledge her. There was no frustration; that’s just Mikaylah and her mannerisms," Mulkey explained . "I just told her she needed to take a look around this arena. They're here for her and what she means to this area of the state." Mulkey continued to commend Williams' efficiency. "She shot it good. She’s had a great percentage... I thought she had a very solid game... But I didn’t sense any frustration." Williams' stats this season are a testament to her growth. Averaging 16.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on 47 percent shooting, she has improved her scoring and efficiency since her freshman year, when she earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Her impact on the city stretches back to high school when she twice won Louisiana Miss Basketball and was named the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year. As one of the best NBA scorers ever, Durant is no stranger to praising the women who share his passion for putting the ball in the bucket. He's on record praising WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark for her game and previously shared that reigning New York Liberty champion Jonquel Jones is his favorite player.

syahrir maulana This article updates my latest review on DGRS , in light of its current portfolio and recent performance. DGRS strategy WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Quality Dividend Growth Fund ETF ( NASDAQ: DGRS ) was launched on 07/25/2013 and tracks the WisdomTree Quantitative Risk & Value (QRV) provides you with risk indicators and data-driven, time-tested strategies. Get started with a two-week free trial now. Fred Piard, PhD. is a quantitative analyst and IT professional with over 30 years of experience working in technology. He is the author of three books and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010. Quantitative Risk & Value Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. 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.

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) — All Wright had 26 points in Valparaiso's 93-77 victory against Central Michigan on Saturday night. Wright shot 7 for 16 (4 for 8 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Beacons (5-4). Tyler Schmidt scored 21 points and added six rebounds. Jefferson Monegro had 16 points and shot 3 for 5 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. The Chippewas (5-4) were led in scoring by Anthony Pritchard, who finished with 20 points and six rebounds. Ugnius Jarusevicius added 18 points and six rebounds for Central Michigan. Jakobi Heady had 13 points, six rebounds and three steals. Valparaiso led Central Michigan 36-31 at the half, with Wright (13 points) its high scorer before the break. Valparaiso took the lead for what would be the final time on Schmidt's 3-pointer with 10:13 remaining in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

