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w 9 games casino By MATTHEW BROWN and JACK DURA BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Donald Trump assigned Doug Burgum a singular mission in nominating the governor of oil-rich North Dakota to lead an agency that oversees a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore: “Drill baby drill.” That dictate from the president-elect’s announcement of Burgum for Secretary of Interior sets the stage for a reignition of the court battles over public lands and waters that helped define Trump’s first term, with environmentalists worried about climate change already pledging their opposition. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his family’s farm. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Public lands experts said his experience as a popular two-term governor who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt suggests a willingness to collaborate, as opposed to dismantling from within the agency he is tasked with leading. That could help smooth his confirmation and clear the way for the incoming administration to move quickly to open more public lands to development and commercial use. “Burgum strikes me as a credible nominee who could do a credible job as Interior secretary,” said John Leshy, who served as Interior’s solicitor under former President Bill Clinton. “He’s not a right-wing radical on public lands,” added Leshy, professor emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of the country’s land with a mandate that spans from wildlife conservation and recreation to natural resource extraction and fulfilling treaty obligations with Native American tribes. Most of those lands are in the West, where frictions with private landowners and state officials are commonplace and have sometimes mushroomed into violent confrontations with right-wing groups that reject federal jurisdiction. Burgum if confirmed would be faced with a pending U.S. Supreme Court action from Utah that seeks to assert state power over Interior Department lands. North Dakota’s attorney general has supported the lawsuit, but Burgum’s office declined to say if he backs Utah’s claims. U.S. Justice Department attorneys on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject Utah’s lawsuit. They said Utah in 1894 agreed to give up its right to the lands at issue when it became a state. Trump’s narrow focus on fossil fuels is a replay from his 2016 campaign — although minus coal mining, a collapsing industry that he failed to revive in his first term. Trump repeatedly hailed oil as “liquid gold” on the campaign trail this year and largely omitted any mention of coal. About 26% of U.S. oil comes from federal lands and offshore waters overseen by Interior. Production continues to hit record levels under President Joe Biden despite claims by Trump that the Democrat hindered drilling. But industry representatives and their Republican allies say volumes could be further boosted. They want Burgum and the Interior Department to ramp up oil and gas sales from federal lands, in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The oil industry also hopes Trump’s government efficiency initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk can dramatically reduce environmental reviews. Biden’s administration reduced the frequency and size of lease sales, and it restored environmental rules that were weakened under Trump . The Democrat as a candidate in 2020 promised further restrictions on drilling to help combat global warming, but he struck a deal for the 2022 climate bill that requires offshore oil and gas sales to be held before renewable energy leases can be sold. “Oil and gas brings billions of dollars of revenue in, but you don’t get that if you don’t have leasing,” said Erik Milito with the National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore industries including oil and wind. Trump has vowed to kill offshore wind energy projects. But Milito said he was hopeful that with Burgum in place it would be “green lights ahead for everything, not just oil and gas.” It is unclear if Burgum would revive some of the most controversial steps taken at the agency during Trump’s first term, including relocating senior officials out of Washington, D.C., dismantling parts of the Endangered Species Act and shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah designated by former President Barack Obama. Officials under Biden spent much of the past four years reversing Trump’s moves. They restored the Utah monuments and rescinded numerous Trump regulations. Onshore oil and gas lease sales plummeted — from more than a million acres sold annually under Trump and other previous administrations, to just 91,712 acres (37,115 hectares) sold last year — while many wind and solar projects advanced. Developing energy leases takes years, and oil companies control millions of acres that remain untapped. Biden’s administration also elevated the importance of conservation in public lands decisions, adopting a rule putting it more on par with oil and gas development. They proposed withdrawing parcels of land in six states from potential future mining to protect a struggling bird species, the greater sage grouse. North Dakota is among Republican states that challenged the Biden administration’s public lands rule. The states said in a June lawsuit that officials acting to prevent climate change have turned laws meant to facilitate development into policies that obstruct drilling, livestock grazing and other uses. Oil production boomed over the past two decades in North Dakota thanks in large part to better drilling techniques. Burgum has been an industry champion and last year signed a repeal of the state’s oil tax trigger — a price-based tax hike industry leaders supported removing. Burgum’s office declined an interview request. In a statement after his nomination, Burgum echoed Trump’s call for U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The 68-year-old governor also said the Interior post offered an opportunity to improve government relations with developers, tribes, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts “with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.” Related Articles National Politics | Republicans scramble to fill JD Vance’s Ohio Senate seat National Politics | Gaetz’s withdrawal highlights how incoming presidents often lose Cabinet nominees National Politics | What to know about Pam Bondi, Trump’s new pick for attorney general National Politics | Democrats strike deal to get more Biden judges confirmed before Congress adjourns National Politics | Bob Casey concedes Pa. Senate race, congratulates Dave McCormick on win Under current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the agency put greater emphasis on working collaboratively with tribes, including their own energy projects . Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico, also advanced an initiative to solve criminal cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and helped lead a nationwide reckoning over abuses at federal Indian boarding schools that culminated in a formal public apology from Biden. Burgum has worked with tribes in his state, including on oil development. Badlands Conservation Alliance director Shannon Straight in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Burgum has also been a big supporter of tourism in North Dakota and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Yet Straight said that hasn’t translated into additional protections for land in the state. “Theodore Roosevelt had a conservation ethic, and we talk and hold that up as a beautiful standard to live by,” he said. “We haven’t seen it as much on the ground. ... We need to recognize the landscape is only going to be as good as some additional protections.” Burgum has been a cheerleader of the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. Brown reported from Billings, Montana.NEW YORK: All three major US stock indices scored record closing highs on Wednesday as technology shares rallied after upbeat results from Salesforce and as comments by Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell gave a late boost to the market. The economy is stronger than it appeared in September when the central bank began cutting interest rates, allowing policymakers to potentially be a little more cautious in reducing rates further, Powell said at a New York Times event. Powell's comments overall along with a Fed economic activity report added to the upbeat tone in the market, said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York. The Fed said in a summary of surveys and interviews from across the country known as the "Beige Book" that US economic activity has expanded slightly in most regions since early October. Powell "was very upbeat about economy, and he said we're making progress on inflation... that's good news for stocks in general," Cardillo said. Investors expect a third consecutive interest-rate cut at the central bank's Dec. 17-18 meeting. Salesforce jumped 11% and hit an all-time high after the enterprise cloud company beat analyst estimates for third-quarter revenue and raised the lower end of its annual revenue forecast. Other cloud companies also advanced. The S&P 500 technology index hit a record closing high, along with the communication services and consumer discretionary indexes. Also in the tech space, Marvell Technology rallied 23.2% and also hit a record high after the chipmaker forecast fourth-quarter revenue above analyst estimates. An index of semiconductors rose 1.7%, while Nvidia was up 3.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 308.91 points, or 0.69%, to 45,014.44, the S&P 500 gained 36.59 points, or 0.60%, to 6,086.47 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 254.21 points, or 1.30%, to 19,735.12. Investors eagerly await monthly US jobs data due on Friday and jobless claims data on Thursday. Earlier Wednesday, US private payrolls data showed a modest increase in November. Separately, a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed US services sector activity slowed in November after big gains in recent months. The final reading of the S&P services survey was revised lower to 56.1. "Recent economic data has pretty much confirmed the Fed will cut rates in December," said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research in New York. Friday's jobs report is "like the granddaddy of employment reports this week," he said. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.2-to-1 ratio on the NYSE. There were 367 new highs and 79 new lows on the NYSE. On the Nasdaq, 2,372 stocks rose and 1,930 fell as advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.23-to-1 ratio. Volume on US exchanges was 13.06 billion shares, compared with the 14.89 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days. — Reuters