The % Club fans were left fuming after spotting a major change to the ITV programme. The quiz show, hosted by Lee Mack, was back for a brand new series this Monday evening, as eager fans played along with the contestants, who had to answer a series of questions to make it through each round and have a chance to win the prize pot. However, fans have noticed a big change with the new series and have been left fuming. Viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the new accompanying app, which is much different than before. Now, fans of the show can answer the questions given to the contestants on the show but can keep proceeding quicker than those on the show can - meaning all the questions and answers can be revealed immediately. Fuming over the change, one fan wrote: "The app not being linked to the show is a bit s***! What's the point watching it if you can just finish the questions right away! #The1PercentClub ," whilst another added: "Aww The app doesn't play along with the programme like it used to do. You can just whiz through the questions. Done them all already, so don't need to watch anymore." A third wrote: "Why isn’t #The1PercentClub app playalong synced with the TV show anymore? You can now play the entire game and find out what all the questions for the episode are before Part 1 has even finished," with a fourth adding: "Is there any point watching #The1PercentClub anymore if you can just blast through all the questions on the app before they are shown on the programme?" Another said: "Why has the app for #the1percentclub changed? It used to play along live with the show but I've already been able to answer the first 3 questions while the first was still in." Fans of the show were left fuming for another reason tonight. The show airs on Saturday evenings usually, but this series will air every night this week on ITV1, leaving fans very puzzled. The official Twitter account explained: "A 90% question for you: The 1% Club is usually on Saturday nights (and will be again for S4). But there are also 4 BRAND NEW episodes on @itv this week as well. Are they on: A) Just Monday at 9pm B) Monday to Thursday every night at 9pm? Your 30 secs start now! #the1percentclub ." However, some were not happy. One wrote: "This is not the quiz for a weeknight - celebrity chase, who wants to be a millionaire- perfect mid-week quiz. This one is for a Saturday night with alcohol because then we can blame the booze for not understanding the question." Another shared: "Why have they moved this to a Monday? Much more fun trying to play this after a bottle of red on a Saturday night." While a third penned: "Wait, it is Monday ain't it? New episode of #the1percentclub on telly. I've always thought Saturday night formats could draw an audience in the week. But like it matters what I think." *The 1 Percent Club will air all this week on ITV1 and ITVX.'Looking for the Weinstein of Quebec': impresario Gilbert Rozon's civil trial begins MONTREAL — Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon's civil trial for sexual assault opened Monday at the Montreal courthouse with his lawyer portraying him as the scapegoat in a hunt to find Quebec's Harvey Weinstein. Sidhartha Banerjee, The Canadian Press Dec 9, 2024 2:58 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon and one of his lawyers, Mélanie Morin, are seen leaving the Montreal courthouse during a break in proceedings on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sidhartha Banerjee MONTREAL — Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon's civil trial for sexual assault opened Monday at the Montreal courthouse with his lawyer portraying him as the scapegoat in a hunt to find Quebec's Harvey Weinstein. Nine women who allege they were assaulted by Rozon, 70, are seeking a total of just under $14 million in damages in a case that's expected to sit until the end of March 2025. One of Rozon's lawyers, Mélanie Morin, told the court in her opening that Rozon had consensual relations with three of the women but he denies any wrongdoing. As he arrived at the courthouse, Rozon told reporters he had confidence in the justice system. Morin noted that the allegations emerged during the #MeToo movement. "Evidently, they were looking for the Weinstein of Quebec, a public person perfect for the situation," Morin said, referring to the disgraced American movie mogul. She says there was a "modus operandi" but it was the plaintiffs not Rozon who employed it, noting the victims organized quickly. She said they "contaminated" each other's memories and stories. The trial before Quebec Superior Court Justice Chantal Tremblay is the latest stage in a winding legal battle that began as a class-action lawsuit but was converted into individual suits after a 2020 Quebec Court of Appeal ruling. Bruce Johnston, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, told the court they intend to prove that Rozon was a "real predator" who employed a similar technique against his victims. "He (Rozon) discovered that if he showed no interest, but then changed his attitude all of a sudden, the victim would freeze," Johnston said, and he would then take advantage of them. "That's a sexual assault ... there are still people today who don't understand this." He asked the court to consider whether it was reasonable that all nine women made up their claims. When lawyers questioned Rozon during pretrial proceedings about the women's motivation, Johnston said he responded that they were jealous of him, they wanted money and they were seeking publicity. "It demonstrates a profound incomprehension ... it's worse than an assault (for the women) to have to relive this," Johnston said. About 77 people in total are set to testify for the plaintiffs over 43 days of hearings. All nine women were in court on Monday, and when they filed their claims they agreed to be identified. The first to testify was Lyne Charlebois, a film and television director. Charlebois, who is seeking $1.7 million in compensatory and punitive damages, described an incident in 1982 where she had gone to dinner with her then boyfriend and Rozon. She and Rozon were later heading out for a drink to discuss a work opportunity, she said, when Rozon said he needed to stop at his house to change his shirt. When she entered, he turned on music and began smoking cannabis and an assault began. She froze as he allegedly sexually assaulted her in the bedroom. "That night is clearer to me than when I gave birth to my son," Charlebois testified, describing the assault as the "scare of my life." She told her loved ones at the time but said she was ashamed about what happened and it did not occur to her to go to the police. She only came forward in 2017 along with others to denounce Rozon. The others named in the lawsuits are Annick Charette, Patricia Tulasne, Anne-Marie Charette, Sophie Moreau, Danie Frenette, Guylaine Courcelles, Marylena Sicari and Martine Roy. In 2020, a Quebec court judge found Rozon not guilty on charges of rape and indecent assault connected to events alleged to have taken place in 1980 involving Annick Charette. Hers was the only complaint that made it to trial as the prosecution declined to press charges in 13 other cases. Earlier Monday, Rozon's lawyers attempted to seek a two-week postponement over concerns a new law adopted in November by Quebec's legislature improving access to justice for sexual assault victims, which came into effect last week, would impede his right to a fair trial. However Tremblay refused the request and said the matter could be dealt with later during the trial. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2024. Sidhartha Banerjee, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix 10 new TV shows from 2024 that are worth watching before the new year Dec 9, 2024 3:20 PM Swift's daily impact on Vancouver may have exceeded 2010 games, says industry figure Dec 9, 2024 3:07 PM B.C. selects nine wind power projects to boost energy supply by eight per cent a year Dec 9, 2024 2:54 PM Featured Flyer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. “Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation. He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” lawyer Jason Bologna said in a statement. “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot.”