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Tuesday after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could roil the global economy were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to top the all-time high it set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, or 0.3%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% as Microsoft and Big Tech led the way. Stock markets abroad mostly fell after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office. But the movements were mostly modest. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada’s main index edged down by less than 0.1%. Trump has often praised the use of tariffs , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. The consequences otherwise for markets and the global economy could be painful. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. And unlike tariffs in Trump’s first term, his latest proposal would affect products across the board. General Motors sank 9%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.3%. The value of the Mexican peso fell 1.8% against the U.S. dollar. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support for the job market . While lower interest rates can boost the economy, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed’s last meeting earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to minutes of the meeting released Tuesday afternoon. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another mixed set of profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates imposed by the Fed to get inflation under control. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Kohl’s tumbled 17% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. Best Buy fell 4.9% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. Still, more stocks rose in the S&P 500 than fell. J.M. Smucker had one of the biggest gains and climbed 5.7% after topping analysts’ expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 3.2% for Amazon and 2.2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 34.26 points to 6,021.63. The Dow gained 123.74 to 44,860.31, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 119.46 to 19,174.30. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.29% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after topping $99,000 for the first time late last week. It’s since dipped back toward $91,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the bonanza that initially took over the crypto market following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.Behind the Scenes of SoFi Techs's Latest Options Trends

With 2024 coming to a close, take a look back at some of the year’s biggest moments with Robin Roberts and other ABC news members. “ The Year: 2024 ” airs Thursday, Dec. 26, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC . Stream the news special for free with a trial from DIRECTV Stream or Fubo , or watch it starting on Dec. 27 with a free Hulu trial or Hulu with the Disney Bundle . “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts hosts a look back at the top stories, trends and entertainment obsessions that defined 2024. The special, now in its 14th year, will include interviews with newsmakers, celebrities and cultural and political contributors. This two-hour special will cover everything from landmark legal decisions and the presidential election to breakout stars and champions that had us tuned to the TV. Interviews will include Elton John, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey, Lisa Ann Walter, Ilona Maher, Stephen Nedoroscik and many more names from an eventful year. Roberts will be joined by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, “Good Morning America’s” Michael Strahan and Lara Spencer, “World News Tonight” Sunday anchor Linsey Davis, “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang, “20/20” co-anchor Deborah Roberts and ABC News correspondent Will Reeve. Tune in to see what 2024 will be remembered for. “ The Year: 2024 ” airs tonight, Dec. 26, at 9/8c on ABC .

PAT ONUKWULI argues that the success of the budgets will not be measured by economic growth alone but by improvements in the lives of ordinary people In the swirling winds of Nigeria’s economic landscape, the Tinubu administration’s 2024 ‘Budget of Renewed Hope’ and 2025 ‘Budget of Restoration’ stand like a tightrope stretched over a yawning abyss. These budgets, with their lofty ideals and carefully crafted promises, balance economic revival and collapse. Yet, as with any high-wire performance, one false step could plunge the nation into more profound despair, leaving millions of Nigerians, already dangling on the edge of poverty, as casualties of ambition unmet by execution. The story begins with the 2024 Budget, aptly named ‘Renewed Hope’, a declaration of optimism for a nation battered by years of economic turbulence. This budget sought to stabilise the ship, leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to fund ambitious energy and infrastructure projects and introducing a student loan scheme to bolster human capital. On paper, it was a blueprint for transformation: a conservative oil benchmark of $77.96 per barrel, a production target of 1.78 million barrels per day, and a Naira exchange rate of N750/USD. Yet, beneath this calculated optimism lay the storm. Inflation surged above 30 per cent, eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians and revealing the fragility beneath the surface. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)’s achievement of 75 per cent of its revenue target by the third quarter of 2024 showcased some progress. However, challenges like soaring living costs, insecurity, corruption, ballooning debt, and widespread discontent remained glaring. The narrative is one of a house built on shifting sands, vulnerable to external shocks and internal inefficiencies. Then comes the 2025 Budget, a bolder gambit christened ‘Restoration’. This time, the stakes are higher, the ambitions grander. With an unprecedented expenditure of N47.9 trillion, the government aims to consolidate the “progress” of 2024 while targeting inflation reduction to 15 per cent, stabilising the Naira at N1,500/USD, and expanding investments in security, agriculture, and social services. It is a budget of promises built on the premise of hope restored. But the risks are glaring: debt servicing costs surge to N15.81 trillion, swallowing revenues and threatening to leave critical sectors gasping for funds. Oil revenue, the lifeline of Nigeria’s economy, remains a volatile foundation for such towering aspirations. The tightrope act is precarious not because the goals are unworthy but because the ground beneath Nigeria’s institutional framework remains unstable. Macroeconomic stability, employment generation, and poverty reduction are laudable aims, but they hinge on more than fiscal policy. They demand the preservation of fundamental principles of the state and its constitution, such as security, judicial independence, and the rule of law. Without these cornerstones, even the most meticulous budget becomes a brittle scaffold, incapable of supporting the weight of its ambitions. Security is the foundation upon which all progress is built. Without it, businesses falter, investments flee, and citizens live in perpetual fear. The administration’s pledge to overhaul internal security systems is laudable, but implementation is key. Financial allocations alone cannot combat entrenched corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency within the security apparatus. Decisive actions are crucial, from equipping law enforcement to fostering inter-agency coordination. If this fails, the promised transformation will remain elusive, and insecurity will suffocate economic growth. A thriving democracy depends on the impartiality and independence of its judiciary. For policies to take root and flourish, the justice system must be free from political interference and corruption. It must serve as an instrument of fairness and accountability, ensuring the rule of law prevails. Without this, the budgets’ potential to foster equitable income distribution and human capital development will be undermined. In its wake, a parlous and dysfunctional system will endure for ordinary Nigerians. Corruption, the insidious monster gnawed at Nigeria’s progress for decades, remains the greatest threat to these budgets’ success. It seeps into every sector, distorting priorities and siphoning resources meant for development. The fight against corruption cannot be half-hearted. It requires a comprehensive strategy, from strengthening anti-corruption agencies to promoting transparency in public financial management. Without this, the ‘Renewed Hope’ and ‘Restoration’ agendas risk being devoured by the system they seek to reform. The journey from ‘Renewed Hope’ to ‘Restoration’ is not just a fiscal challenge but a moral and institutional one. Success lies in balance: between ambition and realism, promises and actions, and short-term fixes and long-term solutions. For the Nigerian farmer in Borno, braving insecurity to till the soil or the small business owner in Lagos grappling with inflation and power outages, these budgets must transcend numbers to become catalysts for real change. Therefore, success will not be measured by economic growth alone but by the tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The question remains: Can these promises ripple through Nigeria’s diverse socio-economic strata to foster honest and lasting development? For these budgets to resonate, they must address these lived realities. One critical challenge lies in implementation. History has shown that even the best-laid plans falter without meticulous execution and robust accountability frameworks. The Tinubu administration must resist the allure of symbolic achievements and instead prioritise measurable, impactful interventions. For instance, investments in education and healthcare, highlighted as cornerstones of the 2025 Budget, must translate into functional schools, accessible student loans, and revitalised hospitals equipped to serve the masses. Nigeria’s overreliance on oil revenue is a well-worn narrative, but diversification, its elixir, remains elusive. The 2025 Budget’s emphasis on agricultural revitalisation and manufacturing growth is a step in the right direction. However, it requires more than rhetoric. It demands infrastructure development, access to modern technologies, and policies that empower local producers. By reducing dependency on imports and creating jobs, these efforts can lay the foundation for a more resilient economy. Trust is the currency of governance, and transparency is its guarantor. Citizens, as stakeholders, must have avenues to monitor and engage with budgetary processes. This participatory approach builds trust and ensures that projects meet people’s needs. The government’s commitment to leveraging technology for financial management reforms is commendable, but it must be backed by consistent implementation and independent oversight. The world beyond Nigeria’s borders adds another layer of complexity. Rising geopolitical tensions, fluctuating commodity prices, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic cast long shadows over national ambitions. Navigating these external pressures requires adaptive strategies and cohesive leadership, which will be tested as the Tinubu administration progresses. Amid these challenges, the resilience of the Nigerian people inspires hope. Time and again, they have shown an ability to thrive against all odds. It is this spirit that the Tinubu administration must harness and amplify but never underrate or treat with disdain. By empowering citizens through education, entrepreneurial support, and social safety nets, the government can transform these budgets from theoretical frameworks into engines of collective progress. Accordingly, for the Tinubu administration, the path ahead demands courage, collaboration, and untiring devotion to the principles of good governance. Only by addressing the systemic issues that underlie Nigeria’s economic struggles can the promises of ‘Renewed Hope’ and ‘Restoration’ materialise. Onukwuli PhD, writes from Bolton, UK patonukwuli2003@yahoo.co.ukOne of the top runners in college football will be on display when Joshua Carter and the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (7-4) take on the North Alabama Lions (3-8) on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Find out how to watch this game on ESPN+ in the article below. Watch college football live without cable. Stream ACC, SEC, ESPN and more with Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Start your risk free trial today and start watching college football games now. Stop missing games and start streaming college football right now on Fubo. Stop missing games and start streaming college football right now on ESPN+. Get tickets for any college football game this season at Ticketmaster. Rep your favorite players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more.

Soccer-Arsenal climb to second with 1-0 win over struggling IpswichSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — When the San Francisco 49ers used a third-round pick to draft Jake Moody last year, the hope was it would settle their kicking position for years to come. A shaky second half to Moody's second season with San Francisco has put that into question headed to the offseason. Moody missed his sixth field goal in the past seven games last week, leading to questions about whether the 49ers will need to replace him or at least bring in competition for next season. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Moody on Thursday, attributing some of the struggles to a high ankle sprain he suffered in his kicking leg earlier in the season. “I still feel the same about him, that I believe he is going to be our guy," Shanahan said. “Everyone has got to perform and do things like that and I think he has had a tough year. ... I thought he was doing really well and then had a high ankle sprain to his kicking foot. Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously. But I think a lot of that probably has to do with that, just common-sense wise.” Moody got off to a strong start this season, making all six field goals he attempted in the season opener and going 13 for 14 before injuring his ankle while attempting to make a tackle on a kickoff return in Week 5. He missed three games and has struggled since he returned. He missed three field goals in first first game back at Tampa Bay, two more in the snow at Buffalo in Week 13 and then a 41-yarder last week against the Dolphins. “That’s the great thing about kicking is, you can be as talented as whoever and you can struggle,” Moody said. “I feel like this year, I’ve struggled. It doesn’t really waver my confidence or anything. I feel like, throughout my entire life, I’ve gone through struggles, I’ve gone through high points. The biggest thing is to just stay consistent, not change anything.” Moody had an up-and-down rookie season, making 21 of 25 field goals in the regular season and missing only one extra point. But he missed a potential game-winning kick in a loss at Cleveland and missed field goals in playoff wins against Green Bay and Detroit. Moody then made three field goals in the Super Bowl with two coming from more than 50 yards, including a go-ahead 53-yard kick late in the fourth quarter against Kansas City. But Moody also had an extra point blocked in that game. “I believe we’ve got the right guy and I think that eventually, I think he has shown that at times,” Shanahan said. "I thought he showed that at times his rookie year. I thought he showed that big time being 12 out of 13 to start this year. And I think he’ll show us all that in the future.” NOTES: The Niners placed LT Trent Williams on IR after his ankle injury hasn't healed as quickly as hoped. Shanahan didn't think there were any long-term issues. ... LB Dre Greenlaw (calf) will be shut down for the rest of the season after playing parts of two games in his return from a torn left Achilles tendon. ... OL Spencer Burford (calf) didn't practice but might be able to play this week. ... San Francisco has signed two OL this week, adding Matt Hennessy and Charlie Heck. ... RB Isaac Guerendo (hamstring, foot) was limited but appears on track to play this week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLCash appetites go separate ways in US and Europe